Left Ventricular Function in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: The Role of Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Strain.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by elevated mean pulmonary arterial pressure with abnormal right ventricular (RV) pressure overload that may alter left ventricular (LV) function. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of RV pressure overload on LV function in PAH patients using two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking strain. METHODS: The study enrolled 37 group 1 PAH patients and 38 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. LV longitudinal and radial 2D strains were measured with and without including the ventricular septum. Six-minute walk test (6MWT) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were also obtained in patients with PAH. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 46.4 ± 14.8 years, 76% women, and 16 patients (43%) had schistosomiasis. Sixteen patients (43%) were in WHO class III or IV under specific treatment for PAH. The overall 6MWT distance was 441 meters, and the BNP levels were 80 pg/mL. Patients with PAH more commonly presented with LV diastolic dysfunction and impairment of RV function when compared to controls. LV global longitudinal and radial strains were lower in patients than in controls (-17.9 ± 2.8 vs. -20.5 ± 1.9; P < 0.001 and 30.8 ± 10.5 vs. 49.8 ± 15.4; P < 0.001, respectively). After excluding septal values, LV longitudinal and radial strains remained lower in patients than in controls. The independent factors associated with global LV longitudinal strain were LV ejection fraction, RV fractional area change, and tricuspid annular systolic motion. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed impaired LV contractility in patients with PAH assessed by speckle tracking strain, irrespective of ventricular septal involvement. Global LV longitudinal strain was associated independently with RV fractional area change and tricuspid annular systolic motion, after adjustment for LV ejection fraction.

Qualidade Microbiológica de Farinhas de Linhaça Dourada e Marrom / Microbiological Quality of Golden and Brown Flaxseed Flours

A linhaça (Linum usitatissimum L.) é uma das maiores fontes de ácidos graxos essenciais ômega 3 e 6 e de outros nutrientes, tais como fibras e compostos fenólicos, que exercem ações relevantes na saúde humana. Com relação à composição nutricional, a semente de linhaça marrom e dourada não se diferem, pois ambas são ricas em lignanas e fibras dietéticas. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a qualidade microbiológica da farinha de linhaça dourada e marrom comercializada na cidade de Vitoria da Conquista- Bahia. As farinhas foram coletadas em três estabelecimentos diferentes, sendo duas comercializadas a granel e uma em supermercado com marca especifica. Foram avaliados os seguintes microrganismos: aeróbios mesófilos, Coliformes Totais e Termotolerantes, Fungos (Bolores e Leveduras) e Staphylococcus aureus, utilizando a técnica de Petrifilm. Por não existir legislação específica para este produto, utilizou-se a citada para sementes comestíveis cruas. Todas as farinhas de linhaça analisadas se encontram com algum nível de contaminação microbiana, porém dentro dos padrões exigidos pela Legislação de sementes cruas comestíveis. No entanto, vale salientar que quanto maior a carga microbiana nos alimentos menor a vida de prateleira do produto comercializado. Por isso, sugere-se um maior monitoramento a respeito das boas práticas de higiene e cuidadosna manipulação e conservação deste produto, a fim de não comprometer a qualidade microbiológica, sensorial e nutricional dos alimentos, garantindo ao consumidor um alimento próprio para consumo e prevenindo o aparecimento de doenças transmitidas por alimentos.

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a major source of essential fatty acids omega 3 and 6 and other nutrients such as fiber and phenolic compounds, with relevant actions on human health. Regarding the nutritional composition, the brown and golden flaxseed does not differ, since both are rich in lignans and dietary fiber. This study aimed to assess the microbiological quality of golden and brown flaxseed flour marketed in the city of Vitoria da Conquista -Bahia. Flours were collected in three different establishments including two sold in bulk and one in a supermarket. The following microbiological analyses were carried out: aerobic mesophilic counts, Total and fecal coliforms, fungi (molds and yeasts) and Staphylococcus aureus using the petrifilm technique. Once there is no specific legislation for this product, the legislation used for raw edible seeds was assessed. All samples presented levels of microbial contamination, which was within the standards required by the legislation of edible raw seeds. However it is worth emphasizing that the higher the microbial load, the lower the product?s shelf life is. Therefore, it is suggested a greater monitoring with good hygiene practices and care in handling and storage of this product to provide microbiological, sensory, and nutritional quality of foods, thus preventing the occurrence of foodborne illness.