Asian Volunteers Research Articles

Phenotypic and metabolic dichotomy in obesity: clinical, biochemical and immunological correlates of metabolically divergent obese phenotypes in healthy South Asian adults.

Metabolic heterogeneity among obese individuals is thought to translate into variations in cardiovascular risk. Identifying obese people with an unfavourable metabolic profile may allow preventive strategies to be targeted at high-risk groups. This study aimed to identify clinical, biochemical and immunological differences between insulin-sensitive and insulin-resistant obese subgroups, to understand the population-specific pathophysiological basis of the adverse cardiovascular risk profile in the latter group. Cardiovascular risk indicators, including anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, acanthosis nigricans area, and related biochemical, endocrine and inflammatory markers, were determined in 255 healthy South Asian volunteers aged 18-45 years, with a 2:1 ratio of obese/overweight to normal-weight individuals. Lifetime atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk was also calculated. Body mass index (BMI) and insulin sensitivity-based tertiles independently showed incremental trends in waist-hip ratio, skinfold thickness, acanthosis nigricans area, blood pressure, serum lipids, hepatic enzymes, adipokines, inflammatory markers and ten-year ASCVD risk. The anthropometric, biochemical and inflammatory parameters of obese insulin-sensitive and obese insulin-resistant groups differed significantly. Extreme group analysis after excluding the middle tertiles of both insulin resistance and BMI also showed significant difference in anthropometric indicators of cardiovascular risk and estimated lifetime ASCVD risk between the two obese subgroups. Obese insulin-sensitive individuals had a favourable metabolic profile compared to the obese insulin-resistant group. The most consistent discriminative factor between these phenotypic classes was anthropometric parameters, which underscores the importance of clinical parameters as cardiovascular risk indicators in obesity.

Correlation between lumbar intervertebral disc height and lumbar spine sagittal alignment among asymptomatic Asian young adults

BackgroundTo investigate the distribution and characteristics of the lumbar intervertebral disc height (IDH) in asymptomatic Asian population and to determine whether the lumbar IDH is related to the lumbar spine sagittal alignment.MethodsA cohort of 169 cases of asymptomatic volunteers was enrolled from January 2014 to July 2016. All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine and panoramic radiography of the spine. Panoramic radiographs of the spine were taken to evaluate pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), and pelvic tilt (PT) using Surgimap® software. Roussouly classification was utilized to categorize all subjects according to the four subtypes of sagittal alignment. The IDH was measured on the MRI mid-saggital section of the vertebral body. The relationships between lumbar IDH and spine-pelvic parameters were also assessed using the Spearman correlation analysis.ResultsThe reference value ranges of IDH in asymptomatic Asian volunteers between L1/2, L2/3, L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1 were (6.25, 10.99), (6.97, 12.08), (7.42, 13.3), (7.76, 14.57),and (7.11, 13.12) mm, respectively. Based on the above reference value, the high lumbar intervertebral space is defined as more than 14 mm. According to the Roussouly Classification, there are 33 cases in type I, 48 in type II, 66 in type III, and 22 in type IV. According to the definition of the high IDH, there are two cases in type I, three in type II, nine in type III, and eight in type IV. The results indicated that people in the Roussouly III and IV subtypes had greater values for IDH compared to those of Roussouly I and II subtypes, and the spinopelvic parameters were partly correlated with IDH in different subtypes. In addition, levels L4–L5 showed the highest IDH for all four groups followed by the L3–L4 and L5–S1 levels, and the value of L3–L4 is equivalent to that of L5–S1. All type groups showed moderate and positive correlations between the PI and IDH except the level of L1–L2 in type IV.ConclusionsThe IDH may influence the lumbar spine sagittal alignment in asymptomatic Asian adults. Moreover, pre-operative evaluation of IDH is useful for selection of optimal cage size and reconstruction of spinal alignment.

Effects of Curvilinear Supine Position on Tissue Interface Pressure: A Prospective Before-and-After Study.

To determine whether a curvilinear supine position increases the contact area between the subject and the surgical table, reduces interface pressures within contact areas, and improves comfort. This observational study was completed to establish proof-of-concept to determine differences between 2 positions (supine and curvilinear) on interface pressure of 5 at-risk anatomical locations, overall contact area, and subjects' comfort level. The study was conducted at the operating theater of a tertiary teaching hospital in Wuhan, China. The sample comprised 145 healthy Asian volunteers between 18 and 60 years of age. Subjects were placed in the supine and curvilinear supine positions on a surgical table. Contact area and peak interface pressures of 5 at-risk anatomical locations (occiput, scapula, sacrum, calf, and heel) were measured using a pressure mapping system, and the mean and maximum pressures of the overall contact area were calculated. Comfort was assessed by self-report using a Likert scale of 1 to 5. The Wilcoxon paired signed rank test was used to compare differences between the 2 positions, and the Spearman correlation analysis was used to identify associations among outcome variables. Results indicated that whole-body (overall) maximum, average interface pressures, and maximum interface pressures of the sacrum and the heel were decreased significantly, with contact area and comfort-level score increasing from 2438.71 to 2709.68 cm and 3.00 to 4.00, respectively (P < .001). Statistically significant associations were found between the contact area and measures of body morphology; correlation coefficients varied from 0.409 to 0.740 (P < .001). Curvilinear supine position increased overall contact area with the support surface, reduced interface pressures over contact areas (bony prominences), improved comfort, and enhanced pressure redistribution. Additional research is needed to determine if these effects will reduce intraoperative pressure injury occurrence.

Rosuvastatin Pharmacokinetics in Asian and White Subjects Wild Type for Both OATP1B1 and BCRP Under Control and Inhibited Conditions

The Food and Drug Administration recommends rosuvastatin dosage reductions in Asian patients because pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated an approximate 2-fold increase in median exposure to rosuvastatin in Asian subjects compared with Caucasian controls. Yet, no explanation for this ethnic difference has been confirmed. Here we show that rosuvastatin exposure in Asians and Whites does not differ significantly when all subjects are wild-type carriers for both solute carrier organic anion transporter 1B1 *1a and ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2 c.421 transporters in a 2-arm, randomized, cross-over rosuvastatin pharmacokinetics study in healthy white and Asian volunteers. For single rosuvastatin doses, AUC0-48 were 92.5 (±36.2) and 83.5 (±32.2) ng/mL × h and Cmax were 10.0 (±4.1) and 7.6 (±3.0) ng/mL for Asians and Whites, respectively. When transporters were inhibited by intravenous rifampin, rosuvastatin AUC0-48 and Cmax also showed no ethnic differences. Our study suggests that both SLCO1B1 and ABCG2 polymorphisms are better predictors of rosuvastatin exposure than ethnicity alone and could be considered in precision medicine dosing of rosuvastatin.

Scalp imaging techniques

Scalp imaging techniques are necessary tools for the trichological practice and for visualization of permeation, penetration and absorption processes into and through the scalp and for the research on drug delivery and toxicology.The present letter reviews different scalp imaging techniques and discusses their utility. Moreover, two different studies on scalp imaging techniques are presented in this letter: (1) scalp imaging with phototrichograms in combination with laser scanning microscopy, and (2) follicular measurements with cyanoacrylate surface replicas and light microscopy in combination with laser scanning microscopy.The experiments compare different methods for the determination of hair density on the scalp and different follicular measures. An average terminal hair density of 132 hairs cm−2 was found in 6 Caucasian volunteers and 135 hairs cm−2 in 6 Asian volunteers. The area of the follicular orifices accounts to 16.3% of the skin surface on average measured with laser scanning microscopy images. The potential volume of the follicular infundibulum was calculated based on the laser scanning measurements and is found to be 4.63 mm3 per cm2 skin on average. The experiments show that hair follicles are quantitatively relevant pathways and potential reservoirs for topically applied drugs and cosmetics.

Saccharin increases perception of bladder filling in a forced diuresis experiment.

To study bladder sensation during a forced diuresis protocol and to assess differences in sensation perceived by different ethnic groups and after drinking artificially sweetened water. Female Caucasian and south Indian Asian volunteers performed the diuresis protocol drinking water, or water sweetened with saccharin (5 mg/kg body weight). Participants recorded filling sensation every 5 min while drinking 250-350 mL/15 min. They were asked to record the strongest sensation before voiding as maximum sensation, before voiding. The void was measured and sensation immediately recorded as minimum. The process was repeated. Voided volume and time required to achieve maximum sensation during cycle 2 were compared by water and sweetener, ethnic group, and age. Twenty Asian and 20 Caucasian volunteers participated. No differences in maximum voided volume or diuresis rate was seen by ethnicity. Median diuresis with sweetener was 16.7 mL/min (8.6-35) compared to 13.2 (7.1-25) with water (P = 0.008), a difference accounted for by 16 women with >5 mL/min difference in diuresis rate. These were excluded to leave 24 women with similar diuresis rates with both sweetener and water (14.8 mL/min (8.6-28.0) and 13.2 mL/min (7.1-25.0). In these women, time to achieve maximum sensation was lower with sweetener than water: 37.5 min (20-85) versus 50.0 min (20-80), P = 0.002, with no difference in voided volume. Water sweetened with saccharin produced an increased diuresis rate in some women. After controlling for this, time to recording maximum sensation was decreased with sweetened water, suggesting saccharin has an effect upon perceived sensation.

What is the Prevalence of Radiographic Hip Findings Associated With Femoroacetabular Impingement in Asymptomatic Asian Volunteers?

Morphologic features of the proximal femur reminiscent of those seen in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) have been reported among asymptomatic individuals in Western populations, but whether this is the case in Asian populations is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of radiographic findings in the proximal femur that are consistent with FAI in asymptomatic Korean volunteers. Two hundred asymptomatic volunteers with no prior hip surgery or childhood hip problems underwent three-view plain radiographs (pelvis AP view, Sugioka view, and 45° Dunn view) of both hips. There were 146 hips from male volunteers and 254 hips from female volunteers in the study. The mean age of all participants was 34.7 years (range, 21-49 years). Cam-type morphologic features were defined as the presence of the following on one or more of the three views: pistol-grip morphologic features, an osseous bump at the femoral head-neck junction, flattening of the femoral head-neck offset, or alpha angle greater than 55°. Pincer-type morphologic features were determined by radiographic signs, including crossover sign, deficient posterior wall sign, or lateral center-edge angle greater than 40°. The prevalence of cam-type morphologic features seen on at least one radiograph was 38% (male, 57%; female, 26%). The prevalence of cam-type features (at least one positive cam-type feature) was 2.0% (male, 6%; female, 0%) on the pelvic AP view, 24% (male, 36%; female, 17%) on the Sugioka view, and 30% (male, 47%; female, 20%) on the 45° Dunn view. The prevalence of pincer-type morphologic features (at least one positive pincer-type feature) was 23% (male, 27%; female, 21%) on the pelvic AP view. The prevalence of FAI-related morphologic features in asymptomatic Asian populations was comparable to the prevalence in Western populations. Considering the high prevalence of radiographic hip findings reminiscent of FAI in asymptomatic Asian populations, it will be important to determine whether FAI-related morphologic features are a cause of hip pain when considering surgery in Asian patients.

Racial stereotypes impair flexibility of emotional learning.

Flexibility of associative learning can be revealed by establishing and then reversing cue-outcome discriminations. Here, we used functional MRI to examine whether neurobehavioral correlates of reversal-learning are impaired in White and Asian volunteers when initial learning involves fear-conditioning to a racial out-group. For one group, the picture of a Black male was initially paired with shock (threat) and a White male was unpaired (safe). For another group, the White male was a threat and the Black male was safe. These associations reversed midway through the task. Both groups initially discriminated threat from safety, as expressed through skin conductance responses (SCR) and activity in the insula, thalamus, midbrain and striatum. After reversal, the group initially conditioned to a Black male exhibited impaired reversal of SCRs to the new threat stimulus (White male), and impaired reversals in the striatum, anterior cingulate cortex, midbrain and thalamus. In contrast, the group initially conditioned to a White male showed successful reversal of SCRs and successful reversal in these brain regions toward the new threat. These findings provide new evidence that an aversive experience with a racial out-group member impairs the ability to flexibly and appropriately adjust fear expression towards a new threat in the environment.

Differences Between Single and Double Eyelid Anatomy in Asians Using Ultrasound Biomicroscopy.

The aim of this study was to clarify the differences between single and double eyelid structures quantitatively using an ultrasound biomicroscopy. A single-center observational study. Upper eyelids of Asian volunteers were evaluated with a 50-MHz ultrasound biomicroscopy. The skin-orbicularis oculi complex (SOOC), levator aponeurosis, Mueller muscle-conjunctival complex, and tarsus were imaged at the eyelid crease in the double eyelid group and 7 mm above the eyelid margin in the single eyelid group. The SOOC was also measured 2 mm above the eyelid margin and 5 mm above the eyelid crease. Forty-two upper eyelids of 42 subjects were studied. Mean SOOC thickness at the eyelid crease was 0.62 ± 0.12 mm in single eyelids and 0.57 ± 0.08 mm in double eyelids (P = 0.03). Mean SOOC thickness at 2 mm above the eyelid margin and 5 mm above the crease was not significantly different between single and double eyelids (P = 0.004 and P = 0.62, respectively). The levator aponeurosis, Mueller muscle-conjunctival complex, and tarsus measured 0.38 ± 0.12 mm, 0.86 ± 0.28 mm, and 10.84 ± 1.10 mm in single eyelids and 0.39 ± 0.14 mm, 0.88 ± 0.34 mm, and 10.61 ± 1.36 mm in double eyelids (P = 0.75, P = 0.81, and P = 0.54, respectively). Single eyelids showed slightly thicker SOOC in the pre-tarsal area and at the eyelid crease but not 5 mm above the eyelid crease. The levator aponeurosis, Mueller muscle-conjunctival complex, and tarsus showed no differences in thickness.

The Variation in the Lumbar Facet Joint Orientation in an Adult Asian Population and Its Relationship with the Cross-Sectional Area of the Multifidus and Erector Spinae

Study DesignCross-sectional study of healthy volunteers.PurposeWe aimed to investigate the variation in the lumbar facet joint orientation in an adult Asian population. The relationship between the facet joint orientation and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of multifidus and erector spinae was also clarified.Overview of LiteratureSeveral studies have reported that lumbar pathologies, such as lumbar spondylolysis and degenerative spondylolisthesis, were related to the horizontally shaped lumbar facet joint orientation at the lower lumbar level. However, data regarding variations in the facet joint orientation in asymptomatic subjects have not been well documented.MethodsIn 31 healthy male adult Asian volunteers, the facet joint orientation and CSA of multifidus and erector spinae were measured using magnetic resonance imaging at the L4–5 and L5–S1 levels. Variation in the facet joint orientation was examined using coefficients of variation (CV). Pearson's product-moment coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between the facet joint orientation and CSA of multifidus and erector spinae.ResultsLumbar facet joint orientation had a wider range of variation at L5–S1 (CV=0.30) than at L4–5 (CV=0.18). The L4–5 facet joint orientation had a weak but significant correlation with the CSA of erector spinae (r=0.40; p=0.031). The CSA of the multifidus had no relationship with the facet joint orientation at the L4–5 (r=0.19; p=0.314) and the L5–S1 level (r=0.19; p=0.312).ConclusionsThe lumbar facet joint orientation was found to have a wide variation, particularly at the L5–S1 in the Asian adult population, and the facet joint orientation had a relationship with the CSA of the erector spinae at the L4–5.

Diet Quality and Acculturation are Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Females for South Asian Americans

BackgroundThere has been a continued need to examine the relationship between diet quality, health, and the development of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and its precursor, Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in understudied immigrant populations.&#x0D; Objective. We calculated the Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI2010) scores with the goal of to assess the diet quality based on conformance to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and its relationship to acculturation, and MetS. &#x0D; Methods. In a cross‐sectional study, male and female South Asian (SA) volunteers from two low‐income community health clinics in Maryland responded to a previously validated acculturation questionnaire (21‐items), an automated self‐administered 24‐hour recall (ASA24), socio‐demographic variables, and metabolic profiles from clinical files. MetS was defined by the new consensus harmonized definition by the presence of 蠅 3 of the 5 abnormal indicators. Acculturation, gender, and ethnic group were contrasted between those with and without MetS and those above and below the DGA.&#x0D; Results. SA had a composite score of 73±1.2 suggesting that their diet needs improvement but was higher than the average for Americans 53.2. Males diets were healthier than females and Older males (蠅 65 years) ate the healthiest. Assimilated subjects ate healthier but had greater prevalence of MetS (44% VS. 29%). Males with MetS had lower HEI2010 scores (68) compared to males without MetS (73) and the converse being true for females (68 vs. 65). &#x0D; Conclusions. Our findings suggest that SA from different countries show similar eating habits and scores. SA females face greater dietary and cultural challenges compared to males.

Safety and immunogenicity of a virus-like particle pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 vaccine: Results from a double-blinded, randomized Phase I clinical trial in healthy Asian volunteers

MethodsA novel, fully bacterially produced recombinant virus-like particle (VLP) based influenza vaccine (gH1-Qbeta) against A/California/07/2009(H1N1) was tested in a double-blind, randomized phase I clinical trial at two clinical sites in Singapore. The trial evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of gH1-Qbeta in the presence or absence of alhydrogel adjuvant. Healthy adult volunteers with no or low pre-existing immunity against A/California/07/2009 (H1N1) were randomized to receive two intramuscular injections 21 days apart, with 100μg vaccine, containing 42μg hemagglutinin antigen. Antibody responses were measured before and 21 days after each immunization by hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assays. The primary endpoint was seroconversion on Day 42, defined as percentage of subjects which reach a HAI titer ≥40 or achieve an at least 4-fold rise in HAI titer (with pre-existing immunity). The co-secondary endpoints were safety and seroconversion on Day 21. ResultsA total of 84 Asian volunteers were enrolled in this study and randomized to receive the adjuvanted (n=43) or the non-adjuvanted (n=41) vaccine. Of those, 43 and 37 respectively (95%) completed the study. There were no deaths or serious adverse events reported during this trial. A total of 535 adverse events occurred during treatment with 49.5% local solicited symptoms, of mostly (76.4%) mild severity. The most common treatment-related systemic symptom was fatigue. The non-adjuvanted vaccine met all primary and secondary endpoints and showed seroconversion in 62.2% and 70.3% of participants respectively on Day 21 and Day 42. While the adjuvanted vaccine showed an increased seroconversion from 25.5% (Day 21) to 51.2% (Day 42), it did not meet the immunogenicity endpoint. ConclusionIn summary, non-adjuvanted gH1-Qbeta showed similar antibody mediated immunogenicity and a comparable safety profile in healthy humans to commercially available vaccines. These results warrant the consideration of this VLP vaccine platform for the vaccination against influenza infection (HSA CTC1300092).

Quantitative Analysis of VOCs in Exhaled Breath from Asian Volunteers: A Pilot Study

Background: High incidences of respiratory ailments have been long attributed to rapid industrialization and fast economic growth in developing nations within Asia. Urbanization in particular has led to a significant increase in outdoor and indoor air pollution in Asian countries, affecting lung health for different population groups. Air pollutants enter the human systems via the inhalation pathway, and their measurement in exhaled breath has been suggested as a non-invasive alternative for early diagnosis of asthma and lung cancer. Routine monitoring of selected volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath often requires the use of robust analytical techniques with standardized sample collection procedures for reliable risk assessment. Currently, such analytical data are relatively sparse in the literature for Asian population groups due to lack of quantitative analysis of VOCs in exhaled breath. To fill the knowledge gap, a present pilot study was initiated to evaluate the suitability of an in situ instrumental technique for breath measurements among a small group of diverse Asian volunteers. Methods: The study was conducted to explore the use of PTR-MS (Proton Transfer Reaction- Mass Spectrometry) with BET (Buffered End Tidal) breath sampling for real-time measurements of selected VOCs in healthy Asian volunteers (35 healthy subjects from different ethnic groups). Breath samples were analyzed for eight VOCs (well-known biomarkers) using BET-PTRMS, namely, acetone, isoprene, ethanol, acetaldehyde, acetonitrile, acrolein, benzene and toluene. The eight VOCs were confirmed independently using a complementary analytical technique (SPME-GCMS (Solid Phase Micro-Extraction-Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry)). Results: Acetone (58% abundance) was found to be the predominant VOC, followed by isoprene (27%) and acetaldehyde (9%) in the breath samples of 35 healthy Asian healthy volunteers from diverse ethnic groups. Results obtained from the present study have been compared to those available in literature for different population groups. Conclusion: Overall, BET-PTRMS is a promising real-time monitoring tool for measurements of suitable VOCs that can be used as breath signatures (“smell prints”) in Asian population groups as it demonstrated a high sensitivity and versatility required for successful practical applications. Further in-depth investigations with more number of subjects under clinical and sub-clinical settings are warranted to evaluate the potential of using BETPTRMS as a routine early diagnostic tool for Asian population groups at-risk of developing COPD, lung cancer or serious respiratory illnesses.

Magnetic resonance elastography of liver in healthy asians: Normal liver stiffness quantification and reproducibility assessment

To determine normal liver stiffness values evaluated with magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in healthy normal Asian volunteers and assess its reproducibility. Liver stiffness was evaluated with MRE in 41 healthy Asians (23 females, 18 males; mean age, 41.8 years, and mean body mass index [BMI], 23.4 kg/m(2) ) on a 1.5T clinical scanner. The correlations between mean liver stiffness and age, gender, BMI, and fat fraction percentage of the liver were studied. Another 12 volunteers underwent liver MRE exams on two separate days 4-6 weeks apart under similar conditions for reproducibility assessment. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis was performed and within-subject coefficient of variation (CV) of stiffness was estimated. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of liver stiffness in normal healthy Asian subjects was 2.09 ± 0.22 kPa (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.04-2.15 kPa; range 1.68-2.48 kPa). The mean liver stiffness did not significantly correlate with age, gender, BMI, or fat content of the liver. The ICC for mean liver stiffness was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.78-0.96) and CV ranged from 2.2%-11.4%. The liver stiffness in normal Asians is not affected by age, gender, BMI, or fat content. Liver stiffness with MRE is highly reproducible.

Use of multiphoton tomography and fluorescence lifetime imaging to investigate skin pigmentationin vivo

There is a growing body of literature showing the usefulness of multiphoton tomography (MPT) and fluorescence lifetime imaging for in situ characterization of skin constituents and the ensuing development of noninvasive diagnostic tools against skin diseases. Melanin and pigmentation-associated skin cancers constitute some of the major applications. We show that MPT and fluorescence lifetime imaging can be used to measure changes in cutaneous melanin concentration and that these can be related to the visible skin color. Melanin in the skin of African, Indian, Caucasian, and Asian volunteers is detected on the basis of its emission wavelength and fluorescence lifetimes in solution and in a melanocyte-keratinocyte cell culture. Fluorescence intensity is used to characterize the melanin content and distribution as a function of skin type and depth into the skin (stratum granulosum and stratum basale). The measured fluorescence intensities in given skin types agree with melanin amounts reported by others using biopsies. Our results suggest that spatial distribution of melanin in skin can be studied using MPT and fluorescence lifetime imaging, but further studies are needed to ascertain that the method can resolve melanin amount in smaller depth intervals.

Consistency of breast density measured from the same women in four different MR scanners

To compare the breast volume (BV), fibroglandular tissue volume (FV), and percent density (PD) measured from breast MRI of the same women using four different MR scanners. The study was performed in 34 healthy Asian volunteers using two 1.5T (GE and Siemens) and two 3T (GE and Philips) MR scanners. The BV, FV, and PD were measured on nonfat-suppressed T1-weighted images using a comprehensive computer algorithm-based segmentation method. The scanner-to-scanner measurement difference, and the coefficient of variation (CV) among the four scanners were calculated. The measurement variation between two density morphological patterns presenting as the central type and the intermingled type was separately analyzed and compared. All four scanners provided satisfactory image quality allowing for successful completion of the segmentation processes. The measured parameters between each pair of MR scanners were highly correlated, with R(2) ≥ 0.95 for BV, R(2) ≥ 0.99 for FV, and R(2) ≥ 0.97 for PD in all comparisons. The mean percent differences between each pair of scanners were 5.9%-7.8% for BV, 5.3%-6.5% for FV, 4.3%-7.3% for PD; with the overall CV of 5.8% for BV, 4.8% for FV, and 4.9% for PD. The variation of FV was smaller in the central type than in the intermingled type (p = 0.04). The results showed that the variation of FV and PD measured from four different MR scanners is around 5%, suggesting the parameters measured using different scanners can be used for a combined analysis in a multicenter study.

Ethnic Differences in Skin Physiology, Hair Follicle Morphology and Follicular Penetration

Background/Aims: Inconsistent evidence is available that different ethnic groups exhibit differences in skin physiological parameters. Recently, variations in hair follicle morphology have been described, although the influence of such variations on the follicular penetration process has not been investigated until now. Methods: The aim of the present study was thus to investigate skin physiological parameters, follicle morphology and the penetration process in different ethnic groups. Results and Conclusion: Whereas no significant differences with regard to skin physiological parameters could be observed, morphological analysis of the hair follicles revealed, inter alia, that Caucasians had significantly larger terminal hair follicles than Asians and Africans. The surface of the hair follicle infundibulum was shown to be 3% in Caucasians, 2.6% in Africans and 2.4% in Asians. The investigations into penetration revealed no significant differences after a 30-min penetration time, whereas after 24 h, the Asian volunteers presented significantly larger amounts of sodium fluorescein in the hair follicles and the stratum corneum, which may be explained by cultural habits.

UK ethnicity data collection for healthcare statistics: the South Asian perspective.

BackgroundEthnicity data collection has been proven to be important in health care but despite government initiatives remains incomplete and mostly un-validated in the UK. Accurate self-reported ethnicity data would enable experts to assess inequalities in health and access to services and help to ensure resources are targeted appropriately. The aim of this paper is to explore the reasons for the observed gap in ethnicity data by examining the perceptions and experiences of healthy South Asian volunteers. South Asians are the largest ethnic minority group accounting for 50% of all ethnic minorities in the UK 2001 census.MethodsFive focus groups, conducted by trained facilitators in the native language of each group, recruited 36 South Asian volunteers from local community centres and places of worship. The topic guide focused on five key areas:1) general opinions on the collection of ethnicity, 2) experiences of providing ethnicity information, 3) categories used in practice, 4) opinions of other indicators of ethnicity e.g. language, religion and culture and 5) views on how should this information be collected. The translated transcripts were analysed using a qualitative thematic approach.ResultsThe findings of this Cancer Research UK commissioned study revealed that participants felt that accurate recording of ethnicity data was important in healthcare with several stating the increased prevalence of certain diseases in minority ethnic groups as an appropriate justification to improve this data. The overwhelming majority raised no objections to providing this data when the purpose of data collection is fully explained.ConclusionsThis study confirmed that the collection of patients' ethnicity data is deemed important by potential patients but there remains uncertainty and unease as to how the data may be used. A common theme running through the focus groups was the willingness to provide these data, strongly accompanied by a desire to have more information with regard to its use.

Enantioseparation of (±)-threo-methylphenidate in human plasma by cyclodextrin-modified sample stacking capillary electrophoresis

The (±)-threo-methylphenidate ((±)-threo-MP) is widely used for treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to clinical evidence, (+)-threo-MP possesses higher potency than (−)-threo-MP. Due to ppb level in plasma, till now, none of the capillary electrophoresis (CE) methods have been able to provide adequate sensitivity for therapeutic (±)-threo-MP monitoring. In this study, a cyclodextrin-modified field-amplified sample stacking CE method (CD-FASS-CE) for enantioseparation of (±)-threo-MP in human plasma was established for clinical applications. Phosphate buffer (50mM, pH 3.0) was filled into uncoated fused silica capillary (40cm, 50μm I.D.), followed by a water plug (0.5psi, 10s). Electrokinetic injection (6kV, 200s) was used to load samples and to enhance sensitivity. Stacking and separation were performed at 20kV and 200nm using phosphate buffer (50mM, pH 3.0) containing 20mM HP-β-CD and 30mM triethanolamine. Analytes were separated simultaneously by using CD-FASS-CE and had a lower detection limit of equal to the sub-ppb level. Linear calibration curves were obtained from 1 to 80ng/mL (r=0.998). The limit of detection for both isomers was 600pg/mL. RSD and RE of precision and accuracy in intra- and inter-day assays were below 7.89%. This method was further applied to analyze (±)-threo-MP in four healthy Asian volunteers and that provided some relevant information for clinical treatments.

Transcontinental and Translational High-tech Acupuncture Research Using Computer-based Heart Rate and “Fire of Life” Heart Rate Variability Analysis

A variable heartbeat was considered a sign of good health by ancient Asian physicians. Today, new computer-based methods (e.g., “Fire of Life” analysis) allow quantification of heart rate and heart rate variability during acupuncture. The objective of this article is to compare different acupuncture methods to evaluate the influence of acupuncture on heart rhythm in short-term and long-term measurements. There were four main sections in this study: (A) a randomized controlled study using needle acupuncture and acupressure at Yintang (Ex1); (B) an innovative blue (violet) laser acupuncture randomized controlled study in Asian volunteers; (C) a comparative study using moxibustion methods; and (D) teleacupuncture. A total of 72 patients (mean age ± SD: 27.9 ± 8.6 years) were monitored over periods of 20 minutes to 24 hours in Asia and Austria. Acupuncture was performed with metal needles (in sections A, C and D) or blue laser (in section B) on Yintang, Neiguan, Guanyuan or a special acupuncture regimen for stress disorders (in sections A, B, C and D, respectively). Significant decreases in heart rate after verum intervention at Yintang, Neiguan and Guanyuan were found. Improvements in state of health following teleacupuncture were also noted. Computer-based heart rate and heart rate variability analysis was demonstrated to be effective in evaluating the status of health during acupuncture.