Intelligence against complexity: Machine learning for nonuniform temperature-field measurements through laser absorption.

The effect of spatial nonuniformity of the temperature distribution was examined on the capability of machine-learning algorithms to provide accurate temperature prediction based on Laser Absorption Spectroscopy. First, sixteen machine learning models were trained as surrogate models of conventional physical methods to measure temperature from uniform temperature distributions (uniform-profile spectra). The best three of them, Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), VGG13, and Boosted Random Forest (BRF) were shown to work excellently on uniform profiles but their performance degraded tremendously on nonuniform-profile spectra. This indicated that directly using uniform-profile-targeted methods to nonuniform profiles was improper. However, after retraining models on nonuniform-profile data, the models of GPR and VGG13, which utilized all features of the spectra, not only showed good accuracy and sensitivity to spectral twins, but also showed excellent generalization performance on spectra of increased nonuniformity, which demonstrated that the negative effects of nonuniformity on temperature measurement could be overcome. In contrast, BRF, which utilized partial features, did not have good generalization performance, which implied the nonuniformity level had impact on regional features of spectra. By reducing the data dimensionality through T-SNE and LDA, the visualizations of the data in two-dimensional feature spaces demonstrated that two datasets of substantially different levels of non-uniformity shared very closely similar distributions in terms of both spectral appearance and spectrum-temperature mapping. Notably, datasets from uniform and nonuniform temperature distributions clustered in two different areas of the 2D spaces of the t-SNE and LDA features with very few samples overlapping.

Cohort Using a Ceramides Containing Cleanser and Cream With Salicylic Acid for Dry, Flaking, and Scaling Skin Conditions

Introduction: The skin of subjects with dry, flaking, and/or scaling conditions is characterized by decreased water and skin lipids content among other findings. It is well understood that daily use of gentle cleansers and moisturizers may help to restore and maintain an optimal skin barrier function. A cohort study of patients with dry skin was developed to evaluate efficacy of daily use of a ceramide containing cleanser and cream that also has salicylic acid. Methods: Thirty-five adults with mild-to-moderate dry skin conditions were recruited from four dermatology centers in Canada. With consent, the subjects received twice daily treatment with the ceramides containing cleanser and cream that also has salicylic acid. Physician and subject assessed skin condition comparing baseline versus (day 0) versus day 28 (end) was scored using the Dry skin classification scale and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Subjects also rated satisfaction, product features, quality of life aspects, safety, and tolerability. Results: Thirty-four subjects completed the treatment and study period; one was lost to follow up. Daily use of the evaluated cleanser and moisturizer significantly improved skin condition when comparing day 0 versus day 28 (+/- 5 days (end)) results. Both the physicians and subjects using the dry skin classification scale and GAIS scored a significant improvement of the dry skin condition. After treatment subjects reported a significant improvement in the quality of their professional life, self-image, and social life. The products were shown to be safe, comfortable, and well tolerated. Conclusion: The results indicated the cleanser and moisturizer to offer an effective, easy and comfortable option for dry skin conditions. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(1):80-85.

Canadian Patients' Preferences in Topical Psoriasis Care: Insights From the PROPEL Surveys.

BACKGROUND: Patients with psoriasis of all severities employ topical treatment, either alone or in combination. Promoting Patient Engagement at the Leading Edge of Topical Psoriasis Treatment (PROPEL) surveyed Canadian dermatologists and their patients about their attitudes toward topical care. OBJECTIVES: To identify gaps between patients and dermatologists regarding the burden of psoriasis, the burden of treatment, and priorities for topical care to Canadian patients with psoriasis. METHODS: Two parallel surveys explored patient attitudes toward psoriasis and their experience with topical care, as expressed by patients or as perceived by their dermatologists. A third survey, addressed to patients, included additional questions regarding treatment adherence to current topical treatment regimens. RESULTS: PROPEL dermatologists underestimated the burden associated with psoriatic itch. Otherwise, they were well aligned with patients' views, including their preference for maintaining topical care of their psoriasis over other treatment modalities, the nature of good psoriasis control, and desirable features of topical medications. Despite holding generally positive views of topical therapy, many patients self-identified as poorly adherent. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term adherence to psoriasis topical care remains a challenge. Formulations with improved acceptability might help patients maintain good adherence.