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Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2022Ubiquitous computing has enabled the proliferation of low-cost solutions for capturing information about the user's environment or biometric parameters. In this sense,...
Assessment of the Performance of a Portable, Low-Cost and Open-Source Device for Luminance Mapping through a DIY Approach for Massive Application from a Human-Centred Perspective.
Ubiquitous computing has enabled the proliferation of low-cost solutions for capturing information about the user's environment or biometric parameters. In this sense, the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach to build new low-cost systems or verify the correspondence of low-cost systems compared to professional devices allows the spread of application possibilities. Following this trend, the authors aim to present a complete DIY and replicable procedure to evaluate the performance of a low-cost video luminance meter consisting of a Raspberry Pi and a camera module. The method initially consists of designing and developing a LED panel and a light cube that serves as reference illuminance sources. The luminance distribution along the two reference light sources is determined using a Konica Minolta luminance meter. With this approach, it is possible to identify an area for each light source with an almost equal luminance value. By applying a frame that covers part of the panel and shows only the area with nearly homogeneous luminance values and applying the two systems in a dark space in front of the low-cost video luminance meter mounted on a professional reference camera photometer LMK mobile air, it is possible to check the discrepancy in luminance values between the low-cost and professional systems when pointing different homogeneous light sources. In doing so, we primarily consider the peripheral shading effect, better known as the vignetting effect. We then differentiate the correction factor S of the Radiance Pcomb function to better match the luminance values of the low-cost system to the professional device. We also introduce an algorithm to differentiate the S factor depending on the light source. In general, the DIY calibration process described in the paper is time-consuming. However, the subsequent applications in various real-life scenarios allow us to verify the satisfactory performance of the low-cost system in terms of luminance mapping and glare evaluation compared to a professional device.
Topics: Humans; Vision, Ocular; Photometry
PubMed: 36298068
DOI: 10.3390/s22207706 -
American Journal of Ophthalmology Case... Dec 2022To report the efficacy of combination therapy using intravitreal injection of brolucizumab (IVbr) and sub-Tenon's injection of triamcinolone acetonide (STTA) and of...
PURPOSE
To report the efficacy of combination therapy using intravitreal injection of brolucizumab (IVbr) and sub-Tenon's injection of triamcinolone acetonide (STTA) and of monitoring with a laser flare-cell photometer (LFP) in a case of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) with intraocular inflammation (IOI).
OBSERVATIONS
A 72-year-old Japanese woman with PCV had her treatment switched to IVbr due to being refractory to aflibercept. Two weeks after starting IVbr, her visual acuity (VA) declined to 0.40 from 0.10 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) VA at baseline. In addition, the LFP flare increased to 51.2 photon count/ms (pc/ms) compared with the baseline of 16.1 pc/ms. We diagnosed her with the onset of IOI and immediately started treatment with sub-Tenon's injection of 20 mg triamcinolone acetonide (STTA). Two weeks after receiving STTA, her VA had recovered to 0.15 logMAR, and the LFP flare had decreased to 17.9 pc/ms with dry macula. Eight weeks after the first IVbr treatment, the logMAR VA had improved to -0.18 with achievement of dry macula and stabilization of the LFP flare at 12.2 pc/ms. We administered combined therapy using IVbr and STTA to our patient, and 12 weeks later, the logMAR VA remained at 0.00 with dry macula and 18.1 pc/ms for LFP flare. We continued combination therapy, and after 8 months, her logMAR VA remained at -0.08, and optical coherence tomography showed dry macula, while the LFP flare had stabilized at 16.6 pc/ms.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE
Combination therapy of IVbr and STTA stabilized IOI and achieved dry macula. The LFP flare score clearly showed the degree of and changes in inflammation.
PubMed: 36281264
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2022.101727 -
Journal of Geophysical Research.... Sep 2022We present 221 Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs) and associated optical pulses observed by the Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM) on board the International...
We present 221 Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs) and associated optical pulses observed by the Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM) on board the International Space Station. The events were detected between the end of March 2019 and November 2020 and consist of X- and gamma-ray energy detections, as well as photometer data (180-230, 337, and 777 nm) and optical camera data (337 and 777 nm). Using the available ASIM data and applying a consistency check based on TGF characteristics and lightning detections from lightning radio atmospherics close in time, we determine the most likely position of the TGFs in relation to the photometer field of view (FoV), and the association to the observed optical pulses. Out of the 221 events we find 72 events where the TGF and optical data are determined to be associated and inside the photometer FoV. Using the measured TGF durations and the time between the onsets of the TGFs and optical pulses we find: (a) That the TGF onsets are always before or at the same time as the optical pulse onsets (taking into account cloud scattering). (b) A tendency for longer duration TGFs to have longer delays between onsets. (c) Two groups of events: (a) where there is a possible overlap between the TGFs and the optical emissions, as the TGFs last longer than the delay between onsets and (b) where the TGFs and optical emissions do not overlap, as there are long delays between the onsets, which cannot be explained by cloud scattering.
PubMed: 36246842
DOI: 10.1029/2022JD037128 -
Scientific Reports Oct 2022The growing concern about the negative impact of artificial light at night on biodiversity and human health increases the need of defining a general indicator that could...
The growing concern about the negative impact of artificial light at night on biodiversity and human health increases the need of defining a general indicator that could be used for characterizing light pollution as well as performing both spatial and temporal comparisons. In this paper, we show that the traditional indicators based on direct numerical measurements of sky brightness suffer from significant limitation due to calibration bias and lack of reproducibility. Furthermore, these measures are most often performed in periods of clear sky. They do not reflect the wide variety of meteorological conditions that can produce highly inhomogeneous levels of light pollution on a given site. To overcome these issues, we propose a statistical indicator called NSB Dispersion Ratio. This indicator is derived from a statistically significant number of individual night sky brightness measurements, under various meteorological conditions. It is independent of any absolute photometer calibration. It only requires on-time precise corrections of the contribution of natural light sources such as the Galactic plane.
Topics: Calibration; Humans; Light Pollution; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 36220856
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21460-5 -
Evidence-based Complementary and... 2022is a medicinal plant that has traditionally been used as a diuretic, anti-infective, and antiasthmatic. Our investigation was designed to explore the diuretic and...
Identification of Potential Diuretic and Laxative Drug Candidates from L. Bark through Mice Model Studies and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Molecular Docking Analysis.
BACKGROUND
is a medicinal plant that has traditionally been used as a diuretic, anti-infective, and antiasthmatic. Our investigation was designed to explore the diuretic and laxative potentials of different fractions of this plant's bark extract as well as the identification of possible drug candidates for the activity.
METHODS
Collected bark was extracted in ethanol and fractionated in different polar and nonpolar solvents, i.e., water, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and -hexane. Phytoconstituents were identified following the published protocols and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In the diuretic test, Na and K ions were measured using a flame photometer whereas the Cl ion content was measured by titrimetric method against AgNO. In the laxative test, feces amount and consistency were also measured. Molecular docking analysis was conducted using the "Vina Wizard" program in PyRx-Python Prescription 0.8.
RESULTS
Phytochemical analysis indicated that alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, and terpenoids were detected in the most bioactive crude extracts, whereas alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, and gums were found in bioactive -hexane fraction and steroids, glycosides, and terpenoids were found positive in chloroform fraction. Almost all the fractions demonstrated a dose-dependent increment of stool production with a soft consistency; however, the chloroform fraction was found to be the most active ( < 0.001). The crude extract and -hexane fractions significantly increased ( < 0.01) the urinary output at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg. The concentrations of Na, K, and Cl in collected urine were found to be more compared with the control group. The GC-MS analysis identified seven compounds in bioactive hexane fraction (phenolic and ester-type mainly) whereas seven other compounds (acidic and ester-type mainly) were identified in chloroform fraction. In molecular docking, two drug candidates of this extract (2,4-bis(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)phenol and 2-[4-[2-(dimethylamino)-2-oxo-1,1-diphenylethyl]phenyl]-2-phenylacetic acid) showed excellent binding affinity with the receptor compared with furosemide.
CONCLUSION
bark might be a potential source of bioactive compounds for treating hypertension, edema, and constipation.
PubMed: 36193132
DOI: 10.1155/2022/4409250 -
Scientific Reports Oct 2022Research on light pollution of the night sky has been carried out in Toruń, Poland since 2017. Initially, the measurements were conducted within a network of 24 points...
Research on light pollution of the night sky has been carried out in Toruń, Poland since 2017. Initially, the measurements were conducted within a network of 24 points using a handheld sky quality meter with lens (SQM-L) photometer (Unihedron, Canada). Based on these measurements, the first accurate maps of night sky pollution by artificial light in Toruń have been developed, both in seasonal and annual terms. Using the experience gained and elements of modern technology, a decision was made to construct an automatic network of mobile devices measuring light intensity at night, covering the entire city of Toruń. This paper presents the technical characteristics of the constructed automatic measurement devices that make up the distributed monitoring network and the process of testing and using the devices. The implementation of this project has started in 2020. To accommodate the evolving expectations of different user groups and the observed trends in the concept of Smart Cities, especially those related to the communication between devices of the Internet of Things, LoRaWAN was selected for data transmission. The first stage involved the construction of a prototype of an automatic, portable and cost-effective device, which was subjected to months of field testing under operational conditions. The device was built using off-the-shelf electronic components and a housing that met the requirements for outdoor use. The next stage was to calibrate the device by simultaneously comparing the obtained results with measurements taken using professional SQM devices. This was followed by the preparation of 35 identical devices, which are already operating in the measurement network in the city of Toruń. Elements of the network are prepared in a way that allows for further expansion and makes data available in the form of an application for many recipients.
Topics: Cities; Environmental Pollution; Light Pollution; Photometry; Poland
PubMed: 36183041
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20624-7 -
Ocular Immunology and Inflammation Nov 2023To evaluate the correlation between longitudinal changes in aqueous flare measured by laser flare photometer (LFP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and clinical...
PURPOSE
To evaluate the correlation between longitudinal changes in aqueous flare measured by laser flare photometer (LFP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and clinical grade using both Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) and modified SUN (MSUN) scales uveitis patients.
METHODS
Patients were classified according to both SUN and MSUN grading scales. LFP measurements were acquired (Kowa FM-700) at each visit. Mean change in LFP was assessed longitudinally, comparing with those in visual acuity, SUN, and MSUN grading scales.
RESULTS
Mean change in LFP was correlated to those in BCVA ( = .018), SUN scale ( < .001), and MSUN scale ( = .008). Cases within same initial SUN (0 and 1+) and MSUN (0.5+ and 1+) grades and different longitudinal flare prognosis (decreased/unchanged/increased) had significantly different initial LFP values (all < .05).
CONCLUSIONS
LFP measurement is beneficial in monitoring inflammatory activity. Cases of identical clinical flare scores with different clinical prognosis may be predicted by LFP.
Topics: Humans; Aqueous Humor; Uveitis, Anterior; Uveitis; Photometry; Lasers
PubMed: 36170559
DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2022.2123365 -
Heliyon Sep 2022In sub-Saharan Africa, co-morbidity with malaria, schistosomiasis, and soil transmitted helminths (STH) is common among young children. The current study investigated...
BACKGROUND
In sub-Saharan Africa, co-morbidity with malaria, schistosomiasis, and soil transmitted helminths (STH) is common among young children. The current study investigated malaria, urinary schistosomiasis and their co-infection and anemia among school-age children in an endemic community, Nakolo in the Kassena-Nankana East District of northern Ghana.
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey of 336 school-age children, 5-16 years was undertaken. Urine samples were examined for ova using microscopy. Finger prick blood samples were examined for parasites using microscopy and haemoglobin concentration measured with HemoCue Hb301 photometer.
RESULTS
The mean age was 10.52 (Standard deviation: ±2.27; range: 5-16 years), of which 50.6% (170/336) were males. The overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis and was 12.8% (43/336) and 37.8% (127/336), respectively with 6.0% (20/336) coinfection. Participants with only infection had 17.8% (19/107) of moderate anemia whilst 21.7% (5/23) of children infected with only had moderate anemia and 4.3% (1/23) had severe anemia. 5.0 % (1/20) of moderate anemia was observed in concurrent infections of and . Use of open water bodies was associated with increased risk of infection (OR = 1.21; 95% CI = [1.06-1.39]; p = 0.001), with females being at reduced risk (OR = 0.93; 95%CI = [0.87-0.99]; p = 0.005). Absence of self-reported haematuria had 0.81 times reduced odds of infection (OR = 0.81; 95%CI = [0.74-0.87]; p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
This study has revealed that urinary schistosomiasis remains prevalent in Kassena-Nankana East district and suggests that urinary schistosomiasis may contribute to moderate anemia among school-age children as compared to asymptomatic malaria infection. These findings call for an evaluation of the annual mass drug administration of Praziquantel among in-school children to ascertain its impact on urinary schistosomiasis prevalence across the district.
PubMed: 36119865
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10440 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Sep 2022Early access to antenatal care and high-cost technologies for pregnancy dating challenge early neonatal risk assessment at birth in resource-constrained settings. To...
BACKGROUND
Early access to antenatal care and high-cost technologies for pregnancy dating challenge early neonatal risk assessment at birth in resource-constrained settings. To overcome the absence or inaccuracy of postnatal gestational age (GA), we developed a new medical device to assess GA based on the photobiological properties of newborns' skin and predictive models.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to validate a device that uses the photobiological model of skin maturity adjusted to the clinical data to detect GA and establish its accuracy in discriminating preterm newborns.
METHODS
A multicenter, single-blinded, and single-arm intention-to-diagnosis clinical trial evaluated the accuracy of a novel device for the detection of GA and preterm newborns. The first-trimester ultrasound, a second comparator ultrasound, and data regarding the last menstrual period (LMP) from antenatal reports were used as references for GA at birth. The new test for validation was performed using a portable multiband reflectance photometer device that assessed the skin maturity of newborns and used machine learning models to predict GA, adjusted for birth weight and antenatal corticosteroid therapy exposure.
RESULTS
The study group comprised 702 pregnant women who gave birth to 781 newborns, of which 366 (46.9%) were preterm newborns. As the primary outcome, the GA as predicted by the new test was in line with the reference GA that was calculated by using the intraclass correlation coefficient (0.969, 95% CI 0.964-0.973). The paired difference between predicted and reference GAs was -1.34 days, with Bland-Altman limits of -21.2 to 18.4 days. As a secondary outcome, the new test achieved 66.6% (95% CI 62.9%-70.1%) agreement with the reference GA within an error of 1 week. This agreement was similar to that of comparator-LMP-GAs (64.1%, 95% CI 60.7%-67.5%). The discrimination between preterm and term newborns via the device had a similar area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.970, 95% CI 0.959-0.981) compared with that for comparator-LMP-GAs (0.957, 95% CI 0.941-0.974). In newborns with absent or unreliable LMPs (n=451), the intent-to-discriminate analysis showed correct preterm versus term classifications with the new test, which achieved an accuracy of 89.6% (95% CI 86.4%-92.2%), while the accuracy for comparator-LMP-GA was 69.6% (95% CI 65.3%-73.7%).
CONCLUSIONS
The assessment of newborn's skin maturity (adjusted by learning models) promises accurate pregnancy dating at birth, even without the antenatal ultrasound reference. Thus, the novel device could add value to the set of clinical parameters that direct the delivery of neonatal care in birth scenarios where GA is unknown or unreliable.
INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)
RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027442.
Topics: Abnormalities, Multiple; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Machine Learning; Parturition; Pregnancy
PubMed: 36069805
DOI: 10.2196/38727 -
Current Research in Biotechnology 2022We catalog and summarize evidence of the analytical performance of portable quantitative and semi-quantitative devices for the assessment of vitamin A status and vitamin... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
We catalog and summarize evidence of the analytical performance of portable quantitative and semi-quantitative devices for the assessment of vitamin A status and vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in various biological samples-including whole blood, plasma, serum, and milk-in addition to VAD determination by functional indicators such as pupillary response.
METHODS
We searched the literature for published research articles, patents, and information from manufacturers of mobile devices, particularly those appropriate for low-resource settings. The included devices were required to be portable (lightweight and ideally not needing a power outlet) and to measure vitamin A as well as define VAD. Eligible studies compared a portable device to a reference standard of high-performance liquid chromatography for blood and milk, or a Goldmann-Weekers dark adaptometer for eyes/vision. Where available, identified devices were compared with reference methods across several performance criteria. When possible, we compared the device's performance reported in published studies against the stated performance criteria from the manufacturers' websites.
RESULTS
We catalogued 25 portable devices for measuring vitamin A and/or VAD via biological samples. We also identified 18 comparison studies (plus associated reports) assessing nine methods: the iCheck Fluoro, iCheck Carotene, CRAFTi, Tidbit with or without the HYPER filtration system, custom field-friendly immunoassays, and microfluidic assays for blood; the iCheck Fluoro and iCheck Carotene for milk; and the Scotopic Sensitivity Tester-1 for eye function.
CONCLUSIONS
The iCheck Fluoro and iCheck Carotene are commercially available for use and are acceptable for measuring vitamin A in blood and milk samples, according to the available validation data. Many of the other identified devices, including other portable fluorometers, photometers, immunoassays, microfluidics-based devices, and dark adaptometers, were proofs of concept and not yet commercially available. Furthermore, none of these other devices included manufacturer-described device performance criteria to compare with descriptions from experimental studies. Several gaps remain, including studies comparing the other portable devices against a reference standard, particularly for functional indicators of vitamin A status/deficiency; available manufacturer-reported device performance criteria against which to compare future results of investigations; and more comprehensive reporting of validation metrics including sensitivity, specificity, precision, and Bland-Altman analysis.
PubMed: 36033130
DOI: 10.1016/j.crbiot.2022.04.003