Chemical Profiling of Sulfate Deteriorated Samples Using Milli X-Ray Fluorescence - X-Ray Spectrum Imaging

External sulfate attack damages the structures exposed to various environmental conditions. In order to understand the damage of concrete structures with the ingress of sulfate ions, it is essential to recognize the path of sulfates into the concrete at different exposure conditions. Exposure conditions are mostly based on the real time conditions of the structures; hence partially saturated conditions, wet-dry cycles, saturated conditions are used to get a close picture of field conditions. Concrete cylinders, cast from a 0.48 w/c ratio were completely and partially exposed to 5% sodium sulfate solution for a period of two years. After two years, there was good evidence of physical degradation and this occurred due to different chemical interactions for the period of time. Milli-x-ray fluorescence technique is used to map the sulfur profile of the sulfate deteriorated samples. This gave a clear picture of the concentration levels in the concrete derived from an external source of sulfates. It also provided insight on how the sulfur ions travelled within the concrete matrix with respect to the different transport mechanisms analyzed. It was found that the presence of an evaporation plane, creating a wicking transport mechanism, did contribute to drawing a larger amount of sulfates deeper into the matrix.Civil Engineerin

Drug induced cicatrizing conjunctivitis: A case series with review of etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and management

Drug induced cicatrizing conjunctivitis (DICC) is defined as a disease in which conjunctival cicatrization develops as a response to the chronic use of inciting topical and, rarely, systemic medications. DICC accounts for up to one third of cases of pseudopemphigoid, a large group of cicatrizing conjunctival diseases sharing similar clinical features to those of mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) but generally without the morbidity of progressive scarring or the need for systemic immunosuppression. The preservatives in topical anti-glaucoma medications (AGM) are the most frequently implicated inciting causes of DICC although topical antivirals, vasoconstrictors and mydriatics and some systemic drugs have been implicated. The literature review summarizes the classification, epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, histopathology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and treatment outcomes of DICC in the context of a case series of 23 patients (42 eyes) with AGM induced DICC, from India and the UK. In this series all subjects reacted to preserved AGM with one exception, who also reacted to non-preserved AGM. At diagnosis >70% of eyes showed punctal scarring, inflammation, and forniceal shortening. Pemphigoid studies were negative in the 19/23 patients in whom they were carried out. DICC can be classified as non-progressive, progressive with positive pemphigoid immunopathology or progressive with negative pemphigoid immunopathology. It is unclear whether progressive DICC is a stand-alone disease, or concurrent (or drug induced) ocular MMP. Progressive cases should currently be treated as ocular MMP. The diagnosis can be made clinically when there is rapid resolution of symptoms and inflammation, usually within 1–16 weeks, after withdrawal of suspected inciting medications, ideally by temporary substitution of oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. If the response to withdrawal is uncertain, or the progression of inflammation and scarring continues then patients must be evaluated to exclude concurrent (or drug induced) MMP, and other potential causes of CC, for which the treatment and prognosis is different. Management, in addition to withdrawing inciting medications, may require short-term treatment of conjunctival inflammation with steroids, treatment of associated corneal disease with contact lenses or surface reconstructive surgery, control of intra-ocular pressure with non-preserved AGM and, in some, surgery for glaucoma or for trichiasis and entropion

Lost In Translation: La mala hora to Minority Language Suppression

This project won second place in the 2022 Signature Course Information Literacy Award. The award recognizes exemplary student work that achieves the learning outcomes of the Signature Course information literacy requirement, that students will be able to create and execute a research strategy, critically evaluate information, and navigate the scholarly conversation. Neha Donthineni self-nominated her paper “Lost in Translation: La mala hora to Minority Language Suppression” from Arturo De Lozanne’s UGS 303 course - Originality in the Arts and Sciences. Her TA Olivia Spiers said of her paper “During her time researching this work, Ms. Donthineni was in close contact with Harry Ransom Center employees in order to receive the most complete and authentic analysis of her chosen artifact. While her paper was rooted in the novel’s characteristics and historical context, Ms. Donthineni launched her paper into contemporary times by bringing in recent research on minority language suppression and its impacts around the world today. She shows adept skill in narrowing in her findings and organizing her research on such complex issues in a very understandable and fluent way.” The Judges were impressed by her use of sources and by her evolution as a researcher as she worked on this paper.De Lozanne, ArturoUndergraduate Studie

An Evidence-Based Strategic Approach to Prevention and Treatment of Dry Eye Disease, a Modern Global Epidemic

Dry eye disease (DED) is an emerging health concern causing significant visual, psychological, social, and economic impact globally. In contrast to visual rehabilitation undertaken at late stages of DED, measures instituted to prevent its onset, establishment, or progression can alter its natural course and effectively bring down the associated morbidity. This review attempts to present the available literature on preventive strategies of DED at one place, including strategies for risk assessment and mitigation, targeting a wide range of population. A literature search was conducted using PubMed and an extensive literature review on preventive strategies for DED was compiled to put forth a holistic and strategic approach for preventing DED. This can be undertaken at various stages or severity of DED directed at different tiers of the health care system. Conclusion: This review intends to put emphasis on preventive strategies being adopted as an integral part of routine clinical practice by general ophthalmologists and specialists to tackle the burden of DED and improve the quality of the lives of the patients suffering from it

Diagnosis and Planning in the Management of Musculoskeletal Tumors: Surgical Perspective

The evaluation of musculoskeletal tumors requires a close interaction between the orthopedic oncologist, radiologist, and the pathologist. Successful outcome can be achieved in a considerable number of patients by following the appropriate diagnostic strategies and staging studies. The aim of this article is to outline the presentation, imaging, and staging of the primary and metastatic bone and soft tissue tumors. Some of the image-guided interventions for these tumors are also presented