This study provides a comprehensive anatomical and histological description of the eyelids of the Egyptian agama, Trapelus mutabilis. Both the movable upper and lower eyelids, as well as the thin and reduced third eyelid, represent distinctive features of the Egyptian agama's eye. The upper eyelid appears shorter than the lower one; furthermore, the cranial skin above the upper eyelid extends laterally to form a superior projection. Micro-ornamentations and sensory organs are located at the tips of the eyelid scales, which are arranged in an imbricated pattern. The histological structure of the upper eyelid closely resembles that of the lower eyelid. The external surface of both eyelids consists of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium composed of two to four cell layers, while the internal surface is lined with stratified cuboidal epithelium. Melanophores and iridophores constitute the principal pigment cells in both eyelids. The third eyelid is a reduced fold with a concave surface that connects posteriorly with the lacrimal gland at the medial canthus of the eye. Its external surface is covered by stratified squamous epithelium, whereas the internal surface is lined with one or two layers of cuboidal cells with rounded nuclei that are continuous with the conjunctival epithelium. Video recordings of the species under laboratory conditions demonstrated synchronization between eyelid and eyeball movements. Based on these observations, the present authors propose that this species possesses multiple structural and functional adaptations that enhance ocular protection. Protection against ultraviolet radiation is reinforced by two types of pigment cells, while the hard eyelid scales, superior extensions of wide scales, and the presence of sensory organs at the scale tips collectively enhance the protective reflex against external stimuli. These features represent morphological adaptations to the harsh environmental conditions in which this species lives.

Water scarcity and the rising cost of chemical fertilizers pose major challenges to sustainable crop production in Egypt, particularly in sandy soils with low
fertility. This study was conducted during the winters of 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 to investigate the combined effects of different irrigation levels and
Nostoc algae extract on soil properties and wheat (Triticum aestivum) productivity. Three irrigation levels (100%, 80%, and 60% of crop evapotranspiration
[ETc]) were evaluated with and without added algae. To analyze our data, we performed an analysis of variance (ANOVA) to evaluate differences among the
treatments; correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relationships among soil properties and plant properties. The results showed that application
of algae significantly increased soil organic matter under all irrigation treatments. In contrast, soil pH decreased in response to addition of algae, with the
greatest reduction observed under the 60% ETc treatment (0.29 and 0.31 units in the first and second growing seasons, respectively). Water productivity
differed significantly among treatments, following the order: 80% ETc > 100% ETc > 60% ETc (p ≤ 0.05). The application of algae under the 80% ETc regime
increased water productivity by 12.01% and 12.19% in the first and second seasons, respectively, compared with the treatment without algae. Moreover,
organic matter exhibited a strong positive correlation with N, P, and K contents in both straw and grain. The total yield reached its greatest level at 100% ETc
with algae (5,526.43 ± 61.30 kg feddan−1), whereas the lowest value was reported at 60% ETc without algae (2,880.97 ± 37.81 kg feddan−1). Overall,
application of algae contributed to improved soil properties, enhanced soil nutrients, structure and moisture retention, and mitigated yield losses
associated with reduced irrigation. These findings suggest that integrating algae biofertilizers with deficit irrigation strategies can serve as a sustainable
approach to improve wheat production in sandy soils under water-limited conditions.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) provide adaptable platforms for drug delivery and antibacterial applications
owing to their adjustable porosity, high surface area, and catalytic characteristics. We present the
environmentally friendly, room-temperature synthesis of ZIF-8 nanocomposites, both with and without
penicillin G encapsulation. The materials were comprehensively evaluated using XRD, Raman spectroscopy,
FT-IR, DRS, SEM, and nitrogen sorption isotherms. Structural investigation verified high crystallinity,
preservation of framework integrity upon drug encapsulation, and enabled the formation of hierarchical
porosity with interparticle mesopores. SEM images identified nanoscale particles (50–100 nm), whereas
DRS spectra showed a blue shift following drug encapsulation, suggesting an interaction between penicillin
G and the ZIF-8 framework. The antibacterial assessment against Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus,
Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa) bacteria revealed superior efficacy of penicillin-loaded ZIF-8 (ZIF3), resulting in decreasing CFU
counts and lower MIC values relative to free penicillin and chloramphenicol (positive control antibiotic).
These findings support the promise of ZIF-8-based nanocomposites as effective antibacterial agents for
applications in wound healing, drug delivery, and public health protection.

Azo dyes demonstrate dose-dependent carcinogenic and mutagenic effects in exposed
cells. Among remediation approaches, microbial adsorption is the most sustainable and
environmentally friendly method for eliminating azo dyes. A novel Aspergillus terreus silica
composite was developed as a sustainable adsorbent for crystal violet dye (CVD) removal.
The fungal strain was isolated from dye wastewater and was genetically identified by 18S
rRNA gene sequencing. Dried mycelia of A. terreus (PX920301) were combined with SiO2
(1:1 w/w) through iterative hydration-drying cycles, yielding a composite characterized by
FTIR analyses. Removal CVD %, adsorption capacity, and CVD residual were calculated,
and the adsorption process was optimized using Box–Behnken design (four factors, 25 runs).
The biosafety of the composite was assessed for phytotoxicity and microbial toxicity. The
composite was also applied to real dyes wastewater collected from the bacteriological
laboratory. Aspergillus terreus-silica composite showed the highest CVD removal percentage
by 85.4%, adsorption capacity (qe) 121.1 mg/L, and lowest CVD residual by 7.26 mg/L,
followed by the dried active mycelia (DA-mycelia) with CVD removal 40.23%, adsorption
capacity (qe) 57.05 mg/L, and CVD residual by 29.73 mg/L. Optimization data cleared that
the maximum experimental values of CVD removal (%) was 99.59% (predicted value 100%)
obtained in run number (4) using initial CVD concentration (200 mg/L), pH (8), adsorbent
composite weight (0.1 g), and contact time (48 h). Biosafety evaluation demonstrated
negligible phytotoxicity against Triticum aestivum seedlings post-treatment, with restored
germination and growth comparable to controls. Microbial toxicity assays via well-diffusion
to seven microbial isolates confirmed no toxic activities against the tested bacteria, yeast,
and fungi, underscoring the composite’s environmental safety. The composite could
decolorize the real dye wastewater of laboratories by 95.37%. In conclusion, A. terreus
mycelial-silica composite offers a cost-effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly alternative
solution for dye bioremediation.

In the current industrial scenario, cobalt (Co) as a metal is of great importance but poses a major threat to the ecosystem because of its toxicity, but fewer studies have been conducted on its effects and alleviation strategies by using plant growth-promoting rhizo-bacteria (PGPR) and nanoparticles (NPs). Taking into consideration the positive effects of silver nanoparticles (Ag−NPs) and Bacillus cereus in reducing Co toxicity in plants, the present study was conducted. A pot experiment was conducted to determine the effects of individual application of different levels (10 and 20 µL) of B. cereus and Ag−NPs (25 and 40 mg L^⁻1) on Co accumulation, morpho-physio-biochemical attributes of Sorghum bicolor L. exposed to severe Co stress [0 (without Co stress), 15 and 25 mg kg⁻¹ in soil]. The research outcomes indicated that elevated levels of Co stress in the soil significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments, and gas exchange attributes. However, Co stress also induced oxidative stress in the plants by increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), which also induced increased compounds of various enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, organic acids, and also the gene expression and sugar content. Furthermore, a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in proline metabolism, was observed. Although, the application of B. cereus showed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in plant growth and biomass, gas exchange characteristics, enzymatic and non-enzymatic compounds, and their gene expression and also decreased oxidative stress and also organic acid exudation pattern. The application of B. cereus and Ag−NPs decreased the proline metabolism in S. bicolor plants. Research findings, therefore, suggest that the application of B. cereus and Ag−NPs can ameliorate Co toxicity in S. bicolor, resulting in improved plant growth and composition under metal stress, as depicted by balanced antioxidant defense mechanism. These findings highlight the potential of nanotechnology and beneficial microbes as sustainable strategies for mitigating heavy metal toxicity and improving crop performance in contaminated soils, thereby contributing to environmentally resilient agricultural systems

Highly active catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) derived from transition metals are crucial for boosting the performance of catalytic electrolysis of water, a key technology for sustainable hydrogen production. This research highlights the design and synthesis of FeM@Co layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoflowers, where M represents Co, Mn, or Ni, prepared through a facile two-step electrodeposition method. Introducing diverse transition metals significantly modulates the interfacial synergy between the nanostructured Co LDH and the FeM decoration, thereby tuning the electronic structure and electrocatalytic efficiency. Comparative evaluation of the hybrid structures revealed that FeNi@Co LDH nanoflowers exhibit the most remarkable OER activity, with an overpotential of only 266 mV at 100 mA∙cm⁻², a minimal Tafel slope of 21 mV∙dec⁻¹, and excellent durability over 50 h under prolonged operation at 100 mA∙cm⁻². Beyond half-cell studies, a full-cell electrolyzer employing FeNi@Co LDH serving as the anode, with Pt/C functioning as the cathode, delivered 10 mA∙cm⁻² at only 1.43 V, underscoring its high energy efficiency and practical viability. These findings highlight the promise of tailored FeM@Co LDH architectures as high-performance catalysts, contributing valuable knowledge to the purposeful design of advanced materials for efficient water-splitting and clean energy applications.