Exploring integrated methodology for phytoremediation and biofuel production potential of Eichhornia crassipes

Eichhornia crassipes (EC) is a well-known invasive weed in different aquatic ecosystems. Its effective and complete eradication remains a challenge. The plant is a heavy metal (HM) hyperaccumulator in water bodies; however, studies regarding its biomass utilisation post-phytoremediation remain limited. The abundant growth rate and biochemical composition make EC a promising lignocellulosic feedstock for biofuel production; hence could be a deterministic approach for solving the twin problems of water pollution and higher energy demand, which are the global pressing issues in today’s scenario. The present study aimed at evaluating the phytoremediation potential of EC followed by proximate and biochemical analysis to investigate its suitability for biofuel production. After two weeks, the EC removed above 90% of Lead (Pb) and 60% of Cadmium (Cd) at all experimental doses. Lower doses of HMs, especially Pb, showed stimulatory effects on E. crassipes leaf biomass (ECLB). The recovered ECLB from Pb contaminated water (1 mg L?1) was further analysed for moisture (89.23±0.86%), dry matter (10.77±0.60%), ash (11.91±1.20%), organic carbon (51.56±1.08%), cellulose (21.89±0.64%), hemicellulose (26.50±1.13%), lignin (5.62±0.83%), total carbohydrate (32.00±1.58%), and protein (20.83±0.52%) content. SEM imaging of harvested ECLB confirmed compact and rigid structure. The recorded peaks in FTIR-spectra (1015.21, 1153.71, 1246.01, 1339.63, 1419.71, 1540.71, 1646.80, 1736.73, 2933.03, and 3263.72 cm?1) indicate the presence of lignocellulosic biomass. XRD peak at 21.55? confirmed the crystalline fraction of cellulose in ECLB. The results of theoretical yields of H2 and CH4 co-generation (HMG) (210.85 mLH2/g DW and 150.28 mL CH4/g DW) and Bioethanol (0.278 g/g DW) derived from cellulose and hemicellulose content of ECLB were comparable to those in reported studies. Overall, this work demonstrates an integrated methodology of phytoremediation followed by biofuel production from the recovered phytobiomass.

An unusual case of adamantinoma of long bone

Adamantinoma of the long bones is an exceedingly rare and slow-growing tumor that affects the diaphysis of long bones, particularly the tibia. Based on the pattern of the epithelial cell component and the presence or absence of the osteofibrous dysplasia-like element, several histological variants have been described, such as (i) tubular (the most frequent), (ii) basaloid, (iii) squamous, (iv) spindle variant, (v) osteofibrous dysplasia -like variant, and (vi) Ewing's sarcoma - like adamantinoma (the least frequent). The diagnosis may be challenging since this tumor may be mistakenly interpreted as carcinoma, myoepithelial tumor, osteofibrous dysplasia, and vascular tumor. We report the case of a 41-year-old male who presented with swelling over the right leg associated with pain. The X-ray showed a lytic lesion of the right-sided tibia. The diagnosis of adamantinoma was made based on the clinico-radiological, histomorphology, and immunohistochemical findings. Histologically, classic adamantinoma is a biphasic tumor characterized by epithelial and osteofibrous components in varying proportions and differentiating patterns. The diagnosis can be confirmed by immunohistochemistry for demonstrating sparse epithelial cell nests when the radiological features are strongly consistent with adamantinoma. This case is highlighted because the epithelial component can lead to a misdiagnosis, particularly when the clinico-radiological features are overlooked. Adamantinoma of long bones has the potential for local recurrence and may metastasize to the lungs, lymph nodes, or other bones. The prognosis is good if early intervention is taken.

Modulation of intestinal brush border membrane chemical composition during postnatal development in rats : Effect of gestational diabetes.

There was a significant increase in fucose (52%), total hexoses (16%) and hexosamine (56%) except sialic acid, which was reduced (77%) in the microvillus membrane of infants born to rat mothers made diabetic by injecting alloxan on day 3 of gestation. Expressed on the protein basis there were a significant increase in membrane, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and phospholipids content of brush border in pups from diabetic group between 5-45 days of postnatal age. Intestinal morphology in diabetic group showed, regression of tubular glands, distorted cellular organization of mucosal cells, reduction in the mucosal cell height and number of secretory goblet cells. These findings suggest that the gestational diabetes affects the sugar and lipid composition of the intestinal brush border membrane in rats during early stages of the postnatal development, which may be associated with compromised tissue functions later in life.

Comparative evaluation of marginal adaptation between nanocomposites and microhybrid composites exposed to two light cure units.

Background: Recent advances in resin adhesives and restorative materials, as well as an increased demand for esthetics, have lead to the introduction of newer resin-based composites like nanocomposites and light-curing units like light emitting diodes (LEDs). Aim: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of conventional quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) curing unit and blue LED on marginal adaptation of microhybrid composite (Filtek Z250) and nanocomposite (Filtek Z350) resins. Materials and Methods: Eighty Class V cavities were prepared on, extracted human premolars and were divided into four groups of 20 each. The four groups were designed according to the restorative resin and light cure unit used microhybrid/QTH, nanocomposites/QTH, microhybrid/LED and nanocomposites/LED. After thermocycling and immersion in 2% Basic Fuschin dye solution, the teeth were sectioned and dye penetration was observed under a stereomicroscope at 20X magnification. Statistical Analysis: All the samples were scored and results were analyzed using the "Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney tests" with "Wilcoxone correction." Results: The results revealed least microleakage in microhybrid composites exposed to QTH and maximum in nanocomposites exposed to LED. Conclusion: Microhybrid composites exhibited lesser microleakage than nanocomposite resins.