Prediction of Individual Dynamic Thermal Sensation in Subway Commute Using Smart Face Mask.

Wearable sensors and machine learning algorithms are widely used for predicting an individual's thermal sensation. However, most of the studies are limited to controlled laboratory experiments with inconvenient wearable sensors without considering the dynamic behavior of ambient conditions. In this study, we focused on predicting individual dynamic thermal sensation based on physiological and psychological data. We designed a smart face mask that can measure skin temperature (SKT) and exhaled breath temperature (EBT) and is powered by a rechargeable battery. Real-time human experiments were performed in a subway cabin with twenty male students under natural conditions. The data were collected using a smartphone application, and we created features using the wavelet decomposition technique. The bagged tree algorithm was selected to train the individual model, which showed an overall accuracy and f-1 score of 98.14% and 96.33%, respectively. An individual's thermal sensation was significantly correlated with SKT, EBT, and associated features.

Continuous Fe(II)-dosing scheme for persulfate activation: Performance enhancement mechanisms in a slurry phase reactor.

Mechanisms involved in the superior performance of the continuous Fe2+ dosing scheme over the single Fe2+ dosing scheme was thoroughly investigated. The kinetics and stoichiometry of the phenol removal/persulfate consumption strongly depended on the volumetric or molar Fe2+ feeding rate, Fe2+ concentration in the feed solution, and Fe2+ feeding mode (continuous or single dose). The process performance was determined by the molar Fe2+ feeding rate rather than the volumetric Fe2+ feeding rate or the Fe2+ concentration in the feed solution. The phenol degradation rate increased as the molar Fe2+ feeding rate increased to 2.77 mmol/min but decreased as the Fe2+ feeding rate increased further. The sulfate radical was predominant radical species formed in continuous Fe2+ dosing mode. The hydroxyl and sulfate radicals were both important in single Fe2+ dose mode. The presence of hydroxyl radicals in single Fe2+ dosing mode decreased the amount of phenol oxidation that occurred, probably because the hydroxyl radicals were readily scavenged by soil organic matter. Continuous Fe2+ dosing facilitated phenol mineralization, which was indicated by total organic carbon measurements and toxicity tests performed using Hyalella azteca.

Inhibitory Activities of Dimeric Ellagitannins Isolated from Cornus alba on Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy.

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is an intractable chronic inflammatory disease. We studied the efficacy of two ellagitannins, namely camptothin B (1) and cornusiin A (2) that were isolated from Cornus alba (CA) for the treatment of BPH, which is a common health issue in older men. The ellagitannins (1 and 2) were evaluated on its inhibitory activities of the enzyme 5α-reductase and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, its interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8 production, and its anti-proliferation and apoptosis induction in prostate cells that show hypertrophy (RWPE-1 cell). In inhibition of 5α-reductase, the ellagitannins (1 and 2) showed potential effects, compared to the positive control, finasteride. In the case of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, 1 and 2 showed good inhibitory effects as compared to the control group treated with LPS. The ellagitannins (1 and 2) were also shown to inhibit proliferation of, and induce apoptosis in, the RWPE-1 cell. These results suggest that the ellagitannins (1 and 2) may be good candidates for the treatment of BPH.

Interaction analysis between genetic polymorphisms and pharmacodynamic effect in patients treated with adjunctive cilostazol to dual antiplatelet therapy: results of the ACCEL-TRIPLE (Accelerated Platelet Inhibition by Triple Antiplatelet Therapy According to Gene Polymorphism) study.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT: Compared with standard dual antiplatelet therapy, adjunctive cilostazol to dual antiplatelet therapy ('triple antiplatelet therapy') has a potential to reduce ischemic event occurrence after percutaneous coronary intervention. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of clopidogrel have been significantly influenced by the enzyme activity of the ABCB1 C3435T and the CYP2C19 system. • For the pharmacokinetics of cilostazol, genetic polymorphisms of the CYP3A5 and CYP2C19 have been associated with the substantial interindividual variability in healthy volunteers. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: Loss-of-function polymorphism of the CYP2C19 gene, but not the ABCB1 C3435T and CYP3A5*3 genes, affects the antiplatelet effect of triple antiplatelet therapy. Most of extensive and intermediate East Asian metabolizers (0 or 1 CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele) show adequate platelet inhibition when treated with triple antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention. However, carriage of 2 CYP2C19 loss-of-function alleles is still associated with the risk of high platelet reactivity (defined by by 5 µM ADP-induced maximal platelet aggregation >46%), which clinical impact needs to be validated in future clinical trials. AIMS Although adjunctive cilostazol to dual antiplatelet therapy can reduce the risks of clinical events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), whether genetic polymorphism can influence the pharmacodynamics of this regimen has not been evaluated. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-seven patients treated with PCI and taking triple antiplatelet therapy (≥1 month) were enrolled. Platelet reactivity was assessed by conventional aggregometry and the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay. High on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) was defined as 5 µm ADP-induced maximal platelet reactivity (Agg(max) ) >46%. CYP3A5*3, CYP2C19*2/*3 and ABCB1 3435C > T were genotyped. RESULTS: CYP3A5*3 and ABCB1 3435C > T variants did not affect the antiplatelet effect of triple antiplatelet therapy. For non-carriers, one and two carriers of the CYP2C19 loss-of-function (LOF) allele, Agg(max) consecutively increased after the addition of 5 µm[mean (95% confidence intervals): 24.6% (20.8 to 28.5%) vs. 28.7% (25.4 to 32.0%) vs. 32.3% (25.8 to 38.7%), P = 0.062, respectively] and 20 µm ADP [34.2% (29.3 to 39.0%) vs. 41.7% (37.8 to 45.6%) vs. 44.9% (37.9 to 51.9%), P = 0.007, respectively]. Likewise, late platelet reactivity and P2Y12 reaction units proportionally changed according to the number of CYP2C19 LOF alleles. HPRs were observed in 9.2% of subjects: 6.3%, 7.4% and 20.0% with 0, 1 and 2 carriers of CYP2C19 LOF allele(s) (P = 0.099). In multivariate analysis, carriage of two CYP2C19 LOF alleles was a significant predictor for the prevalence of HPR (odds ratio 5.78, 95% CI 1.21, 27.78, P = 0.028). CONCLUSION: Among PCI-treated patients, the effect of triple antiplatelet therapy is influenced by the CYP2C19 LOF allele. Its clinical benefit needs to be validated according to the CYP2C19 metabolic phenotype in future clinical trials. [Adjunctive Cilostazol Versus High Maintenance dose ClopidogrEL in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients According to CYP2C19 Polymorphism (ACCEL-AMI-2C19), NCT00915733 and Adjunctive Cilostazol Versus High Maintenance-dose Clopidogrel According to Cytochrome 2C19 Polymorphism (ACCEL-2C19), NCT01012193].

A case of spontaneous coronary artery dissection healed by medical treatment: serial findings of coronary angiography, intravascular ultrasound and multi-detector computed tomography.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an uncommon cause of acute coronary syndrome which may be related to lethal condition. Although several modalities including medical therapy have been suggested, agreement on optimal treatment has not yet been determined. We describe a case of SCAD which was presented as ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and treated successfully with medical treatment. Coronary angiography, intravascular ultrasound and multi-detector computed tomography showed the serial changes of this disease entity.

Isolated left main coronary artery spasm detected by multidetector computed tomography.

Although atherosclerotic obstruction is the main cause of left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease, it can also be associated with vasospasm. We report a case of a 61-year-old male who presented with ostial stenosis of the LMCA, detected by 64-slice multi-detector computed tomographic coronary angiography (MDCT-CA). Careful review of MDCT and intravascular ultrasound findings showed suspicion of an isolated spasm of the LMCA without a significant atherosclerotic lesion. The patient was successfully treated with nitrates and a calcium channel blocker.

Pre-procedural platelet reactivity after clopidogrel loading in korean patients undergoing scheduled percutaneous coronary intervention.

AIM: Pre-procedural platelet reactivity (PR) in Korean patients may be greater because the CYP2C19*2 and *3 variant alleles are more common in Korean patients than in Caucasians. We investigated the level of PR and the prevalence of high post-clopidogrel platelet reactivity (HPPR) after a routine loading dose (LD) of clopidogrel in Korean patients. METHODS: We assessed the PR level at 12 to 24 hours after a 300-mg LD of clopidogrel in 215 patients undergoing scheduled percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (available CYP2C19 genotyping: n =176). PR was measured by conventional aggregometry and VerifyNow. Based on a previous study, HPPR was defined as a 5 µmol/L ADP-induced maximal PR >50%. RESULTS: With 5 and 20 µmol/L ADP stimuli, maximal PR were 48.7 ± 17.1% and 62.1 ± 15.7%, respectively, and the prevalence of HPPR reached 52.1%. The highest quartile cut-offs of 5 and 20 µmol/L ADP-induced PR(max) were 64% and 75%, respectively. P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU) was 274 ± 76, and 69.8% (n =150) showed PRU ≥240. A carrier of at least one CYP2C19 variant allele showed higher PRs than non-carriers. In multivariate regression analysis, carriage of the CYP2C19 variant allele (*2 or *3) was determined to be a significant predictor of HPPR (odds ratio 4.202, 95% confidence interval 1.996 to 8.850, p< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Korean patients undergoing scheduled PCI cannot achieve adequate pre-procedural platelet inhibition from a 300-mg LD of clopidogrel, which is related with a higher prevalence of the CYP2C19 mutant allele.