Automatic detection of microaneurysms in RGB retinal fundus images

In this study, an efficient and fast-working method to detect microaneurysm lesions, first symptom of diabetic retinopathy, is described. The proposed method is based on mathematical morphology, object pixel classification and connected component analysis. The proposed algorithm responses in 4.8 seconds for 2048x1536 pixel images. This shows this system runs faster than other microaneurysm detection systems. The sensitivity and specificity of this system is 69.1% and 99.3% specificity, respectively

Suppression of oxidative stress by grape seed supplementation in rats

Polyphenol-rich grape seeds have a beneficial effect on human health. The present study was performed to investigate the effects of grape seeds on antioxidant activities in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control diet group (C), a high-fat diet group (HF), a 5% grape seed-supplemented control diet group (G), and a 5% grape seed-supplemented high-fat diet group (HG). Dietary supplementation with grape seeds reduced serum concentrations of lipid peroxides compared with those in the C and HF groups. The hepatic level of lipid peroxides decreased significantly in the grape seed groups compared with that in the C and HF groups. Superoxide dismutase activity in the G group increased significantly compared with that in the C group. Catalase activity tended to be higher by feeding grape seeds. The grape seed diet increased glutathione peroxidase activity in the C group. Glutathione-S-transferase activity increased significantly in the G group compared with that in the C group. Hepatic content of total glutathione increased significantly in the HG group but decreased significantly in the HF group. The ratio of reduced glutathione and oxidized glutathione increased by feeding the grape seed diet. Total vitamin A concentration was significantly higher in HG group than in other groups. Liver tocopherol content of the G and HG groups was significantly higher than that of the control groups. These results suggest that dietary supplementation with grape seeds is beneficial for suppressing lipid peroxidation in high fat-fed rats

Dopamine acting at D1-like, D2-like and α1-adrenergic receptors differentially modulates theta and gamma oscillatory activity in primary motor cortex

The loss of dopamine (DA) in Parkinson’s is accompanied by the emergence of exaggerated theta and beta frequency neuronal oscillatory activity in the primary motor cortex (M1) and basal ganglia. DA replacement therapy or deep brain stimulation reduces the power of these oscillations and this is coincident with an improvement in motor performance implying a causal relationship. Here we provide in vitro evidence for the differential modulation of theta and gamma activity in M1 by DA acting at receptors exhibiting conventional and non-conventional DA pharmacology. Recording local field potentials in deep layer V of rat M1, co-application of carbachol (CCh, 5 μM) and kainic acid (KA, 150 nM) elicited simultaneous oscillations at a frequency of 6.49 ± 0.18 Hz (theta, n = 84) and 34.97 ± 0.39 Hz (gamma, n = 84). Bath application of DA resulted in a decrease in gamma power with no change in theta power. However, application of either the D1-like receptor agonist SKF38393 or the D2-like agonist quinpirole increased the power of both theta and gamma suggesting that the DA-mediated inhibition of oscillatory power is by action at other sites other than classical DA receptors. Application of amphetamine, which promotes endogenous amine neurotransmitter release, or the adrenergic α1-selective agonist phenylephrine mimicked the action of DA and reduced gamma power, a result unaffected by prior co-application of D1 and D2 receptor antagonists SCH23390 and sulpiride. Finally, application of the α1-adrenergic receptor antagonist prazosin blocked the action of DA on gamma power suggestive of interaction between α1 and DA receptors. These results show that DA mediates complex actions acting at dopamine D1-like and D2-like receptors, α1 adrenergic receptors and possibly DA/α1 heteromultimeric receptors to differentially modulate theta and gamma activity in M1

L'influence de la culture catholique sur les œuvres d'Alfred Hitchcock et de Pedro Almodóvar

The notion of habitus represents a complex and stable whole that profoundly influences acts, attitudes, judgements and works. The objective of our research is to clarify the effects of the Catholic habitus in the works of Alfred Hitchcock and Pedro Almodóvar, two film directors who are from different periods and cultures, but who were born and raised in practicing Catholic families and who have had an education characterized as strictly religious. Iconology or the science of images presupposes that the creation of a work of art depends on several factors that combine both the family and school education of its creator as well as his social class and the conditions of the time when the creation is realized. In this context, we use the three-step analysis method (Pre-Iconographic-Iconographic-Iconographic-Iconological Analysis) developed by Panofsky that effectively shows the correlation between creation and the creator's world view (Weltanschauung). This vision manipulates artistic choices and interests (Kunstwollen). In the first part of our thesis, we define the notion of habitus and analyse the biographies of the artists. The second part deals with the analysis of the omnipresent themes belonging to the Catholic religion. We finalize our thesis by analysing three films by each of the two directors based on Catholic themes to understand the intentions of the filmmakers in creating their works (Hitchcock's Vertigo, The Wrong Man, Marnie and Almodóvar's Matador, Carne Tremula, Julieta) as well as their voluntary and instinctive choices.La notion d’habitus représente un ensemble complexe et stable qui influence, d’une manière profonde, les actes, les attitudes, les jugements et les œuvres. L’objectif de notre recherche est d’éclaircir les effets de l’habitus catholique dans les œuvres d’Alfred Hitchcock et de Pedro Almodóvar, deux réalisateurs de cinéma qui sont d’époques et de cultures différentes, mais qui sont nés et ont grandi au sein des familles catholiques pratiquantes et qui ont eu une éducation caractérisée comme étant strictement religieuse. L’iconologie ou la science des images présuppose que la création d’une œuvre d’art dépend de plusieurs facteurs qui associent à la fois l’éducation familiale et scolaire de son créateur ainsi que sa classe sociale et les conditions de l’époque où la création est réalisée. Dans ce contexte, nous nous servons de la méthode d’analyse en trois étapes (Analyses Pré Iconographique-Iconographique-Iconologique) développée par Panofsky qui montre efficacement la corrélation entre la création et la vision du monde du créateur (Welthanschaaung). Cette vision manipule les choix et les intérêts artistiques (Kunstwollen). Dans la première partie de notre thèse, nous définissons la notion d’habitus et analysons les biographies des artistes. La deuxième partie traite l’analyse des thèmes omniprésents appartenant à la religion catholique. Nous finalisons notre thèse en analysant trois films de chacun de deux réalisateurs en nous basant sur les thèmes catholiques pour comprendre les intentions des cinéastes en créant leurs œuvres (Vertigo, The Wrong Man, Marnie d’Hitchcock et Matador, Carne Tremula, Julieta d’Almodóvar) ainsi que leurs choix volontaires et instinctifs

Influence of Catholic Culture on the movies of Alfred Hitchcock and Pedro Almodóvar

La notion d’habitus représente un ensemble complexe et stable qui influence, d’une manière profonde, les actes, les attitudes, les jugements et les œuvres. L’objectif de notre recherche est d’éclaircir les effets de l’habitus catholique dans les œuvres d’Alfred Hitchcock et de Pedro Almodóvar, deux réalisateurs de cinéma qui sont d’époques et de cultures différentes, mais qui sont nés et ont grandi au sein des familles catholiques pratiquantes et qui ont eu une éducation caractérisée comme étant strictement religieuse. L’iconologie ou la science des images présuppose que la création d’une œuvre d’art dépend de plusieurs facteurs qui associent à la fois l’éducation familiale et scolaire de son créateur ainsi que sa classe sociale et les conditions de l’époque où la création est réalisée. Dans ce contexte, nous nous servons de la méthode d’analyse en trois étapes (Analyses Pré Iconographique-Iconographique-Iconologique) développée par Panofsky qui montre efficacement la corrélation entre la création et la vision du monde du créateur (Welthanschaaung). Cette vision manipule les choix et les intérêts artistiques (Kunstwollen). Dans la première partie de notre thèse, nous définissons la notion d’habitus et analysons les biographies des artistes. La deuxième partie traite l’analyse des thèmes omniprésents appartenant à la religion catholique. Nous finalisons notre thèse en analysant trois films de chacun de deux réalisateurs en nous basant sur les thèmes catholiques pour comprendre les intentions des cinéastes en créant leurs œuvres (Vertigo, The Wrong Man, Marnie d’Hitchcock et Matador, Carne Tremula, Julieta d’Almodóvar) ainsi que leurs choix volontaires et instinctifs.The notion of habitus represents a complex and stable whole that profoundly influences acts, attitudes, judgements and works. The objective of our research is to clarify the effects of the Catholic habitus in the works of Alfred Hitchcock and Pedro Almodóvar, two film directors who are from different periods and cultures, but who were born and raised in practicing Catholic families and who have had an education characterized as strictly religious. Iconology or the science of images presupposes that the creation of a work of art depends on several factors that combine both the family and school education of its creator as well as his social class and the conditions of the time when the creation is realized. In this context, we use the three-step analysis method (Pre-Iconographic-Iconographic-Iconographic-Iconological Analysis) developed by Panofsky that effectively shows the correlation between creation and the creator's world view (Weltanschauung). This vision manipulates artistic choices and interests (Kunstwollen). In the first part of our thesis, we define the notion of habitus and analyse the biographies of the artists. The second part deals with the analysis of the omnipresent themes belonging to the Catholic religion. We finalize our thesis by analysing three films by each of the two directors based on Catholic themes to understand the intentions of the filmmakers in creating their works (Hitchcock's Vertigo, The Wrong Man, Marnie and Almodóvar's Matador, Carne Tremula, Julieta) as well as their voluntary and instinctive choices