Thesis (Ph.D.) - Health Research Methodology -- McMaster University, 2002. / Bibliography: leaves 241-259. Also available via World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Case Western Reserve University, 2008. / Frances Payne Bolton [School of Nursing]. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D. in Nursing) -- University of Colorado Denver, 2007. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 168-181). Free to UCD affiliates. Online version available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations;

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karolinska institutet, 2010.

Thesis (M.S.)--Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 2006 / Typescript (photocopy)

Clinical evidence suggested patients with lower plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) levels after statin therapy could have better clinical outcome. The last part of the study was to measure on-treatment high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) levels among 229 Chinese patients with hyperlipidaemia undergoing treatment with simvastatin 40 mg daily. The patients were genotyped for 15 SNPs or haplotypes in 11 candidate genes that would have significant allele frequency among Chinese patients and may be linked to statin efficacy or hsCRP levels. The analysis suggested BMI is the largest single contributing factor of 15.0% of the variation in hsCRP levels, followed by plasma triglycerides levels contributing 4.7% and male gender 1.6% (all P<0.05). However comparisons of hsCRP levels among genotype groups did not reveal any significant findings, with or without adjustment with covariate genotypic or phenotypic factors. To further categorize individuals as high or medium risk, we set a threshold hsCRP level of 1 mg/L as the benchmark for evaluation. The CRPc.3872G>A SNP was related to lower risk compared to the homozygous wild-type genotype (adjusted odds ratio AOR = 0.289; P = 0.014) after adjusting for phenotypic factors of age, gender, smoking status, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, plasma lipid profiles, co-existing disease and co-medications. Another marginal finding included the HNF1A c.79A>C SNP (AOR = 0.575; P = 0.118). / Polymorphisms in the drug transporters are likely to be more important with hydrophilic statins such as pitavastatin, which undergoes transporter mediated distribution. The SLCO1B1 c.388A>G polymorphism in the gene encoding the uptake transporter organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP1B1) is common in Chinese and the variant was associated with increases of 63--68% in maximum plasma concentration and 44--47% in systemic exposure of both the lactone and acid compared to wild-type subjects (P<0.05). Co-administration of pitavastatin with grapefruit juice (GFJ) resulted in a small increase of the area under the plasma concentration time curve (AVC) by 15--16% for both the acid and lactone (P<0.05). However, there was no significant effect on the drug-food interaction in relation to relevant SNPs in the enzymes and transporters examined. / The SNPs examined included those in the genes for the enzymes and transporters involved in the metabolic pathway or the distribution of simvastatin. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are involved in hepatic and intestinal metabolism of several statins and simvastatin is known to undergo extensive metabolism via the CYP3A4/3A5 pathway. The common candidate SNPs in the CYP3A4/3A5 enzymes found in Chinese populations include CYP3A4*1G, CYP3AP1*3 and CYP3A5*3 , which are associated with altered enzyme expression and activity. However, no statistically significant relationship was found between these SNPs and a potential phenotypic marker of enzyme activity, the urinary ratio of 6beta-hydroxy-cortisol/cortisol (6beta-OHC/C) concentrations. The analysis of lipid lowering responses in relation to individual SNPs or combinations from gene-gene interactions also revealed no statistically significant findings. In the subgroup of patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia, the CYP3A4*1G, CYP3AP1*3 and CYP3A5*3 polymorphisms appeared to have a small effect on the changes in LDL-C and total cholesterol with the subjects with the CYP3A5*3 and CYP3AP1*3 variants showing less reduction and those with the CYP3A4*1G variant showing more reduction than subjects with the wild-type genotype with a tendency for a gene-dose effect. It is difficult to interpret these findings and the significance may be related to multiple testing. / The statins, or 3-hydroxymethyl-3-glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, act on the rate limiting step in endogenous cholesterol synthesis. Their primary action results in reduction of plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and this is thought to be the major mechanism by which they reduce cardiovascular events. There are considerable differences between subjects in both the plasma levels of the statins and in their effects on LDL-C and other lipid parameters and some of this variation appears to be related to genetic differences in the pathways of drug metabolism and distribution and in the pathways involved in lipid metabolism. / The variation in response may be related to variations in systemic or hepatic exposure to the drug, which in turn will be related to the pharmacokinetics. This is also likely to play a role in the adverse effects of myopathy and therapeutic tolerance. In a pharmacokinetic study in healthy male Chinese subjects, the common polymorphism of CYP2D6*10 was analyzed in relation to the pharmacokinetics of lovastatin and simvastatin. There was a tendency for reduced clearance of simvastatin lactone by 30% (P>0.05) in subjects with the CYP2D6*10/*10 genotype. With lovastatin, there were similar findings with 38.5--84.9% decrease in clearance which appeared to be related to enzyme activity according to genotype, with *5 carriers showing a greater decline in clearance than *10 carriers (P<0.05). / These results provide some insights into the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of statins and the pharamacogenetic relationships to candidate SNPs. Future research in this field should help to facilitate safer and more effective treatment with these commonly used medications, resulting in personalized therapy and optimal clinical benefits for patients with cardiovascular disease. / This thesis describes a study of 270 patients recruited from the outpatient clinics at the Prince of Wales Hospital who were treated with simvastatin 40 mg daily for at least 4 weeks. Their mean (+/-SD) LDL-C baseline level was 5.38+/-1.68 mmol/L and the reduction in LDL-C after simvastatin treatment was 2.81+/-0.99 mmol/L or -47.1+/-12.5%. / Mak, Wah Lun Valiant. / Adviser: Brian Tomlinson. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 73-06, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 253-289). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [201-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

A mixed-methods design consisting of two phases was adopted. In Phase I, a purposive sample of 31 older Clnnese people with KOA was invited for a semi-structured interview to explore their perceptions and experiences of exercise. Five major categories emerged: typical living pattern with KOA, self-management of KOA, the practice of exercise, views about exercise, and preferences for learning exercise. The findings were used in the development of an exercise programme for this client group. / Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is prevalent in the growing older Chinese population in Hong Kong. Therapeutic exercise for KOA has strong empirical evidence of its effectiveness on reducing knee pain and physical disability in people with KOA provided that they persists in practising the recommended exercise regimen. However, few previous studies have incorporated the client's perspectives into the design of an exercise programme for promoting continual practice of exercise. This study aimed to develop a new therapeutic exercise programme and pilot its acceptability to promote continual practice for older Chinese people with KOA. / The Phase II study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches to examine participants' satisfaction with the new exercise programme, adherence to the prescribed exercises, mastering of the exercise movements and health outcomes (knee pain, stiffness and range-of-motion, physical function, muscle strength and endurance of the lower extremities, and quality of life). A convenience sample of 33 older Chinese people with KOA participated in the programme. Seven measurement tools in Chinese versions (if applicable) were used to collect quantitative data from the participants: the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the 12-item Short Form of the Medical Outcome Study Questionnaire (SF-12), a goniometer, the Timed-Stands Test (TST), a satisfaction questionnaire, an exercise diary, and a return-demonstration performance record sheet. Six of the participants were invited for a semi-structured interview to explore their experience of the programme. / The quantitative results showed that the participants were highly satisfied with the exercise programme with a mean score of 90.15 out of 100 (SD = 8.05). Their average exercise adherence was high with a mean percentage of 91.04% (SD = 14.54) and their overall performance in mastering of the exercise movements was good with a mean score of 76.71 out of 100 (SD = 21.75). Most participants' health outcomes significantly improved at three months after the exercise programme, except for the SF-12 physical health summary score. The qualitative findings revealed four major categories: satisfaction with the exercise programme, mastering of the exercise movements, experience of the exercise's effects, and integration of the exercises into the daily routine. These findings were mainly consistent with the quantitative results of the study. / The results of this study showed that the exercise programme was acceptable to the participants in terms of satisfaction with the programme, adherence to the prescribed exercises and mastering of the exercise movements. Therefore, adopting a client-centred approach is likely to be a way forward in the development of exercise programmes for promoting continual practice of therapeutic exercise regimens by older Chinese people with KOA. / Lee, Fung Kam. / Advisers: Tak Ying Ann Shiu; Tze Fan Diana Lee; Kwok Wei Winnie So. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 73-06, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 332-369). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [201-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese; some appendixes in Chinese.

2)Qualitative study: Three areas were discussed: i) Generational differences in dietary practices were apparent and it was attributable to the discrepancies in the food environment during childhood, attitudes towards family meals, and practices of regular meal schedules between generations; ii) Mothers were influential but did not recognize their influences on their adult daughters' diet. Ignorance of the importance of diet-health relationship in young adulthood was observed; iii) Effects of media food promotions were apparent in the presence of Westernized food environment and reduced family size. Health and diet information in the media induced both positive and negative effects on the dietary behaviours of Chinese women. / Background: Studies on the characteristics associated with the Western dietary pattern (DP) in Asia are limited. Understanding the family DP resemblance in Asia is of public health importance because of the possible beneficial effects of intergenerational transfer of traditional plant-based Asian diet. Studies about media influence on dietary behaviours in Asia are few and none studied the effects on the overall DP. / Conclusion: There is an intergenerational association for practicing Western DP within family. Mothers were influential in adult daughters' dietary intakes, through modelling and family meals. A dose-response relationship exists between the practice of Western DP and media exposure in Chinese women. Public health strategies should consider promotion of family meals and empowerment of women on quick and healthy cooking skills as long-term approaches for family health promotion and obesity prevention. Policy evaluation of food or food-related advertising standards is necessary. / Keywords: mother, daughter, dietary pattern, media exposure, family meal, Western, TV viewing / Methods: This thesis composes two studies as follows: 1)a cross-sectional study on Western DP and media exposure; 2)a qualitative study on media influences on dietary practices. / Objective: This study aims to examine the dietary and individual characteristics associated with Western DP, investigate the association between the practice of Western DP and media exposure, and qualitatively assess how media and other factors influence the dietary practices in two generations of Chinese women. / Results: 1)Cross-sectional study: Western DP was characterised by higher intakes of meat (red, processed, poultry), fast foods, seafood, energy-dense foods (e.g. high-fat dairy, cakes and snacks), eggs, energy, fat, and dietary cholesterol. Daughters had a higher Western DP score than their mother. Western DP score was positively associated with the time spent on total media exposure and years living in Hong Kong for mothers, and with the time spent on TV viewing, mother's Western DP score, and smoking status for daughters. Western DP score was positively associated with the prevalence odds of being overweight and negatively associated with the frequency of family meals for both mothers and daughters. / The cross-sectional study recruited 207 (103 mothers, 104 daughters) community-based women from a longitudinal study. Dietary intake was quantified by an interviewer-administered diet history questionnaire. A self-reported questionnaire assessed the media (newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and leisure-time internet use) and other exposures (demographics, leisure-time physical activities, and lifestyles). Anthropometric data are measured. Two major DPs (Western and prudent) were identified using principal component analysis. Generation-specific factors associated with DPs were identified by multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for age and energy intake. / The qualitative study enrolled 22 mothers and 13 daughters from the same study population for semi-structured in-depth interviews. Themes were identified corresponding to the environmental levels described by the Ecological Model, with quotations supported. The final themes were evaluated by participant validation. / Lee, Suk Yin Roselle. / Adviser: Suzanne C Ho. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 73-02, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 222-250). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [201-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

Ching, Ka Wai. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves [69-80]). / Abstract also in Chinese. / Abstract (in English) --- p.ii / Abstract (in Chinese) --- p.v / Acknowledgement --- p.viii / Table of Contents --- p.ix / List of Tables --- p.xii / List of Figures --- p.xiii / Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations --- p.xv / Chapter Chapter 1: --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Introduction of Atopic Eczema (AE) --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Definition and classification of AE --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Epidemiology --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.2.1 --- The hygiene hypothesis --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2 --- Pathogenesis and Etiology --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Biphasic type-1/type-2 T-helper lymphocyte (Thl/Th2) immunological responses --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Nature and involvements of immunoglobin E (IgE) --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Microbial colonization --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Cytokines involvement --- p.10 / Chapter 1.2.5 --- Pruritus inducing neurotrophic factors --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2.6 --- "Food allergens, aeroallergens" --- p.12 / Chapter 1.2.7 --- Dysregulation of innate immune system --- p.13 / Chapter 1.2.7.1 --- Dysregulation of antimicrobial peptides --- p.14 / Chapter 1.2.7.2 --- Skin barrier impairment --- p.14 / Chapter 1.2.8 --- Genetic predisposition --- p.15 / Chapter 1.3 --- Assessments of Atopic Eczema (AE) --- p.17 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- AE severity assessment --- p.17 / Chapter 1.3.1.1 --- Scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) system --- p.17 / Chapter 1.3.1.2 --- Nottingham eczema severity score (NESS) --- p.20 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Dermatological parameter - skin hydration (SH) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) --- p.22 / Chapter 1.4 --- Chitinase (CHIA) --- p.22 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Chitin and CHIA --- p.22 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Association of acid mammalian chitinase (AMCase) with asthma --- p.23 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- Hygiene hypothesis implies: AMCase and allergy relationship --- p.24 / Chapter Chapter 2: --- Hypothesis and Objectives --- p.25 / Chapter 2.1 --- Hypothesis - based on CHIA involvements in canine AE --- p.25 / Chapter 2.2 --- Hypothesis --- p.25 / Chapter 2.3 --- Objective 226}0ؤ based on AMCase single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in asthma susceptibility --- p.25 / Chapter 2.4 --- Objectives --- p.27 / Chapter Chapter 3: --- Methodology --- p.28 / Chapter 3.1 --- Recruitment of cases and controls --- p.28 / Chapter 3.2 --- Assessment of clinical parameters --- p.29 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) system --- p.29 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Nottingham eczema severity score (NESS) --- p.29 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Dermatologic parameters --- p.29 / Chapter 3.2.3.1 --- Cutaneous bacterial colonization --- p.29 / Chapter 3.2.3.2 --- Skin hydration (SH) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) --- p.30 / Chapter 3.3 --- Peripheral blood collection and genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction --- p.30 / Chapter 3.4 --- Acid mammalian chitinase (AMCase) polymorphism genotyping --- p.31 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) amplification of AMCase gene --- p.31 / Chapter 3.4.1.1 --- List of PCR reagents --- p.32 / Chapter 3.4.1.2 --- Electrophoresis reagents --- p.33 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of AMCase and confirmation with direct sequencing --- p.33 / Chapter 3.5 --- Statistical analysis --- p.34 / Chapter Chapter 4: --- Results and Data Analysis --- p.36 / Chapter 4.1 --- Results --- p.36 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Demographic data of cases and controls --- p.36 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- PCR amplification and RFLP analysis of AMCase gene --- p.37 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- PCR cycle sequencing of the PCR fragments --- p.40 / Chapter 4.2 --- Data analysis --- p.41 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Data overview --- p.41 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Genotypes distribution of AMCase polymorphisms --- p.43 / Chapter 4.2.2.1 --- Allele frequency comparison of AMCase single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) by chi-square --- p.43 / Chapter 4.2.2.2 --- Allele frequency comparison of AMCase SNPs by logistic regression analysis --- p.44 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Haplotype frequency estimation via maximum likelihood algorithm --- p.45 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Association of AMCase polymorphism with Atopic Eczema (AE) clinical parameters --- p.47 / Chapter 4.2.4.1 --- Peripheral blood eosinophil counts --- p.48 / Chapter 4.2.4.2 --- Serum immunoglobin E (IgE) level --- p.49 / Chapter 4.2.4.3 --- Dermatologic factors --- p.49 / Chapter 4.2.4.3.1 --- Cutaneous Staphylococcus aureus colonization --- p.49 / Chapter 4.2.4.3.2 --- Skin hydration (SH) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) --- p.50 / Chapter Chapter 5: --- Discussion --- p.52 / Chapter 5.1 --- Data overview --- p.52 / Chapter 5.2 --- AMCase rs3806448 polymorphism was significantly different among AE cases and controls --- p.53 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Allele frequency comparison of AMCase SNPs polymorphisms by chi-square --- p.53 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Allele frequency comparison of AMCase SNPs polymorphisms by logistic regression analysis --- p.54 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- The possible genetic modification by rs3806448 homozygous recessive genotype --- p.55 / Chapter 5.3 --- "Significant difference of haplotype frequency, 2212 among case-control comparison" --- p.56 / Chapter 5.4 --- Strong associations between AMCase SNPs polymorphisms and clinical parameters of AE --- p.57 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Peripheral blood eosinophil counts --- p.57 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- Dermatologic factors --- p.58 / Chapter 5.4.2.1 --- Cutaneous Staphylococcus aureus colonization --- p.58 / Chapter 5.4.2.2 --- Skin hydration (SH) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) --- p.59 / Chapter 5.5 --- Limitation of the present study --- p.59 / Chapter Chapter 6: --- Conclusion and Future Prospect --- p.62 / Chapter 6.1 --- Conclusion --- p.62 / Chapter 6.2 --- Future prospect --- p.62 / Chapter Chapter 7: --- Appendices --- p.64 / Chapter Chapter 8: --- References --- p.69

Racial differences in the distribution of cerebrovascular occlusive disease are well documented. Extracranial stenosis is more common in Caucasian while intracranial stenosis is more common in Asian, Hispanic and African-American. The prevalence of asymptomatic intracranial stenosis in middle age and elderly general population in China was about 7%. The frequency of intracranial atherosclerosis among patients with stroke and TIA is 40 to 50% in Chinese populations. Concurrent extracranial and intracranial stenoses is common in Asian, the incidence range from 10 to 39% in patients with stroke. The current population of China is 1.3 billion and it was estimated that 30% of the population will be aged 60 and above by 2050 in China. The incidence of stroke in China is 215 per 100000 which is one of the highest among the world and this burden is expected to escalate in the coming decades. However, studies of concurrent stenoses among Chinese are scarce. The aim of this precis is to present my studies that were conducted mainly among Chinese stroke patients on this particular field. The scope of the studies covers the following 4 areas: (1) Identification of Long-term prognosis of patients with concurrent stenoses; (2) Long-term prognosis of patients with concurrent stenoses and ischemic heart disease; (3) Lesion pattern and stroke mechanisms in concurrent stenoses; and (4) genetic polymorphisms of ischemic stroke patients with concurrent stenoses. The background, objectives, subjects, methods, results, and conclusions of these studies will be presented in this precis. / Man, Bik Ling. / Adviser: Lawrence K.S. Wong. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 73-06, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (M.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 144-184). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [201-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web.