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Achillea fragrantissima is a shrub plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family in Arabia and Egypt. It is used as folk medicine and is a good source of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and some active compounds. To investigate the anti-cancer effect of A . fragrantissima on breast cancer MCF-7 cells and find the critical mechanism involved in apoptosis. The toxicity and pharmacokinetic studies of ethanolic extract of A . fragrantissima was examined for anti-breast cancer properties. In turn, cytotoxicity and cell viability were achieved by the MTT method. Furthermore, the trypan blue exclusion and microscopy examination proved the presence of apoptotic cells. Again, fluorescent staining such as AO/EtBr, DCFH-DA, Rho-123, and Hoechst-33342 reveals the cellular cytoplasmic disciplines upon A . fragrantissima effect. Moreover, cellular functioning tests like wound healing, colony formation, and Transwell invasion assay were demonstrated. In addition, the qRT-PCR technique authenticates the A . fragrantissima - induced apoptotic network genes ( Caspase-3 , Caspase-8 , Caspase-9 , Cytochrome c , BCL-2 , BID , BAX , PARP , PTEN , PI3K , and Akt ) expression were evaluated. Mainly, the Immunoblot technique proved the expressed level of apoptotic proteins such as cleaved PARP , CYCS , and FADD . This study confirmed that the A . fragrantissima exerts cytotoxicity at 20 μg/mL for 24 hrs in MCF-7 cells. Also, decreases cellular viability, producing apoptotic cells and damaged cellular surfaces with dead matter. Consequently, it creates ROS species accumulation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and fragmentation of DNA in MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, it arrests cell migration, induces colony-forming ability loss, and suppresses cell invasion. In addition, A . fragrantissima significantly upregulates genes such as caspase-3 , 9 , cytochrome c , BID , BAX , and PTEN while downregulating the Pi3K/ Akt signaling. Nonetheless, A . fragrantissima induced cleaved PARP , CYCS , and FADD proteins in MCF-7 cells to avail apoptosis.

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) of the Karenia spp. present an escalating threat to the desalination infrastructure and aquaculture sectors of the Arabian Gulf (AG) and Middle East. While conventional monitoring has documented bloom frequency, there is an urgent need to synthesize how molecular advancements can transition regional management from descriptive observation to predictive, omics-driven early warning systems. A systematic, reproducible literature search was conducted across Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed (1990–2025). Studies were evaluated using specific inclusion criteria focusing on the intersection of Karenia spp. functional genomics and regional ecological stressors in the Middle East. Synthesis of current data reveals a strong scientific consensus that NGS-based RNA-Seq is the only viable method for resolving the gigabase-scale, histone-deficient transcriptomes of Karenia spp. Research identifies Polyketide Synthase (PKS) gene clusters and spliced leader-mediated regulation as the universal machinery for toxin biosynthesis across the genus. However, a critical comparison of global datasets highlights a significant geographical disparity; while North American and East Asian strains are well-characterized, functional genomic data for endemic Middle Eastern isolates are almost entirely absent. Current molecular probes, developed for temperate strains, do not account for the unique evolutionary adaptations, such as specialized thermotolerance and osmoregulation genes, required for survival in the AG’s hypersaline environment. The review concludes that the reliance on international genetic models represents a major regional knowledge gap. There is scientific disagreement regarding whether global genetic markers are portable to the Middle East or if regional hypersalinity triggers unique regulatory responses. To address this, we argue for an integrated strategy through establishing open-access regional reference and utilizing metatranscriptomics to identify the biotic interactions that regulate bloom collapse. This shift is critical to fulfill regional sustainability goals by providing the mechanistic insights necessary to safeguard multi-billion-dollar desalination assets and food security.

The present study describes the eco-friendly synthesis and multifunctional investigation of a Peganum harmala leaf extract–mediated PVA/ZnO@β-CD nanocomposite. The synthesised nanocomposite was characterised by UV–Vis, FTIR, and XRD analyses, which confirmed the formation of crystalline ZnO NPs within the PVA/β-CD network. The UV–Vis absorption peak at 354.34 nm indicated quantum confinement effects, while FTIR spectra verified Zn–O bond formation and strong intermolecular interactions among ZnO, β-CD, and PVA. XRD patterns demonstrated the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO with nanoscale crystallinity. Morphological analysis by FE-SEM and HR-TEM revealed uniformly distributed quasi-spherical NPs (15–25 nm) embedded within the polymeric network. Elemental mapping further confirmed the presence of Zn, C, and O as major constituents. Additionally, DLS and zeta potential analyses indicated excellent colloidal stability (–33.62 mV) and a narrow nanosized distribution (299.4 nm). Biological evaluation demonstrated potent, selective anticancer activity of the nanocomposite against MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells, with time-dependent IC₅₀ values of 24.45, 20.83, and 12.74 µg/mL at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. In contrast, it exhibited minimal cytotoxicity toward normal HMECs. Mechanistic studies revealed enhanced ROS generation, depletion of antioxidant defences, mitochondrial dysfunction, and induction of apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway, as supported by morphological staining and apoptotic gene modulation. Moreover, the nanocomposite exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activities, particularly against S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, and Candida species. These results highlight the P. harmala–mediated PVA/ZnO@β-CD nanocomposite as a promising, green-engineered nanotherapeutic candidate with potent anticancer and antimicrobial potential.

AimThis work investigates the development and visible-light-driven photocatalytic behavior of PbCuZnO nanocomposites for degrading Rhodamine B dye. The study emphasizes how multi-metal incorporation influences the structural, optical, and functional characteristics of the synthesized materials.Materials and methodsPbCuZnO nanocomposites containing 2 and 4% of Pb-Cu were prepared using a sol-gel assisted combustion method. Their structural, morphological, and elemental features were analyzed using XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDX. Optical responses were examined through UV-visible spectroscopy and Tauc’s plots. Photocatalytic efficiency under visible light was assessed using Rhodamine B as the target contaminant, and kinetic parameters were extracted using pseudo-first-order models.ResultsXRD patterns confirmed the retention of the wurtzite ZnO structure with slight lattice distortions arising from Pb and Cu incorporation. SEM images showed nanostructured morphologies, and FTIR spectra verified the formation of metal–oxygen bonds. UV-visible measurements revealed a red-shift in absorption with dopant concentration, accompanied by band gap changes from 3.01 eV PbCuZnO (2%) to 3.2 eV PbCuZnO (4%). Photocatalytic experiments indicated improved Rhodamine B degradation performance, with the 4% (~ 95%-efficiency) doped sample displaying the highest activity compared to 2% of PbCuZnO, showing ~ 75% and a reaction rate constant of 0.031 min−1. Radical-scavenging tests suggested that ·OH and ·Oz⁻ species play dominant roles in the degradation mechanism.SignificanceThe synergistic incorporation of Pb2+ and Cu2+ enhances visible-light absorption, promotes charge-carrier separation, and improves the structural robustness of ZnO, yielding an efficient and reusable photocatalyst. These PbCuZnO nanocomposites therefore show strong potential for practical wastewater treatment and environmental clean-up applications.

Breast cancer (BC) has a highly aggressive and metastatic nature. Specifically, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly complicated to treat and recover from. Nowadays, treatment strategies focus on the beneficial nature of the herbal source. Otostegia fruticosa gained focus on treating various cancers due to its potential against cancer. This study aimed to investigate the apoptotic and metastasis properties of Otostegia fruticosa against triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). The ethanol extract of Otostegia fruticosa exhibited cytotoxic effect on MDA-MB-231 cells, with an IC 50 value of 23 µg/mL. various tests, including MTT, morphological analysis, fluorescence staining, and Trypan blue exclusion, invasion, migration ability were employed to evaluate the effects of Otostegia fruticosa on cell viability and apoptosis. The results showed that Otostegia fruticosa induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells, characterized by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial damage, and loss of nuclear potential. Furthermore, Otostegia fruticosa treatment reduced cell viability due to excessive ROS generation, as evidenced by DCFH-DA staining. Functional assays revealed that Otostegia fruticosa impaired cellular mobility, invasion, and colony-forming ability in MDA-MB-231 cells. The Otostegia fruticose significantly suppresses invasion property of breast cancer cells about 50% and significantly reduced migrated cells time dependent manner. Gene expression analysis by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence showed altered expressions of genes linked to apoptotic (Caspase-3, 8, 9, and Bcl2, Bax, Bid, Cytochrome c, PTEN) and metastasis (MMP-9) protein. Notably, Otostegia fruticosa downregulated MMP9 and OPN protein expressions, while upregulating caspase-9 and Cyt-c. Western blot analysis validated these findings, highlighting the involvement of the p-Akt and OPN downregulation. Altogether, this study demonstrates that Otostegia fruticosa induces apoptosis and inhibits metastasis in MDA-MB-231 cells by regulating caspase-3, 8, and 9, Bcl2, Bax, and Bid. Meanwhile, it potentially arrests the translation level of MMP-9 and OPN proteins. In addition, cellular migration and invasion were significantly downregulated, and Otostegia fruticosa possesses the anti-tumor effect against the TNBC cells (MDA-MB-231).

Achillea fragrantissima is a shrub plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family in Arabia and Egypt. It is used as folk medicine and is a good source of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and some active compounds. To investigate the anti-cancer effect of A.fragrantissima on breast cancer MCF-7 cells and find the critical mechanism involved in apoptosis. The toxicity and pharmacokinetic studies of ethanolic extract of A.fragrantissima was examined for anti-breast cancer properties. In turn, cytotoxicity and cell viability were achieved by the MTT method. Furthermore, the trypan blue exclusion and microscopy examination proved the presence of apoptotic cells. Again, fluorescent staining such as AO/EtBr, DCFH-DA, Rho-123, and Hoechst-33342 reveals the cellular cytoplasmic disciplines upon A. fragrantissima effect. Moreover, cellular functioning tests like wound healing, colony formation, and Transwell invasion assay were demonstrated. In addition, the qRT-PCR technique authenticates the A. fragrantissima -induced apoptotic network genes (Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, Cytochrome c, BCL-2, BID, BAX, PARP, PTEN, PI3K, and Akt) expression were evaluated. Mainly, the Immunoblot technique proved the expressed level of apoptotic proteins such as cleaved PARP, CYCS, and FADD. This study confirmed that the A. fragrantissima exerts cytotoxicity at 20 [mu]g/mL for 24 hrs in MCF-7 cells. Also, decreases cellular viability, producing apoptotic cells and damaged cellular surfaces with dead matter. Consequently, it creates ROS species accumulation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and fragmentation of DNA in MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, it arrests cell migration, induces colony-forming ability loss, and suppresses cell invasion. In addition, A. fragrantissima significantly upregulates genes such as caspase-3, 9, cytochrome c, BID, BAX, and PTEN while downregulating the Pi3K/ Akt signaling. Nonetheless, A.fragrantissima induced cleaved PARP, CYCS, and FADD proteins in MCF-7 cells to avail apoptosis.

Heavy metal (HM) contamination of agricultural soils by cadmium (Cd 2+ ) and lead (Pb 2+ ) pose a serious risk to the crop productivity and food security. However, a workable solution is required to reduce the impact of HM contamination in soils and improve productivity. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the tolerance of different canola varieties against the contamination of Cd 2+ and Pb 2+ under field conditions. The experimental site was previously contaminated with Cd 2+ (6ppm) and Pb 2+ (600ppm) where canola varieties were cultivated under the randomized complete bock design (RCBD) with three replicates of each treatment. The current study evaluated the growth, biomass accumulation, chlorophyll content and biochemical attributes of canola varieties. The results of this study revealed significant variability among varieties in response to the metal stress. Under Cd 2+ contaminated conditions Oscar attained highest plant height (71.42 cm), root length (33.62 cm), shoot length (34.25 cm) however under Pb 2+ contaminated soil Super Raya showed maximum plant height (39.43 cm), root length (13.45 cm) and shoot length (26.34). In contrast varieties like rainbow and Sandal Canola showed inhibited growth with a significant reduction in the root, shoot length and decline in the antioxidant enzyme activity. In addition, highest superoxide dismutase (SOD) 6.63 U/g Protein, catalase (CAT) 2.87 U/g Protein, peroxidase (POD) 43.26 U/g Protein, Malondialdehyde (MDA) 76.10 nmol /g FW, Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX) 74.20 U/g Protein, Ascorbic Acid (ASA) 70.52 µg/g FW and Glutathione (GSH) 73.71 µmol/g FW activity by Oscar under Cd 2+ contaminated soil. In Pb 2+ contaminated soil CONII represent its potential by showing highest SOD (5.78 U/g Protein), CAT (2.81 U/g Protein), POD (52.57 U/g Protein), MDA (72.77 nmol /g FW), APX (68.24 U/g Protein), ASA (74.49 µg/g FW) and GSH (72.76 µmol/g FW) activity. In conclusion, canola varieties exhibit differential tolerance to Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ contamination under field conditions, with certain varieties i.e., Oscar and Super Raya demonstrating superior growth and enhanced antioxidant defense mechanisms, making them suitable candidates for cultivation in heavy metal–contaminated soils.

To synthesise and characterise polyethylene glycol–β-cyclodextrin–curcumin–zinc oxide nanoparticles (PEG–Beta-Cur–ZnO NPs) and evaluate their stability, anti-mosquitocidal, antibacterial, and anticancer activities for potential biomedical and vector-control applications. Characterisation was performed using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Stability was assessed over time and pH ranges. Biological activity was evaluated through anti-malarial larval toxicity assays, adult mosquito longevity and fecundity studies, antibacterial assays against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus , and anticancer tests on HeLa cells measuring ROS generation, cell viability, DNA damage, and mitochondrial membrane potential. UV–Vis spectra confirmed successful functionalization with peak shifts to 423 nm. Stability studies showed time-limited dispersion (up to ~ 90 min) but improved stability under acidic conditions. FTIR revealed characteristic O–H, C=O, and Zn–O bands, confirming conjugation. XRD analysis indicated a preserved hexagonal wurtzite structure with high crystallinity. TEM imaging showed quasi-spherical morphology (76 nm). In larval assays, PEG–Beta–Cur–ZnO NPs achieved near-complete mortality at lower doses compared to free curcumin, while adult mosquitoes exhibited reduced lifespan and fecundity. Histopathology confirmed severe midgut damage in treated larvae. Antibacterial testing demonstrated superior inhibition zones and elevated ROS generation with PEG–Beta–Cur–ZnO NPs, indicating enhanced bacterial killing. In HeLa cells, the formulation induced significant ROS production, increased cell death, DNA fragmentation, and mitochondrial dysfunction compared to curcumin and ZnO NPs alone. PEG–Beta–Cur–ZnO NPs exhibit effective surface functionalization, pH-sensitive stability, and significantly enhanced larvicidal, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. These multifunctional nanoparticles show strong potential for eco-friendly vector control and biomedical applications.

Triazole-based thiosemicarbazone derivatives (6a–u) were synthesized then characterized by spectroscopic techniques, such as 1HNMR and 13CNMR and HRMS (ESI). Newly synthesized derivatives were screened in vitro for inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) enzymes. All derivatives (except 6c and 6d, which were found to be completely inactive) demonstrated moderate to good inhibitory effects ranging from 0.10 ± 0.050 to 12.20 ± 0.30 µM (for AChE) and 0.20 ± 0.10 to 14.10 ± 0.40 µM (for BuChE). The analogue 6i (IC50 = 0.10 ± 0.050 for AChE and IC50 = 0.20 ± 0.050 µM for BuChE), which had di-substitutions (2-nitro, 3-hydroxy groups) at ring B and tri-substitutions (2-nitro, 4,5-dichloro groups) at ring C, and analogue 6b (IC50 = 0.20 ± 0.10 µM for AChE and IC50 = 0.30 ± 0.10 µM for BuChE), which had di-Cl at 4,5, -NO2 groups at 2-position of phenyl ring B and hydroxy group at ortho-position of phenyl ring C, emerged as the most potent inhibitors of both targeted enzymes (AChE and BuChE) among the current series. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) was developed based on nature, position, number, electron donating/withdrawing effects of substitution/s on phenyl rings. Molecular docking studies were used to describe binding interactions of the most active inhibitors with active sites of AChE and BuChE.

The landscape of Pakistan is vulnerable to flood and periodically affected by floods of different magnitudes. The aim of this study was aimed to assess the flash flood susceptibility of district Jhelum, Punjab, Pakistan using geospatial model and Frequency Ratio and Analytical Hierarchy Process. Also, the study considered eight most influential flood-causing parameters are Digital Elevation Model, slop, distance from the river, drainage density, Land use/Land cover, geology, soil resistivity (soil consisting of different rocks and soil formation) and rainfall deviation. The rainfall data was collected from weather stations in the vicinity of the study area. Estimated weight was allotted to each flood-inducing factors with the help of AHP and FR. Through the use of the overlay analysis, each of the factors were brought together, and the value of drainage density was awarded the maximum possible score. According to the study several areas of the region based on the parameters have been classified in flood zones viz, very high risk, high risk, moderate risk, low risk, and very low risk. In the light of the results obtained, 4% of the study area that accounts for 86.25 km 2 is at high risk of flood. The areas like Bagham, Sohawa, Domeli, Turkai, Jogi Tillas, Chang Wala, Dandot Khewra were located at the very high elevation. Whereas Potha, Samothi, Chaklana, Bagrian, Tilla Jogian, Nandna, Rawal high-risk zones and have been damaged badly in the flood history of the area. This study is the first of its kind conducted on the Jhelum District and provides guidelines for disaster management authorities and response agencies, infrastructure planners, watershed management, and climatologists.