Automated grading of left ventricular segmental wall motion by an artificial neural network using color kinesis images

The present study describes an auxiliary tool in the diagnosis of left ventricular (LV) segmental wall motion (WM) abnormalities based on color-coded echocardiographic WM images. An artificial neural network (ANN) was developed and validated for grading LV segmental WM using data from color kinesis (CK) images, a technique developed to display the timing and magnitude of global and regional WM in real time. We evaluated 21 normal subjects and 20 patients with LVWM abnormalities revealed by two-dimensional echocardiography. CK images were obtained in two sets of viewing planes. A method was developed to analyze CK images, providing quantitation of fractional area change in each of the 16 LV segments. Two experienced observers analyzed LVWM from two-dimensional images and scored them as: 1) normal, 2) mild hypokinesia, 3) moderate hypokinesia, 4) severe hypokinesia, 5) akinesia, and 6) dyskinesia. Based on expert analysis of 10 normal subjects and 10 patients, we trained a multilayer perceptron ANN using a back-propagation algorithm to provide automated grading of LVWM, and this ANN was then tested in the remaining subjects. Excellent concordance between expert and ANN analysis was shown by ROC curve analysis, with measured area under the curve of 0.975. An excellent correlation was also obtained for global LV segmental WM index by expert and ANN analysis (R² = 0.99). In conclusion, ANN showed high accuracy for automated semi-quantitative grading of WM based on CK images. This technique can be an important aid, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing inter-observer variability in scoring segmental LVWM.

Long-term loss of color vision after exposure to mercury vapor

We evaluated the color vision of 24 subjects (41.6 ± 6.5 years; 6 females) who worked in fluorescent lamp industries. They had been occupationally exposed to mercury vapor (10.6 ± 5.2 years) and had been away from the source of exposure for 6.4 ± 4.04 years. Mean urinary concentration of mercury was 40.6 ± 36.4 µg/g creatinine during or up to 1 year after exposure and 2.71 ± 1.19 µg/g creatinine at the time of color vision testing or up to 1 year thereafter. All patients were diagnosed with chronic mercury intoxication, characterized by clinical symptoms and neuropsychological alterations. A control group (N = 36, 48.6 ± 11.9 years, 10 females, 1.5 ± 0.47 µg mercury/g creatinine) was subjected to the same tests. Inclusion criteria for both groups were Snellen VA 20/30 or better and absence of known ophthalmologic pathologies. Color discrimination was assessed with the Farnsworth D-15 test (D-15) and with the Lanthony D-15d test (D-15d). Significant differences were found between the two eyes of the patients (P < 0.001) in both tests. Results for the worst eye were also different from controls for both tests: P = 0.014 for D-15 and P < 0.001 for D-15d. As shown in previous studies, the D-15d proved to be more sensitive than the D-15 for the screening and diagnosis of the color discrimination losses. Since color discrimination losses were still present many years after the end of exposure, they may be considered to be irreversible, at least under the conditions of the present study.

Mercury toxicity in the Amazon: contrast sensitivity and color discrimination of subjects exposed to mercury

We measured visual performance in achromatic and chromatic spatial tasks of mercury-exposed subjects and compared the results with norms obtained from healthy individuals of similar age. Data were obtained for a group of 28 mercury-exposed subjects, comprising 20 Amazonian gold miners, 2 inhabitants of Amazonian riverside communities, and 6 laboratory technicians, who asked for medical care. Statistical norms were generated by testing healthy control subjects divided into three age groups. The performance of a substantial proportion of the mercury-exposed subjects was below the norms in all of these tasks. Eleven of 20 subjects (55%) performed below the norms in the achromatic contrast sensitivity task. The mercury-exposed subjects also had lower red-green contrast sensitivity deficits at all tested spatial frequencies (9/11 subjects; 81%). Three gold miners and 1 riverine (4/19 subjects, 21%) performed worse than normal subjects making more mistakes in the color arrangement test. Five of 10 subjects tested (50%), comprising 2 gold miners, 2 technicians, and 1 riverine, performed worse than normal in the color discrimination test, having areas of one or more MacAdam ellipse larger than normal subjects and high color discrimination thresholds at least in one color locus. These data indicate that psychophysical assessment can be used to quantify the degree of visual impairment of mercury-exposed subjects. They also suggest that some spatial tests such as the measurement of red-green chromatic contrast are sufficiently sensitive to detect visual dysfunction caused by mercury toxicity.

The use of light-emitting diodes to stimulate mitochondrial function and liver regeneration of partially hepatectomized rats

The biostimulating effect of laser radiation has been observed in many areas of Medicine. However, there are still several questions to be answered, among them the importance of light coherence in the stimulatory process. In the present study, we used light-emitting diodes (LED) to promote the stimulation of liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats. Fourteen male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were submitted to partial hepatectomy (70%) followed by LED light irradiation (630 nm) of the remaining part of the liver at two doses, i.e., 10 (N = 7) and 140 (N = 7) J/cm². A group irradiated with laser, 590 nm (N = 7, 15 J/cm²) was performed for the study of proliferating cell nuclear antigen-labeling index. Data are reported as mean ± SEM. Statistical comparisons of the groups were performed by analysis of variance for parametric measurements followed by the Bonferroni post-test, with the level of significance set at P < 0.05. Respiratory mitochondrial activity was increased in the irradiated groups (states 3 and 4; P < 0.05), with better results for the group exposed to the lower LED dose (10 J/cm²). The proliferating cell nuclear antigen-labeling index, by immunohistochemical staining, was similar for both LED-exposed groups (P > 0.05) and higher than for the control group (P < 0.05). The cell proliferation index obtained with LED and laser were similar (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the present results suggest that LED irradiation promotes biological stimulatory effects during the early stage of liver regeneration and that LED is as effective as laser light, independent of the coherence, divergence and cromaticity.

Glutamate receptors as seen by light: spectroscopic studies of structure-function relationships

Ionotropic glutamate receptors are major excitatory receptors in the central nervous system and also have a far reaching influence in other areas of the body. Their modular nature has allowed for the isolation of the ligand-binding domain and for subsequent structural studies using a variety of spectroscopic techniques. This review will discuss the role of specific ligand:protein interactions in mediating activation in the a-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid subtype of glutamate receptors as established by various spectroscopic investigations of the GluR2 and GluR4 subunits of this receptor. Specifically, this review will provide an introduction to the insight gained from X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance investigations and then go on to focus on studies utilizing vibrational spectroscopy and fluorescence resonance energy transfer to study the behavior of the isolated ligand-binding domain in solution and discuss the importance of specific ligand:protein interactions in the mechanism of receptor activation.

Moderate-term reproducibility of heart rate variability during rest and light to moderate exercise in children

Previous studies have demonstrated the high reproducibility of heart rate variability (HRV) measures in adults while little information exists concerning HRV reproducibility in children. Subsequently, the aim of the current study was to examine the moderate-term reproducibility of heart rate and frequency domain measures of HRV during rest and light to moderate exercise in children. Ten healthy children (6 males, 4 females) aged between 7 and 12 years of age volunteered for this study with HRV recordings obtained during supine rest and three treadmill walking exercise work rates (≤60% maximum heart rate), initially and then 8 weeks later. Differences (P < 0.05) between variables were examined using paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed rank tests while reliability and reproducibility were examined by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), coefficients of variation (CV), and mean bias ratio and ratio limits of agreement (LOA). Heart rate and all measures of HRV at rest and exercise were unchanged after 8 weeks. Significant ICC were documented primarily during rest (0.72-0.85) while weaker relationships (-0.02-0.87) were evident during exercise. A large range of CV was identified during rest (6-33%) and exercise (3-128%) while the ratio LOA were variable and substantial (1.04-2.73). Despite similar HRV over an 8-week period, variable ICC and sizable CV and ratio LOA indicate moderate to poor reproducibility of HRV in children, particularly during light to moderate exercise. Studies examining HRV in children should include age- or maturation stage-matched control participants to address the age-related change in HRV and inadequate HRV reliability.

Protective effect of maternal prenatal melatonin administration on rat pups born to mothers submitted to constant light during gestation

We studied the effects of adverse conditions such as constant light (LL) on the circadian rhythm of malate (MDH, EC 1.1.1.37) and lactate (LDH, EC 1.1.1.27) dehydrogenase activities of the testes of male Wistar rats on postnatal day 28 (PN28), anxiety-like behavior (elevated plus-maze test) at PN60 and sexual behavior at PN120. The rats were assigned to mother groups on day 10 of pregnancy: control (12-h light/dark), LL (light from day 10 to 21 of pregnancy), and LL+Mel (LL and sc injection to the mothers of a daily dose of melatonin, 1 mg/kg body weight at circadian time 12, from day 17 to 21 of pregnancy). LL offspring did not show circadian rhythms of MDH (N = 62) and LDH (N = 63) activities (cosinor and ANOVA-LSD Fisher). They presented a 44.7% decrease in open-arm entries and a 67.9% decrease in time (plus-maze test, N = 15, P < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis test), an increase in mounting (94.4%), intromission (94.5%) and ejaculation (56.6%) latencies (N = 12, P < 0.01, Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis test) and lower numbers of these events (61, 59 and 73%, respectively; P < 0.01, N = 12) compared to controls. The offspring of the LL+Mel group presented MDH and LDH circadian rhythms (P < 0.05, N = 50, cosinor and ANOVA-LSD Fisher), anxiety-like and sexual behaviors similar to control. These findings supported the importance of the melatonin signal and provide evidence for the protective effects of hormones on maternal programming during gestation. This protective action of melatonin is probably related to its entrainment capacity, favoring internal coupling of the fetal multioscillatory system.

Myosin light chain kinase is necessary for post-shock mesenteric lymph drainage enhancement of vascular reactivity and calcium sensitivity in hemorrhagic-shocked rats

Vascular hyporeactivity is an important factor in irreversible shock, and post-shock mesenteric lymph (PSML) blockade improves vascular reactivity after hemorrhagic shock. This study explored the possible involvement of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) in PSML-mediated vascular hyporeactivity and calcium desensitization. Rats were divided into sham (n=12), shock (n=18), and shock+drainage (n=18) groups. A hemorrhagic shock model (40±2 mmHg, 3 h) was established in the shock and shock+drainage groups. PSML drainage was performed from 1 to 3 h from start of hypotension in shock+drainage rats. Levels of phospho-MLCK (p-MLCK) were determined in superior mesenteric artery (SMA) tissue, and the vascular reactivity to norepinephrine (NE) and sensitivity to Ca2+ were observed in SMA rings in an isolated organ perfusion system. p-MLCK was significantly decreased in the shock group compared with the sham group, but increased in the shock+drainage group compared with the shock group. Substance P (1 nM), an agonist of MLCK, significantly elevated the decreased contractile response of SMA rings to both NE and Ca2+ at various concentrations. Maximum contractility (Emax) in the shock group increased with NE (from 0.179±0.038 to 0.440±0.177 g/mg, P<0.05) and Ca2+ (from 0.515±0.043 to 0.646±0.096 g/mg, P<0.05). ML-7 (0.1 nM), an inhibitor of MLCK, reduced the increased vascular response to NE and Ca2+ at various concentrations in the shock+drainage group (from 0.744±0.187 to 0.570±0.143 g/mg in Emax for NE and from 0.729±0.037 to 0.645±0.056 g/mg in Emax for Ca2+, P<0.05). We conclude that MLCK is an important contributor to PSML drainage, enhancing vascular reactivity and calcium sensitivity in rats with hemorrhagic shock.

Vascular O-GlcNAcylation augments reactivity to constrictor stimuli by prolonging phosphorylated levels of the myosin light chain

O-GlcNAcylation is a modification that alters the function of numerous proteins. We hypothesized that augmented O-GlcNAcylation levels enhance myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and reduce myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) activity, leading to increased vascular contractile responsiveness. The vascular responses were measured by isometric force displacement. Thoracic aorta and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from rats were incubated with vehicle or with PugNAc, which increases O-GlcNAcylation. In addition, we determined whether proteins that play an important role in the regulation of MLCK and MLCP activity are directly affected by O-GlcNAcylation. PugNAc enhanced phenylephrine (PE) responses in rat aortas (maximal effect, 14.2±2 vs 7.9±1 mN for vehicle, n=7). Treatment with an MLCP inhibitor (calyculin A) augmented vascular responses to PE (13.4±2 mN) and abolished the differences in PE-response between the groups. The effect of PugNAc was not observed when vessels were preincubated with ML-9, an MLCK inhibitor (7.3±2 vs 7.5±2 mN for vehicle, n=5). Furthermore, our data showed that differences in the PE-induced contractile response between the groups were abolished by the activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AICAR; 6.1±2 vs 7.4±2 mN for vehicle, n=5). PugNAc increased phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT-1) and protein kinase C-potentiated inhibitor protein of 17 kDa (CPI-17), which are involved in RhoA/Rho-kinase-mediated inhibition of myosin phosphatase activity. PugNAc incubation produced a time-dependent increase in vascular phosphorylation of myosin light chain and decreased phosphorylation levels of AMP-activated protein kinase, which decreased the affinity of MLCK for Ca2+/calmodulin. Our data suggest that proteins that play an important role in the regulation of MLCK and MLCP activity are directly affected by O-GlcNAcylation, favoring vascular contraction.

Teores de colesterol de lingüiças de frango "light" e tradicionais submetidas a diferentes condições de estocagem

Objetivou-se na presente pesquisa investigar os teores de gorduras e colesterol de lingüiças de frango processadas sob a forma "light" e "tradicional", quando submetidas a condições de estocagem sob refrigeração e congelamento. Na elaboração das lingüiças tipo frescal utilizou-se carne de frango branca, escura e pele, adicionados de condimentos naturais e antioxidantes comerciais ou ácido ascórbico. Seis tratamentos e doze formulações foram desenvolvidos, sendo que seis formulações foram de lingüiças tradicionais e seis de lingüiças "light". O tratamento 1 constou de produtos sem adição de antioxidante, denominado controle; o tratamento 2 foi formulado com o antioxidante ácido ascórbico 0,25%; os tratamentos 3, 4 e 5 foram formulados com antioxidantes comercias ("Kraki", "Duas Rodas" e "Adicon"), conforme especificações dos fabricantes, e finalmente, o tratamento 6 que constou de formulação idêntica ao tratamento 5, porém adicionado de líquido defumante. As lingüiças foram estocadas a temperatura de refrigeração (5-10°C) por 22 dias, e de congelamento (-20°C) por 90 dias. Foram determinados na matéria-prima (carne de frango e pele) e nas lingüiças armazenadas, os teores de gordura e colesterol. Os resultados mostraram que os teores de colesterol variaram em função da formulação das lingüiças tradicional e "light", apresentando estas, em relação às tradicionais, uma redução significativa destes componentes. A estocagem refrigerada e congelada influenciou significativamente (P< 0,05) na concentração de colesterol das lingüiças "light". A efetiva ação dos antioxidantes comerciais utilizados nos tratamentos 5 e 6 foi claramente observada, onde não houve variação significativa do teor de colesterol ao longo do período de estocagem refrigerada e/ou congelada.

Determinação simultânea de açúcares e polióis por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE-IR) em sorvetes de baixas calorias ("diet"/ "light")

Um método simples e rápido para a preparação da amostra e quantificação simultânea de açúcares e polióis em sorvetes "diet"/"light" por CLAE-IR foi investigado. Os açúcares frutose, glicose, lactose, maltose, sacarose, juntamente com glicerol e sorbitol foram separados. Diferentes variáveis foram testadas na preparação da amostra e nas condições cromatográficas para a separação dos componentes. A melhor condição para a separação dos analitos da matriz foi obtida através de duas extrações consecutivas com água : etanol (1:8 v/v, seguida de 1:4 v/v). Para a separação cromatográfica em uma coluna CLC-NH2 , a fase móvel foi composta de acetonitrila: água (77,5:22,5 v/v) na vazão de 1mL/min, a 30 ºC. O tempo de corrida foi menor do que 20 min. Amostras de sorvetes "diet"/"light" de 3 diferentes marcas, com sabores de morango, chocolate, flocos e baunilha, recolhidas em Campinas-SP, apresentaram valores de açúcares totais entre 9-15%. Somente os sorvetes com sabor morango apresentaram frutose (0,1-0,5%), e somente aqueles sorvetes com sabor de flocos mostraram a presença de sacarose em maiores quantidades. Os maiores valores de açúcares foram encontrados para lactose, independente da marca ou sabor testados (3,5-10%). As quantidades de sorbitol variaram de 3-4%. A mesma análise foi realizada com sorvete normal (controle) que apresentou valor de açúcares totais de aproximadamente 29%, sendo que destes 16,8%, foi sacarose. Não foram detectados polióis. Na amostra de sorvete controle foi realizado teste de recuperação de sorbitol (99,3%). Os valores encontrados foram comparados com os valores permitidos pela legislação.

Características sensoriais de compotas de pêssego light elaboradas com sucralose e acesulfame-K

O trabalho objetivou realizar uma caracterização sensorial de compotas de pêssego com reduzidas calorias. As compotas foram elaboradas pela substituição parcial de açúcar pelos edulcorantes sucralose, acesulfame-K e sucralose+acesulfame-K. Além desta caracterização, investigou-se a vida-de-prateleira destes produtos durante um período de 90 dias. Para isto, foram avaliados os atributos de aparência geral, cor, brilho, maciez, sabor geral e acidez, logo após o processamento, aos 30, 60 e 90 dias de estocagem. Ao término do período de estocagem executou-se, ainda, um teste de preferência. De acordo com a avaliação sensorial dos diferentes atributos, detectou-se diferenças significativas entre as quatro formulações de compota, especialmente em relação aos atributos de sabor e acidez. As formulações com acesulfame-K e sucralose+acesulfame-K mostraram valores inferiores às demais. Durante o período de armazenamento não se constatou expressivas alterações nas características sensorias das compotas. Os resultados do teste de preferência mostraram que não houve distinção na preferência dos consumidores por qualquer das formulações.

Caracterização física, química, microbiológica e sensorial de geléias light de abacaxi

O trabalho objetivou elaborar geléias com reduzido teor calórico, utilizando como agentes de corpo diferentes combinações dos hidrocolóides xantana, carragena e locusta. Como comparativo utilizou-se uma formulação padrão de geléia de abacaxi (controle), elaborada com sacarose e xarope de glicose na proporção de 4:1 (p/p), e com teor final de sólidos solúveis de 65ºBrix. As quatro formulações light foram preparadas pela substituição de 50% da quantidade de açúcar da formulação controle, sendo que para equiparar a doçura, adicionou-se o edulcorante sucralose. Foram avaliadas as características químicas, físicas, microbiológicas e sensoriais, além do valor calórico total das geléias. Os resultados mostraram que as geléias apresentaram características químicas e físicas semelhantes às descritas na literatura e enquadraram-se na categoria de produtos light, segundo a legislação vigente. Quanto às características microbiológicas, todas as formulações enquadraram-se nos padrões microbiológicos estabelecidos pela legislação brasileira. Em termos sensoriais a formulação com a combinação das gomas carragena:xantana:locusta (1:1:1, p/p/p) foi a que apresentou melhores características de geléia.

Efeito do uso de cultura adjunta (Lactobacillus helveticus) na proteólise, propriedades viscoelásticas e aceitação sensorial de queijo prato light

A proteólise, as propriedades viscoelásticas e a aceitação sensorial de queijo prato light fabricado com e sem adição de cultura adjunta (CAD) foram avaliadas. Os queijos foram fabricados a partir de leite microfiltrado. Dois tratamentos foram testados em duplicata: o queijo controle foi fabricado apenas com cultura mesófila tradicional (acidificante e aromatizante), e o outro foi fabricado com adição de CAD (Lactobacillus helveticus), além da cultura tradicional. A composição dos queijos foi determinada no quinto dia após a fabricação. A proteólise e as propriedades reológicas foram avaliadas nos dias 5, 25 e 45 após a fabricação. Os parâmetros viscoelásticos foram obtidos a partir de testes de relaxação. As amostras foram avaliadas sensorialmente por meio de testes de aceitação. Não houve diferença significativa (p>0,05) na composição dos queijos. Os índices de profundidade de proteólise foram significativamente (p<0,05) maiores ao final do tempo de maturação para o queijo fabricado com adição de CAD. As propriedades viscoelásticas dos queijos não foram influenciadas pelo uso de CAD (p>0,05). Nos testes de aceitação sensorial, o queijo produzido com CAD obteve notas significativamente (p<0,05) mais altas para os atributos aroma, textura e impressão global. Em relação ao atributo intenção de compra, 70% dos consumidores, certamente ou provavelmente, comprariam o queijo com CAD, enquanto apenas 43,4% teriam a mesma atitude em relação ao queijo controle.

Sustitución de lardo por grasa vegetal en salchichas: incorporación de pasta de aguacate. Efecto de la inhibición del oscurecimiento enzimático sobre el color

La sustitución de grasa animal es importante para mejorar la calidad nutricional de los alimentos de origen animal. Tradicionalmente, los embutidos contienen cantidades relativamente altas de grasas insaturadas, por lo que se ha buscado la sustitución parcial o total de estas con grasas o aceites de origen vegetal. El aprovechamiento del aguacate como fuente de grasa vegetal es una alternativa para este tipo de productos. La oxidación de este fruto es uno de los principales problemas durante la industrialización. En este trabajo se han añadido dos inhibidores del oscurecimiento enzimático, ácido ascórbico y eritorbato de sodio, para determinar el efecto de éstos sobre el color de salchichas de cerdo. Se han encontrado diferencias en la luminosidad de las muestras con respecto al tratamiento control, además de que este mismo parámetro se ha reducido con el tiempo de almacenamiento. No ha habido efecto significativo de los antioxidantes sobre las otras componentes del color. El uso de eritorbato de sodio en la elaboración de pasta de aguacate ha reducido el oscurecimiento de la pasta durante su congelación, sin afectar mayormente otros parámetros de color del producto terminado. La aceptación del producto por un grupo de consumidores ha sido aceptable.