This paper aims to analyze the characteristics of self-compacting mortar (SCM) with the partial replacement of cement by water treatment sludge (WTS). This replacement aims to contribute to minimize environmental degradation arising from the production of materials used in construction and to give a sustainable destination to the sludge generated in water treatment plants. In this study, the substitution of cement in 10 and 20% for the WTS from the Itajubá Water Treatment Plant in Minas Gerais was analyzed. The residue was collected, filtered, dried and ground, so that the granulometric analyses could be performed and the data inserted in the EMMA particle packing software. Regarding the mortar, the properties in the fresh state were verified through the spreading and flow tests, in which all mixtures could be defined as self-compacting. Regarding the mechanical properties, compression, flexural tensile and modulus of elasticity tests were performed after 28 days of curing. In the mixtures containing WTS, the mechanical strengths and modulus of elasticity decreased. Furthermore, in the hardened state, a reduction in specific mass and an increase in the voids index and absorption was observed in the traces containing WTS. The results indicate that WTS could be used only for non-structural function. However, the results obtained reinforce the need for further studies on the subject, maintaining the possibility of using the WTS in civil construction.
Context: Histoplasmosis (Histoplasma capsulatum) is a systemic disease that affects the lung and immune system1. The severity of histoplasmosis is directly related to the individual’s immune response since it is an opportunistic pathogen2. It is one of the most prevalent infections in immunocompromised patients due to the use of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors, resulting in a mortality rate of 20%. The evolution to CNS occurs in 5-10% of patients with disseminated symptoms3. Case Report: M.G.M, a woman, 67 years, was admitted with bilateral tonicclonic seizure with focal onset in the right upper limb. The patient had hypertension, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, and was use ASA, glibenclamide, hydrochlorothiazide, losartan, amlodipine, adalimumab and methotrexate. Complementary exams were performed that showed lesions suggestive of microangiopathy on cranial CT; nodular lesions in the pulmonary right upper lobe and prominent lymph nodes in the hilum and mediastinum on chest CT; CSF with increased cytology (monomorphonuclear predominance), without glucose consumption. The biopsy of lung lesions identified Histoplasma capsulatum, confirming the diagnosis of progressive disseminated histoplasmosis with pulmonary and CNS involvement. Thus, treatment with amphotericin B was started, however, the patient died. Conclusions: Histoplasmosis is the most prevalent invasive fungal infection in users of TNF-alpha inhibitors. In these cases, the disease can be more aggressive and have a rapid evolution, with CNS involvement - which confers a worse prognosis. Early diagnosis, suspension of the immunomodulator and adequate treatment for infection control are required.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.