Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 121-158).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Kentucky, 2003. / Title from document title page (viewed onJune 21, 2004). Document formatted into pages; contains xii, 151 p. : ill. Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 137-149).

Thesis (M.A.)--Miami University, Dept. of Speech Pathology and Audiology, 2003. / Title from first page of PDF document. Document formatted into pages; contains v, 117 p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 48-53).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 1999. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 154-167). Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.

Thesis (M.A.P.S.)--Catholic Theological Union at Chicago, 2002. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 62-63).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 181-212). Also available in print.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 159-193).

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the common diseases of older people. Although several genes have been identified for Familial Alzheimer’s Disease (FAD), a reliable diagnostic, especially for those patients in their early or intermediate phases of AD, is still not available. There is neither effective treatment nor drugs that can stop or reverse AD progression. Breakthroughs in diagnosis or treatment development likely require understanding of the molecular mechanisms of AD. Studies in FAD have shown that APP, PS1, PS2 and some other genes are related to FAD. Mutations of APP and PS1 lead to amyloid plaque accumulation which is also prominent in Sporadic AD. Transgenic animals closely mimic human AD pathologies in many aspects. A mouse model carrying both APP Swedish mutation and PS1 deltaE9 mutation is used in this study. This mouse model accumulates amyloid plaque rapidly, and the plaque shows up as early as 6 months of age. Using microarrays, we have isolated 176 genes with significant expression changes and 14 turned on/off genes from AD mouse cortex. From this cDNA microarray measurement of global gene expression, several functional groups were regulated significantly in our mouse model of AD pathology. Mt2 and Atp7a were identified and may be candidates for further studies of AD pathology, as well as potential drug targets. Five significant microRNAs were found from AD mouse cortex, providing evidence that microRNAs could play a role in AD. cDNA arrays were also used to identify potential biomarkers from whole blood samples that distinguish AD mice from their non-transgenic littermates. / text

published_or_final_version / Medical Sciences / Master / Master of Medical Sciences

Background Dementia is a leading cause of disability and dependency in elderly people, generating significant physical, psychological, and financial challenges for patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems worldwide. For Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, established treatments such as Acetyl-Cholinesterase Inhibitors (AChE) have proven to be marginally beneficial, but side effects remain. Alternatively, a standardized preparation of Ginkgo Biloba Extract (EGb-761) is a popular herbal medicine used globally and widely available in Hong Kong. This paper reviews and synthesizes the effectiveness of EGb-761 in the treatment of AD compared to placebo and AChE treatments. Methods A systematic search was performed using PubMed, ProQuest, and Google Scholar to identify all relevant randomized controlled studies in English that examined the effectiveness of EGb-761 on individuals with AD. The studies, based on expert consensus, had to have a minimum duration of 22 weeks and one of two primary outcome measures: 1. cognitive functioning, 2. functional ability in activities-of-daily-living (ADL). A secondary outcome measure, safety (drop-out rate from adverse events), was also evaluated. Quality was assessed based on indicators derived from the CONSORT 2010 checklist. Findings Ten randomized controlled trials from eight countries, with participants ranging from mild to severe AD were included. Of the ten studies, eight compared EGb-761 with placebo, three compared EGb-761 head-to-head with an AChE (two with Donepezil, one with Rivastigmine), and one compared EGb-761 and AChE stand-alone treatment with combined treatments (EGb-761 + AChE). Overall results on cognitive and functional improvements were mixed. Of the studies that demonstrated a positive association, the clinical significance is questionable. Conclusions Although results were inconsistent, EGb-761’s safety appears to be acceptable. In Hong Kong, given the widespread availability, popularity and perceived safety of EGb-761, the population needs appropriate guidance and support from the government to safeguard quality and increase awareness of potential drug-herb interactions. Concurrently, with AChE becoming an increasingly established treatment for AD, more head-to-head studies on EGb-761 and AChE on the local population are needed to increase understanding and public awareness. / published_or_final_version / Public Health / Master / Master of Public Health