Lime activated flyash-phosphogypsum blend as a low-cost alternative binder.

This study investigates the potential of a blended binder formulated from two industrial solid wastes viz. phosphogypsum and fly ash in combination with lime. Three mix proportions of phosphogypsum and fly ash were investigated, and the minimum lime contents required for activation were determined using the Eades and Grim pH test. The lime-fly ash-phosphogypsum blends were then cast into cubes, both in their paste form as well as mortar form, mixed with sand in the ratio of 1:3. They were cured for a period of seven days, and afterwards, their compressive strength was determined. Ordinary Portland cement and lime mortar blocks were also cast as control specimens for comparative evaluation of the strength. The optimal lime-fly ash-phosphogypsum blend was identified and used to construct a masonry prism, and the strengths of the masonry prisms were also evaluated. The optimal lime-fly ash-phosphogypsum blend mortar was also subjected to an X-ray diffraction analysis to determine the reaction products formed during hydration. The study revealed that 5% lime mixed with fly ash:phosphogypsum in the ratio of 3:1 was the optimal proportion which gave the maximum strength to the cubes. The optimal lime-fly ash-phosphogypsum blend mortar developed strength that was higher than conventional Portland cement and lime mortar. The optimal lime-fly ash-phosphogypsum blend mortar masonry prisms developed strength that was comparable to that of Portland cement mortar masonry. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of calcium silicate hydrate minerals as well as ettringite and portlandite which were responsible for strength gain.

Endovascular Trapping of a Giant Splenic Artery Aneurysm by Liquid Embolic in a Case of EHPVO with Hypersplenism with a Complicated Post Procedure Course.

Case of extrahepatic portovenous obstruction (EHPVO) with giant splenic artery aneurysm and concomitant hypersplenism. The presence of bicytopenia and venous collaterals around the giant splenic aneurysm made splenectomy risky, and endovascular trapping of the giant aneurysm with partial splenic embolization was planned. Due to high flow, intraprocedural crossing of the giant aneurysm was not possible, and large coils were unstable. The aneurysm was successfully embolized with liquid embolic glue: lipiodol 50% mixture. Although the patient did not have septic complications despite large splenic infarct, the patient had secondary thrombocytosis leading to significant thrombotic complications akin to postsplenectomy syndrome. These were all successfully managed medically, and splenectomy was avoided.

Modified Lateral Position for Achilles Tendon Surgeries: A Technical Tip.

Most Achilles tendon surgeries are performed with the patient in the prone position. Some advocate supine position but the access to the tendon is compromised. We describe an innovative technique wherein the patient is positioned lateral but the surgeon has full access to the Achilles tendon as if the patient were positioned prone. We consider that this technique could be easily reproduced and hence widely adopted.

Congenital Extraskeletal Osteochondroma of the Web Space Displacing the Lesser Toes: A Unique Presentation.

Extraskeletal osteochondroma is a rare benign tumor that occurs predominantly in the soft tissues of the hands and feet. The congenital occurrence of this lesion in children is very rare. We report the case of a 9-year-old male who presented with slowly progressive swelling in his left third web space since birth that was painful with prolonged walking and had displaced his fourth toe further laterally, causing both functional and cosmetic problems. Radiographs and computed tomography revealed a well-circumscribed densely ossified lesion. Excision biopsy of the lesion showed a lobulated extraskeletal osteochondroma. At the end of 1 year of follow-up, the child had had no recurrence. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of congenital extraskeletal osteochondroma of the foot in English-language published studies.

Ameliorating activity of ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract against lead induced renal toxicity in male rats.

Lead poisoning has been known to be associated with structural and functional abnormalities of multiple organ systems of human body. The aim of this investigation was to study the renal protective effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract in lead induced toxicity rats. In this study renal glutathione (GSH) level, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), and catalase enzymes were measured in lead nitrate (300 mg/kg BW), and lead nitrate plus ginger extract (150 mg/kg BW) treated rat groups for 1 week and 3 weeks respectively. The glutathione level and GSH dependent antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-s-transferase, and catalase significantly (P < 0.05) increased in ginger extract treated rat groups. In addition, histological studies showed lesser renal changes in lead plus ginger extract treated rat groups than that of lead alone treated rat groups. These results indicate that ginger extract alleviated lead toxic effects by enhancing the levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-s-transferase and catalase.

A robust evaluation of TDP-43, poly GP, cellular pathology and behavior in a AAV-C9ORF72 (G4C2)66 mouse model.

The G4C2 hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 is the major genetic cause of both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) (C9-ALS/FTD). Despite considerable efforts, the development of mouse models of C9-ALS/FTD useful for therapeutic development has proven challenging due to the intricate interplay of genetic and molecular factors underlying this neurodegenerative disorder, in addition to species differences. This study presents a robust investigation of the cellular pathophysiology and behavioral outcomes in a previously described AAV mouse model of C9-ALS expressing 66 G4C2 hexanucleotide repeats. Despite displaying key molecular ALS pathological markers including RNA foci, dipeptide repeat (DPR) protein aggregation, p62 positive stress granule formation as well as mild gliosis, the AAV-(G4C2)66 mouse model in this study exhibits negligible neuronal loss, no motor deficits, and functionally unimpaired TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43). While our findings indicate and support that this is a robust and pharmacologically tractable model for investigating the molecular mechanisms and cellular consequences of (G4C2) repeat driven DPR pathology, it is not suitable for investigating the development of disease associated neurodegeneration, TDP-43 dysfunction, gliosis, and motor performance. Our findings underscore the complexity of ALS pathogenesis involving genetic mutations and protein dysregulation and highlight the need for more comprehensive model systems that reliably replicate the multifaceted cellular and behavioral aspects of C9-ALS.

Bilateral--otitis media, dacroadenitis, parotitis and left sided infranuclear facial palsy: unusual manifestations of Wegener's granulomatosis.

Wegener's granulomatosis is a systemic vasculitis of unknown aetiology. Although it classically involves the upper respiratory tract, lungs and kidneys, virtually any organ may be affected. We report a rare case of a 45 year old female who presented with bilateral-dacroadenitis, otitis media, parotid enlargement and left sided lower motor neuron type of facial palsy as the initial manifestations of Wegener's granulomatosis.

Techniques in recurrent giant cell tumour of the first metatarsal in adolescents - A rare report of 2 cases.

Giant cell tumour of the foot is very rare. Very few cases of first metatarsal giant cell tumour were reported. We report two cases of recurrent giant cell tumour in adolescent patients. One was treated with wide excision and fibula grafting. The second patient underwent Boyd's amputation because of superceded infection. Both had no pain, recurrence at the end of final follow up. Recurrent giant cell tumour of the first metatarsal in adolescents and its management is not described in English literature to the best of our knowledge.

Accuracy of Femoral Tunnel Placement between Anteromedial and Anterolateral Visualisation Portals in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction - Outcomes of a CT based Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Anatomical femoral tunnel placement is critical for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Tunnel placement may vary with different surgical techniques. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of femoral tunnel placement between the Anteromedial (AM) and Anterolateral (AL) visualisation portals on post-operative CT scans among a cohort of ACLR patients. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2018 to March 2020 after obtaining ethics clearance. Patients who went for arthroscopic ACLR in our institute were divided into an AM (group 1) and an AL (group 2) based on the visualisation portal for creating the femoral tunnel and a 3D CT scan was done. The femoral tunnel position was calculated in deep to shallow and high to low direction using the Bernard Hertel grid. Femoral tunnel angle was measured in the 2D coronal image. Statistical analysis was done with the data collected. Results: Fifty patients with an average age of 26.36 (18-55) years ±7.216 SD were enrolled in the study. In this study, the AM technique was significantly more accurate (p<0.01) than the AL technique in terms of femoral tunnel angle. Furthermore, the deep to the shallow position was significantly (p= 0.018) closer to normative values, as determined by the chi-square test. The chances of error in tunnel angle in femoral condyle are 2.6 times greater in the AL technique (minimal clinical difference). Conclusion: To conclude, in ACLR the anteromedial visualisation portal can facilitate accurate femoral tunnel placement compared to the anterolateral visualisation portal.