Khaled A. El-Tarabily

The strategic Middle Eastern crop date palm is severely threatened by Fusarium proliferatum DSM106835 (Fp), the fungus causing sudden decline syndrome (SDS). To decipher the molecular basis of this interaction, we performed a time-series RNA-Seq analysis to elucidate the dynamic transcriptomic responses in date palm roots and shoots to Fp infection at 4, 8, and 16 days post-infection (dpi). Thousands of genes showed altered expression, increasing dramatically over time: 4,062/2,741 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in roots/shoots at 4 dpi, rising to 10,670/4,781 at 8 dpi, and 19,092/8,570 by 16 dpi. The infection activated core defense pathways, including pathogen-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI), and key responses involved reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, cell wall remodeling, impaired photosynthesis, and reprogramming of hormone signaling pathways for ethylene (ET), jasmonic acid (JA), abscisic acid (ABA), and salicylic acid (SA). changes occurred in primary and secondary metabolism, covering carbohydrates, amino acids, lipids, and phenylpropanoids. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified tissue-specific gene modules and critical hub genes associated with Fp responses. This comprehensive analysis provides novel insights into date palm defense mechanisms against Fp infection. The identified key pathways and genes form a crucial foundation for targeted breeding or biocontrol strategies to enhance resistance against SDS.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of a nutritious diet for maintaining overall health. Among dietary components, plant-derived bioactive compounds have garnered significant attention due to their functional properties and potential to prevent various diseases. These bioactive constituents, although typically present in small quantities, provide substantial health benefits and are considered non-nutritive yet physiologically active components of the diet. Medicinal plants, vegetables, fruits, cereals, sauces, and spices have become focal points in nutritional research, owing to their diverse array of bioactive compounds. These compounds, including polyphenols, glucosinolates, carotenoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, vitamins, and dietary fibers, are increasingly recognized for their ability to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, as demonstrated by epidemiological studies. These molecules exhibit a broad spectrum of therapeutic activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, antimicrobial, antithrombotic, cardioprotective, and vasodilatory activities. Despite their promising pharmacological and nutritional potential, the integration of plant-derived bioactive compounds into commercial products remains limited. Importantly, bioactive compounds that possess antioxidant and antimicrobial activities are increasingly acknowledged for their potential application as natural and environmentally sustainable food preservatives. The expanding interest in these applications underscores the critical need for efficient and standardized extraction methods. While conventional extraction techniques have been widely used, they often suffer from limitations such as low yield, degradation of heat-sensitive compounds, and high solvent consumption. To address these challenges, innovative and integrated extraction technologies have been developed, offering advantages such as enhanced extraction efficiency, reduced impurities, and lower environmental impact. These methods often employ reduced solvent use and energy input, aligning with sustainability goals. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of bioactive plant compounds by examining their extraction methods, biological and immunological activities, nutritional significance, food applications, and health benefits for humans.

Dietary polyphenols, particularly flavonoids, have been extensively recognized for their role as a source of bioactive molecules that contribute to the prevention of various diseases, including cancer. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of dietary polyphenols by examining their sources, classification, mechanisms of action, and biological effects, with a particular emphasis on their nutritional and immunological roles. It also highlights the need for ongoing research into preventive strategies and the development of improved therapeutic options. Despite their broad spectrum of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer activities, the therapeutic application of polyphenols is significantly hindered by their inherently poor bioavailability. This limitation poses a substantial challenge, as it prevents polyphenols from achieving the systemic concentration necessary to elicit a therapeutic effect. This review critically evaluates current strategies, including nano- and liposomal-based delivery systems. Liposomal systems play a crucial role in enhancing the bioavailability of polyphenols by encapsulating these compounds in lipid bilayers. This encapsulation improves the solubility and stability of polyphenols, protects them from environmental degradation and rapid metabolism, and facilitates their controlled release and absorption in the body. Liposomes enable polyphenols to better traverse biological membranes and protect them from unfavorable conditions in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in greater systemic availability and improved therapeutic efficacy compared to non-encapsulated forms. The current review also explores the modulatory impact of polyphenols on the immune system, their influence on gut microbiota, and their implications across various life stages, from infancy to aging, as well as in athletic performance and dermatological health. Future directions are proposed to optimize their clinical utility, including standardized dosing, improved delivery technologies, and targeted nutritional interventions. Ultimately, integrating polyphenols into daily dietary practices may offer promising avenues for enhancing immune resilience and preventing chronic diseases.

Reliable prediction of plant nitrogen (N) acquisition strategies is critical for interpreting ecosystem productivity. We propose a process-based framework that connects plant N preferences to soil microbial N cycling and environmental conditions. We compiled data from 66 15N labeling studies, yielding 336 triplet observations, each consisting of plant organic-N, ammonium-N, and nitrate-N uptake measurements (Dataset 1). Additionally, 2030 observations of gross soil N transformations from 270 studies were compiled to predict the spatial variation of these rates globally, with the aim of populating Dataset 1. We found that ammonium-N was the primary contributor to N uptake in forests (49% ± 1.84%) and wetlands (55% ± 3.29%), whereas nitrate-N was the dominant source in grasslands (41% ± 1.52%). Plant ammonium-N and nitrate-N preferences were lowest in temperate and tropical regions, respectively. Nitrification capacity—autotrophic nitrification (the process where ammonium is oxidized to nitrate) to gross N mineralization (GNM; the conversion of organic N to ammonium) ratio—was the main regulator of plant ammonium-N and nitrate-N preferences. Terrestrial environments with high nitrification capacity (e.g., temperate or grassland soils) resulting from high soil pH and low carbon-to-N ratio exhibited higher plant nitrate-N preference, while adverse conditions (e.g., tropical, forest, or wetland soils) exhibited higher ammonium-N preference. Interestingly, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) process redirected plant preference toward ammonium-based nutrition in organic carbon-rich, low-oxygen soils. Climate-driven shifts in plant N preference are mediated by gross soil N transformations, as increased precipitation and/or temperature accelerated GNM and/or DNRA while inhibiting nitrification capacity, promoting plant ammonium preference. Soil N cycling and environmental conditions explained little variation in plant organic-N preference, suggesting that other variables (e.g., mycorrhizal associations and plant functional traits) may be at play. We highlight that plant N acquisition is not purely plant-driven, but it mirrors underground N transformations, with environmental conditions acting as pivotal modulators of this relationship.

Introduction
The helmeted guineafowl is a ground-dwelling bird native to Africa, easily recognized by its bald, bluish-gray head and the distinctive horn-like casque (helmet) on top of its head. Parasitic coinfection with Ascaridia worms and Eimeria in chickens poses a significant health challenge, as both parasites damage the intestinal tract and impair nutrient absorption. Ascaridia galli competes for nutrients and causes mechanical irritation, while Eimeria tenella induces mucosal injury and inflammation. Their combined effect leads to severe enteritis, reduced growth performance, poor feed conversion, and increased susceptibility to secondary infections. This synergistic impact exacerbates economic losses in poultry production and highlights the importance of integrated parasite control strategies.

Methods
This study investigated the cause of mortality in helmeted guineafowl on a private farm. Clinical examination, necropsy, parasitological analysis, molecular characterization, and histopathological examination were conducted.

Results
Preliminary findings indicated a mixed gastrointestinal parasitic infection, with A. galli and E. tenella identified as the causative agents of co-infection. Molecular analysis targeting the ITS rDNA and COX1 regions of A. galli and the ITS and 18S rDNA regions of E. tenella confirmed their identities and revealed genetic diversity among the isolates. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the isolates within well-supported clades of their respective species. Clinical signs included depression and sporadic hemorrhagic droppings, while postmortem lesions varied, featuring enteritis, hemorrhagic typhlitis, splenic necrosis, and hepatic lesions. Histopathological examination revealed severe intestinal damage, including hemorrhage, epithelial desquamation, and the presence of multiple parasite developmental stages. The co-infection led to a 10% mortality rate.

Discussion
The current study offers insights into the impact of A. galli and E. tenella co-infection in helmeted guineafowl, underscoring the importance of molecular surveillance in monitoring poultry parasite populations. Additional research is recommended to establish routine parasitological monitoring, implement targeted deworming initiatives, enhance sanitation, and enforce biosecurity protocols to reduce parasite load and prevent epidemics.

Introduction
Despite the widespread interest in using Bacillus spp. as a probiotic in poultry diets, no evidence has been found to support the use of Paenibacillus polymyxa in the diet of Japanese quails. This study examined the effects of supplementing growing Japanese quail with a mixture of Bacillus coagulans and P. polymyxa (Bc+Pp) on their growth performance, antioxidative activity, immunological status, digestive enzymes, caecal microbiota, and blood chemistry.

Methods
Two hundred 1-week-old meat-type quail chicks were divided into four groups at random; five pens, each containing ten birds. These birds were provided with a basic feed as a control group, or a feed diet treated with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg kg−1 of Bc+Pp mixture (1:1).

Results
According to the findings, the growing quail's growth performance was significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced by supplementing the Bc+Pp mixture. Body weight and body weight gain were boosted significantly (P = 0.0002, P = 0.0003) by Bc+Pp mixture supplementation at 5 weeks and 1–5 weeks. In contrast, feed consumption showed a non-significant difference (P = 0.8082) with the treatments within 1–5 weeks. Moreover, the feed conversion ratio was significantly (P < 0.05) boosted (P = 0.0137) with the supplementation of the Bc+Pp mixture. Furthermore, Bc+Pp mixture supplementation provided a significant boost in carcass traits, especially liver, gizzard, and giblet percentage (P = 0.0112, P = 0.0976, and P = 0.0028). The current result showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in total protein, albumin, and globulin with supplementation of the Bc+Pp mixture. Moreover, the treatment significantly (P < 0.05) reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein. Superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, reduced glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase were significantly (P < 0.05) improved by supplementation of the Bc+Pp mixture. Furthermore, the digestive enzymes were significantly (P < 0.05) improved, and the total bacterial and lactic acid bacteria counts were significantly (P < 0.05) augmented, whereas the counts of Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, total coliform, and Enterococcus spp. were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with dietary bacterial mixture treatments.

Discussion
In conclusion, supplementing growing Japanese quail with a mixture of Bc+Pp has a positive impact on their growth performance, antioxidative status, immunological response, digestive enzymes, and caecal microbiota.

Introduction
Haemoproteus columbae is a common haemosporidian worldwide blood parasite affecting domestic pigeons (Columba livia). Therefore, this study aimed to detect the incidence of H. columbae infection in domestic pigeons with morpho-molecular identification.

Methods
In the current study, blood samples were collected from 125 domestic pigeons between 2023 and 2024 and analyzed using both microscopic and molecular techniques. H. columbae positive birds underwent postmortem (PM) and histopathological examinations, as well as cytokine immunological reaction assessments.

Results
It was found that around 8% (10/125) of pigeons were positive for H. columbae infection, and their morphological characteristics were reported. H. columbae induces observable macroscopic and microscopic alterations in the infected tissues, which increases the cytokine immunological reaction in the infected birds. The infected birds suffered from severe histopathological changes in most haemopoietic and parenchymatous organs. The transcript levels of inflammatory markers such as IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL-1β were significantly upregulated in H. columbae-infected birds. Additionally, the H. columbae samples’ mRNA level of the apoptotic Cas-3 indicated apoptotic activity.

Discussion
Hematic parasites can pose a serious health threat to pigeons as they invade red blood cells and internal organs, leading to anemia, weakness, weight loss, and even death in severe cases. Epidemiological studies and surveys are essential for monitoring these hematologic parasites. Furthermore, additional research is recommended to evaluate the efficacy of various herbal extracts in comparison to the most frequently used drugs for managing this issue in affected pigeons.

Curcumin (1,7-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione) is a naturally occurring polyphenol molecule. It is lipophilic and has demonstrated in vitro and in vivo therapeutic effects through multiple pathways. Extensive studies on its pharmacological properties have shown its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antinociceptive, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antimalarial, and wound-healing properties. However, its limited bioavailability in humans due to poor intestinal absorption, rapid metabolism, and rapid systemic elimination remains a significant challenge. Various curcumin formulations have been developed to address this limitation. This article reviews current studies on the biological and pharmacological properties of curcumin. It also examines methods for curcumin isolation, including pressurized fluid extraction, Soxhlet extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, and microwave extraction. Furthermore, analytical methods for the identification and quantification of curcumin in diverse matrices, as well as procedures for formulating curcumin, will also be addressed. This review consolidates recent studies on curcumin’s chemical, bioactive, and pharmacological properties. It also highlights significant knowledge gaps, indicating the need for future research to elucidate curcumin’s mechanism of action, safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential for treating various human and animal diseases.

Drought is a major environmental stress, particularly in arid regions, where it severely limits faba bean productivity. Foliar-applied ascorbic acid (AsA) and soil-applied humic acid (HA) significantly improved drought tolerance in three faba bean cultivars by enhancing physiological performance and mitigating oxidative damage under moderate (300 mm) and severe (200 mm) drought conditions. Drought stress significantly reduced chlorophyll content (up to -57.5%), relative water content (RWC, -37.9%), and yield traits such as plant height (− 9.6%) and seed yield (− 20.8%), while increasing oxidative stress markers like malondialdehyde (MDA, + 192.8%) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂, + 105.0%). AsA and HA alleviated these effects, improving chlorophyll retention (up to + 33.7%), water status (+ 17.0%), and reducing MDA(− 19.1%) and electrolyte leakage (− 11.5%). Enhanced accumulation of proline (+ 27.4%) and soluble sugars (+ 18.0%) contributed to improved osmotic balance, while antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) were also upregulated, particularly with AsA. These treatments improved growth, yield traits, and water use efficiency, especially under drought stress, with Nubaria-5 showing the highest drought resilience. This cultivar exhibited superior pigment stability, antioxidant activity, and yield preservation across stress conditions. Significant interactions among irrigation regime, biostimulant, and cultivar highlighted the importance of genotype-specific responses. Heatmap analysis confirmed the consistent effectiveness of AsA, particularly under severe drought in Nubaria-5. Overall, AsA and HA function as effective biostimulants for enhancing drought resilience in faba bean by improving photosynthetic efficiency, water relations, and antioxidative capacity, with AsA showing greater overall efficacy.

Heavy metal contamination with lead poses a critical threat to agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability due to its toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulative nature. Conventional remediation methods are often expensive and can generate secondary pollution, prompting increased interest in phytoremediation as an eco-friendly alternative. This study investigates the potential of Pantoea agglomerans, an endophytic bacterium isolated from Prosopis juliflora seeds, to enhance the phytoremediation capabilities of Calotropis procera- a plant known for its tolerance and accumulation of heavy metals- grown hydroponically under varying lead concentrations (0–80 mg/L). X-ray fluorescence analysis indicated altered lead distribution and nutrient profiles in C. procera, suggesting possible lead immobilization or detoxification. Hydroponic experiments demonstrated that inoculated plants exhibited improved growth parameters (shoot and root dry weight, leaf dimensions) and higher chlorophyll and carotenoid contents compared to non-inoculated controls. Lead-induced oxidative damage was mitigated in Pantoea-treated plants, as evidenced by lower hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels, along with elevated activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and guaiacol peroxidase). Enhanced proline and protein contents further indicated improved stress tolerance and metabolic stability. This study highlights endophyte-assisted phytoremediation as a cost-effective, sustainable solution for lead-contaminated environments, with potential applications in large-scale remediation efforts.