Differential diagnosis of perinatal hypophosphatasia: radiologic perspectives

Perinatal hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare, potentially life-threatening, inherited, systemic metabolic bone disease that can be difficult to recognize in utero and postnatally. Diagnosis is challenging because of the large number of skeletal dysplasias with overlapping clinical features. This review focuses on the role of fetal and neonatal imaging modalities in the differential diagnosis of perinatal HPP from other skeletal dysplasias (e.g., osteogenesis imperfecta, campomelic dysplasia, achondrogenesis subtypes, hypochondrogenesis, cleidocranial dysplasia). Perinatal HPP is associated with a broad spectrum of imaging findings that are characteristic of but do not occur in all cases of HPP and are not unique to HPP, such as shortening, bowing and angulation of the long bones, and slender, poorly ossified ribs and metaphyseal lucencies. Conversely, absent ossification of whole bones is characteristic of severe lethal HPP and is associated with very few other conditions. Certain features may help distinguish HPP from other skeletal dysplasias, such as sites of angulation of long bones, patterns of hypomineralization, and metaphyseal characteristics. In utero recognition of HPP allows for the assembly and preparation of a multidisciplinary care team before delivery and provides additional time to devise treatment strategies

Permeable pavements and storm water management

The purpose of this book chapter is to summarize the recent literature on permeable pavements and related systems, highlighting current trends in research and practice, and to recommend future areas of research and development. Note that permeable pavements are also known as porous and pervious pavements depending on the industry and country of origin. The development of permeable pavements using concrete pavers as an integral part of sustainable drainage systems is reviewed in the context of traditional and modern urban drainage. Emphasis is given to detailed design, maintenance and water quality control aspects. The advantages and disadvantages of different pavement surfaces are discussed with the help of recent and relevant case study findings. The latest innovations are explained, and their potential for further research work is outlined. Current research regarding the development of systems combining geothermal heating and cooling, water treatment and recycling, and pavement is promising