Analysis and study of the bioelectric production potential of actinomycete and microbial isolates in industrial glass factory wastewater using a microbial fuel cell

A microbial fuel cell (MFC), a novel technology, is a biochemical catalyzer system that can convert the chemical energy of materials to bioelectric energy. This system can serve as a unique device for the treatment of wastewater. Based on this knowledge, we decided to study the bioenergy production ability of Actinomycete and microbial isolates in industrial glass factory wastewater as the decomposers of organic materials in this wastewater and the generation of Voltage and current in two batches and fed-batch conditions. At the most favorable condition maximum of 1.08 V (current 3.66 mA and power density 2.88 mW/m2), 81.2% chemical oxygen demand was obtained for a fed-batch system. Also, the outcomes of MFC’s essential parameters, for example, pH and TDS, were studied before and after the performance of MFC. The results showed a significant decrease after the operation of the MFC. To realize which Actinomycete were the most powerful bioelectric microorganism, the growth curve and electricity performance of three kinds of Actinomycete was selected. Results showed that the C2 would be more potent because its Voltage of 0.224 V and current of 1.187 mA possessed by it would result in an excellent power density of 141.42 mW/m2

Antifungal Activity of Silver Nanoparticles, Copper Nanoparticles, Their Combination and with Amphotericin B against Candida glabrata In vitro and In vivo

Abstract Background: Candida glabrata is the fourth most common cause of blood infection in America and, due to its resistance to amphotericin B, we have to look for new therapies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal properties of silver nanoparticles, copper and combine them together with amphotericin B in order to produce an effective drug. Materials and Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) for nano silver copper and combining them together and amphotericin B was conducted by macro dilution. By intraperitoneal injection, anti-fungal effect of nano silver, copper and combining them together and amphotericin B was evaluated in a mouse model. Results: The amounts of MIC and MFC for silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles and their combination were 31 and 62.50 ppm, 31 and 62.50 ppm, and 31and 15.50 ppm, respectively. The amounts of MIC and MFC for the combination of silver nanoparticles and amphotericin B were 8 and 15.5 ppm, also, 15.5 and 31 ppm for the combination of copper nanoparticles and amphotericin B. Mouse model study confirmed the effect of silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles and combining them together and amphotericin B against Candida glabrata. The combination of silver and copper nanoparticles had maximum effect and the combination of silver and copper nanoparticles with amphotericin B had minimum effect in animal model. Conclusion: The combination of silver and copper nanoparticles has a better effect than other groups

The Antifungal Effect of Silver, Copper Nanoparticles, and Their Combination and in combination with Amphotericin B against Candida albicans In Vitro and in Animal Model

Background and Objectives: Candida is a genus of yeasts and is considered as the most common cause of fungal infections in the medical world. In this research, the antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, and their combination and with amphotericin B, was investigated in order to produce an effective antimicrobial drug against against infections caused by Candida albicans.   Methods: In this experimental study, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) for silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, and their combination form and in combination with amphotericin B, was performed based on microdilution method. Then, their antifungal effect was investigated in infected mouse model.   Results: MIC and MFC of silver nanoparticles for Candida albicans were, respectively, 8 ppm and 15.50 ppm, of copper nanoparticles were 62.50ppm and 125 ppm, and of their combination form were 31 ppm and 62.50 ppm. MIC and MFC of silver nanoparticles in combination with amphotericin B for Candida albicans were, respectively, 15.50ppm and 31ppm, and for the combination of copper nanoparticles and amphotericin B against Candida albicans was obtained 8ppm and 15.50ppm. The mouse model study confirmed the antifungal effect of the nanoparticles against Candida albicans; so that silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, and their combination showed the highest antifungal effect, and combination of silver or copper nanoparticles with amphotericin B had the lowest antifungal effect in the animal model.   Conclusion: The results showed that silver, copper nanoparticles, and their combination form have higher antimicrobial effect compared to antifungal amphotericin B.   &nbsp

Drivers’ Addiction Toward Cell Phone Use While Driving

Background: The use of a cell phone when driving has been recognized as a type of distraction worldwide. Addictive tendency to use technology, including cell phone use while driving may be a substantial problem for drivers and increasing risk of accidents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of drivers’ addiction to use a cell phone while driving.  Materials and Methods: A sample of 400 drivers with ages 18-65 years old completed a questionnaire which was designed based on Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Hierarchical regression analysis was utilized to predict drivers’ addiction to use a cell phone while driving on demographic characteristics and TPB components.  Results: Drivers had mean age of 35.63(8.72) and were 77% male, and 23% female. Tests of validity and reliability were conducted for every variable. According to findings, the hierarchical regression analysis model showed that the TPB was able to predict 59% variance in addiction toward cell phone use and attitude emerging as the strongest predictor during this analysis. All components of TPB were more independent to age than gender. Conclusion: The fundamental TPB components were directly associated with the addiction to use a cell phone when driving. The present study has identified that older drivers were considerably less probable to use a cell phone while driving. Also this study showed that males use a cell phone significantly more frequent. More practical road safety measures are required to rebuff and mitigate the effects of using cell phones while driving

Characterization and in vitro probiotic assessment of potential indigenous Bacillus strains isolated from soil rhizosphere

BACKGROUND: Probiotics mainly Bacillus species can be advantageous to the host by promoting its intestinal balance. Attempts were made to isolate and identify Bacillus strains from rhizosphere environment. METHODS: The in vitro probiotic criteria were used for screening and characterizing potential Bacillus probiotics. Morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics as well as 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis were utilized for identification of the isolates. Seven isolates were chosen based on withstanding to acidic condition (pH 2.5) and various bile salt concentrations (1-4%(w/v)). RESULTS: Isolates found to have the least antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes PTCC 1163, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 1912 and Bacillus cereus PTCC 1015; however, no activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 25922 was observed. The Bacillus Isolates showed different variation in auto-aggregation features and adhesion to hydrocarbons ranging from 60% to 90% and 10% to 60%, respectively. Excluding isolate 14 that exhibited resistance to penicillin and ampicillin, all the other Bacillus strains were sensitive to the tested antibiotics. All isolates showed relatively low cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cell line except strains 12 and 14. CONCLUSION: Taking together, among the investigated Bacillus isolates, strains 17 and S10 found to be the most promising candidates to fulfill in vitro probiotic specifications