4 research outputs found
Discussion of “Observation of ground movement with existing pile groups due to tunneling in sand using centrifuge modelling” by Ittichai Boonsiri and Jiro Takemura
This discussion aims to highlight the underlying cause of several aspects of the greenfield settlement data presented by Boonsiri and Takemura (Geotech Geol Eng 33(3):621–640, 2015). The discussion considers, for the geotechnical centrifuge tests that were reported, the effects of the boundary conditions imposed at the model tunnel on resulting settlements. Data obtained using the rigid boundary model tunnel in Boonsiri and Takemura (Geotech Geol Eng 33(3):621–640, 2015) are compared against other available data from tests using a fluid-filled flexible membrane model tunnel. It is demonstrated that the boundary conditions used to simulate tunnel ground loss have an important impact on the settlement mechanism; compared to a fluid-filled flexible membrane, a rigid boundary model tunnel results in wider settlement troughs, which do not vary in shape considerably with changes in relative tunnel depth, and can result in higher ratios between the area of the settlement troughs and the tunnel ground loss. The appropriateness of the different tunnel boundary conditions is also discussed
Current practice in the management of ocular toxoplasmosis
Background Ocular toxoplasmosis is common across all regions of the world. Understanding of the epidemiology and approach to diagnosis and treatment have evolved recently. In November 2020, an international group of uveitis-specialised ophthalmologists formed the International Ocular Toxoplasmosis Study Group to define current practice. Methods 192 Study Group members from 48 countries completed a 36-item survey on clinical features, use of investigations, indications for treatment, systemic and intravitreal treatment with antiparasitic drugs and corticosteroids, and approach to follow-up and preventive therapy. Results For 77.1% of members, unilateral retinochoroiditis adjacent to a pigmented scar accounted for over 60% of presentations, but diverse atypical presentations were also reported. Common complications included persistent vitreous opacities, epiretinal membrane, cataract, and ocular hypertension or glaucoma. Most members used clinical examination with (56.8%) or without (35.9%) serology to diagnose typical disease but relied on intraocular fluid testing-usually PCR-in atypical cases (68.8%). 66.1% of members treated all non-pregnant patients, while 33.9% treated selected patients. Oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was first-line therapy for 66.7% of members, and 60.9% had experience using intravitreal clindamycin. Corticosteroid drugs were administered systemically by 97.4%; 24.7% also injected corticosteroid intravitreally, almost always in combination with an antimicrobial drug (72.3%). The majority of members followed up all (60.4%) or selected (35.9%) patients after resolution of acute disease, and prophylaxis against recurrence with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was prescribed to selected patients by 69.8%. Conclusion Our report presents a current management approach for ocular toxoplasmosis, as practised by a large international group of uveitis-specialised ophthalmologists