INTRODUÇÃO: No Brasil, mais de 13700 novos casos de aids são registrados em mulheres anualmente, principalmente por transmissão sexual. Na última década, se ampliaram as opções de métodos de prevenção do HIV disponíveis no país baseados no uso profilático de medicamentos antirretrovirais (ARV) por pessoas expostas ao vírus. Questiona-se como dimensões psicossociais, culturais e programáticas da prevenção do HIV interferirão no uso dessas tecnologias. Esta tese busca compreender o processo de decisão e a experiência de uso da profilaxia pós-exposição (PEP sexual) ao HIV por mulheres que buscaram este método preventivo em serviços do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). MÉTODOS: Os dados foram coletados como parte de um ensaio clínico pragmático intitulado Estudo Combina!, realizado em serviços de saúde especializados em HIV/Aids localizados em São Paulo, Fortaleza, Ribeirão Preto, Porto Alegre e Curitiba. Foram realizadas observações diretas da oferta da PEP sexual e entrevistas semiestruturadas com mulheres que buscaram a profilaxia nos serviços. A análise dos dados foi guiada por princípios hermenêutico-dialéticos, à luz das teorias construcionistas da sexualidade articuladas ao quadro conceitual da vulnerabilidade e dos direitos humanos (V&DH). As unidades de análise foram as cenas sexuais e as dinâmicas do Cuidado nos serviços de saúde. RESULTADOS: Dezessete mulheres aceitaram participar voluntariamente do estudo. As entrevistadas tinham experiência prévia de uso de preservativo e apenas duas não haviam se protegido nas cenas sexuais que as levaram à PEP. Para as demais, a busca resultou de falha do preservativo em relações que aconteceram em cenários de sexo casual, de trabalho sexual ou de relações sorodiferentes. Nos dois primeiros cenários, a falta intimidade e a indiferença dos parceiros frente ao acidente contribuíram para a decisão das mulheres de buscarem a PEP e contrastaram com a intimidade e a solidariedade que caracterizaram as interações nos cenários de sorodiferença. Quatro entrevistadas conheciam a profilaxia antes do acidente, informadas principalmente por pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids (PVHA), serviços de saúde, profissionais do sexo e internet. Conhecer e usar PEP sexual não resultou na intenção de substituir o uso do preservativo pela profilaxia. As entrevistadas valorizaram a possibilidade de acessar um método eficaz em serviços públicos de saúde, onde se sentiram acolhidas e respeitadas. Aderir ao tratamento profilático exigiu superar efeitos adversos e consequências psicossociais de tomar os ARV, sobretudo o medo de ser discriminada como uma PVHA, que fez com que as entrevistadas mantivessem o uso da PEP sexual em segredo. CONCLUSÕES: Nos diferentes cenários, as cenas sexuais que levaram à PEP foram atravessadas por scripts de gênero e estigmas da sexualidade, que estruturaram a dinâmica das negociações sexuais e as reações das entrevistadas e de seus parceiros frente aos acidentes com o preservativo. O estigma da aids é expressivo nesses cenários que estruturam as experiências de uso da PEP sexual, contribuindo para mantê-la pouco conhecida e dificultando seu uso no cotidiano. Sugerem-se investimentos na divulgação da disponibilidade da PEP sexual no SUS, no aprimoramento da qualificação dos serviços com base no referencial do Cuidado e em intervenções estruturais para mitigar o estigma da aids e a desigualdade de gênero, a fim de promover e proteger os direitos humanos das mulheres, cuja violação produz cenários de maior vulnerabilidade para o HIV / INTRODUCTION: In Brazil, more than 13,700 new cases of AIDS are registered among women annually, due mainly to sexual transmission. In the last decade, the availability of HIV prevention methods based on the prophylactic use of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) by people exposed to the virus have increased in the country. Questions are raised regarding how psychosocial, cultural and programmatic dimensions of HIV prevention will interfere in the use of these technologies. This thesis aims to understand the decision making process and the experience of using post-exposure prophylaxis after sexual exposure to HIV (nPEP) by women who sought this preventive method in the Brazilian Health System (SUS). METHODS: Data were collected as part of a pragmatic clinical trial entitled Combina! Study, conducted in HIV/AIDS specialized health facilities located in São Paulo, Porto Alegre, Fortaleza, Ribeirão Preto and Curitiba. Direct observations of nPEP services and semi-structured interviews with women seeking the prophylaxis in the facilities were performed. Data analysis was guided by hermeneutic-dialectical principles, oriented by social constructionism theories of sexuality, articulated to the conceptual framework of vulnerability and human rights (V&DH). The units of analysis were the sexual scenes and the dynamics of Care in the health services. RESULTS: Seventeen women voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. Interviewees had previous experience with condoms, and only two had not protected themselves in the sexual scenes that led them to nPEP. For the others, the search resulted from condom failure during sexual intercourses that happened in scenarios of casual sex, sex work or serodifferent relationships. In the first two scenarios, the lack of intimacy with the partners and their indifference to the accident contributed to the women\'s decision to seek nPEP, contrasting with the intimacy and solidarity that characterized the interactions in the serodifference scenarios. Four interviewees were aware of the prophylaxis prior to the accident, mainly informed by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), health services, sex workers and the Internet. Knowing and using nPEP did not result in the intention to replace condom use with the prophylaxis. The interviewees valued the possibility of accessing an effective prevention method in public health services, where they felt welcomed and respected. Adhering to nPEP required overcoming adverse effects and psychosocial consequences of taking ARVs, especially the fear of being discriminated against as a PLWHA, which made the interviewees keep the use of nPEP in secret. CONCLUSIONS: In the different scenarios, the sexual scenes that led to the nPEP were crossed by gender scripts and stigmas of sexuality, which structured the sexual negotiation dynamics and the reactions of the interviewees and of their partners towards the accidents with the condom. The stigma of AIDS is expressive in these scenarios that structure the experiences of using nPEP, contributing to keep it little known and making its use difficult in daily life. We suggest investments to be made in publicizing the availability of nPEP in the SUS, in improving qualification of nPEP services based on the framework of Care and in structural interventions to mitigate AIDS stigma and gender inequality in order to promote and protect women\'s human rights, which violation produces scenarios of higher vulnerability to HIV

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi estudar um grupo de 106 gestantes adolescentes multigestas, comparando-as com 510 adolescentes primigestas quanto a variáveis demográficas, obstétricas e psicossociais. As pacientes foram recrutadas no ambulatório de obstetrícia no setor de gravidez na adolescência da clínica obstétrica do HC-FMUSP entre janeiro de 2000 a janeiro de 2006. As pacientes tinham até 18 anos e tiveram acompanhamento multiprofissinal. Os dados foram coletados de prontuário eletrônico (Acess-microsoft 98), apresentados de forma descritiva e analisados por teste do χ2, exato de Fisher, t de Student, Mann-Whytney e índice de Kappa, de acordo com a indicação do uso de cada um. Concluiu-se que não ocorrreram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre multigestas e primigestas quanto a cor, naturalidade, renda familiar, exercício de alguma atividade remunerada, a idade das mães das adolescentes grávidas, a idade gestacional ao iniciar as consultas de Pré-Natal, número de consultas, estatura, peso no início e término do Pré-Natal, índice de massa corpórea, ganho ponderal durante a gravidez, classificação do ganho de peso pelo gráfico de Rosso, presença de doença hipertensiva específica da gravidez, presença de oligoâmnio, complicação por infecção urinária e amniorrexe prematura. O mesmo foi observado em relação à instituição onde o parto ocorreu, condição dos recém-nascidos, peso dos recémnascidos, adequação peso para idade gestacional dos recém-nascidos, índice de Apgar de primeiro e de quinto minutos não foram diferentes. Também não houve diferença significativa quanto ao desejo e aceitação da atual gravidez, intenção e tentativas de interrompê-la, tempo de uso de métodos anticoncepcionais, serem filhas de mulheres que foram mães adolescentes, tipo de relacionamento com as mães, com os pais e com os companheiros, reação do companheiro à notícia da gravidez, manutenção de grupo de amigos e de atividade esportiva. Diferenças com significância estatística foram observadas entre as multigestas e primigestas no que se refere à idade que foi maior no primeiro grupo. Em relação à escolaridade algumas multigestas atingem níveis mais altos, porém com menos probabilidade de continuarem os estudos durante a gestação sendo que mais da metade não concluí o ensino fundamental. As multigestas vivem em união estável mais freqüentemente e dependem financeiramente mais de seus companheiros e formam núcleo familiar independente da família de origem. Também seus companheiros são mais velhos que os das primigestas. Em relação às variáveis obstétricas a média da idade gestacional na última consulta foi menor e o trabalho de parto prematuro mais freqüente. Também a idade gestacional ao parto foi menor assim como a freqüência de recémnascidos de pré-termo. No parto a aplicação de fórcipes foi menos freqüente nas multigestas. Das variáveis psicossociais detectou-se que as multigestas planejaram mais suas gestações, iniciaram mais precocemente suas atividades sexuais, no entanto conheciam e se utilizavam com maior freqüência de métodos contraceptivos. Os pais e mães das adolescentes multigestas apresentaram melhor reação frente a noticia da gestação que os das primigestas. / This research studied a group of 106 adolescents patients with more than pregnancies and compared them to 510 with first pregnancy considering the demographics, obstetrics and psychosocial variables. The patients were recruited in the ambulatory service of obstetrics in the clinic of adolescent pregnancy of the HCFMUSP from January 2000 to January 2006. The oldest patients were 18 and assisted in comprehensive prenatal care. The data were collected from their electronic records (Access-Microsoft 98) presented in a descriptive form and analyzed through the χ2 test, exact of Fisher, t of Student, Mann-Whytney and Kappa index, according to the indication of each one. It was concluded that no statistical differences occurred between both groups regarding color, place of birth, family income, practice of any paid activity, maternal age of the teenagers, gestational age at the beginning of the pre-natal care, number of consultations, stature, initial and final weight in the pre-natal care, index of corporal mass, weight gain during pregnancy, classification of weight gain through the Rosso graphic, presence of pregnancy specific hypertension, presence of oligohydramnios, urinary infection complication, and preterm ruptured membranes. It was also the same in relation to the institution, condition and weight of the babies, balance of weight and gestational age, Apgar index at the first and fifth minutes were not different. Also, it was included the wish and acceptance of the present pregnancy, intention and tentative of abortion, length of use of contraceptive methods, daughter of adolescent mothers, type of relationship with mothers, with parents and with partner, reaction of the partner when the pregnancy was notified, maintenance of friends and athletic activities were not different. Significant statistical differences were observed between the patients with more pregnancies that are older than the primigravidas. Yet, considering their education, the patients with more pregnancies presented lower possibilities of continuing their studies during pregnancy. These patients presented a more stable union and financial dependence on their partners and formed a familiar nucleus independent of the original family. Their partners were also older than the ones of the patients with first pregnancy. The obstetric variables showed a lower gestational visit age in the last doctor visit with a more frequent premature labor. It was noticed that the smaller gestational age in labor had a higher frequency of preterm births. During labor the use of forceps was lesser in adolescents patients with more pregnancies. The psychosocial variables stated that this patients planned better their gestations, began their sexual activities earlier, knew and used contraceptive methods. The parents of the adolescents with more pregnancies had better reaction when compared with the parents of the adolescents in their first pregnancy.

Na atualidade, a ileostomia em alça é indicada para a proteção de anastomoses colorretais baixas ou colo-anais ou para a proteção de anastomoses íleo-anais em intervenções cirúrgicas de proctocolectomia total com confecção de bolsa ileal no tratamento cirúrgico das doenças inflamatórias intestinais, polipose adenomatosa familiar, tumores colorretais, doença diverticular e trauma. Índices de complicações elevados observados têm posto em dúvida o uso ampliado desse tipo de estoma apoiando-se em dados da literatura que, além de controversos, são originários de estudos retrospectivos de casuísticas pequenas. Outrossim, os dados na literatura brasileira são escassos. Assim, realizou-se estudo retrospectivo sobre resultados imediatos do fechamento de ileostomia em alça no período compreendido entre de março de 1991 e março de 2001, no Serviço de Cirurgia do Cólon Reto e Ânus do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. As variáveis consideradas foram ocorrência de complicações e o estado final do paciente (sem ileostomia ou não), correlacionadas com os dados do paciente, da doença que levou à confecção do estoma, dos tratamentos médicos e cirúrgicos anteriores e do próprio procedimento cirúrgico. Os testes estatísticos empregados foram o exato de Fisher para dados pontuais, o não paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis para os dados temporais e, ao final, análise multivariada. O nível de significância foi de 95% (p<0,05). Foram estudados os prontuários de 131 doentes. Trinta e um apresentavam-se incompletos e, juntamente com três que foram submetidos a fechamento de ileostomia com anastomose mecânica, foram excluídos deste trabalho. A condição que motivou a ileostomia foi doença inflamatória em 73 casos (75,2%), neoplasia em 14,4%, polipose adenomatosa familial em 3% e outras doenças em 7,2%. O uso de corticóides foi assim distribuído: pacientes que nunca tomaram corticóide ?32 (32.9%), que faziam uso de corticóide há menos de 12 meses - quatro casos (4,1%), que faziam uso de corticóide há mais de 12 meses? 11 casos (11.3%), que fizeram uso de corticóide e que na época do fechamento da ileostomia usavam imunossupressor ou imunomodulador - nove casos (9,2%), pacientes que já tomaram corticóide e que interromperam o uso desta droga há menos de 12 meses - 31 (31.9%), e pacientes que já tomaram corticóde mas não faziam uso da droga há mais de 12 meses - 10 (10,3%). Na análise das somatórias das operações anteriores ao fechamento da ileostomia, houve a manipulação considerada menor em 65 casos (67%), e em 32 casos (32,9%) houve maior manipulação cirúrgica prévia ao fechamento da ileostomia. O período entre a confecção e o fechamento da ileostomia teve a mediana de 27 semanas (2 a 146 semanas). Cinqüenta e três pacientes sofreram preparo intestinal anterógrado pré-operatório (54,6%), quarenta não foram submetidos a nenhum tipo de preparo intestinal (41,2%), e quatro pacientes (4,1%) receberam preparo intestinal retrógrado Empregaram-se antibióticos em 91 dos casos (93,8%), dos quais 63 (64,9%) usaram-nos por curto período e 28 casos (28,8%) tiveram seus antibióticos usados.por mais tempo. Detalhes técnicos operatórios estudados compreenderam: 1) graduação do cirurgião, com 77 casos (79,3%) operados por cirurgiões experientes, dez pacientes (10,3%) operados por cirurgiões com pós-graduação concluída no nível de mestrado, e dez (10,3%) operados por equipe formada por médicos residentes e preceptores; 2) acesso cirúrgico por incisão periestomal (93 casos? 95,8%) ou laparotomia longitudinal (quatro casos- 4,1%); 3) ressecção do segmento ileal exteriorizado (nove casos- 9,2%) ou não (88 casos- 90.7%); 4) sutura intestinal contínua (78 casos- 80,4%) ou em pontos separados (19 indivíduos- 19,5%); 5) em um plano (setenta casos- 72,1%) ou dois planos (27 casos- 27,9%); 6) o tipo de fechamento da aponeurose da parede abdominal com sutura contínua empregada em 55 casos (56,7%) e sutura em pontos separados em 42 casos (43,2%). O índice de complicações gerais foi de 40,2% - 39 casos - (29,8% de resolução clínica e 10,3% cirúrgica). A mediana do período de internação dos pacientes foi de 12 dias. Ocorreram cinco casos de deiscência ou abscesso de parede abdominal, três casos de deiscência de anastomose intestinal, um de abscesso intracavitário (drenado cirurgicamente), um de fístula estercorácea, um de estenose da anastomose íleo-anal detectada no pós-operatório, um de insuficiência renal aguda, e um último apresentou vômitos persistentes. Não houve influência do sexo, da faixa etária, da doença que originou o estoma, da manipulação cirúrgica prévia, do emprego do preparo intestinal ou não e os aspectos técnicos operatórios nos índices de complicações. O uso de sutura contínua, apesar de reduzir o tempo cirúrgico (p=0,02), esteve associado a complicações (p=0,04). Por outro lado, o fechamento da aponeurose com sutura contínua, além de reduzir o tempo operatório (p=0,002), foi associada à menor índice de complicações (p=0,002). A realimentação nas primeiras 48 horas de pós-operatório associou-se a maior índice de complicações (p=0,054). O uso crônico de corticóides correlacionou-se com menor proporção de obstrução intestinal (p=0,04). Antibióticos em uso prolongado foram mais relacionados com as complicações (p=0,0001). A análise multivariada (regressão logística) verificou a relação em proporção direta entre o período desde a confecção até o fechamento da ileostomia e a ocorrência de complicações (odds ratio=1,02) e o modo do uso de antibióticos (odds ratio=30,36 para uso prolongado). Do exposto, concluiu-se que a doença e o porte da intervenção cirúrgica que levou à realização de ileostomia em alça não tiveram influência significativa no índice de complicações; que o uso crônico de corticóides gerou menor índice de ocorrência de obstrução intestinal; que o preparo intestinal para o fechamento de ileostomia pôde ser dispensado; que a sutura intestinal contínua associou-se a maior número de complicações; que a experiência do cirurgião responsável pelo fechamento da ileostomia não determinou maior número de complicações; que o tempo decorrido entre a confecção e o fechamento da ileostomia acrescentou maior risco de complicações a cada semana, e que a decisão do cirurgião quanto ao uso prolongado de antibióticos foi correlacionada com maior ocorrência de complicações / Loop ileostomies have been commonly used for diversion of fecal stream, in order to protect low colorectal, coloanal or íleo-anal anastomosis performed for a variety of primary diseases such as colorectal cancer (CRC), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), diverticular disease and trauma. However, high morbidity rates associated with this type of stoma have limited its wide spread use. This limitation is supported by controversial data, based mostly in retrospective studies with small number of patients. Moreover, national data on the subject is minimal. Therefore, a retrospective study was designed to determine immediate results of loop ileostomy closure in the period between March 1991 and March 2001, at the Colorectal Surgery Division of the Hospital das Clínicas University of São Paulo Medical School. Primary end-points included perioperative complication occurrence and final patient status (ileostomy-free or not). These events were correlated to patient demographic data, primary disease requiring loop ileostomy, previous medical treatment, previous operations and loop ileostomy closure characteristics. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher\'s exact test for categorical variables, Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test for temporal variables and multivariate analysis. P values of 0.05 or less were considered significant. One hundred and thirty-one patient\'s records were reviewed. Thirty-one patients with unavailable hospital records and three patients managed by mechanical stapled ileostomy closure technique were excluded from the study. Primary disease requiring loop ileostomy construction was IBD in 75.2%, CRC in 14.4%, FAP in 3% and others in 7.2% of the cases. Steroid use was classified into patients that have never used - 32 cases (32.9%), patients that have used only within the last 12 months - 4 cases (4.1%), patients that have used for more than 12 months - 11 cases (11.3%), patients that have used but are now under immunosupressors or immunomodulators - 9 cases (9.2%), patients that have used but are currently off steroids for less than 12 months - 31 cases (31.9%) and patients that have used but are currently off steroids for more than 12 months - 10 cases (10.3%). Previous operations included 4-quadrant procedures in 65 cases (67%) and five or more quadrants (multiple procedures) in 32 cases (32.9%). Median interval between stoma creation and closure was 27 weeks (ranging from 2 to 146 weeks). Fifty-three patients underwent preoperative anterograde mechanical bowel preparation (54,6%), forty underwent no specific preoperative bowel preparation (41.2%) and 4 underwent retrograde mechanical bowel preparation (4.1%). Perioperative antibiotic administration was performed in 91 patients (93.8%). Short-term antibiotic use (less than or up to 72hs) occurred in 63 patients (64.9%) while long-term antibiotic use (more than 72hs) occurred in 28 cases (28.8%). Technical variables included: surgeon?s experience, being 77 cases managed by experienced surgeons (79.3%), 10 cases (10.3%) by surgeons with intermediate experience (post-graduate level) and 10 cases by colorectal surgery residents or fellows (10.3%); access strategy including peri-stomal incision in 93 cases (95.8%) and longitudinal mid-line laparotomy in 4 cases (4.1%); resection of an ileal segment in 9 cases (9.2%) or non-resection in 88 cases (90.7%); continuous intestinal suture line in 78 cases (80.4%) or interrupted suture in 19 cases (19.5%); single suture layer in 70 cases (72.1%) or two-layer suture in 27 cases (27.9%); and type of primary aponeurotic layer closure, being continuous suture in 55 cases (56.7%) and interrupted suture in 42 cases (43.2%). Overall complication rate was 40.2% (39 patients) requiring medical management in 29.8% and surgical management in 10.3% of the cases. Median hospital stay period was 12 days. Complications included wound dehiscence or abscess in five patients, intestinal suture dehiscence in three, an intraperitoneal abscess (surgically drained) in one, a stercoracic fistulae in one, an ileo-anal anastomosis stenosis in one, acute renal insufficiency in one and persistent emesis in one patient. There was no correlation between gender, age, primary disease, previous operations or bowel preparation and complication occurrence. Regarding technical characteristics, continuous intestinal suture was associated with shorter duration of surgery (p=0.02) and with higher rates of complication (p=0.04). On the other hand, continuous aponeurotic layer closure was associated with shorter duration of surgery (p=0.002) but also with decreased complication rates (p=0.002). Early oral food intake (first 48 hours from operation) was associated with higher complication rates (p=0.054). Chronic steroid use was associated with lower risk of post-operative small bowel obstruction (SBO) development (p=0.04). Long-term antibiotic administration was associated with increased complication rates (p=0.0001). Multivariate analysis (logistic regression) revealed a correlation in direct proportion between interval period (stoma creation-closure) and complication occurrence (odds ratio=1.02). Also, a same correlation was observed for antibiotic use pattern (long-term vs short-term) and complication occurrence (odds ratio=30.36 for long-term). In conclusion, primary disease or operation requiring loop ileostomy creation was not associated with complication occurrence; chronic steroid use may have a protective effect on post-operative SOB development; mechanical bowel preparation may be unnecessary; continuous intestinal suture was associated with higher complication rates; surgeon?s experience was not associated with complication occurrence; greater interval between ileostomy creation and closure is associated with increased risk of complication occurrence; and surgeon\'s intention to long-term use of antibiotics is also associated with increased complication rates

Um fosso separa o desenvolvimento teórico-metodológico na Educação e Comunicação de sua prática aplicada à Saúde, usualmente, centrada na transmissão de informações para a mudança de comportamento. Nesta pesquisa qualitativa, exploramos o uso do conceito de competência para deslocar o binômio informação - comportamento para uma articulação de outra ordem: problema – saber - ação. Levantamos as competências requeridas para o autocuidado no diabetes, na opinião de diabetólogos, e identificamos as já disponíveis entre portadores, por meio de grupo focal e entrevista. Os resultados mostram a riqueza de saberes e competências que possuem os portadores, o que pode abrir possibilidades novas de diálogo com os profissionais de saúde, bem como promissoras perspectivas de aplicação no campo da inteligência coletiva. / A huge gap separates the theoretical and methodological development in the field of Education and Communication from its practice in health centers, usually focused in the transmission of information aiming at behavioral changes. In our qualitative research we explored the use of competence concept to change the binomial information-behavior into problem- knowledge- action. The requested competences towards diabetic care according to diabetes specialists and those available among diabetics obtained through focus groups and interviews were identified. The vast knowledge and competence of the diabetics shown by the results lead to several new possibilities of dialog with healthcare professional as well as promising prospects of actual application in the field of collective intelligence

Tam Wing Yin. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 82-100). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / English abstrac --- p.I / 中文摘要 --- p.VI / Glossary --- p.X / Chapter Chapter 1. --- Background: / Chapter 1.1. --- Coronary heart disease in Hong Kong --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2. --- Coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3. --- Pathogenesis of atherosclerosis --- p.2 / Chapter 1.4. --- Risk factors for atherosclerosis --- p.5 / Chapter 1.5. --- Homocysteine --- p.6 / Chapter 1.6. --- Folate --- p.10 / Chapter 1.7. --- Vitamin B12 --- p.13 / Chapter 1.8. --- Adhesion Molecules --- p.14 / Chapter 1.9. --- Phytoestrogen --- p.17 / Chapter 1.10. --- Secondary prevention of coronary artery disease --- p.20 / Chapter Chapter 2. --- "Heart disease, Danshen and Gegen in Chinese medicine" / Chapter 2.1. --- The record of Cardiac symptoms in Chinese Medicine --- p.24 / Chapter 2.2. --- Danshen (Salvia Miltriorrhiza) --- p.25 / Chapter 2.3. --- Gegen (Radix Pueraria) --- p.28 / Chapter Chapter 3. --- Surrogate atherosclerotic markers / Chapter 3.1. --- Flow-mediated dilatation of brachial artery (FMD) --- p.31 / Chapter 3.2. --- Carotid intima media thickness (IMT) --- p.32 / Chapter Chapter 4. --- Method / Chapter 4.1. --- Rational of the study --- p.33 / Chapter 4.2. --- Clinical protocol --- p.35 / Chapter 4.3. --- Measurement of plasma homocysteine --- p.38 / Chapter 4.4. --- Measurement of folate and vitamin B12 --- p.40 / Chapter 4.5. --- Measurement of soluble cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) --- p.41 / Chapter 4.6. --- Measurement of plasma enterolactone --- p.43 / Chapter 4.7. --- Measurement of plasma hs-C-reactive protein --- p.44 / Chapter 4.8. --- Other laboratory tests --- p.45 / Chapter 4.9. --- High resolution ultrasound imaging --- p.46 / Chapter 4.10. --- Statistical analysis --- p.49 / Chapter 4.11. --- My contribution to this joint project --- p.49 / Chapter Chapter 5. --- Results / Chapter 5.1. --- Recruitment and outcomes of subjects --- p.51 / Chapter 5.2. --- Baseline characteristics --- p.53 / Chapter 5.3. --- Medical history and treatment received in the study subjects --- p.54 / Chapter 5.4. --- Safety profiles --- p.55 / Chapter 5.5. --- Severe adverse events --- p.56 / Chapter 5.6. --- Lipid profiles --- p.57 / Chapter 5.7. --- Secondary endpoints --- p.58 / Chapter 5.8. --- Primary endopoints --- p.59 / Chapter 5.9. --- The effect of statin usage on the primary endpoints / Chapter 5.10. --- The major determinant of the change in FMD by multivariate logistic regression / Chapter 5.11. --- Progress of lipid profiles and primary endpoints in the open label phase / Chapter Chapter 6. --- Discussion / Chapter 6.1. --- Brachial FMD --- p.66 / Chapter 6.2. --- Carotid IMT --- p.69 / Chapter 6.3. --- Brachial GTN --- p.70 / Chapter 6.4. --- Lipid-lowering effect --- p.72 / Chapter 6.5. --- Phytoestrogen --- p.72 / Chapter 6.6. --- Folate --- p.73 / Chapter 6.7. --- Vitamin B12 and glucose --- p.76 / Chapter 6.8. --- Summary of possible anti-atherogenic mechanism of D&G --- p.76 / Chapter 6.9. --- Placebo effect --- p.77 / Chapter 6.10. --- Safety profile --- p.77 / Chapter 6.11. --- Limitation of the study and suggestion of solution --- p.77 / Chapter 6.12. --- Suggestions and ummary of the future work --- p.79 / Chapter Chapter 7. --- Conclusions --- p.81 / References --- p.82

By observing these warning criteria, surgery can be safely carried out if changes of signal amplitudes are within the threshold boundary. Future studies should aim to validate and refine the "warning criteria" for intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring in different surgery. / During stable anesthesia, experiments were completed in 31 pigs. A decrease in SEP amplitude > 25% and / or TceMEP amplitude > 65% was associated with substantial risk of postoperative motor deficit. In addition, rapid deterioration of signal within 5 min of an event, and / or a lack of signal recovery within 30 min after the initial deterioration were also predictors of postoperative paraplegia or weakness. These findings also correlated well with radiological changes in the spinal cord. The sensitivity and specificity for TceMEP to predict adverse neurologic outcome were 100% and 90.5%, respectively. / In a porcine model of direct compression and distraction of the exposed spinal cord, we measured the perioperative changes in SEP and TceMEP. This was correlated with postoperative motor function using the modified Tarlov scale. Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging of the spinal cord was also performed to assess the anatomical extent of injury three days after surgery. / The spinal cord is at risk of injury during complex operations of the spine or aorta, and may result in catastrophic long term disability. Intraoperative monitoring with somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) and transcranial electric motor evoked potential (TceMEP) are commonly performed to assess the integrity of the sensory and motor pathways, respectively. The purpose of this study was to identify the minimum changes in signal amplitudes, beyond which postoperative neurologic deficit may occur. / Liu, Quanmeng. / Adviser: Matthew Tu Chan. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 73-02, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 87-103). / 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, [201-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

Sun Yehuan. / "September 2004." / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 213-223). / 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 Company, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese.

A breast cancer cell line stably transfected with the CYP19 gene had been employed for aromatase inhibition. Among the phytochemicals tested, the major dietary flavonoids, such as genistein and daidzein, produced very weak inhibition. On the other hand, the red clover isoflavone biochanin A, the hydroxychalcone butein and the red grape phytoalexin resveratrol were found to be effective aromatase inhibitors. Cell proliferation assay had shown that they could inhibit ER-positive cell proliferation induced by testosterone, and the inhibitory effect was specifically attributed to the reduction of estrogen synthesis. In another breast cancer cell line SK-BR-3, resveratrol, biochanin A and genistein inhibited CYP19 both in enzyme and promoter I.3/II transcriptional levels. The element responsible for the inhibition of aromatase by these phytoestrogens should fall within the region between -556 to -446 by upstream of exon II. / Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. Estrogen plays an important role in breast cancer initiation and development. The majority of breast tumors are initially dependent upon estrogen to support their growth. Most breast cancers occur in the postmenopausal period. However, the intra-tumoral estradiol (E2) is maintained at a high level equivalent to the pre-menopausal status. High intra-tumoral E2 level in postmenopausal women is sustained by the biosynthesis of estrogens in the tumorous tissue. / Genistein and Biochanin A, ranged from 0.1 to 10 muM, might act as estrogen agonist and induced aromatase activity and promoter I.1 transactivation in ERalpha-transfected SK-BR-3 cells. (Abstract shortened by UMI.) / The aromatase enzyme, CYP19, belongs to a family of P450 enzyme. As a final rate-limiting step in estrogen biosynthesis, it catalyzes the conversion of C 19 steroids to estrogens. The expression of CYP19 is tissue-specific, and is regulated by alternate promoter usage. The use of aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer treatment has become a major therapeutic approach. / The consumption of some phytochemicals protects against breast cancer. Yet the mechanisms are far from clear. In my present study, various phytochemicals, including phytoestrogens, monoterpenes and carotenoids, were evaluated for their effect on aromatase. / Wang Yun. / "July 2005." / Adviser: Lai-Kwok Leung. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-07, Section: B, page: 3716. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 145-169). / 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. / Abstract in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

A Doença de Alzheimer é uma doença neurodegenerativa progressiva e de início tardio, que compromete principalmente as areas da cognição, julgamento e estabilidade emocional. Esta doença se caracteriza por dois tipos de lesões cerebrais características: emaranhados neurofibrilares e placas senis. Os emaranhados neurofibrilares são compostos por uma proteína do citoesqueleto (proteína tau) hiperfosforilada e agregada. As placas senis são formadas por agregados da proteína &#946;-amilóide. A doença de Alzheimer é resultado dainteração de vários fatores ainda incompletamente elucidados; não obstante, o estresse oxidativo e os processos inflamatórios ocupam posição de destaque dentre esses fatores. Neste trabalho, avaliamos as atividades das enzimas eritrocitárias superóxido dismutase, catalase e glutationa peroxidase, assim como o conteúdo plasmático de glutationa total, vitamina C, &#945;-tocoferol, &#946;-caroteno, licopeno e coenzima Q10. A esses parâmetros antioxidantes foram contrapostas medidas de oxidação de lipídios e proteínas plasmáticas. Adicionalmente, efetuamos a avaliação das expressões monocitárias de HLADR e CD-11b, e das citocinas IL-6, IL-1&#945; e TNF-&#945;. Nossos resultados mostram que os pacientes de doença de Alzheimer possuem níveis circulantes de atocoferol inferiores aos pacientes controles, e possuem monócitos que apresentam maior expressão basal de HLA-DR e maior produção de IL-1&#945; quando estimulados por LPS. Esses resultados fortalecem a hipótese inflamatória na doença de Alzheimer, de acordo com trabalhos recentes que apontam bons resultados com o a-tocoferol na sua prevenção e tratamento. / Alzheimer\'s disease is a late-onset, progressive degenerative disease that affects mainly the judgement, emotional stability and memory domains. This disease is characterized by two telltale cerebral lesions: neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques. Neurofibrillary tangles are constituted by hyperphosphorylated cytoskeleton protein tau aggregates, while senile plaques are mainly composed by &#946;-amyloid protein aggregates. Alzheimer\'s disease is the outcome of a complex interaction among several factors which are not fully understood yet; nevertheless it is clear thar oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways rate high among these factors. In this work, we evaluated the erythrocytic acitivities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, as well as the plasma levels of total glutathione, &#945;-tocopherol, &#945;-carotene, lycopene, and coenzyme Q10. These antioxidant parameters were confronted with plasmatic levels of protein and lipid oxidation products. Additionally, we measured the basal expression of monocyte HLA-DR and CD-11b, as well as the monocyte production of the cytokines IL1-&#945;, IL-6 and TNF-&#945;. Our results show that Alzheimer\'s Disease patients show lower plasmatic levels of &#945;-tocopherol when compared to control patients, and have higher basal monocyte HLA-DR expression associated with higher IL-1&#945; production when stimulated by LPS. These results lend support to the inflammatory theory of Alzheimer\'s disease, according to recent works that indicate good results of &#945;-tocopherol administration in both its prevention and treatment.

Introdução: A exposição ocupacional ao ruído tem sido um tema estudado para diferentes ocupações. Na atividade de teleatendimento também tem sido referido como um fator de risco com repercussões à saúde. Objetivo: Identificar a presença de perdas auditivas em operadores de teleatendimento da central de reservas de uma empresa aérea. Métodos: Realizado estudo epidemiológico transversal e longitudinal. O estudo transversal compreendeu os últimos audiogramas de 589 operadores distribuídos de acordo com o sexo, faixa etária (18 a 30, 31 a 43, mais de 44 anos), e tempo na função (01 a 35, 36 e 60, mais 61 meses). Foram avaliados os audiogramas de 387 operadores que estavam na empresa há mais de 3 anos, através de um estudo longitudinal, comparando os audiogramas referenciais e finais no período de 1999 a 2006. Resultados: Identificou-se o predomínio do sexo feminino, prevalência de perdas auditivas de 6,0% com 3,1% de PAIR e 2,9% por outras causas. Para as perdas auditivas sexo não se mostrou um fator de risco significativo (p>0,05). Observa-se um risco maior para as faixas etárias de 31 a 43 e de 41 a 55 anos de idade e tempo de serviço maior de 61 meses com chance de 3,35 (IC95%: 1,31 8,57) quando comparados com o tempo de serviço menor do que 36 meses. A comparação entre as médias mostrou um aumento significante dos limiares com exceção da freqüência de 1K na orelha direita. Conclusões: Operadores de teleatendimento na empresa estudada apresentaram rebaixamento dos limiares auditivos em todas as freqüências. A exposição ocupacional por ruído ambiental e uso de headset dos operadores de teleatendimento necessita de estudos longitudinais detalhados para definição das repercussões auditivas e extra-auditivas / Introduction: Occupational noise exposure has been a subject studied for various occupations. At call centers, it has also been referred to as a healthhazardous risk factor. Aim: Identify the presence of hearing loss in operators of an airline company call center. Methodology: Cross-section and longitudinal epistemological study has been carried out. The cross-section study considered the latest audiograms of 589 operators divided according to gender, age (18 to 30, 31 to 43, over 44), and employment time (01 to 35, 36 to 60, over 61 months). The longitudinal study considered the audiograms of 387 operators who have been with the company for over 3 years, comparing referencial and final audiograms of the period between 1999 and 2006. Results: A predominance of 6.0% hearing loss, with 3.1% of NIHL and 2.9% by other causes, has been noticed in females. For hearing losses, gender has not turned out to be a significant risk factor (p>0.05). There is a greater risk for ages between 31 and 43, and 41 and 55, having been with the company for over 61 months, of 3.35 (IC95%: 1.31 - 8.57) when compared to those who have been with the company for less than 36 months. The comparison between the averages has shown a significant rise of threshold with the exception of 1K frequency in the right ear. Conclusions: Call center operators in the airline company at stake have shown lowering of hearing threshold in all frequencies. Noise-induced occupational exposure and the use of headsets by call center operators demand further, more detailed longitudinal studies to define the hearing and extra-hearing repercussions