Background/Objective: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and therapy-resistant cancer cells represent major clinical challenges, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies. This study explores the use of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and colistin-conjugated selenium nanoparticles (Col-SeNPs) as a dual-function nanotherapeutic against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, antifungal-drug-resistant Candida spp., and human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) cells. Methods: SeNPs were synthesized and characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirming their nanoscale morphology, purity, and stability. Results: The antimicrobial activity of SeNPs and Col-SeNPs was assessed based on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and bacterial viability assays. Col-SeNPs exhibited enhanced antibacterial effects against P. aeruginosa, along with significant downregulation of the mexY efflux pump gene, which is associated with colistin resistance. Additionally, Col-SeNPs demonstrated superior antifungal activity against Candida albicans, C. glabrata, and C. krusei compared to SeNPs alone. The anticancer potential of Col-SeNPs was evaluated in MCF-7 cells using the MTT assay, revealing dose-dependent cytotoxicity through apoptosis and oxidative stress pathways. Although MCF-7 is not inherently drug-resistant, this model was used to explore the potential of Col-SeNPs in overcoming resistance mechanisms commonly encountered in cancer therapy. Conclusions: these findings support the promise of Col-SeNPs as a novel approach for addressing both antimicrobial resistance and cancer treatment challenges. Further in vivo studies, including pharmacokinetics and combination therapies, are warranted to advance clinical translation.

Aspergillus species play an important role in agriculture and human health, however their detection, distribution and research in Saudi Arabia have not yet been fully described. For this reason, the objective of this study was to review the progress, places where Aspergillus research is being carried out and its long-range strategies in Saudi Arabia over the last 54 years. Applying advanced bibliometric processes, we analyzed a 520 scientific articles recorded a 108 different Aspergillus species from 275 diverse environments. Research productivity demonstrated distinct evolutionary phases, progressing from limited output (1970–1980) through steady development (1990–2000) to remarkable acceleration during 2010–2018 (peaking at 41 publications in 2013), followed by stabilization at 11–22 publications annually. Institutionally, 33 Saudi universities contributed, with King Saud University leading (172 publications, 39%). International collaboration networks showed strong Egypt-Saudi partnerships complemented by linking with India, Australia, and the USA. The research detected main five species received significant research focus: A. niger (421 studies), A. flavus (297), A. fumigatus (204), A. terreus (174), and A. ochraceus (105), reflecting strategic prioritization of agricultural, industrial, and clinical significance. Samples of isolates were taken from a variety of locations, as soil (114 studies and encompassing 8 major subcategories), plants (184 sources) and food (32 sources) are the most common types. By analyzing strategic thematic mapping, it was found that the area successfully moved away from mainly medical issues toward a mix that includes agricultural, environmental and biotechnological matters. Details of multiple Aspergillus species in various Saudi Arabian habitats are important additions to global science and help meet local needs in farming, healthcare and industry. The results prove that concentrating efforts and developing institutions can enhance research and solve local problems.

This work was aimed to isolate and screen endophytic bacteria from Plectranthus hijazensis, collected from Shada Alasfal Mountain, Saudi Arabia, and study their roles in the plant growth-promotion. The results showed that they could produce HCN, ammonia, IAA, and some hydrolytic enzymes. Based on these results, the selected endophytic bacteria as efficient plant growth promoters could be chosen and used as efficient bacteria for future greenhouse and field experiments. Bangladesh J. Bot. 54(1): 61-66, 2025 (March)

Endophytes are ubiquitous organisms that reside within plant organs and contribute to the growth and well-being of plants. Nevertheless, there is limited knowledge regarding the plant growth-promoting endophytes found in medicinal plants. Therefore, the aims of the present work were to isolate some endophytic bacteria associated with roots, stems, leaves and inflorescences of Aerva javanica, collected from the Shada Alasfal Mountain at Albaha region, Saudi Arabia. After that, they were screened for some of their direct and indirect plant growth-promoting mechanisms. Finally, based upon their internal transcribed spacer 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the isolates were identified. The results showed that the selected endophytes differentially produced IAA and ammonia, and solubilized phosphate as direct mechanisms. In addition, they had exhibited variable capacities to produce some lytic enzymes and HCN beside their antifungal activities. Furthermore, they showed abilities to tolerate some stress conditions. The bacterial endophytes were identified by molecular methods and belonged to the genera of Micrococcus, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Delftia and Bacillus. The findings of this study indicated that the bacterial endophytes isolated from Aerva javanica are possessing crucial functions to improve plant growth and could be utilized as biofertilizers or bioagents to establish a sustainable crop production system.

This research aims to present two modified numerical approaches based on the efficient decomposition shooting method (EDSM) to find approximate and reliable solutions to the class of ordinary differential equations (ODEs), featuring the two-point boundary-value problems (BVPs). In fact, the two famous modifications of the Adomian decomposition method (ADM) are sought and further infused in the classical shooting method to unravel the two schemes of interest. Further, the proposed schemes are applied to several second and third-order BVPs of both the linear and nonlinear cases. Moreover, the proposed schemes perfumed superbly in comparison with some contending approaches in the literature. What is more, the convergence rate of the devised schemes is found to be very high.

Lead (Pb) contamination represents a substantial threat to aquatic ecosystems, and phototrophic microorganisms are increasingly regarded as promising agents for sustainable bioremediation. While previous studies have established algal biosorption capabilities, the unique contribution of this work lies in providing a comprehensive comparative framework between taxonomically distinct species to elucidate diverging, species-specific Pb detoxification strategies. In this study, the physiological, biochemical, and metabolic responses of the cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis and the green microalga Chlorella pyrenoidosa were evaluated following 4 days of exposure to 0, 300, and 500 μg L ^-1 Pb using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and comprehensive biochemical profiling. In A. variabilis , Pb accumulation was highly efficient at the moderate 300 μg L ^-1 exposure (sequestering 135.57 μg g ^-1 ) and 237.70 μg g ^-1 at 500 μg L ^-1 . This metal burden sequentially compromised its photosynthetic capacity, driving a progressive decline in chlorophyll a content, Rubisco activity, and CO ₂ fixation. Concurrently, Pb induced moderate oxidative stress, evidenced by elevated H ₂ O ₂ levels, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation. To cope, A. variabilis upregulated antioxidant enzymes, particularly superoxide dismutase, and initiated metabolic adjustments such as the accumulation of soluble sugars. However, these defenses were insufficient to fully mitigate oxidative damage at the highest concentration. Conversely, C. pyrenoidosa initially sequestered substantially less Pb at 300 μg L ^-1 (52.89 μg g ^-1 ) but demonstrated a massive surge in intracellular accumulation at 500 μg L ^-1 (205.09 μg g ^-1 ). At this elevated concentration, C. pyrenoidosa exhibited significantly greater photosynthetic susceptibility and severe oxidative stress, marked by a sharp increase in NADPH oxidase activity. To survive this severe toxicity, the microalga deployed extreme metabolic plasticity. This response was characterized by the robust activation of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione, and ascorbate, alongside profound metabolic reprogramming involving the accumulation of glycine, specific organic acids, and extensive remodeling of its fatty acid composition. In a nutshell, A. variabilis demonstrated a higher Pb accumulation capacity under moderate exposure, whereas C. pyrenoidosa displayed marked metabolic plasticity under severe Pb stress. These distinct differences underscore complementary traits that are potentially highly advantageous for designing integrated phycoremediation and biomonitoring applications.