Use of Slag/Sugar Cane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) Blends in the Production of Alkali-Activated Materials

Blast furnace slag (BFS)/sugar cane bagasse ash (SCBA) blends were assessed for the production of alkali-activated pastes and mortars. SCBA was collected from a lagoon in which wastes from a sugar cane industry were poured. After previous dry and grinding processes, SCBA was chemically characterized: it had a large percentage of organic matter (ca. 25%). Solutions of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate were used as activating reagents. Different BFS/SCBA mixtures were studied, replacing part of the BFS by SCBA from 0 to 40% by weight. The mechanical strength of mortar was measured, obtaining values about 60 MPa of compressive strength for BFS/SCBA systems after 270 days of curing at 20 °C. Also, microstructural properties were assessed by means of SEM, TGA, XRD, pH, electrical conductivity, FTIR spectroscopy and MIP. Results showed a good stability of matrices developed by means of alkali-activation. It was demonstrated that sugar cane bagasse ash is an interesting source for preparing alkali-activated binders.     

Intestinal immune response of Silurus glanis and Barbus barbus naturally infected with Pomphorhynchus laevis (Acanthocephala)

Immunopathological and ultrastructural studies were conducted on the intestine of barbel Barbus barbus and sheatfish Silurus glanis that were naturally infected with the acanthocephalan Pomphorhynchus laevis. Enteric helminths often cause inflammation of the digestive tract, inducing the recruitment of different types of immune cells at the site of infection. The results of our study clearly demonstrated that mast cells (MC) were the dominant immune cells which occur at the site of inflammation in both hosts. MC were associated with fibroblasts and were found in close proximity to, and inside, the capillaries of the intestine, thus, migration of mast cells via the bloodstream was suggested. Significant degranulation of MC was present. Immunohistochemical staining revealed met-enkephalin and serotonin (5-HT) in intestinal MC of both uninfected and infected barbel and the absence of the antimicrobial peptides piscidin 3 and piscidin 4 in both species. Data are discussed with respect to host immune response to an intestinal helminth and compared with other host-parasite systems.     

Temporal and spatial changes in the composition and structure of helminth component communities in European eels Anguilla anguilla in an Adriatic coastal lagoon and some freshwaters in Italy

The composition and diversity of the helminth component communities in eels Anguilla anguilla were determined in three separate localities in Italy: an Adriatic coastal lagoon, Comacchio and two freshwater localities, the River Po and the Lake Piediluco. Data from Comacchio lagoon were analysed over 15 years to determine whether community composition and diversity changed significantly overtime. The community was species rich (nine species, all marine except Proteocephalus macrocephalus) and was dominated by a suite of digeneans: Deropristis inflata, Helicometra fasciata, Lecithochirium musculus and Bucephalus anguillae. The community showed little change in composition over the period, but the relative abundance and dominance of the species did alter. By contrast, the component communities in the freshwater localities were species poor and the dominant species were freshwater acanthocephalans, Pomphorhyncus laevis in River Po and Acanthocephalus rhinensis in Lake Piediluco. The helminth community of Lake Piediluco with five species was richer than that of the River Po with only three species, but was poorer than that of Comacchio lagoons. Similarity indices between samples from Comacchio were high; between the lagoon and the freshwater localities and between the two freshwater localities, similarity indices were very low. Helminth component community structure in coastal lagoons was comparable across Europe. The helminth community in the River Po was similar to those in the River Tiber and other European rivers whilst that in Lake Piediluco was similar to that in other European lakes. Levels of the pathogenic Anguillicoloides crassus in swim bladders were consistently lower in prevalence and abundance in the coastal lagoons than in freshwater localities. This suggests that this parasite may have little impact on migrating eels if they are indeed primarily of marine origin and so it may be of little importance in the recent decline of eel populations throughout Europe.     

Psychodermatology of skin picking (excoriation disorder): A comprehensive review

Excoriation disorder (ED) is a primary psychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent skin picking, which may lead to self‐induced cutaneous lesions and significant distress or functional impairment. The affected patient is aware of his/her self‐destructive behavior but feels unable to give up this habit, despite having made repeated attempts to decrease or stop it. ED is a relatively frequent disorder, of notable heterogeneity and phenomenological complexity, accompanied by significant emotional and physical consequences. Therefore, further research is necessary to enhance the knowledge on its clinical manifestations, epidemiology, and comorbidities. This article presents an update regarding the etiopathogenesis, clinical aspects, and treatment options of ED to provide an up‐to‐date review for psychiatrists, dermatologists, and general practitioners.     

Tobacco smoking: From ‘glamour’ to ‘stigma’. A comprehensive review

In this narrative review, we explore the history of tobacco smoking, its associations and portrayal of its use with luxury and glamour in the past, and intriguingly, its subsequent transformation into a mass consumption industrialized product encouraged by advertising and film. Then, we describe the next phase where tobacco in parts of the world has become an unwanted product. However, the number of smokers is still increasing, especially in new markets, and increasingly younger individuals are being attracted to it, despite the well‐known health consequences of tobacco use. We also explore current smoking behaviors, looking at trends in the prevalence of consumption throughout the world, discrimination against smokers, light and/or intermittent smokers, and the electronic cigarette (e‐cigarette). We place these changes in the context of neuroscience, which may help explain why the cognitive effects of smoking can be important reinforcers for its consumption despite strong anti‐smoking pressure in Western countries.     

Histological and ultrastructural study of Myxobolus mugchelo (Parenzan, 1966) with initial histopathology survey of the Liza ramada host intestine

This paper provides histological and ultrastructural data on Myxobolus mugchelo (Myxozoa), a parasite of the intestinal wall of thinlip mullet Liza ramada from the Comacchio lagoons (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy). About 80% of the examined mullets were infected with this myxozoan. In histological sections, the plasmodia appeared rounded to ovoid and spindle shaped, measured 181.61 ± 97 × 122.79 ± 53.16 μm (mean ± standard deviation, SD) in size. Early sporogenic plasmodia were located primarily in the muscle layer where no pronounced inflammatory response was detected. Plasmodia containing mature spores were situated closer to mucosal folds and were encircled by numerous immune cells, especially mast cells. Mature spores were generally oval and 6.06 ± 0.40 × 3.48 ± 0.92 μm in size. The spores showed symmetrical and smooth valves. The anterior end of the spores contained two equal pyriform polar capsules measuring 2.19 ± 0.47 × 1.59 ± 0.29 μm. Inside the polar capsules, an isofilar polar filament displayed 5–6 coils perpendicular or slightly oblique to the longitudinal axis. The wall of the polar capsule was filled with a hyaline substance contrasting with the very dense internal matrix. The mucus layer surrounded the spore surface. A thorough comparison with the Myxobolus species infecting intestine of fish is provided. This is the first report on occurrence of this myxozoan species in L. ramada population of the North Adriatic Sea.

     

Hair‐pulling disorder (Trichotillomania): Etiopathogenesis,diagnosis and treatment in a nutshell

Hair‐pulling disorder (Trichotillomania) is a disabling mental disorder. Patient's behavior is characterized by the recurrent pulling of own hair with hair loss and a marked dysfunction in various areas of daily life. Trichotillomania is a relatively common disorder with pediatric onset, often associated with significant morbidity, comorbidity, and functional decline. Surprisingly, children or adolescents have been little studied in the research studies on the pathophysiology and psychopathology of trichotillomania. Furthermore, more evidences regarding the effective and evidence‐based pharmacological interventions for the treatment of this condition are encouraged. This narrative review will report on the etiopathogenesis and clinical manifestations of trichotillomania including criteria for diagnosis and treatment issues of this complex mental disorder.