Self-Sustaining Meteorological Wireless Sensor Networks

Greater distributed production of energy from renewable resources such as solar radiation has increased fluctuations of power on the electrical grid. Current infrastructure has limited ability to handle continued increases in fluctuations. Predicting weather patterns in areas containing a high penetration of solar photovoltaic installations can allow time to switch to energy storage and inform consumers to conserve energy thereby mitigating such fluctuations. Accurate prediction requires data at a high spatial and temporal resolution in hard-to-access areas such as on the rooftops of commercial and government buildings. A low-cost, autonomous, and easily maintained meteorological sensor network can meet these requirements. Through rapid prototyping techniques, specifically in-house 3D printing and open-source technologies, sensor modules are reported that achieve a high degree of durability under direct sunlight and high thermal loads while accurately measuring parameters such as temperature, pressure, humidity, and solar irradiance. The modules are inexpensive, portable, and self-powered

Dexamethasone reduces emesis after major gastrointestinal surgery (DREAMS)

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting is one of the most common complications affecting patients after surgery and causes significant morbidity and increased length of hospital stay. It is accepted that patients undergoing surgery on the bowel are at a higher risk. In the current era of minimally invasive colorectal surgery combined with enhanced recovery, reducing the incidence and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting is particularly important. Dexamethasone is widely, but not universally used. It is known to improve appetite and gastric emptying, thus reduce vomiting. However, this benefit is not established in patients undergoing bowel surgery, and dexamethasone has possible side effects such as increased risk of wound infection and anastomotic leak that could adversely affect recovery. DESIGN: DREAMS is a phase III, double-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial with the primary objective of determining if preoperative dexamethasone reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal resections. DREAMS aims to randomize 1,350 patients over 2.5 years. Patients undergoing laparoscopic or open colorectal resections for malignant or benign pathology are randomized between 8 mg intravenous dexamethasone and control (no dexamethasone). All patients are given one additional antiemetic at the time of induction, prior to randomization. Both the patient and their surgeon are blinded as to the treatment arm. Secondary objectives of the DREAMS trial are to determine whether there are other measurable benefits during recovery from surgery with the use of dexamethasone, including quicker return to oral diet and reduced length of stay. Health-related quality of life, fatigue and risks of infections will be investigated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN2197362