過敏性疾病（如過敏性哮喘和過敏性皮炎）發病率在香港及世界均呈上升趨勢。過敏性哮喘是一種慢性反復發作的炎症疾病，而過敏性皮炎是一種慢性皮膚炎症。呼吸道細菌及金黃色葡萄球菌可分別加重過敏性哮喘病人氣道炎症及過敏性皮炎患者的炎症反應。人體對細菌的先天免疫反應主要通過模式識別受體(PRR)介導。NOD樣受體(NLR)和Toll樣受體(TLR)是兩種重要的PRR。 NLR 家族成員NOD2幾乎識別所有細菌中結構保守的胞壁醯二肽(MDP)。而LTR2識別範圍廣泛的病原相關分子模式，如革蘭氏陽性菌中的肽聚糖(PGN)和脂磷壁酸(LTA)，以及人工合成的脂蛋白Pam3CSK4。 / 本研究包括：NOD2配體MDP，哮喘相關的腫瘤壞死因子家族成員LIGHT對共培養的人嗜鹼性粒細胞和人支氣管上皮細胞的活化作用；熱滅活的金黃色葡萄球菌（HKSA），MDP，TLR2配體PGN，LTA，以及Pam3CSK4對共培養的人嗜鹼性粒細胞和人皮膚成纖維細胞的活化作用；在體內NLR配體對卵清蛋白(OVA)致敏的哮喘小鼠的作用。 / 研究發現，在共培養體系中，MDP能顯著增強嗜鹼性粒細胞與支氣管上皮細胞表面粘附因子（細胞間粘附因子ICAM-1 及血管細胞粘附因子VCAM-1）的表達。同時，MDP能顯著促進共培養體系中炎症相關細胞因子IL-6，趨化因子CXCL8及抗菌肽β-防禦素2的釋放。在MDP刺激下，支氣管上皮細胞是共培養體系中釋放IL-6，CXCL8及β-防禦素2的主要細胞。在MDP刺激下，嗜鹼性粒細胞中包括胞核因子-kappaB（NF-κB）在內的幾個核轉錄因子的表達上升。ICAM-1，VCAM-1，IL-6，CXCL8，及β-防禦素2的表達被信號分子化學抑制劑所抑制，結果表明，嗜鹼性粒細胞與支氣管上皮細胞的相互作用受不同的信號通路（NF-κB, p38 MAPK 及 JNK）調節。OVA致敏小鼠實驗表明，NLR配體能增加分泌粘蛋白的杯狀細胞在肺氣管中的數量，使小鼠支氣管下皮結締組織纖維化並增厚。NLR配體進而提高過敏性哮喘小鼠支氣管肺泡灌洗液中CCL5與IL-13 的表達水平。 / 研究表明，在嗜鹼性粒細胞和皮膚成纖維細胞的共培養體系中，HKSA，MDP，PGN，LTA，或Pam3CSK4顯著誘導ICAM-1, IL-6, CXCL8, CCL2 和 CCL5 的表達。而嗜鹼性粒細胞與皮膚成纖維細胞的直接相互作用是釋放IL-6, CXCL8, CCL2 與 CCL5 所必需的。嗜鹼性粒細胞與皮膚成纖維細胞的相互作用並釋放細胞因子與趨化因子受p38 MAPK 及 NF-κB信號通路調控。 / 在嗜鹼性粒細胞與支氣管上皮細胞共培養體系中，LIGHT 可能通過受體HVEM 與 LTβR顯著增強支氣管上皮細胞表面粘附因子的表達，提高細胞因子IL-6, CXCL8 與 MMP-9的釋放。 / 研究結果表明，在過敏炎症中，通過與組織細胞（如支氣管上皮細胞，人皮膚成纖維細胞）相互作用，嗜鹼性粒細胞有利於組織細胞對病原相關的分子模式作出反應。因此，研究結果對細菌介導的先天性免疫應答與過敏炎症的加重之間的聯繫作出了新的解釋。以上結果也增強了我們對LIGHT在氣道重塑中的免疫病理作用及其作為氣道重塑治療靶標的認識。 / The incidences of allergic diseases such as allergic asthma and atopic dermatitis (AD) are increasing in Hong Kong and worldwide. Allergic asthma is a chronically relapsing inflammatory pulmonary disease, while AD is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder. Respiratory bacterial and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection can provoke allergen sensitization and subsequently amplify and sustain inflammation in allergic asthma and AD, respectively. The innate immune system recognizes bacterial infection through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), two important PRRs involving in inflammatory and immune responses are nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors (NLRs) and Toll-like receptors (TLRs). NOD2 is one member of the NLR family, which senses the conserved structural component muramyl dipeptide (MDP) in almost all bacteria. TLR2 recognizes a wide range of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) including peptidoglycan (PGN) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) from Gram-positive bacteria and synthetic triacylated lipoprotein N-palmitoyl-S-[2,3-bis (palmitoyloxy)-(2RS)-propyl]-[R]-cysteinyl-[S]-seryl-[S]-lysyl-[S]-lysyl-[S]-lysyl-[S] -lysine (Pam3CSK4). / In the present study, we investigated the effect of NOD2 ligand MDP, asthma-related tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family member LIGHT on human basophils co-cultured with human bronchial epithelial cells and the effect of heat-killed S. aureus, MDP, TLR2 ligands PGN, LTA and Pam3CSK4 on basophils co-cultured with human dermal fibroblasts, and the underlying intracellular mechanisms. The in vivo effect of NOD ligands on ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized allergic asthmatic mice was also studied. / It was found that MDP could significantly enhance the cell surface expression of adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) on basophils and primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBE) in the co-culture system (all p < 0.05). MDP could further enhance the release of inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6, chemokine CXCL8, and epithelium derived anti-microbial peptide β-defensin 2 in the co-culture. HBE cells were the major source while basophils were the minor source to release IL-6, CXCL8 and β-defensin 2 in the co-culture upon MDP stimulation. The activities of several nuclear transcription factors, including NF-κB, were up-regulated in human basophils upon MDP stimulation. The cell surface expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 and the release of IL-6, CXCL8 and β-defensin 2 were suppressed by the signaling molecule inhibitors, implying that the interaction between basophils and primary human bronchial epithelial cells could be differentially regulated by the NF-κB, p38 MAPK and JNK pathways. The animal study showed that iE-DAP and MDP could increase the number of mucin-secreting goblet cells, the thickness and fibrosis of the bronchial subepithelial tissue of airways from the OVA-sensitized mice. The iE-DAP and MDP could further promote the levels of CCL5 and IL-13 (all p < 0.05) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of allergic asthmatic mice. / It was found that the induction of ICAM-1, IL-6, CXCL8, CCL2 and CCL5 was significantly promoted upon the interaction between human basophils and dermal fibroblasts activated by heat-killed S. aureus, MDP, PGN, LTA or Pam3CSK4. The release of IL-6, CXCL8, CCL2 and CCL5 might depend on the direct interaction of basophils and dermal fibroblasts. The p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathways should be involved in the release of the cytokines and chemokines upon the interaction of basophils and human dermal fibroblasts. / LIGHT could significantly promote the cell surface expression of adhesion molecule, the release of IL-6, CXCL8 and MMP-9 from human bronchial epithelial cells upon the interaction with basophils, probably through the receptors HVEM and LTβR. / The results suggest that, through the interaction with tissue-resident cells such as bronchial epithelial cells and dermal fibroblasts, basophils may facilitate the activation of tissue-resident cells in response to the PAMPs in allergic inflammation. The results therefore provide a new insight of the crucial link between the bacterial-mediated innate immune response and the exacerbation of allergic inflammation. The above results also enhance our understanding on the immunopathological roles of LIGHT in airway remodeling, and the potential therapeutic target for airway remodeling. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Qiu, Huaina. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 165-196). / Abstract also in Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Abbreviations --- p.iii / Abstract --- p.vi / 摘要 --- p.ix / Publications --- p.xi / Table of Contents --- p.xiii / Chapter Chapter 1: --- General Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Asthma and atopic dermatitis (AD) --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Human basophils in allergic inflammation --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Development and morphology of basophils --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Receptors and products of basophils --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Cell surface markers on basophils --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Basophils in allergic inflammation --- p.7 / Chapter 1.3 --- Human bronchial epithelial cells in airway inflammation --- p.10 / Chapter 1.4 --- Human fibroblasts in AD --- p.11 / Chapter 1.5 --- Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in AD --- p.12 / Chapter 1.6 --- NOD2 and TLR2 in allergic inflammation --- p.14 / Chapter 1.7 --- IL-33 in allergic inflammation --- p.18 / Chapter 1.8 --- IL-6 in allergic inflammation --- p.18 / Chapter 1.9 --- CXCL8 in allergic inflammation --- p.20 / Chapter 1.10 --- CCL2 in allergic inflammation --- p.21 / Chapter 1.11 --- CCL5 in allergic inflammation --- p.22 / Chapter 1.12 --- β-defensin 2 (HBD-2) in allergic inflammation --- p.23 / Chapter 1.13 --- ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in allergic inflammation --- p.25 / Chapter 1.14 --- LIGHT and airway remodeling in allergic asthma --- p.25 / Chapter 1.15 --- Signal transduction pathways in allergic inflammation and pharmacological inhibitors --- p.26 / Chapter 1.15.1 --- Signal transduction pathways in allergic inflammation --- p.26 / Chapter 1.15.2 --- Signaling molecule inhibitors as new drugs for inflammatory diseases --- p.31 / Chapter 1.16 --- Aims and scope of the study --- p.32 / Chapter Chapter 2: --- Materials and Methods --- p.35 / Chapter 2.1 --- Materials --- p.35 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Reagents and buffers for the purification of human basophils --- p.35 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Primary cells and cell lines --- p.36 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Heat-killed Staphyloccocus aureus (HKSA) --- p.38 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Ligands for NLR and TLR2 --- p.39 / Chapter 2.1.5 --- Recombinant human cytokines --- p.39 / Chapter 2.1.6 --- Reagents and buffer solutions for flow cytometry --- p.40 / Chapter 2.1.7 --- RNA extraction, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) --- p.45 / Chapter 2.1.8 --- Cytometric Bead Array (CBA) Kits --- p.48 / Chapter 2.1.9 --- MILLIPLEX® MAP Human Cytokine/Chemokine Magnetic Bead Panel Kit --- p.49 / Chapter 2.1.10 --- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits --- p.49 / Chapter 2.1.11 --- Procarta Transcription Factor Assay kit --- p.50 / Chapter 2.1.12 --- Signal transduction inhibitors --- p.50 / Chapter 2.2 --- Methods --- p.50 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Purification of primary human basophils and basophil culture --- p.50 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Culture of KU812 cells --- p.51 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Culture of primary human bronchial epithelial cells --- p.51 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Culture of BEAS-2B cells --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Culture of human dermal fibroblasts --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Co-culture of primary human bronchial epithelial cells/human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B) cells and basophils/KU812 cells --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- Co-culture of human dermal fibroblasts and basophils/KU812 cells --- p.52 / Chapter 2.2.8 --- Co-culture of fixed primary human bronchial epithelial cells and basophils --- p.53 / Chapter 2.2.9 --- Co-culture of human dermal fibroblasts and basophils in the presence of transwell inserts --- p.53 / Chapter 2.2.10 --- CBA assay --- p.53 / Chapter 2.2.11 --- ELISA --- p.54 / Chapter 2.2.12 --- Human Transcription Factor Plex Assay --- p.54 / Chapter 2.2.13 --- Milliplex Human Cytokine / Chemokine Magnetic Panel assay --- p.54 / Chapter 2.2.14 --- Bio-Plex mouse cytokine assay --- p.55 / Chapter 2.2.15 --- Flow cytometric analysis of cell surface expression of target molecules --- p.55 / Chapter 2.2.16 --- Flow cytometric analysis of intracellular expression of target molecules --- p.55 / Chapter 2.2.17 --- Allergic asthmatic mice model --- p.57 / Chapter 2.2.18 --- Statistical analysis --- p.57 / Chapter Chapter 3: --- Muramyl Dipeptide Mediated Activation of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Interacting with Basophils: A Novel Mechanism of Airway Inflammation --- p.59 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.59 / Chapter 3.2 --- Results --- p.61 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Cell surface expression of CD203c on basophils --- p.61 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Intracellular expression of NOD2 protein --- p.63 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Cell surface expression of adhesion molecules on basophils and primary human bronchial epithelial cells activated by MDP --- p.67 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Induction of cytokine, chemokine and β-defensin 2 upon the interaction of basophils and bronchial epithelial cells stimulated by MDP --- p.71 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Bronchial epithelial cells were the main source for the release of IL-6, CXCL8 and β-defensin 2 in co-culture --- p.74 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Effects of signaling inhibitors on MDP-induced cytokines and adhesion molecules --- p.77 / Chapter 3.2.7 --- Differential activation of intracellular signaling pathways involved in the interaction of KU812 and BEAS-2B upon MDP stimulation --- p.84 / Chapter 3.2.8 --- In vivo effect of NOD1,2 ligands on IgE and chemokine production in serum and BALF in allergic asthmatic mice --- p.89 / Chapter 3.3 --- Discussion --- p.93 / Chapter Chapter 4: --- NOD2 and TLR2 Ligands Mediated Activation of Basophils Interacting with Human Dermal Fibroblasts in Atopic Dermatitis --- p.100 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.100 / Chapter 4.2 --- Results --- p.102 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Cell surface expression of adhesion molecules ICAM-1 on human dermal fibroblasts activated by heat-killed Staphyloccocus aureus (HKSA) --- p.102 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Induction of chemokines upon the interaction of basophils and human dermal fibroblasts stimulated by HKSA --- p.104 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Expression of NOD2 and TLR2 protein --- p.107 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Cell surface expression of adhesion molecule ICAM-1 on human dermal fibroblasts activated by MDP, PGN, LTA or Pam3CSK4 --- p.110 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Induction of cytokine and chemokines upon the interaction of basophils (with or without IL-33 priming) and human dermal fibroblasts stimulated by MDP, PGN, LTA or Pam3CSK4 --- p.112 / Chapter 4.2.6 --- Direct interaction between human dermal fibroblasts and basophils was required for the release of IL-6, CXCL8, CCL2 and CCL5 upon the stimulation of MDP, PGN, LTA and Pam3CSK4 --- p.118 / Chapter 4.2.7 --- Effect of signaling molecular inhibitors on the expression of adhesion molecule ICAM-1 --- p.121 / Chapter 4.2.8 --- Effect of signaling molecule inhibitors on the release of cytokine and chemokines upon the stimulation by NOD2 and TLR2 ligands --- p.123 / Chapter 4.2.9 --- Differential activation of intracellular signaling pathways involved in the interaction of human dermal fibroblasts and basophilic KU812 upon stimulation of NOD2 and TLR2 ligands --- p.127 / Chapter 4.3 --- Discussion --- p.131 / Chapter Chapter 5: --- Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor Family Member LIGHT on the Activation of Basophils Interacting with Bronchial Epithelial Cells: Potential Therapeutic Target for Airway Remodeling --- p.138 / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.138 / Chapter 5.2 --- Results --- p.139 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Cell surface expression of HVEM and LTβR --- p.139 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Effect of LIGHT on the expression of ICAM-1 on basophil or BEAS-2B alone or co-culture --- p.141 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Induction of cytokine and chemokine upon the interaction of basophils and BEAS-2B cells stimulated by LIGHT --- p.144 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Induction of MMP-9 upon the interaction of basophils and BEAS-2B cells stimulated by LIGHT --- p.147 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Effect of LIGHT on the release of TGFβ-1, histamine and periostin upon the interaction of basophils and BEAS-2B cells --- p.149 / Chapter 5.3 --- Discussion --- p.152 / Chapter Chapter 6: --- Conclusion and Future Perspectives --- p.156 / Chapter 6.1 --- General conclusions --- p.156 / Chapter 6.2 --- Future perspectives --- p.160 / Appendix --- p.163 / References --- p.165

Fung Kwai Ching. / "August 2002." / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 188-205). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese.

<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>

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.

Um estudo prévio demonstrou em pacientes com choque séptico a presença de exossomos plasmáticos. Nossa hipótese é que exossomos circulantes poderiam contribuir para a disfunção contrátil da sepse. Foi colhido sangue de 55 pacientes com choque séptico. A incubação de corações isolados com exossomos de pacientes sépticos reduziu significantemente as derivadas da pressão ventricular e aumentou as concentrações de nitrato no miocárdio. A exposição de músculos papilares a exossomos reduziu a tensão desenvolvida. Concluímos que exossomos de pacientes sépticos induzem disfunção inotrópica em corações isolados e músculos papilares, possivelmente contribuindo para a disfunção miocárdica da sepse. / A previous report identified in plasma of septic shock patients the presence of exosomes. We hypothesized that circulating exosomes in sepsis could contribute to inotropic dysfunction. We collected blood samples from 55 patients with septic shock. Incubation of isolated heart preparations with exosomes induced a significant decrease in the derivatives of ventricular pressure and increased myocardial nitrate content. Exposure of isolated rat papillary muscles to exosomes reduced developed tension. We conclude that exosomes from septic patients induce myocardial dysfunction in isolated heart and papillary muscle preparations. Thus, they may contribute to myocardial dysfunction of sepsis.

The purpose of the study was to determine the long-term effects of muscle weakness secondary to strokes on the bone mineral content of the hemiparetic limb. Patients who had experienced single recent strokes were studied. The bone mineral content of each limb was measured by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry using the region of interest analysis program. Muscle strength of each muscle group was ranked using the Oxford scale, and the mean was calculated for each limb. Bone and muscle parameters were measured within seven days after the stroke and repeated thereafter at monthly intervals for up to 6 mo. A repeated measures analysis of variance, Newman-Keuls pair-wise comparisons, and orthogonal contrasts were done for each parameter. Significance levels were set at P < 0.05. Sixteen patients were included in this study. Demineralization was more pronounced in the upper than lower limbs. Demineralization of bones on the paralyzed side started during the first month after the stroke and gradually progressed. By the fourth month, the bone mineral content decreased by a mean of 9.3% (P = 0.01) and 3.7% (P = 0.01) in the upper and lower limbs, respectively, for the 11 patients followed for 4 mo. In the patients we followed for more than 4 mo, there was no further significant mineral loss. No change in bone mineral content was observed in the healthy nonparetic limbs. In conclusion, after a stroke, bone demineralization occurs in the paralyzed side and reaches its maximum within 3 to 4 mo. Arms are affected more than legs.

A cinesioterapia aplicada à musculatura do assoalho pélvico na gestação pode ser grande aliada no controle das alterações músculo-esqueléticas. Para avaliar efeitos da cinesioterapia no assoalho pélvico durante a gravidez,utilizamos a perineometria com e sem "biofeedback" e a avaliação funcional do assoalho pélvico, e correlacionamos os valores da avaliação funcional com as perineometrias. Os efeitos da cinesioterapia nos músculos do assoalho pélvico revelaram aumento significativo na pressão e na força durante a gestação. Durante o período gestacional houve correlação positiva e significativa entre a avaliação funcional do assoalho pélvico e as perineometrias / Kinesiotherapy applied to this musculature during pregnancy is a useful tool in the control of musculoskeletal alterations. To evaluate the effects of pelvic floor kinesiotherapy during pregnancy by perineometry with and without biofeedback and by functional evaluation of the pelvic floor, and to correlated functional evaluation and perineometric readings. Analysis of the effects of kinesiotherapy on pelvic floor muscles revealed a significant increase in pressure and strength during pregnancy. In addition, a positive and significant correlation between functional evaluation of the pelvic floor and perineometric readings was observed during the gestational period

O objetivo deste estudo foi correlacionar as alterações causadas pela doença de Chagas no sistema nervoso autônomo e a possibilidade destas alterações provocarem disfunção erétil. Foram incluídos 60 pacientes, do sexo masculino, entre 40 e 70 anos, sendo 30 com a forma digestiva da doença de Chagas e 30 como grupo controle negativos para tripanossomíase; foram utilizados o questionário auto-aplicável do Índice Internacional de Função Erétil (IIFE) e o algoritmo de pontuação para análise e interpretação do questionário.Os resultados obtidos neste estudo comprovaram que a doença de Chagas não afetou a função erétil dos pacientes, que não há diferença significativa se a lesão é do esôfago ou de esôfago e cólon e que a doença de Chagas não deve ser considerada um fator de risco para a disfunção erétil / The objective of this study was to correlate the alterations caused by the Chagas'disease in the autonomous nervous system and the possibility of these alterations they provoke erectile dysfunction. Sixty men - between 40 and 70 years-old - were selected for the stydy: 30 men with the digestive form of the Chagas'disease and 30 of them had negative serologic findings for T. Cruzi. It was used the questionnaire of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the punctuation algorithm for interpretation of the questionnaire. The results this study they proved that the Chagas'disease didn't affect the patients' erectile function, that there is not significant difference if the lesion is of esophagus or esophagus and colon and Chagas'disease should not be considered a risk factor for the erectile dysfunction

Chan Yu-leung. / "Nov 2003." / Thesis (M.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 179-193). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Mode of access: World Wide Web.

A cinesioterapia aplicada à musculatura do assoalho pélvico na gestação pode ser grande aliada no controle das alterações músculo-esqueléticas. Para avaliar efeitos da cinesioterapia no assoalho pélvico durante a gravidez,utilizamos a perineometria com e sem "biofeedback" e a avaliação funcional do assoalho pélvico, e correlacionamos os valores da avaliação funcional com as perineometrias. Os efeitos da cinesioterapia nos músculos do assoalho pélvico revelaram aumento significativo na pressão e na força durante a gestação. Durante o período gestacional houve correlação positiva e significativa entre a avaliação funcional do assoalho pélvico e as perineometrias / Kinesiotherapy applied to this musculature during pregnancy is a useful tool in the control of musculoskeletal alterations. To evaluate the effects of pelvic floor kinesiotherapy during pregnancy by perineometry with and without biofeedback and by functional evaluation of the pelvic floor, and to correlated functional evaluation and perineometric readings. Analysis of the effects of kinesiotherapy on pelvic floor muscles revealed a significant increase in pressure and strength during pregnancy. In addition, a positive and significant correlation between functional evaluation of the pelvic floor and perineometric readings was observed during the gestational period