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The aluminum Bayer production process is the most diffused process in the world, but it creates a high amount of basic waste material known as red mud (RM). The use of RM as a precursor of alkali-activated materials is one of the best opportunities for both the ecosystem and the economy. In the present work, mortar samples were obtained by alkali activation of RM with various percentages of blast-furnace slag (BFS) and inert construction and demolition sands. This process creates samples that have a low environmental impact and that can be used as an alternative in the construction industry to cement materials or ceramic ones. The development of these new materials could also represent a way to reduce the CO 2 emissions linked to cement and ceramic brick production. In the present study, cubic 40 mm samples reported very interesting values in compressive strength, with a maximum of about 70 MPa for low environmental impact mortars. With such a material, it is possible to create solid bricks for structural use and concrete tiles for road paving or use it for other purposes. Mortar specimens were prepared and characterized, and an LCA analysis with a "cradle-to-gate" approach was carried out for a comparison of the environmental impact of the studied mortars with other materials currently marketed.

Retroperitoneal schwannoma is a very rare benign tumour that accounts for only a small percentage of retroperitoneal tumours. The preoperative diagnosis is difficult and the only treatment is complete surgical excision. The authors report their experience with a case of a voluminous retroperitoneal mass in a 42-year- old male patient, incidentally discovered during a diagnostic search for a blunt abdominal trauma. Because of the unclear origin of this mass, the patient underwent periodic radiological and ultrasonographic examinations. Three years later, owing to a slight increase in this mass and vague abdominal discomfort reported by the patient, surgical excision was performed. Histological examination of the surgical specimen revealed an "ancient schwannoma". The patient is alive and well and has had no recurrence in the twenty months since surgery. The authors, after a short discussion of the subject, go on to examine the diagnostic and therapeutic treatments of this rare benign neoplasm, which always arouses lively clinical and scientific interest.

West syndrome is a generalized epilepsy syndrome composed of infantile spasms and onset is usually within the first year of life. Although West syndrome is well known clinical epileptic syndrome, there is no agreement about the first- and second-line treatments. In the last years a great progress in the development of new antiepileptic drugs allow us to have a large choice of treatment options to control the seizures. This review outlines the usefulness of the different antiepileptic drugs for the treatment of West syndrome.