In the human skin, reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced continuously during oxidative metabolic processes (cellular respiration, oxidative burst) are essential for various cellular processes such as defense against infection, cellular signaling and apoptosis. On the other hand, when the formation of ROS exceeds a capacity of the non-enzymatic and the enzymatic antioxidant defense system, ROS cause the damage to the human skin known to initiate premature skin aging and skin cancer. In this study, two-dimensional spontaneous ultra-weak photon emission from the human skin has been measured using a highly sensitive charged coupled device (CCD) camera. It is demonstrated here that two-dimensional ultra-weak photon emission from the human skin increases with the topical application of exogenous ROS in the following order: hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) < superoxide anion radical (O₂•⁻) < hydroxyl radical (HO•). We propose here that the two-dimensional ultra-weak photon emission can be used as a non-invasive tool for the spatial and temporal monitoring of oxidative stress in the human skin.
- MeSH
- Diagnostic Imaging methods MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy MeSH
- Photometry instrumentation methods MeSH
- Photons MeSH
- Skin Physiological Phenomena drug effects MeSH
- Head physiology MeSH
- Hydroxyl Radical metabolism MeSH
- Skin drug effects metabolism MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Oxidative Stress drug effects MeSH
- Hydrogen Peroxide administration & dosage pharmacokinetics pharmacology MeSH
- Reactive Oxygen Species administration & dosage metabolism pharmacology MeSH
- Hand physiology MeSH
- Superoxides metabolism MeSH
- Torso physiology MeSH
- Xanthine administration & dosage pharmacology MeSH
- Xanthine Oxidase administration & dosage pharmacology MeSH
- Iron administration & dosage pharmacology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
BACKGROUND: The aim was to compare the speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) derived systolic longitudinal strain (SL(Smax)) with rest single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) perfusion imaging (Q(REST)), and to define the optimal cut-offs for SL(Smax) to discriminate transmural scar on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (ceCMR). METHODS AND RESULTS: In 100 patients with chronic ischemic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, myocardial viability was assessed using STE and rest SPECT to predict LV segmental relative extent of delayed enhancement (DE) >75% on ceCMR. Correlation was found between regional SL(Smax) (r=-0.59, P<0.0001) and DE on ceCMR. The SL(Smax) optimal cut-off -5.3% identified segments with DE>75% on ceCMR (sensitivity 83.1%, specificity 84.6%). Optimal cut-offs SL(Smax) for segments corresponding to individual perfusion territories (-3.6%, -5.3% and -4.7% for LAD, LCx resp. RCA perfusion territories) were identified. There was a significant difference (AUC 0.866 vs. 0.822 for SL(Smax) resp. Q(REST), p=0.036) in the accuracy of predicting non-viable segment due to the greater accuracy of SL(Smax) than Q(REST) in the RCA perfusion territory (AUC 0.893 vs. 0.75 for SLSmax resp. Q(REST), P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: STE enabled identification of LV non-viable segments. Cut-off values derived for perfusion territories of individual coronary arteries improve the accuracy of predicting a transmural scar presence. In comparison with rest myocardial SPECT perfusion imaging, STE is more accurate in predicting non-viable myocardium.
- MeSH
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left diagnosis MeSH
- Echocardiography * MeSH
- Myocardial Ischemia diagnosis physiopathology ultrasonography MeSH
- Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon * MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging MeSH
- Rest MeSH
- Predictive Value of Tests MeSH
- Tissue Survival MeSH
- Radiopharmaceuticals diagnostic use MeSH
- Reproducibility of Results MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Sensitivity and Specificity MeSH
- Exercise Test MeSH
- Check Tag
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Comparative Study MeSH
Two-dimensional imaging of spontaneous ultra-weak photon emission was measured in the yeast cells, Arabidopsis plant and the human hand using highly sensitive charge coupled device (CCD) camera. For the first time, the detail analysis of measuring parameters such as accumulation time and binning is provided with the aim to achieve two-dimensional images of spontaneous ultra-weak photon emission of good quality. We present data showing that using a hardware binning with binning factor 4 × 4, the accumulation time decreases in the following order: yeast cells (30 min) > the human hand (20 min) > Arabidopsis plant (10 min). Analysis of measuring parameters provides a detailed description of standard condition to be used for two-dimensional spontaneous ultra-weak photon imaging in microbes, plants and animals. Thus, CCD imaging can be employed as a unique tool to examine the oxidative state of the living organism with the application in microbiological, plant and medical research.
- MeSH
- Arabidopsis physiology MeSH
- Time Factors MeSH
- Photons * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Oxidation-Reduction MeSH
- Hand physiology MeSH
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae physiology MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
BACKGROUND: Definite Alzheimer's disease (AD) requires neuropathological confirmation. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) may enhance diagnostic accuracy, but due to restricted sensitivity and specificity, the role of SPECT is largely limited with regard to this purpose. METHODS: We propose a new method of SPECT data analysis. The method is based on a combination of parietal lobe selection (as regions-of-interest (ROI)), 3D fuzzy edge detection, and 3D watershed transformation. We applied the algorithm to three-dimensional SPECT images of human brains and compared the number of watershed regions inside the ROI between AD patients and controls. The Student's two-sample t-test was used for testing domain number equity in both groups. RESULTS: AD patients had a significantly reduced number of watershed regions compared to controls (p < 0.01). A sensitivity of 94.1% and specificity of 80% was obtained with a threshold value of 57.11 for the watershed domain number. The narrowing of the SPECT analysis to parietal regions leads to a substantial increase in both sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Our non-invasive, relatively low-cost, and easy method can contribute to a more precise diagnosis of AD.
- MeSH
- Algorithms MeSH
- Alzheimer Disease MeSH
- Fuzzy Logic MeSH
- Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted methods MeSH
- Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon methods MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Brain MeSH
- Reproducibility of Results MeSH
- Retrospective Studies MeSH
- Pattern Recognition, Automated methods MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Sensitivity and Specificity MeSH
- Image Enhancement methods MeSH
- Check Tag
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
Solar radiation that reaches Earth's surface can have severe negative consequences for organisms. Both visible light and ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation are known to initiate the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human skin by photosensitization reactions (types I and II). In the present study, we investigated the role of visible light and UVA radiation in the generation of ROS on the dorsal and the palmar side of a hand. The ROS are known to oxidize biomolecules such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids to form electronically excited species, finally leading to ultraweak photon emission. We have employed a highly sensitive charge coupled device camera and a low-noise photomultiplier tube for detection of two-dimensional and one-dimensional ultraweak photon emission, respectively. Our experimental results show that oxidative stress is generated by the exposure of human skin to visible light and UVA radiation. The oxidative stress generated by UVA radiation is claimed to be significantly higher than that by visible light. Two-dimensional photon imaging can serve as a potential tool for monitoring the oxidative stress in the human skin induced by various stress factors irrespective of its physical or chemical nature.
- MeSH
- Equipment Failure Analysis MeSH
- Radiation Dosage MeSH
- Equipment Design MeSH
- Photons MeSH
- Skin metabolism radiation effects MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Radiometry instrumentation MeSH
- Reactive Oxygen Species metabolism MeSH
- Light MeSH
- Ultraviolet Rays MeSH
- Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
SPECTBackground: The extent of scar or viable hypocontractile myocardial tissue determines postinfarction left ventricleremodeling. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the revascularization eff ect in a group of patients with ischemiccardiomyopathy and LV systolic dysfunction indicated for surgical revascularization, based on evidence for multivesseldisease on coronarography and viable myocardium (CMR, SPECT).Aims: To evaluate the revascularization eff ect in patients with ischemic LV systolic dysfunction and to fi nd preoperativepredictors of revascularization eff ect.Methods: 33 patients (64±11 years) with baseline LVEF 34.9±9.3 % were included in the study. After a follow-upof 10.7±1.2 months, ECHO and SPECT were performed again. The whole group of patients was divided according torevascularization eff ect (^LVEF > 5 % and ˇLVESV > 5 % compared with baseline) into revascularization responders(R, n = 22) and nonresponders (NR, n = 11).Results: At baseline there was no diff erence between the subgroups in LVEF (R = 35.7±11.0 % vs. NR = 34.3±8.2 %),EDV (R = 183.6±43.2 vs. NR = 180.2±80.5 ml), ESV (R = 118.5±40.4 vs. NR = 119.7±55.2 ml).The responders showed in a revascularization eff ect subanalysis diff erences in the values of LVEF (+9.8±8.1 %,p < 0.009), reduction of EDV (–39.9±50.9 ml, p = 0.05) and ESV (–35.4±42.6 ml, p = 0,002) compared with baseline.The only preoperative parameters predicting LV reverse remodeling were the TE-Em (R = –10.6±44.1 vs. NR =29.7±43.7 ms, p = 0.037) and the size of fi xed perfusion defect (FPD) (R = 11.9±13.5 vs. NR = 22.9±15.3 % of LV,p = 0.044).Conclusions: Patients with ischemic LV systolic dysfunction with a preoperatively determined myocardial viabilitydevelop LV reverse remodeling. The only preoperative parameters predicting LV reverse remodeling were echocardiographicTE-Em and FPD on SPECT.
- MeSH
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left surgery MeSH
- Echocardiography methods utilization MeSH
- Ventricular Function, Left MeSH
- Myocardial Ischemia diagnosis surgery pathology MeSH
- Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon methods utilization MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Evidence-Based Medicine trends MeSH
- Pilot Projects MeSH
- Prognosis MeSH
- Radionuclide Imaging methods utilization MeSH
- Ventricular Remodeling MeSH
- Myocardial Revascularization methods utilization MeSH
- Heart Failure diagnosis surgery MeSH
- Statistics as Topic MeSH
- Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
BACKGROUND: A lot of unresolved questions still exist concerning the exact mechanism of the beneficial effects of bone marrow cell (BMC) transplantation for myocardial regeneration. The aim of this communication is to report the cases of patients with and without post-transplantation left ventricular function improvement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To this study we included consecutive patients with irreversible damage after a first acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated by coronary angioplasty with stent implantation. The irreversible damage was identified by dobutamine echocardiography and confirmed by rest gated Tc-99m-MIBI gated SPECT and in the majority of patients by F-18-FDG PET imaging as well. Using 4D-MSPECT software, we quantified MIBI/FDG uptake and gated SPECT left ventricular ejection fraction, end-diastolic/end-systolic volumes (LVEF, EDV/ESV) before BMC therapy and 3 months later. RESULTS: The results obtained in the initial group of patients in this study (27 patients in the BMC treated group, 16 patients in the control group) have been published previously [Eur J Nucl Med 2005; 32 (Suppl 1 ): S46]. Among the BMC group, we identified 13 responders to therapy with average LVEF improvement from 43.3% +/- 11% to 51.4% +/- 10.4% and EDV/ESV improvement from 145 ml/84 ml to 133 ml/67 ml. The remaining 14 patients were non-responders to therapy with no significant change in LVEF (39.1% +/- 8.1% versus 39.8% +/- 7.4%), the EDV/ESV increased from 166 ml/105 ml to 188 ml/116 ml. Responders to the cell therapy had prevailing MIBI uptake in the range of 31-50% of maximum in the infarction territory. On the other hand, non-responders to BMC therapy had prevailing MIBI uptake in the range of 0-30% of maximum. Two cases are presented in this report. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies with a larger cohort of patients would be helpful to evaluate our findings. We observed strong interindividual differences in the effectiveness of the cell therapy. Prevailing residual MIBI uptake in the range of 31-50% of maximum was in the subgroup of responders to the cell therapy.
- MeSH
- Bone Marrow Cells cytology MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Echocardiography MeSH
- Financing, Organized MeSH
- Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 pharmacology MeSH
- Myocardial Infarction pathology MeSH
- Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon methods MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Myocardium pathology MeSH
- Positron-Emission Tomography methods MeSH
- Radiopharmaceuticals pharmacology MeSH
- Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi pharmacology MeSH
- Bone Marrow Transplantation methods MeSH
- Treatment Outcome MeSH
- Imaging, Three-Dimensional MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Publication type
- Clinical Trial MeSH
- Multicenter Study MeSH
Cílem v práci popsaného projektu bylo přímé srovnání deformační analýzy pomocí speckle tracking echokardiografie a klidového vyšetření perfúze myokardu metodou jednofotonové emisní výpočetní tomografie v predikci přítomnosti transmurální jizvy segmentu myokardu LK definované rozsahem fenoménu delayed enhancement (DE) nad 75 % tloušťky stěny segmentu LK, která je považována za korelát jednoznačně neviabilní tkáně bez možnosti funkčního zotavení po revaskularizaci myokardu.
The use of deformation analysis utilising speckle tracing echocardiography in predicting non-viable myocardium in the left ventricle The goal of the project described in this text was a direct comparison of deformation analysis using speckle-tracing echocardiography and an idle state examination of myocardium perfussion using the single-photon emission computed tomography method in predicting the presence of transmural scar in the left ventricle segment of the myocardium defined by the extent of the delayed enhancement phenomenon of over 75% of the thickness of the left ventricle segment, which is considered to be a correlate of decidedly non-viable tissue without any possibility of functional recuperation following revascularisation of the myocardium.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: All living organisms emit spontaneous ultra-weak photon emission as a result of cellular metabolic processes. Exposure of living organisms to exogenous factors results in oxidative processes and enhancement in ultra-weak photon emission. Here, hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), as a strongly oxidizing molecule, was used to induce oxidative processes and enhance ultra-weak photon emission in human hand skin. The presented work intends to compare both spontaneous and peroxide-induced ultra-weak photon emission from the epidermal cells on the dorsal and the palm side of the hand. METHODS: A highly sensitive photomultiplier tube and a charge-coupled device camera were used to detect ultra-weak photon emission from human hand skin. RESULTS: Spontaneous ultra-weak photon emission from the epidermal cells on the dorsal side of the hand was 4 counts/s. Topical application of 500 mM H(2)O(2) to the dorsal side of the hand caused enhancement in ultra-weak photon emission to 40 counts/s. Interestingly, both spontaneous and peroxide-induced ultra-weak photon emission from the epidermal cells on the palm side of the hand were observed to increase twice their values, i.e. 8 and 80 counts/s, respectively. Similarly, the two-dimensional image of ultra-weak photon emission observed after topical application of H(2)O(2) to human skin reveals that photon emission from the palm side exceeds the photon emission from the dorsal side of the hand. CONCLUSION: The results presented indicate that the ultra-weak photon emission originating from the epidermal cells on the dorsal and the palm side of the hand is related to the histological structure of the human hand skin. Ultra-weak photon emission is shown as a non-destructive technique for monitoring of oxidative processes in the epidermal cells of the human hand skin and as a diagnostic tool for skin diseases.
- MeSH
- Epidermis drug effects metabolism MeSH
- Photons MeSH
- Skin Physiological Phenomena drug effects MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Oxidation-Reduction MeSH
- Oxidative Stress drug effects physiology MeSH
- Oxidants administration & dosage diagnostic use MeSH
- Hydrogen Peroxide administration & dosage diagnostic use MeSH
- Radiometry MeSH
- Hand MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Clinical Trial MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Comparative Study MeSH
