Thesis (Ph. D.)--New York University, 1926. / On cover: 1874-1896. Includes bibliographical references (p. [183]-196).

Neste trabalho foi investigada a ação fotodinâmica dos pró-fármacos 5-ALA e 8-ALA incorporados em nanopartículas de quitosana, através da incidência de luz em células de melanoma, utilizando sinergicamente a Eletroquimioterapia e a Terapia Fotodinâmica. O ácido 5-aminolevulínico (5-ALA) e seus ésteres derivados são precursores metabólicos da protoporfirina IX (PpIX) e apresentam uma penetração limitada no estrato córneo. Portanto, o objetivo desse trabalho foi desenvolver, caracterizar e avaliar o efeito fotodinâmico das nanopartículas de quitosana contendo os pró-fármacos 5-ALA e seu éster derivado 8-ALA e investigar a produção efetiva de PpIX. Concomitantemente, o efeito sinérgico da Eletroquimioterapia (ECT) com a TFD também foi estudado com a finalidade de aumentar a permeação dos fármacos fotossensibilizantes através da pele, aumentando a eficiência da TFD no tratamento de neoplasias cutâneas. As nanopartículas de quitosana foram obtidas pelo método de gelificação ionotrópica, produzindo nanopartículas em tamanho nanométrico (636,0 nm ± 6,5), com uma distribuição de tamanho homogênea (0,37), além de apresentar um potencial zeta significantemente positivo + 35,3 mV (± 2,21). Seu perfil de liberação e capacidade de incorporação de 80% dos pró-fármacos também foi determinado. Os estudos de citotoxicidade na ausência de luz demonstraram o caráter biocompatível das nanopartículas de quitosana desenvolvidas, assim como a produção significativa de PpIX e foi possível comprovar o excelente efeito fototóxico da formulação desenvolvida. Os estudos de sinergismo da ECT com a TFD comprovaram que a combinação das nanopartículas de quitosana contendo os pró-fármacos, com aplicação de microcorrentes de 400 ?A e dose de luz de 3 J/cm2, nestas condições apresentou uma morte celular significativa. / This study investigated the photodynamic action of the prodrug 5-ALA and 8-ALA into chitosan nanoparticles, through the light incidence in melanoma cells, using synergistically the Electrochemotherapy and Photodynamic Therapy. The 5- aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and its ester derivatives are metabolic precursors of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) and have a limited penetration in the stratum corneum. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop, characterize and evaluate the photodynamic effect of chitosan nanoparticles containing the prodrug 5-ALA and its ester derivative 8-ALA. Besides, was investigated the effective production of PpIX. Concomitantly, the synergistic effect of Electrochemotherapy (ECT) with PDT was also studied for the purpose of increasing the permeation of drugs through the skin, enhancing the efficiency of the PDT in the treatment of skin cancers. Chitosan nanoparticles were obtained by the ionotropic gelation producing nanoparticles in nanosize (636.0 ± 6.5 nm), with a homogenous size distribution (0.37), and present a significantly positive zeta potential + 35.3 mV (± 2.21). Release profile and ability to incorporate 80% of the prodrug was also determined. The cytotoxicity studies demonstrated in the absence of light the biocompatible nature of chitosan nanoparticles developed, as well as the significant production of PpIX and it was possible to demonstrate the excellent effect of phototoxic formulation developed. The synergism studies of ECT with PDT have shown that the combination of chitosan nanoparticles containing prodrugs, applying microcurrents 400 ?A and light dose of 3 J/cm2 under these conditions showed a significant cell death.

"The purpose of this study was to determine the significant differences between the responses of principal relatives of newly hospitalized male mental patients, to different form letters from the Social Service Department at The Bryce Hospital, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. These responses were dichotomized by: (1) the responses of the relatives who received the original Social Service form letter; and (2) the responses of the relatives who received the revised version of the aforementioned form letter, which was reconstructed by the author of this study to include the application of selected basic social casework principles to its content"--Introduction. / Typescript. / "August, 1961." / "Submitted to the Graduate School of Florida State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work." / Advisor: Howard Borsuk, Professor Directing Study. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 54-57).

Thesis--Auburn University, 2006. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographic references (p.59-62).

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2009. / Title from PDF title page (viewed Jan. 25, 2010). Includes bibliographical references (p. 59-60).

Thesis--University of Dacca. / Bibliography: p. [174]-180.

Thesis (M.S.)--Auburn University, 2007. / Abstract. Includes bibliographic references (ℓ. 92-87)

Thesis(M.S.)--Auburn University, 2006. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographic references.

Project report (D. Min.)--New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 1998. / Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 126-134).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Auburn University. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 231-245).