Findings of uncertain significance by optical coherence tomography (OCT) as prognostic factors in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with ranibizumab.

BACKGROUND: Biomarkers hold great promise for personalized medicine as information gained from diagnostic or progression markers can be used to tailor treatment to the individual for highly effective intervention in the disease process. METHODS: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the association between visual outcome and the presence of findings of uncertain significance by optical coherence tomography (OCT) pre and post loading dose in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with ranibizumab. RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed a higher letter gain in those with presence of onion sign (+ 5.6 ETDRS letters, p = 0.04) absence of prechoroidal cleft (+ 3.7 ETDRS letters, p = 0.04), intraretinal pseudocysts (+4.8 ETDRS letters, p = 0.002), subretinal pseudocysts (+ 4.6 ETDRS letters, p = 0.005) and choroidal caverns (+ 4.4 ETDRS, letters p = 0.0065). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of prechoroidal cleft, intraretinal and subretinal pseudocysts and choroidal caverns were associated with lower visual gains. Moreover, we found that the onion sign is related as a biomarker of good prognostics. Trial registration Registration number: 2021R13B2. Date of registration: 01/05/2020.

Multivariate Characterization of Temperature Fluctuations in a Historical Building Using Energy-Efficient IoT Wireless Sensors.

Adequate thermic conditions are required for the preventive conservation of artworks, but such optimum conditions cannot always be achieved in historical buildings such as ancient churches. In those cases, it is of interest to assess the potential risk of punctual changes in indoor environments that can be harmful to artworks. These conditions can be assessed by means of a microclimate monitoring system comprised of a set of energy-efficient wireless sensors connected to the cloud using IoT techniques. This approach was followed at the baroque church of Saint Thomas and Saint Philip Neri in Valencia (Spain). A set of 26 wireless nodes was installed, which recorded values of temperature and relative humidity every hour for a period of 7 months. Small differences of temperature were obtained among sensors, so that an efficient methodology based on principal component analysis (PCA) was applied for the characterization of similarities and dissimilarities between sensors. Daily ranges of temperatures were studied as well as mean trajectories, differences between days of the week, and changes in the correlation structure of daily median values over time. Results provide a framework for an efficient characterization of temperatures in heritage buildings based on a network of wireless sensors. Such a framework is useful to assess the potential risk of temperature fluctuations on the preventive conservation of historical buildings and artworks.

Cost-Effective Implementation of a Temperature Traceability System Based on Smart RFID Tags and IoT Services.

This paper presents the design and validation of a traceability system, based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and Internet of Things (IoT) services, intended to address the interconnection and cost-implementation problems typical in traceability systems. The RFID layer integrates temperature sensors into RFID tags, to track and trace food conditions during transportation. The IoT paradigm makes it possible to connect multiple systems to the same platform, addressing interconnection problems between different technology providers. The cost-implementation issues are addressed following the Data as a Service (DaaS) billing scheme, where users pay for the data they consume and not the installed equipment, avoiding the big initial investment that these high-tech solutions commonly require. The developed system is validated in two case scenarios, one carried out in controlled laboratory conditions, monitoring chopped pumpkin. Another case, carried out in a real scenario, monitors oranges sent from Valencia, Spain to Cork, Ireland.

Ultra-Low Power Optical Sensor for Xylophagous Insect Detection in Wood.

The early detection of pests is key for the maintenance of high-value masterpieces and historical buildings made of wood. In this work, we the present detailed design of an ultra-low power sensor device that permits the continuous monitoring of the presence of termites and other xylophagous insects. The operating principle of the sensor is based on the variations of reflected light induced by the presence of termites, and specific processing algorithms that deal with the behavior of the electronics and the natural ageing of components. With a typical CR2032 lithium battery, the device lasts more than nine years, and is ideal for incorporation in more complex monitoring systems where maintenance tasks should be minimized.

Suitability evaluation of multipoint simultaneous CO2 sampling wireless sensors for livestock buildings.

The environment in livestock buildings must be controlled to ensure the health and welfare of both workers and animals, as well as to restrict the emission of pollutants to the atmosphere. Among the pollutants generated inside these premises, carbon dioxide (CO2) is of great interest in terms of animal welfare and ventilation control. The use of inexpensive sensors means that complete systems can be designed with a number of sensors located around the building. This paper describes a study of the suitability of multipoint simultaneous CO2 sensors operating in a wireless sensor network, which was found to operate satisfactorily under laboratory conditions and was found to be the best alternative for these applications. The sensors showed a highly linear response to CO2 concentrations, ranging from 500 to 5000 ppm. However, individual sensor response was found to differ, which made it necessary to calibrate each one separately. Sensor precision ranged between 80 and 110 ppm CO2, and sensor response to register a 95% change in concentration was estimated at around 5 min. These features mean this type of sensor network can be used to monitor animal welfare and also for environmental control in poorly ventilated livestock premises. According to the tests conducted in this study, a temporal drift may occur and therefore a regular calibration of sensors would be needed.