Comparative analysis of the clinical, functional and radiological outcomes of proximal femoral nail alone verses proximal femoral nail along with lateral wall plating in management of unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture, AO/OTA, type 31A2 fractures with deficient lateral wall

Background: The objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness in terms of clinical, functional and radiological outcomes of management of unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture, AO/OTA type 31A2 intertrochanteric fractures with deficient lateral wall with proximal femoral nail (PFN) alone verses PFN along with lateral wall plating. Methods: In our study 52 patients with intertrochanteric femur fractures, AO/OTA type 31A2 which met the selection criteria were divided into two groups, group A (PFN) with lateral wall plating and group B (PFN) alone by randomization and were analysed prospectively with no significant difference in terms of gender, age, side of injury, cause of injury, and combined medical diseases. The intraoperative time and blood loss, time to full weight-bearing and radiological union, varus collapse, functional outcome and postoperative complications were recorded and compared. Results: Comparatively, no significant difference was observed between both groups for the time for full weight bearing. However significant difference was observed between both the groups for HHS at 9 months, neck shaft angle and time for radiological union (in weeks). Statistically significant difference was observed between both the groups for neck shaft angle and HHS at 9 months. The incidence of complications was 30.77% in group B. The incidence of complications was around 26.92% in group A; with no significant difference. At 9 months after operation, the Harris scores of pain, function, malunion, range of motion, and total score in group A were significantly better than those in group B. Conclusions: For unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture with incomplete lateral wall, the incidence of varus collapse after augmentation of PFN fixation with lateral wall plating was lower, the time for radiological union was earlier and functional outcome was better

Role of Rasayana in Netra Roga

Ayurveda is the most ancient medical science in the world and being the science of life, deals with every aspect of the life. The main aim of Ayurveda is the promotion of health and prevention of diseases. Rasayana Chikitsa is one of the eight branches of Ayurveda and the term Rasayana is derived from the root word Rasa and Ayana, which means Rasa Gamanam (transportation/ transformation of Rasa). It is the best means of keeping the Rasa and other Dhatus in excellent condition. Rasayana Chikitsa helps to achieve long life, better recollection, increased intellect, healthy body and mind, youth fullness, good complexion, good voice, abundance of body and sense organ strength, increased lusture. The main Rasayanas adopted in Netra Chikitsa are Naimitika Rasayana and Achara Rasayana. The appropriate use of Chakshushya and Rasayana Dravyas will help to maintain the health of the Netra and prevents age related eye disorders. This article presents various Rasayana Dravyas related to Netra Roga

Thermal and Mechanical Characteristics of Polymer Composites Based on Epoxy Resin, Aluminium Nanopowders and Boric Acid

The epoxy polymers are characterized by low thermal stability and high flammability. Nanoparticles are considered to be effective fillers of polymer composites for improving their thermal and functional properties. In this work, the epoxy composites were prepared using epoxy resin ED-20, polyethylene polyamine as a hardener, aluminum nanopowder and boric acid fine powder as flame-retardant filler. The thermal characteristics of the obtained samples were studied using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The mechanical characteristics of epoxy composites were also studied. It was found that an addition of all fillers enhances the thermal stability and mechanical characteristics of the epoxy composites. The best thermal stability showed the epoxy composite filled with boric acid. The highest flexural properties showed the epoxy composite based on the combination of boric acid and aluminum nanopowder

A Review of Senile Cataract (Timira) and its Management

Age related cataract is the commonest type of acquired cataract affecting equally persons of either sex usually above the age of 50 years. Senile cataract is almost universal in varying degrees in persons over 70 years of age and is the major cause of global blindness. Special attention should be taken to maintain healthy vision, since the loss of vision partial or complete, disables the person. Importance of vision has been emphasized in our classics by stating Drishtihi Pradhanatamatvat. Timira is one among the Drishtigata Rogas mentioned by Ayurveda Acharyas and it is derived as Timi Kledane Aardri Bhavaha Iti Yavataha, which means increased moisture in the visual apparatus. Acharya Vagbhata quotes that, Timira when neglected becomes Kacha and Kacha leads to Andhya if not treated, Timira being dreadful among the diseases of the eye and hence early management is required. Since hydration is a prominent feature involved in the process of cataract formation and the clinical features of cataract like gradual painless loss of vision, polyopia etc. are similar to those of Timira and also the surgical management of cataract is similar to Kaphaja Linganasha Shastra Chikitsa, the disease Timira can be correlated to senile cataract. This article mainly concentrates on Timira (senile cataract) and compares the similarities between Ayurvedic and modern management

Thermal properties of epoxy composites filled with boric acid

The thermal properties of epoxy composites filled with boric acid fine powder at different percentage were studied. Epoxy composites were prepared using epoxy resin ED-20, boric acid as flame-retardant filler, hexamethylenediamine as a curing agent. The prepared samples and starting materials were examined using methods of thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. It was found that the incorporation of boric acid fine powder enhances the thermal stability of epoxy composites

Effect of Boric Acid on Volatile Products of Thermooxidative Degradation of Epoxy Polymers

The polymeric materials are characterized by high flammability. The use of flame retardants in order to reduce the flammability of polymers can lead to the formation of toxic gaseous products under fire conditions. In this work we studied the effect of boric acid on the volatile products of thermooxidative degradation of epoxy polymers. The comparative investigations were carried out on the samples of the unfilled epoxy resin and epoxy resin filled with a boric acid at percentage 10 wt. %. The analysis of the volatile decomposition products and thermal stability of the samples under heating in an oxidizing medium was performed using a thermal mass-spectrometric analysis. It is found that the incorporation of boric acid into the polymer matrix increases the thermal stability of epoxy composites and leads to a reduction in the 2-2.7 times of toxic gaseous products

Characterization of copper nanopowders after natural aging

Copper nanopowders after storage under natural conditions can oxidize and change their properties. In this work, the phase composition, morphology and thermal properties of copper nanopowders after natural aging of 10 years were studied. The copper nanopowders were produced by the method of electrical explosion of wires in different gaseous ambient: argon and carbon dioxide. The nanopowders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The content of copper oxides phases was found to be increased in comparison with freshly synthesized powders. This transformation results in the change of the thermal characteristics of the nanopowders. The effect of the synthesis conditions on the composition and thermal characteristics was shown

Mechanical and thermal properties of crab chitin reinforced carboxylated SBR composites

The addition of small amounts (up to 9 wt%) of chitin microsized particles, originating from shellfish waste, to carboxylated styrene-butadiene rubber (XSBR) matrix (as received and annealed to 100°C) has been studied. In particular, this study concentrated on their mechanical (creep investigation by nanoindentation and dynamical-mechanical analysis), thermal (differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry) and swelling behaviour (toluene absorption) and was completed by morphological characterisation by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The results show that annealing has a limited effect on materials properties, effects which are further reduced by the addition of growing amounts of crab chitin. It should be noted that the limited filler content used in the study does not substantially modify the linear creep behaviour of XSBR for sufficiently long loading times. The thermal stability of the system does also appear to be preserved even with the maximum chitin content added, while it serves sufficiently as an effective barrier against aromatic solvent absorption

Effect of electron beam irradiation on thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy polymer

This study investigates the thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy polymer after exposure to different doses of electron beam irradiation. The epoxy polymer was prepared using epoxy-diane resin ED-20 cured by polyethylenepolyamine. The irradiation of the samples was carried out with doses of 30, 100 and 300 kGy. The effects of doses on thermal and mechanical properties of the epoxy polymer were investigated by the methods of thermal gravimetric analysis, tensile test, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The thermal properties of the epoxy polymer slightly increased after irradiation at the heating in air. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of the epoxy polymer increased by the action of electron beam up to dose of 100 kGy and then decreased. The elongation at break decreased with increasing the irradiation dose