Clay Ceramic Waste as Pozzolan Constituent in Cement for Structural Concrete

Ceramic-based wastes generated from different industrial activities have increasingly been reused as construction material incorporated into concrete. In general, these wastes just replace common concrete aggregates such as sand and gravel. In the present work, waste from clay brick industries composted of kaolinite minerals were for the first time evaluated for their potential to be reused as the pozzolan constituent of a cement for structural concrete. Initial standard testes revealed that the clay ceramic waste (CCW) displays high pozzolanicity. Concrete was then produced with 10 and 20 wt.% of CCW mixed with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) as its pozzolan constituent. Compression strength of these concretes and of pure OPC as a control sample were determined in standard tests after 14 and 28 days of curing. In addition, the corresponding density, water absorption, capillarity and percentage of voids were measured together with the evaluation of microstructural indices by scanning electron microscopy. The initial tests confirmed that the CCW is indeed an effective pozzolanic potential due to a chemical effect by reacting with CH to generate C–S–H. Moreover, the technological results proved that CCW might effectively replace the pozzolan cement constituent for structural concrete.     

Comparison of Leishmania OligoC-TesT PCR with Conventional and Real-Time PCR for Diagnosis of Canine Leishmania Infection

There is a need for standardization and simplification of the existing methods for molecular detection of Leishmania infantum in the canine reservoir host. The commercially available OligoC-TesT kit incorporates standardized PCR reagents with rapid oligochromatographic dipstick detection of PCR products and is highly sensitive for use in humans but not yet independently validated for use in dogs. Here we compare the sensitivity of OligoC-TesT with those of nested kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) PCR, nested internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) PCR, and a PCR-hybridization protocol, using longitudinal naturally infected canine bone marrow samples whose parasite burdens were measured by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). The sensitivity of OligoC-TesT for infected dogs was 70% (95% confidence interval [CI], 63 to 78%), similar to that of kDNA PCR (72%; 95% CI, 65 to 80%; P = 0.69) but significantly greater than those of PCR-hybridization (61%; 95% CI, 53 to 69%; P = 0.007) and ITS-1 nested PCR (54%; 95% CI, 45 to 62%; P < 0.001); real-time qPCR had the highest sensitivity (91%; 95% CI, 85 to 95%; P < 0.001). OligoC-TesT sensitivity was greater for polysymptomatic and oligosymptomatic dogs than for asymptomatic dogs (93%, 74%, and 61%, respectively; P = 0.005), a trend also observed for the other qualitative PCR methods tested (P ≤ 0.05). Test positivity increased with increasing parasite burdens, as measured by real-time qPCR: OligoC-TesT and kDNA PCR detected 100% and 99% of positive samples when parasite burdens exceeded 74 and 49 parasites/ml, respectively. OligoC-TesT has high sensitivity for detection of canine Leishmania infections; its ease of operation and ease of interpretation are further advantages for veterinary diagnostic laboratories and for large-scale survey work in developing countries.Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL), a vector-borne disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum [Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi (11)], results in significant mortality and morbidity in the reservoir host (the domestic dog) and represents a serious public health problem in many regions where it is endemic (the Mediterranean basin, Latin America, and parts of central and eastern Asia). Serological methods are the most technically straightforward of the available tests for diagnosis of canine infection, but these methods lack sensitivity for asymptomatic and early-stage infections (5, 17, 24). Detection of Leishmania parasites in canine clinical samples has traditionally been performed by means of microscopic examination of stained tissue specimens and by parasitological culture, which are known to be insensitive. PCR for amplification of defined parasite DNA sequences is highly sensitive for animals with clinical disease and has higher sensitivity than serology for asymptomatic animals and early-stage infections (8, 9, 19, 23, 29). However, the technical complexity of PCR may reduce its practicality for use in developing countries most affected by ZVL. Furthermore, there is a lack of standardization in the selection of target Leishmania DNA sequences and experimental PCR protocols used in laboratories worldwide, which complicates objective comparisons of test sensitivity and specificity. In order to address some of these issues, a commercially available PCR test kit (Leishmania OligoC-TesT) has been developed and validated for detection of Leishmania parasite DNA in human specimens (3, 6). Sensitivities of the test ranged from 77.8% to 100% for clinical samples from patients with visceral leishmaniasis in Sudan and Kenya, with a limit of detection of 1 parasite in 180 μl blood (3). OligoC-TesT has not yet been validated independently for use in dogs. The aims of this study were therefore (i) to measure the sensitivity of OligoC-TesT compared with those of three conventional PCR procedures (nested PCR for amplification of kinetoplast DNA [kDNA], nested PCR of internal transcribed spacer region 1 [ITS-1] of the rRNA gene, and kDNA/rRNA PCR followed by hybridization with specific oligonucleotide probes) and with that of real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), (ii) to compare the sensitivities of OligoC-TesT and the PCR methods listed above for samples from infected dogs that were positive or negative for clinical signs of leishmaniasis, and (iii) to determine the analytical sensitivity of OligoC-TesT relative to canine bone marrow parasite burdens measured by real-time qPCR. For this study, we used samples collected in a longitudinal study of a cohort of naturally L. infantum-infected domestic dogs in Brazil.     

Detection of interval distant metastases: clinical utility of integrated CT-PET imaging in patients with esophageal carcinoma after neoadjuvant therapy

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to determine the utility of integrated computed tomography / positron emission tomography (CT-PET) imaging for detecting interval distant metastases and assessing therapeutic response in patients with locally advanced, potentially resectable esophageal carcinoma after neoadjuvant therapy. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of 88 patients with potentially resectable esophageal carcinoma who received neoadjuvant therapy before planned surgical resection. CT-PET before and after completion of neoadjuvant was used for evaluating therapeutic response; response criteria were based on qualitative and semiquantitative analyses. RESULTS: Neoadjuvant therapy comprised chemoradiotherapy in 85 patients, with prior induction chemotherapy in 39 patients. Fifty-five patients proceeded to esophagectomy. Repeat CT-PET was performed after induction chemotherapy (n = 23) and after completing chemoradiotherapy (n = 85). CT-PET identified the interval appearance of metastatic disease in 7 (8%) patients. For assessment of locoregional therapeutic response, CT-PET was unable to predict pathological response to neoadjuvant therapy in the primary tumor or locoregional lymph nodes. CT-PET had sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 57%, 46%, 39%, and 64%, respectively, for detection of residual macroscopic malignancy within the primary tumor; and sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 0%, 90%, 0%, and 69% for detection of residual malignancy within resected lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: CT-PET performed after neoadjuvant therapy in patients with potentially resectable esophageal carcinoma is important for detecting interval metastases that preclude surgical resection, but is of limited utility for assessing locoregional therapeutic response.     

An overview of neonatal and pediatric wound care knowledge and considerations

Despite significant technological advances in the care of premature neonates and chronically ill children, the knowledge and evidence base for the management of this population's wound care lag far behind its adult counterpart. Updating antiquated care regimens is an uphill battle. This review of the literature seeks to illuminate key anatomical/structural differences in neonatal skin with particular attention paid to percutaneous absorption and tolerance of adhesives. The article also presents anatomically and physiologically based recommendations for the selection of prevention and treatment modalities, including specific dressing types, appropriate dressing change and securement procedures, and pain management. Commonly encountered wound types (epidermal stripping; surgical wounds; extravasation and thermal injuries; chemical burns; pressure ulcers; diaper dermatitis; and wounds secondary to congenital conditions) are discussed. Opportunities for research abound and are considered.     

Disentangling the relative influence of built and socioeconomic environments on walking: The contribution of areas homogenous along exposures of interest

The geography of small areas has important implications for studying the contextual determinants of health because of potential errors when measuring ecologic exposures and estimating their effects on health. In this paper, we present an approach for designing homogeneous zones optimising the spatial distribution of an area-level exposure, active living potential (ALP), based on data collected in Montreal, Canada. The objectives are to (1) assess and compare variation in walking behaviours between these purposefully designed zones and between standard administrative units, census tracts; and (2) disentangle the relative influence of ALP and area-level socioeconomic conditions on walking using the alternative geographies. Zones were designed by statistically classifying smallest census areas (disseminations areas) into seven categories of exposure similar along three indicators of ALP: population density, land use mix, and geographic accessibility to services. Mapping of categories resulted in the delineation of zones characterised by one of seven levels of ALP. A sample of 2716 adults aged ≥45 years was geocoded and cross-classified in 270 zones and 112 census tracts. Individuals reported on minutes and motives of walking and provided socioeconomic information. Data were analysed using cross-classified multilevel models. Variation in utilitarian walking was larger across the purposefully defined zones than across census tracts. Total walking varied significantly between census tracts only. Greater ALP was associated with more utilitarian walking but with less recreational walking. Higher socioeconomic position in census tracts was positively associated with total, utilitarian, and recreational walking. The soundness of standard administrative units for measuring ecologic exposure and their associations with health should be considered prior to conducting analyses. The added value of different approaches for understanding how place relates to health remains to be established and should be the focus of further investigations.     

MicroRNAs in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Clues

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs 19–24 nucleotides in length that regulate gene expression of target genes by translational repression. They regulate crucial processes such as development, proliferation, apoptosis, stress response and differentiation. Recent reports support a role for miRNAs in the initiation and progression of human malignancies; in particular, aberrant expression of miRNAs can contribute to carcinogenesis by promoting the expression of proto-oncogenes or by inhibiting the expression of tumor suppressor genes. Large high-throughput studies in patients revealed that miRNA profiling allows classifying tumors with high accuracy and predicting their outcome. In this review, we summarize recent knowledge about miRNA expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, their possible molecular implications, and finally, we discuss the possible repercussion of these findings in terms of diagnosis and treatment of this disease.     

N-nitrosoanonaine and N-nitrosoxylopine, aporphine alkaloids from Duguetia furfuracea

Two new aporphine alkaloids, N-nitrosoanonaine (1) and N-nitrosoxylopine (2), were isolated from the aerial parts of Duguetia furfuracea, a weed found in several Brazilian regions. Their structures were elucidated by NMR analysis, CHN analysis, CD, IR, and MS data. The single-crystal X-ray structural determination of the structure of 1 was also performed.     

Agreement between husband and wife reports of domestic violence: evidence from poor refugee communities in Lebanon

BACKGROUND: This paper compares husband and wife reports of wife beating using household survey data collected from poor Palestinian refugee communities in Lebanon. METHODS: The analyses are based on a matched data file of 417 currently married couples, drawn from a unique multi-purpose living conditions sample survey of about 3600 Palestinian refugee households interviewed in the spring and summer of 1999. Four outcomes (ever beaten, last year beating, beating during pregnancy, and injuries caused by beating) were analysed using Kappa statistics and per cent agreement. Logistic regression was used to analyse discordant reporting of wife beating during the year preceding the survey. RESULTS: Husband and wives' reports of the four different outcomes are in 'good' agreement as judged by Kappa coefficients, ranging from 0.62 for 'beaten during pregnancy' to 0.69 for 'injuries resulting from beating'. Prevalence estimates of domestic violence are also remarkably similar. However, findings from a multivariate logistic regression model on agreement regarding 'last year beating' show that only age of men was a significant predictor of agreement, controlling for education level, marital duration, region of residence, household size, health status, and consanguinity. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that men's self-reports of their violent behaviour against their wives are fairly congruent with those of their spouses, implying that the perpetrators, men, can be 'trusted' in providing basic information on 'beating histories' in epidemiological and demographic population-based investigations in contexts similar to ours. However, care should be taken in studies of young men's current beating behaviour using only their self-reports.