No description available.

Abstract To facilitate the diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia, we wanted to create a simple and rapid method for diagnosing familial hypercholesterolemia in a homogenous population. The PCR method for the FH-Helsinki mutation detected 25 FH-Helsinki positive patients, two of whom had no clinical signs of FH, but had a positive family history for the disease. The method is exceptionally useful in Northern Finland, where 62% of the FH patients carry the FH-Helsinki mutation. The role of polymorphisms and mutations of the apo B particle as etiologic factors of hypercholesterolemia was studied in a population of moderately hypercholesterolemic individuals. The catabolism of the patients' own LDL was compared to that of a healthy and normocholesterolemic donor, and no major differences were observed. However, the presence of the XbaI cutting site was associated with elevated cholesterol values and a slightly lowered LDL catabolic rate. Patients homozygous for the EcoRI cutting site also had a slow LDL catabolic rate and slightly elevated cholesterol values. The MspI and Ins/del polymorphisms of the apo B particle were not associated with variations in LDL catabolism. The e 4 allele of apolipoprotein E was slightly more frequent in our hypercholesterolemic population than in the average population. The lipid values did not differ significantly between the apo E phenotypes in moderately hypercholesterolemic individuals, nor could we detect any differences in the catabolic rates of their LDL according to the apo E phenotype (individuals with the phenotype apo E 2/2 were excluded from the study). In our population of CAD patients, the frequency of the e 4 allele was lower than in CAD populations from Southern Finland (0.23 vs. 0.32), suggesting that apo E 4 is not so strongly associated with coronary disease in Northern Finland as in other populations. The E 4 phenotype was associated with slightly smaller LDL cholesterol reductions by colestipol and lovastatin treatment compared with patients with the phenotype 2/3. The lipid risk factors of male and female CAD patients were studied in a group of patients admitted to one ward of the Oulu University Hospital. We found the males to have the typical high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol lipid pattern, but women with two- or three-vessel CAD had high LDL and low HDL cholesterol associated with high VLDL lipids, and hypertension, diabetes or smoking. Pharmacological treatment of hypercholesterolemia was studied by comparing lovastatin to colestipol, and in a separate study where a new drug, enprostil was used. Enprostil, whose main effect is on the gastrointestinal tract, would be a useful alternative for long-term treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Unfortunately, however, gastrointestinal side-effects limit its long-term use. Colestipol reduced plasma LDL cholesterol and elevated plasma HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, but it, too, caused gastrointestinal side-effects. Lovastatin proved to be the most effective cholesterol-lowering drug with the least side-effects, and statins have now been established as the most widely used hypocholesterolemic drugs.

Submitted to the department of psychology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master’s in Clinical Psychology in the faculty of Arts at the University of Zululand, 2018. / This study focused on exploring the different meanings that young South African Sesotho speaking males have about male circumcision. The believe is that due to the differences in the experiences, this should instigate for different constructs about the phenomenon. Trying to narrow the study, two groups of young Sesotho speaking males where established to work with comparatively; these are males which are medically circumcised and those that are traditionally circumcised. This study aimed at understanding the different social constructs which young circumcised Sesotho speaking males have to the phenomenon. The researcher followed a qualitative research method trying to unravel the topic. The researcher used snowball sampling to source his participant. The researcher gathered his data via personal interviews with participants and later analyzed it using IPA. It appeared that the meaning towards this phenomenon is really socially constructed rather than being universal. It varies according to ones beliefs, which are dictated by an individuals’ cultural, religious, and ethnic background. For some it is still highly considered a rite of passage to manhood. However, a controversial debate which forms part of the meaning of the phenomenon for others is that it plays a significant role of reducing chances of contracting HIV and other STI’s. Another interesting issue related to this phenomenon is the subject of the psychological and physical risks and benefits linked to the procedure. The findings of this study suggested that, even though medical circumcision may be highly recommended, it still leaves a room for doubt whether it is really safer than traditional circumcision. The study discovered that medically circumcised males suffered from both physical and psychological complications. With the repelling forces between the two dimensions of the phenomenon (medical and traditional), considering the health and safety of these young males, the question at hand is that how will our nation strike a balance between the two and yet posses their different meanings attached to the phenomenon.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(理学) / 甲第19528号 / 理博第4188号 / 新制||理||1601(附属図書館) / 32564 / 京都大学大学院理学研究科生物科学専攻 / (主査)教授 中川 尚史, 教授 中務 真人, 教授 曽田 貞滋 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

Agency theory would predict that, given the presence of large or powerful shareholders in a company, agency costs would be reduced. Excessive executive compensation can be regarded as being an externality problem that stems from the agency problem. Agency theory would also then predict that executives in companies with large shareholders would receive less compensation and a larger proportion of long-term incentive-based compensation than companies with smaller shareholders. The validity of these two hypotheses has been tested using a unique cross-sectional, time series dataset and two statistical techniques. The first set of tests involve the construction of multiple regression models in order to provide evidence as to whether Chief Executive Officer (CEO) compensation is affected by institutional shareholders. The second method, using statistical tests of differences between means, involves separating the sample into two sub-samples, namely management- and owner-controlled firms, to ascertain whether these two groups remunerate their CEOs differently to each other, thus testing the hypotheses in an alternative manner to the regression models. This report examines whether the presence of institutional shareholders affects the level and mix of CEO compensation for 50 companies listed on the JSE Securities Exchange over the five-year period 2002-2006. Original findings on the value of share options awarded to CEOs are presented, along with the trends in the level and mix of CEO compensation. Further research findings also include trends in the level of institutional ownership of listed companies over this period. The results of both the regression models and tests for differences of means provide statistical evidence in support of the assertion that the presence of institutional shareholders do not have an effect on either the level or mix of CEO compensation. Suggested reasons for this result range from shareholder apathy, to not considering executive remuneration to be a significant enough issue for institutional shareholders, and finally to the suggestion that institutional shareholders perceive the level and mix of compensation paid to South African CEOs to be a fair reflection of their value to their company.

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No description available.

Background and Rationale: Creatine phosphate (PCr) is degraded 𝘷𝘪𝘢 the creatine kinase (CK) enzyme to provide energy to rephosphorylate ADP back to ATP during high-intensity muscle contractions. We, and others, have previously shown that dietary creatine (Cr) loading can improve performance in short-duration, high intensity exercise in males and females. An increase in fat-free mass has also been reported, which was higher for males compared to females. It was unknown whether dietary Cr loading increases intramuscular [Cr] equally in both genders. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of oral Cr loading upon [PCr] and [Cr] and exercise performance in both males and females. Methods: Twenty-seven healthy young subjects (n = 13 male, n = 14 female) participated in the investigation. Subjects performed an ischemic handgrip test, maximum voluntary contraction of dorsiflexors and knee extensors, a 30 s maximal cycling test (Wingate), and body composition (by DEXA scanning) was determined before and after supplementation with either Cr (n = 13) (5 g by mouth 4 •d⁻¹ x 5 d, followed by 5 g•d⁻¹ x 5 d) or placebo (pl; n = 14). Muscle biopsy samples were obtained before and after supplementation and were assayed for high-energy phosphates ([Cr], [PCr] and [ATP]). Results: Cr supplementation resulted in an increase in intramuscular total creatine concentration [TCr] (pl, 129.9 ± 13.8 to 132.9 ± 10.8 mMol•kg⁻¹ dw; Cr, 129.9 ± 11.6 to 146.4 ± 20.1 mMol•kg⁻¹ dw, p < 0.05) and a difference in [PCr] (pl, 72.8 ± 15.2 to 67.3 ± 4.3 mMol•kg⁻¹ dw; Cr, 70.9 ± 7.4 to 77.1 ± 13.2 mMol•kg⁻¹ dw), but had no effect on [Cr], and no differences in gender were observed. DEXA analysis showed no significant increase in total or fat-free mass; similarly, no improvements in maximum voluntary contractions were observed in either gender. In Wingate testing, males had a significant increase in peak power (pl, 971 ± 72 W to 989 ±76 W versus Cr, 994 ± 174 W to 1042 ± 154 W) and peak power per kilogram of body weight (pl, 12.8 ± 1.3 to 12.9 ± 1.1 W•kg⁻¹; Cr, 11.5 ± 1.1 to 12.1 ± 1.3 W•kg⁻¹) as a result of creatine supplementation, while females showed no significant difference. Conclusion: Creatine monohydrate supplementation at 20 g•d⁻¹ for 5 days resulted in an increase in muscle total creatine concentration for males and females, but did not affect body composition or maximum voluntary contraction. Males showed improved performance in absolute and relative peak power generation with supplementation while females did not. This may suggest that males and females respond differently to Cr supplementation. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

The current study focused on the challenging task of providing treatment to male batterers and the various factors that may positively affect the outcome of treatment. Group treatment has been shown to be a successful modality to working with partner abusers, due to the unique environment that is created where males interact with and establish relationships with other males. This male-male socialization may have potential positive effects on the course and outcome of therapy. This study sought to provide support for Jennings and Murphy’s theory of domestic violence that malefemale disrupted relationships have roots in disrupted male-male relationships and male identity issues and rigid gender role ideals. This study predicted that over the course of a 15-week court mandated domestic violence group, improving male-male relationships would be correlated with improvements in male identity issues and rigid sex role attitudes and improvements in male-female relationship issues. These expectations were supported by the research data. Additionally, it was expected that an improvement in same sex relationships would be related to an overall dimensional change in their attachment system. This hypothesis was not supported by the data. Moreover, process variables such as group climate and working alliance were also examined throughout the course of the group to shed light on any changes that were found. The results showed steadily increasing reports of positive working alliance ratings by counselors and clients, and increasing levels of group cohesion among the group members. The discussion and conclusions focus on the clinical significance of the study’s findings and include specific examples from the groups in this study. Implications for treatment with this population, limitations of the study, and suggestions for future research are also addressed.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago, Committee on Human Development, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.