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Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) seeds have various nutritional and therapeutic benefits and are thus considered a valuable addition to animal and human health. Hence, in this study, we aimed to induce the nutritive and biological value of anise seeds. To this end, the potential biofortification effect of the endophytic Actinomycetota sp. JW0824 strain, isolated during the fall of 2023 from the medicinal plant Achyranthes aspera, exhibiting natural distribution in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia, was investigated in four varieties of anise seeds from Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, and Morocco. Results revealed significant increments (p < 0.05) in the seed dry weight percentage (DW%) and oil yields. In line with increased biomass accumulation, the metabolism of the primary and secondary metabolites was increased. There were differential increases in proteins, sugars, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, vitamins (e.g., β-carotene, ascorbic acid), and essential oil components (e.g., phenylpropanoids and monoterpenes), along with their precursor phenylalanine. Consistently, the activity of L-phenylalanine aminolyase (PAL) was increased in the Egyptian and Tunisian varieties at 83.88% and 77.19%, respectively, while 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthase (DAHPS) activity increased in all varieties, with a significant 179.31% rise in the Egyptian variety. These findings highlight the beneficial effects of Actinomycetota sp. JW0824 as a bioinoculant for anise seeds, suggesting its potential application in agricultural practices to improve seed yield and quality. Further field trials are recommended to assess the commercial viability of this endophyte for enhancing anise seed production and potentially benefiting other plant species.

Heat stress caused by global warming adversely affects wheat yield through declining most nutritional quality attributes in grains, excluding grain protein content. This research investigated the biochemical, physiological, and antioxidant responses of wheat plants under heat stress, focusing on the role of plant growth-promoting bacteria ( sp.). Two wheat genotypes were studied: one heat-sensitive and one heat-tolerant, examining their responses to heat stress with and without bacterial inoculation. Under heat stress, the sensitive cultivar experienced significant reductions in photosynthesis rate, chlorophyll content, and RuBisCO activity (57-61%), while the tolerant cultivar had milder reductions (24-28%). sp. treatment notably improved these parameters in the sensitive cultivar (+48-78%), resulting in a substantial increase in biomass production (+43-53%), which was not seen in the tolerant cultivar. Additionally, oxidative stress markers (H O and MDA) were elevated more in the sensitive cultivar (82% and 90% higher) compared to the tolerant one. sp. treatment effectively reduced these markers in the sensitive cultivar (-28% and -27%). Enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes and ASC-GSH pathway enzymes was particularly evident in sp.-treated sensitive plants. Carbohydrate metabolism shifted, with increased soluble sugars and significant rises in sucrose content in sp.-treated plants under stress. The higher soluble sugar levels facilitated amino acid synthesis, contributing to biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and anthocyanins. This was reflected in increased activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, cinnamate (CA) 4-hydroxylase, and chalcone synthase enzymes, indicating the activation of phenylpropanoid pathways. Overall, the findings suggest that sp. can mitigate heat stress effects by enhancing photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidant defense, and metabolic adaptations in heat-sensitive wheat cultivars.

Background This study determined the knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding COVID-19 and assessed the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers and the general population. Methods A web-based, cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling in Libya from December 1 to 18, 2020 among the general population and healthcare workers. Data on demographic characteristics, COVID-19 vaccination-related concerns, knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding COVID-19, and knowledge, attitudes, and acceptance regarding the COVID-19 vaccine were collected using a self-administered survey. A binomial logistic regression was performed with 70% efficacy to determine the association between acceptance of the vaccine and study variables. Results Valid and complete responses were collected from 15,087 participants. Of these, 6227 (41.3%) were male and 8860 (58.7%) were female, with a mean (SD) age of 30.6 ± 9.8 years. Moreover, 485 (3.2%) participants were infected with COVID-19 at the time of the study, while 2000 (13.3%) had been previously infected. Overall, 2452 (16.3%) participants agreed, and 3127 (20.7%) strongly agreed, with “having concerns about serious vaccine-related complications.” Mask-wearing adherence was reported by 10,268 (68.1%) of the participants. Most participants (14,050, 93.1%) believed that the vaccine should be provided for free, while 7272 (48.2%) were willing to buy it. Regarding vaccine acceptance and efficacy, 12,006 (79.6%) reported their willingness to take the vaccine with an efficacy of 90% or more, 9143 (60.6%) with an efficacy of 70% or more, and only 6212 (41.2%) with an efficacy of 50%. The binomial logistic regression revealed that vaccine acceptance was not associated with belonging to the medical field versus the general population. Acceptance was statistically associated with younger age groups, especially 31–40 (OR = 1.3 [1.09, 1.55]) and 41–50 years (OR = 1.29, [1.09, 1.54]). However, having a family member or friend infected with COVID-19 was positively associated with the likelihood of vaccine acceptance (OR = 1.09 [1.02, 1.18]), while having a friend or family member who died due to COVID-19 was negatively associated with it (OR = 0.89 [0.84, 0.97]). Conclusions Acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine is an essential determinant of vaccine uptake and the likelihood of controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. Developing strategies to decrease public hesitation and increase trust is vital for implementing vaccination programs.

Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face considerable psychological distress. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown promise in reducing caregiver burden, but evidence in the Arab world is lacking. Problem-solving appraisal training may optimize CBT’s benefits. This study evaluated a tailored CBT program emphasizing the role of problem-solving appraisal in managing distress through the process of CBT. Sixty mothers were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either the CBT intervention group or the control group. The CBT group received 3-month sessions incorporating problem-solving appraisal training within a CBT curriculum from October 2022 to April 2023. Problem-solving techniques are focused on equipping individuals with the skills to identify, approach, and effectively resolve problems, leading to a reduction in stress levels and an improved capacity to cope with difficult situations. All mothers completed assessments of socio-demographics such as age, level of education, marital status, occupation, and adequacy of family income, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Problem-Solving Inventory (PSI) before and after the program. The CBT group showed significant pre-to-post reductions in depression, anxiety, stress, and general psychological distress compared to controls (all p < 0.05). They also exhibited significant improvements in problem-solving confidence, approach-avoidance style and personal control (all p < 0.05). The customized CBT program markedly improved psychological well-being for mothers of children with ASD in Egypt. Incorporating problem-solving techniques may optimize CBT’s benefits cross-culturally. These findings have implications for the implementation of evidence-based support programs for families impacted by ASD worldwide.

Nanotechnology emerged as a critical force in agriculture and the most vital technology. Nanobiotechnology offers significant benefits for farmers to control their output by regulating nutrient use via nano-fertilizers, rationalizing agrochemical use, detecting, and treating disease–host interactions, molecular interactions with nanocarriers (nano biosensors) for plant disease diagnosis, and removing contaminants from water and soil, farm management, and current trends include salinity soil treatment. Nanosensors can also detect pathogens, moisture, fertilizers, and acidity of soil to improve products used to protect the plant, reduce nutrient leakage, and increase yield production due to effective management of nutrients. This section will look at bio-nanosensors based on soil sensors and nano-sensors that can be conjugated with nematode biomarkers to deliver the easy and quick detection of nematode plant diseases. They are also integrating biomarker with nanosensor to improve the vision and application of biosensor technology. According to the Docking test, Selectivity and specificity of the protein (MiPFN3) found specifically in root–knot nematodes and is not present in plants or other organisms. Therefore, inhibiting this protein would be a highly specific and targeted approach for controlling these nematodes, minimizing potential harm to non-target organisms. by generating a random pool of sequences using the shuffle-seq tool. In-silico Aptamer that can interact and inhibit MiPFN3 was designed. Graphical Abstract Schematic representation to illustrate Plant parasitic nematode diagnostics with nano biosensors as a novel extremely sensitive tool in sustainable agriculture.

Background Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) in children is frequently associated with sleep disorders. The prevalence of these disorders varies by region attributable to variations in co-sleeping customs, nocturnal rituals, and environmental influences. This study aims to assess sleep problems and their related characteristics among children diagnosed with T1DM in the Upper Egypt region. This cross-sectional study involved 118 children with T1DM, aged 6 to 12 years. The outcomes from the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire-Abbreviated (CSHQ-A) were utilized to categorize the subjects into two groups: the first group comprised individuals with sleep problems ( N  = 70), and the second group included individuals with non-sleep problems ( N  = 48). All participants were evaluated using the Socioeconomic Scale, the Clinical Evaluation of Emotional Regulation–9 (CEER-9), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, and the Children’s Alexithymia Measure (CAM). Results Sleep problems were prevalent in 59.3% of participants. Children with sleep problems had elevated rates of overweight/obesity, ocular problems increased medication usage, exercise difficulties, diminished quality of life, higher mean scores on the emotional regulation scale, and greater levels of alexithymia as compared to those without sleep disorders. The prevalence of conduct and hyperactivity problems was greater in children with sleep problems compared to those without sleep problems. Regression analysis revealed that increased BMI, presence of ocular issues, higher alexithymia scores, and poor quality of life were associated with a greater likelihood of experiencing sleep problems. Conclusions Nearly two-thirds of children with T1DM in Upper Egypt experienced sleep problems. These issues were associated with higher BMI, ocular problems, elevated alexithymia scores, and poorer quality of life.