Comparative study of concrete constructed using wastewater and potable water

80% of the water supplied, normally comes out as wastewater either domestic or industrial. The utilization of wastewater in concrete will reduce potable water usage in the construction industry. Approximately 150 litres of water are required for lm3 of concrete without considering other applications of water in the concrete industry. This research study has investigated the performance of concrete using wastewater. 60 total number of concrete cubes have been designed and constructed using 10%, 20%, 30% and 100% of wastewater. The experimental data indicated that 30% of wastewater content in the concrete mix have increased 18% of the concrete strength compared with the control sample. Meanwhile, the result of the X-Ray Fluorescence Test (XRF) test for the concrete sample recorded that the CA is higher than the 30% concrete sample.

Fungal dermatitis by Scopulariopsis brevicaulisin Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)

Fungal dermatitis is classified into superficial, cutaneous and subcutaneous mycoses. However, the incidence of fungal dermatitis in small mammals is relatively low. Among rodents guinea pig the most affected specie, however it usually has an asymptomatic pattern. The present text reports an unusual case of fungal dermatitis in Caviaporcelluscaused by Scopulariopsis brevicaulis. The animal was received with complaint of alteration of coat around the neck, as well as report of incorrect feeding management. During the physical examination the presence of a dry and crusty dermatitis, negative on fluorescence test of wood. Samples of blood, skin, scabs and hair were collected for parasitic and mycological analysis. The hematological evaluation showed only a discrete eosinophilia; no ectoparasites were observed, but it was noticed the presence of Scopulariopsis brevicaulis. The animal underwent terbinafine and griseofulvin protocol, with total regression of the lesions after 30 days. S. brevicaulis is an unusual geophilic fungus causing animal mycosis, presenting more pathological reports in human mycoses, thus, representing a zoonotic potential. According to the clinical findings and results obtained from mycology assay, it was diagnosed dermatitis by Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, secondary to nutritional deficiency. The combined use of topical terbinafine with systemic griseofulvin was efficient in the treatment. Finally, it was recommended a dietary correction.

Effects of Methanolic Extract from Turmeric (Curcuma longa) against the In Vitro Multiplication of Several Babesia Species and Theileria equi

Anti-piroplasm drugs currently on the market have proven toxicity to the host and parasite resistance. Plants are possible sources of novel drugs. Subsequently, a novel strategy should be used to find new anti-piroplasm agents that are both effective and safe. In the present study, we have evaluated the effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa) methanolic extract on the in vitro growth of Babesia (B.) bovis, B. divergens, B. caballi, and Theileria (T.) equi. The in vitro inhibitory effectiveness of turmeric was assessed using a fluorescence test. The enhancement in the in vitro inhibitory efficacy of turmeric when administrated in combination with diminazene aceturate (DA) was investigated using in vitro cultures of different piroplasm parasites. Turmeric reduced the in vitro growth of B. bovis, B. divergens, T. equi, and B. caballi with IC50 values of 0.830 0.078, 0.375 0.055, 1.405 0.575, and 0.720 0.090 mg/mL, respectively. An amount of 1 mg/mL turmeric for B. bovis, 0.5 mg/mL turmeric for B. divergens, 1 mg/mL turmeric for T. equi, and 0.5 mg/mL turmeric for B. caballi exhibited 73.43%, 80.065%, 73.47%, and 47.375% inhibitions in the growth of the parasites, respectively. When turmeric was combined with DA, its in vitro inhibitory impact on bovine Babesia and equine Babesia/Theileria parasites was amplified. These findings show that a methanolic extract of turmeric could be a promising medicinal plant for the treatment of babesiosis, especially when administered in conjunction with DA.

Core-Shell Magnetic Fe3O4/CNC@MOF Composites with Peroxidase-Like Activity for Colorimetric Detection of Phenol

Rapid and accurate detection of phenolic wastewater from industries has created global concern. Herein, core-shell magnetic cellulose nanocrystals supported MOF (Fe3O4/CNC@ZIF-8) with robust peroxidase-like activity was synthesized with tannic acid as modifier and bridge. The peroxidase-mimic catalytic activity of as-prepared Fe3O4/CNC@ZIF-8 was further investigated using o-phenylenediamine (OPD) as peroxidase substrates in the presence of H2O2. Moreover, the experimental conditions were optimized and the kinetic analysis results showed that Fe3O4/CNC@ZIF-8 had higher affinity towards both the substrate OPD and H2O2 than horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Finally, a phenol colorimetric assay with a linear range of 2-200 µM and a detection limit of 0.316 µM was constructed. The catalytic mechanism of Fe3O4/CNC@ZIF-8 with phenol was further investigated by fluorescence test and the generated •OH was proved to act a crucial role to produce quinoid radicals. Additionally, the synthesized magnetic material had excellent stability and recyclability and ease to separation. These results suggest that the Fe3O4/CNC@ZIF-8 may be one of the promising candidates as peroxidase mimic for colorimetric detection of phenol.

Recurrent keratoconjunctivitis as the sole manifestation of COVID-19 infection: A case report

Introduction: Ocular symptoms are uncommon manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Earlier study reported that dry eye, blurred vision, foreign body sensation, tearing, itching, conjunctival secretion, conjunctival congestion, ocular pain, and photophobia are among the ocular symptoms that could be found in COVID-19 patients. However, there are only a few reports available regarding corneal involvement in this disease. Here we report a case of keratoconjunctivitis as the only symptom of COVID-19 infection. Case description: A 27-year-old man who worked as an obstetrics and gynecology resident came to the outpatient clinic with the chief complaints of eye discomfort, foreign body sensation, conjunctival hyperemia, lacrimation, and photophobia in his right eye for the past 3 weeks. Fluorescence test showed a small corneal lesion. The patient was then diagnosed with keratoconjunctivitis. A week after the treatment, all symptoms were resolved. A month later, the patient came to the emergency room with the same eye complaints but with a more severe pain. The fluorescence test showed wider corneal lesion compared to last month. The result from the corneal swab is negative for bacterial or fungal infection, indicating a viral infection. Afterwards, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test from nasopharyngeal swab was performed and revealed that the patient was positive for COVID-19. Conclusions: This case report showed that keratoconjunctivitis may occur as the only manifestation of COVID-19 infection. Thus, patient presented with unexplainable eye symptoms should be evaluated for COVID-19 infection.