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To evaluate the bio-efficacy of different acaricides, an experiment was conducted against Tetranychus urticae (Koch) nourishing Dodi, Leptadenia reticulata (Ret.) Wight & Aruott and the findings revealed that abamectin 1.9 EC @ 0.00038% and spiromesifen 22.9 SC @ 0.02% were superior over other acaricides with a population reduction of 1.93 and 1.95 mites/cm2 leaf, respectively. Likewise, etoxazole 10 SC @ 0.01%, chlorfenapyr 10 SC @ 0.015% and propargite 57 EC @ 0.114% were the next effective treatments as reduced the population of mites at 3.44, 3.83 and 4.38 mites/cm2 leaf. Whereas, the lowest efficacy or highest incidence of mites was recorded in the leaves treated with dimethoate 30 EC @ 0.03% (7.25 mites/cm2 leaf) followed by sulphur 80 WDG @ 0.20% (6.77 mites/cm2 leaf) and ethion 50 EC @ 0.05% (5.82 mites/cm2 leaf). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depth Estimation is the process of estimating the depth of objects with a 2D image as an input. The importance of Depth Estimation is that it provides some critical information about the 3D structure of a scene given a sequence of 2D images. This is helpful in various applications like robotics, virtual reality, autonomous driving, medical imaging, and so on and so forth. Our main objective here is to make the environment more perceivable by autonomous vehicles. Unlike the traditional approaches which try to extract depth from the input image, we apply instance segmentation to the image and then use the segmented image as an input to the depth map generator. In this paper, we use a fully connected neural network with dense prediction transformers. As mentioned above, the image after instance segmentation is given as an input for the transformers. The Transformer is the backbone for producing high-resolution images. Our experimentation results have shown many improvements related to the details and sharpness of the image as compared to the traditional depth estimation techniques. The architecture is applied and tested on the KITTI data set.

Background: Although minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) is considered a standard approach it still presents a non-negligible rate of conversion to open that is mainly related to some difficulty factors, as obesity. The aim of this study is to analyze the preoperative factors associated with conversion in obese patients with MIDP., Methods: In this multicenter study, all obese patients who underwent MIDP at 18 international expert centers were included. The preoperative factors associated with conversion to open surgery were analyzed., Results: Out of 436 patients, 91 (20.9%) underwent conversion to open, presenting higher blood loss, longer operative time and similar rate of major complications. Twenty (22%) patients received emergent conversion. At univariate analysis, the type of approach, radiological invasion of adjacent organs, preoperative enlarged lymphnodes and ASA ≥ III were significantly associated with conversion to open. At multivariate analysis, robotic approach showed a significantly lower conversion rate (14.6 % vs 27.3%, OR = 2.380, p = 0.001). ASA ≥ III (OR = 2.391, p = 0.002) and preoperative enlarged lymphnodes (OR = 3.836, p = 0.003) were also independently associated with conversion., Conclusion: Conversion rate is significantly lower in patients undergoing robotic approach. Radiological enlarged lymphnodes and ASA ≥ III are also associated with conversion to open. Conversion is associated with poorer perioperative outcomes, especially in case of intraoperative hemorrhage., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Context: It is well known that antibiotic resistance is a major health hazard. To eradicate antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, it is essential to find a novel antibacterial agent. Hence, in this study, a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model was developed using 43 DNA gyrase inhibitors, and 700 natural compounds were screened for their antibacterial properties. Based on molecular docking and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) studies, the top three leads viz., apigenin-4'-glucoside, 8-deoxygartanin, and cryptodorine were selected and structurally optimized using density functional theory (DFT) studies. The optimized structures were redocked, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were performed. Binding energies were calculated by molecular mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann surface area solvation (MM-PBSA). Based on the above studies, apigenin-4'-glucoside was identified as a potent antibacterial lead. Further in vitro confirmation studies were performed using the plant Lawsonia inermis containing apigenin-4'-glucoside to confirm the antibacterial activity., Methods: For QSAR modeling, 2D descriptors were calculated by PaDEL-Descriptors v2.21 software, and the model was developed using the DTClab QSAR tool. Docking was performed using PyRx v0.8 software. ORCA v5.0.1 computational package was used to optimize the structures. The job type used in optimization was equilibrium structure search using the DFT hybrid functional ORCA method B3LYP. The basis set was 6-311G (3df, 3pd) plus four polarization functions for all atoms. Accurate docking was performed for optimized leads using the iGEMDOCK v2.1 tool with a genetic algorithm by 10 solutions each of 80 generations. Molecular dynamic simulations were performed using GROMACS 2020.04 software with CHARMM36 all-atom force field., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Bacterial species referred to as magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) biomineralize iron oxides and iron sulphides inside the cell. Bacteria can arrange themselves passively along geomagnetic field lines with the aid of these iron components known as magnetosomes. In this study, magnetosome nanoparticles, which were obtained from the taxonomically identified MTB isolate Providencia sp. PRB-1, were characterized and their antibacterial activity was evaluated. An in vitro test showed that magnetosome nanoparticles significantly inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Klebsiella pneumoniae . Magnetosomes were found to contain cuboidal iron crystals with an average size of 42 nm measured by particle size analysis and scanning electron microscope analysis. The energy dispersive X-ray examination revealed that Fe and O were present in the extracted magnetosomes. The extracted magnetosome nanoparticles displayed maximum absorption at 260 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum. The distinct magnetite peak in the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy spectra was observed at 574.75 cm -1 . More research is needed into the intriguing prospect of biogenic magnetosome nanoparticles for antibacterial applications.

Background: Robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) is associated with a lower conversion rate and less blood loss than laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP). LDP has similar oncological outcomes as open surgery in PDAC. The aim of this study was to compare perioperative and oncological outcomes in obese patients with RDP versus LDP for PDAC., Materials and Methods: Retrospectively, all obese patients who underwent RDP or LDP for PDAC between 2012 and 2022 at 12 international expert centres were included., Results: out of 372, 81 patients were included. All baseline features were comparable between the two groups. RDP was associated with decreased blood loss (495mlLDP vs. 188mlRDP; p = 0.003), lower conversion rate (13.5%RDP vs. 36.4%LDP; p = 0.019) and lower rate of Clavien-Dindo ≥3 complications (13.5%RDP vs. 36.4%LDP; p = 0.019). Overall and disease-free survival were comparable., Conclusions: In obese patients with left-sided PDAC, the robotic approach was associated with improved intraoperative outcomes and fewer severe complications., (© 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Although robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) has a lower conversion rate to open surgery and causes less blood loss than laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP), clear evidence on the impact of the surgical approach on morbidity is lacking. Prior studies have shown a higher rate of complications among obese patients undergoing pancreatectomy. The primary aim of this study is to compare short-term outcomes of RDP vs. LDP in patients with a BMI ≥ 30., Methods: In this multicenter study, all obese patients who underwent RDP or LDP for any indication between 2012 and 2022 at 18 international expert centers were included. The baseline characteristics underwent inverse probability treatment weighting to minimize allocation bias., Results: Of 446 patients, 219 (50.2%) patients underwent RDP. The median age was 60 years, the median BMI was 33 (31-36), and the preoperative diagnosis was ductal adenocarcinoma in 21% of cases. The conversion rate was 19.9%, the overall complication rate was 57.8%, and the 90-day mortality rate was 0.7% (3 patients). RDP was associated with a lower complication rate (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.52-0.89; p = 0.005), less blood loss (150 vs. 200 ml; p < 0.001), fewer blood transfusion requirements (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.15-0.50; p < 0.001) and a lower Comprehensive Complications Index (8.7 vs. 8.9, p < 0.001) than LPD. RPD had a lower conversion rate (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.19-0.39; p < 0.001) and achieved better spleen preservation rate (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.13-3.39; p = 0.016) than LPD., Conclusions: In obese patients, RDP is associated with a lower conversion rate, fewer complications and better short-term outcomes than LPD., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Endophytic fungi were isolated from forty plant leaf samples from Gudiyam forest. The potent antibacterial strain Aspergillus niger E12 isolated from the plant Dodonaea viscosa showed maximal antibacterial activity against all the test organisms, viz., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus coagulans, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The production of the antibacterial compound was optimized using the yeast extract sucrose medium (2% YES) using response surface methodology (RSM). For the production, the optimal parameters were carbon/nitrogen (C:N) ratio, 9:1; temperature, 25 °C; pH, 5.7; incubation time, 240 h; and rpm, 30. A zone of inhibition of 19.33 mm was observed as maximal bioactivity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibacterial compound was purified by extraction with ethyl acetate, activity-guided fractionation, and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies showed that the Aspergillus niger E12 bioactive substance is 4a-methyl-dodecahydro-1H-pyrrolo [3,4-b] quinoline-6-one., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Introduction: Neonates are prone for sepsis due to their immature immune system. Sepsis is preventable if we aware of the maternal and neonatal risk factors. This study aimed to identify the incidence of sepsis and its risk factors. Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out among 288 neonates in level III Neonatal unit. Convenience sampling technique was used to enroll the neonates who met the inclusion criteria. Data pertaining to neonatal and maternal demographic and clinical characteristics, incidence of sepsis, risk factors of sepsis were collected by direct observation and from medical record. Data regarding number of skin pricks for blood sample and intravenous cannulation and number of handling of the baby were collected from Tally counters. Data were analysed using chi square test, t-test and logistic regression with SPSS software version 25. Results: The incidence of sepsis was 34.7% in level III neonatal unit. Culture positive sepsis constituted 7.3%, urinary tract infection 0.3%, meningitis 7 % and probable sepsis 26.4%. Neonatal factors like extreme preterm, extreme low birth weight, gestational age, birth weight, duration of stay in level III neonatal unit, number of handling, number of skin pricks, duration of intravenous line, duration of tube feeds, mechanical ventilation and maternal premature rupture of membrane were associated with neonatal sepsis significantly. Conclusion: Incidence of neonatal sepsis can be minimized by concentrating on modifiable risk factors and implementing the protocol of minimum handling and minimal skin pricks for the neonates., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest in this study., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

Introduction: Sleep contributes a pivotal part in neurological improvement of new borns. New-borns admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) perceive many sounds of monitors and this disturb their rest period. To enhance the sleep duration of neonates many non-pharmacological methods are available like placing newborn in a nest made with rolled cotton bed sheet and wrapping the baby with white cotton cloth. In this research effect of these two positions were assessed. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was carried out on 76 preterm neonates in NICU of a tertiary care center. Neonates were included in the study by random method. Sleep duration and frequency of arousal was assessed through direct observation. Physiological parameters were assessed by using cardiac monitor. The information collected were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: Sleep duration of nesting group showed significantly higher than swaddling group, which mean (SD) was 206.4 (28), 183.1 (34.78) minutes, respectively. Additionally, waking up was observed less frequency in the nesting group. Conclusion: Nesting enhances the duration of sleep among preterm neonates and hence this can be given priority in NICU., Competing Interests: None declared., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

Background: Consensus on the use of nasogastric decompression (NGD) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is lacking. This meta-analysis reviewed current evidence on the impact of routine NGD versus no NGD after PD on perioperative outcomes., Methods: PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched for studies reporting on the role of NGD after PD on perioperative outcomes. Data up to January 2021were retrieved and analysed., Results: Eight studies were included, with a total of 1301 patients enrolled, of whom 668 had routine NGD. Routine NGD was associated with a higher incidence of overall delayed gastric emptying (DGE) (odds ratio (OR) 2.51, 95 per cent c.i. 1.12 to 5.63, I2 = 83 per cent; P = 0.03) and clinically relevant DGE (OR 3.64, 95 per cent c.i. 1.83 to 7.25, I2 = 54 per cent; P < 0.01), a higher rate of Clavien-Dindo grade II or higher complications (OR 3.12, 95 per cent c.i. 1.05 to 9.28, I2 = 88 per cent; P = 0.04) and increased length of hospital stay (mean difference 2.67, 95 per cent c.i. 0.60 to 4.75, I2 = 97 per cent; P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in overall complications (OR 1.07, 95 per cent c.i. 0.79 to 1.46, I2 = 0 per cent; P = 0.66) or postoperative pancreatic fistula (OR 1.21, 95 per cent c.i. 0.86 to 1.72, I2 = 0 per cent; P = 0.28) between patients with or those without routine NGD., Conclusion: Routine NGD was associated with increased rates of DGE, major complications and longer length of stay after PD., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of BJS Society Ltd.)

Introduction: Venous access in neonates is a basic yet critical component in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Central venous access and peripheral intravenous access are mostly preferred for delivering medications and intravenous fluids. This study aimed to compare the risks involved in central venous catheters and peripheral intravenous lines among term neonates. Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out among 78 term neonates in the NICU of a tertiary care center in puducherry in India. Convenience sampling technique was used to enroll the neonates who met the inclusion criteria. Data pertaining to demographic and clinical characteristics, cannulation details, indwelling time, and incidence of thrombosis, phlebitis, occlusion, extravasation, and sepsis were collected by direct observation and from case record. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation and inferential statistics including Fisher's exact test were utilized. Results: Our findings indicated that the risks of thrombosis and phlebitis were significantly higher in peripheral intravenous line group than the central venous group. There was no statistically significant association between the risks and demographic and clinical characteristics in both of the venous access system. Conclusion: According to our results, the use of central venous catheter among neonates showed lower risks than peripheral intravenous lines. Hence, using central venous catheter may be given priority in the NICUs., (© 2021 The Author(s).)

Preoperative prediction of morbidity in colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery helps to optimize the surgical outcome. In this study, we aim to develop a dedicated equation for predicting operative morbidity using colorectal possum scoring system and also to validate the predictive accuracy of CR-POSSUM scoring system in prognosticating actual complications. We did a retrospective analysis of 322 patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery from a single centre in South India from 2004 to 2016. Mortality and morbidity risk factors as defined by CR POSSUM were collected from 322 patients who underwent CRC surgery and were used to derive equations to predict morbidity, and the results were compared with the observed morbidity. Logistic regression analysis was used to derive the equation. The model fit and model discrimination were analysed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistical test for goodness of fit, the Nagelkerke R 2 and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve respectively. Out of 322 patients, 103 (32%) patients developed complications and 10 (3%) died due to complications. The regression equation we derived has an overall correct classification of about 70% ( P  < 0.01) with positive and negative predictive value of 60% and 73% respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit was 3.147 ( P  = 0.829), and the Nagelkerke R 2 was 17% and area under ROC as model discrimination was 71.6%. Hence, CR-POSSUM scoring which was originally used for predicting mortality risk can also be extrapolated to predict morbidity., Competing Interests: Compliance with Ethical StandardsThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Games and toys have been serving as entertainment tools to humans for a long period of time. While except for entertainment, they can also trigger inspiration and enhance productivity in many other domains such as healthcare and general workplaces. The concept of the game is referred to a series of structured procedures (e.g., card games) and virtual programs. The entertainment artifacts could be a toy or even a handicraft, such as origami and kirigami, for entertainment purposes in a broader sense. Recently, the design of robots and relevant applications in robotics has been emerging in taking inspiration from Games and Entertainment Artifacts (GEA). However, there is a lack of systematic and general process for implementing a GEA-inspired design for developing robot-related applications. In this article, we put forward a design paradigm based on the inspiration of game and entertainment artifacts which is a systematic design approach. The design paradigm could follow two different processes which are driven by problems and solutions, respectively, using analogies of games and entertainment artifacts to build robotic solutions for solving real problems. The problem-driven process starts with an existing real-world problem, which follows the sequences of robotics problem search, robotics problem identification, GEA solution search, GEA solution identification, GEA principle extraction, and the principle implementation. Reversely, the solution-driven process follows the sequence of GEA solution search, GEA solution identification, GEA principle extraction, robotics problem search, robotics problem identification, and principle implementation. We demonstrate the application of the design paradigm using the case study of a new type of reconfigurable floor cleaning robot and its path planning algorithm., (Copyright © 2019 Tan, Brahmananthan, Mohan and Prabakaran.)