<p>Even though women make up over half the population in the United States, medical advancements in areas of women's health have typically lagged behind the rest of the medical field. Specifically, two major threats to women's reproductive health include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and cervical cancer with accompanying human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This dissertation presents the development and application of two novel optical imaging technologies aimed at improving these aspects of women's reproductive health.</p><p>The presented work details the instrumentation development of a probe-based, dual-modality optical imaging instrument, which uses simultaneous imaging of fluorimetry and multiplexed low coherence interferometry (mLCI) to measure in vivo microbicide gel thickness distributions. The study explores the optical performance of the device and provides proof of concept measurements on a calibration socket, tissue phantom, and in vivo human data. Once the instrument is fully characterized, it is applied in a clinical trial in which in vivo human vaginal gel thickness distributions. The gel distribution data obtained by the modalities are compared in order to assess the ability of mLCI making accurate in vivo measurements. Differences between the fluorimetry and mLCI modalities are then exploited in order to show a methodology for calculating the extent of microbicide gel dilution with the dual-modality instrument data.</p><p>Limitations in cervical cancer screening are then addressed as angle-resolved low coherence interferometry (a/LCI) is used in an ex vivo pilot study to assess the feasibility of a/LCI in identifying dysplasia in cervical tissues. The study found that the average nuclear diameter found by a/LCI in the basal layer of ectocervical epithelium showed a statistically significant increase in size in dysplastic tissue. These results indicate that a/LCI is capable of identifying cervical dysplasia in ectocervical epithelium. The results of the work presented in this dissertation show that dual-modality optical imaging with fluorimetry and mLCI, and the a/LCI technique show promise in advancing technologies that are used in the field of women's reproductive health.</p> / Dissertation

This thesis presents the first work, to our knowledge, to evaluate the potential of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) as an intravascular imaging modality to characterize and guide interventions on chronic total occlusions (CTOs) in arteries. An ex vivo imaging study using OCT is presented that characterizes various pathologies associated with peripheral CTOs and illustrates the ability to differentiate between the vessel wall and the occluded lumen. We also found that, while OCT could image approximately 1mm through tissue, it was effective for imaging deeper through clarified microchannels seen within the occluded lumen. While others had reported observing such microchannels within the lumen before, little was known about the global architecture of these channels. This motivated a study of the global morphology of microchannels in occlusions using micro computed tomography (microCT). In this microCT study, we found that microchannels within the occluded lumen of the artery appeared to be continuous over several millimeters. However, these channels also exited the artery frequently, suggesting the need for some form of imaging guidance. As a potential intravascular imaging set-up, a forward-viewing OCT catheter was built. This catheter uses a novel scanning mechanism that combines high voltage and a dissipative polymer to achieve fast compact actuation. Doppler OCT results are presented using this catheter to image flow in the forward direction. Doppler OCT imaging of microchannels in vivo is also shown in a surgically exposed occluded artery in situ.

The purpose of this is work to analyse self-awareness, self-esteem, sense of coherence, understanding of sequence of a vital way, and also a choice of attractive and unattractive images of this sequence at 7-8 years children’s from not full families in comparison with children from full families. Self-esteem was measured by the semantic differential type scale developed by Beresneviciene D. (1995) and Pileckaite-Markoviene (2001). Sense of coherence scale for children was measured by Margalit (1995) and Pileckaite-Markoviene (2001). Identify own age, understanding of sequence of a vital way, and also a choice of attractive and unattractive images, was investigated using a technique of children's self-awareness by Belopolskaja N.L. (1998). 241 primary school children (163 from full families and 78 not full families) were evaluated using these tools. The results showed that children from not full families estimate themselves below on parameter "happy" (t(239) =3,281, p=0,001) than children from full families. Results have shown that children from full families have a higher level of sense of coherence, than children from not full families. Statistically important difference is visible on components “trust to an environment " (t(239)=2,627, p=0,009) and "acceptance of requirements of an environment” (t(239)=2,464, p=0,014). Results of empirical investigations showed that primary school children with high level of sense of coherence had higher level of self-esteem (r=0,378... [to full text]

High–resolution multidimensional proton-detected NMR was used to study the solvent-exposed regions of a seven-helical integral membrane proton pump proteorhodopsin (PR). Fully deuterated PR samples with protons reintroduced to solvent-accessible sites through back exchange were prepared and found to produce NMR spectra with acceptable proton resolution (~0.2 ppm). Novel three-dimensional proton-detected chemical shift correlation spectroscopy was used for the identification and resonance assignment of the solvent–exposed regions of PR. Though most of the observed residues were located at the membrane interface there were notable exceptions, particularly in helix G. This helix contains the Schiff base-forming Lys231 and many conserved polar residues in the extracellular half. Solvent accessibility of helix G supports the hypothesis that high mobility of the F-G loop could transiently expose a hydrophilic cavity in the extracellular half of PR, and implies that such a cavity may be part of the protein’s proton-conduction pathway. / Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities, Canadian Foundation for Innovation, Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation, University of Guelph

Objectives: Determine the effect of contraction type and intensity, inertial loading, and visual feedback on various measures of hand tremor in subjects with essential tremor. Methods: Study 1. Twenty-three ET subjects and 22 controls held their hand in an outstretched position while supporting various submaximal loads (no-load, 5%, 15% and 25% 1-repetition maximum). Hand postural tremor and wrist extensor neuromuscular activity (EMG) were recorded. Study 2. Twenty-one ET subjects and 22 controls applied isometric wrist extension contractions with and without visual feedback. Various submaximal contraction intensities were evaluated (5%, 10%, 20% and 30% MVC). Force production and EMG were recorded. Study 3. Twenty-one ET subjects and 22 healthy controls performed slow wrist extension-flexion movements while supporting various submaximal loads (no-load, 5%, 15% and 25% 1-repetition maximum). Angular displacement and EMG were recorded. Results: Study 1. Inertial loading resulted in a reduction in postural tremor in ET subjects. The largest reduction in tremor amplitude occurred at the 15% load, which was associated with spectral separation of the mechanical reflex and central tremor component. Despite an increase in overall neuromuscular activity with inertial loading, EMG tremor power did not increase with loading. Study 2. Higher contraction intensities were associated with larger amplitude force fluctuations and greater EMG amplitudes. Tremor spectral power of force and EMG remained constant at all target intensities, resulting in a reduction in relative tremor power at higher contraction intensities. Visual feedback affected subjects in the control and ET groups similarly. Study 3. Subjects with more pronounced tremor spectral peaks had larger amplitude kinetic tremor, which was reduced with inertial loading. Despite an increase in overall neuromuscular activity with inertial loading, EMG tremor spectral power was only slightly increased with loading, which resulted in a large reduction in relative EMG tremor power. Conclusions: The effect of inertial loading on postural and kinetic tremor amplitude appears to be mediated in large part by its effect on the interaction between the mechanical reflex and central tremor components. The level of motor unit entrainment remains relatively constant in subjects with ET despite increasing contraction intensities. / Thesis (Ph.D, Rehabilitation Science) -- Queen's University, 2008-10-24 11:18:57.537

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Tyrimo tikslas – nustatyti ir palyginti sveikatingumo šventės dalyvių ir mokytojų gyvenimo kokybę, vidinę darną, laisvalaikio fizinį aktyvumą ir jų tarpusavio sąsajas. Tyrimo uždaviniai: 1. Nustatyti sveikatingumo šventės dalyvių ir mokytojų fizinio aktyvumo elgseną lyties ir amžiaus aspektais. 2. Nustatyti sveikatingumo šventės dalyvių ir mokytojų vidinės darnos lygį lyties ir amžiaus aspektais. 3. Įvertinti sveikatingumo šventės dalyvių ir mokytojų gyvenimo kokybę lyties ir amžiaus aspektais. 4. Atskleisti vidinės darnos, gyvenimo kokybės ir fizinio aktyvumo sąsajas. Tyrimo metodai: 1. Literatūros šaltinių analizė. 2. Anketinė apklausa. 3. Statistinė duomenų analizė buvo atlikta naudojant programų paketą SPSS 19.0 for Windows. Tyrimo organizavimas. Momentinės apklausos dalyviai buvo atrinkti geranoriškumo principu. Tiriamųjų buvo prašoma nurodyti demografinius ir socialinius duomenis (lytį, amžių, socialinę padėtį, išsilavinimą, šeiminę padėtį) taip pat buvo teiraujamasi apie jų fizinį aktyvumą, dalyvaujant vidutinio intensyvumo ir labai intensyvioje veikloje. Dalyviai užpildė bendrojo pobūdžio gyvenimo kokybės klausimyną SF-36, o vidinė darna buvo vertinta pagal Antanovskio skalės trumpąją versiją. Tiriamieji. Tiriamąją imtį sudarė 105 vidurinių mokyklų mokytojai ir 106 sveikatingumo šventės dalyviai, viso 211. Rezultatai. Vyrai buvo fiziškai aktyvesni už moteris, net 92,2 proc. apklaustų vyrų buvo pakankamai fiziškai aktyvus. Sveikatingumo šventės dalyviai buvo... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The aim of the study was to evaluate and to compare health-related quality of life, sense of coherence, leisure time physical activity and their relationships in the samples of teachers and participants of healthiness festival. For the fulfillment of the aim, the following objectives were formulated: 1. To estimate and compare leisure time physical activity among teachers and healthiness festival participants in relation to age and sex. 2. To assess and compare sense of coherence among teachers and healthiness festival participants in relation to age and sex. 3. To estimate and compare health-related quality of life among teachers and healthiness festival participants in relation to age and sex. 4. To assess the relationship between sense of coherence, health-related quality of life and leisure time physical activity. Research methods: 1. Analysis of the literature. 2. Examination by self-reported questionnaire. 3. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 19.0 software package for Windows. Study design. Survey participants were selected using the principle of benevolence. Respondents were asked to indicate demographic and social data (gender, age, social status, education, marital status). Study participants were also asked about their leisure time physical activity in the presence of moderate-intensity and very intensive work. Participants also filled out a generic quality of life questionnaire SF-36 (Short Form 36). Sense of coherence was evaluated using the short... [to full text]

Tyrimo tikslas – nustatyti palankaus sveikatai elgesio sąsajas su dvasingumu ir vidine darna suaugusiame amžiuje. Tyrime dalyvavo 213 respondentų, 131 (61,5 %) moterų ir 82 (38,5%) vyrai. Jauniausiam tyrimo dalyviui 19 metų, vyriausiam – 58. Amžiaus vidurkis 28,9 metų. Tyrime buvo naudojama kasdieninės dvasinės patirties skalė (DSES), gyvenimo orientacijos klausimynas, palankaus sveikatai elgesio klausimynas. Išanalizavus gautus tyrimo rezultatus nustatyta, kad didesniu dvasingumu pasižymi žmonės, kurie taip pat pasižymi labiau sveikatai palankiu elgesiu ir atvirkščiai – mažesnio dvasingumo tiriamieji pasižymi mažiau sveikatai palankiu elgesiu. Žmonės, kurių vidinės darnos lygis yra aukštesnis pasižymi labiau sveikatai palankiu elgesiu, negu žmonių, kurių vidinės darnos lygis žemesnis. Tyrimo rezultatai atskleidė, kad palankų sveikatai elgesį paaiškina didesnis dvasingumas, aukštesnis vidinės darnos lygis ir vyriška lytis. / The aim of research – to establish relation of health related behavior with spirituality and the sense of coherence in grown up age. The research involved 213 respondents, out of who 131 (61.5%) were women and 82 (38.5%) – men. The youngest participant of the research was 19 years old, the oldest – 58. The average age – 28.9 years. The research instruments used were daily spiritual experience scale (DSES), life orientation questionnaire, health related behavior questionnaire. Analysis of the research results suggests that the people characterized as spiritual are also more lean towards the health related behavior and vice verse – people with less noted spirituality are less tend to health related behavior. Behavior of the people with higher level of sense of coherence is more health related than of the people with lower sense of coherence. The results of the research revealed that higher level of spirituality, greater sense of coherence and male gender account for the health related behavior.

Juknienė J. The peculiarities of self-assessment, sense of coherence and self-awareness of the 1 st – 2 nd formers of different advance. The final work of the Master of Psychology / the scientific supervisor – Doc. Dr. M. Pileckaitė – Markovienė; Vilnius Pedagogical University; the department of Psychology Didactics. – Vilnius, 2005. - 92 p. In this master work there is analyzed the self-assessment, sense of coherence and self-awareness of the students of different advance. In junior school age the making human’s disharmony shows through, which later causes emotional, behavior and learning problems, and social disadaptation. The aim of research – to analyze the peculiarities of personality of the 1 st – 2 nd formers of different advance in aspects of self-evaluation, sense of coherence and self-identification. The goals of research are: 1) to compare the self-assessment and sense of coherence of the students of high, average and low advance; 2) to evaluate students’ possibility to identify their own present, past and future status of age and sex, considering students’ advance; 3) to compare students’ understanding about the choice of attractive and unattractive image. There were used the following methods of research: analysis of nonfiction, conversation, questionnaires for children. Two hundred 1 st – 2 nd formers at the age of 7 – 8 participated in this research. The information about those children’ learning results was received from their teachers. According to this... [to full text]

The main purpose of this research is to analyze the peculiarities of Health Control Locus and Sense of Coherence of adults that suffer from chronic diseases. The research is based on the analysis of scientific literature and theories, which summarize the main definitions of this research: the age of an adult, ailment and health control locus, Sense of Coherence. The results of experiments made with healthy adults and those who suffer from chronic diseases (N=378) are presented and analyzed in the second part of this research. Two methods where used: K.Wollston (1978) Multidimensional scale health locus of control (MHLC) and A.Antonovsky (1987) “Questionnaire of Life Orientation”, which is used in order to determine the Sense of Coherence. The results of research are: there are differences between adults that suffer from chronic diseases and healthy adults by the rate “chance” of the Health Locus of Control (t(376)=2.731, p=0.007) and by external rate of the Health Locus of Control (t(376)=11.375, p=0.0001). The obtained results allow making a conclusion that the firs hypotheses that adults that suffer from chronic diseases external rate is more expressed than healthy adults. Differences between adults that suffer from chronic diseases and healthy adults was found by the rates “manageability” (t(376)=-5.080, p=0.0001), “meaningfulness” (t(376)=-6.464, p=0.0001) of Sense of Coherence and by the general Scale of the Sense of Coherence (t(376)=-4.114, p=0.0001). The... [to full text]