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In 2019 the EU Marie Sklodowska-Curie Training Network P-TRAP has been launched and is now approaching its end. The project has been targeting the diffuse flux of phosphate (P) into surface waters, i.e. the problems of understanding and controlling environmental P fluxes. P-TRAP has been aiming to develop new methods and approaches to trap P in drained agricultural areas and in the sediments of eutrophic lakes. The P-TRAP technologies have in common that they rely on the naturally strong connection between the biogeochemical cycling of P and iron (Fe). Trapping of P involved the application of Fe-containing by-products from drinking water treatment. P-TRAP aspired the ideas of a circular economy and aimed at recovering the retained P in agricultural systems and to convert it into valuable products for agricultural applications. In order to direct and support the development of the technologies, process-orientated investigations on the behaviour of P during the transformation of Fe minerals have been conducted. The poster will highlight some results from the project and will present conclusions, which can be drawn based on the current achievements.

Understanding earth materials is essential for the creation of a sustainable, carbon-neutral society. Earth materials control the feasibility of subsurface energy storage, geothermal energy extraction, and are a source of critical elements for future-proof battery technologies. To tackle the current, pressing scientific questions related to sustainable development for a circular economy, there is an urgent need to make multi-scale, multi-dimensional characterisations of earth materials available to a broad spectrum of earth-science disciplines. Besides society-relevant topics, the properties of earth materials determine how the Earth works on the most fundamental level.To overcome this challenge, 15 European institutes joined forces to establish EXCITE, providing free-of-charge access to 24 state-of-the art microscopy and x-ray tomography facilities in Europe. EXCITE can help you gain insight into the processes governing the behavior of the Earth crust through microchemical analyses and 2D- to 4D imaging, and down to nanometer resolution. In particular, the EXCITE strategy integrates joint research programs with networking, training, and trans-national access activities, thereby enabling both academia and industry to answer critical questions in earth-materials science and technology. EXCITE is building a community of highly qualified earth scientists, develops correlative imaging technologies providing access to world-class facilities to particularly new and non-expert users that are often hindered from engaging in problem-solving microscopy of earth-materials. EXCITE is building a community of highly qualified earth scientists, develops correlative imaging technologies providing access to world-class facilities to particularly new and non-expert users that are often hindered from engaging in problem-solving microscopy of earth-materials. Access to EXCITE can be requested by applying to our bi-annual call. Interested? Have a look on the EXCITE website (https://excite-network.eu) – and apply!

Ambitious methane (CH4) emissions mitigation represents one of the most effective opportunities to slow the rate of global warming over the next decades. The oil and gas (O&G) sector is a significant source of methane emissions, with technically feasible and cost-effective emission mitigation options. Romania, a key O&G producer within the EU, with one of the highest reported annual CH4 emissions from the energy sector (Greenhouse Gas Inventory Data - Comparison by Category, 2022), can play an important role towards the EU’s emission reduction targets. In this study, we quantify CH4 emissions from onshore oil production sites in Romania at source and facility level using a combination of ground-based measurement techniques. Measured emissions were characterised by heavily skewed distributions, with 10 % of the sites accounting for more than 70 % of total emissions. Integrating the results from all site-level quantifications with different approaches, we derive a central estimate of 5.4 kg h–1 site-1 of CH4 (3.6–8.4, 95 % confidence interval) for oil production sites. This estimate represents one of the highest when compared to measurement-based estimates of similar facilities from other production regions. Based on our results, we estimate a total of 120 ktons CH4 yr–1 (range: 79–180 ktons yr–1) from oil wells in our studied areas in Romania. This is approximately 2.5 times higher than the total reported emissions from the Romanian oil production sector for 2020. Based on the source level characterization, up to three quarters of the detected emissions from oil production sites are related to operational venting. Our results suggest that O&G production infrastructure in Romania holds a massive mitigation potential, specifically by implementing measures to capture the gas and minimize operational venting and leaks.

New effective, economical and safe antimalarial drugs are urgently needed due to the development of multi-drug-resistant strains of the parasite. Homeopathy uses ultra-diluted doses of various substances to stimulate autoregulatory and self-healing processes to cure various ailments. The aim of the study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antimalarial efficacy of a homeopathic drug, Chininum sulphuricum 30C.In vitro antiplasmodial activity was screened against the P. falciparum chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) strain, and cell viability was assessed against normal human dermal fibroblasts and HepG2 cells. Suppressive, preventive and curative studies were carried out against P. berghei-infected mice in vivo.Chininum sulphuricum (30C) revealed good antiplasmodial activity in vitro, with 92.79 ± 6.93% inhibition against the 3D7 strain. The cell viability was 83.6 ± 0.6% against normal human dermal fibroblasts and 95.22 ± 5.1% against HepG2 cells. It also exhibited suppressive efficacy with 95.56% chemosuppression on day 7 with no mortality throughout the follow-up period of 28 days. It also showed preventive activity against the disease. Drug treatment was also safe to the liver and kidney function of the host as evidenced by biochemical studies.Chininum sulphuricum 30C exhibited considerable antimalarial activity along with safety to the liver and kidney function of the host.Hintergrund: Es besteht dringender Bedarf an neuen wirkungsvollen, ökonomischen und sicheren Malariamedikamenten angesichts der Entwicklung multiresistenter Stämme des Parasiten. In der Homöopathie werden hochverdünnte Dosen verschiedener Substanzen eingesetzt, um selbstregulierende und selbstheilende Prozesse zur Heilung verschiedener Leiden anzustoßen. Das Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Wirksamkeit des homöopathischen Präparats Chininum sulfuricum 30C gegen Malaria in vitro und in vivo zu beurteilen. Methoden: Die antiplasmodiale Aktivität in vitro wurde an P. falciparum, chloroquinsensitiver Stamm (3D7) getestet, und die Zellvitalität wurde bei normalen humanen Dermis-Fibroblasten sowie HepG2-Zellen untersucht. In vivo wurden suppressive, präventive und kurative Studien bei P.-berghei-infizierten Mäusen durchgeführt. Ergebnisse: Chininum sulfuricum (30C) zeigte in vitro gute antiplasmodiale Aktivitätmit 92,79 ± 6,93% Inhibition des 3D7-Stamms. Die Zellvitalität lag bei 83,6 ± 0,6% bei normalen humanen dermalen Fibroblasten bzw. 95,22 ± 5,1% bei HepG2-Zellen.Außerdem zeigte das Präparat suppressive Wirksamkeit mit 95,56% Chemosuppression an Tag 7 ohne Mortalität im gesamten Nachbeobachtungszeitraum von 28 Tagen. Auch zeigte es präventive Wirksamkeit gegen die Krankheit. Die Behandlung war dabei sicher in Bezug auf die Leber- und Nierenfunktion des Wirts, wie biochemische Studien belegen. Schlussfolgerung: Chininum sulfuricum 30C zeigte erhebliche Aktivität gegen die Malariainfektion und war dabei sicher in Bezug auf die Leber- und Nierenfunktion des Wirts.

Vector control is an imperative method for the control of vector borne diseases. Over the last few decades, many methods have been developed for their control and the main goal of these strategies is to reduce the number of mosquito populations to overcome the epidemic situations. Though despite continuous efforts of the present interventions being deployed in the vector control programs we are unable to control the disease transmission and outbreaks. Therefore, it highlights the importance of exploring the challenges which are hindering the success of these strategies and also alternative solutions for the same so as to boost the vector control interventions.

Understanding earth materials is critical to creating a sustainable, carbon-neutral society. Earth materials control the feasibility of subsurface energy storage, geothermal energy extraction, and are a source of critical elements for future-proof battery technologies. Perturbations to geological systems can also result in hazards, such as human-induced earthquakes. If we want to tackle the current, pressing scientific questions related to sustainable development for a circular economy, there is an urgent need to make multi-scale, multi-dimensional characterisations of earth materials available to a broad spectrum of earth-science disciplines. In addition to the society-relevant topics, the properties of earth materials determine how the Earth workson the most fundamental level.To overcome this challenge, 15 European facilities for electron and X-ray microscopy join forces to establish EXCITE. EXCITE is a Horizon Europe infrastructure project, and enables access to high-end microscopy facilities and to join the knowledge and experience from the different institutions. By doing so, EXCITE will develop community-driven technological imaging advancements that will strengthen and extend the current implementation of leading-edge microscopy for earth-materials research. In particular, the EXCITE strategy is to integrate joint research programmes with networking, training, and trans-national access activities, to enable both academia and industry to answer critical questions in earth-materials science and technology. As such, EXCITE builds a community of highly qualified earth scientists, develops correlative imaging technologies providing access to world-class facilities to particularly new and non-expert users that are often hindered from engaging in problem-solving microscopy of earth-materials.This presentation gives an overview EXCITE, its activities and open calls, and the progress of the first year of the project.

The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains of Plasmodium falciparum highlights the need to develop novel antimalarial drugs. Present study explores the in vivo antiplasmodial activity of ethanol leaf extract of Thalictrum foliolosum (ELETF) against lethal murine malaria.The acute toxicity of the extract was assessed by Limit test of Lorke. The suppressive activity of the extract was evaluated by Peter's 4 day test. In vivo preventive and curative activity of ELETF was assessed by Peter's method and Ryley and Peter's method respectively. Biochemical assays were carried out using standard methods.ELETF (1000 mg/kg) exhibited considerable in vivo schizontocidal activity with 67.11% chemosuppression on Day 5. The EDThe study reports the antiplasmodial potential of Thalictrum foliolosum (ELETF) against Plasmodium berghei infection. The extract can be developed as a phytomedicine against malaria. Alternatively, the active components can be isolated as new lead compounds against the disease.

Background and objectives: The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains of Plasmodium falciparum highlights the need to develop novel antimalarial drugs. Present study explores the in vivo antiplasmodial activity of ethanol leaf extract of Thalictrum foliolosum (ELETF) against lethal murine malaria. Methods: The acute toxicity of the extract was assessed by Limit test of Lorke. The suppressive activity of the extract was evaluated by Peter’s 4 day test. In vivo preventive and curative activity of ELETF was assessed by Peter’s method and Ryley and Peter’s method respectively. Biochemical assays were carried out using standard methods. Results: ELETF (1000 mg/kg) exhibited considerable in vivo schizontocidal activity with 67.11% chemosuppression on Day 5. The ED50 of the extract was 579.56 mg/kg. ELETF also showed significant repository activity with 87.70% chemosuppression at 750 mg/kg, which was greater than pyrimethamine (78.78%). ELETF exhibited dose dependent chemosuppression in the curative test with maximum 70.06% chemosuppression (750 mg/kg). Maximum Mean Survival Time (MST) was 19.2±4.60 and 22.66±4.41 days respectively in the suppressive and curative test, which was extremely statistically significant (p

MEMO2 was a 4-years European Training Network with more than 20 collaborators from 7 countries. The project contributed significantly to the targets of the EU with a focus on methane (CH4). CH4 emissions are a major contributor to Europe’s global warming impact, and the official inventories of emissions and estimates derived from direct atmospheric measurement show significant discrepancies. However, effective emission reduction can only be achieved if sources are properly quantified, and mitigation efforts are verified. MEMO2 contributed to advanced combinations of measurement and modelling which are needed to achieve such quantification.With respect to the recently released EU methane strategy and the implementation of independent verification of emissions by atmospheric measurements, we will present some examples of relevant results from MEMO2 up to now:Urban CH4 emissions: We can now detect and quantify CH4 leaks in cities at the street-level with mobile nigh precision analysers. Similar studies have been carried out in >10 EU cities and in collaboration with interested network operators those measurements are ready to be rolled out at larger scale.Oil and gas production: We carried out a large study in the oil and gas production region in Romania (ROMEO), with aircraft, drones and vehicles. The final results are close to publication and help to improve the emission verification.Coal mining: In collaboration with CoMet, another science project, we quantified the CH4 emissions from the Upper Silesian coal mining area. The collaboration and its results contribute to the development of an independent and objective emission monitoring systemModelling: Micro-scale plume modelling is significantly improved. Those models e.g. help to simulate a measurement day as we had during our field campaign in Romania and improve sampling and measurement strategies.

Phosphate (P) as an essential resource for food production is becoming scarce. Its uncontrolled loss from agricultural areas is in conflict with the principles of a circular economy. Enhanced loading of surface waters with P is the main cause for eutrophication and presents a key challenge in meeting the objectives of the EU Water Framework Directive. Understanding and controlling environmental P fluxes therefore is key to target both problems, to develop new methods and approaches to manage environmental P fluxes, and to improve surface water quality.In March 2019 the EU Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network P-TRAP has been launched. P-TRAP establishes a framework of partners from multiple science and engineering disciplines. Integration of non-academic partners from various stakeholder groups into the P-TRAP consortium paves the way for direct implementation of the acquired knowledge. The project is targeting the diffuse flux of phosphate (P) into surface waters, i.e. the problems of understanding and controlling environmental P fluxes. P-TRAP aims to develop new methods and approaches to trap P in drained agricultural areas and in the sediments of eutrophic lakes. Trapping of P involves the application of iron(Fe)-containing by-products from drinking water treatment. P-TRAP aspires the ideas of a circular economy and aims at recovering the retained P in agricultural systems. Novel microbial technologies will be developed to convert P-loaded Fe-minerals into marketable fertilizers whose suitability will be evaluated. The P-TRAP technologies have in common that they rely on the naturally strong connection between P and Fe and the innovative P-TRAP strategies will be underpinned by process-orientated investigations on the behaviour of P during the transformation of Fe minerals. The latter are key in trapping and recycling of P in agricultural systems and lakes. Here we will present the structure and the planned research of the project, including a first overview of achievements of the first two years.

Phosphate (P) as an essential resource for food production is becoming scarce. Its uncontrolled loss from agricultural areas is in conflict with the principles of a circular economy. Enhanced loading of surface waters with P is the main cause for eutrophication and presents a key challenge in meeting the objectives of the EU Water Framework Directive. Understanding and controlling environmental P fluxes therefore is key to target both problems, to develop new methods and approaches to manage environmental P fluxes, and to improve surface water quality.In March 2019 the EU Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network P-TRAP has been launched. P-TRAP establishes a framework of partners from multiple science and engineering disciplines. Integration of non-academic partners from various stakeholder groups into the P-TRAP consortium paves the way for direct implementation of the acquired knowledge. The project is targeting the diffuse flux of phosphate (P) into surface waters, i.e. the problems of understanding and controlling environmental P fluxes. P-TRAP aims to develop new methods and approaches to trap P in drained agricultural areas and in the sediments of eutrophic lakes. Trapping of P involves the application of iron(Fe)-containing by-products from drinking water treatment. P-TRAP aspires the ideas of a circular economy and aims at recovering the retained P in agricultural systems. Novel microbial technologies will be developed to convert P-loaded Fe-minerals into marketable fertilizers whose suitability will be evaluated. The P-TRAP technologies have in common that they rely on the naturally strong connection between P and Fe and the innovative P-TRAP strategies will be underpinned by process-orientated investigations on the behaviour of P during the transformation of Fe minerals. The latter are key in trapping and recycling of P in agricultural systems and lakes. The poster will present the structure and the planned research of the project, including a first overview of achievements of the first year.

Reaching the targets of the Paris Agreement requires massive reductions of greenhouse gas emissions. CH4emissions are a major contributor to Europe’s global warming impact and emissions are not well quantified yet. There are significant discrepancies between official inventories of emissions and estimates derived from direct atmospheric measurement. Effective emission reduction can only be achieved if sources are properly quantified, and mitigation efforts are verified. New advanced combinations of measurement and modelling are needed to archive such quantification.MEMO2is a European Training Network with more than 20 collaborators from 7 countries. It is a 4-years project and will contribute to the targets of the EU with a focus on methane (CH4). The project will bridge the gap between large-scale scientific estimates from in situmonitoring programs and the ‘bottom-up’ estimates of emissions from local sources that are used in the national reporting by I) developing new and advanced mobile methane (CH4) measurements tools and networks, II) isotopic source identification, and III) modelling at different scales. Within the project qualified scientists will be educated in the use and implementation of interdisciplinary knowledge and techniques that are essential to meet and verify emission reduction goals. MEMO2facilitates intensive collaboration between the largely academic greenhouse gas monitoring community and non-academic partners who are responsible for evaluating and reporting greenhouse gas emissions to policy makers.We will present the project, its objectives and the results so far to foster collaboration and scientific exchange.

Plant-derived antimalarials are indispensable for malaria treatment and a platform for new drugs. The present study explores sinigrin, for malaria using in vitro, in silico and in vivo strategies and the immune response generated after administration. The compound exhibited promising activity against chloroquine (CQ)-resistant (RKL-9) IC50 5.14 μg/mL and CQ-sensitive (3D7) IC50 5.47 μg/mL strains of P. falciparum and was safe in both in vitro (CC50 > 640 μg/mL) and in vivo (LD50 > 2 g/kg) toxicity studies. In addition, virtual screening showed hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic and van der Waals interactions with amino acid residues of 3BPM (falcipain-3). In vivo studies revealed promising antimalarial activity of sinigrin (200 mg/kg) with 87.44% chemo-suppression on day 5 and significantly (p

Ethnopharmacological relevance The increasing resistant cases even against artemisinin-based combination therapy have necessitated the need to develop new antimalarials. Phytomedicinal therapy is a benchmark for malaria in the Himalayan region. As the dialect and traditional variations have been seen along with this, usage of medicinal plant, its portion (shoot and root system) and mode of preparation also varies. There is no scientific evidence available for illustrating the antiplasmodial activity of the rhizomes of Bergenia ciliata (Saxifragaceae), which is known to be an antipyretic (fever akin to malaria), hepato-protective, and also for spleen enlargement. Aim of the study The present study evaluates the antimalarial activity of ethanol extract of B. ciliata rhizomes (EREBC). Materials and methods HPTLC was performed to identify and quantify three marker compounds in EREBC. The in vitro antimalarial activity was evaluated by schizont maturation inhibition assay. MTT assay was employed to test the cytotoxicity of EREBC. Peter's 4-day test and Peters method was employed to discern the suppressive and preventive activity of the extract respectively. Results HPTLC analysis revealed the presence of bergenin, epicatechin and gallic acid in the extract. EREBC exhibited considerable inhibition (IC50 1000 μg/mL). The selectivity index was > 200 for both strains. Acute toxicity of EREBC was > 4 g/kg. EREBC exhibited considerable in vivo suppressive activity with 96.48% inhibition at 500 mg/kg in comparison to chloroquine (96.08%). The ED50 of the extract was Conclusion Overall, the study illustrates the marked efficacy and potential of EREBC as an antimalarial agent with bergenin, epicatechin and gallic acid its major constituents, which played a pivotal role in the generation of the immune response.

Together with scientific creativity, good research project management is one of the keys for a successful project. This special issue compiles a collection of articles on several topics related to project management in Earth sciences. It is an initiating step towards building a body of literature in (geo)science project management in response to the need of research project managers to share their daily work, experiences and knowledge. It is composed of six original papers that present technical tools, interpersonal skills and focused areas of practice (ocean and polar sciences).

The difficulty of developing an efficient malaria vaccine along with increasing spread of multidrug resistant strain of Plasmodium falciparum to the available antimalarial drugs poses the need to discover safe and efficacious antimalarial drugs to control malaria. An alternative strategy is to synthesize compounds possessing structures similar to the active natural products or marketed drugs. Several biologically active natural products and drugs contain β-carboline moiety. In the present study, few selected β-carboline derivatives have been synthesized and tested for their in vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activity against the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei (NK-65). The designed analogs exhibited considerable in vitro antimalarial activity. Two compounds (1R,3S)-methyl 1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-3-carboxylate (9a) and (1R,3S)-methyl 1-(pyridin-3-yl)-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-3-carboxylate (9b) were further selected for in vivo studies. Both the lead compounds (9a and 9b) were observed to be safe for oral administration. The therapeutic effective dose (ED50) for 9a and 9b were determined and in the animal model, 9a (at 50 mg/kg dose) exhibited better activity in terms of parasite clearance and enhancement of host survival. Biochemical investigations also point toward the safety of the compound to the hepatic and renal functions of the rodent host. Further studies are underway to explore its activity alone as well as in combination therapy with artesunate against the human malaria parasite P. falciparum.