Introduction The role of camel βeta-Nerve Growth Factor protein (Cam β-NGF), isolated from camel seminal plasma, in preserving sperm quality remains poorly defined. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Cam β-NGF on mass motility, viability, and membrane integrity in dromedary ( Camelus dromedarius ) semen stored for 24 hours at 4 °C. Methods The semen samples were treated with varying concentrations of Cam β-NGF (10, 100, 500, and 1000 ng/mL) after preservation. Ten semen samples with mass motility ≥ 3 and viability ≥ 60% were selected, washed, suspended in HBSS, and treated with TCF-EY. After 24 hours of storage at 4 °C, samples were maintained at 36 °C with Cam β-NGF supplementation for 60 minutes. Mass motility, viability, and membrane integrity were assessed at T0, T30, and T60 minutes. Results The results revealed a significant decline in sperm quality traits after 24 hours of storage at 4 °C. However, mass motility was conserved after 30 minutes of incubation with 1000 ng/mL and 500 ng/mL of Cam β-NGF ( p < 0.05). On the other hand, viability was significantly higher after 60 minutes of incubation with 1000, 500, and 100 ng/mL of Cam β-NGF compared to the control extender and 10 ng/mL supplementation ( p < 0.05). Additionally, membrane integrity was significantly maintained at T30 and T60 minutes with 1000, 500, and 100 ng/mL of Cam β-NGF ( p < 0.05). Discussion Short‐term storage at 4 °C markedly reduced dromedary camel sperm motility, viability, and membrane integrity, consistent with cold‐induced oxidative stress. Adding purified Cam β-NGF dose-dependently preserved these parameters over 1 h of incubation, indicating its value as a protective supplement for semen storage. Conclusion Cam β-NGF helps protect and maintain sperm traits during short-term storage; it seems to reduce alterations that might lower sperm quality. Thus, supplementing semen with Cam β-NGF may help maintain sperm quality, offering potential benefits for artificial insemination programs in dromedaries.

Background Stroke is the leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. The goal of this study was to design stable, small-sized polyethylene glycol (PEG)/albumin nanoparticles (NPs) for delivering drugs targeting various phases of stroke recovery. Methods RP-HPLC (Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) and spectrophotometry were used to assess the stability and effectiveness of the drug carriers. The dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique was employed to evaluate the size and zeta potential of the particles. The integrity of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in laboratory rats was assessed by measuring Evans Blue (EB) leakage after intracranial injection of 3% H2O2. AutoDock Tools 1.5.7 was used to analyze the compatibility of the polymers with albumin. Results The particles exhibited high drug-loading efficiency. In all groups, the most prevalent particle size averaged 211.09 ± 92.72 nm. The drug-loaded particles exhibited prolonged circulation and had a half-life (T1/2) ranging from 7.64 to 13 days. Furthermore, both albumin particles and PEGylated albumin carriers loaded with dexamethasone and allopurinol significantly preserved blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity (2.92 ± 0.4 µg, p < 0.04), as indicated by reduced Evans Blue (EB) extravasation (6.73 ± 0.58 µg) compared to the control group (9.12 ± 1.2 µg, p < 0.04, t-test). Discussion The protective effect of albumin carriers on the BBB may be attributed to an increase in blood oncotic pressure, which helps limit edema formation. PEG/albumin drug-loaded carriers demonstrated greater stability, as indicated by their zeta potential, and exhibited a more pronounced BBB-preserving effect due to the combined actions of albumin and the loaded drugs. Conclusion In this study, stable, layered NPs carrying different drugs were synthesized that could be applied for the treatment of experimental stroke.

Background Chronic wounds pose a significant healthcare challenge due to the risk of infection and the limitations of conventional dressings. Advanced wound care solutions are needed to enhance healing and reduce complications. This study evaluated the wound healing potential of NIMO-CH, a cellulose hydrogel derived from nipa fronds and enriched with nipa indigenous microorganisms, particularly Lacticaseibacillus paracasei BCRC-16100. Methods 12 male ICR mice with excisional wounds were assigned to three treatment groups: no treatment (negative control), NIMO-CH, and DuoDERM with povidone-iodine (positive control). Wound healing was assessed through macroscopic observation, histological analysis, and genome sequencing of L. paracasei BCRC-16100 to determine its potential role in the healing process. Results Both NIMO-CH and DuoDERM achieved 100% wound closure. NIMO-CH-treated wounds exhibited complete healing with hair regrowth by days 18–20, whereas untreated wounds healed by day 20. Minimal scarring was observed in both NIMO-CH and DuoDERM groups. Histological analysis revealed comparable healing processes, including granulation tissue formation and moderate inflammatory responses, with no significant differences in collagen fiber orientation. Genome sequencing of L. paracasei BCRC-16100 identified the presence of sodA and gsiC genes, which encode enzymes essential for wound healing. Conclusion The findings suggested NIMO-CH to be an effective alternative for wound care, demonstrating comparable healing efficacy to DuoDERM while promoting hair regrowth and minimal scarring. The presence of beneficial genes in L. paracasei BCRC-16100 further supported its potential role in enhancing the wound healing process.

Background: Rice supplies a significant proportion of nutritional needs around the world. The fungal species that cause severe contamination of rice grains have created a major challenge to ensuring food safety. Methods: Thus, This study adopts an appropriate local method using potato dextrose agar (PDA) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) for the production of Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin-A in Aspergillus flavus (NRRL strain 2999) and A. acrasus (NRRL strain 7431), receptively. Results: Promising early results suggest that an optimum protocol for the production of mycotoxin includes a temperature of 28°C for 21 d incubation. The average levels of A. flavus and A. acrasus were 625 and 482.67 μg/g, respectively, by comparing the fluorescence with the standard. As a result, a new and rapid method using PDA as a culture medium and TCL was developed to produce mycotoxins in rice from the Persian market. Conclusion: This study provides a novel (optimum) mechanistic approach concerning mycotoxins production from fungal species that could improve quality and ascertain its safety either in the field or in storage.

Background: Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) is one of the most important fruit crops in the world. Traditionally, vegetative propagation methods (including cutting, budding, and layering) are time-consuming (about three years), with low production rates and low success in obtaining virus-free plants. Objective: The present study was planned to investigate the in vitro propagation of apple (M. domestica) cultivars from nodal segments. Methodology: The Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with sucrose and different concentrations of plant growth regulators (PGRs) were used for shoot proliferation and root induction. The optimal concentrations of PGRs in the MS medium were assessed. The effect of full and half-strength MS medium on root induction was investigated. Results: Examination of the effects of MS medium supplemented with various concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and kinetin revealed that the significantly highest shoot response was recorded for the ‘Princess’ cultivar with maximum shoot proliferation rate (65.25%), shoot number per explant (2.57), shoot length (7.28cm), and leaf number per shoot (6.15) after four weeks of culture. The root induction in micro shoots of three apple cultivars was observed after 20 days of culturing. The strength MS medium (full and half) containing 1.5 mg/L IAA significantly affected (at P<0.05, chi-square test) root induction in all three apple cultivars, especially rooting rate. However, there was no significant difference in root number and root length per micro shoot among the apple cultivars. Among the cultivars, significantly the highest rooting rate(48.30%), root number (6.25), and root length (4.15cm) were recorded for cultivar ‘Princess’ on full-strength MS medium. Conclusion: PGR combination of IAA (1.0 mg/L) and kinetin (3.0 mg/L) was found to be the best for shoot proliferation. The shoot responses were found to increase with an increase in kinetin concentration combined with IAA at 1.00 mg/L.

Background:Citrus sinensisL., commonly called sweet orange, fruit waste (peel, seed, and pulp) oils, are used as natural preservatives due to their broad spectrum of biological activities, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical properties, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of sweet orange peel and pulp oils extracted using the solvent extraction method.Methods:The oil extraction was done in the Soxhlet apparatus using petroleum ether as a solvent. Then, the physicochemical properties of the oil extracts were assessed based on the determination of oil yield, acid value, free fatty acid, and peroxide value. The antioxidant activity of the oil extract was evaluated based on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and hydrogen peroxide free radical scavenging activity as well as ascorbic acid content.Results:The results indicated that significantly higher antioxidant activities with respect to ascorbic acid (47.94%) and DPPH value 85.20% were recorded for sweet orange pulp/juice oil. Stronger antibacterial activity with a maximum zone of inhibition (10.67mm), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.25µg/ml, and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 0.25µg/ml were recorded for fruit pulp oil extract againstStaphylococcus aureus. Stronger antifungal activity with a maximum zone of inhibition (9.67mm), MIC (0.25µg/ml), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of 0.50µg/ml were also observed for fruit pulp oil extract againstAspergillus versicolor.Conclusion:C. sinensisfruit pulp oil was found to demonstrate stronger biological activities, including both antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials.

Background: The by-products of red chicory leaves are a valuable source of bioactive compounds that can be exploited in the development of functional foods. Objective: This work aimed to combine healthy properties of red chicory by-products with other ingredients in the formulation of a functional jam, which is easy and safe to swallow, especially for people suffering from dysphagia. Methods: The physicochemical parameters, as well as the total polyphenols content (TPC), was assessed in the obtained product. Results: The TPC (549.44 mg GAE/100 g) was higher than the values reported in other jams, and it remained stable along with the colour during six weeks of storage. Within the carbohydrates, 0.4% of the prebiotic fibre inulin has been detected, suggesting that this jam formulation is a promising delivery system of phenols and fibre. From the sensorial point of view, the functional jam obtained an overall good acceptability judgment. The bitterness of the red chicory is persistent, which helps people with dysphagia swallow more easily. Conclusion: The functional jam, based on chicory by-products, could be a good source of bioactive compounds, which are helpful even in the disabled subjects’ diet.

In the era of air pollutants, respiratory diseases are a very common diagnosis in children, adolescents, and adults. Disorders of the respiratory system can affect both upper and lower respiratory system, and cause an immense worldwide health, economical and psychological burden. Considerable attention is drawn to the use of plant-based products for the prevention and cure of health challenges, with respect of their eco-friendliness and very few side effects. Exposure to nature and active plant interaction is considered beneficial to physical and mental health. Plant-based drugs primarily target the immune and cardiovascular systems. Biologically active substances with different value can be identified from both terrestrial or marine botanicals, whose therapeutic abilities are an efficient control of an array of diseases. In view of the potential of plant agents to positively influence respiratory diseases, this review will provide the reader with recent objective findings in the field of plant therapy and pharmaceutical agents and their ability to alter the physical and psychological complications of airborne diseases.

Background: Farmers are forced to store garlic bulbs for a long period due to occasional excess production or to save bulb seeds for next season planting, but the bulbs often lose their viability and vigour due to sprouting ahead of planting time. Objective: The research was conducted to evaluate the effects of three harvest stages (60, 80, and 100% top fall), two curing levels (non-cured and cured bulbs), and three storage methods (floor, shelf, and net bag) on storability of garlic variety ‘Tseday’ at Haramaya University, and Tony farm (Dire Dawa) during 2014-15. Methods: The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications at both sites. Results: Significant variations in the storability of bulbs were evident due to harvest stages, curing, and storage methods. Harvesting of garlic bulbs at 100% top fall considerably increased bulb yield by about 16.74% and 8.75% compared to 60 and 80% top fall, respectively. Cured bulbs showed lower fresh bulb yield as compared to non-cured bulbs. Harvesting at 80% top fall, curing and storing bulbs on a shelf or in a net bag showed reduced weight and diameter loss of bulbs as compared to the other treatments. Bulbs harvested at 80% top fall and cured had significantly higher dry matter content than the rest. The highest sprouting percentage was recorded for 60% top fall harvested and non-cured bulbs, while the least was observed in 80% top fall harvested and cured bulbs. Conclusion: The result of this study has shown that harvesting at 80% top fall, curing, and storing bulbs on a shelf or in a net bag leads to a good yield and postharvest quality and effective storability of garlic bulbs under ambient storage conditions.

Science and technology have advanced rapidly in every aspect; thus, nanotechnology is one of the highly promising interdisciplinary approaches which has swiftly emerged in the world. The inherent properties of nanomaterials (NMs) made them widely accepted to use in many fields, including agriculture. Because of this, NMs have attracted novel agrochemical formulations to enhance crop productivity. However, deliberate and accidental release of nanoparticulate based agrochemical formulations and engineered NMs have raised concerns on the possible effects on agricultural crops. Therefore, the interaction of NMs leading to phytotoxicity is the biggest concern that is required to be assessed prior to their applications. Hence, this review discusses whether NMs can be used as a feasible stand-in candidate for agriculture.