Optimal Serial Distributed Decision Fusion

The problem of distributed detection involving N sensors is considered. The configuration of sensors is serial in the sense that the (j - 1)th sensor passes its decision to the jth sensor and that the jth sensor decides using the decision it receives and its own observation. When each sensor employs the Neyman-Pearson test, the probability of detection is maximized for a given probability of false alarm, at the Nth stage. With two sensors, the serial scheme has a performance better than or equal to the parallel fusion scheme analyzed in the literature. Numerical examples illustrate the global optimization by the selection of operating thresholds at the sensors

Acute suppurative bacterial dacryoadenitis: a case series

BACKGROUND: We present a series of patients with acute suppurative bacterial dacryoadenitis and review the clinical presentation, microbiology, treatment options and outcome. METHODS: A multicentre, retrospective, case series review of patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute bacterial suppurative dacryoadenitis (ASBD). Records were examined to obtain information regarding patient demographics, presenting symptoms and signs, radiology, microbiology, management, outcomes and follow-up. RESULTS: 11 patients (9 men, 2 women; mean age 43.9 years, range: 6-82 years) were included. Average time to presentation was 2.8 days, and predisposing conditions were found in 45% of cases. Common presenting symptoms were eyelid swelling, pain, redness and diplopia, and common signs were ptosis, discharge and restriction of eye movements. The most common causative bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus and skin flora. Lacrimal gland swelling was universally seen on CT, with globe indentation of displacement in 27% of cases. Intravenous antibiotics were used in 91% of cases, which subsequently resolved over an average period of 9.7 days. Those with abscess formation (n=2) required incision and drainage. CONCLUSIONS: ASBD is a rare condition that resolves quickly if managed appropriately. Underlying anatomical, infectious or inflammatory conditions should be investigated, and skin commensals should be covered with the instigation of antibiotic therapy.Lucy A Goold, Simon N Madge, Alicia Au, Igal Leibovitch, Alan McNab, Krishna Tumuluri, Dinesh Selv

Local delivery of corticosteroids in clinical ophthalmology: A review

Locally administered steroids have a long history in ophthalmology for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Anterior segment conditions tend to be treated with topical steroids whilst posterior segment conditions generally require periocular, intravitreal or systemic administration for penetration. Over recent decades, the clinical applications of periocular steroid delivery have expanded to a wide range of conditions including macular oedema from retino-vascular conditions. Formulations have been developed with the aim to provide practical, targeted, longer-term and more efficacious therapy whilst minimizing side effects. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the types of periocular steroid delivery, their clinical applications in ophthalmology and their side effects