The biosynthesis of nanoparticles using green technology is emerging as a cost-efficient, eco-friendly and risk-free strategy in nanotechnology. Recently, tellurium nanoparticles (TeNPs) have attracted growing attention due to their unique properties in biomedicine, electronics, and other industrial applications. The current investigation addresses the green synthesis of TeNPs using a newly isolated mangrove-associated bacterium, Gayadomonas sp. TNPM15, and their impact on the phytopathogenic fungi Fusarium oxysporum and Alternaria alternata. The biogenic TeNPs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The results of TEM revealed the intracellular biosynthesis of rod-shaped nanostructures with a diameter range from 15 to 23 nm and different lengths reaching up to 243 nm. Furthermore, the successful formation of tellurium nanorods was verified by SEM-EDX, and the XRD pattern revealed their crystallinity. In addition, the FTIR spectrum provided evidence for the presence of proteinaceous capping agents. The bioinspired TeNPs exhibited obvious inhibitory effect on the spores of both investigated phytopathogens accomplished with prominent ultrastructure alternations, as evidenced by TEM observations. The biogenic TeNPs impeded spore germination of F. oxysporum and A. alternata completely at 48.1 and 27.6 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, an increase in DNA and protein leakage was observed upon exposure of fungal spores to the biogenic TeNPs, indicating the disruption of membrane permeability and integrity. Besides their potent influence on fungal spores, the biogenic TeNPs demonstrated remarkable inhibitory effects on the production of various plant cell wall-degrading enzymes. Moreover, the cytotoxicity investigations revealed the biocompatibility of the as-prepared biogenic TeNPs and their low toxicity against the human skin fibroblast (HSF) cell line. The biogenic TeNPs showed no significant cytotoxic effect towards HSF cells at concentrations up to 80 μg/mL, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 125 μg/mL. The present work spotlights the antifungal potential of the biogenic TeNPs produced by marine bacterium against phytopathogenic fungi as a promising candidate to combat fungal infections.

Hedera helix L. (family Araliaceae) is classified as a conventional plant used as a medicinal product in the cure and prevention of upper respiratory tract inflammation and infection due to its secretolytic and broncholytic effects. Our research was conducted to authenticate the anti-inflammatory effect of ivy leaves extract in the prevention of acute lung injury (ALI) caused by intranasal administration of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). In-vitro antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant were evaluated, in addition to the in-vivo acute lung inflammation model induced by LPS in mice. The animals were divided into seven groups randomly (each group containing 10 mice): control negative (saline only), control positive (LPS group), standard (Dexamethasone 2 mg/kg), ethanolic ivy leaves extract (EIE, 100 mg/kg), ethanolic ivy leaves extract (EIE, 200 mg/kg), saponin rich fraction (SRF, 100 mg/kg) and phenolic rich fraction (PRF,100 mg/kg). Right lungs were homogenized to determine the levels of SOD, MDA, catalase, IL-10, TNF-α, NO, IL-1β, IL-6, PGE2, and MPO. Left lungs were excised for histopathology and histomorphometry. Immunohistochemistry of Cox-2 and TNF-α levels were measured. Additionally, Western blotting was used to determine the levels of phosphorylated MAPK. The data showed that the oral supplementation with EIE, 200 mg/kg significantly (P<0.05) decreased the pro-inflammatory mediators, and oxidative stress biomarkers induced by LPS. Interestingly, the phenolics showed promising activity, therefore they are responsible for the action. The ethanolic extract was also standardized through HPLC analysis for its content of rutin. In conclusion, the standardized ivy leaf extract could be advised for acute lung injury for its antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Registries resemble a systematic way of collecting data for a specific theme or a population. As well-built registries represent a wealth of information for scientists, huge investments are paid to ensure their quality. The quality of the data gathered depends on a rigorous process of data validation and updating and, the comprehensiveness of the sources providing the data. Therefore, the data release may take years after the data collection. The advancement in information and computer technologies has helped in the progress of building better disease registries. In the process of learning from experiences in building registries, we aim in this presentation at discussing the lessons learned from building cancer (and other diseases) registries in different setups to facilitate building better ophthalmological registries. Moreover, to discuss the most common mistakes that lead to delayed collection and publishing of the data.

Abstract
In a controlled environment experiment, we studied how physiological changes in leaves during the vegetative phase regulate final grain yield of wheat crops in salt-affected soils. We also hypothesized that amendments such as biochar (SB) and selenium-chitosan nanoparticles (Se-NPs) can protect wheat plants from salt injury. 20-day-old wheat plants were submitted to 4-week salt stress (3000 ppm NaCl). Soybean straw biochar was mixed with soil media at planting and Se-NPs (30 ppm) was sprayed 5 days after the first salt stress treatment. At the end of 4-week Se-NPs treatment, one set of plants was harvested for studying leaf level physiological changes. The salt-stressed plants accumulated significantly high leaf Na
+
(~ 13-fold increase), which trigged oxidative and osmotic damage. This salt-induced cellular injury was evident from significantly high levels of lipid membrane peroxidation and inhibited photosynthesis. Our study suggested that leaf physiological impairment in wheat plants was translated into poor biomass production and grain yield loss at crop maturity. Compared with control, salt-stressed plants produced 43% lesser biomass during vegetative phase, and 62% lesser grain yield at maturity. Amendments such as SB and Se-NPs protected the plants from salt-induced cellular injury by restricting Na
+
transport toward leaf tissues. Plants treated with NaCl + SB + Se-NPs accumulated 50% less Na
+
concentrations in leaves compared with NaCl-treated plants. Our study also suggested that SB and Se-NPs can restore ionic homeostasis and carbon assimilation in salt-stressed wheat by upregulating key transporter genes in leaves.

With the growing warning for accrediting the traditional combustion of fossil fuels for energy production, not only for their limited supply but also for their environmental risks (air pollution, climate change, …. etc), it became necessary to realize alternative greener and abundant sources for energy. Instead, the interest to sustain biodiesel for the energy production has recently been renewed as a replacement for petroleum diesel in conventional diesel engines. This was due to its renewable nature, low toxicity, high degradability and unique physical properties (high flash points & lubrication). Castor oil, in particular, appeared promising for biodiesel production with extremely low cloud and pour points; making it suitable for tropical climates. Blending petroleum diesel with castor oil biodiesel has been proven efficient for enhancing both the environmental effect and the kinematic flow properties of the mineral fuel. Nonetheless, because of the current market price of conventional diesel, the blended product appeared cost-ineffective; steering research to tune the use of castor oil biodiesel alone. In this study, a simple method is recommended to produce biodiesel from castor oil by a transesterification process. The effect of mixing time of oil and alcohol is optimized with a thorough analysis to optimize the best condition for the biodiesel production © 2006-2022 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN). All rights reserved

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IN the Mediterranean Basin, oolitic sand dunes extend along the northeastern coast of Africa between the Gulf of Gabes (Tunisia) and the Nile Delta (Egypt), attenuating coastal vulnerability to storms and saltwater intrusion and protecting inland infrastructure. Psammophytes are typical and distinctive plants for dune habitats; they are the primary drivers for dune growth and stabilization by trapping sand particles in their shoot and root systems. The Anthropocene fingerprint may create an environment favorable for nonpsammophyte invasion and subsequent alteration in sand dune habitat structure and functions. The authentication of sand dune-inhabiting species should be a priority for conservation or restoration measures concerning sand dune habitats. This study is the first rbcL-based DNA barcoding documentation of 20 plant species inhabiting the vulnerable Egyptian oolitic sand dune habitats in Burg El Arab area, west of Alexandria. Results highlighted the applicability of the rbcL locus sequence for species authentication and recognition of the examined plant taxa sharing the same habitat. The phylogenetic analysis of rbcL barcode polymorphism revealed current taxonomic relationships among the assigned species. Results added valuable information to the authentication of sand dune plants, providing the first rbcL barcodes for species growing in oolitic sand dune habitats in Egypt, six of which were submitted for the first time to GenBank.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the frequency of, and risk factors for, disease flare following COVID-19 vaccination in patients with systemic rheumatic disease (SRD).

METHODS: An international study was conducted from April 2 to August 16, 2021, using an online survey of 5619 adults with SRD for adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination, including flares of disease requiring a change in treatment. We examined risk factors identified a priori based on published associations with SRD activity and SARS-CoV-2 severity, including demographics, SRD type, comorbidities, vaccine type, cessation of immunosuppressive medications around vaccination, and history of reactions to non-COVID-19 vaccines, using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS: Flares requiring a change in treatment following COVID-19 vaccination were reported by 4.9% of patients. Compared with rheumatoid arthritis, certain SRD, including systemic lupus erythematosus (OR 1.51, 95%CI 1.03, 2.20), psoriatic arthritis (OR 1.95, 95%CI 1.20, 3.18), and polymyalgia rheumatica (OR 1.94, 95%CI 1.08, 2.48) were associated with higher odds of flare, while idiopathic inflammatory myopathies were associated with lower odds for flare (OR 0.54, 95%CI 0.31-0.96). The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was associated with higher odds of flare relative to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (OR 1.44, 95%CI 1.07, 1.95), as were a prior reaction to a non-COVID-19 vaccine (OR 2.50, 95%CI 1.76, 3.54) and female sex (OR 2.71, 95%CI 1.55, 4.72).

CONCLUSION: SRD flares requiring changes in treatment following COVID-19 vaccination were uncommon in this large international study. Several potential risk factors, as well as differences by disease type, warrant further examination in prospective cohorts.