The exponential rise in the production of plastic and the consequential surge in plastic waste have led the scientists and researchers look out for innovative and sustainable means to reuse/recycle the plastic waste in order to reduce its negative impact on environment. Construction material, converting waste plastic into fuel, household goods, fabric and clothing are some of the sectors where waste plastic is emerging as a viable option. Out of these, construction material modified with plastic waste has garnered lot of attention. Modification of construction material with plastic waste serves a dual purpose. It reduces the amount of plastic waste going to landfills or litter and secondly lessens the use of mined construction materials, thereby mitigating the negative impact of construction industry on environment. This paper summarizes the developments with regard to the use of plastic waste as a constituent of construction material. Inclusion of plastic waste as a binder, aggregate, fine aggregate, modifier or substitute of cement and sand in the manufacturing of bricks, tiles, concrete and roads has been comprehensively reviewed. Also, the influence of addition of plastic waste on strength properties, water absorption, durability, etc. has been thoroughly discussed. The research studies considered for this review have been categorized based on whether they dealt with the use of plastic waste for bricks and tiles or in concrete for road construction.

The apicomplexan pathogen Babesia microti is responsible for most cases of human babesiosis worldwide. The disease, which presents as a malaria-like illness, is potentially fatal in immunocompromised or elderly patients, making the need for its accurate and early diagnosis an urgent public health concern. B. microti is transmitted primarily by Ixodes ticks but can also be transmitted via blood transfusion.

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Background Babesiosis has gained attention as an emerging protozoal zoonotic disease with an expanding known incidence and geographical range in the US. The infection is caused by Babesia microti in the US and is transmitted by the bite of Ixodes ticks, and occasionally by blood transfusion. The diagnosis is usually established by microscopic examination of a stained blood smear to see intraerythrocytic organisms. The level of parasitemia is only loosely correlated with clinical severity. Anecdotal reports suggest that HDL cholesterol levels decline during acute babesiosis. In this study, we report cholesterol levels in a series of patients with acute babesiosis with the hypothesis that HDL levels may be a potential biomarker for more severe infections. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed at Stony Brook University Hospital and Stony Brook Southampton Hospital between 2013 and 2018. Inclusion criteria was defined as a case of acute Babesia infection proven by peripheral blood smear microscopy and who had a lipid profile drawn during presentation to the emergency department. Cholesterol levels that were measured either before or after the infection (at least 1 month apart) were also recorded to compare to the levels reported during acute infection. Results A total of 40 patients (27.5% female) met criteria for acute Babesia infection. Fifteen (37.5%) had a history of splenectomy. The patients were divided into two groups for comparisons based on the treating physician’s clinical decision: 32 patients who were admitted to the hospital and 8 patients who were not-admitted. History of hypertension was more common in admitted than non-admitted patients (37% vs. 17%, Chi-square test p=0.02); the median levels of LDL and HDL were more reduced in admitted than non-admitted patients (46 vs 76 mg/dL, p=0.04 and 9 vs 28.5 mg/dL, p=0.03, based on t-test respectively) Conclusion LDL and HDL levels are significantly reduced in acute babesiosis, and LDL levels are inversely proportional to the parasitemia, suggesting that low levels of LDL may predict worsening disease in babesiosis. The mechanism of this phenomenon is unknown. Further prospective studies are needed. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures