Viruses as co-factors for the initiation or exacerbation of lung fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remains exactly that. The disease originates from an unknown cause, and little is known about the mechanisms of pathogenesis. While the disease is likely multi-factorial, evidence is accumulating to implicate viruses as co-factors (either as initiating or exacerbating agents) of fibrotic lung disease. This review summarizes the available clinical and experimental observations that form the basis for the hypothesis that viral infections may augment fibrotic responses. We review the data suggesting a link between hepatitis C virus, adenovirus, human cytomegalovirus and, in particular, the Epstein-Barr gammaherpesvirus, in IPF. In addition, we highlight the recent associations made between gammaherpesvirus infection and lung fibrosis in horses and discuss the various murine models that have been used to investigate the contribution of gammaherpesviruses to fibrotic progression. We review the work demonstrating that gammaherpesvirus infection of Th2-biased mice leads to multi-organ fibrosis and highlight studies showing that gammaherpesviral infections of mice either pre- or post-fibrotic challenge can augment the development of fibrosis. Finally, we discuss potential mechanisms whereby viral infections may amplify the development of fibrosis. While none of these studies prove causality, we believe the evidence suggests that viral infections should be considered as potential initiators or exacerbating agents in at least some cases of IPF and thereby justify further study

Use of industrial waste as a substitute for conventional aggregates in asphalt pavements: A review

The need to save natural resources has paradigmatic attitude changes, such as the need to value waste materials in order to reduce landfill and minimize the use of raw materials. The objective of this work is to show the contribution of existing literature about the incorporation of industrial wastes in asphalt pavements. Thus, some of the main industrial wastes that can be incorporated in asphalt mixtures as aggregate substitute are steel slag, foundry sand and fly ash. This wastes are produced on a large scale on the planet, and the literature shows that, when treated for use in road pavements, their mechanical properties are similar or superior to conventional aggregates. Thus, according to the studies presented here, the incorporation rates vary from 5 to 15% for foundry sand, 70% for steel slag and 30% for fly ash. When incorporated in asphalt pavements, the dangerous elements may be encapsulated in the mixture, reducing their environmental toxicity.(undefined)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio