Eco-toxicity assessment of industrial by-product-based alkali-activated binders using the sea urchin embryogenesis bioassay.

New cement-based materials such as alkali-activated binders (AABs) or geopolymers allow the incorporation of waste or industrial by-products in their formulation, resulting an interesting valorization technique. Therefore, it is essential to inquire about the potential environmental and health impacts throughout their life cycle. In the European context, a minimum aquatic toxicity tests battery has been recommended for construction products, but their potential biological effects on marine ecosystems have not been considered. In this study, three industrial by-products, PAVAL® (PV) aluminum oxide, weathered bottom ash (WBA) resulting from incinerator bottom ash and glass cullet recycling waste (CSP), were evaluated as precursors in the AAB formulation from an environmental point of view. To determine the potential effects on marine environment caused by the leaching of contaminants from these materials into seawater, the leaching test EN-12457-2 and an ecotoxicity test using the model organism sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus were conducted. The percentage of abnormal larval development was selected as endpoint of the toxicity test. Based on the results obtained from the toxicity tests, AABs have less damaging impact (EC50 values: 49.2%-51.9%) on the marine environment in general than raw materials. The results highlight the need to stablish a specific battery of toxicity tests for the environmental assessment of construction products on marine ecosystem.

Environmental potential assessment of MSWI bottom ash-based alkali-activated binders.

Alkali-activated binders (AABs) stand out as a sustainable alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) as they can be formulated using by-products or waste as raw materials. However, the presence of hazardous compounds in residues can lead to an increase in AABs' toxicity due to the highly alkaline media. Therefore, it is extremely important to evaluate their environmental risks to validate their use as building materials. This study environmentally assessed AABs prepared with two different fractions (0-30 mm and 8-30 mm) of weathered bottom ash (AA-WBA) from WtE plants. The potential leachate toxicity of AA-WBA was assessed using granular and monolithic leaching tests that simulated end-of-life and service life scenarios, respectively. Furthermore, an acute toxicity test with crustacean Daphnia magna as model organisms was conducted to determine the relationship between the leachate metal(loid) concentrations and the ecotoxicity of AA-WBA. The results showed higher metal(loid) concentrations in AA-WBA specimens prepared with the 0-30 mm fraction of WBA. The service life scenario revealed multiple metal(loid)-release mechanisms. The 48 h EC50 value (close to 10%; moderate toxicity) indicated that the use of the coarse fraction of WBA increased the immobilisation of the metal(loid)s. Finally, the correlation between the concentrations of some of the metal(loid)s and toxicity was demonstrated.

Health-related quality of life in pediatric intestinal transplantation.

To determine HRQOL after pediatric intestinal transplantation. Thirty-four IT survivors from 1999 to 2012 were asked to complete age-specific HRQOL non-disease-specific questionnaires: TAPQOL (0-4 yr), KINDL-R (5-7 yr; 8-12 yr; 13-17 yr), and SF-36v2 (>18 yr), all validated with Spanish population. Primary caregiver completed a SF-36 questionnaire and CBI. Thirty-one participants were included. Median age was 10.2 yr (1-29) and time after transplant 4.4 yr (0-13). Overall patient scores were 78.2 ± 10.6 (n = 8), 83.3 ± 9.7 (n = 6), 72.2 ± 9.21 (n = 6), 80.5 ± 12.4 (n = 7), and 82.2 ± 12.4 (n = 4) for each age group. Highest scores were obtained for vitality (group I), self-esteem (group IV), and physical and social functioning and emotions (group V). Lowest scores were obtained in appetite and behavior (I), family and school (III), and chronic disease perception (III, IV). No significant differences were found between caregivers and their children. CBI showed stress in 52%. SF-36 for caregivers was lower than general population. No significant differences were found depending on relevant clinical and sociodemographic data. HRQOL was acceptable and improved with age and time since transplantation. Parents had a slighter own QOL and worse perception of health than their children. When successful, intestinal transplantation allows a normal life in most patients and can be offered as an attractive option.

[A comparative study of the course of aged patients with hip surgery]. / Chirurgie de la hanche évolutions comparées chez le vieillard.

On an orthopedic surgical unit we studied the course of patients aged over 70 years who had undergone surgical operation on the hip in 1974 and 1975. Distinguishing the pre-opérative, per-operative and post-operative stages, we used firstly, the distribution according to age and sex, the past history, the laboratory findings, the type of operation and the type of anesthetic. Then, we carried out a comparative analysis in relation to the past history, the post-operative complications and the deaths.