Nanoparticles from construction wastes: A problem to health and the environment

The present study deals with the nano-mineralogy and geochemistry of ultrafine particles in construction waste from the Porto Alegre region in Southern Brazil. Uncontrolled construction waste dumps and poor management practices in formal disposal sites in the area may increase exposure risks to population. Whilst the physicochemical properties of construction wastes are well documented in the literature, the characteristics of nanoparticles in their formulations are not well known. Given that degradation of construction materials may unlock and enable further release of nano-particulates present, we focused on the <63 mm fraction to examine the geochemistry of inhalable nano-particulates that could cause adverse health impacts on local communities. A particular feature across the studied wastes are the numerous aerodynamically favourable, spherical-shaped nanoparticles of magnetite, rutile and anatase. The detected nanoparticles contained a number of elements including Al, As, Au, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Na, Fe, K, S, Sn, Si and. An enrichment in metals and metalloids such as As, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Fe, Sn or Ta in particles in the nano-scale range in relation to larger particles was observed. The presence of carbon nanotubes was also noted. The leaching tests showed that the construction wastes did not reach the limits for their disposal as hazardous waste according the European Directive. Whilst the majority of trace elements were highly immobile, the water extractability for oxyanionic-forming metalloids suggests possible migration to surface and groundwater bodies. This work seeks to bring awareness on the impacts of unsustainable construction waste management, and the relevance of improved regulations regarding their final disposal

New insights into the genetic etiology of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias

Characterization of the genetic landscape of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADD) provides a unique opportunity for a better understanding of the associated pathophysiological processes. We performed a two-stage genome-wide association study totaling 111,326 clinically diagnosed/'proxy' AD cases and 677,663 controls. We found 75 risk loci, of which 42 were new at the time of analysis. Pathway enrichment analyses confirmed the involvement of amyloid/tau pathways and highlighted microglia implication. Gene prioritization in the new loci identified 31 genes that were suggestive of new genetically associated processes, including the tumor necrosis factor alpha pathway through the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex. We also built a new genetic risk score associated with the risk of future AD/dementia or progression from mild cognitive impairment to AD/dementia. The improvement in prediction led to a 1.6- to 1.9-fold increase in AD risk from the lowest to the highest decile, in addition to effects of age and the APOE ε4 allele

Analysis of shared heritability in common disorders of the brain

Paroxysmal Cerebral Disorder

Factors Associated with Revision Surgery after Internal Fixation of Hip Fractures

Background: Femoral neck fractures are associated with high rates of revision surgery after management with internal fixation. Using data from the Fixation using Alternative Implants for the Treatment of Hip fractures (FAITH) trial evaluating methods of internal fixation in patients with femoral neck fractures, we investigated associations between baseline and surgical factors and the need for revision surgery to promote healing, relieve pain, treat infection or improve function over 24 months postsurgery. Additionally, we investigated factors associated with (1) hardware removal and (2) implant exchange from cancellous screws (CS) or sliding hip screw (SHS) to total hip arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty, or another internal fixation device. Methods: We identified 15 potential factors a priori that may be associated with revision surgery, 7 with hardware removal, and 14 with implant exchange. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses in our investigation. Results: Factors associated with increased risk of revision surgery included: female sex, [hazard ratio (HR) 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-2.50; P = 0.001], higher body mass index (fo

Predictive factors in the long term outcome in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: six years follow up of 107 patients

There is little information concerning the long term outcome of patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Thus 109 patients with reflux symptoms (33 with erosive oesophagitis) with a diagnosis of GORD after clinical evaluation and oesophageal testing were studied. All patients were treated with a stepwise approach: (a) lifestyle changes were suggested aimed at reducing reflux and antacids and the prokinetic agent domperidone were prescribed; (b) H2 blockers were added after two months when symptoms persisted; (c) anti-reflux surgery was indicated when there was no response to (b). Treatment was adjusted to maintain clinical remission during follow up. Long term treatment need was defined as minor when conservative measures sufficed for proper control, and as major if daily H2 blockers or surgery were required. The results showed that one third of the patients each had initial therapeutic need (a), (b), and (c). Of 103 patients available for follow up at three years and 89 at six years, respective therapeutic needs were minor in 52% and 55% and major in 48% and 45%. Eighty per cent of patients in (a), 67% in (b), and 17% in (c) required only conservative measures at six years. A decreasing lower oesophageal sphincter pressure (p < 0.001), radiological reflux (p = 0.028), and erosive oesophagitis (p = 0.031), but not initial clinical scores, were independent predictors of major therapeutic need as shown by multivariate analysis. The long term outcome of GORD is better than previously perceived