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Zinc and magnesium oxide nanoparticles were fabricated using green synthesis method for the sequestration of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) from the aqueous medium. The biogenically prepared ZnO@EC and MgO@EC nanoparticles were successfully loaded on the Eucalyptus. The prepared nanomaterials were characterized using various techniques such as FESEM, TGA, XRD, EDX, FTIR, BET, and elemental mapping. FE-SEM analysis has revealed the surface morphology of ZnO nanoparticles, which were rod-like and spherical in shape, whereas MgO nanoparticles were of irregular shape. Batch mode was selected to remove the hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution using the prepared nanomaterials. The Cr(VI) adsorption was carried out under optimized conditions, viz., pH (3.0), adsorbent dose (0.05 g), contact time (150 min), temperature (25 ± 2 °C), and initial concentration (50 mg/L). The experimental results were compared using the different isotherm models; The observations have indicated that experimental data fit better with Freundlich (R

The breeding population of birds are dynamic and are affected by multiple factors including climate and local environmental conditions. However, often to understand such relations requires long-term data modelling. Such long-term population data is either lacking or has data gaps. This study demonstrates the use of Multiple Imputation Chained Equation (MICE) to overcome the problem of missing data population census. This is also the first comprehensive study, modelling the 36-year (1980-2015) long-term breeding population data of a near-threatened bird, Painted Stork, from Keoladeo National Park, India. It tests the effect of local water availability, i.e., water released to the park, and regional rainfall, i.e, climatic condition, on the breeding population using Generalised Additive Model (GAM). Both imputation and observed data series-based GAM models identified the local water availability as the most important factor influencing the breeding population of Painted Stork. More than 80% population decline was observed, despite a slight increase in the rainfall at regional scale, suggesting local hydrological conditions are limiting to the breeding population and not the climate. According to the visual assessment of partial plot of GAM, minimum 200-300 million cubic feet of water is needed each nesting season to ensure sustenance of breeding population. Post-1989, the breeding population was unable to match the long-term mean (~726) except in 1992, 1995, and 1996. The maximum decline was observed between 2000-2009, a decade of frequent droughts. The breeding population was stable until the end of this study, but it was far below the long term mean.

Present research is an attempt to manage Barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli), common rice weed, sustainably by vermicomposting technology. E. crus-galli (EC) feed stocks were blended with cow dung in combination: 20:80, 40:60, 50:50, 60:40 and 80:20 with two controls 100% CD and 100% EC for 63 days. Earthworms could not grow well in higher percentage of EC. Total kjeldhal nitrogen, total available phosphorus and total potassium in final vermicomposts were in range of 13.6-21.5g/kg, 11.8-15.9g/kg and 20.1-27.6g/kg, respectively, after 63 days vermicomposting. Respiration rate (42–98 mgCO2 kg− 1 VC 48h− 1) affirms vermicompost maturity and falls within the recommended limits (2 kg− 1 VC 48h− 1). Vermicomposting also reduced the weed mass by 2.2–3.03 folds depicting effective feed decomposition. It was inferred that rice weed can be converted into nutrient embedded manure employing vermicomposting and can prove to be instrumental in facilitating management of E .crus-galli in a cost effective and environmentally modest manner.

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a type of endocrine disrupting compound (EDC) that is being widely used in the production of polycarbonate and epoxy resins. In the last few years, human exposure to BPA has been extensively high due to the continuous increment in the Annual Growth Rate (AGR) of the BPA global market. The presence and transportation of BPA in the environment could cause serious damage to aquatic life and human health. This paper reviewed the literature on the exposure and toxicity mechanisms of BPA and advanced analytical techniques for the detection of BPA in the environment and human beings. The study indicated that BPA can cause damaging effects on numerous tissues and organs, including the reproductive system, metabolic dysfunction, respiratory system, immune system and central nervous system. On the basis of reported studies on animals, it appears that the exposure of BPA can be carcinogenic and responsible for causing a variety of cancers like ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and liver cancer. This review paper focused mainly on the current progress in BPA removal technologies within last ten years (2012-2022). This paper presents a comprehensive overview of individual removal technologies, including adsorption, photocatalysis/photodegradation, ozonation/advance oxidation, photo-fenton, membranes/nanofilters, and biodegradation, along with removal mechanisms. The extensive literature study shows that each technology has its own removal mechanism and their respective limitations in BPA treatment. In adsorption and membrane separation process, most of BPA has been treated by electrostatic interaction, hydrogen boning and π-π interations mechanism. Whereas in the degradation mechanism, O* and OH* species have played a major role in BPA removal. Some factors could alter the removal potential and efficiency of BPA removal. This review paper will provide a useful guide in providing directions for future investigation to address the problem of BPA-containing wastewater treatment.

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the vermicomposting potential of two cruciferous vegetables' residual biomasses under laboratory conditions. Cabbage and cauliflower residual biomasses were spiked with 60% cow dung and vermicomposted for 90 days. The results showed a decrease in pH (5.3-9.8%), Total Organic Carbon (36.7-42.8%); increase in Electrical Conductivity (33-99.4%) and ash content (144.7-187.8%) after vermicomposting. Significant reduction in C:N ratio (49.5-76.4%) and C:P ratio (62.8-66.04%), increase in Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (49.3-85.3%), Total Available Phosphorus (68.2-98.1%), Total Potassium (91.8-120.3%) were observed. FT-IR spectra of the vermicomposts had lesser band heights and peak intensities than raw materials. This evidenced decomposition of organic compounds and vermicompost stability. Germination Index values was calculated to determine the phytotoxicity level. Earthworms' growth and prolificacy was evaluated in terms of biomass gain, cocoons production and worm growth rate. Finally, it was inferred that cruciferous vegetables' biomass can be used for vermicomposting. The cauliflower residual biomass has shown better decomposition efficiency than cabbage residual biomass.

Introduction/Background Vulvar cancers accounts for 3–5% of all gynaecological malignancies. Inguinal lymph node involvement and tumour-free margin are considered as significant prognostic factors for survival in patients with vulvar cancer. Surgery is the cornerstone of treatment. Lymph node ratio (LNR) is the ratio of the number of positive lymph nodes (LN) to the number of removed LN. This parameter incorporates not only the burden of nodal disease and cancer spread but also the extent and quality of surgical staging. Current data in the literature regarding a minimum oncologically safe tumour-free margin distance are contradictory. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of tumour-free margin and LNR with oncologic outcomes in vulvar cancer. Methodology Retrospective analysis evaluating 21 patients of vulvar squamous cell cancer who underwent primary surgery at our institution from January 2013 to December 2018. Patients were stratified into three risk groups according to tumour-free margin ( 0–20% and >20%) to compare oncologic outcomes. Follow up was done till August 2019. Qualitative variables were correlated using Chi-Square test/Fisher’s exact test. Overall survival (OS), disease free survival (DFS) and recurrence rate (RR) were estimated by Kaplan-Meier method. Log rank test was used for comparison among the groups. Results Median age was 67 years. Median DFS and OS were 17.4 months and 27.7 months respectively. 11 patients (52.4%) developed recurrence of which 8 had local recurrence. RR in tumour-free margin 0- Conclusion Prognosis of vulvar cancer patient is affected by tumour-free margin and high LNR in our study. DFS is significantly reduced in patients with tumour-free margin Disclosures This study received no external funding and sponsorship. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

BACKGROUND As described in detail in the literature, patients identified with malnutrition are at increased risk for poor clinical outcomes. Despite this knowledge, malnourished patients do not always receive optimal nutrition management while admitted into a hospital because of what we describe as gaps in care throughout their admission. We hypothesized that the 3 main gaps in care were poor dietitian-doctor communication, excessive time spent nil per os (NPO) for procedures and testing, and/or inaccurate or incomplete dietary discharge instructions. The objectives of this study were to determine and to characterize gaps in nutrition care after a malnutrition diagnosis. METHODS This retrospective study involved postdischarge chart reviews of malnourished adult medicine patients admitted to an acute care facility from September 1, 2014, to November 30, 2014 (n = 242). RESULTS Of the malnourished patients, 76% had at least 1 gap in care. The most prevalent gap (68%) involved discharge diet instructions, most often because of the omission of the dietitian recommendation for oral supplementation. Thirty-five percent of malnourished patients had a gap in care because of procedures or testing extending the period held NPO, and 13% had a gap in care because of poor communication, thus delaying orders and/or interventions. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to evaluate gaps in care of patients diagnosed with malnutrition. Identification of these gaps allows us the opportunity to develop strategies for this vulnerable population to improve areas such as discharge documentation and time spent NPO to provide the best and safest nutrition care.

This study reports the vermicomposting of banana crop waste biomass by Eisenia fetida. Cow dung has been used as bulking agent in this study. The experiment was conducted in six vermireactors containing different ratios of banana leaf waste biomass (BL) and cow dung (CD) for 105 days. Earthworm activity significantly reduced pH, TOC, C:N and C:P ratio of the wastes. Whereas macronutrients and micronutrients content increased after vermicomposting. TOC content of wastes reduced by 40–64% and C:N ratio of the vermicomposts was in the range of 8.9–24.3. The benefit ratio for heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Zn, Cd, Pb, Mn and Cr) was in the range of 0.23–3.44. The results indicated that the growth and fecundity of the earthworms was best in the vermireactors having 20–40% BL. Finally, it was concluded that vermicomposting can be included in the overall scheme of banana crop waste management.

Approximately 20%-50% of antimicrobial use in hospitals is inappropriate. Limited data exist on the effect of frontline provider engagement on antimicrobial stewardship outcomes.A three-arm pre-post quality improvement study was conducted on three adult internal medicine teaching services at an urban academic hospital. Data from September through December 2016 were compared to historic data from corresponding months in 2015. Intervention arms were (1) Educational bundle (Ed-only); (2) Educational bundle plus antimicrobial stewardship rounds twice weekly with an infectious disease-trained clinical pharmacist (Ed+IDPharmDx2); and (3) Educational bundle plus internal medicine-trained clinical pharmacist embedded into daily attending rounds (Ed+IMPharmDx5).Total antibiotic use decreased by 16.8% (p0.001), 6.8% (p = 0.08), and 33.0% (p0.001) on Ed-only, Ed+IDPharmDx2, and Ed+IMPharmDx5 teams, respectively. Broad-spectrum antibiotic use decreased by 26.2% (p0.001), 7.8% (p = 0.09), and 32.4% (p0.001) on the Ed-only, Ed+IDPharmDx2, and Ed+IMPharmDx5 teams, respectively. Duration of inpatient antibiotic therapy decreased from 4 to 3 days on the Ed+IMPharmDx5 team (p = 0.01). Length of stay for patients who received any antibiotic decreased from 9 to 7 days on the Ed-only team (p0.001) and from 9 to 6 days on the Ed+IMPharmDx5 team (p0.001). There was no significant change in 30-day readmission to the same facility, transfer to ICU, or in-hospital mortality for any team.Multidisciplinary, frontline provider-driven approaches to antimicrobial stewardship may contribute to reduced antibiotic use and length of hospital stay.

Background Few published articles have focused on identifying the gaps in care that follow a malnutrition diagnosis and their effects on length of stay (LOS) and 90-day readmission. We hypothesized that length of stay and readmission were associated with these gaps in care. Methods Two registered dietitians retrospectively reviewed charts of 229 adult malnourished patients admitted to a medicine unit to determine their system level gap in care: communication, test delay, or discharge planning. In this secondary analysis, both readmission and length of stay were regressed on each gap in care. Results Any system level gap was associated with a greater length of stay (β: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.15–1.91) and specifically the gap related to procedure/testing (β: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.62–2.47) resulted in a two-fold increase in length of stay. There was no association between 90-day readmission and any of the gaps in care. Conclusions There was a strong association between those who had any gap in their care and increased length of stay. Mitigating gaps in care may decrease length of stay and, in turn, result in less risk of infection and could potentially lead to reduced healthcare costs.

Malignant Brenner tumors of the ovary are very rare, and their definition, biology and treatment modality have not been established. Most Brenner tumors are benign, with only 1–2% being malignant. We present a case of 57-year-old women with a rare malignant Brenner tumor. She presented with complaint of abdominal pain and postmenopausal bleeding. Imaging revealed large complex solid cystic pelvic mass. She underwent staging ovarian laparotomy, and the specimen was sent for histopathological study. Histopathology revealed malignant Brenner tumor. On immunohistochemistry, tumor cells were immunoreactive for uroplakin, CK7, WT1, GATA-3 and Ki67 60% and nonimmunoreactive for CK20, favouring urothelial differentiation.

Background Alphanumeric paging is underutilized, despite being the standard mode of communication between physicians and nurses at many hospitals across the United States. Objective We hypothesized that an educational program designed to teach optimal alphanumeric paging behavior in conjunction with providing nurses with alphanumeric pagers would improve the quality and efficiency of nurse pages. Methods We implemented an educational program to teach nurses about optimal alphanumeric paging, defined as including four important components—patient identification, clinical scenario, sender identification, and callback number. We also provided each nurse with their own unique pager. Alphanumeric paging logs were reviewed prior to the intervention (baseline study period), and again following implementation of the intervention (intervention study period). Questionnaires were also completed by resident-physicians and nurses before and after implementation. Results During the intervention period, the percentage of ideal pages increased, and the percentage of suboptimal pages decreased. Compared to baseline, pages during the intervention period more often included patient identity, clinical scenario, and page-sender. Resident-physicians rated the paging-system's impact on patient care and job satisfaction more highly, and reported that disruptions and nurse accessibility were less of a problem during the intervention period compared to baseline. Nurses reported less problems with disruptions, ignored pages, miscommunication, and contentious relationships with resident-physicians. Conclusions This study underscores the importance of two-way communication, which can be achieved without expensive technology. Creative use of old technology, such as providing nurses with traditional pagers, can improve communication and workflow, and potentially quality of care and patient safety.

The tumor stroma plays an essential role in tumor growth, resistance to therapy and occurrence of metastatic phenotype. Tumor vessels have been considered as passive conducts for nutrients but several studies have demonstrated secretion of pro-tumoral factors by endothelial cells. The failure of anti-angiogenic therapies to meet expectations raised by pre-clinical studies prompt us to better study the cross-talk between endothelial and cancer cells. Here, we hypothesized that tumor cells and the endothelium secrete bio-active microparticles (MPs) participating to a functional cross-talk. We characterized the cancer cells MPs, using breast and ovarian cancer cell lines (MCF7, MDA-MB231, SKOV3, OVCAR3 and a primary cell lines, APOCC). Our data show that MPs from mesenchymal-like cell lines (MDA-MB231, SKOV3 and APOCC) were able to promote an activation of endothelial cells through Akt phosphorylation, compared to MPs from epithelial-like cell lines (OVCAR3 and MCF7). The MPs from mesenchymal-like cells contained increased angiogenic molecules including PDGF, IL8 and angiogenin. The endothelial activation was associated to increased Arf6 expression and MPs secretion. Endothelial activation functionalized an MP dependent pro-tumoral vascular niche promoting cancer cells proliferation, invasiveness, stem cell phenotype and chemoresistance. MPs from cancer and endothelial cells displayed phenotypic heterogeneity, and participated to a functional cross-talk where endothelial activation by cancer MPs resulted in increased secretion of EC-MPs sustaining tumor cells. Such cross-talk may play a role in perfusion independent role of the endothelium. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12307-013-0142-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is implicated in the tumorigenesis of a variety of malignancies, including Burkitt’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). EBV+ lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma (LELCC) is a rare type of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with a distinct pathology and poorly understood treatment options. Morphologically, this neoplasm resembles undifferentiated NPC, a commonly EBV+ tumour with a prominent lymphoid infiltrate. Almost all of the current literature regarding LELCC describes early stage tumours that are treated surgically and achieve good outcomes. In contrast, this report documents a late stage LELCC treated unsuccessfully with systemic chemotherapy.

Experiments were conducted in winter (October to January) and summer (May to August) seasons to study the effect of seasonal temperature variations on the vermicomposting of household waste using Eisenia fetida earthworms. The prevailing temperatures during experiments were in the range of −2.7°C to 35.0°C during winter season and 18.0°C to 44.4°C during summer season. Organic matter degradation was higher during winter than summer season. The electrical conductivity (EC) of vermicomposts was increased in the range of 2.3–7.8% in winter season; however, the increase in EC was 0.9–1.8% during summer season for different waste mixtures. There was about 56.2–80% increase in total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) content during winter season, whereas the TKN increase was 23.9–44% during summers. The C:N ratio also decreased remarkably in all the waste mixtures during vermicomposting in both the seasons. However, the C:N ratio reduction was more significant during winter (47–60%) than in summer (31–44%). After...

Introduction: The regenerative ability of the heart is very low, making patients with myocardial damage potential candidates for cell-based regenerative therapy. Pluripotent human embryonic stem cells (hESC) are a promising source of cardiomyocytes (CMs). While the quantity of CMs obtained is no longer a limitation in current differentiation protocols, their functionality remains to be improved. Indeed contracting areas in cell cultures are still heterogeneous and non-consistent Hypothesis: Endothelial cells (ECs) and CMs are derived from a common precursor. Moreover, endothelial secreted and contact dependent factors play a role at different phases of cardiac development and repair. We hypothesized that creating a mixture of cell types that more closely resembles heart tissue - i.e. containing both ECs and CMs - will lead to improved maturation and functionality Methods: We co-cultured NKX2-5-GFP reporter hESC line and an autonomous Akt-activated ECs and induced differentiation of NKX2-5GFP hESC into CMs We assessed functionality by evaluating beating and coordination between different CMs clusters. Results: Around 94% ± 6 of the NKX2-5GFP+ cells were beating when hESCs embryonic body (EBs) were plated on E4+ECs comparing to 34% ± 12.9 for controls. The spatial organization of beating areas in co-cultures was different. In 7 different experiments clustered in two populations, the average BPM of CMs in co-culture was faster and closer to a physiologic heart rate compare to controls (49.6 ± 13.77; n=13 vs 24.76 ±9.36; n=8 for controls; p Conclusions: We have been able to build a culture platform in vitro capturing partially complexity of cardiac tissue. Such strategy resulted in the obtaining of more synchronized interconnected CMs nodes displaying faster beating. Our data showed that co-culture of differentiating hESCs with ECs increased functionality of the CMs, suggesting that an endothelial based feeder could promote the in vitro functionalization of clinically relevant cell type.

One challenging feature of head and neck pathology is that a dizzying array of spindle cell lesions occurs here which ranges all the way from reactive, very aggressive forms to malignant lesions. Leiomyosarcoma is one such malignant tumour of mesenchymal origin exhibiting smooth muscle differentiation; presenting generally nonspecific signs and symptoms. Here we present a case of leiomyosarcoma in a 21 year old female patient associated with single reddish pink swelling present in the posterior right maxillary tuberosity region with moderate facial asymmetry. On histopathological analysis, all the classic features were noted and diagnosis of a spindle cell neoplasm was made without any obscurity. There are many lesions like rhabdomyosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, liposarcoma, multiple peripheral nerve sheath tumour, angiosarcomas, melanomas, kaposi sarcoma, solitary fibrous tumors, etc., which mimic leiomyosarcoma clinically and histopathologically and therefore immunohistochemical staining with specific markers plays a vital role in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis.

Dyes are usually present in trace quantities in the treated effluents of many industries. The effectiveness of adsorption for dye removal from wastewaters has made it an ideal alternative to other expensive treatment methods. This study investigates the potential use of Indian Rosewood ( Dalbergia sissoo ) sawdust, pretreated with formaldehyde and sulphuric acid, for the removal of methylene blue dye from simulated wastewater. The effects of different system variables, viz., adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, pH and contact time were studied. The results showed that as the amount of the adsorbent was increased, the percentage of dye removal increased accordingly. Higher adsorption percentages were observed at lower concentrations of methylene blue. Optimum pH value for dye adsorption was determined as 7.0 for both the adsorbents. Maximum dye was sequestered within 30 min after the beginning for every experiment. The adsorption of methylene blue followed a first order rate equation and fit the Lagergren equation well. Similar experiments were carried out with commercially available activated carbon to compare the results. Sulphuric acid treated sawdust or formaldehyde treated sawdust of Indian Rosewood can be attractive options for dye removal from dilute industrial effluents.

Adsorbents prepared from Prosopis Cineraria sawdust—an agro-industry waste—were successfully used to remove the malachite green from an aqueous solution in a batch reactor. The adsorbents included formaldehyde-treated sawdust (PCSD) and sulphuric acid-treated sawdust (PCSDC). The effects of adsorbent surface change, initial pH, initial dye concentration, adsorbent mass and contact time on dye removal have been determined. Similar experiments were carried out with commercially available coconut based carbon (GAC) to evaluate the performance of PCSD and PCSDC. The adsorption efficiency of different adsorbents was in the order GAC>PCSDC>PCSD. Kinetic parameters of adsorption such as the Lagergren pseudo-first-order constant and the intra particle diffusion were determined. An initial pH of the solution in the range 6–10 was favourable for the malachite green removal for both the adsorbents. These experimental studies have indicated that PCSD and PCSDC could be employed as low-cost alternatives in wastewater treatment for the removal of dyes.

Introduction: Cyclin D1 oncogene is a key regulator of cell cycle progression associated with various human malignancies. Aim: To establish the prognostic significance of cyclin D1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to correlate its association with clinicopathological parameters. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out on 50 previously histopathologically diagnosed, formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue samples of OSCC. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed in 50 cases of different grades of OSCC using a commercially available monoclonal anti-cyclin D1 antibody. Statistical Analysis Used: All the compiled data was statistically analyzed using Chi-square and Mann-Whitney test. P values of

This paper reports the optimization of cow dung (CD) spiked pre-consumer processing vegetable waste (PPVW) for vermicomposting using Eisenia fetida in a laboratory scale study. Vermicomposting process decreased carbon and organic matter concentration and increased N, P and K content in the vermicompost. The C:N ratio was decreased by 45-69% in different vermireactors indicating stabilization of the waste. The heavy metal content was within permissible limits of their application in agricultural soils. It has been concluded from the results that addition of PPVW up to 40% with CD can produce a good quality vermicompost. Whereas, growth and fecundity of E. fetida was best when reared in 20% PPVW+80% CD feed mixture. However, higher percentages of PPVW in different vermireactors significantly affected the growth and fecundity of worms.

Agro-industrial wastes- wastes from agriculture, food processing or any cellulose based industries- remain largely unutilized and often cause environmental problems like dispersing foul odors, occupying vast areas, ground and surface water pollution etc. These wastes could be converted into potential renewable source of energy, if managed sustainably and scientifically. In the last few decades, vermicomposting technology has been arising as a sustainable tool for the efficient utilization of the agro-industrial processing wastes and to convert them into value added products for land restoration practices. The product of the process, i.e., vermicompost is humus like, finely granulated and friable material which can be used as a fertilizer to reintegrate the organic matter to the agricultural soils. The usability of the process depends upon several factors like raw material, various process conditions- pH, temperature, moisture, aeration etc., type of vermicomposting system and earthworm species used. The chapter briefly discusses with the process technology of vermicomposting and the present state of research in the vermicomposting of agro-industrial processing wastes.

With the industrial growth, changing life style and consumeristic attitude paper consumption has increased significantly in yesteryears. The authors have observed that waste paper obtained from consumable items and used paper products are disposed in open by the consumers as these are not accepted by the salvaging industry. In the present study, an attempt has been made to vermicompost non-recyclable post-consumer paper waste (PW) amended with cow dung (CD) employing Eisenia fetida earthworm in order to transform it into a value added product, i.e., vermicompost. Vermicomposting of paper waste resulted in net reduction in ash content and total organic carbon (42.5-56.8%) but increment in total Kjeldhal nitrogen (2.0-2.4-fold), total potassium (2.0-fold), and total phosphorous (1.4-1.8-fold) was achieved after 91 days of worms' activity. The C:N ratio decreased with time in all the worm-worked vermireactors in the range of 71.9-82.0%, depicting advanced degree of organic matter stabilization. The FT-IR spectroscopy of the vermicomposts showed reduction in aliphatic compounds during the vermicomposting process. The results also demonstrated the worm growth and reproduction are not significantly affected if PW content is upto 30% in the vermireactor.

Formaldehyde treated and sulphuric acid treated saw dusts were used to adsorb malachite green at varying dye concentration, adsorbent dose, pH and agitation time. Similar experiments were conducted with laboratory grade activated carbon to compare the results. The adsorption efficiency of sulphuric acid treated sawdust (SD) was higher than formaldehyde treated SD. The adsorption followed first order rate expression and Lagergren equation. An initial pH in the range of 6-9 was favorable for the dye removal by both the adsorbents. Dilute solutions were effectively decolorized by the adsorbents. It is proposed that in batch or stirred tank reactors, both adsorbents can be an attractive option for dye adsorption.

Oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions solely stabilized by surface-active solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were developed. The SLNs were generated by quench-cooling hot O/W nanoemulsions consisting of 7.5% glyceryl stearyl citrate (GSC) dispersed in water. Their initial volume-weighted mean particle diameter (∼152 nm) and zeta potential (ca. −49 mV) remained unchanged for 24 weeks. O/W emulsions (oil phase volume fraction: 0.2) containing 7.5% (w/w) GSC SLNs in the aqueous phase were kinetically-stable for 12 weeks and did not visually phase-separate over 24 weeks. The O/W emulsions generated with solid-state GSC SLNs had a volume-weighted mean oil droplet diameter of ∼459 nm and a zeta potential of ca. −43 mV. Emulsion microstructure evaluated with TEM revealed dispersed oil droplets sparsely covered with adsorbed Pickering-type SLNs as well aggregated SLNs present in the continuous phase. Gradual emulsion destabilization resulted from GSC SLN dissolution during the experimental timeframe. Overall, surface-active SLNs developed via nanoemulsions effectively kinetically stabilized O/W emulsions.

Treatment of solid wastes using earthworms has been intensively investigated in recent years. Most of the agricultural, urban or industrial organic materials can be used for vermicomposting, ensuring that they do not contain toxic materials, which can harm the earthworms. The transformation of solid wastes into vermicompost is of double interest: a waste is converted into value-added product and it controls a pollutant that is a consequence of increasing population, urbanisation and intensive agriculture. This paper deals with the state of research on various aspects of vermicomposting process.

This paper reports the nutrient recycling during vermistabilisation of different organic wastes, namely sewage sludge, textile mill sludge, sugar mill sludge and aquatic weed. The NPK content of the vermicompost was significantly higher than that of raw wastes. Biodegradability coefficient (Kb) was highest in aquatic weed (0.91 ± 0.004) followed by sewage sludge (0.71 ± 0.025), textile mill sludge (0.64 ± 0.003) and sugar mill sludge (0.48 ± 0.041). Results showed that worms grew 2.5 times more rapidly in aquatic weed waste, 2.2 times in textile mill sludge and 1.5 times in sewage sludge than in sugar mill sludge.