Genetic prediction of ICU hospitalization and mortality in COVID-19 patients using artificial neural networks

There is an unmet need of models for early prediction of morbidity and mortality of Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). We aimed to a) identify complement-related genetic variants associated with the clinical outcomes of ICU hospitalization and death, b) develop an artificial neural network (ANN) predicting these outcomes and c) validate whether complement-related variants are associated with an impaired complement phenotype. We prospectively recruited consecutive adult patients of Caucasian origin, hospitalized due to COVID-19. Through targeted next-generation sequencing, we identified variants in complement factor H/CFH, CFB, CFH-related, CFD, CD55, C3, C5, CFI, CD46, thrombomodulin/THBD, and A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS13). Among 381 variants in 133 patients, we identified 5 critical variants associated with severe COVID-19: rs2547438 (C3), rs2250656 (C3), rs1042580 (THBD), rs800292 (CFH) and rs414628 (CFHR1). Using age, gender and presence or absence of each variant, we developed an ANN predicting morbidity and mortality in 89.47% of the examined population. Furthermore, THBD and C3a levels were significantly increased in severe COVID-19 patients and those harbouring relevant variants. Thus, we reveal for the first time an ANN accurately predicting ICU hospitalization and death in COVID-19 patients, based on genetic variants in complement genes, age and gender. Importantly, we confirm that genetic dysregulation is associated with impaired complement phenotype

RILEM TC 203-RHM: Repair mortars for historic masonry. Repair mortars for historic masonry. From problem to intervention: a decision process

This article focuses on repair or replacement mortars for historical buildings. Both the decision process and questions arising are dealt with, in order to better define and illustrate technical requirements for mortars to be used for the repair or restoration of monuments and historic buildings (masonry mortars, plasters, renders...). The article summarizes a longer document, meant to help professionals in their decision on the interventions, taking into account aspects, which are ranging from the ethics of restoration to the technical requirements

RILEM TC 203-RHM: Repair mortars for historic masonry. Requirement for repointing mortars for historic masonry

This paper gives a summary of funcional and performance requirements for repointing mortars for historicf masonty (design, execution and maintenance). Successful performance of repair and conservation of mortars in historic masonry requires more care with design and execution than whith modern masonry

RILEM TC 203-RHM: Repair mortars for historic masonry. Performance requirements for renders and plasters

This article given a summary of functional and performance for renders and plasters for historic masonry (design, execution and maintenance). Specific attentio has been paid to degradation effects, such as caused by salt crystallization and freeze-thaw cycling. Traditional as well as designed prefab mortars are considered for repair intervention

RILEM TC 203-RHM Repair mortars for historic masonry:The role of mortar in masonry: an introduction to requirements for the design of repair mortars

Mortar has been in use for many thousands of years and is integral to most masonry construction. Is use is widespread in every culture where masonry is constructed. It is present in the majority of the global built cultural heritage, and is therefore a major consideration in building conservation. The effettive design of a motar for repairing masonry depends on a clear understanding of its function. The main functional uses of mortars in masonry are classified as bedding, ointing, grout, render, plaster, flooring and mortars for surface repair. The requirements that each type of mortar must meet in service depend on its environmental exposure and its role in the masonry element that it is found within (e.g. issue such as historic authenticity, aesthetics, resistance to moisture ingress, structural integrity, and service life). Technical requirement such as adhesion, strength, elasticity, water and vapour transmittance, drying behaviour, thermal dilatation, ability to deal with salt contamination and freeze-thaw cycling, and its aesthetic properties can be quantified. Mortars properties can be adjusted by varying ingrdients and their proportions, to meet the deffering technical requirements

Rilem TC 203-RHM: Repair mortars for historic masonry. Testing of hardened mortars, a process of questioning and interpreting

This paper presents an approach to the use and interpretation of tests on mortar samples when restoring historic masonry. It is largely based on the work performed by the former RILEM technical committee 167-COM, Characterisation of old mortars, closed in 2003, and the ongoing committee 203-RHM, Repair mortars for historic masonry. The focus of the present paper is on the decision process: what to test and how to interpret the test results