USE OF OKARA WASTE FOR ALGAE NUTRITION

Chlorella vulgaris belonging to Chlorophyta and Nannochloropsis  oculata belonging to Chrythophytawere used in the currentstudy to evaluate whether their successive indoor growth using industrial food waste (okara) as a growth medium enriched with organic carbon and nitrogenThe basic nutrient solutions were BG-II for Chlorella, while F2 was used for Nannochloropsis growth. Okara was used in four concentrations ( 25 , 50 , 75 and 100% )  verses to control and based on its initial nitrogen content. Original waste was diluted by 4 fold of tape water prior inoculation. The investigated parameters were dry weigh (g.l-1); total chlorophyll (mg.l-1) and total carotenoids (mg.l-1). Maximum dry weight of Chlorella was obtained with 25% of okara waste. As for Nannochloropsis, a slight increase was observed with all okara concentrations used. Lower okara concentration (25%) enhanced chlorophyll accumulation by Chlorella vulgaris, while higher concentration (100%) reached the maximum with Nannochloropsis oculata. Completely opposite pattern was observed with total carotene

Individual and Synergic Effects of Phosphorus and Gibberellic Acid on Organic Acids Exudation Pattern, Ultra-Structure of Chloroplast and Stress Response Gene Expression in Cu-Stressed Jute (Corchorus Capsularis L.)

Copper (Cu) pollution in agricultural soils is considered as a serious health risk due to its accumulation in plants. Thus, there is an urgent need to optimize nutrient application for higher yield with lower Cu uptake to ensure food security. A pot experiment was conducted to determine the effects of single and/or combined application of different levels (0 and 80 kg ha−1) of phosphorus (P) and gibberellic acid (0 and 100 mg L−1) on Cu accumulation, morpho-physiological and antioxidative defence attributes of jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) exposed to severe Cu stress (0, 200 and 400 mg kg−1). Results revealed that C. capsularis tolerated up to 200 mg kg−1 Cu concentration without a significant (

Optimization of calcium carbonate precipitation during alpha-amylase enzyme-induced calcite precipitation (EICP)

The sand production during oil and gas extraction poses a severe challenge to the oil and gas companies as it causes erosion of pipelines and valves, damages the pumps, and ultimately decreases production. There are several solutions implemented to contain sand production including chemical and mechanical means. In recent times, extensive work has been done in geotechnical engineering on the application of enzyme-induced calcite precipitation (EICP) techniques for consolidating and increasing the shear strength of sandy soil. In this technique, calcite is precipitated in the loose sand through enzymatic activity to provide stiffness and strength to the loose sand. In this research, we investigated the process of EICP using a new enzyme named alpha-amylase. Different parameters were investigated to get the maximum calcite precipitation. The investigated parameters include enzyme concentration, enzyme volume, calcium chloride (CaCl2) concentration, temperature, the synergistic impact of magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and CaCl2, Xanthan Gum, and solution pH. The generated precipitate characteristics were evaluated using a variety of methods, including Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was observed that the pH, temperature, and concentrations of salts significantly impact the precipitation. The precipitation was observed to be enzyme concentration-dependent and increase with an increase in enzyme concentration as long as a high salt concentration was available. Adding more volume of enzyme brought a slight change in precipitation% due to excessive enzymes with little or no substrate available. The optimum precipitation (87%) was yielded at 12 pH and with 2.5 g/L of Xanthan Gum as a stabilizer at a temperature of 75°C. The synergistic effect of both CaCl2 and MgCl2 yielded the highest CaCO3 precipitation (32.2%) at (0.6:0.4) molar ratio. The findings of this research exhibited the significant advantages and insights of alpha-amylase enzyme in EICP, enabling further investigation of two precipitation mechanisms (calcite precipitation and dolomite precipitation)

Psychological distress, fear and coping strategies during the second and third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Germany

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed enormous psychological discomfort and fear across the globe, including Germany. Objectives: To assess the levels of COVID-19 associated psychological distress and fear amongst Southern German population, and to identify their coping strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire was conducted in healthcare and community settings in the region of Ulm, Southern Germany. Assessment inventories were the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS), and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), which were valid and reliable tools. Results: A total of 474 Individuals participated in the study. The mean age was 33.6 years, and 327 (69%) were females. Most participants (n = 381, 80.4%) had high levels of psychological distress, whereas only 5.1% had high levels of fear, and two-thirds of participants showed higher levels of coping. Moderate to very high levels of psychological distress were associated with being female, living alone, distress due to employment changes, experiencing financial impact, having multiple co-morbidities, being a smoker, increased alcohol use over the previous 6 months, contact with COVID-19 cases and healthcare providers for COVID-19-related stress. Individuals who wer

Effects of Electrohydraulic Therapy of Shock Waves on Pain and Lymphedema Measurement Post-Radical Mastectomy

Background: Lymphedema post-mastectomy remains a challenging problem. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of shock wave electrohydraulic treatment (ESWT) for patients with pain and lymphedema. Methods: Thirty patients (30 women) with pain & lymphedema post-radical mastectomy were evaluated to participate in this Clinical trial. They were recruited from the Minia Cancer Institute- Minia University and Deraya University outpatient clinics. Their ages varied between the ages of 40 and 50 years. They were divided into two groups. Group (1) 'Group of studies': 15 patients seeking ESWT in addition to conventional medical care. Group (2) 'Control group': 15 people seeking conventional medical care only. Patients of the study group (1) were treated with a number of impulses, at least 500 shocks at E2 at 4Hz (equivalent to 0.11mJ/mm square energy). Treatment sessions were delivered twice weekly for six treatments (3 weeks). The assessment used a Visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and arm circumference midway between the shoulder and elbow for lymphedema measurement. Results: showed that (ESWT) on pain and lymphedema measurement post-radical mastectomy effectively decreased pain as evidenced by the highly significant decreases in the visual analogue scale. These results revealed a substantial VAS reduction (P<0.0001). Effects of the ESWT on lymphedema measurement via the arm circumference measurement at the point where the shoulder and the elbow meet post-radical mastectomy were investigated. These results revealed a notable reduction in the mean value of the arm circumference measurement (ACM) (P<0.0001). Conclusion: The significant reductions in VAS and assessment of the ACM arm range show that the ESWT, in addition to conventional therapy, significantly impacted upper limb structural components following radical mastectomy

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Impact of opioid-free analgesia on pain severity and patient satisfaction after discharge from surgery: multispecialty, prospective cohort study in 25 countries

Background: Balancing opioid stewardship and the need for adequate analgesia following discharge after surgery is challenging. This study aimed to compare the outcomes for patients discharged with opioid versus opioid-free analgesia after common surgical procedures.Methods: This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study collected data from patients undergoing common acute and elective general surgical, urological, gynaecological, and orthopaedic procedures. The primary outcomes were patient-reported time in severe pain measured on a numerical analogue scale from 0 to 100% and patient-reported satisfaction with pain relief during the first week following discharge. Data were collected by in-hospital chart review and patient telephone interview 1 week after discharge.Results: The study recruited 4273 patients from 144 centres in 25 countries; 1311 patients (30.7%) were prescribed opioid analgesia at discharge. Patients reported being in severe pain for 10 (i.q.r. 1-30)% of the first week after discharge and rated satisfaction with analgesia as 90 (i.q.r. 80-100) of 100. After adjustment for confounders, opioid analgesia on discharge was independently associated with increased pain severity (risk ratio 1.52, 95% c.i. 1.31 to 1.76; P &lt; 0.001) and re-presentation to healthcare providers owing to side-effects of medication (OR 2.38, 95% c.i. 1.36 to 4.17; P = 0.004), but not with satisfaction with analgesia (beta coefficient 0.92, 95% c.i. -1.52 to 3.36; P = 0.468) compared with opioid-free analgesia. Although opioid prescribing varied greatly between high-income and low- and middle-income countries, patient-reported outcomes did not.Conclusion: Opioid analgesia prescription on surgical discharge is associated with a higher risk of re-presentation owing to side-effects of medication and increased patient-reported pain, but not with changes in patient-reported satisfaction. Opioid-free discharge analgesia should be adopted routinely

Effect of Adding Different Concentrations of CaCO3-SiO2 Nanoparticles on Tear Strength and Hardness of Maxillofacial Silicone Elastomers

The service life of a facial prosthesis is about six months as a result of the impairment in its mechanical or physical properties; thus, introducing a new reinforced maxillofacial silicone material can help in fabricating a long service life prosthesis that eliminates the burden for the patients both financially and psychologically. In this study, forty samples were fabricated by adding different concentrations of CaCO3-SiO2 nanoparticles composite to maxillofacial silicone elastomer. These samples were divided into four groups, each one containing ten samples according to the concentration of the fillers (0%, 1%, 2% and 3%). All samples were tested for tear strength and hardness tests. The study results show that CaCO3-SiO2 nanoparticles composite has a significant effect on both conducted tests. It can be concluded that reinforcing the silicone matrix with 2% CaCO3-SiO2 nanoparticles composite can improve the tear strength of the tested silicone and increase its hardness

Existence of results and computational analysis of a fractional order two strain epidemic model

In this paper, we investigate fractional order two strain epidemic model in the sense of ABC operator. This study includes existence and uniqueness of solution, stability and numerical simulations of the model under consideration. Fixed point postulates are used for the existence and uniqueness of solution. A theoretical approach is employed to investigate sufficient results for Hyers–Ulam’s stability to the model under study. For the numerical demonstration Lagrange’s interpolation polynomial technique is utilized. Graphical presentations against different fractional orders are displayed