Global ETD Search

331	ADVANCED STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN CHRONIC LOW BACK PA Jones, Gavin 10 1900 (has links) <p>An objective measure of muscular low back pain (LBP) symptoms eludes clinicians. This study assessed efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar multifidus using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal fractal dimension (FD) analysis and muscle cross sectional area (CSA) in LBP assessment. MRI results were compared to two questionnaires, the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analog score (VAS).</p> <p>Right-left asymmetry in both DTI metrics and T2-weighted (T2W) CSA were greater in the injured. Also, asymmetry measures were correlated with body mass index (BMI) but not age, height, or level of physical activity (measured via Godin activity questionnaire). The relationship between asymmetry and LBP symptoms in T2W and DTI scans increased for subjects with BMI below 35kg/m<sup>2</sup>.</p> <p>BOLD FD did not scale with LBP symptoms. However, FD analysis showed promise following therapeutic Swedish massage, hypothesized as being related to local perfusion changes, indicating that FD is sensitive to changes in the lumbar muscle, just not LBP symptoms. Thus the BOLD FD does change with treatment, just not with the symptoms of LBP.</p> <p>When combining data from multiple scan types, the symptoms of LBP correlated best with the unweighted mean of DTI fractional anisotropy (FA) and T2W CSA asymmetry, and the correlation was greatest (R<sup>2</sup>=0.88) when only <em>symptomatic (not both symptomatic and control)</em> subjects with BMIs from 18-25kg/m<sup>2</sup> were considered. From these results there appears to be clinical utility in characterizing the symptoms of non-acute LBP using DTI and CSA.</p> / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Low Back Pain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Diffusion Tensor Imaging Blood Oxygen level Dependent MRI Erector Spinae Multifidus Bioimaging and biomedical optics Musculoskeletal System Other Kinesiology Other Life Sciences Bioimaging and biomedical optics
332	Gender Differences in High Sensitivity C - Reactive Protein and Self-Reported Muscle Strengthening Activity Among U.S. Adults Richardson, Michael R 01 January 2014 (has links) Objectives: We sought to examine the gender differences between C - reactive protein (CRP) and muscle strengthening activity (MSA) in U.S. adults (≥20 years of age) Background: Elevated levels of CRP have been shown to be associated with an increase in risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Studies analyzing the relationship between physical activity (PA) and CRP by gender have produced mixed results. Methods: The sample (n=9,135) included participants in the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Three categories of reported MSA participation were created: no MSA (referent group), some MSA (≥1 to/wk), and meeting the 2008 Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recommendation (>2 d/wk). The dependent variable was elevated CRP (>3 to 10 mg/L). Results: Gender stratified analysis revealed significantly lower odds of having elevated CRP for women reporting some MSA (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.45-0.83, P=0.0023), or volumes of MSA meeting the DHHS recommendation (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.54-0.82, P=0.0004). Significantly lower odds of men having elevated CRP was observed in those reporting MSA volumes meeting the recommendation (OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.61-0.88, P=0.0011). Following adjustment for waist circumference (WC) these odds remained significant in men but not women. Conclusions: Women reporting any MSA were found to have lower odds of having elevated CRP when compared to those reporting no MSA prior to adjustment for WC. Significantly lower odds in men were only observed in those meeting the recommendation. These results suggest that WC may mediate the associations between MSA and CRP and this relationship may be stronger in women. Thesis University of North Florida UNF Dissertations Dissertation Academic -- UNF – Health Science Muscle Strengthening Activity Physical Activity Inflammation C - Reactive Protein Gender Differences Medicine and Health Sciences Musculoskeletal System
333	The role of STAT3 in osteoclast mediated bone resorption Himes, Evan 01 August 2014 (has links) Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) is known to be related to bone metabolism. Mutation of STAT3 causes a rare disorder in which serum levels of IgE are elevated. This causes various skeletal problems similar to osteoporosis. To examine the effect of STAT3 in the osteoclast, we obtained two osteoclast specific STAT3 knockout mouse models: one using the CTSK promoter to drive Cre recombinase and another using a TRAP promoter. Examination of these mice at 8 weeks of age revealed a decreased trabecular bone volume in CTSK specific STAT3 knockout mice along with a slight decrease in osteoclast number in both CTSK and TRAP specific STAT3 knockout females. We also noticed changes in bone mineral density and bone mechanical strength in females. These data suggest that STAT3 plays a part in the function of the osteoclast. STAT3 Osteoclast Bone Bone -- Density -- Research Bones -- Metabolism -- Disorders Bone cells -- Research Bones -- Diseases Mineral metabolism -- Disorders Osteoclasts Bone resorption Animal models in research Bone -- Composition Bone densitometry Bone remodeling Transgenic mice -- Research Genetic regulation Immunoglobulin E Serum Biomineralization Biotechnology
334	The essential role of Stat3 in bone homeostasis and mechanotransduction Zhou, Hongkang January 2014 (has links) Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (Stat3) is a transcription factor expressed in bone and joint cells that include osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts, and chondrocytes. Stat3 is activated by a variety of cytokines and growth factors, including IL-6/gp130 family cytokines. These cytokines not only regulate the differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, but also regulate proliferation of chondrocytes through Stat3 activation. In 2007, mutations of Stat3 have been confirmed to cause a rare human immunodeficiency disease – Job syndrome which presents skeletal abnormalities like: reduced bone density (osteopenia), scoliosis, hyperextensibility of joints, and recurrent pathological bone fractures. Changes in the Stat3 gene alter the structure and function of the Stat3 proteins, impairing its ability to control the activity of other genes. However, little is known about the effects of Stat3 mutations on bone cells and tissues. To investigate the in vivo physiological role of Stat3 in bone homeostasis, osteoblast/osteocyte-specific Stat3 knockout (KO) mice were generated via the Cre-LoxP recombination system. The osteoblast/osteocyte-specific Stat3 KO mice showed bone abnormalities and an osteoporotic phenotype because of a reduced bone formation rate. Furthermore, inactivation of Stat3 decreased load-driven bone formation, and the disruption of Stat3 in osteoblasts suppressed load-driven mitochondrial activity, which led to an elevated level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cultured primary osteoblasts. Stat3 has been found to be responsive to mechanical stimulation, and might play an important role in mechanical signal transduction in osteocytes. To investigate the role Stat3 plays in mechanical signaling transduction, osteocyte-specific Stat3 knockout (KO) mice were created. Inactivation of Stat3 in osteocytes presented a significantly reduced load-driven bone formation. Decreased osteoblast activity indicated by reduced osteoid surface was also found in osteocyte-specific Stat3 KO mice. Moreover, sclerostin (SOST) protein which is a critical osteocyte-specific inhibitor of bone formation, its encoded gene SOST expression has been found to be enhanced in osteocyte-specific Stat3 KO mice. Thus, these results clearly demonstrated that Stat3 plays an important role in bone homeostasis and mechanotransduction, and Stat3 is not only involved in bone-formation-important genes regulation in the nucleus but also in mediation of ROS and oxidative stress in mitochondria. Bone formation Osteoblast Osteocyte Mechanotransduction Bones -- Growth -- Molecular aspects Human mechanics Bones -- Physiology Biomechanics -- Research Bones -- Metabolism -- Disorders Osteocytes -- Research Osteoblasts -- Research Osteoclasts -- Research Bone cells -- Research Cellular signal transduction -- Research Transcription factors -- Research Bone remodeling
335	Aromatase inhibitors produce hypersensitivity in experimental models of pain : studies in vivo and in isolated sensory neurons Robarge, Jason Dennis January 2014 (has links) Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are the current standard of care for the treatment of hormone receptor positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Nearly one-half of patients receiving AI therapy develop musculoskeletal toxicity that is characterized by joint and/or muscle pain and approximately one-fourth of patients discontinue their therapy as a result of musculoskeletal pain. Since there are no effective strategies for prevention or treatment, insight into the mechanisms of AI-induced pain is critical to improve treatment. However, there are few studies of AI effects in animal models of nociception. To determine whether AIs produce hypersensitivity in animal models of pain, I examined the effects of AI administration on mechanical, thermal, and chemical sensitivity in rats. The results demonstrate that (1) repeated injection of 5 mg/kg letrozole in male rats produces mechanical, but not thermal, hypersensitivity that extinguishes when drug dosing is stopped; (2) administering a single dose of 1 or 5 mg/kg letrozole in ovariectomized (OVX) rats also induces mechanical hypersensitivity, without altering thermal sensitivity and (3) a single dose of 5 mg/kg letrozole or daily dosing of letrozole or exemestane in male rats augments flinching behavior induced by intraplantar ATP injection. To determine whether the effects of AIs on nociceptive behaviors are mediated by activation or sensitization of peptidergic sensory neurons, I determined whether letrozole exposure alters release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from isolated rat sensory neurons and from sensory nerve endings in rat spinal cord slices. No changes in basal, capsaicin-evoked or high extracellular potassium-evoked CGRP release were observed in sensory neuronal cultures acutely or chronically exposed to letrozole. Furthermore, letrozole exposure did not alter the ability of ATP to augment CGRP release from sensory neurons in culture. Finally, chronic letrozole treatment did not augment neuropeptide release from spinal cord slices. Taken together, these results do not support altered release of this neuropeptide into the spinal cord as mediator of letrozole-induced mechanical hypersensitivity and suggest the involvement of other mechanisms. Results from this dissertation provide a new experimental model for AI-induced hypersensitivity that could be beneficial in delineating mechanisms mediating pain during AI therapy. aromatase aromatase inhibitor musculoskeletal pain neuropeptide nociception sensory neuron behavior Aromatase -- Therapeutic use -- Research Aromatase -- Inhibitors -- Side effects Breast -- Cancer -- Chemotherapy Breast -- Cancer -- Hormone therapy Drugs -- Side effects Nociceptors -- Behavior Myalgia Neuropeptides -- Research Nociceptors -- Physiology
336	'n Ergonomiese studie oor oorhoofse kraanoperateurs se werksomgewing en beroepsgesondheid Bezuidenhout, Sussanna Maria 11 1900 (has links) Text in Afrikaans / Summaries in English and Afrikaans / This study aims to investigate the relation between a crane operator in a slab handlingarea's experience of his/her work environment and occupational health. A study of the literature leads one to the conclusion that the nature of crane operators' work environment may cause health problems. According to the literature crane operators are high risk cases regarding musculoskeletal disorders. The empirical study affirms that there are risk factors present in the crane operator's work environment, which may influence his/her occupational health. It is statistically proven that there is a meaningful difference between crane operators with a negative experience of the work environment and crane operators with a positive experience of the work environment, and the amount of illnesses experienced by crane operators as well as their general health. Recommendations are made regarding training, adjustability and flexibility of the work station, job rotation, job expansion and enrichment, and social contact. / Die doel van die studie is om die verband tussen 'n kraanoperateur in 'n platblokhanteringsarea se ervaring van sy/haar werksomgewing en beroepsgesondheid te ondersoek. Die literatuurstudie lei tot die gevolgtrekking dat die aard van kraanoperateurs se werksomgewing aanleiding kan gee tot gesondheidsprobleme. Volgens die literatuur is kraanoperateurs hoerisikogevalle ten opsigte van spierskeletstelselbeserings. Die empiriese studie bevestig dat daar risikofaktore voorkom in die kraanoperateur se werksomgewing wat sy/haar beroepsgesondheid kan be"invloed. Statisties is bewys dat daar 'n betekenisvolle verskil is tussen kraanoperateurs met 'n negatiewe ervaring van die werksomgewing en kraanoperateurs met 'n positiewe ervaring van die werksomgewing en die hoeveelheid siektetoestande wat kraanoperateurs ervaar, en die algemene gesondheid van kraanoperateurs. Aanbevelings om risikofaktore te beheer word gemaak ten opsigte van opleiding, verstelbaarheid en buigbaarheid van die werkstasie, posrotasie, posverbreding en - verryking, en sosiale kontak. / Industrial Psychology / M. Com (Industrial Psychology) Occupational health Crane operator Ergonomics Body posture Whole-body vibration Subjective work environment Stress Social support Boredom Shiftwork Musculoskeletal disorders Back pain Kidney problems Neck pain Shoulder pain and arm pain 363.119621873 Environmental health Job stress Environmental psychology Health Occupational diseases Industrial safety Hazardous occupations Working class Work environment Shift systems -- Psychological aspects Night work Shift systems -- Health aspects Work -- Physiological aspects. Work -- Psychological aspects Arthritis Musculoskeletal system -- Diseases Bones -- Diseases. Muscles -- Diseases Joints -- Diseases Posture
337	'n Ergonomiese studie oor oorhoofse kraanoperateurs se werksomgewing en beroepsgesondheid Bezuidenhout, Sussanna Maria 11 1900 (has links) Text in Afrikaans / Summaries in English and Afrikaans / This study aims to investigate the relation between a crane operator in a slab handlingarea's experience of his/her work environment and occupational health. A study of the literature leads one to the conclusion that the nature of crane operators' work environment may cause health problems. According to the literature crane operators are high risk cases regarding musculoskeletal disorders. The empirical study affirms that there are risk factors present in the crane operator's work environment, which may influence his/her occupational health. It is statistically proven that there is a meaningful difference between crane operators with a negative experience of the work environment and crane operators with a positive experience of the work environment, and the amount of illnesses experienced by crane operators as well as their general health. Recommendations are made regarding training, adjustability and flexibility of the work station, job rotation, job expansion and enrichment, and social contact. / Die doel van die studie is om die verband tussen 'n kraanoperateur in 'n platblokhanteringsarea se ervaring van sy/haar werksomgewing en beroepsgesondheid te ondersoek. Die literatuurstudie lei tot die gevolgtrekking dat die aard van kraanoperateurs se werksomgewing aanleiding kan gee tot gesondheidsprobleme. Volgens die literatuur is kraanoperateurs hoerisikogevalle ten opsigte van spierskeletstelselbeserings. Die empiriese studie bevestig dat daar risikofaktore voorkom in die kraanoperateur se werksomgewing wat sy/haar beroepsgesondheid kan be"invloed. Statisties is bewys dat daar 'n betekenisvolle verskil is tussen kraanoperateurs met 'n negatiewe ervaring van die werksomgewing en kraanoperateurs met 'n positiewe ervaring van die werksomgewing en die hoeveelheid siektetoestande wat kraanoperateurs ervaar, en die algemene gesondheid van kraanoperateurs. Aanbevelings om risikofaktore te beheer word gemaak ten opsigte van opleiding, verstelbaarheid en buigbaarheid van die werkstasie, posrotasie, posverbreding en - verryking, en sosiale kontak. / Industrial Psychology / M. Com (Industrial Psychology) Occupational health Crane operator Ergonomics Body posture Whole-body vibration Subjective work environment Stress Social support Boredom Shiftwork Musculoskeletal disorders Back pain Kidney problems Neck pain Shoulder pain and arm pain 363.119621873 Environmental health Job stress Environmental psychology Health Occupational diseases Industrial safety Hazardous occupations Working class Work environment Shift systems -- Psychological aspects Night work Shift systems -- Health aspects Work -- Physiological aspects. Work -- Psychological aspects Arthritis Musculoskeletal system -- Diseases Bones -- Diseases. Muscles -- Diseases Joints -- Diseases Posture
338	Posttraumatic stress disorder and chronic musculoskeletal pain : how are they related? Peng, Xiaomei 11 July 2014 (has links) Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are a common comorbidity in veterans seeking treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP). However, little is known regarding the mutual influence of PTSD and CMP in this population. Using cross-sectional and longitudinal data from a randomized clinical trial evaluating a stepped care intervention for CMP in Iraq/Afghanistan veterans (ESCAPE), this dissertation examined the relationships between PTSD and CMP along with other factors including depression, anxiety, catastrophizing and health-related quality of life. The Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis was conducted to identify key factors associated with baseline PTSD besides CMP severity. A series of statistical analyses including logistical regression analysis, mixed model repeated measure analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and cross-lagged panel analysis via structural equation modeling were conducted to test five competing models of PTSD symptom clusters, and to examine the mutual influences of PTSD symptom clusters and CMP outcomes. Results showed baseline pain intensity and pain disability predicted PTSD at 9 months. And baseline PTSD predicted improvement of pain disability at 9 months. Moreover, direct relationships were found between PTSD and the disability component of CMP, and indirect relationships were found between PTSD, CMP and CMP components (intensity and disability) mediated by depression, anxiety and pain catastrophizing. Finally, the coexistence of PTSD and more severe pain was associated with worse SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores. Together these findings provided empirical support for the mutual maintenance theory. POSTTRAUMATIC PTSD MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN CHRONIC PAIN STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING CART Chronic pain -- Prevention Chronic diseases Structural equation modeling Multivariate analysis -- Research Quality of life Myalgia Iraq War, 2003-2011 Clinical trials -- Research Therapeutics -- Decision making Longitudinal method Factor analysis Trees (Graph theory) Regression analysis War -- Psychological aspects

Search results