Indian Navy

Abstract The development of multifunctional polymer nanocomposites has attracted significant attention due to their potential applications in advanced electronics, thermal management, and structural materials. In the present work, a novel ternary composite of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) nanocomposites reinforced with hybrid fillers of graphene (GR) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been fabricated by using a solvent blending technique. Chloroform was employed as the primary solvent to dissolve ABS and ensure dispersion of nanofillers. The effect of varying the composition of GR/MWCNTs (Pure Polymer, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 wt%) on the resulting composite’s electrical conductivity and mechanical performance has been systematically investigated. The synergetic interaction of GR and MWCNTs with ABS significantly increases the current conduction and reduces the resistance. The electrical performance enhances progressively with fillers, attaining optimal conductivity at 2 wt% of GR/MWCNTs loading, showing nearly a 10 times increment in conductivity than unfilled ABS. Nanoindentation results show improved hardness and elastic modulus of the composite. A significant rise of 22% and 30% has been observed in modulus and hardness, respectively. These outcomes demonstrate that the combined use of GR and CNTs in ABS can simultaneously tailor both mechanical and electrical properties, making the composites promising candidates for applications in flexible electronics, electromagnetic shielding, and thermal interface materials.

Background: Helminth infections remain a significant global health issue, necessitating effective and accessible treatment options. Polyherbal formulations offer a promising alternative to conventional anthelmintic drugs, particularly in syrup form for easier administration to pediatric and geriatric populations. Objective: This study aims to explore the potential of polyherbal syrups as alternative anthelmintic agents. It focuses on the formulation, phytochemical screening, and comparative efficacy of these syrups against standard treatments such as Albendazole. Methods: Polyherbal syrup formulations were prepared and evaluated for their anthelmintic activity using standard in vitro assay. The study focused on identifying plants containing bioactive compounds specifically phenolic compounds, tannins, and flavonoids known for their anthelmintic potential. Bioactive components were identified using UV spectrophotometry, and phytochemical screening was conducted to determine the presence of key compounds. The anthelmintic efficacy of the polyherbal syrups was compared to that of Albendazole. Results: The study found that certain polyherbal syrup formulations exhibited significant anthelmintic activity, comparable to or exceeding that of Albendazole. The presence of phenolic compounds, tannins, and flavonoids in the selected plants was confirmed, contributing to their observed efficacy. Conclusion: Polyherbal syrups demonstrate potential as effective alternatives to standard anthelmintic treatments. These formulations, particularly those derived from plants with high concentrations of bioactive compounds, could offer a viable option for managing helminth infections, especially in populations with limited access to conventional medications. Further research could focus on optimizing these formulations and validating their efficacy in clinical settings.

Introduction: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a chronic, debilitating affliction of the hip, with a high incidence in the employable population, thus posing a significant social and economic burden. To date, total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains the only successful treatment for the late stages of ONFH. Various joint-preserving surgical options have been described for early ONFH, with varying success rates. The study aimed to analyze the functional and radiological outcomes of core decompression (CD) combined with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) injection for early ONFH.Material and methods: A total of 30 patients with ONFH, Ficat-Arlet Stage I, IIA, and IIB, underwent CD with BMAC injection under fluoroscopic guidance, followed by a period of protected weight-bearing and physiotherapy. Patients were reviewed at 3, 9, and 15 months to look for improvement in the following parameters: pain on visual analogue scale (VAS), hip range of motion (ROM), weekly analgesic requirement, Harris Hip Score (HHS), and reduction in size of lesion on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Results: The mean age of the study population was 41.2 ± 6.74 years. Mean VAS scores and HHS significantly improved over time (Friedman's test, p < 0.001). Median weekly analgesic doses reduced from 14 (interquartile range (IQR): 10-18) preoperatively to 5 (IQR: 3-7) at 3 months, 3 (IQR: 1-5) at 9 months, and 2 (IQR: 0-4) at 15 months. Following the intervention, hip abduction and external rotation improved significantly (Friedman's test, p < 0.01). While MRI analysis showed an initial significant reduction in size of the lesion at 3 months (p < 0.01, r = 0.33), subsequent follow-ups showed a significant increase (p < 0.01 at 9 months, r = 0.35; p < 0.05 at 15 months, r = 0.29), suggesting limited durability of radiological improvement or possible disease progression despite initial response. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated a 30% progression rate to Stage III. Conclusion: While CD with BMAC injection has definite advantages in decreasing pain and improving hip ROM, our results suggest that patients with smaller initial lesions and better baseline function may have a more favorable outcome than those with more widespread involvement of the weight-bearing dome. However, MRI findings and a survival analysis indicated a 30% progression rate to Stage III, raising concerns about the long-term efficacy of this treatment.

BackgroundIn simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (bTKA), surgeons often encounter scenarios where femoral or tibial component sizes differ between limbs. While component sizing is routinely individualized, the functional and survivorship implications of such asymmetry remain insufficiently studied. A clearer understanding is clinically relevant, as patient anatomy, bone stock, and soft-tissue balance often necessitate asymmetric sizing, yet evidence guiding its safety and outcomes is limited. This prospective multicenter study evaluated whether inter-limb differences in component sizing influence postoperative function, patient-reported outcomes, or revision risk in bTKA.MethodsPatients undergoing cemented bTKA with standardized implants (metal femoral components, metal-backed tibial baseplates, and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene inserts) were prospectively enrolled across 10 high-volume centers. Patients were stratified into Subset A (identical component sizes in both knees) and Subset B (different component sizes between knees). Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at regular intervals up to three years. Endpoints included range of motion (ROM), Knee Society Score (KSS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Radiographic assessment evaluated alignment, fixation, and implant stability. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) thresholds were used to confirm the clinical relevance of improvements.ResultsA total of 166 patients (332 knees) were analyzed, with 140 in Subset A and 26 in Subset B. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Both subsets demonstrated significant improvements in ROM and functional scores from baseline to three years (p<0.001 for within-group changes). Subset A achieved higher final ROM (123.6° vs. 118.1°; p<0.001) with less variability, and KSS were also significantly greater in this group (p<0.05).Subset B, despite inter-knee size differences, showed improvements similar to Subset A in WOMAC scores and demonstrated higher values in selected SF-36 domains, including physical functioning, role limitations, and emotional well-being (p<0.05). No implant-related complications, revisions, or radiographic failures were reported in either group during the three-year follow-up, and radiographs confirmed stable and well-aligned prostheses.ConclusionA one-size difference in femoral or tibial components between knees does not compromise clinical or functional outcomes in bTKA. While symmetric sizing may provide slightly greater ROM and KSS improvements, minor asymmetry is not detrimental and may even be associated with enhanced patient-reported quality-of-life domains. These findings support the practice of individualized component selection and reassure surgeons that small inter-limb differences in implant sizing do not negatively impact mid-term function or survivorship.