Lu, Jinyan. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 75-86). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese; some appendixes in Chinese.

Wang, Hui Chuan. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 184-202). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

Basing on the traditional TCM interpretation, experience of recent research studies and our experimental findings, a few component herbs in Formulae 1 & 2 would be tentatively selected for a new formula. They were Radix Rehmanniae, Radix Astragali, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, Rhizoma Alismatis, Cortex Moutan and Rhizoma Smilacis Chinensis. Whether the new formula could give better efficacy would need to be tested in new clinical trials and experimental models. (Abstract shortened by UMI.) / Diabetes mellitus has long been a clinical problem for hundreds of years. More than 194 million people in the world now suffer from the disorder. About 15% of all diabetic patients would develop unhealing foot ulcers which compile significant proportion of nontraumatic lower-extremity amputations. Basing on the clinical experience of Prof. Xi Jiu Yi in Shanghai, literature review and an innovative interpretation of traditional Chinese medicine, two formulae (F1 & F2) derived from a well known herbal formula: the "Pills of Six Drugs with Rehmannia" were created for clinical trials. With the early successful limb salvage rate of over 80% observed in a clinical series studied at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, multi-directional studies on the two formulae were carried out. The aim was to find out the clinical efficacy of Formulae 1 & 2, and their component herbs, and the biological mechanism of action. A series of in-vitro, ex-vivo and in-vivo experimental models were completed for the latter purposes. / Granulation formation is an important issue essential for ulcer healing. Therefore a CRL-7522 fibroblast cell line and primary fibrobass from eight diabetic foot ulcer patients (ex-vivo) were used to detect the granulation enhancing activities of the Formulae 1 & 2 and component herbs. The two formulae and some of their component herbs viz, Radix Astragali (HQ), Radix Rehmanniae (SD) and Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (BZ) showed significant enhancement effects on the cell viability and apparently facilitated granulation formation. Hence the Formulae 1 & 2, and the three component herbs were selected for further studies. The other nine component herbs of the formulae were found to have no significant enhancing effects on cell viability. With an established diabetic rat model (n0 STZ and n5 STZ), a piece of full-thickness skin was removed from the foot of the rat to develop a diabetic rat foot ulcer model. The ulcer area was measured by a specially designed area measuring programme, namely the Image Analytical Programme. The ulcer areas and their percentage reductions over time were recorded and analysed using statistical multilevel models with adjustments for weight, blood glucose level and the presence of extra ulcers. Results revealed that the ulcer area was significantly reduced by the Formulae 1 & 2, and one of their component herbs, Radix Rehmanniae (SD). / Lau Tai-Wai. / "February 2005." / Adviser: Ping Chung Leung. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-01, Section: B, page: 0197. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 292-310). / 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, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

Chan, Wing Lung. / Thesis (M.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 111-130). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Title --- p.i / Acknowledgements --- p.ii / Table of Content --- p.iii / List of Tables --- p.viii / List of Figures --- p.xi / List of Graphs --- p.xii / Abbreviations --- p.xiv / Abstract --- p.xv / Abstract (Chinese) --- p.xvii / Chapter Chapter 1: --- General Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Diabetes Mellitus --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Type 1 diabetes mellitus --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Type 2 diabetes mellitus --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Gestational diabetes mellitus --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2 --- Diabetic Pregnancy --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Incidence of congenital malformations in diabetic pregnancy --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Long term complications in the infant of diabetic mother --- p.7 / Chapter 1.3 --- Hyperglycemia --- p.7 / Chapter 1.4 --- Oxidative Stress --- p.8 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes --- p.8 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Cellular function of oxidative stress --- p.9 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- Adverse effects of excess oxidative stress during embryogenesis --- p.9 / Chapter 1.5 --- Retinoic Acid --- p.10 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- Function of RA during embryonic development --- p.10 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- RA synthesis and degradation --- p.10 / Chapter 1.5.3 --- Mechanisms of retinoic acid signaling : --- p.12 / Chapter 1.5.4 --- Developmental genes regulated by RA --- p.12 / Chapter 1.6 --- Strategy of the Thesis --- p.14 / Chapter Chapter 2: --- General Materials and Methods / Chapter 2.1 --- Animals --- p.17 / Chapter 2.2 --- Induction of Diabetes --- p.17 / Chapter 2.3 --- Mating Methods --- p.18 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Mice --- p.18 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Rats --- p.18 / Chapter 2.4 --- Whole Mount In Situ Hybridization --- p.19 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Synthesis of DNA plasmids and riboprobes --- p.19 / Chapter 2.4.1.1 --- Mini-scale preparation of plasmid DNA --- p.19 / Chapter 2.4.1.2 --- Linearization of DNA plasmid --- p.20 / Chapter 2.4.1.3 --- In vitro transcription and labeling --- p.21 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Fixation and dehydration of embryos --- p.22 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Hybridization with RNA probes --- p.23 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- Post-hybridization wash --- p.24 / Chapter 2.4.4.1 --- Pre-absorption of anti-DIG antibody --- p.25 / Chapter 2.4.4.2 --- Embryo powder preparation --- p.25 / Chapter 2.4.5 --- Post antibody wash and signal development --- p.25 / Chapter 2.5 --- Real-time Quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) --- p.26 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Sample collection and storage --- p.26 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Total RNA extraction --- p.27 / Chapter 2.5.3 --- Reverse transcription --- p.28 / Chapter 2.5.4 --- Quantitative real-time PCR --- p.28 / Chapter 2.5.5 --- Preparation of cDNA standards for real-time PCR --- p.29 / Chapter 2.6 --- RA-responsive Cell Line --- p.29 / Chapter 2.6.1 --- Cell culture --- p.30 / Chapter 2.6.2 --- Seeding 96-well plate with RA-responsive cells --- p.31 / Chapter 2.6.3 --- Applying samples to 96-well plate coated with RA-responsive cells --- p.31 / Chapter 2.6.4 --- β-galactosidase staining --- p.32 / Chapter 2.7 --- Separation of Protein Isoforms by Isoelectric Focusing (IEF) --- p.33 / Chapter 2.7.1 --- Preparing protein samples for IEF --- p.33 / Chapter 2.7.2 --- Isoelectric focusing --- p.33 / Chapter 2.7.3 --- IEF native gel staining --- p.34 / Chapter 2.7.4 --- Locating three retinaldehyde dehydrogenase (Raldh) isoforms --- p.35 / Chapter 2.8 --- In Vitro RA Synthesizing Reaction --- p.36 / Chapter Chapter 3: --- Effect of Maternal Diabetes on Retinoic Acid Synthesis in the Mouse Embryo / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.38 / Chapter 3.2 --- Experimental Design --- p.41 / Chapter 3.3 --- Materials and Methods --- p.42 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Sample collection --- p.42 / Chapter 3.3.1.1 --- Criteria for selecting embryos at the same developmental stage --- p.42 / Chapter 3.3.1.2 --- Sample collection for in situ hybridization --- p.42 / Chapter 3.3.1.3 --- Sample collection for real-time quantitative RT-PCR --- p.43 / Chapter 3.3.1.4 --- Sample collection for in vitro RA synthesizing reaction --- p.44 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Statistical analyses --- p.45 / Chapter 3.4 --- Results --- p.46 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- "Comparison of the in situ expression pattern of Raldh 1, Raldh2 and Raldh3 between embryos of diabetic and non-diabetic mice" --- p.46 / Chapter 3.4.1.1 --- In situ hybridization patterns of Raldh 1 --- p.46 / Chapter 3.4.1.2 --- In situ hybridization patterns of Raldhl --- p.46 / Chapter 3.4.1.3 --- In situ hybridization patterns of Raldh3 --- p.47 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- "Comparison of the relative expression level of Raldh 1, Raldh2 and Raldh3 between embryos of diabetic and non-diabetic mice at different developmental stages" --- p.48 / Chapter 3.4.2.1 --- Relative expression levels of Raldh 1 --- p.50 / Chapter 3.4.2.2 --- Relative expression levels of Raldh2 --- p.50 / Chapter 3.4.2.3 --- Relative expression levels of Raldh3 --- p.51 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Comparison of the in vitro RA synthesizing activity of Raldh 1 Raldh2 and Raldh3 enzymes between embryos of diabetic and non-diabetic mice at different developmental stages --- p.52 / Chapter 3.5 --- Discussion --- p.55 / Chapter Chapter 4: --- Effect of Hyperglycemia on Retinoic Acid Synthesis / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.59 / Chapter 4.2 --- Experimental Design --- p.61 / Chapter 4.3 --- Materials and Methods --- p.64 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Phlorizin treatment --- p.64 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Whole rat embryo culture --- p.64 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Preparation of rat serum --- p.65 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- In situ hybridization --- p.66 / Chapter 4.3.5 --- Real-time quantitative RT-PCR --- p.66 / Chapter 4.3.6 --- In vitro RA synthesizing reaction --- p.68 / Chapter 4.3.7 --- Statistical analyses --- p.68 / Chapter 4.4 --- Results --- p.70 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- "Comparison of the relative expression level of Raldh 1, Raldh2 and Raldh3 between embryos of diabetic and non-diabetic mice injected with phlorizin or suspension vehicle as control" --- p.70 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Comparison of the in vitro RA synthesizing activity of different isoforms of Raldh enzymes between embryos of diabetic and non-diabetic mice injected with phlorizin or suspension vehicle as control --- p.73 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- In situ expression pattern of Raldh2 in rat embryos cultured in medium containing varying concentrations of D-glucose --- p.77 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- Relative expression levels of Raldh2 in rat embryos cultured in medium supplemented with varying concentrations of D-glucose --- p.78 / Chapter 4.4.5 --- In vitro RA synthesizing activity ofRaldh2 in rat embryos cultured in medium supplemented with varying concentrations of D-glucose --- p.79 / Chapter 4.5 --- Discussion : --- p.82 / Chapter Chapter 5: --- In Vitro Supplementation with RA Rescued Rat Embryos from Hyperglycemia-induced Congenital Malformations / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.86 / Chapter 5.2 --- Experimental Design --- p.88 / Chapter 5.3 --- Materials and Methods --- p.89 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Preparation of RA --- p.89 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Supplementation of RA to rat embryos in culture --- p.89 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Morphological scoring system --- p.90 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Statistical analyses --- p.90 / Chapter 5.4 --- Results --- p.92 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Supplementation with RA rescued embryos from hyperglyce- miainduced malformations --- p.92 / Chapter 5.5 --- Discussion --- p.101 / Chapter Chapter 6: --- Conclusion and Future Perspectives / Chapter 6.1 --- Conclusion and Future Perspectives --- p.106 / References --- p.111

<p>This thesis evaluates surgical correction in patients with paralytic scoliosis with emphasis on function and activity. The thesis includes four studies of 100 consecutive patients preoperatively evaluated and surgically corrected between 1992 and 1996 at Linköping University Hospital. Eighteen different diagnoses were represented. The postoperative follow-ups were at one year and in average seven years. Six patients dropped out during the first year and twelve during the long-term follow-up period. The assessments included general information, lung function, and measurements of radiographs, function and activity - seating posture, ADL, pain, care and need for rest. The patients or relatives view on the effects of surgery were evaluated in follow-up questionnaires.</p><p>The preoperative results of the 100 patients described a heterogeneous group in terms of function and activity. Even when the patients were grouped into subgroups according to the Scoliosis Research Society classification, they remained heterogeneous. In patients who could understand verbal instructions assessments that needed co-operation could be used and in those who could not understand verbal instructions, assessments relied more heavily on measures of function and level of dependence. Preoperative results of weight distribution on the seating surface were explained by thoracolumbar/lumbar spinal imbalance and pelvic obliquity R²=0.45 (n=45).</p><p>The one-year follow-up of 94 patients showed improvements in angle of scoliosis, sitting balance, weight distribution to the seating surface, seating supports in the wheelchair, time needed for rest. The results in subgroups were almost the same as in the whole group. The subjective results for patients or relatives in the follow-up questionnaire showed a positive outcome of surgery. In the comparison between the one-year follow-up and the long-term follow-up there were further improvements in sitting balance, ADL, and care given, but the angle of scoliosis was increased. These results were in line with patients’ and relatives’ assessments in the follow-up questionnaire and in the open-ended questions.</p><p>Due to the heterogeneity of patients with paralytic scoliosis, irrespective of disorder, it is important to focus on different subgroups with regards to the patients’ total situation. The surgically corrected and stabilised spine resulted in the strength to keep the body upright with improvements in function, activity and possibilities to belong in social activities. Further improvements were shown between the one-year follow-up and the long-term follow-up. It is recommended that patients who have been surgically corrected for paralytic scoliosis are followed for more than one year.</p>

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 85-102).

This thesis evaluates surgical correction in patients with paralytic scoliosis with emphasis on function and activity. The thesis includes four studies of 100 consecutive patients preoperatively evaluated and surgically corrected between 1992 and 1996 at Linköping University Hospital. Eighteen different diagnoses were represented. The postoperative follow-ups were at one year and in average seven years. Six patients dropped out during the first year and twelve during the long-term follow-up period. The assessments included general information, lung function, and measurements of radiographs, function and activity - seating posture, ADL, pain, care and need for rest. The patients or relatives view on the effects of surgery were evaluated in follow-up questionnaires. The preoperative results of the 100 patients described a heterogeneous group in terms of function and activity. Even when the patients were grouped into subgroups according to the Scoliosis Research Society classification, they remained heterogeneous. In patients who could understand verbal instructions assessments that needed co-operation could be used and in those who could not understand verbal instructions, assessments relied more heavily on measures of function and level of dependence. Preoperative results of weight distribution on the seating surface were explained by thoracolumbar/lumbar spinal imbalance and pelvic obliquity R2=0.45 (n=45). The one-year follow-up of 94 patients showed improvements in angle of scoliosis, sitting balance, weight distribution to the seating surface, seating supports in the wheelchair, time needed for rest. The results in subgroups were almost the same as in the whole group. The subjective results for patients or relatives in the follow-up questionnaire showed a positive outcome of surgery. In the comparison between the one-year follow-up and the long-term follow-up there were further improvements in sitting balance, ADL, and care given, but the angle of scoliosis was increased. These results were in line with patients’ and relatives’ assessments in the follow-up questionnaire and in the open-ended questions. Due to the heterogeneity of patients with paralytic scoliosis, irrespective of disorder, it is important to focus on different subgroups with regards to the patients’ total situation. The surgically corrected and stabilised spine resulted in the strength to keep the body upright with improvements in function, activity and possibilities to belong in social activities. Further improvements were shown between the one-year follow-up and the long-term follow-up. It is recommended that patients who have been surgically corrected for paralytic scoliosis are followed for more than one year.

The aims of the studies was to evaluate the short and long term effects on the development of parastomal hernia and stoma complications of a prophylactic prosthetic mesh placed in a sublay position at the index operation.  Also the purpose was to validate a definition of parastomal hernia at clinical examination and a method and a definition of parastomal hernia at CT-scan. In the first two studies 27 patients were randomized to a conventional stoma or to a stoma with the addition of a partly absorbable low weight large pore mesh in sublay position. Patients were examined after one and five years.  After five years the rate of parastomal hernia was 80% with a conventional stoma and 14% with the addition of a mesh.  A prophylactic mesh did not increase the rate of complications. In the third study a prophylactic mesh was intended at stoma formation in 93 consecutive patients in routine surgery. In 75 patients provided with a mesh the rate of parastomal hernia after one year was 13%. Complication rates were not increased in 19 severely contaminated wounds. In the fourth study 27 patients with ostomies were examined by tree surgeons and parastomal hernia was defined as any protrusion in the vicinity of the stoma. CT-scans with patients examined in the supine and prone positions were assessed by three radiologists. Herniation was then defined as any intra abdominal content protruding beyond peritoneum or the presence of a hernia sac. Kappa was 0.85 for surgeons and 0.85 for radiologists with CT-scan in the prone position. Kappa was 0.80 for surgeons and radiologists collectively, with CT-scan in the prone position. Four parastomal hernias detected at CT-scan in the prone position could not be detected in the supine position. A parastomal hernia diagnosed at clinical examination was always detected at CT-scan in the prone position. Conclusions: A prophylactic mesh placed in a sublay position at the index operation reduces the rate of parastomal hernia without increasing the rate of complications. Parastomal hernia should at clinical examination be defined as any protrusion in the vicinity of the stoma with the patient straining in the supine and erect positions.  At CT-scan, with the patient examined in the prone position, herniation should be defined as any intra abdominal content protruding beyond peritoneum or the presence of a hernia sac. / Embargo, publiceras 2011-05-01

Lic.-avh. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karolinska institutet, 2010.

A descriptive survey with 19 Speech-Language Therapists from public health and four from private health was used to obtain an overview of Speech-Language Therapy services for children with cleft lip and/or palate from birth to three years in the KwaZulu-Natal Health Sector. Results are presented for public health, as none of the four private based respondents worked with cleft lip and/or palate from birth to three years. The number of Speech-Language Therapists (9) working with cleft lip and/or palate (0-3 years) in KwaZulu-Natal appears not to have changed significantly over the past two to three years, similar to the incidence of cleft lip and/or palate births. Reasons for Speech-Language Therapists not working with this population included poor referrals and caseloads comprising of clients older than three years. A team approach to cleft care appears challenging but showing development. There are currently four institutions where professionals function as multidisciplinary teams, consisting mainly of Speech-Language Therapists, doctors and nurses. Speech-Language Therapists’ assessments include case history taking, oral peripheral examination, observational feeding assessment and speech-language assessment. Most therapists are consulted within a few days of the birth, which is consistent with international guidelines. Audiological assessment and assessment of resonance were mentioned by a minority of participants. Feeding devices for cleft lip and/or palate are not always available immediately, and hence appears contradictory to the National Rehabilitation Policy. Recommendations include undertaking similar research in other provinces, so as to build a nationwide overview of services for South African children with cleft lip and/or palate. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2011.