Für die Therapie chronisch entzündlicher Darmerkrankungen (CED) ist die Diagnostik befallener Darmabschnitte und enteraler Komplikationen ebenso von Bedeutung, wie die Einschätzung der klinischen und endoskopischen Entzündungsaktivität. In einer Studie soll die Wertigkeit der Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) untersucht werden, die Entzündungsaktivität CED anhand visueller Befunde und Komplikationen einzuschätzen. Außerdem soll überprüft werden, ob auf eine Kontrastierung des Darmes zugunsten eines höheren Patientenkomforts und einer schnelleren Untersuchung verzichtet werden kann. 64 Patienten mit bekannter oder vermuteter CED wurden vor und nach intravenöser Gd-DTPA-Injektion mit dem MR-Tomographen untersucht. Während 35 Patienten eine orale und rektale Kontrastierung mit Endoskopielösung erhielten, wurden 31 nicht enteral kontrastiert. 53 der untersuchten Patienten wurden zeitnah koloskopiert. Ein neu entwickelter MR-Aktivitätsindex (MRAI), die Kontrastmittelanreicherung in der Darmwand sowie die gemessenen Darmwanddicken wurden mit klinischen Indizes (CAI, CDAI) und dem Endoskopie-Aktivitätsindex (EAI) korreliert. Weiterhin wurden koronare Bilder aller Patienten bezüglich der Distension des Darmes und der Abgrenzbarkeit der Darmwand begutachtet. Im Vergleich mit dem EAI konnten signifikante Unterschiede für die Verteilung des Darmwand-Enhancements und der gemessenen Darmdicken nachgewiesen werden. Der MRAI zeigte eine Korrelation von Eta = 0,43 mit der klinischen Aktivität. Für Colitis ulcerosa-Patienten konnte ein Eta = 0,64 erstellt werden. Untersuchte, die eine Kontrastierung des Darmes erhielten, wiesen eine exzellente Korrelation (Eta = 0,76) zwischen MRAI und CAI / CDAI auf, während dieser Zusammenhang für Patienten ohne enterale Auffüllung fehlte. Weiterhin konnten signifikante Zusammenhänge zwischen enteraler Kontrastierung und der Distension des Darmes sowie der Abgrenzbarkeit der Darmwand gezeigt werden. Die Arbeit macht deutlich, daß es möglich ist, CED mittels MRT zuverlässig zu diagnostizieren und mit Hilfe des MRAI in ihrer klinischen und endoskopischen Entzündungsaktivität einzuschätzen. Dabei sollte auf die Anwendung eines enteralen Kontrastmittels nicht verzichtet werden. Ein Einsatz der MRT ist somit nicht nur bei der Diagnostik sondern auch zur Verlaufskontrolle der CED sinnvoll. / For the therapy of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), not only the diagnosis of affected bowel segments and enteral complications but also the assessment of the clinical and endoscopic activity is important. The value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to asses the activity of IBD by visual findings and complications shall be determined by a clinical study. Furthermore shall be tested how the application of enteral contrast media affects patient comfort and examination time. 64 patients with known or supposed IBD were examined by MRI before and after intravenous injection of Gd-DTPA. 35 patients received oral and rectal contrast medium (2,5% mannitol solution) while 31 patients remaining without enteral replenishment. 53 patients underwent colonoscopy.A newly developed MR Activity Index (MRAI), based on visual findings, contrast-enhancement of the bowel wall and measured wall thickness were correlated with clinical (Crohn�s Disease Activity Index, CDAI; Colitis Activity Index, CAI) and endoscopic (Endoscopy Activity Index, EAI) activity. Coronal images of all patients were evaluated referring to bowel distension and demarcation of the bowel wall. The comparision with EAI shows significant differences in the distribution for wall contrast-enhancement and wall thickness. A good correlation is determined between the MRAI and the clinical activity (Eta = 0,43). Considering only patients with Ulcerative Colitis the correlation between MRAI and CAI shows Eta = 0,64. An excellent correlation of Eta = 0,76 between MRAI and CDAI / CAI for all patients with oral and enteral replenishment was found, while there was no correlation in the group, which did not receive mannitol solution. Significant correlations were also seen between the enteral mannitol solution replenishment and bowel distension and demarcation of the bowel wall. MRI shows good accuracy in detecting the changes the of IBD. The new developed MRAI allows an assessment of the activity of IBD. The results demonstrate that oral and enteral contrast media should be applied for MR examination of the abdomen. The utilization of MRI is furthermore useful in the follow up of IBD.

Research among ministers showed that they are experiencing high levels of stress due to career demands and having to cope with problems on their own (Grosch & Olsen, 2000:260). This has a detrimental effect on their health (Andrew, 1997:SO). Participation in physical activity have positive effects on the physical and psychological well being. Physical activity decrease work stress and increase work satisfaction and -stamina (Dreyer & Strydom, 1992:28). The objectives of this study was to determine the profiles of physical activity participation and the incidence of stress symptoms in relation to congregation type and congregation size in ministers, as well as the influence of physical activity on the relationship between stress symptoms and congregation demography (type and size). Congregation demography was divided into congregation type (location) as well as congregation size (number of church members). In this study a single cross sectional design that has been based on an availability profile has been used. The subjects were 340 ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church, who volunteered to participate in the study. The quality of participation in physical activity was determined with Sharkey's (1997:432) physical activity index The incidence of stress symptoms was determined with Burn's (1988) stress index and the congregation demography was determined by a self-reported questionnaire. The data was analysed by means of a one-way analysis of variance. From the data it is clear that the majority of the respondents were physically inactive and have a low incidence of stress symptoms in relation to congregation demography. The results of the stress symptoms may be attributed to the fact that religion and belief in God may play a vital role in the management of stress. Physical activity participation indicated a statistical significant (p≤0.05) influence on the relationship between stress symptoms and congregation demography. A highly practical significant difference (ES≥0.8) existed between high active and low active ministers working in congregations in rural areas. Physical activity participation also showed a moderate practical significant influence (ES≥0.5) on the relationship between stress symptoms and congregation demography (type and size). It was concluded that physical activity presented a salutogenic effect on psychological well-being among ministers and that congregation demography can influence physical and psycho-emotional health threats of Dutch Reformed ministers. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Research among ministers showed that they are experiencing high levels of stress due to career demands and having to cope with problems on their own (Grosch & Olsen, 2000:260). This has a detrimental effect on their health (Andrew, 1997:SO). Participation in physical activity have positive effects on the physical and psychological well being. Physical activity decrease work stress and increase work satisfaction and -stamina (Dreyer & Strydom, 1992:28). The objectives of this study was to determine the profiles of physical activity participation and the incidence of stress symptoms in relation to congregation type and congregation size in ministers, as well as the influence of physical activity on the relationship between stress symptoms and congregation demography (type and size). Congregation demography was divided into congregation type (location) as well as congregation size (number of church members). In this study a single cross sectional design that has been based on an availability profile has been used. The subjects were 340 ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church, who volunteered to participate in the study. The quality of participation in physical activity was determined with Sharkey's (1997:432) physical activity index The incidence of stress symptoms was determined with Burn's (1988) stress index and the congregation demography was determined by a self-reported questionnaire. The data was analysed by means of a one-way analysis of variance. From the data it is clear that the majority of the respondents were physically inactive and have a low incidence of stress symptoms in relation to congregation demography. The results of the stress symptoms may be attributed to the fact that religion and belief in God may play a vital role in the management of stress. Physical activity participation indicated a statistical significant (p≤0.05) influence on the relationship between stress symptoms and congregation demography. A highly practical significant difference (ES≥0.8) existed between high active and low active ministers working in congregations in rural areas. Physical activity participation also showed a moderate practical significant influence (ES≥0.5) on the relationship between stress symptoms and congregation demography (type and size). It was concluded that physical activity presented a salutogenic effect on psychological well-being among ministers and that congregation demography can influence physical and psycho-emotional health threats of Dutch Reformed ministers. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-12T18:29:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 arquivo3460_1.pdf: 9606201 bytes, checksum: 522885c74fabba7080761a9a8396bd03 (MD5) license.txt: 1748 bytes, checksum: 8a4605be74aa9ea9d79846c1fba20a33 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008 / Descoberto em 1975 o Parvovírus B19 (B19V) é o único membro da família Parvoviridae que apresenta comportamento patogênico em humanos. A persistência do vírus em vários tecidos, após infecção aguda, assim como sua presença em doenças do tecido conectivo e/ou autoimunes, reforça sua associação com várias patologias entre elas a Artrite Reumatóide (AR). Este trabalho teve como objetivos: verificar a associação entre infecção pelo B19V e o desenvolvimento da AR, traçar o perfil dos pacientes com AR quanto à atividade da doença utilizando o HAQ (The Health Assessment Questionnaire) e CDAI (Clinical Disease Activity Index) e correlacionar os dados encontrados com o resultado da sorologia para B19V. Trata-se de um estudo do tipo caso-controle com 92 portadores de AR e 92 com Osteoartrite (OA) constituindo o grupo controle, ambos originados do Ambulatório de Reumatologia do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco. O estudo foi realizado de março a novembro de 2007. A sorologia para quantificação de IgG anti B19V foi realizada pelo ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA) (RIDASCREEN®). Aplicou-se um questionário durante a entrevista para coleta de dados referente à doença. Foram excluídos da análise 18 pacientes por apresentarem resultado do ELISA indeterminado. Na análise observou-se predomínio do sexo feminino em mais de 90% no grupo de AR bem como em OA. A média de idade dos grupos foi de 50,5 ± 11,5 anos para AR e 57,4 ± 9,9 anos para OA respectivamente. Foi encontrada uma maior prevalência de IgG anti-B19V e um risco relativo de 2,69 (x2=26,40; p < 0,001) no grupo de AR quando comparados com o controle. Analisando os dados do HAQ, pudemos estimar que dos 74 pacientes, 30/74 (40,5%) apresentavam pouca ou nenhuma limitação funcional, 17/74 (23%) moderada limitação e 27/74 (36,5%) acentuada ou total incapacidade funcional. Segundo o CDAI observamos que dos 74 pacientes estudados, 14/74 (18,9%) sugeriam remissão do quadro de doença, 18/74 24,3%) baixa atividade de doença, 16/74 (21,6%) moderada atividade de doença e 26/74 (35,1%) doença em atividade. Não houve concordância entre os parâmetros de atividade da AR e a positividade para B19V. Os resultados encontrados sugerem a participação do B19V como um dos gatilhos que determinam o aparecimento da AR

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:26:40Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-02-12Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:55:00Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 borges_ls_me_botfca.pdf: 911036 bytes, checksum: 28a62dfd0c7afee067eb1dd1f0f9ca48 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / A produção orgânica é um sistema que permite alcançar bons níveis de produtividade, evitando ao mesmo tempo os riscos de contaminação química do agricultor, dos consumidores e do meio ambiente. Pelo fato da planta de jambu ser bastante utilizada como medicamento alternativo e por indústrias de cosméticos, vem aumentando o interesse devido às suas características físico-químicas. No entanto, as pesquisas sobre essa cultura ainda são muito incipientes. Existem poucos trabalhos e uma insuficiente diversidade de análises físico-químicas que possam caracterizar e diferenciar os tipos de cultivo em relação ao jambu. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o óleo essencial e os compostos antioxidantes em diferentes partes de jambu (folha e inflorescência) cultivado sob adubação orgânica e mineral, além de caracterizar os minerais no solo e nas plantas, nos diferentes tipos de cultivo. O experimento foi conduzido na Fazenda Experimental São Manuel (São Manuel-SP), pertencente à Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas - UNESP, campus de Botucatu) e na mesma época. O delineamento estatístico foi em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial (2 x 6), duas fontes de adubação (orgânica e mineral) e seis doses de esterco de curral e uréia, com quatro repetições para todas as análises efetuadas, exceto para as características de potencial antioxidante e espilantol, que foram utilizadas três repetições. Os experimentos realizados apresentaram como tratamentos seis doses de adubação mineral (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 g m-2 de uréia), aplicadas parceladas em duas vezes e seis doses de adubação orgânica (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 e 10 kg m-de esterco de curral), aplicadas no plantio. As características avaliadas foram teores de nutrientes na parte aérea, altura de plantas, massa fresca e seca, composição química do óleo essencial, teor de acido ascórbico; potencial... / The organic production it is a system that will achieve good levels of productivity, while avoiding the risk of chemical contamination of farmers, consumers and the environment. Because the plant jambu be widely used as alternative medicine and cosmetic industries, has been increasing interest due to their physical and chemical characteristics. However, the researches on this crop are still very incipient. There is little work and an insufficient variety of physical and chemical analysis that can characterize and differentiate the types of cultivation on the jambu.The purpose of this study was to analyze the essential oil and the antioxidant compounds in different parts of jambu (leaf and inflorescence) grown under organic and mineral fertilizer, and characterize the minerals in soil and plants in different types of cultivation. The experiment was conducted led in (Experimental Farm São Manuel (São Manuel-SP), belonging to the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences - UNESP, campus of Botucatu) and at the same time. The statistical design was factorial (2 x 6), two sources of fertilizer (organic and mineral) and six doses of the kraal manure and urea, with four replications for all analysis performed, except for the characteristics of potential antioxidant and spilantol, which were used three repetitions. The experiments presented treatments as six doses of conventional fertilization (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 g m-2, urea), applied in two split doses of fertilizer and six non-conventional (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 kg m-2 of the kraal manure), applied at planting. The characteristics were nutrient content in shoot, plant height, fresh and dry weight, chemical composition of essential oil, ascorbic acid content, antioxidant potential, and presence of pesticides. The results show that the compounds were present in this study were trans-caryophyllene, germacrene D, L-dodecene and espatulenol and... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Background: There is need for judicious use of immunosuppression in patients with active lupus nephritis (LN), however this is guided by renal biopsy which is invasive and not freely available in most centres. Novel urinary biomarkers such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumour necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) are secreted in the kidney and may be useful for predicting histological class, monitoring flares and assessing response to therapy. We assessed the utility of urinary MCP-1 (uMCP-1) and TWEAK (uTWEAK) in predicting renal histological findings, disease flares and treatment response 6 months following initiation of treatment for LN in newly biopsied patients. Methods: We recruited consenting patients with active LN confirmed on kidney biopsy. Relevant baseline demographic, biochemical and histological information was collected from the patients. ELISA methods were used to assess uMCP-1 and uTWEAK at baseline and at 6 months after completion of induction therapy. Results: There were 14 females and 6 male patients with a mean age of 29.8 ± 10.7 years, 60% were of mixed ancestry, 70% had proliferative LN. There was no association between uMCP-1 and uTWEAK and histological features (LN class, activity index, chronicity index and interstitial fibrosis). At 6 months, 6 patients were lost to follow-up and of the remaining 14, 12 (85%) attained remission (partial remission (n = 7) or complete remission (n = 5)). Both biomarkers were elevated in patients with active disease and significantly declined amongst those attaining remission, p = 0.018 and p = 0.015 respectively. However, for those not attaining remission, no association was found for both biomarkers (p >0.05). Conclusion: Our study did not show correlation between uMCP-1 and uTWEAK with histological features of LN. However, both biomarkers were elevated in patients with active disease and correlated with the remission status at the end of induction phase of treatment.

The study is devoted to problems of exposure caused by radionuclides in construction materials. Results received by gamma measurements and calculations (dose modeling) are used. Construction materials produced and/or used in Lithuania were investigated. The results of measurements (concentrations of natural radionuclides and activity indexes) are given for different types of construction materials. On the basis of these results and peculiarities of use of construction materials they have been classified according to their radiological significance. It helps to determine possible amounts of construction materials to be investigated and priorities of investigations. Relationship between activity indexes of different construction materials and dose rates in premises constructed of these construction materials has been determined. It might be used for increase of precision of personal dosimetric measurements performed in premises constructed of different materials. Possible relationship between absorbed dose rate indoors and concentration of indoor radon is discussed. Results of measurements of concentrations of natural radionuclides in archeological samples of construction materials are also presented and discussed. Dose modeling has been performed with the help of ALARA planning tool Visiplan 3D. Distributions of absorbed dose rate in standard living premises have been determined, relationship between dose rate and different parameters of constructions, such as thickness... [to full text]

The study is devoted to problems of exposure caused by radionuclides in construction materials. Results received by gamma measurements and calculations (dose modeling) are used. Construction materials produced and/or used in Lithuania were investigated. The results of measurements (concentrations of natural radionuclides and activity indexes) are given for different types of construction materials. On the basis of these results and peculiarities of use of construction materials they have been classified according to their radiological significance. It helps to determine possible amounts of construction materials to be investigated and priorities of investigations. Relationship between activity indexes of different construction materials and dose rates in premises constructed of these construction materials has been determined. It might be used for increase of precision of personal dosimetric measurements performed in premises constructed of different materials. Possible relationship between absorbed dose rate indoors and concentration of indoor radon is discussed. Results of measurements of concentrations of natural radionuclides in archeological samples of construction materials are also presented and discussed. Dose modeling has been performed with the help of ALARA planning tool Visiplan 3D. Distributions of absorbed dose rate in standard living premises have been determined, relationship between dose rate and different parameters of constructions, such as thickness... [to full text]

Leisure-time physical inactivity is a global public health concern affecting all people in different walks of life, including employees. This inactivity is associated with chronic diseases of lifestyle as well as low work capacity. The purpose of this study was two-fold: to determine leisure-time physical activity (LTPAI), coronary risk- (CRI), health status (HSI) and lifestyle (LSI) indexes of some executive employees in selected African countries; and to determine the effect of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) on the coronary risk-, health status- and lifestyle- indexes of some executive employees in selected African countries.A cross-sectional study design was followed on a group of 156 (mean age 41.22±10.17) executive employees. Participants were grouped according to age (<35 years; 36–46 years and > 46 years). Standardized questionnaires were used to collect data. Out of 156 participants in the study, 43% occupied top level management and 57% middle level management positions. When data were analyzed according to age groups, 31% and 69% in the less than 35 years age group were in the top and the middle level management, respectively. In the age group 36 to 46 years of age, 47% were in the top level of management and 52.8% middle level management. With regard to LTPA, top level managers (71.6%) scored low LTPA as compared to middle level managers (62.9%). Top level managers scored higher percentages (14.9%) for developing the risk of coronary heart disease. The results show a negative effect of physical activity on selected health parameters, with significant negative relationships between low LTPA and daily lifestyle index (r= -0.52; p=0.01), and moderate LTPA and daily lifestyle index (r= -0.71; p<0.001) for middle managers. It can be concluded that both top and middle level managers exhibited low LTPA and high risk for developing coronary heart disease. It was apparent that the managers in low LTPA are prone to bad stages of life style, health status and coronary risk- indexes compared to the ones with moderate and high LTPA. Additionally, low and moderate LTPA inversely affected selected health parameters of executive employees. No significant association was found for high LTPA with selected health parameters. The study therefore recommends a strategic intervention programme geared towards improving the present state of affairs among the managers in the corporate environment. / Thesis (MA (Biokinetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Leisure-time physical inactivity is a global public health concern affecting all people in different walks of life, including employees. This inactivity is associated with chronic diseases of lifestyle as well as low work capacity. The purpose of this study was two-fold: to determine leisure-time physical activity (LTPAI), coronary risk- (CRI), health status (HSI) and lifestyle (LSI) indexes of some executive employees in selected African countries; and to determine the effect of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) on the coronary risk-, health status- and lifestyle- indexes of some executive employees in selected African countries.A cross-sectional study design was followed on a group of 156 (mean age 41.22±10.17) executive employees. Participants were grouped according to age (<35 years; 36–46 years and > 46 years). Standardized questionnaires were used to collect data. Out of 156 participants in the study, 43% occupied top level management and 57% middle level management positions. When data were analyzed according to age groups, 31% and 69% in the less than 35 years age group were in the top and the middle level management, respectively. In the age group 36 to 46 years of age, 47% were in the top level of management and 52.8% middle level management. With regard to LTPA, top level managers (71.6%) scored low LTPA as compared to middle level managers (62.9%). Top level managers scored higher percentages (14.9%) for developing the risk of coronary heart disease. The results show a negative effect of physical activity on selected health parameters, with significant negative relationships between low LTPA and daily lifestyle index (r= -0.52; p=0.01), and moderate LTPA and daily lifestyle index (r= -0.71; p<0.001) for middle managers. It can be concluded that both top and middle level managers exhibited low LTPA and high risk for developing coronary heart disease. It was apparent that the managers in low LTPA are prone to bad stages of life style, health status and coronary risk- indexes compared to the ones with moderate and high LTPA. Additionally, low and moderate LTPA inversely affected selected health parameters of executive employees. No significant association was found for high LTPA with selected health parameters. The study therefore recommends a strategic intervention programme geared towards improving the present state of affairs among the managers in the corporate environment. / Thesis (MA (Biokinetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.