Ginseng, the root and rhizome of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. (Araliaceae), is one of the most famed dietary and medicinal herbs worldwide due to its multifaceted efficacies. Ginsenosides and carbohydrates are demonstrated the major bioactive components of ginseng. Ginseng materials are always formed under various conditions, e.g. different growth years or different post-harvest processing/handling manners. These conditions can impact chemical profiles and thereby cause different quality and efficacy of ginseng. To address this issue, it will be necessary to understand the correlation between the quality and efficacy of ginseng materials formed under different conditions. Previous studies have attempted to investigate how growth years and post-harvest processing/handling manners affect the quality and efficacy of ginseng. In the most of these cases, several chemical components and biological parameters were selected as the indicators for evaluating the quality and efficacy of ginseng, respectively. However, it has been well recognized that the therapy of ginseng is featured by "multiple components against multiple targets". Therefore, several selected indicators may fail to comprehensively characterize the quality and efficacy of ginseng, thus cannot accurately reveal their correlations. Instead, holism-based approaches should be employed. In this study, we integrated chemomics, metabolomics and gut microbiota genomics to investigate the correlation between the quality and efficacy of ginseng in the conditions of growth years, steam-processing and sulfur-fumigation. First, chemomics approach was developed to qualitatively and quantitatively determine major ginsenosides and carbohydrates (poly-, oligo- and monosaccharides) by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) and high performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-ELSD) for characterizing the overall quality of ginseng. Second, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS)-based metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing-based gut microbiota genomics coupled with biochemical parameters determination were performed to evaluate anti-fatigue and anti-obesity activities of the different ginseng on animal models. Third, the obtained multi-omics data were processed by multivariate statistical analysis and then were integrated to discuss the correlation between the quality and efficacy of ginseng materials in different conditions. The results indicated that: 1) ginseng with 4-6 growth years possessed different anti-fatigue activity in multiple targets due to the different effects of ginsenosides and carbohydrates on endogenous metabolism and gut microbiota; 2) steam-processing qualitatively and quantitatively altered ginsenosides and carbohydrates in ginseng, resulting in different anti-obesity activity between white ginseng and red ginseng, and the mechanisms potentially involve chemically structural/compositional specificity to gut microbiota; 3) SO2 residual content caused by sulfur-fumigation did not correlate with the quality, efficacy and toxicity changes of sulfur-fumigated ginseng, more specifically, less SO2 residue did not indicate higher quality, better efficacy nor weaker toxicity. The research provides scientific insights for guiding the clinical and dietary practice of ginseng and offers new methodology for comprehensively exploring the correlation between the quality and efficacy of herbal medicines

This study examined the impact therapeutic assessment (TA) had on participants recruited from the UNT Psychology Clinic's waiting list. Using a pretest-posttest design, participants completed measures prior to and following their assessment. UNT Psychology Clinic archive data was used to compare this sample to clients who received traditional information gathering assessments with implicit measures, those receiving assessments relying on only self-report measures, and those who did not receive an assessment before beginning psychotherapy. The findings of this study vary based on the criteria being examined. Due to the small sample in the experimental group, no statistical significance was found through null hypothesis testing. However, the TA group's scores on the Outcome Questionnaire – 45 (OQ) and the Working Alliance Inventory (WAI) indicated better outcomes than those without a TA, with large effect sizes. Furthermore, those who received a TA were more likely than those without a TA to score below the clinically significant cutoff levels on the OQ. The study raises issues for consideration in what is deemed "effective" in therapeutic efficacy research.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Zululand, 2008. / Confidentiality is an essential tool in a therapeutic relationship, thus, the focus of this study was based on the views and experiences of intern psychologists and registered psychologists on the concept of confidentiality in a therapeutic relationship. The researcher selected ten participants, of which four were intern psychologists and six were registered psychologists. A qualitative research method of collecting data was used in a form of an open-ended questionare. This questionare was consitituted of two quastions which formulated vignettes of participants. A phenomenomenological approach was adopted in this study to facilitate the understanding of the information gathered. The findings from the present study indicated that confidentiality in a therapeutic relationship is a confusing stance. There was a strong view that confidentiality leaves psychologists in a dilemma especially where there is conflict of interest. This was noted to be of significance that the participants believed that the clients they serve are their first priority. It was also found in this study that the lawyer-client relationship is protected as compared to a client-psychologist relationship. This study concluded with a brief discussion on the limitations of the study and recommendations of future research.

A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Community Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Zululand, 2008. / Evidence from literature (Edleson, 1999; Ross man, 1998; Graham-Bermann, 1996) has shown that children who witnessed family violence suffer from emotional, behavioural, social and cognitive problems and are often in conflict with the law and adults. For this reason, the main aim of the present study was to form and evaluate a therapeutic group for children who witnessed family violence in an attempt to promote health at secondary and tertiary levels. The sample for this study consisted of 12 children aged 8-13 years (who constituted the therapeutic group) and their mothers (who evaluated children's progress). Specifically designed questionnaires were used to collect data which was analyzed by using descriptive statistics. The findings of the study showed that children who witnessed family violence benefited from group therapy as a treatment approach. Children's post-test responses showed a significant improvement when compared to pre-test responses. This was also affirmed by mothers' post-test responses. These findings suggest a critical need for provision of group therapy to children who witnessed family violence.

The wars in Afghanistan (OEF) and Iraq (OIF) represent the most sustained American combat operations since the Vietnam War. A wealth of research has shown the frequency and intensity of exposure to combat experiences is positively correlated with risk for chronic PTSD and associated impairments in veterans, a “dose-response” continuum (Fischer, 2014; Hoge, Messer, McGurk, & Koffman, 2004; Maguen et al., 2015; Philips et al., 2017; Pitman, 2006; Ricks, 2004; Rona et al., 2014). Reported prevalence rates for symptoms of PTSD in OEF and OIF veterans vary, but researchers suggest 14% of treatment-seeking veterans and up to 21% of OEF and OIF veterans meet criteria for PTSD (Angkaw et al., 2013). The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), the Department of Defense (DoD), community agencies, and private mental health providers strive to help veterans reintegrate into civilian life. Efforts have been made to reduce barriers to treatment by developing interventions more appealing to veterans. One such modality gaining traction and support is therapeutic riding (TR). TR teaches veterans about horsemanship, how to ride, and serves as a tool for connection, as well as, physical and emotional healing (Notgrass & Pettinelli, 2015). This study was designed to answer the following research question: How do OEF and OIF veterans diagnosed with symptoms of PTSD experience the use of TR as a tool for their recovery? The post-intentional phenomenology, was utilized to ascertain how four veterans participating in TR were changed by the experience. Intentionality promoted an understanding of TR through its emphasis on the connections made during their participation. Data was gathered using a whole-part-whole investigative approach, whereby, themes were explored separately then brought together as a whole (Vagle, 2014). The research question and sub-questions facilitated further understanding of TR and its utilization by OEF and OIF veterans in the domains of perceived personal change, social connection, mental and emotional wellbeing, and environment. There were eleven tentative manifestations of change and five influencing factors which emerged through data discovery. Constructs were illuminated and further explored. The exploratory research implications seemed to support previous findings, suggesting TR had positive effects on PTSD symptom recovery for OEF and OIF veterans.

The unique characteristics of people with autism influence their spatial experience and interaction with the physical environment resulting in struggles not only to them but also to their families and caregivers. This research, which drew on the therapeutic landscapes theory, aimed at exploring these challenges in home environment and the role of modifying the physical home environment in alleviating these challenges. The research employed qualitative methods on three phases: a) learning from the experience of key informants who are involved in creating or modifying the home environment of people with autism. This phase involved interviews (n=4) with architects and interviews (n=2) and a focus group (n= 9 participants) with Occupational Therapists OTs) ; b) online survey across Canada and U.S.A with families of children with autism (n=168) , and; c) in-depth diary interviews with three selected case studies of families having children with autism and living in different housing typology (house, townhouse and apartment) in the Great Toronto Area. The identified themes provided comprehensive understanding on the following: (1) the common characteristics of people with autism affecting their interaction with the built environment; (2) the physical, social and psychological challenges that affect the quality of life of children with autism and their families in their home environment and the physical elements contributing to these challenges; (3) the common home modifications adapted by families to face these challenges; and; (4) the role of home modifications in shaping home environment as a therapeutic landscapes of healing. It was evident that the implemented modifications positively affected the families’ experiences of home as a physical, social, and; symbolic space. / Thesis / Master of Arts (MA)

The cornea is an avascular transparent tissue exposed to the environment and therefore highly susceptible to damage. With an increase in corneal refractive surgeries, corneal transplants, and corneal injuries, understanding and improving corneal healing mechanisms are extremely important. Impaired healing of corneal wounds can lead to decreased visual acuity and extreme pain. Serum eye drops, amniotic membranes, pharmaceutical agents, biopolymers, and cell transplants are just a few approaches that have been employed to improve wound healing. Bandage contact lenses (BCLs) have been proposed as a simple method to facilitate wound healing while reducing pain. The synthesis of a silicone hydrogel contact lens capable of surface binding hyaluronic acid (HA) for corneal wound healing was explored in the current work. HA was used as both a wetting agent and a therapeutic. The work presented describes the synthesis, characterization, and cell testing of the HA binding model silicone hydrogels, composed of the hydrophilic monomer, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and a hydrophobic silicone monomer, methacryloxypropyltris (trimethylsiloxy) silane (TRIS). Three different methods were evaluated for increasing HA binding and improving surface wettability. “Caged lenses” utilized the same base polymer with the incorporation of methacrylated N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). Hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains were then tethered from the NHS, forming a “cage” with the potential to physically entrap HA. Although surface wettability was improved, less HA was entrapped in the caged lenses compared to model silicone hydrogels, presumably due to the increased hinderance resulting from the PEG chains. “Tethered HA” lenses utilized PEG as a spacer to conjugate HA to the lens surface in order to improve surface hydrophilicity. Methacrylated HA conjugation resulted in a significant decrease in contact angle (p <0.01) compared to model pHEMA-co-TRIS whereas tethered thiolated HA did not lead to a significant decrease (p >0.05) in contact angle. It was clear that neither of these methods would lead to sufficient HA binding. Ionic interaction lenses utilize monomers and small molecules that contain a positive charge to bind to the negatively charged HA under physiological conditions. The monomer diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DEAEM) was polymerized directly into the polymer backbone, but resulted in no significant decrease (p >0.05) in contact angle. In comparison, surface functionalization using thiolene “click” chemistry allowed conjugation of the small molecule, dimethylamino ethanethiol (DMAET) and diethylamino ethanethiol (DEAET). DMAET and DEAET modified lenses showed significantly higher (p <0.001) HA binding compared to model pHEMA-co-TRIS controls at all time points. The modified lenses improved release kinetics preventing an initial burst release and showed consistent release when unloaded and reloaded with HA. The contact angle was significantly decreased (p <0.05) for the modified lenses with HA without affecting the equilibrium water content. Optical transparency was reduced following lens modifications although the thickness of the disks prepared was higher than a typical contact lens. Finally, the modified lenses did not exhibit any cytotoxicity in vitro with human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). The synthesis of silicone hydrogels capable of surface binding HA have potential to be used as a bandage contact lens while improving surface wettability and enhancing comfort. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

No description available.

Aim. The aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize novel analogues of [DACH-Pt-DMC] by using different stereoisomers of DACH; and to investigate any differences in in vitro activity of these complexes in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), colorectal carcinoma (CRC) cell lines and acquired cisplatin or oxaliplatin resistant sub-lines, and to compare that of oxaliplatin and other established Pt-based anticancer agents. Mechanistic roles of DACH-Pt- and DMC components of the TCM-Pt complexes on affecting HCT 116 human CRC cell line were investigated by flow cytometry, COMET assay and cDNA microarray analysis. / Background. Demethylcantharidin (DMC), a modified component of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), integrated with a platinum (Pt) moiety created a series of TCM-Pt complexes [Pt(C8H8O 5)(NH2R)2] 1-5 which demonstrated superior antitumor activity and circumvention of cisplatin resistance in vitro. Compound 5, derived from the 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (DACH) ligand (where R=trans-C6H10) had the most potent antitumor activity and closest structural resemblance to oxaliplatin (R,R-DACH-Pt complex) which is the first Pt-based anticancer drug to demonstrate convincing clinical activity against colorectal cancer and has a mechanism of action and resistance that is clearly different from that of cisplatin and carboplatin. / Conclusion. This study is the first to examine the mechanism of anticancer activity of new complexes that integrate DMC with different isomers of DACH. It has shown that both DACH-Pt- and DMC components contribute significantly to the compounds' potent anticancer activity, but likely with different mechanisms of action. The DACH-Pt- component appears to dictate the cell cycle distribution, whereas the DMC component appears to enhance cytotoxicity by inducing more DNA damage in HCT 116 colorectal cancer cells. / Methods. DMC was reacted with appropriate DACH-Pt-(NO3) 2 intermediates, which were prepared from treatment of K2PtCl 4 with stereoisomeric DACH (RR-, SS- & cis-), followed by reaction with silver nitrate. Proton NMR, high-resolution MS, polarimetry and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy were used to characterize their chemical structures and optical activities. In vitro antitumor activity (IC50 of 72hr drug exposure time) were assessed by a standard MTT assay. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry was determined at 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 48 and 72 h after drug treatment (cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin, DMC, compound 1 or trans-DACH-Pt-DMC analogues) at IC50 and 5 x IC50 concentrations with three to four replicates. Comet assay was performed with a fluorescent microscope and used to examine DNA damage after drug treatments (50muM of cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin, DMC, compound 1 or R,R-DACH-Pt-DMC) for 3hr. cDNA microarray was performed on Affymetrix Human Genome U133A Set and used to analyze gene expression profiles in HCT 116 exposed to trans-(+/-)-DACH-Pt-DMC or oxaliplatin at their IC50 for 72hr. / Results. The in vitro results showed that the trans-analogues were consistently the most potent amongst all the compounds tested in both HCC and CRC cell lines: the trans-(+)(1R,2R)-DACH-Pt-DMC complex, in particular, was the most effective stereoisomer. All of the stereoisomeric DACH-Pt-DMC complexes and oxaliplatin were apparently able to circumvent cisplatin resistance in Huh-7 and SK-Hep1 sub-lines, but cross resistant with oxaliplatin in HCT 116 oxaliplatin resistant sub-line. Flow cytometric analysis revealed the novel trans-DACH-Pt-DMC analogues and oxaliplatin behaved similarly: that is, the compounds at 5 x IC50 concentrations all caused a significant decrease in the S-phase population within 18h and at the same time induced G2/M arrest, and without obvious sub-G 1 phase accumulation, but distinct from that of cisplatin, carboplatin or DMC. Comet assay showed that trans-(+)-(1R,2 R)-DACH-Pt-DMC caused the most significant DNA damage at an equivalent molar concentration. Microarray analysis suggested that the mechanistic role of the DMC ligand can induce the cell cycle to accelerate from the G 1 to S-phase and cause M-phase arrest. / Yu Chun Wing. / "July 2006." / Advisers: Yee-ping Ho; Chik Fun Steve Au-Yeung. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 68-03, Section: B, page: 1586. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 191-232). / 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. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of South Africa, 1994.