Caucasian American Populations Research Articles

Spectrum of Clinical Presentations, Imaging Findings, and HLA Types in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Hypophysitis.

Hypophysitis is a known immune-related adverse event (irAE) of immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs), commonly associated with CTLA-4 inhibitors and less often with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. We aimed to determine clinical, imaging, and HLA characteristics of CPI-induced hypophysitis (CPI-hypophysitis). We examined the clinical and biochemical characteristics, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary, and association with HLA type in patients with CPI-hypophysitis. Forty-nine patients were identified. Mean age was 61.3 years, 61.2% were men, 81.6% were Caucasian, 38.8% had melanoma, and 44.5% received PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor monotherapy while the remainder received CTLA-4 inhibitor monotherapy or CTLA-4/PD-1 inhibitor combination therapy. A comparison of CTLA-4 inhibitor exposure vs PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor monotherapy revealed faster time to CPI-hypophysitis (median 84 vs 185 days, P < .01) and abnormal pituitary appearance on MRI (odds ratio 7.00, P = .03). We observed effect modification by sex in the association between CPI type and time to CPI-hypophysitis. In particular, anti-CTLA-4 exposed men had a shorter time to onset than women. MRI changes of the pituitary were most common at the time of hypophysitis diagnosis (55.6% enlarged, 37.0% normal, 7.4% empty or partially empty) but persisted in follow-up (23.8% enlarged, 57.1% normal, 19.1% empty or partially empty). HLA typing was done on 55 subjects; HLA type DQ0602 was over-represented in CPI-hypophysitis relative to the Caucasian American population (39.4% vs 21.5%, P = 0.01) and CPI population. The association of CPI-hypophysitis with HLA DQ0602 suggests a genetic risk for its development. The clinical phenotype of hypophysitis appears heterogenous, with differences in timing of onset, changes in thyroid function tests, MRI changes, and possibly sex related to CPI type. These factors may play an important role in our mechanistic understanding of CPI-hypophysitis.

Human Leukocyte Antigen Genotyping of Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis.

Despite recent scientific inquiry, idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) remains an enigmatic disease. The consistent demographics of the affected population suggest genetic factors may contribute to disease susceptibility. Given the inflammation observed in the affected proximal airway mucosa, we interrogated disease association with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphisms. Polymorphisms in the HLA locus have previously been shown to influence individuals' susceptibility to distinct inflammatory diseases. High-resolution HLA typing of 37 iSGS patients was compared with 1,242,890 healthy Caucasian controls of European ancestry from the USA National Marrow Donor Program and 281 patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Complete HLA genotyping of an iSGS population showed no significant associations when compared to a North American Caucasian control population. Unlike GPA patients, iSGS was not associated with allele DPB1*04:01 nor did allele homozygosity correlate with disease severity. There was not a detectable HLA association observed in iSGS. These results support the concept that iSGS possesses a distinct genetic architecture from GPA. If genetic susceptibility exists in iSGS, it likely lies outside the HLA locus. NA, basic science Laryngoscope, 133:2533-2539, 2023.

Annual income, age, marital status, and smoking influence healthcare access among American minorities and Caucasians with knee osteoarthritis

ABSTRACT This study examined the associations between annual income, age, marital status, smoking status, and healthcare access in American minority and Caucasian populations with or at high risk for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The Osteoarthritis Initiative provided data on 4674 Americans aged between 45 and 79 years with or at increased risk for KOA. We categorized the participants into American minorities (such as African Americans, Asians, or other non-whites) and Caucasians based on racial and ethnic backgrounds. A multinomial regression analysis revealed that American minorities having an annual income of <$50,000 and who were single, divorced, or widowed were 3.82- and 2.19-times more likely not to have healthcare access, respectively. For Caucasians, age ≥65, annual household income <$50,000, and present or past smoking habit were 2.34-, 1.93-, and 1.50-times more likely not to access healthcare, respectively. American minorities and Caucasians who either had KOA or were at high risk for developing it and had lower annual income had a greater likelihood of not accessing healthcare. Age ≥65 years and smoking history impacted healthcare access in Caucasians, whereas American minorities were more affected by being single, divorced, or widowed.

Prevalence of antibodies targeting ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 2L3 and eukaryote translation elongation factor 1 α1 in Chinese Han and American Caucasian populations with type 1 diabetes

We assessed the prevalence of two novel islet autoantibodies, those targeting ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 2L3 (UBE2L3) and eukaryote translation elongation factor 1 α1 (eEF1A1), in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) to evaluate their utility in T1DM diagnosis with comparison to other islet autoantibodies. We also aimed to determine whether age and ethnicity impacted their diagnostic value. Electrochemiluminescence assay was used to detect UBE2L3-Ab and eEF1A1-Ab in 193 Chinese Han and 570 American Caucasian subjects with T1DM, and 282 Chinese Han and 199 American Caucasian controls. In Chinese and American cohorts, the UBE2L3-Ab cut-off indices were 0.039 and 0.038, and the eEF1A1-Ab cut-off indices were 0.048 and 0.050, respectively. The prevalence of UBE2L3-Ab was significantly higher in the Chinese (9.33%) and American (3.86%) subjects with T1DM than in the controls (P < 0.05). The prevalence of UBE2L3-Ab in T1DM was significantly higher in Chinese than in American (P < 0.05). Albeit not statistically significant, the prevalence of UBE2L3-Ab in T1DM was slightly higher in children than in adults of both ethnicities. The differences in eEF1A1-Ab levels between subjects with T1DM and controls were not significant. Meanwhile, all American subjects with UBE2L3-Ab also harbored glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody (GADA) or insulin autoantibody (IAA). In contrast, 2.07% of the Chinese subjects with UBE2L3-Ab positive were previously classified as autoantibody-negative based on GADA and IAA. So the prevalence of UBE2L3-Ab in T1DM patients was significantly higher than in controls and was variable according to ethnicity as well as tended to be higher in children than adults. However, UBE2L3-Ab and eEF1A1-Ab may not be reliable diagnostic biomarkers forT1DM.

The association of prostatic lipids with progression, racial disparity and discovery of biomarkers in prostate cancer

BackgroundIt remains under-investigated whether prostatic lipid profiles are associated with pathogenesis, progression, racial disparity, and discovery of biomarkers in prostate cancer (PCa). MethodsThe electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry was applied to quantitate prostatic lipids in human and mouse PCa and non-cancer prostatic tissues. Biostatistics and bioinformatics were used to compare the concentrations of prostatic lipids at levels of total lipid, group, class and individual species between PCa and benign prostatic tissues, between races, and among pathological conditions of PCa. ResultsProstatic concentrations of total lipids as well as neutral lipids were significantly higher in PCa than in benign prostatic tissues in all population and Caucasian American population, but not in African American population. The prostatic phospholipid were not statistically different between PCa and benign prostatic tissues in all study populations. Cholesteryl ester is the only lipid class significantly higher in PCa than in benign prostatic tissues in all study populations. A panel of prostatic lipid parameters in each study population was identified as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers with >60% of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy simultaneously. Lipid profiling on mouse prostatic tissues further confirmed correlation of prostatic lipid profiles to the pathogenesis and progression of PCa. In addition, a few prostatic lipids in mouse can serve as prognostic biomarkers in differentiation of indolent from aggressive PCa. ConclusionThe prostatic lipids are widely associated with the pathogenesis, progression and racial disparity of PCa. A panel of prostatic lipids can serve as diagnostic, prognostic and race-specific biomarkers for PCa.

Anthropometric analysis of linear parameters of the Indian nose: A cross-sectional study and comparison with literature

Many studies have been done to find out the accepted "ideal" appearance and proportions of the nose. However, much of this work has been limited to the facial architecture of the North American Caucasian population. Therefore, most beauty standards are driven by Western influences. To measure different standard linear parameters of Indian faces and compare them with the studies found in the literature, in an endeavor to help in preoperative planning in rhinoplasty while maintaining their ethnicity. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study of 500 subjects. A total of 21 standard measurements were noted directly from the faces, and 11 proportional values calculated. Mean values with standard deviations were statistically used for comparisons with studies in the literature. There were significant differences between male and female subjects of our study in 16 variables. The proportional indices calculated also revealed significant differences statistically in 6 out of 11 measurements between male and female subjects. Significant differences were found in most of the parameters when our data were compared with Indian American, North American white population, Korean, Chinese, and African American. Facial measurements in the Indian population are different from those of other races, such as nasal index: (al-al×100/n-sn), sn-prn x 100/ al-al index, and sn-prn x 100/n-Sn index, and it is important to have own set of parameters to act as standards guiding esthetic nasal surgeries while maintaining ethnicities. Our study is an attempt at the same. However, because of the huge diversity of the Indian population, it requires larger studies from different regions to achieve the final aim to create standards for cosmetic rhinoplasties.

Skeleto-dental features among a sample of Saudi female children compared to North American standards: A cephalometric study.

This cross-sectional observational retrospective study aimed at assessing the cephalometric skeleto-dental features of class I, II, and III skeletal relationships of Saudi female school children samples and comparing the results to the established North American Caucasian cephalometric standards. The sample consisted of 205 retrospective lateral cephalometric radiographs of female school children. The age range of the subjects was between 10 and 13 years with a mean age of 11 ± 1 years. Several cephalometric and constructed points were identified. Angular, linear, and proportional measurements were obtained and analyzed. The skeleto-dental features of class II and class III were compared to class I of this sample then compared with the established North American Caucasian population. Different angular, linear, and proportional variables were investigated. Descriptive statistics and student t-test were used for data analysis. The distribution of the skeletal relationship revealed that 68.3% of the sample showed class I relationship, 16.1% class II, and 15.6% class III. The result indicates significant differences between the different classes. A greater tendency towards class II facial pattern and more convex profile among Saudis were detected in the present study compared to Caucasians. Furthermore, The dentoalveolar relationship results showed more Bi-maxillary protrusion among Saudi females compared to the North American Caucasians. The results obtained can be of great value in distinguishing the various skeleto-dental features in the different skeletal classes among the Saudi females and in the clinical diagnosis and treatment planning. Furthermore, the results of the study can also serve as a base-line for future investigations in Saudi Arabia.

Decreased HLA-C1 alleles in couples of KIR2DL2 positive women with recurrent pregnancy loss

Specific killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and HLA ligands in couples invoke a susceptibility to RPL. However, the relationship between KIR2DL2 and its cognate ligand HLA-C1 has not been explored. In this prospective cohort study, 160 Caucasian women with RPL and 99 partners were included. KIR/HLA-C typing, NK assay, Th1/Th2 intracellular cytokine ratios, 25-(OH)-vitamin D level, and the presence of autoantibodies were analyzed. KIR2DL2 positive women (P = 0.023) and their partners (P = 0.017) had lower allele frequencies of HLA-C1 than those of KIR2DL2 negative women. KIR2DL2 positive women had significantly lower genotype frequency of HLA-C1C1 as compared to the North American Caucasian population controls (P < 0.05). In the partners of KIR2DL2 positive women, there was a substantially higher frequency of HLA-C2C2 than controls (P = 0.016). Besides, KIR2DL2 negative women had a higher prevalence of anti-ssDNA antibody as compared with that of KIR2DL2 positive women (P = 0.043). There were no differences in the distribution of HLA-C genotypes based on KIR2DL2, regardless of pregnancy outcome in women with RPL and their partners while on immunomodulation treatment. In conclusion, decreased ligands for inhibitory KIRs (inhKIR) could lead to insufficient inhibition of maternal uterine NK cells toward the trophoblast, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of RPL. Specific KIR and HLA-C genotyping may predict the reproductive outcome of women with RPL.

Molecular characterization of prostate cancer in Middle Eastern population highlights differences with Western populations with prognostic implication.

To investigate the incidence and prognostication of ERG, PTEN and SPINK1 protein expressions in prostate cancer cohort of Middle Eastern descent in comparison to published data from Western population. Immunohistochemistry for ERG, PTEN and SPINK1 was performed in a cohort of localized PCA (n = 340). The data were correlated to pathological and clinical outcomes and compared to Western populations. ERG expression and PTEN loss were noted in 123/288 (42.7%) and 91/297 (30.6%) of patients, respectively. SPINK1 expression was assessed in a subset of cases, noted in 6/150 (4%) of patients. Only ERG expression was associated with grade groups, being more common in the lower grade groups (1-3 vs 4-5; p = 0.04). In contrast to the Western population, PTEN loss foci were more likely to be ERG negative, observed in 81% of tumor foci and patients with PTEN neg/ERG pos were more likely to exhibit biochemical recurrence (OR 2.831; 95% CI 1.10-726, p = 0.03). This association remained significant in multivariate analysis (OR 2.68; 95% CI 0.98-7.33, p = 0.05), after adjusting for GG, path stage and surgical margin. This study documents significant differences in key molecular events in PCA in Middle Eastern population compared to Western populations that could explain differences in PCA incidence, progression and prognostication. ERG, PTEN and SPINK1 genomic alteration occur less frequently and the enrichment of ERG for PTEN loss is not observed. Additionally, patients with combined PTEN loss/ERG positive are at highest risk for BCR vs North American Caucasian population where PTEN loss alone seems to be associated with the worst clinical outcome. The data presented here further support differences in clonal evolution between Middle Eastern and Western population in relation to PCA and add further insight to understanding PCA molecular pathways.

Association of Hypomorphic P2X7 Receptor Genotype With Age.

One of the main risk factors for brain diseases is aging. Recent studies have shown that aging is a progressive degenerative process associated with chronic low-level inflammation. The ATP-gated P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) plays an important role in inflammation and has been associated with different brain (e.g., Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s) or other age-related (osteoporosis, arthritis, cancer) diseases. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the P2RX7 gene have been identified, including the loss-of-function 1513A>C and 1405A>G SNPs, and the gain-of-function 489C>T and 1068G>A SNPs. We carried out a literature analysis to verify an association between P2RX7 SNPs’ frequency and age. In 34 worldwide eligible studies (11.858 subjects) no correlation between 1513CC genotype frequency and age emerged. On the contrary, analysis of European Caucasian cohorts (7.241 subjects) showed a significant increase in 1513CC frequency with age (P = 0.027). In agreement with these findings, analysis of two publicly available datasets, including USA Caucasian cohorts, unveiled an increased frequency of 1513CC and 489CC genotypes with age (P = 0.0055 and P = 0.0019, respectively). Thus, hypomorphic P2RX7 genotypes may be positively selected with age in European and North American Caucasian populations. We hypothesize that Caucasian individuals bearing an anti-inflammatory P2X7R phenotype and living in high-income countries may have a longer life expectancy.

P1766 Comparison of left ventricular stroke volume in healthy adults among regions around the world: results from the World Alliance of Societies of Echocardiography (WASE) Normal Values Study

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements WASE Normal Values Study is sponsored by American Society Echocardiography Foundation. OnBehalf the WASE Investigators Background The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) chamber quantification guidelines provide normal reference values for a variety of size and function parameters. While used worldwide, these were predominantly obtained from American and European Caucasian populations and may not represent individuals from other regions around the world. Accordingly, ASE in collaboration with its International Alliance Partners conducted the World Alliance of Societies of Echocardiography (WASE) Normal Values Study to establish and compare normal echocardiographic values across races, ethnicities and countries worldwide. While most previous studies focused on left ventricular (LV) size and ejection fraction, LV stroke volume (SV) in healthy normal subjects has not been well defined. In this report, we aim to examine similarities and differences in normal LV SV indexed by body surface area (SVI) among regions around the world. Methods WASE Normal Values Study is a multinational, observational, cross-sectional study. Individuals free from known cardiac, lung and renal disease were prospectively enrolled with even distribution among age groups and gender. Echocardiographic images were acquired following a standardized protocol. LV SV was assessed by Doppler-derived (LVOT diameter and VTI) and two-dimensional (2D) biplane Simpson’s methods. LV SVI was calculated to account for differences in body size. These measurements were analyzed (TOMTEC) in a single core laboratory following ASE/EACVI Guidelines. Results As of May 2019, LV SV has been analyzed in 1164 cases from 13 countries, representing 8 distinct regions worldwide. In this population, age, body surface area and 2D LV ejection fraction were 47 ± 17 years old (range 18-87 years old), 1.76 ± 0.22 m² (range 0.95-2.44 m²) and 63.2 ± 2.9 % (range 52.7-73.7 %), respectively. LV SV and SVI by Doppler were larger than those obtained by 2D method in all regions. LV SV and SVI in both methods had significant differences among regions (p&amp;lt; 0.0001, Kruskal-Wallis test). LV SV and SVI in South Asia (India) were smallest in both methods and were also significantly smaller than other Asian regions (Figure). North America and Europe had largest LV SV and SVI by Doppler method, while Oceania had largest values by 2D. Conclusions The WASE Normal Values Study shows geographical variability in LV SVI across continents and countries. This information should be considered when determining normative values for SV and SVI. Abstract P1766 Figure.

POLYMORPHISM OF SEVEN MICROSATELLITE STR-LOCI INCLUDED IN THE STANDARD SET CODIS, ESS AND ISSOL FOR THE NATIVE POPULATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

The aim of the work was to study polymorphism of microsatellite STR loci vWA, CSF1PO, TPOX, TH01, D16S539, D13S317, D7S820 included in CODIS, ESS and ISSOL standard core loci for Armenian population. Correspondence of frequencies of examined loci to the Hardy – Weinberg equilibrium was revealed. To distinguish genetic variability of STR loci we examined vWA, CSF1PO, TPOX, TH01, D16S539, D13S317, D7S820STR loci of Armenian population residing in the territory of Armenia and compared with data of Caucasian-American population presented in the Promega Technical Manual Allele Frequencies for Caucasian-Americans protocol. This comparative study revealed significant differences for tested populations. The results indicate that this set of polymorphic STR loci provides some polymorphic information. Therefore, prior to the usage of new DNA markers included in CODIS, ESS and ISSOL standard core loci into forensic casework, as well as DNA paternity and relationship testing, studies should be performed on Armenian populationto establish polymorphism of microsatellite STR loci specific for Armenian population.

Long non-coding RNA expression analysis during mouse testis development using the FANTOM5 data

Specific killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and HLA ligands in couples invoke a susceptibility to RPL. However, the relationship between KIR2DL2 and its cognate ligand HLA-C1 has not been explored. In this prospective cohort study, 160 Caucasian women with RPL and 99 partners were included. KIR/HLA-C typing, NK assay, Th1/Th2 intracellular cytokine ratios, 25-(OH)-vitamin D level, and the presence of autoantibodies were analyzed. KIR2DL2 positive women (P = 0.023) and their partners (P = 0.017) had lower allele frequencies of HLA-C1 than those of KIR2DL2 negative women. KIR2DL2 positive women had significantly lower genotype frequency of HLA-C1C1 as compared to the North American Caucasian population controls (P < 0.05). In the partners of KIR2DL2 positive women, there was a substantially higher frequency of HLA-C2C2 than controls (P = 0.016). Besides, KIR2DL2 negative women had a higher prevalence of anti-ssDNA antibody as compared with that of KIR2DL2 positive women (P = 0.043). There were no differences in the distribution of HLA-C genotypes based on KIR2DL2, regardless of pregnancy outcome in women with RPL and their partners while on immunomodulation treatment. In conclusion, decreased ligands for inhibitory KIRs (inhKIR) could lead to insufficient inhibition of maternal uterine NK cells toward the trophoblast, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of RPL. Specific KIR and HLA-C genotyping may predict the reproductive outcome of women with RPL.

Comparison study of Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in native Chinese and American Caucasian populations

Background/Objective: Osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture risk are extraintestinal manifestations of the inflammatory bowel disease, whose etiopathogenic mechanisms have not been determined yet. Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α are used in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but it is unknown if they play a role in osteoporotic fracture prevention. The objective of this study was to know if anti-TNF decreases fracture risk or modifies bone mineral density. To determine the possible risk factors associated with fractures, and assess the incidence of vertebral fractures in IBD patients. Methods: Longitudinal prospective cohort study (7 yr of follow-up); which included 71 IBD patients, 23 received anti-TNF-α; the remaining 48 received conventional treatment, constituted the control group. Patients participated in a questionnaire which gathered risk factors associated with the development of osteoporosis and fractures. Radiographs of the dorsolumbar-spine were performed and also a bone density measurement. Their biochemical and bone remodeling parameters were determined. Results: Although patients who did not receive anti-TNF-α, suffered more fractures but biologic therapy did not reduce the risk of new vertebral fractures. The increase of bone mass was significantly higher the group treated with anti-TNF-α. The increase in the lumbar spine was of 8% and in the femoral neck was of 6.7%. The only determinant factor for the incidence of vertebral fractures was a history of previous fractures (odds ratio of 12.8; confidence interval 95% 2.37–69.9; p = 0.003). The incidence of vertebral fractures in IBD patients was considerably high: 26.7/700 patient-yr. Conclusions: Anti-TNF-α, although increased bone mass in these patients, did not reduce the risk of new vertebral fractures. In this study, patients with IBD have a considerably high incidence of fractures. Only the existence of previous vertebral fractures was a predictive factor for consistent fractures.

Assessment of Novel Peguero-Lo Presti Electrocardiographic Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Criteria in a Large Asian Population: Newer May Not Be Better

BackgroundRecently, the novel Peguero-Lo Presti electrocardiographic criteria to diagnose left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) were developed from Caucasian American population with a relatively high sensitivity. However, further validation on a large Asian population has never been conducted. Thus, this study was to test and validate the overall performance of this index in a general population from China. MethodsA total of 10,614 permanent residents ≥35 years of age were included in this study. All participants completed 12-lead electrocardiography and echocardiography at the same visit. A receiver-operating characteristic curve was used for comparing the performance of electrocardiographic indices in diagnosing echocardiographic LVH. ResultsThe Peguero-Lo Presti criteria had higher sensitivity but lower specificity than Cornell and Sokolow-Lyon voltage according to the recommended criteria. The area under the curve of this novel Peguero-Lo Presti voltage was lower than that of Cornell for predicting LVH defined by both left ventricular mass/body surface area (0.665 vs 0.699 in males; 0.689 vs 0.721 in females) and left ventricular mass/height2.7 (0.623 vs 0.681 in males; 0.642 vs 0.709 in females) (all Ps < 0.05). By changing cutoff values, Cornell voltage outperformed Peguero-Lo Presti whether to achieve a relatively high sensitivity or specificity. ConclusionsThe novel Peguero-Lo Presti voltage may not be a better screening tool for LVH in Asian population. In comparison with this new index, Cornell voltage could be a better screening test for LVH by changing its cutoff values to obtain maximum sensitivity.

Female breast shape categorization based on analysis of CAESAR 3D body scan data

In this study we explore the variation in female breast shape across the younger (age: 18–45), non-obese (BMI &lt; 30) North American Caucasian population, a population that has not previously been well-represented in studies of breast shape. A method of classifying breast shape was developed based on multiple data-mining techniques. Forty-one relative measurements (i.e., ratios and angles) were constructed from 66 raw measurements (circumferences, depths, widths, etc.), extracted from 478 CAESAR (Civilian American and European Surface Anthropometry Resource) scans, using self-developed Matlab® programs. Seventy subjects were regarded as outliers and were removed. The remaining data were transformed and standardized to ensure robust analysis. To judge results, an algorithm was developed to visualize clustering outcomes in the form of side profiles of breasts. The results of three clustering methods, namely hierarchical, K-means, and K-medoids clustering, were compared. Finally, breast shapes were categorized into three and five groups by two different cluster number selection criteria proposed by the study: (1) based on misclassification rate; (2) based on the goodness-of-fit of the model. Several of the relative body measurements were identified to be critical in defining breast shape. The findings and the proposed methods of this study can contribute to the development of improved shape and sizing systems of bra products that work for both manufacturers and consumers. The new methodology developed in this study can also be applied to other types of intimate apparel products where an understanding of body shape plays a key role in body support, comfort, and fit.

Clinical characteristics and long-term visual outcome of optic neuritis in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: A comparison between Thai and American-Caucasian cohorts

BackgroundNeuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) occurs more commonly in Asian than Caucasian populations. Few studies have examined the clinical features and visual outcome of optic neuritis (ON) within NMOSD in different racial populations. The objective of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics and long-term visual outcome of a Thai and an American-Caucasian cohort with NMOSD-related ON. MethodsMedical records including brain and orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 16 consecutive subjects who developed visual loss due to ON as part of NMOSD evaluated at a single American tertiary referral center between 2006 and 2015 were reviewed and compared to those of 16 consecutive similar subjects evaluated at a single Thai tertiary referral center between 2010 and 2016. These cohorts represented the total number of NMOSD-related ON subjects seen during that time at those institutions. Statistical analyses were used for continuous and categorical data sets, and multiple regression analysis was used to adjust for differences in duration of follow-up and number of episodes of ON in each affected eye. ResultsAll subjects within the Thai cohort were Asian, while the American cohort initially consisted of 14 Caucasian, 1 Asian and 1 African-American subject, but the latter two were excluded from analysis. In the Thai cohort, ON occurred in 21 eyes, with a total of 19 episodes, while in the American-Caucasian cohort ON occurred in 22 eyes, with a total of 21 episodes. Aquaporin 4 (AQP4)-antibody was positive in all subjects except for one American-Caucasian subject. The mean follow-up time was 17.8 (± 16.0) and 52.8 (± 51.9) months for the Thai and American-Caucasian populations, respectively. There was no difference between the two cohorts with respect to gender, age of NMOSD and NMOSD-related ON onset, initial clinical presentation of NMOSD, initial visual acuity and automated visual fields, prevalence of swollen optic disc in the acute phase, presence of pain on the affected side, mean time of onset of ON symptoms to MRI examination, distribution of segmental involvement of the anterior visual pathway abnormalities based on MRI findings, mean time of onset of ON symptoms to treatment, final visual acuity and automated visual fields. However, a higher proportion of Thai affected eyes were found to have an initial visual acuity of 20/200 or worse compared with the American-Caucasian cohort. Azathioprine was the most common maintenance treatment (75%) used among Thai subjects in contrast to rituximab (78.6%) among American-Caucasian subjects. ConclusionDespite the different prevalence among Thai and American-Caucasian populations, the clinical characteristics of ON in the NMOSD were very similar across these two populations, other than for more severe visual loss initially among Thai subjects. Notably, long-term visual outcome did not differ between these cohorts despite significant difference in the maintenance treatment regimen. This study did not assess neurological status or outcome.

Graft-versus-Host Disease after HLA-Matched Sibling Bone Marrow or Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation: Comparison of North American Caucasian and Japanese Populations

The risk of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after HLA-matched sibling bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is lower in Japanese than in Caucasian patients. However, race may have differential effect on GVHD dependent on the graft source. North American Caucasian and Japanese patients receiving their first allogeneic BMT or peripheral blood stem cell transplantation from an HLA-matched sibling for leukemia were eligible. BMT was performed in 13% of the Caucasian patients and in 53% of the Japanese patients. On multivariate analysis, the interaction term between race and graft source was not significant in any of the models, indicating that graft source does not affect the impact of race on outcomes. The risk of grade III or IV acute GVHD was significantly lower in the Japanese patients compared with the Caucasian patients (hazard ratio [HR], 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57 to 0.96), which resulted in lower risk of nonrelapse mortality in the Japanese patients (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.89). The risk of relapse was also lower in this group. The lower risks of nonrelapse mortality and relapse resulted in lower overall mortality rates among the Japanese patients. In conclusion, our data indicate that irrespective of graft source, the risk of severe acute GVHD is lower in Japanese patients, resulting in a lower risk of nonrelapse mortality.

Graft-versus-Host Disease after HLA-Matched Sibling Bone Marrow or Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation: Comparison of North American Caucasian and Japanese Populations

Graft-versus-Host Disease after HLA-Matched Sibling Bone Marrow or Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation: Comparison of North American Caucasian and Japanese Populations

A 3D analysis of Caucasian and African American facial morphologies in a US population

This study aimed to compare facial morphologies of an adult African-American population to an adult Caucasian-American population using three-dimensional (3D) surface imaging. The images were captured using a stereophotogrammetric system (3dMDface(TM) system). Subjects were aged 19-30 years, with normal body mass index and no gross craniofacial anomalies. Images were aligned and combined using RF6 Plus Pack 2 software to produce a male and female facial average for each population. The averages were superimposed and the differences were assessed. The most distinct differences were in the forehead, alar base and perioricular regions. The average difference between African-American and Caucasian-American females was 1·18±0·98 mm. The African-American females had a broader face, wider alar base and more protrusive lips. The Caucasian-American females had a more prominent chin, malar region and lower forehead. The average difference between African-American and Caucasian-American males was 1·11±1·04 mm. The African-American males had a more prominent upper forehead and periocular region, wider alar base and more protrusive lips. No notable difference occurred between chin points of the two male populations. Average faces were created from 3D photographs, and the facial morphological differences between populations and genders were compared. African-American males had a more prominent upper forehead and periocular region, wider alar base and more protrusive lips. Caucasian-American males showed a more prominent nasal tip and malar area. African-American females had broader face, wider alar base and more protrusive lips. Caucasian-American females showed a more prominent chin point, malar region and lower forehead.