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Background and Aims: Postoperative sore throat (POST) can be as high as 42% in supraglottic devices. LMA® Protector™ is a novel second-generation laryngeal mask airway (LMA) with Cuff Pilot™ technology that allows continuous cuff pressure monitoring. Elevated cuff pressure is a risk factor for POST in supraglottic devices, so we conducted this study to determine whether continuous cuff pressure monitoring can alleviate POST. Methods: This randomised double-blinded clinical trial compared the incidence of sore throat between LMA® Protector™ and LMA® ProSeal™ and was conducted in 118 patients scheduled for elective short surgical procedures. They were randomised to either LMA® Protector™ (Group PT) or LMA® ProSeal™ (Group P). The airway was secured with either of the two devices. The primary outcome was the incidence of sore throat at 1, 6, and 24 hours postoperatively and compared using the Chi-square test along with other parameters like first attempt success rate and blood staining of the device. The time taken for insertion and oropharyngeal seal pressure were compared using an independent t-test. Results: The incidence of POST was low with Group PT (12%) compared to Group P (28.8%) (P = 0.005). The mean oropharyngeal seal pressure was significantly higher in Group PT than in Group P [33.72 (3.07) versus 27.72 (3.88) cm of H[sub.2]O], P < 0.005. The first attempt success rate was 81.2% and 100% in LMA® Protector™ versus LMA® ProSeal™. Conclusion: LMA® Protector™ had a reduced incidence of POST compared to LMA ProSeal. However, a longer insertion time and difficult placement may be a concern. Keywords: Laryngeal masks, LMA® ProSeal, LMA® protector, pharyngitis, POST, postoperative, postoperative sore throat, risk factors, supraglottic airway device, Author(s): Vidya Mohan [1]; Priya Rudingwa (corresponding author) [1]; Sakthirajan Panneerselvam [1]; Aswini Kuberan [1]; Gnanasekaran Srinivasan [1]; Santhosh Arulprakasam [1] INTRODUCTION Supraglottic airway (SGA) devices are now preferred for [...]

Silver and its alloys undergo tarnishing with time, which is a black stain on the surface due to the formation of Ag2S. Developing a tarnish resistant Ag alloy was attempted by alloying Ag with elements that form a passive oxide layer on the surface. Germanium is proven to provide better tarnish resistance to sterling Silver alloy (92.5 wt% pure) which is available under the trade name of Argentium©. The present work investigates the tarnish resistance behavior of sterling silver alloy (92.5 wt% pure) containing various additions of Copper, Zinc, and Germanium. The alloys were prepared by melting and casting route, followed by Passivation Heat Treatment (PHT) to create a stable and continuous oxide layer. The temperature for PHT was optimized using thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) of the alloys prepared. Accelerated tarnish test was carried out to investigate the tarnishing behavior of alloy samples obtained before and after PHT. The samples were characterized using XRD, SEM-EDX, and micro-Raman Spectroscopy. The change in reflectance of the samples after tarnish test is determined using UV–Visible reflectance spectroscopy. The mechanism behind the tarnish resistance was derived using Density Functional Theory (DFT) by comparing sulphur (S2) and Oxygen (O2) adsorption energies (BE) of the alloying elements. The lower value of S2 (BE)/O2 (BE) indicates better oxidation and tarnish resistance. The ratio ranges between 222 % (Pure Ag) and 132 % (for Ag-4.2Cu-2.8Zn-1.4Ge) and the p-p between Ge and O has contributed to the reduction in the ratio.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major health concern, and the development of foot ulcers is a serious complication. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common causative pathogen in diabetic foot infections, which can lead to delayed wound healing and increased morbidity. This study aims to compare the diagnostic performance of conventional microbiological methods and molecular techniques (polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) for the identification of P. aeruginosa in diabetic foot ulcers and to evaluate its antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital, involving 134 patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Samples were collected and conventional culture methods were used to identify the pathogens and perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing. In addition, a single-step DNA extraction method (AmpReady) and conventional PCR were utilized for the molecular identification of P. aeruginosa. Results: The study found that the PCR technique was more efficient than conventional culture methods in identifying P. aeruginosa, with 44% detection by PCR compared to 14% by conventional culture. According to the antimicrobial susceptibility testing, co-trimoxazole was the most resistant drug against P. aeruginosa, while amikacin was the most sensitive. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of using molecular techniques like PCR for accurate and faster identification of pathogens like P. aeruginosa in diabetic foot ulcers, which is crucial for appropriate antibiotic treatment and management of these infections. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the diagnostic validity and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of P. aeruginosa in diabetic foot ulcers, which can aid in improving clinical management and outcomes for these patients.

The present work investigates the dry sliding wear and friction behaviour of an alloy steel developed through powder metallurgy. Prealloyed Atomet 4601 powder was thoroughly mixed with elemental powders of 0.35 C, 0.25 Mn, 0.1 Si and 0.9 Cr (in wt. %) to create this alloy steel, whose composition closely matches EN24 (AISI 4340) wrought steel. The dry sliding friction and wear test experiments were performed in a pin-on-disc tribometer. For the various cases considered in friction and wear tests, the wear rate is lowest (0.32 × 10–3 mm3/m) at 15 N and 1.77 m/s and highest (1.02 × 10–3 mm3/m) under severe conditions of 32.5 N and 2.83 m/s. The coefficient of friction is highest (0.673) at 15 N and 0.71 m/s and lowest (0.1311) at 32.5 N and 2.83 m/s. Subsequently, regression models are developed based on experimental results and the interaction effect of load and speed on the response parameters are plotted using MATLAB. An R2 value of 0.98 indicates a strong correlation between the response and the input variables. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and optical and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses of the most worn specimens revealed carbides and oxides in the ferrite grain matrix, with adhesive, abrasive and oxidative wear being the primary mechanisms observed

Abstract Yield gap analysis is used to characterize the untapped production potential of cropping systems. With emerging large-n agronomic datasets and data science methods, pathways for narrowing yield gaps can be identified that provide actionable insights into where and how cropping systems can be sustainably intensified. Here we characterize the contributing factors to rice yield gaps across seven Indian states, with a case study region used to assess the power of intervention targeting. Primary yield constraints in the case study region were nitrogen and irrigation, but scenario analysis suggests modest average yield gains with universal adoption of higher nitrogen rates. When nitrogen limited fields are targeted for practice change (47% of the sample), yield gains are predicted to double. When nitrogen and irrigation co-limitations are targeted (20% of the sample), yield gains more than tripled. Results suggest that analytics-led strategies for crop intensification can generate transformative advances in productivity, profitability, and environmental outcomes.

Abstract Lessons learned from past experiences push for an alternate way of crop production. In India, adopting high density planting system (HDPS) to boost cotton yield is becoming a growing trend. HDPS has recently been considered a replacement for the current Indian production system. It is also suitable for mechanical harvesting, which reducing labour costs, increasing input use efficiency, timely harvesting timely, maintaining cotton quality, and offering the potential to increase productivity and profitability. This technology has become widespread in globally cotton growing regions. Water management is critical for the success of high density cotton planting. Due to the problem of freshwater availability, more crops should be produced per drop of water. In the high-density planting system, optimum water application is essential to control excessive vegetative growth and improve the translocation of photoassimilates to reproductive organs. Deficit irrigation is a tool to save water without compromising yield. At the same time, it consumes less water than the normal evapotranspiration of crops. This review comprehensively documents the importance of growing cotton under a high-density planting system with deficit irrigation. Based on the current research and combined with cotton production reality, this review discusses the application and future development of deficit irrigation, which may provide theoretical guidance for the sustainable advancement of cotton planting systems.

The current research aspires to explore the novel utilization of Annona squamosa bark extract consisting of various phytochemical components as a capping agent with zinc acetate as a precursor to form zinc oxide particles. The origination of ZnO NPs is implied by the UV-Visible absorption band at 357 nm and the distinctive XRD peaks at the appropriate positions. The occurrence of highly crystalline, hexagonal phase, and impurity-free As-ZnO NPs was made apparent by the XRD pattern. Employing XRD, the average particle size from the crystallites has been identified to be 56.23 nm. The FTIR spectral analysis verified the existence of biomolecules on the ZnO NP surface. These ZnO NPs have hexagonal structures and flake-like morphology as revealed by FESEM analysis, respectively. EDS study proved the existence of Zn (51.77 weight%) and O (20.56 weight%). The fabricated As-ZnO NPs demonstrated outstanding efficacy in various biological applications, spanning in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, antihemolytic, antiinflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties. On top of that, As-ZnO NPs had a high degree of photocatalytic activity against methylene blue dye, with a degradation efficiency of 93.37% within 150 min exposure to sunlight.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) represent a cutting-edge technology that holds the promise of revolutionizing the conventional tasks carried out in the realm of agriculture. On a global scale, UAVs are gaining prominence for pesticide applications, particularly with a focus on utilizing low spray volumes. Nevertheless, there remains a notable gap in research concerning the impacts of employing low spray volumes on herbicide efficacy. Hence, multi-location field studies were conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Bhavanisagar and Wetland Station, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India in 2022 to evaluate the impact of different spray volumes using UAV and Knapsack Manual Sprayer (KMS) on droplet deposition, droplet density, and weed control efficacy. The treatments included UAV sprays at 30 and 45 L ha-1, as well as KMS at 500 L ha-1, with a weedy check as a control. Bispyribac-sodium 10% SC was applied at a rate of 35 g a.i ha-1 during the 2-to 3-leaf stage of the crops. The results revealed that droplet deposition, area coverage, and volume median diameter were affected by sprayer type (UAV and KMS). However, the two spray volumes tested using the UAV method provided similar droplet parameters. The KMS system at 500 L ha-1 exhibited the highest droplet deposition, while the UAV system achieved better droplet distribution at a spray volume of 30 L ha-1. Remarkably, the UAV system at 30 L ha-1 demonstrated effective weed control, which was statistically comparable to the KMS system at 500 L ha-1. These findings emphasize that the UAV spraying system with a spray volume of 30 L ha-1, delivering effective weed control while utilizing less carrier volume compared to the manual knapsack spraying method. Thus, the UAV spray system has great potential as a viable alternative to manual knapsack spraying for herbicide application in direct-seeded rice.

Background and Aims: Adequate sedation is essential for children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) console. Propofol is commonly used for sedation, but it has the drawback of upper airway collapse at higher doses, which may be overcome by ketamine. This study was designed to evaluate the beneficial effect of ketamine on propofol in preventing airway collapse. Methods: Fifty-eight children undergoing MRI were randomised to Group P (propofol bolus dose followed by infusion or Group KP (bolus dose of ketamine and propofol followed by propofol infusion). The primary aim is to compare the upper airway cross-sectional area (CSA) and diameters (transverse diameter [TD] and anteroposterior diameter [APD]) obtained from MRI during inspiration and expiration. Results: Upper airway collapse as measured by delta CSA in mean (SD) [95% confidence interval] was statistically more significant between the two groups [at the soft palate level, 16.9 mm[sup.2] (19.8) [9.3-24.4] versus 9.0 mm[sup.2] (5.50) [6.9-11.1] (P = 0.043); at the base of the tongue level, 15.4 mm[sup.2] (11.03) [11.2-19.6] versus 7.48 mm[sup.2] (4.83) [5.64-9.32] (P < 0.001); at the epiglottis level, 23.9 (26.05) [14.0-33.8] versus 10.9 mm[sup.2] (9.47) [7.35-14.5] (P = 0.014)]. A significant difference was obtained for TD at all levels and for APD at the soft palate and base of tongue level. Conclusion: Adding a single dose of ketamine to propofol reduced the upper airway collapse significantly, as evidenced by the MRI-based measurements of upper airway dimensions, compared to propofol alone. Keywords: Airway collapse, airway dynamics, airway obstruction, children, ketamine, magnetic resonance imaging, propofol, sedation, Author(s): Pooja Bhardwaj [1]; Sakthirajan Panneerselvam (corresponding author) [1]; Priya Rudingwa [1]; Kirthiha Govindaraj [1]; M.V.S. Satya Prakash [1]; Ashok S. Badhe [1]; Krishnan Nagarajan [2] INTRODUCTION There is a [...]

Background and Aims: Postoperative sore throat (POST) can be as high as 42% in supraglottic devices. LMA® Protector™ is a novel second-generation laryngeal mask airway (LMA) with Cuff Pilot™ technology that allows continuous cuff pressure monitoring. Elevated cuff pressure is a risk factor for POST in supraglottic devices, so we conducted this study to determine whether continuous cuff pressure monitoring can alleviate POST. Methods: This randomised double-blinded clinical trial compared the incidence of sore throat between LMA® Protector™ and LMA® ProSeal™ and was conducted in 118 patients scheduled for elective short surgical procedures. They were randomised to either LMA® Protector™ (Group PT) or LMA® ProSeal™ (Group P). The airway was secured with either of the two devices. The primary outcome was the incidence of sore throat at 1, 6, and 24 hours postoperatively and compared using the Chi-square test along with other parameters like first attempt success rate and blood staining of the device. The time taken for insertion and oropharyngeal seal pressure were compared using an independent t-test. Results: The incidence of POST was low with Group PT (12%) compared to Group P (28.8%) (P = 0.005). The mean oropharyngeal seal pressure was significantly higher in Group PT than in Group P [33.72 (3.07) versus 27.72 (3.88) cm of H2O], P < 0.005. The first attempt success rate was 81.2% and 100% in LMA® Protector™ versus LMA® ProSeal™. Conclusion: LMA® Protector™ had a reduced incidence of POST compared to LMA ProSeal. However, a longer insertion time and difficult placement may be a concern.

Sugi Panneerselvam, Nina Diklich, Jonathan Tijerina, Michelle M Falcone, Kara M Cavuoto Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute/University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USACorrespondence: Kara M Cavuoto, Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute/University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 900 NW 17th Street, Miami, FL, 33136, USA, Tel +1-305-326-6324, Fax +1-305-547-3675, Email kcavuoto@med.miami.eduPurpose: To explore public interest in myopia progression and management and to correlate these trends to available treatments.Methods: Keywords were chosen for interest in myopia overall and those signifying interest in myopia treatments. Treatment options were separated into four main categories: atropine, glasses, contact lenses, and orthokeratology. Search terms were queried across ten years of Google Trends data and the relative search volume was analyzed to quantify the change in search volume over time.Results: A positive linear trend over time was present for all myopia interest keywords except “nearsighted” (p = 0.074) and “near work myopia” (p = 0.086). Interest in the four myopia treatment categories included in this study also displayed a significant positive trend over time. There is also a statistically significant positive correlation between all four treatment options and four of the seven categories of population interest, “myopia control”, “myopia”, “myopia progression”, and “screen time myopia”.Conclusion: This study demonstrates the utility of GT to correlate public interest in myopia treatments over time. All treatment terms had statistically significant linear search volume growth over a ten-year period. The positive correlation between interest in myopia as a health problem and available treatments supports existing evidence that GT can track rising public health concerns and corresponding treatment-seeking behaviors.Keywords: myopia, Google Trends, nearsighted, orthokeratology, atropine

Weeds are the major menace to agriculture, which greatly impact crop growth and development, resulting in economic yield loss or crop failures. Therefore, it is indispensable to take up appropriate weed management practices to prevent the effects of weeds on crops. Chemical herbicides have immense potential for effective control of weeds, but, in the long run, the persistent nature of herbicides adversely affects the soil microbes and also that terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Bioherbicides are products derived from plant extracts, allelochemicals or microbes and their secondary metabolites with weed-suppressing abilities. Most microbial bioherbicides are based on fungi and its active ingredients, which successfully control weeds with different mode of actions. Moreover, the toxins or secondary metabolites the fungi produce also possess herbicidal properties. So, exploring the fungal pathogens and their toxins for managing weeds seems to be a feasible and eco-friendly way for the management of weeds. There is a wider scope for utilizing fungi and their secondary metabolites as mycoherbicides, which have the potential to replace hazardous chemical herbicides in the near future. This review article mainly emphasizes the scope of mycoherbicides and explores the fungal secondary metabolites for eco-friendly weed control.

Sesuvium portulacastrum, a coastal medicinal plant with traditional uses has shown promising biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, the mechanisms of action active ingredients of this plant have not been studied. Aim of the current study is to investigate the anticancer activity of Sesuvium portulacastrum using in vitro and in silico analysis. The in vitro assays included NO radical scavenging activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content determination. The data were analysed by one-way-ANOVA and p