Enzymatic Synthesis of α-Glucosyl-Baicalin through Transglucosylation via Cyclodextrin Glucanotransferase in Water.

Baicalin is a biologically active flavone glucuronide with poor water solubility that can be enhanced via glucosylation. In this study, the transglucosylation of baicalin was successfully achieved with CGTases from Thermoanaerobacter sp. and Bacillus macerans using α-cyclodextrin as a glucosyl donor. The synthesis of baicalin glucosides was optimized with CGTase from Thermoanaerobacter sp. Enzymatically modified baicalin derivatives were α-glucosylated with 1 to 17 glucose moieties. The two main glucosides were identified as Baicalein-7-O-α-D-Glucuronidyl-(1→4')-O-α-D-Glucopyranoside (BG1) and Baicalein-7-O-α-D-Glucuronidyl-(1→4')-O-α-D-Maltoside (BG2), thereby confirming recent findings reporting that glucuronyl groups are acceptors of this CGTase. Optimized conditions allowed for the attainment of yields above 85% (with a total glucoside content higher than 30 mM). BG1 and BG2 were purified via centrifugal partition chromatography after an enrichment through deglucosylation with amyloglucosidase. Transglucosylation increased the water solubility of BG1 by a factor of 188 in comparison to that of baicalin (molar concentrations), while the same value for BG2 was increased by a factor of 320. Finally, BG1 and BG2 were evaluated using antioxidant and anti-glycation assays. Both glucosides presented antioxidant and anti-glycation properties in the same order of magnitude as that of baicalin, thereby indicating their potential biological activity.

Targeting SDF-1 as an efficient strategy to resolve skin hyperpigmentation issues with Himanthalia elongata extract.

BACKGROUND: During aging, human skin is facing hyperpigmentation disorders: senile lentigo (chronobiologic aging) leads to loss of melanogenesis' control while solar lentigo (UV exposure) promotes an increase of oxidized proteins, melanogenesis, and lipofuscin. AIMS: Stromal-cell-derived-factor-1 (SDF-1) was identified as key regulator of hyperpigmentation and its expression is reduced in senescent fibroblasts, highlighting this protein as new target for skin hyperpigmentation. MATERIALS: We developed two skin explant models mimicking of senile and solar lentigo, based on H2 O2 systemic treatment and UV irradiation, respectively. We evaluated Himanthalia elongata extract (HEX) on these models after 5 days of treatment and analyzed SDF-1 expression and skin pigmentation. For solar lentigo, we also analyzed oxidized proteins and lipofuscin accumulation. Finally, we evaluated HEX in vivo on nearly 100 multi ethnicities' volunteers. RESULTS: SDF-1 expression decreased in senile lentigo model, associated with hyperpigmentation. HEX application restored SDF-1 expression, leading to skin pigmentation decrease. For solar lentigo, we showed an impact of UVs on SDF-1 expression linked to hyperpigmentation, while the application of HEX restored SDF-1 expression and reduced skin pigmentation. On same model, HEX reduced oxidized proteins quantity and lipofuscin which increased after UV exposure. Clinically, HEX reduced dark spot pigmentation on Caucasian volunteers' hands and on Asian and African volunteers' face after 28 days. DISCUSSION: We have developed ex vivo models mimetic of senile and solar lentigo and showed for a very first time that SDF-1 can be also a key regulator for UV-induced hyperpigmentation. CONCLUSION: Our ex vivo and clinical studies highlighted the power of HEX with strong reduction of dark spots regardless of volunteers' ethnicities.

GABA and GABA-Alanine from the Red Microalgae Rhodosorus marinus Exhibit a Significant Neuro-Soothing Activity through Inhibition of Neuro-Inflammation Mediators and Positive Regulation of TRPV1-Related Skin Sensitization.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuro-soothing activity of a water-soluble hydrolysate obtained from the red microalgae Rhodosorus marinus Geitler (Stylonemataceae). Transcriptomic analysis performed on ≈100 genes related to skin biological functions firstly revealed that the crude Rhodosorus marinus extract was able to significantly negatively modulate specific genes involved in pro-inflammation (interleukin 1α encoding gene, IL1A) and pain detection related to tissue inflammation (nerve growth factor NGF and its receptor NGFR). An in vitro model of normal human keratinocytes was then used to evaluate the ability of the Rhodosorus marinus extract to control the release of neuro-inflammation mediators under phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced inflammatory conditions. The extract incorporated at 1% and 3% significantly inhibited the release of IL-1α and NGF secretion. These results were confirmed in a co-culture system of reconstructed human epithelium and normal human epidermal keratinocytes on which a cream formulated with the Rhodosorus marinus extract at 1% and 3% was topically applied after systemic induction of neuro-inflammation. Finally, an in vitro model of normal human astrocytes was developed for the evaluation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor modulation, mimicking pain sensing related to neuro-inflammation as observed in sensitive skins. Treatment with the Rhodosorus marinus extract at 1% and 3% significantly decreased PMA-mediated TRPV1 over-expression. In parallel with these biological experiments, the crude Rhodosorus marinus extract was fractionated by centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) and chemically profiled by a recently developed 13C NMR-based dereplication method. The CPC-generated fractions as well as pure metabolites were tested again in vitro in an attempt to identify the biologically active constituents involved in the neuro-soothing activity of the Rhodosorus marinus extract. Two active molecules, namely, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its structural derivative GABA-alanine, demonstrated a strong capacity to positively regulate skin sensitization mechanisms related to the TRPV1 receptors under PMA-induced inflammatory conditions, therefore providing interesting perspectives for the treatment of sensitive skins, atopia, dermatitis, or psoriasis.

Bioprospecting marine plankton.

The ocean dominates the surface of our planet and plays a major role in regulating the biosphere. For example, the microscopic photosynthetic organisms living within provide 50% of the oxygen we breathe, and much of our food and mineral resources are extracted from the ocean. In a time of ecological crisis and major changes in our society, it is essential to turn our attention towards the sea to find additional solutions for a sustainable future. Remarkably, while we are overexploiting many marine resources, particularly the fisheries, the planktonic compartment composed of zooplankton, phytoplankton, bacteria and viruses, represents 95% of marine biomass and yet the extent of its diversity remains largely unknown and underexploited. Consequently, the potential of plankton as a bioresource for humanity is largely untapped. Due to their diverse evolutionary backgrounds, planktonic organisms offer immense opportunities: new resources for medicine, cosmetics and food, renewable energy, and long-term solutions to mitigate climate change. Research programs aiming to exploit culture collections of marine micro-organisms as well as to prospect the huge resources of marine planktonic biodiversity in the oceans are now underway, and several bioactive extracts and purified compounds have already been identified. This review will survey and assess the current state-of-the-art and will propose methodologies to better exploit the potential of marine plankton for drug discovery and for dermocosmetics.

Distance between laser head and skin does not influence skin blood flow values recorded by laser speckle imaging.

BACKGROUND: Laser Speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) allows non-contact, real-time recording of cutaneous blood flow (CBF). Different distances from laser-head to skin (distances(L-S)) can be chosen by the operator to perform these recordings. We aimed to evaluate the impact of different Distances(L-S) on the analysis of rest blood flow and post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH). METHODS: Four distances(L-S) (10, 15, 20, and 30 cm) were evaluated in a random order in 11 healthy subjects. We analyzed the concordance between each recording at each distance(L-S). We compared CBF results (absolute values and cutaneous vascular conductance (CBF divided by mean arterial pressure)) obtained for each distance(L-S). The intra-subject coefficients of variation due to distances(L-S) (intra-CV, in%) were also studied. RESULTS: The mean "r" (standard deviation) cross-correlation coefficient was 0.99 (0.00) between each CBF trace issued from different distance(L-S). Both kinds of CBF results, at rest and for PORH peak, show non-significant differences when the distance(L-S) is modified. The intra-CV varies from 5.9% to 8.6% at rest and from 5.6% to 9.1% for the PORH peak. CONCLUSION: Distance(L-S) neither influences SBFR at rest, nor at peak post-occlusive hyperemia in the 10-30 cm interval using LSCI.

Multiscale analysis of microvascular blood flow: a multiscale entropy study of laser Doppler flowmetry time series.

Processes regulating the cardiovascular system (CVS) are numerous. Each possesses several temporal scales. Their interactions lead to interdependences across multiple scales. For the CVS analysis, different multiscale studies have been proposed, mostly performed on heart rate variability signals (HRV) reflecting the central CVS; only few were dedicated to data from the peripheral CVS, such as laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) signals. Very recently, a study implemented the first computation of multiscale entropy for LDF signals. A nonmonotonic evolution of multiscale entropy with two distinctive scales was reported, leading to a markedly different behavior from the one of HRV. Our goal herein is to confirm these results and to go forward in the investigations on origins of this behavior. For this purpose, 12 LDF signals recorded simultaneously on the two forearms of six healthy subjects are processed. This is performed before and after application of physiological scales-based filters aiming at isolating previously found frequency bands linked to physiological activities. The results obtained with signals recorded simultaneously on two different sites of each subject show a probable central origin for the nonmonotonic behavior. The filtering results lead to the suggestion that origins of the distinctive scales could be dominated by the cardiac activity.

Increasing the "region of interest" and "time of interest", both reduce the variability of blood flow measurements using laser speckle contrast imaging.

OBJECTIVE: Both spatial variability and temporal variability of skin blood flow are high. Laser speckle contrast imagers (LSCI) allow non-contact, real-time recording of cutaneous blood flow on large skin surfaces. Thereafter, the observer can define different sizes for the region of interest (ROI) in the images to decrease spatial variability and different durations over which the blood flow values are averaged (time of interest, TOI) to decrease temporal variability. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the choices of ROI and TOI on the analysis of rest blood flow and post occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH). METHODS: Cutaneous blood flow (CBF) was assessed at rest and during PORH. Three different sizes of ROI (1mm(2), 10mm(2) and 100mm(2)), and three different TOI (CBF averaged over 1s, 15s, and 30s for rest, and over 1s, 5s and 10s for PORH peak) were evaluated. Inter-subjects and intra-subjects coefficient of variations (inter-CV and intra-CV) were studied. RESULTS: The inter-subject variability of CBF is about 25% at rest and is moderately improved when the size of the ROI increases (inter-CV=31%, for 1s and 1mm(2) versus inter-CV=23%, for 15s and 100mm(2)). However, increasing the TOI does not improve the results. The variability of the PORH peak is lower with an inter-CV varying between 11.4% (10s and 100mm(2)) and 21.6% (5s and 1mm(2)). The lowest intra-CV for the CBF at rest was 7.3% (TOI of 15s on a ROI of 100mm(2)) and was 3.1% for the PORH peak (TOI of 10s on a ROI of 100mm(2)). CONCLUSION: We suggest that a size of ROI larger than 10mm(2) and a TOI longer than 1s are required to reduce the variability of CBF measurements both at rest and during PORH peak evaluations at the forearm level. Many technical aspects such as comparison of laser speckle contrast imaging and laser Doppler imaging or the effect of skin to head distance on recorded values with LCSI are required to improve future studies using this fascinating clinical tool.

Measurement of the local aortic stiffness by a non-invasive bioelectrical impedance technique.

Aortic stiffness measurement is well recognized as an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Recently, a simple method has been proposed for the evaluation of the local aortic stiffness (AoStiff) using a non-invasive bioelectrical impedance (BI) technique. This approach relies on a novel interpretation of the arterial stiffness where AoStiff is computed from the measurement of two new BI variables: (1) the local aortic flow resistance (AoRes) exerted by the drag forces onto the flow; (2) the local aortic wall distensibility (AoDist). Herein, we propose to detail and compare these three indices with the reference pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement and the direct assessment of the aortic drag forces (DF) and distensibility (DS) obtained by the magnetic resonance imaging technique. Our results show a significant correlation between AoStiff and PWV (r = 0.79; P < 0.0001; 120 patients at rest; mean age 44 ± 16 years), and also between AoRes and DF (r = 0.95; P = 0.0011) and between AoDist and DS (r = 0.93; P = 0.0022) on eight patients at rest (mean age 52 ± 19 years). These first results suggest that local aortic stiffness can be explored reliably by the BI technique.

Assessment of aortic stiffness by local and regional methods.

The stiffness of large arteries has an important role in cardiovascular hemodynamics. Aortic stiffness (AoStiff) can be assessed non-invasively with regional and local methods. In this paper, we compared these two techniques for evaluating AoStiff. Our subjects comprised of 118 consecutive patients (85 men, mean age: 49 ± 14 years). We evaluated regional AoStiff with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) measured with a tonometric technique and by bioelectrical impedance (BI) wave velocity (IWV). The local AoStiff was calculated from BI signals recorded at the chest. We used glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) to test the effect of peripheral vasodilatation on both methods in a subgroup of 52 patients (37 men, mean age: 52 ± 11 years). We found a significant correlation between IWV and PWV measurements (r = 0.88, P < 0.0001) as well as between AoStiff and PWV measurements (r = 0.75, P < 0.0001). GTN administration decreased mean arterial blood pressure by 4% (95% confidence interval: 2-8%, P = 0.002) without significant changes in AoStiff and regional IWV. Local AoStiff is correlated with regional measurements and is not influenced by changes in arterial pressure because of systemic peripheral vasodilatation.

Multifractal analysis of heart rate variability and laser Doppler flowmetry fluctuations:comparison of results from different numerical methods.

To contribute to the understanding of the complex dynamics in the cardiovascular system (CVS), the central CVS has previously been analyzed through multifractal analyses of heart rate variability (HRV) signals that were shown to bring useful contributions. Similar approaches for the peripheral CVS through the analysis of laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) signals are comparatively very recent. In this direction, we propose here a study of the peripheral CVS through a multifractal analysis of LDF fluctuations, together with a comparison of the results with those obtained on HRV fluctuations simultaneously recorded. To perform these investigations concerning the biophysics of the CVS, first we have to address the problem of selecting a suitable methodology for multifractal analysis, allowing us to extract meaningful interpretations on biophysical signals. For this purpose, we test four existing methodologies of multifractal analysis. We also present a comparison of their applicability and interpretability when implemented on both simulated multifractal signals of reference and on experimental signals from the CVS. One essential outcome of the study is that the multifractal properties observed from both the LDF fluctuations (peripheral CVS) and the HRV fluctuations (central CVS) appear very close and similar over the studied range of scales relevant to physiology.

Generalized fractal dimensions of laser Doppler flowmetry signals recorded from glabrous and nonglabrous skin.

PURPOSE: The technique of laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) is commonly used to have a peripheral view of the cardiovascular system. To better understand the microvascular perfusion signals, the authors herein propose to analyze and compare the complexity of LDF data recorded simultaneously in glabrous and nonglabrous skin. Glabrous zones are physiologically different from the others partly due to the presence of a high density of arteriovenous anastomoses. METHODS: For this purpose, a multifractal analysis based on the partition function and generalized fractal dimensions computation is proposed. The LDF data processed are recorded simultaneously on the right and left forearms and on the right and left hand palms of healthy subjects. The signal processing method is first tested on a multifractal binomial measure. The generalized fractal dimensions of the normalized LDF signals are then estimated. Furthermore, for the first time, the authors estimate the generalized fractal dimensions from a range of scales corresponding to factors influencing the microcirculation flow (cardiac, respiratory, myogenic, neurogenic, and endothelial). RESULTS: Different multifractal behaviors are found between normalized LDF signals recorded in the forearms and in the hand palms of healthy subjects. Thus, the variations in the estimated generalized fractal dimensions of LDF signals recorded in the hand palms are higher than those of LDF signals recorded in the forearms. This shows that LDF signals recorded in glabrous zones may be more complex than those recorded in nonglabrous zones. Furthermore, the results show that the complexity in the hand palms could be more important at scales corresponding to the myogenic control mechanism than at the other studied scales. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the multifractality of the normalized LDF signals is different on glabrous and nonglabrous skin. This difference may rely on the density of arteriovenous anastomoses and differences in nerve supply or biochemical properties. This study provides useful information for an in-depth understanding of LDF data and a more detailed knowledge of the peripheral cardiovascular system.

Depth sensitivity analysis of functional near-infrared spectroscopy measurement using three-dimensional Monte Carlo modelling-based magnetic resonance imaging.

Theoretical analysis of spatial distribution of near-infrared light propagation in head tissues is very important in brain function measurement, since it is impossible to measure the effective optical path length of the detected signal or the effect of optical fibre arrangement on the regions of measurement or its sensitivity. In this study a realistic head model generated from structure data from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was introduced into a three-dimensional Monte Carlo code and the sensitivity of functional near-infrared measurement was analysed. The effects of the distance between source and detector, and of the optical properties of the probed tissues, on the sensitivity of the optical measurement to deep layers of the adult head were investigated. The spatial sensitivity profiles of photons in the head, the so-called banana shape, and the partial mean optical path lengths in the skin-scalp and brain tissues were calculated, so that the contribution of different parts of the head to near-infrared spectroscopy signals could be examined. It was shown that the signal detected in brain function measurements was greatly affected by the heterogeneity of the head tissue and its scattering properties, particularly for the shorter interfibre distances.

Multiscale entropy of laser Doppler flowmetry signals in healthy human subjects.

PURPOSE: The cardiovascular system (CVS) regulation can be studied from a central viewpoint, through heart rate variability (HRV) data, and from a peripheral viewpoint, through laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) signals. Both the central and peripheral CVSs are regulated by several interacting mechanisms, each having its own temporal scale. The central CVS has been the subject of many multiscale studies. By contrast, these studies at the level of the peripheral CVS are very recent. Among the multiscale studies performed on the central CVS data, multiscale entropy has been proven to give interesting physiological information for diagnostic purposes. However, no multiscale entropy analysis has been performed on LDF signals. The authors' goal is therefore to propose a first multiscale entropy study of LDF data recorded in healthy subjects. METHODS: The LDF signals recorded in the forearm of seven healthy subjects are processed. Their period sampling is T=50 ms, and coarse-graining scales from T to 23T are studied. Also, for validation, the algorithm is first tested on synthetic signals of known theoretical multiscale entropy. RESULTS: The results reveal nonmonotonic evolution of the multiscale entropy of LDF signals, with a maximum at small scales around 7T and a minimum at longer scales around 18T, singling out in this way two distinctive scales where the LDF signals undergo specific changes from high to low complexity. This also marks a strong contrast with the HRV signals that usually display a monotonic increase in the evolution of the multiscale entropy. CONCLUSIONS: Multiscale entropy of LDF signals in healthy subjects shows variation with scales. Moreover, as the variation pattern observed appears similar for all the tested signals, multiscale entropy could potentially be a useful stationary signature for LDF signals, which otherwise are probe-position and subject dependent. Further work could now be conducted to evaluate possible diagnostic purposes of the multiscale entropy of LDF signals.

Modeling and interpretation of the bioelectrical impedance signal for the determination of the local arterial stiffness.

PURPOSE: Stiffness of the large arteries (e.g., aorta) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. To date, the reference method for the determination of regional arterial stiffness is the measurement of the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) by tonometric techniques. However, this method suffers from several drawbacks and it remains limited in clinical routine. METHODS: In the present study, the authors propose a new method based on the analysis of bioelectrical impedance (BI) signals for the determination of the local arterial stiffness. They show, from a theoretical model, a novel interpretation of the BI signals and they establish the relationship between the variations in the BI signal and the kinetic energy of the blood flow in large arteries. From this model, BI signals are simulated in the thigh and compared to experimental BI data. Finally, from the model, they propose a new index (Ira) related to the properties of the large artery for the determination of the local arterial stiffness. RESULTS: The results show a good correlation between the simulated and the experimental BI signals. The same variations for both of them with different characteristics for rigid and elastic arteries can be observed. The measurement of the Ira index on 20 subjects at rest (mean age of 44 +/- 16 yr) for the determination of the local aortic stiffness presents a significant correlation with the PWV reference method (R2=0.77; P<0.0001 with the Spearman correlation coefficient and Ira= 4.25*PWV+23.54). CONCLUSIONS: All the results suggest that the theoretical model and the new index could give a reliable estimate of local arterial stiffness.

Multifractal analysis of central (electrocardiography) and peripheral (laser Doppler flowmetry) cardiovascular time series from healthy human subjects.

Analysis of the cardiovascular system (CVS) activity is important for several purposes, including better understanding of heart physiology, diagnosis and forecast of cardiac events. The central CVS, through the study of heart rate variability (HRV), has been shown to exhibit multifractal properties, possibly evolving with physiologic or pathologic states of the organism. An additional viewpoint on the CVS is provided at the peripheral level by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), which enables local blood perfusion monitoring. We report here for the first time a multifractal analysis of LDF signals through the computation of their multifractal spectra. The method for estimation of the multifractal spectra, based on the box method, is first described and tested on a priori known synthetic multifractal signals, before application to LDF data. Moreover, simultaneous recordings of both central HRV and peripheral LDF signals, and corresponding multifractal analyses, are performed to confront their properties. With the scales chosen on the partition functions to compute Renyi exponents, LDF signals appear to have broader multifractal spectra compared to HRV. Various conditions for LDF acquisitions are tested showing larger multifractal spectra for signals recorded on fingers than on forearms. The results uncover complex interactions at central and peripheral CVS levels.

Localization of transient signal high-values in laser Doppler flowmetry signals with an empirical mode decomposition.

The laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) technique provides the monitoring of microvascular blood flow perfusion. However, LDF monitors based on fiber-optic transducers have the serious drawback of generating TRAnsient Signal High-values (TRASH) in signals. These TRASH correspond to artifacts for clinicians as they prevent interpretations of the signal when they are numerous. Moreover, TRASH exclude the possibility of direct signal processing and analyses. Therefore, in clinical routines, a human visual inspection of LDF signals is necessary to detect TRASH and to process the signals accordingly. This may be very time consuming. An algorithm able to localize TRASH automatically for their removal is therefore of interest. However, the development of such an algorithm is not an easy task as TRASH amplitude can be lower, higher, or in the same amplitude range as responses to stimuli such as post-occlusive hyperemia. The recently introduced empirical mode decomposition (EMD) has the advantage of splitting any kind of signal into fast and slow oscillations. Relying on these properties, the authors evaluate the possibility for EMD to localize TRASH automatically. For this purpose, LDF signals from 28 men of different ages are recorded at rest, during a vascular occlusion of 3 min, followed by a post-occlusive hyperemia. For each signal containing TRASH, the first intrinsic mode function obtained with the EMD is processed with a running window-based analysis in which a thresholding of the local maxima is carried out for the localization of TRASH. From the data, the use of a window width of 25 s is suggested. The results show effective and potential usefulness of this algorithm for an automatic localization of TRASH. Moreover, the method proposed has the advantage of being insensitive to the rapid increases of blood flow induced by post-occlusive hyperemia, which is of interest for clinicians. Because it is both local and fully data adaptive, EMD appears as an appealing processing technique for overcoming some of the limitations of the LDF.

Fisher information and Shannon entropy for on-line detection of transient signal high-values in laser Doppler flowmetry signals of healthy subjects.

Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) is an easy-to-use method for the assessment of microcirculatory blood flow in tissues. However, LDF recordings very often present TRAnsient Signal High-values (TRASH), generally of a few seconds. These TRASH can come from tissue motions, optical fibre movements, movements of the probe head relative to the tissue, etc. They often lead to difficulties in signal global interpretations. In order to test the possibility of detecting automatically these TRASH for their removal, we process noisy and noiseless LDF signals with two indices from information theory, namely Fisher information and Shannon entropy. For this purpose, LDF signals from 13 healthy subjects are recorded at rest, during vascular occlusion of 3 min, and during post-occlusive hyperaemia. Computation of Fisher information and Shannon entropy values shows that, when calibrated, these two indices can be complementary to detect TRASH and be insensitive to the rapid increases of blood flow induced by post-occlusive hyperaemia. Moreover, the real-time algorithm has the advantage of being easy to implement and does not require any frequency analysis. This study opens new fields of application for Fisher information and Shannon entropy: LDF 'denoising'.

Multifractality, sample entropy, and wavelet analyses for age-related changes in the peripheral cardiovascular system: preliminary results.

Using signal processing measures we evaluate the effect of aging on the peripheral cardiovascular system. Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) signals, reflecting the microvascular perfusion, are recorded on the forearm of 27 healthy subjects between 20-30, 40-50, or 60-70 years old. Wavelet-based representations, Hölder exponents, and sample entropy values are computed for each time series. The results indicate a possible modification of the peripheral cardiovascular system with aging. Thus, the endothelial-related metabolic activity decreases, but not significantly, with aging. Furthermore, LDF signals are more monofractal for elderly subjects than for young people for whom LDF signals are weakly multifractal: the average range of Holder exponents computed with a parametric generalized quadratic variation based estimation method is 0.13 for subjects between 20 and 30 years old and 0.06 for subjects between 60 and 70 years old. Moreover, the average mean sample entropy value of LDF signals slightly decreases with age: it is 1.34 for subjects between 20 and 30 years old and 1.19 for subjects between 60 and 70 years old. Our results could assist in gaining knowledge on the relationship between microvascular system status and age and could also lead to a more accurate age-related nonlinear modeling.

Time and spatial invariance of impedance signals in limbs of healthy subjects by time-frequency analysis.

The bioelectric impedance technique is a non-invasive method that provides the analysis of blood volume changes in the arteries. This is made possible by an interpretation of the impedance signal variations. In this paper, time and spatial variations of such impedance signals are studied on recordings made on limbs of 15 healthy subjects at rest. For that purpose, the scalogram of each signal has been computed and quantitative measures based on energies were determined. The results show that the signals are statistically time invariant on three anatomical segments of the limbs: pelvis, thigh and calf. p Value varies between 0.20 and 0.52 for the absolute energies computed on scalograms of signals recorded at 5 min intervals. Moreover, the analysis made on the two legs of each subject shows that the signals are spatial invariant on the three anatomical segments. p Value varies between 0.0785 and 1.000 for the absolute energies computed on the scalograms of signals recorded simultaneously on the two legs. These conclusions will therefore help the clinicians in studying the temporal variations of physiological parameters on limbs with the impedance technique. Moreover, the results on the spatial invariance make possible the comparisons of these parameters with those given by other acquisition techniques.