Novel approach for health monitoring of earthen embankments

This paper introduces a novel modular approach for the monitoring of desiccation-induced deterioration in earthen embankments (levees), which are typically used as flood-defense structures. The approach is based on the use of a combination of geotechnical and noninvasive geophysical probes for the continuous monitoring of the water content in the ground. The level of accuracy of the monitoring is adaptable to the available financial resources. The proposed methodology was used and validated on a recently built, 2-km-long river embankment in Galston (Scotland, U.K.). A suite of geotechnical probes was installed to monitor the seasonal variation of water content over a 2-year period. Most devices were calibrated in situ. A novel procedure to extrapolate the value of water content from the geotechnical and geophysical probes at any point of the embankment is shown. Desiccation fissuring degrades the resistance of embankments against several failure mechanisms. An index of susceptibility is proposed here. The index is a useful tool to assess the health state of the structure and prioritize remedial intervention

Novel approach for health monitoring of earthen embankments

This paper introduces a novel modular approach for the monitoring of desiccation-induced deterioration in earthen embankments (levees), which are typically used as flood-defense structures. The approach is based on the use of a combination of geotechnical and noninvasive geophysical probes for the continuous monitoring of the water content in the ground. The level of accuracy of the monitoring is adaptable to the available financial resources. The proposed methodology was used and validated on a recently built, 2-km-long river embankment in Galston (Scotland, United Kingdom). A suite of geotechnical probes was installed to monitor the seasonal variation of water content over a 2-year period. Most devices were calibrated in situ. A novel procedure to extrapolate the value of water content from the geotechnical and geophysical probes at any point of the embankment is shown. Desiccation fissuring degrades the resistance of embankments against several failure mechanisms. An index of susceptibility is proposed here. The index is a useful tool to assess the health state of the structure and prioritize remedial interventions

Non-invasive portable geophysical tool to monitor water content in earthen long linear infrastructures

The use of electrical conductivity measurements from a non-invasive hand held electromagnetic probe is showcased to monitor the water content of earthen embankments at routine inspections. A methodology to convert the electrical conductivity measurements from the electromagnetic device into water content values is illustrated. The methodology is based on measuring the soil electrical conductivity variation with respect to a baseline reference condition and calibrating a water content - electrical conductivity relationship by comparing electrical conductivity readings from the electromagnetic probes with water content readings taken from geotechnical probes installed in a few sections of the embankment. The values of water content converted from the conductivity measurements according to the proposed procedure were found to be in very good agreement with independent measures of water content taken at times well beyond the calibration period

Colistin and rifampicin compared with colistin alone for the treatment of serious infections due to extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: A multicenter, randomized clinical trial

Background. Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter baumannii may cause serious infections in critically ill patients. Colistin often remains the only therapeutic option. Addition of rifampicin to colistin may be synergistic in vitro. In this study, we assessed whether the combination of colistin and rifampicin reduced the mortality of XDR A. baumannii infections compared to colistin alone. Methods. This multicenter, parallel, randomized, open-label clinical trial enrolled 210 patients with life-threatening infections due to XDR A. baumannii from intensive care units of 5 tertiary care hospitals. Patients were randomly allocated (1:1) to either colistin alone, 2 MU every 8 hours intravenously, or colistin (as above), plus rifampicin 600 mg every 12 hours intravenously. The primary end point was overall 30-day mortality. Secondary end points were infection-related death, microbiologic eradication, and hospitalization length. Results. Death within 30 days from randomization occurred in 90 (43%) subjects, without difference between treatment arms (P = .95). This was confirmed by multivariable analysis (odds ratio, 0.88 [95% confidence interval, .46-1.69], P = .71). A significant increase of microbiologic eradication rate was observed in the colistin plus rifampicin arm (P = .034). No difference was observed for infection-related death and length of hospitalization. Conclusions. In serious XDR A. baumannii infections, 30-day mortality is not reduced by addition of rifampicin to colistin. These results indicate that, at present, rifampicin should not be routinely combined with colistin in clinical practice. The increased rate of A. baumannii eradication with combination treatment could still imply a clinical benefi

Yellow nail syndrome as a cause of unexplained edema

Yellow nail syndrome is a rare cause of edema due to a disordered lymphatic drainage. We recently observed two cases of long-standing, chronic edema, whose nature could not be understood despite innumerable diagnostic procedures. The diagnosis was suspected based on an attentive clinical exam and confirmed by radionuclide lymph scan. Yellow nail syndrome has to be considered in the differential diagnosis in cases of systemic edema, as well as long standing pleural effusions, particularly in patients with bronchiectasis or sinusitis. Clues to diagnosis are the presence of dystrophic, yellowish nails, peripheral lymphedema and relapsing pleural effusions and/or ascites. Long-term control of symptoms is difficult to achieve and may benefit from the judicious use of diuretics and intravenous albumin and by topical alpha-tocopherol. Pleurodesis may be needed. Other pathologic conditions are often associated to yellow nail syndrome and should be ruled out.Yellow nail syndrome is a rare cause of edema due to a disordered lymphatic drainage. We recently observed two cases of long-standing, chronic edema, whose nature could not be understood despite innumerable diagnostic procedures. The diagnosis was suspected based on an attentive clinical exam and confirmed by radionuclide lymph scan. Yellow nail syndrome has to be considered in the differential diagnosis in cases of systemic edema, as well as long standing pleural effusions, particularly in patients with bronchiectasis or sinusitis. Clues to diagnosis are the presence of dystrophic, yellowish nails, peripheral lymphedema and relapsing pleural effusions and/or ascites. Long-term control of symptoms is difficult to achieve and may benefit from the judicious use of diuretics and intravenous albumin and by topical alpha-tocopherol. Pleurodesis may be needed. Other pathologic conditions are often associated to yellow nail syndrome and should be ruled out