The Differential Efficiency of Chlorella vulgaris and Oscillatoria sp. to Treat the Municipal Wastewater

The utilization of microalgae to treat wastewater becomes an alternative biological wastewater treatment technique worldwide because of its low cost and environmental clean. Chlorella vulgaris and Oscillatoria sp. were cultured in municipal wastewater under controlled laboratory conditions with continuous light illumination and aeration. Physical properties (pH, TDS and Salinity), and nutrient contents (ammonia, nitrite and total phosphorus)were measured in the raw wastewater. Growth rates of the cultured species in terms of optical densities and cell counts, nutrient salts removal efficiencies were measured during the experimental durations after; 24, 48, 72, 96 , 120 and 144hrs. Lipids, proteins and carbohydrates contents were also evaluated after 144hrs. The recorded optical density of Chlorella vulgaris was 0.188±0.01 at 680 nm and 0.17±0.01 at 750 nm after 24hrs then increased to 1.45±0.002 at 680nm and 1.43±0.01 at 750nm at the end of 120hrs, meanwhile the optical density of Oscillatoria sp. was increased from 0.132±0.01 at 680 nm and 0.102±0.01 at 750 nm after 24hrs to 1.054±0.004 at 680 nm and 0.99±0.002 at 750 nm at the end of 120hrs of the experiment. On the other hand, the cell count of Chlorella vulgaris was enriched from 6.8±2.2 cell/ml after 24hrs to 720±120 cell/ml at the end of 120h of the culturing. Overall, efficiencies of nutrients removal were 99.426%, 100% and 82.211% for ammonia, nitrite and total phosphorus respectively at the end of 120hrs of Chlorella vulgaris culturing, while Oscillatoria sp nutrient removal efficiencies recorded 98.125%, 100% and 84.718% for ammonia, Nitrite and total phosphorus respectively. Chlorella vulgaris biomass was estimated 26.66±7.5% lipid 35.1±1.6% protein and 29.34±3.25% carbohydrate, however Oscillatoria sp. biomass was estimated 11.76±0.79% lipids, 32.9±1.92% protein and 27.36±3.78% carbohydrates. Keywords: municipal Wastewater, Chlorella vulgaris, Oscillatoria sp., nutrient removal, biochemical parameters

In-vitro investigation of biofilm-specific resistance and virulence of biofilm-forming uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the primary etiologic agent of urinary tract infections (UTIs). This study aimed to investigate the difference in antimicrobial susceptibility of UPEC isolates in the planktonic and biofilm states. Important virulence factors were also evaluated. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined and recorded as 0.5-64 μg/ ml for amikacin, 0.5-64 μg/ ml for cefotaxime, 0.25-64 μg/ ml for cefepime, 0.25-16 μg/ ml for meropenem, and 0.125-32 μg/ ml for ciprofloxacin. Biofilm-specific resistance was assessed using the minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC). The obtained results for MBEC were: 8-512 μg/ ml for amikacin, 32-512 μg/ ml for cefotaxime, 8-512 μg/ ml for cefepime, 4-256 μg/ ml for meropenem, and 4-128 μg/ ml for ciprofloxacin. The virulence factors were evaluated using suitable phenotypic techniques. Our findings revealed a significant enhancement in the antimicrobial resistance after biofilm formation. The MBEC values were higher than the MIC values by 2-128 folds for amikacin, 2-256 folds for cefotaxime, 2-64 folds for cefepime, 8-128 folds for meropenem, and 4-128 folds for ciprofloxacin. The swimming and swarming motilities demonstrated a significant positive correlation (rs = 0.506, P< 0.001). Protease production analysis revealed a large variation, with the weak biofilm-producing isolates EW2 and EW15 displaying the largest zone diameters of 39 mm and 33 mm; respectively. We have also evaluated the distribution and levels of siderophore production, which were significantly associated with meropenem resistance. Finally, this study underscores the importance of considering biofilm formation in UPEC treatment and emphasizes the need for therapeutics targeting these biofilms

Autoxidation of 4-Hydrazinylquinolin-2(1H)-one; Synthesis of Pyridazino[4,3-c:5,6-c′]diquinoline-6,7(5H,8H)-diones

An efficient synthesis of a series of pyridazino[4,3-c:5,6-c′]diquinolines was achieved via the autoxidation of 4-hydrazinylquinolin-2(1H)-ones. IR, NMR (1H and 13C), mass spectral data, and elemental analysis were used to fit and elucidate the structures of the newly synthesized compounds. X-ray structure analysis and theoretical calculations unequivocally proved the formation of the structure. The possible mechanism for the reaction is also discussed

Effect of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles on glucose homeostasis on type 2 diabetes experimental model

[Aims]: Evaluation of the anti-diabetic effect of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) on Type 2 diabetic rats and compared their effect to metformin treatment.[Main methods]: Diabetic rats were treated with different doses of nanoparticles one time per week for 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose level was determined for studied groups during the experimental period (30 days). At the end of the experiment, oral glucose tolerance test was carried out, serum samples were collected for biochemical assays. Then animals were sacrificed to obtain tissues for assessment of glucose transporters, insulin receptors and insulin signaling proteins.[Key finding]: SPIONs treatment normalized fasting blood glucose and lowering insulin level in diabetic rats compared to untreated diabetic rats. SPIONs significantly ameliorate the glucose sensing and the active components of insulin signaling pathway. The anti-diabetic effects of SPIONs may be mediated through its effect on (i) hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha content, which induced by SPIONs treatment in a dose-dependent manner, (ii) adipocytokines as SPIONs treated diabetic rats showed significantly higher levels of adiponectin and lower retinol binding protein 4 compared to untreated diabetic rats, (iii) lipid profile as SPIONs treatment significantly corrected the lipid profile in a dose-dependent manner and to a similar extent as metformin or even better.[Significance]: To our knowledge, this is the first study that explores the anti-diabetic effects of SPIONs on diabetic model.This work was partially supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (Grant PGC2018-095795-B-I00) and by the European Union's Horizon 2020 FET Open Programme (Grant no. 801305).Peer reviewe

Autoxidation of 4-Hydrazinylquinolin-2(1H)-one; Synthesis of Pyridazino[4,3-c:5,6-c′]diquinoline-6,7(5H,8H)-diones

An efficient synthesis of a series of pyridazino[4,3-c:5,6-c′]diquinolines was achieved via the autoxidation of 4-hydrazinylquinolin-2(1H)-ones. IR, NMR (1H and 13C), mass spectral data, and elemental analysis were used to fit and elucidate the structures of the newly synthesized compounds. X-ray structure analysis and theoretical calculations unequivocally proved the formation of the structure. The possible mechanism for the reaction is also discussed

Autoxidation of 4-Hydrazinylquinolin-2(1H)-one; Synthesis of Pyridazino[4,3-c : 5,6-c ']diquinoline-6,7(5H,8H)-diones

An efficient synthesis of a series of pyridazino[4,3-c:5,6-c']diquinolines was achieved via the autoxidation of 4-hydrazinylquinolin-2(1H)-ones. IR, NMR (H-1 and C-13), mass spectral data, and elemental analysis were used to fit and elucidate the structures of the newly synthesized compounds. X-ray structure analysis and theoretical calculations unequivocally proved the formation of the structure. The possible mechanism for the reaction is also discussed.Peer reviewe

Autoxidation of 4-Hydrazinylquinolin-2(1H)-one; Synthesis of Pyridazino[4,3-c:5,6-c′ ]diquinoline-6,7(5H,8H)-diones

An efficient synthesis of a series of pyridazino[4,3-c:5,6-c′]diquinolines was achieved via the autoxidation of 4-hydrazinylquinolin-2(1H)-ones. IR, NMR ($^1$H and $^13$C), mass spectral data, and elemental analysis were used to fit and elucidate the structures of the newly synthesized compounds. X-ray structure analysis and theoretical calculations unequivocally proved the formation of the structure. The possible mechanism for the reaction is also discussed

A phase 1 study of mTORC1/2 inhibitor BI 860585 as a single agent or with exemestane or paclitaxel in patients with advanced solid tumors

This phase 1 trial (NCT01938846) determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the mTOR serine/threonine kinase inhibitor, BI 860585, as monotherapy and with exemestane or paclitaxel in patients with advanced solid tumors. This 3+3 dose-escalation study assessed BI 860585 monotherapy (5-300 mg/day; Arm A), BI 860585 (40-220 mg/day; Arm B) with 25 mg/day exemestane, and BI 860585 (80-220 mg/day; Arm C) with 60-80 mg/m(2)/week paclitaxel, in 28-day cycles. Primary endpoints were the number of patients with dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) in cycle 1 and the MTD. Forty-one, 25, and 24 patients were treated (Arms A, B, and C). DLTs were observed in four (rash (n= 2), elevated alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase, diarrhea), four (rash (n= 3), stomatitis, and increased gamma-glutamyl transferase), and two (diarrhea, increased blood creatine phosphokinase) patients in cycle 1. The BI 860585 MTD was 220 mg/day (Arm A) and 160 mg/day (Arms B and C). Nine patients achieved an objective response (Arm B: Four partial responses (PRs); Arm C: Four PRs; one complete response). The disease control rate was 20%, 28%, and 58% (Arms A, B, and C). The most frequent treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were hyperglycemia (54%) and diarrhea (39%) (Arm A); diarrhea (40%) and stomatitis (40%) (Arm B); fatigue (58%) and diarrhea (58%) (Arm C). The MTD was determined in all arms. Antitumor activity was observed with BI 860585 monotherapy and in combination with exemestane or paclitaxel

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

Proceedings of Abstracts, School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science Research Conference 2022

© 2022 The Author(s). This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. For further details please see https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Plenary by Prof. Timothy Foat, ‘Indoor dispersion at Dstl and its recent application to COVID-19 transmission’ is © Crown copyright (2022), Dstl. This material is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] present proceedings record the abstracts submitted and accepted for presentation at SPECS 2022, the second edition of the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science Research Conference that took place online, the 12th April 2022