No abstract

The construction sector is responsible for one third of the total wastes produced in the EU. Finding solutions for the reuse or recycling of these wastes is one of the major environmental concerns of modern times. The replacement of sand or cement in specific construction materials, such as concrete or mortars, is a possible solution for these wastes’ management. By using construction and demolition wastes in construction materials, namely on buildings, the cycle of circular economy is closed, increasing the life cycle of the wastes in the same sector. In this research, a reduction of cement content in rendering mortars is analysed. This reduction is achieved by a decrease of the cement/aggregate ratio simultaneously with the incorporation of very fine recycled aggregate from construction and demolition waste. Two recycled aggregates were studied: recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and mixed recycled aggregate (MRA). The fresh and hardened state properties of the mortars were analysed. Several tests were carried out to evaluate the mortars’ performance, such as mechanical strength tests, water absorption tests, drying tests and shrinkage. It was noticed that the incorporation of RCA led to a better behaviour than in the reference mortar, in terms of mechanical strengths and protection against water.

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is a rare form of severe pyelonephritis. It is characterized by progressive parenchymal destruction caused by chronic urinary tract obstruction and infection, typically resulting in a non-functioning enlarged kidney. Its presentation with a psoas abscess is infrequent, and only a few cases are described in the literature. Unlike the typical presenting symptoms of XGP, our patient presented classic symptoms of lumbago. Once the diagnosis was established, antibiotics were given and a nephrectomy was performed. Unfortunately, after the surgery, the patient developed mild monoparesis on the right lower limb with decreased knee extension muscle strength and needed a walking stick for support. Nonetheless, a delayed diagnosis could have been fatal.