Predicting the Optimal Input Parameters for the Desired Print Quality Using Machine Learning.

3D printing is a growing technology being incorporated into almost every industry. Although it has obvious advantages, such as precision and less fabrication time, it has many shortcomings. Although several attempts were made to monitor the errors, many have not been able to thoroughly address them, like stringing, over-extrusion, layer shifting, and overheating. This paper proposes a study using machine learning to identify the optimal process parameters such as infill structure and density, material (ABS, PLA, Nylon, PVA, and PETG), wall and layer thickness, count, and temperature. The result thus obtained was used to train a machine learning algorithm. Four different network architectures (CNN, Resnet152, MobileNet, and Inception V3) were used to build the algorithm. The algorithm was able to predict the parameters for a given requirement. It was also able to detect any errors. The algorithm was trained to pause the print immediately in case of a mistake. Upon comparison, it was found that the algorithm built with Inception V3 achieved the best accuracy of 97%. The applications include saving the material from being wasted due to print time errors in the manufacturing industry.

Extensively Drug-resistant Tuberculosis of the Lumbar Spine in a Six-year-old Child: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: The emergence of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) is a challenging paradigm shift faced by the TB control programs worldwide today. The treatment is further compounded with unique management difficulties faced in pediatric patients. Treatment of XDR-TB requires prolonged chemotherapy with second-line drugs which offer lesser potency and increased risk of drug-related side effects. We present a case of spinal XDR-TB in a child, managed with extended second-line antitubercular chemotherapy (ATT). CASE REPORT: A 6-year-old, Caucasian male child complained of persistent back pain for 3 weeks, with lumbar tenderness without neurodeficit. Radiographs showed fourth lumbar (L4) vertebral body collapse. Magnetic resonance imaging showed features suggestive of TB spondylodiscitis. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was raised. In view of the high prevalence rate of TB, on clinical suspicion, empirical first-line ATT (isoniazid + rifampicin + ethambutol + pyrazinamide) was given for 6 months, under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP). In the course of ATT, child developed iliopsoas abscess which was drained surgically. Repeat radiological evaluation showed almost complete L4 body destruction and 10 cm × 8 cm pre-vertebral abscess. ESR was further raised. Vertebral biopsy culture showed growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex susceptible only to capreomycin (Cm). Second-line ATT (moxifloxacin + clofazimine + linezolid + isoniazid + amoxicillin-clavulanate + para-aminosalicylic [PAS] acid) with daily intramuscular Cm was initiated, under the RNTCP Programmatic Management of Drug-Resistant TB initiative. At 3 months, tenderness was absent, ESR decreased, and radiology showed consolidation of L3 and L5 vertebral bodies and their interspace. At 6 months, injectable Cm was stopped, oral ATT continued for 18 months. No major drug-related side effects were noted. At final follow-up, imaging showed complete L4 body absence, intact posterior elements, surrounding bony consolidation, resolution of abscess without neurodeficit, or deformity. CONCLUSION: XDR-TB should be suspected if there is clinical and/or radiological progression of TB in spite of chemotherapy or a prior history of treatment for TB. Effective treatment of XDR-TB requires a high index of suspicion and prompt, aggressive drug sensitivity-based ATT.

Intestinal obstruction in a premature baby: Endoscopic diagnosis and management by minimal access surgery.

Neonatal intestinal obstruction is the most common surgical emergency in a newborn. Although, large numbers of newborns are operated in our country, limited published literature is available on advances in diagnosis, and management of this problem with outcome analysis in newborns. We report a premature (32 weeks) newborn who developed acute onset symptoms of small bowel obstruction in 3(rd)week of life, and discuss the approach to diagnosis and management with the minimal access surgery and successful outcome.