Visualization is a powerful mechanism for extracting information from data. ggplot2 is a contributed visualization package in the R programming language, which creates publication‐quality statistical ...graphics in an efficient, elegant, and systematic manner. This article summarizes key features of the package with examples from pharmacometrics and pointers to available resources for learning ggplot2.
CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology (2013) 2, e79; doi:10.1038/psp.2013.56; advance online publication 16 October 2013
Abstract Hypertriglyceridemia affects approximately 33% of the US population. Elevated triglyceride levels are independently associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, and severe ...hypertriglyceridemia is a risk factor for acute pancreatitis. Guidelines for the management of severe hypertriglyceridemia (≥5.6 mmol/L ≥500 mg/dL) recommend immediate use of triglyceride-lowering agents; however, statins remain the first line of therapy for the management of mild to moderate hypertriglyceridemia (1.7–5.6 mmol/L 150–499 mg/dL). Statins primarily target elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, but have also been shown to reduce mean triglyceride levels by up to 18% (or 43% in patients with triglyceride levels ≥ 3.1 mmol/L ≥273 mg/dL). However, individuals with hypertriglyceridemia may need additional reduction in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and remnant particles to further reduce residual CVD risk. A number of guidelines recommend the addition of fibrates, niacin, or long-chain omega-3 fatty acids if elevated triglyceride or non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels persist despite the use of high-intensity statin therapy. This review evaluates the impact of fibrates, niacin, and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids on lipid profiles and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with hypertriglyceridemia. It also assesses the adverse effects and drug–drug interactions associated with these triglyceride-lowering agents, because although they have all been shown to effectively reduce triglyceride levels in patients with hypertriglyceridemia, they differ with regard to their associated benefit–risk profiles. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids may be a well-tolerated and effective alternative to fibrates and niacin, yet further large-scale clinical studies are required to evaluate their effects on cardiovascular outcomes and CVD risk reduction in patients with hypertriglyceridemia.
•Mulching materials and methods influence soil hydrothermal environment.•Selection of appropriate mulching depends on crop type and climatic conditions.•Cost minimization is essential for the newly ...developed mulching materials.
The global temperature has been increasing over the years due to climate change that, directly or indirectly, affects water and energy consumptions in the agriculture sector. The application of mulching practices reduces soil evaporation, conserves soil moisture, suppresses weed growth, controls soil structure and temperature, influences soil micro-organisms, and is aesthetically pleasing. This study has reviewed 189 published research papers, which described the effects of various mulching materials and methods on soil and environment that influence crop productivity. This paper describes the extent of influence of different mulching materials and methods on the hydrothermal environment of soils. It is imperative to know the processes that control soil environments under various mulching conditions and the effects of mulching materials on crop yield, productivity and water use efficiency. These issues of mulching are the prime concerns of this review study. Plastic mulching materials have a greater importance than the organic ones to control soil environment and increase crop yield. But, the organic mulching materials are inexpensive and environment friendly. The selection of an appropriate mulching material is, however, guided by crop type, crop management practices and climatic conditions. Future research is needed on the effects of low-cost biodegradable mulching materials on microclimate modifications, soil biota, soil fertility, crop growth and crop yields.
Abstract Micro-Finite Element (micro-FE) analysis is now widely used in biomedical research as a tool to derive bone mechanical properties as they relate to its microstructure. With the development ...of in vivo high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT (HR-pQCT) scanners, it can now be applied to analyze bone in-vivo in the peripheral skeleton. In this survey, the results of several experimental and clinical studies are summarized that addressed the feasibility of this approach to predict bone strength in-vivo. Specific questions that will be addressed are: how accurate are strength predictions based on micro-FE; how reproducible are the results; and, is it a better predictor of bone fracture risk than DXA based measures? Based on results of experimental studies, it is first concluded that micro-FE based on HR-pQCT images can accurately predict the strength of the distal radius during a fall on the outstretched hand using either linear elastic analysis, implementing a ‘Pistoia criterion’ or similar criterion in combination with an ‘effective’ Young’s modulus or using non-linear analyses. When evaluating results of clinical reproducibility studies, it is concluded that for single-center studies, errors at the radius are less than 4.4% and 3.7% and at the tibia less than 3.6% and 2.3% for stiffness and strength, respectively. In multicenter trials, however, these errors can be increased by some 1.8% and 1.4% for stiffness and strength, respectively. Finally, based on the results of large cohort studies, it is concluded that micro-FE calculated stiffness better separates cases from controls than bone density parameters for subjects with fragility fractures at any site, but not for subjects with only radius fractures. In this latter case, however, combinations of micro-FE derived parameters can significantly improve the separation.
This paper presents an efficient algorithm for iris recognition using phase-based image matching - an image matching technique using phase components in 2D discrete Fourier transforms (DFTs) of given ...images. Experimental evaluation using the CASIA iris image databases (versions 1.0 and 2.0) and Iris challenge evaluation (ICE) 2005 database clearly demonstrates that the use of phase components of iris images makes it possible to achieve highly accurate iris recognition with a simple matching algorithm. This paper also discusses the major implementation issues of our algorithm. In order to reduce the size of iris data and to prevent the visibility of iris images, we introduce the idea of 2D Fourier phase code (FPC) for representing iris information. The 2D FPC is particularly useful for implementing compact iris recognition devices using state-of-the-art digital signal processing (DSP) technology.
Non-volatile RAM (NV-RAM) enables instant-on/off computing, which drastically reduces power consumption. One of the most promising candidates for NV-RAM technology is the spin-transfer torque RAM ...(SPRAM) based on magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) device technology. This paper reviews the development of MTJ device technology and formulates considerations regarding its memory application, including SPRAM memory cell structure and operation, write voltage limitation, and thermal stability. At the circuit level, a disruptive read operation for future large integration scale is described. A 4F2 memory cell and a multi-bit cell approach are also presented. Finally, the potential value of instant-on/off computing through NV-RAM and its impact are explored.
Supramolecules with topological characteristicshave attracted great interest both experimentally and theoretically. A new kind of gel has been obtained by chemically cross‐linking polyrotaxane ...molecules in solution. The polymer chains are topologically interlocked by figure‐of‐eight cross‐links (see Figure), which can pass along the polymer chains freely to equalize the “tension” of the threaded polymer chains just like pulleys.
Summary
Background
In atopic dermatitis (AD), phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibition reduces proinflammatory mediators and cytokines. Difamilast is a new selective PDE4 inhibitor.
Objectives
To ...demonstrate the superiority of topical difamilast to vehicle in Japanese paediatric patients with AD.
Methods
This was a phase III randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled trial. Patients aged 2–14 years with an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score of 2 or 3 received difamilast 0·3% (n = 83), difamilast 1% (n = 85) or vehicle (n = 83) ointment twice daily for 4 weeks.
Results
The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with an IGA score of 0 or 1 with improvement by at least two grades at week 4. The success rates in IGA score at week 4 were 44·6%, 47·1% and 18·1% in the difamilast 0·3%, difamilast 1% and vehicle groups, respectively. Both difamilast groups demonstrated significantly higher success rates in IGA score compared with vehicle at week 4 difamilast 0·3% (P < 0·001); difamilast 1% (P < 0·001). Regarding secondary endpoints, improvements in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI; improvement of ≥ 50%, ≥ 75% and ≥ 90% in overall score) at week 4 were significantly higher in patients in the difamilast 0·3% and 1% groups than those in the vehicle group. EASI score in the difamilast 0·3% and 1% groups was significantly reduced compared with that of patients in the vehicle group at week 1. The significant difference between both the difamilast groups and the vehicle groups was maintained from week 1 through to week 4. Most treatment‐emergent adverse events were mild or moderate, and no serious events or deaths were reported.
Conclusions
Difamilast 0·3% and 1% ointments are superior to vehicle and well tolerated in Japanese paediatric patients with AD.
What is already known about this topic?
In atopic dermatitis (AD), increased phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) activity leads to a proinflammatory milieu involved in acute and chronic inflammation.
Topical inhibitors of PDE4 are available and are an alternative to topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors for AD.
Concern about the adverse effects of topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors may limit their use in the treatment of AD.
What does this study add?
This trial demonstrates the efficacy of the selective topical PDE4 inhibitor difamilast for mild‐to‐moderate AD in Japanese paediatric patients.
Difamilast is well tolerated with an adverse event profile similar to vehicle.
Linked Comment: D.M.W. Balak and E. Hajdarbegovic. Br J Dermatol 2022; 186:5–6.
Plain language summary available online
Abstract The leadership of the National Lipid Association convened an Expert Panel to develop a consensus set of recommendations for patient-centered management of dyslipidemia in clinical medicine. ...An Executive Summary of those recommendations was previously published. This document provides support for the recommendations outlined in the Executive Summary. The major conclusions include (1) an elevated level of cholesterol carried by circulating apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins (non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol LDL-C, termed atherogenic cholesterol) is a root cause of atherosclerosis, the key underlying process contributing to most clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events; (2) reducing elevated levels of atherogenic cholesterol will lower ASCVD risk in proportion to the extent that atherogenic cholesterol is reduced. This benefit is presumed to result from atherogenic cholesterol lowering through multiple modalities, including lifestyle and drug therapies; (3) the intensity of risk-reduction therapy should generally be adjusted to the patient's absolute risk for an ASCVD event; (4) atherosclerosis is a process that often begins early in life and progresses for decades before resulting a clinical ASCVD event. Therefore, both intermediate-term and long-term or lifetime risk should be considered when assessing the potential benefits and hazards of risk-reduction therapies; (5) for patients in whom lipid-lowering drug therapy is indicated, statin treatment is the primary modality for reducing ASCVD risk; (6) nonlipid ASCVD risk factors should also be managed appropriately, particularly high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, and diabetes mellitus; and (7) the measurement and monitoring of atherogenic cholesterol levels remain an important part of a comprehensive ASCVD prevention strategy.
Background Statins substantially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and are generally well-tolerated. Despite this, many patients discontinue therapy. A better understanding of the ...characteristics of current and former statin users may be helpful for formulating strategies to improve long-term adherence. Objective The Understanding Statin Use in America and Gaps in Education (USAGE) survey assessed the attitudes, beliefs, practices, and behavior of current and former statin users. Methods Individuals 18 years or older who reported a history of high cholesterol and current or former statin use were identified within a registered consumer panel cohort in the United States and invited to participate in an Internet survey. Results Of the 10,138 respondents, 8918 (88%) were current statin users and 1220 (12%) were former users. Participants (mean age 61 years) were predominantly white (92%), female (61%), of middle income (median $44,504/yr), and had health insurance (93%). Among current users, 95% took a statin alone, and 70% had not missed a dose in the past month. Although ∼70% reported that their physicians had explained the importance of cholesterol levels for their heart health former users were less satisfied with the discussions (65% vs. 83%, P < .05). Muscle-related side effects were reported by 60% and 25% of former and current users, respectively ( P < .05). Nearly half of all respondents switched statins at least once. The primary reason for switching by current users was cost (32%) and the primary reason for discontinuation was side effects (62%). Conclusions This survey provides important insights into behavior and attitudes among current and former statin users and the results suggest that more effective dialogue between healthcare providers and patients may increase persistence of statin use, particularly when the patient has concerns about side effects and drug costs.
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