Effect of Arecanut Husk Ash and Water Hyacinth Stem Ash on Plasticity Behavior of Lateritic Soil

This paper presents investigations on the influence of arecanut husk ash and water hyacinth stem ash as an additive on the plasticity behavior of soil. Ashes are mixed with the soil at 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt%. It is observed that the arecanut husk ash has decreased the plasticity index, whereas water hyacinth stem ash has increased the plasticity index with the increase in ash content. For finding minimum plasticity value, 15% addition of ANA can be considered as the optimum level. Keywords:lateritic soil; liquid limit; areca nut husk ash; water hyacinth stem ash Nomenclature: ANA:arecanut husk ash; WHA: water hyacinth stem ash; ISSCS: Indian standard soil classification syste

Platelet-rich plasma for the improvement in shoulder function in rotator cuff disorders

Background: Among causes of shoulder pain, rotator cuff disorders are very common. The exact pathogenesis of rotator cuff tears is not clearly understood. To improve outcomes, the relatively new technique of injection of PRP is under investigation. Purpose of this study is to clinically evaluate the efficacy of new treatment of PRP injection in shoulder pain due to rotator cuff pathology.Methods: A prospective, observational study, on patients with shoulder pain diagnosed as rotator cuff disorders admitted in Department of Orthopaedics, RIMS, Ranchi during one year time interval (from 10th October 2016 to 09th October 2017) in the age ranging from 41 to 80 years with a mean age of 57.90 years was conducted. 20 Patients were selected for the study. Initial pre-injection score of patient taken on constant shoulder score and noted. Patient underwent intra-articular injection of PRP in shoulder joint through posterior approach under local anaesthesia. Patients were followed up at 1st post-injection day, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after the injection.Results: Results were analysed according to constant shoulder score. In partial tear 5 (41.67%) have excellent, 6 (50%) have good and 1 (8.33%) has fair outcome on 6 months follow up and in full tear all 8 (100%) patients have poor outcome and none of the patients developed any complication.Conclusions: A single injection of PRP resulted in a safe, significant, sustained improvement in pain and functional outcomes for patients with refractory partial rotator cuff tear (RCT). 

Pharmacological Studies with Specific Agonist and Antagonist of Animal iGluR on Root Growth in Arabidopsis thaliana

Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) are a group of proteins with a high degree of sequence homology. At least 20 type of putative ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR)-like channels have been identified in Arabidopsis thaliana. To uncover the role of iGluR-like channels in plant root growth, we used a comprehensive set of compounds known to alter iGluR channels in the neurons. We found that Arabidopsis root system is highly sensitive to these compounds. iGluR competitive antagonists 6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) or 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione acted (DNQX) acts as a negative regulator of primary root and lateral root density. Continuous growth on antagonist also leads to impairment of root meristem size, which suggests that iGluR-like channels may play a role in meristem maintenance. However, application of iGluR agonists L-glutamate recovered Arabidopsis root growth. Taken together, these results suggest a correlation between the putative iGluR-like channel function and the alteration of root growth and development in the Arabidopsis roots

A study of functional outcome after osteosynthesis of intercondylar fracture of distal humerus in adults with pre-contoured locking compression plate system

Background: Intra-articular fracture of distal humerus is considerable cause of morbidity in adults. The new pre-contoured LCP system provides better angular stability in fixation of inter-condylar distal humerus fracture.Methods: A prospective study of 25 patients with distal humerus fracture treated with pre-contoured double plate system is conducted in Department of Orthopaedics, RIMS, Ranchi between April 2017 to March 2018. These patients were followed up 3 weekly in first 3 months, then 6 weekly in next 6 months, then at every 3 month interval. Clinical and functional outcome was evaluated on the basis of Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS).Results: 24 fixed elbows were reviewed at a follow-up period of 1 year. Results obtained were graded on the basis of MEPS, 21 patients (87.5%) were graded excellent to good, fair in 2 patients (8.3%) and poor in 1 case (4.1%). Average time interval between surgery and admission was 9 days (average 4-14 days). All the fractures as well as the olecranon osteotomies united by 10-16 weeks (12.56 weeks). Superficial wound infection and transient ulnar nerve palsy was reported in 3 (12.5%) and 1 (4.16%) respectively and was managed conservatively. 1 patients did not reported in follow up.Conclusions: We conclude that osteosynthesis with pre contoured dual plating of closed intracondylar distal humerus fractures provide good fixation and early rehabilitation, leading to high rate of bone union and minimal soft tissue damage

Dynamic pressure on lock gate structure coupled with fluid

The effect of fluid on the dynamic pressure distribution of a rectangular lock gate structure subjected to external harmonic ground acceleration is studied. The fluid is assumed to be inviscid and incompressible, having an irrotational flow. Pressure for fluid domain and displacement for lock gate are considered as nodal variables in the finite element formulation. The interaction of coupled problem is maintained by transferring acceleration of the lock gate to fluid and pressure of the fluid to lock gate. Mindlin’s plate theory is used to formulate the lock gate. The Laplace equation is solved using Fourier half range cosine series expansion to truncate the far boundary nearer to the lock gate. The time dependent forced vibration equations are solved by using Newmark-beta time integration method

Preoperative evaluation of superficial cortical venous drainage

Objectives and methodology: The preoperative exact localization of superficial intracranial lesions and superficial cortical veins is often necessary for making craniotomy and evaluation of cortical veins. We developed a simple and cheap method for such localization using cod liver oil capsule during the preoperative MRI and MRV brain examination. With the help of MRV brain, 3DCEMRV and 2DTOF images were taken and superficial cortical veins studied in the marked area for comparison between both modalities of MRV and planning of surgery for avoiding venous injury. Results: Most of the cases were in the age group 16-60 years (91.6%). The most common clinical manifestation was headache (85.4%) and meningioma (60.4%) was found to be the most common pathology. Clear visualization (Grade 3) of the individual superficial cortical vein was observed in 48 cases (100%) in 3DCEMRV as compared to 2DTOF 22 cases (45.8%) P <0.001S. Clear visualization (Grade3) of superior sagittal sinus was observed in 48 cases (100%) in 3DCEMRV as compared to 2DTOF 33 cases (68.6%) P <0.001S.  In post-operative CT Head, we found 4 (8.3%) cases were having venous infarction.  5 patients (10.4%) developed motor weakness postoperatively. In 3 cases, postoperative MRV were done and found no venous injury. Conclusion: This study showed that preoperative localization and evaluation of the tumoral area and cortical veins with the help of cod liver oil in MRI and MRV brain was very helpful in planning the surgery, making craniotomy and to avoid injury of the veins. This technique is easy to perform and the capsule is easily constructed and inexpensive. 3DCEMRV was found to be better modality than 2DTOF for delineation of veins. Final neurosurgical outcomes were better

Patterns and practice of self-medication among children presenting with acute respiratory tract infection or diarrhoea

Background: Self-medication is quite prevalent in many parts of the world and has led to wastage of precious manpower and time due to many adverse consequences. As a result there is great burden on a country both financially as well as health point of view. The purpose of this study was to identify the pattern and practice of self-medication among children presenting with Acute Respiratory Tract Infection or Diarrhoea in a tertiary care hospital of northern India.Methods: A single point cross sectional study was conducted in 500 parents accompanying the children in the Paediatrics out Patient Department (OPD) of a Medical College in Northern India. The tool used for the study was a predesigned questionnaire. The data was evaluated using descriptive statistical analysis.Results: Out of 500 subjects 486 were found eligible for enrolment. Out of these eligible subjects, 308 (63.3%) parents reported history of self-medication. 143 (51.3%) male children were administered self-medication. This number was proportionately higher in females (79.7%). The drug most commonly administered were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (64.3%) followed by antibiotics and cough and cold preparations. The most common source of drug procurement was the left over drugs from previous treatment (75.2%) followed by purchase from a medical store. Most common reason for self-medication was previous experience with the prescribed drugs (76.6%).Conclusions: The problem of self-medication of prescription only drugs is quite prevalent in this part of the country. As self-medication has its complications and adversities proper orientation and awareness of the population about self-medication is of utmost importance for proper utilization of resources and manpower. Further the government agencies should ensure proper implementation and supervision of laws related to sale of ‘Prescription only drugs’

Knowledge and practices in community regarding antibiotic usage

Background: One of the major causes of concern in medical world is rapid development of antibiotic resistance. World Health Organisation started an initiative in 2011 with a policy designed to curb this danger of antibiotic resistance. This study was designed to know the knowledge, attitude and belief of community regarding antibiotic use so that data can be generated in this region for the proper designing and implementation of awareness campaigns for the community.Methods: A single point cross sectional study was conducted in 1500 adults attending the Out Patient Department of a tertiary care hospital in Northern India. The tool used for the study was a predesigned questionnaire. The data was evaluated using descriptive statistical analysis.Results: In our study 92.8% participants admitted of having used an antibiotic at any time in their lifetime. The most common reason for use of antibiotics was common cold (36.2%). The most common antibiotic used by the participants was amoxycillin. The most common source of information regarding antibiotics and their use (63.2%) was physicians. 78.6% of the participants believed that they have awareness about rational use of antibiotics. 68.6% respondents were of the view that antibiotics are effective against both viral and bacterial infections. 52.3% of the participants believed antibiotics are not safe to use.Conclusions: The existence of a significant gap between practice of antibiotic usage and knowledge about their usage was found prevalently in the community. After noting the results of this study it is believed that there is a dire necessity to take steps to curb the menace of rapid development of resistance to antibiotics.