A study was performed on a recently developed prototype of the Yong-Geddes surrogate arm design to collect compliance data of the various system components and determine the accuracy of measurements made through the bench top model. The study was performed to perceive the effectiveness of the model as a tool for validating non-invasive blood pressure detection monitors. Three stages of testing were performed to gather pressure and volume data from an artificial artery component, a sphygmomanometer, and the surrogate arm system to produce compliance estimations. Mathematical equations from supported arterial hemodynamics studies and clinical trials were applied to the pressure and volume data. Dr. Drzewiecki’s equation for arterial compliance was capable of predicting the region of the highest compliance of the artificial artery and produced an overall value of 38.81% for the data. A second degree inverse polynomial was developed and modeled the sphygmomanometer compliance measurements with a of 99.09%. Significant error was observed throughout all stages of the compliance testing, which was attributed to factors such as excessive noise due to faulty data collection equipment and irreparable leaks in the fluid flow system.

No description available.

The first aim of this study was to develop a research based, integrated, secondary prevention programme, called the Weight Over-concern and Well-being (WOW) programme, for the reduction of Subclinical Eating Disorder (SED) symptoms, associated traits and negative mood states, and the promotion of psychological well-being (PWB) in female students. Consequently the second aim was to determine the effectiveness of the WOW-programme on its own, in comparison with a combined Tomatis Method of sound stimulation (Tomatis, 1990) and WOW-programme, regarding the reduction of SED-symptoms, associated traits and negative mood states; the promotion of PWB; and outcome maintenance. The last aim was to obtain a deeper understanding and "insiders' perspective" of the lived experience of SED, through an interpretative phenomenological inquiry (Smith & Osborn, 2003). The motivation for the current study is a need for research based, integrated, risk-protective, secondary prevention programmes from a social-developmental perspective for female university students (Garner, 2004; Phelps, Sapia, Nathanson & Nelson, 2000; Polivy & Herman, 2002), given their risk status (Edwards & Moldan, 2004; Senekal, Steyn, Mashego & Nel, 2001; Wassenaar, Le Grange, Winship & Lachenicht, 2000). Concurrently in-depth descriptions from an "insiders' perspective" on the lived experience of SED are non-existent and require interpretative phenomenological study (Brocki & Wearden, 2006). Consequently this thesis consists of three articles, namely: (i) Development of a secondary prevention programme for female university students with Subclinical Eating Disorder, (ii) A secondary prevention programme for female students with Subclinical Eating Disorder: a comparative evaluation; and (iii) Lived experiences of Subclinical Eating Disorder: female students' perceptions. The research context comprised Subclinical Eating Disorder, secondary prevention and Positive Psychology. The first article, Development of a secondary prevention programme for female university students with Subclinical Eating Disorder (Kirsten, Du Plessis & Du Toit, 2007a), is qualitative in nature, and narrates a process of participatory action research followed to develop the WOW-programme. This social process of knowledge construction, embedded in Social Constructivist theory (Koch, Selim & Kralik, 2002), gradually revealed best clinical practice, and in retrospect, evolved over four phases. Phase One comprised experiential learning based on personal experiences with SED as undergraduate student and interaction with "participant researchers" as scientist practitioner (Strieker, 2002), resulting in a provisional risk model of intervention. Phase Two, a formal pilot study (Du Plessis, Vermeulen & Kirsten, 2004), afforded an evaluation of ideas generated in Phase One through a three-group pre-post-test design. Outcomes of Phase Two informed Phase Three, an integration of prior learning with Positive Psychology theory and clinical practice, resulting in a risk-protective model of prevention. Theoretical assumptions previously constructed were integrated and operationalised during Phase Four, into the final 9-session WOW-programme. In conclusion the process of knowledge construction was rigorous, despite the small overall sample size (n=28), since data saturation occurred within that sample. Although the multitude of aims involved in each session of the WOW-programme could be seen as unrealistic, in some direct or indirect way, they were addressed by means of relevant interventions due to the integrative approach. Thus future refinement is essential. Finally, despite aforementioned concerns, the WOW-programme proved to be robust on its own in reducing SED-symptoms and associated traits and enhancing PWB, as described in the second article of this thesis. The second article, A secondary prevention programme for female students with Subclinical Eating Disorder: a comparative evaluation (Kirsten, Du Plessis & Du Toit, 2007b), describes the outcomes of the WOW-programme on its own, evaluated comparatively with a combined Tomatis sound stimulation and WOW-programme. In this article the research aims were to determine: (i) whether participation in the combined sound stimulation and WOW-programme (Group 1); and (ii) participation in a WOW-programme only (Group 2), would lead to statistically significant reductions in SED-symptoms, psychological traits associated with eating disorders and negative mood states, and enhancement of PWB; (iii) whether results of Groups 1 and 2 would exceed results of a non-intervention control group (Group 3) practically significantly; and (iv) whether programme outcomes for Groups 1 and 2 would be retained at four-month follow-up evaluation. A mixed method design (Creswell, 2003; Morse, 2003) was used, including a three-group pre-post-test (n=45) and multiple case study (n=30) design. Various questionnaires measuring SED-symptoms, associated traits, negative mood states and PWB were completed. Qualitative data were obtained by means of metaphor drawings, letters to and from the "SED-problem", focus group interviews, the researchers' reflective field notes and individual semi-structured feedback questionnaires (Morse, 2003). Participation in Groups 1 and 2 proved effective, since decreases in SED-symptoms, associated traits, most negative mood states, and increases in PWB differed practically significantly from the results of Group 3. Outcomes for Groups 1 and 2 were maintained at four-month follow-up evaluation. Qualitative findings provided depth, support and trustworthiness to quantitative findings in light of the small sample size, and highlighted the value of using a mixed method design in prevention programming. It was concluded that the WOW-programme on its own, was an effective secondary prevention programme, since it led to reduced SED-symptoms, associated psychological traits and enhanced PWB, with retention of gains at four-months follow-up evaluation. The combined programme involving Tomatis stimulation and WOW-intervention proved to be even more effective, thus the complimentary role of Tomatis stimulation was demonstrated. However, the cost-effectiveness and comparative brevity of the WOW-programme rendered it the programme of choice regarding individuals with SED. Findings showed that conceptually, pathogenic and salutogenic perspectives can be successfully combined into a risk-protective model of secondary prevention. Lastly, the WOW-programme may even prove useful as an enrichment programme for female students in general. The third article, Lived experiences of Subclinical Eating Disorder: female students' perceptions (Kirsten, Du Plessis & Du Toit, 2007c), provides a qualitative, in-depth perspective on the lived experience of SED of 30 white, undergraduate females, purposively sampled. In this interpretative phenomenological, multiple case study (Brocki & Wearden, 2006), Groups 1 and 2 of the aforementioned primary study in the second article were used, since they fitted the criteria of "good informants" and were able to answer the research question (Morse, 2003). Further sampling was deemed unnecessary since data saturation occurred within their written and verbal responses and no negative cases were found. Rich individual qualitative data, further clarified through focus groups, emerged from graphic colour representations of lived SED, explanatory written records and "correspondence" with and from their "SED problem" (Gilligan, 2000; Loock, Myburgh, & Poggenpoel, 2003; White & Epston, 1990). Four main categories, characterised by serious intra-, interpersonal, existential and body image concerns were subdivided into seven subcategories, namely: Personal Brokenness, Personal Shame, Perceived Personal Inadequacy and Enslavement, Existential Vacuum, Perceived Social Pressure, Perceived Social Isolation and Body-image Dysfunction. Results were indicative of underestimation of SED-severity, its comprehensive detrimental impact on participants' PWB and high risk for escalation into full-blown eating disorders. It was concluded that the lived experiences of SED depicted the severity of SED-symptoms; descriptions resonated well with most of their pre-programme mean scores; and their risk status and need for contextually and developmentally relevant secondary prevention programmes were highlighted by the findings. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

INTRODUCTION: The risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are associated with coronary atherosclerosis and having multiple risk factors potentiates atherosclerosis. This study examined the prevalence of multiple biological and lifestyle/behavioral risk factors and their association with coronary artery calcium (CAC), a marker for subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 1607 community-dwelling asymptomatic individuals from central Appalachia who participated in CAC screening between January 2011 and December 2012. Data on demographics (sex and age) and 7 traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) were collected and categorized into 5 groups (0-1, 2, 3, 4, and ≥5). Prevalence of these risk factors and CAC scores (0, 1-99, 100-399, ≥400) were assessed, and the impact of the number of risk factors on CAC scores were delineated using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Over 98% of participants had ≥1 risk factor. While obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and family history of CAD significantly increased the odds of having CAC, CAC scores significantly increased with number of risk factors. After adjusting for demographic factors, having 3, 4, and ≥5 risk factors was significantly associated with increased odds of having higher CAC scores when compared to zero CAC score by more than one and half times [OR=1.65, CI (1.20-2.25)], two times [OR=2.32, CI (1.67-3.23)] and three times [OR=3.45, CI (2.42-4.92)], respectively. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of multiple risk factors in the study population suggests the need for aggressive multiple risk factors interventions for primary prevention of CAD, which could address CVD health disparities.

Aim: To examine the association of cardiovascular disease risk factors with and their cumulative effect on coronary artery calcium in hard-to-reach asymptomatic patients with diabetes. Methods: : A total of 2563 community-dwelling asymptomatic subjects from Central Appalachia participated in coronary artery calcium screening at a heart centre. Binary variable was used to indicate that coronary artery calcium was either present or absent. Independent variables consisted of demographic and modifiable risk factors and medical conditions. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: : In total, 55.8% and 13.7% of study participants had subclinical atherosclerosis (coronary artery calcium ⩾1) and diabetes, respectively. The presence of coronary artery calcium was higher in subjects with diabetes (68.5%) than those without (53.8%). Compared to subjects without diabetes with coronary artery calcium = 0, obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and smoking increased the odds of the presence of coronary artery calcium (coronary artery calcium score ⩾1) regardless of diabetes status; however, with larger odds ratios in subjects with diabetes. Compared to subjects without diabetes with coronary artery calcium score = 0, having 3, 4 and ⩾5 risk factors increased the odds of presence of coronary artery calcium in subjects with diabetes by 14.06 (confidence interval = 3.26–62.69), 32.30 (confidence interval = 7.41–140.82) and 47.12 (confidence interval = 10.35–214.66) times, respectively. Conclusion: : There is a need for awareness about subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes and more research about coronary artery calcium in subpopulations of patients.

The first aim of this study was to develop a research based, integrated, secondary prevention programme, called the Weight Over-concern and Well-being (WOW) programme, for the reduction of Subclinical Eating Disorder (SED) symptoms, associated traits and negative mood states, and the promotion of psychological well-being (PWB) in female students. Consequently the second aim was to determine the effectiveness of the WOW-programme on its own, in comparison with a combined Tomatis Method of sound stimulation (Tomatis, 1990) and WOW-programme, regarding the reduction of SED-symptoms, associated traits and negative mood states; the promotion of PWB; and outcome maintenance. The last aim was to obtain a deeper understanding and "insiders' perspective" of the lived experience of SED, through an interpretative phenomenological inquiry (Smith & Osborn, 2003). The motivation for the current study is a need for research based, integrated, risk-protective, secondary prevention programmes from a social-developmental perspective for female university students (Garner, 2004; Phelps, Sapia, Nathanson & Nelson, 2000; Polivy & Herman, 2002), given their risk status (Edwards & Moldan, 2004; Senekal, Steyn, Mashego & Nel, 2001; Wassenaar, Le Grange, Winship & Lachenicht, 2000). Concurrently in-depth descriptions from an "insiders' perspective" on the lived experience of SED are non-existent and require interpretative phenomenological study (Brocki & Wearden, 2006). Consequently this thesis consists of three articles, namely: (i) Development of a secondary prevention programme for female university students with Subclinical Eating Disorder, (ii) A secondary prevention programme for female students with Subclinical Eating Disorder: a comparative evaluation; and (iii) Lived experiences of Subclinical Eating Disorder: female students' perceptions. The research context comprised Subclinical Eating Disorder, secondary prevention and Positive Psychology. The first article, Development of a secondary prevention programme for female university students with Subclinical Eating Disorder (Kirsten, Du Plessis & Du Toit, 2007a), is qualitative in nature, and narrates a process of participatory action research followed to develop the WOW-programme. This social process of knowledge construction, embedded in Social Constructivist theory (Koch, Selim & Kralik, 2002), gradually revealed best clinical practice, and in retrospect, evolved over four phases. Phase One comprised experiential learning based on personal experiences with SED as undergraduate student and interaction with "participant researchers" as scientist practitioner (Strieker, 2002), resulting in a provisional risk model of intervention. Phase Two, a formal pilot study (Du Plessis, Vermeulen & Kirsten, 2004), afforded an evaluation of ideas generated in Phase One through a three-group pre-post-test design. Outcomes of Phase Two informed Phase Three, an integration of prior learning with Positive Psychology theory and clinical practice, resulting in a risk-protective model of prevention. Theoretical assumptions previously constructed were integrated and operationalised during Phase Four, into the final 9-session WOW-programme. In conclusion the process of knowledge construction was rigorous, despite the small overall sample size (n=28), since data saturation occurred within that sample. Although the multitude of aims involved in each session of the WOW-programme could be seen as unrealistic, in some direct or indirect way, they were addressed by means of relevant interventions due to the integrative approach. Thus future refinement is essential. Finally, despite aforementioned concerns, the WOW-programme proved to be robust on its own in reducing SED-symptoms and associated traits and enhancing PWB, as described in the second article of this thesis. The second article, A secondary prevention programme for female students with Subclinical Eating Disorder: a comparative evaluation (Kirsten, Du Plessis & Du Toit, 2007b), describes the outcomes of the WOW-programme on its own, evaluated comparatively with a combined Tomatis sound stimulation and WOW-programme. In this article the research aims were to determine: (i) whether participation in the combined sound stimulation and WOW-programme (Group 1); and (ii) participation in a WOW-programme only (Group 2), would lead to statistically significant reductions in SED-symptoms, psychological traits associated with eating disorders and negative mood states, and enhancement of PWB; (iii) whether results of Groups 1 and 2 would exceed results of a non-intervention control group (Group 3) practically significantly; and (iv) whether programme outcomes for Groups 1 and 2 would be retained at four-month follow-up evaluation. A mixed method design (Creswell, 2003; Morse, 2003) was used, including a three-group pre-post-test (n=45) and multiple case study (n=30) design. Various questionnaires measuring SED-symptoms, associated traits, negative mood states and PWB were completed. Qualitative data were obtained by means of metaphor drawings, letters to and from the "SED-problem", focus group interviews, the researchers' reflective field notes and individual semi-structured feedback questionnaires (Morse, 2003). Participation in Groups 1 and 2 proved effective, since decreases in SED-symptoms, associated traits, most negative mood states, and increases in PWB differed practically significantly from the results of Group 3. Outcomes for Groups 1 and 2 were maintained at four-month follow-up evaluation. Qualitative findings provided depth, support and trustworthiness to quantitative findings in light of the small sample size, and highlighted the value of using a mixed method design in prevention programming. It was concluded that the WOW-programme on its own, was an effective secondary prevention programme, since it led to reduced SED-symptoms, associated psychological traits and enhanced PWB, with retention of gains at four-months follow-up evaluation. The combined programme involving Tomatis stimulation and WOW-intervention proved to be even more effective, thus the complimentary role of Tomatis stimulation was demonstrated. However, the cost-effectiveness and comparative brevity of the WOW-programme rendered it the programme of choice regarding individuals with SED. Findings showed that conceptually, pathogenic and salutogenic perspectives can be successfully combined into a risk-protective model of secondary prevention. Lastly, the WOW-programme may even prove useful as an enrichment programme for female students in general. The third article, Lived experiences of Subclinical Eating Disorder: female students' perceptions (Kirsten, Du Plessis & Du Toit, 2007c), provides a qualitative, in-depth perspective on the lived experience of SED of 30 white, undergraduate females, purposively sampled. In this interpretative phenomenological, multiple case study (Brocki & Wearden, 2006), Groups 1 and 2 of the aforementioned primary study in the second article were used, since they fitted the criteria of "good informants" and were able to answer the research question (Morse, 2003). Further sampling was deemed unnecessary since data saturation occurred within their written and verbal responses and no negative cases were found. Rich individual qualitative data, further clarified through focus groups, emerged from graphic colour representations of lived SED, explanatory written records and "correspondence" with and from their "SED problem" (Gilligan, 2000; Loock, Myburgh, & Poggenpoel, 2003; White & Epston, 1990). Four main categories, characterised by serious intra-, interpersonal, existential and body image concerns were subdivided into seven subcategories, namely: Personal Brokenness, Personal Shame, Perceived Personal Inadequacy and Enslavement, Existential Vacuum, Perceived Social Pressure, Perceived Social Isolation and Body-image Dysfunction. Results were indicative of underestimation of SED-severity, its comprehensive detrimental impact on participants' PWB and high risk for escalation into full-blown eating disorders. It was concluded that the lived experiences of SED depicted the severity of SED-symptoms; descriptions resonated well with most of their pre-programme mean scores; and their risk status and need for contextually and developmentally relevant secondary prevention programmes were highlighted by the findings. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Darbo tikslas: Išanalizuoti karvių bandos pieno kokybinę sudėtį ir patikslinti trūkinamų karvių profilaktikai taikomų medikamentų poveikį. Darbo uždaviniai: 1. Išanalizuoti karvių bandos pieno kokybinę sudėtį. 2. Tiriamojoje karvių fermoje reagentu CMT ištirti pasirinktų tyrimams karvių tešmens ketvirčius, prieš užtrūkinant ir po apsiveršiavimo praėjus 10dienų . 3. Atlikti bakteriologinius pieno tyrimus, prieš užtrūkinant ir po apsiveršiavimo praėjus 10dienų . 4. Nustatyti preparatų gydomąjį efektyvumą. Mokslinis - tiriamasis darbas buvo atliekamas 2010 – 2013 metais, privačiame ūkyje, Tauragės raj. Tyrimui buvo atrinktos 20 karvių, kurios buvo sugrupuotos į dvi grupes po 10 karvių. Grupėms buvo skirtas skirtingas gydymas, 1 –oji grupė gydyta preparatu „Rilexine 500“, 2 – oji grupė preparatu „OrbeSeal“. Prieš gydymą ir po gydymo buvo stebėtas SLS, pieno baltymų, riebalų, laktozės ir urėjos kiekio kitimas. Taip pat mastito sukėlėjų diagnozavimas, tešmens ketvirčių užkrėstumas. Išanalizavus bandos pieno kokybinę sudėtį, galima teigti, kad pieno kokybiniai rodikliai ima gerėti, po sėkmingo mastito gydymo. Prieš užtrūkinant abiejų grupių karvių teigiamai į CMT testą reagavo 55 % ketvirčių. Po veršiavimosi praėjus 10 dienų, pirmos grupės karvių į CMT teigiamai reagavo tik 10 %, o antros grupės karvių – 37,5 % ketvirčių. Pažeisti dažniau buvo galiniai ketvirčiai, lyginant su priekiniais. Prieš užtrūkinant 1 grupės karves, pagrindinė pieno mėginių mikroflora buvo sąlyginai... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Goal of the work: To analyze the qualitative composition of milk in the cow herd and effects of medications used for prevention of the termination of cow lactation. Tasks of the work: 1. To analyse the qualitative composition of milk in the cow herd. 2. Using the CMT reagent in the analysed cow farm, to examine the udder quarters of cows is selected for analysis, before termination of lactation and in 10 days after calving. 3. To perform bacteriological milk tests before termination of lactation and in 10 days after calving. 4. To determine the effectiveness of therapeutic preparations. The research work has been carried out in 2010–2013 in the private farm in Tauragė district. 20 cows were selected as the sample for research, and grouped into two groups of 10 cows. Groups received different treatment, the first group was treated with Rilexine 500, the second group with OrbeSeal preparation. Changes in the SCC, milk protein, fat, lactose and urea content were monitored before and after treatment along with diagnostics of mastitis pathogens and infection of the udder quarters. The analysis of the qualitative composition of the herd milk allows the state that the qualitative milk indicators start to improve after successful treatment of mastitis. Before termination of lactation, 55% quarters of both groups of cows showed positive response to the CMT test. 10 days after calving, only 10 % quarters of the first group of cows and 37.5% quarters of the second group of cows... [to full text]

(EN) Research in the field of obesity, diabetes mellitus and their complications in recent years is increasingly focused on pathophysiological mechanisms of their onset and potential prevention and treatment. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effects of two different interventions - sleeve gastrectomy and physical activity - on anthropometric, biochemical, hormonal parameters and mRNA expression of proinflammatory factors in subcutaneous adipose tissue along with mRNA expression in peripheral blood monocytes in patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy. A total of 15 obese women with hypertension were included into the physical activity study. These patients underwent a 3-month training program, which included 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week. 13 obese women were included into sleeve gastrectomy study and were followed-up for 2 years after surgery. Our results indicate that in both studies obese groups had at baseline significantly increased mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines, adipokines, chemokines and chemokine receptors relative to control groups. Both interventions decreased body weight and low-grade inflammation. Physical activity had no significant effect on blood pressure, lipid profile and mRNA expression of the components of the renin-...

Die vorliegende Arbeit beschreibt, wie depressive und somatoforme Beschwerden auf die global konzeptualisierte Lebenszufriedenheit wirken. Anhand einer bevölkerungsrepräsentativen Stichprobe (N=2510) wird diese Fragestellung analysiert. Ziel ist es zum einen zu klären, ob bereits subklinische Beschwerden zu deutlichen Einschränkungen der Lebenszufriedenheit führen und zum anderen, wie sich die beiden Beschwerdegruppen im Zusammenspiel auf die Lebenszufriedenheit auswirken. Somatische und depressive Symptome werden dimensional (subklinische Symptome eingeschlossen) untersucht und somatoforme und depressive Syndrome kategorial (auf ICD-10 Diagnose-Ebene) analysiert – quantifiziert jeweils mit dem Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). Lebenszufriedenheit wird mit den Fragen zur Lebenszufriedenheit (FLZ-M) gemessen. Univariate Kovarianzanalysen dienen zur statistischen Prüfung. Die Ergebnisse werden in einer Publikation dargestellt. Unter Berücksichtigung komorbider depressiver Symptome/Syndrome wirken sich somatische Symptome und somatoforme Syndrome nur auf einige Bereiche der Lebenszufriedenheit negativ aus. Eine dimensionale Auswertung ist sinnvoll, um den Einfluss subklinischer Symptome zu beschreiben.

Many studies have shown steroid hormone changes in adrenal incidentalomas with subclinical hypercortisolism and various forms of Cushing's syndrome. The aim of our work was to measure, using novel steroid GC-MS/MS measurement procedure, complex picture of many steroids in these patients. With the knowledge of these changes we could better explain causal pathophysiologic changes. In the study on patients with adrenal incidentalomas we described complex steroid changes in patients with subclinical hypercortisolism. Previous studies showed decrease of DHEAS in subclinical hypercortisolism. We confirmed this finding and described a decrease in other androgens and their metabolites. We also evaluated their sensitivity and specificity when compared to routinely used parameters for diagnosis of subclinical hypercortisolism. Furthermore, we looked at the alterations in all measured steroids and their changes in the 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test. In another study, we analyzed steroid changes in various forms of Cushing's syndrome. We confirmed the decrease of adrenal androgens in the ACTH independent forms and mild increase in the ACTH dependent forms. We also described elevations of mineralocorticoid precursors in central and ectopic forms of ACTH secretion. In the distinction of ectopic and central...