Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death. It is also one of the major factors resulting sudden deaths in exercises. Blood pressure (BP) is one of the vital diagnostic parameters to reflect the functionality of cardiovascular system and evaluate the conditions of CVD. However, current BP measuring devices usually require the occlusion of cuff that causes inconvenience to users during measurement. They are neither suitable nor practical for long-term monitoring. Pulse transit time (PTT), the duration for a pressure pulse wave to travel from one arterial site to another, has been proposed as a potential parameter for cuffless BP measurement in recent decades. Because of its cuffless and non-invasive measuring features, the aim of the present study is to develop a novel PTT-based BP estimation for cuffless and non-invasive monitoring of BP under resting and exercise conditions. / The accuracy of proposed method for continuous BP monitoring has been evaluated on seventeen subjects during cycling. Brachial BP was measured by FinapresRTM (Fin. BP) and a trained nurse (Nur. BP). In approximate 22000 beats, the differences between predictions and Fin. BP were 1.3+/-13.0 mmHg for SBP and -1.5+/-6.1 mmHg for DBP respectively. The intermittent BP measurements using the proposed method were compared to the readings from FinapresRTM and nurse separately. The differences between proposed method and Nur. BP were 0.9+/-9.9 mmHg for SBP and -1.2+/-5.2 mmHg for DBP respectively. The differences between proposed method and Fin. BP were -0.1+/-12.6 mmHg for SBP and -1.4+/-5.9 mmHg for DBP respectively. The predictions using the proposed method were more consistent with the nurse readings. Furthermore, thorax impedance signal was proposed for cuffless BP estimation and it was examined on twenty-two subjects. The results illustrated that proposed parameters, measured from Q wave of electrocardiogram to the peaks of thorax impedance signal and its derivative, were highly correlated with BP. They were potential parameters to provide non-invasive and cuffless BP estimation. / To conclude, the accuracy of proposed method was comparable to the cuff-based approaches under resting and exercise conditions. This work is potential to solve the problems due to prevalence of CVD and rising aging population. (Abstract shortened by UMI.) / Wong, Yee Man. / Adviser: Y. T. Zhang. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 70-06, Section: B, page: 3650. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references. / 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.

Transfusion of blood products is a common medical procedure, and maintaining adequate blood supply depends on the unpaid donation of a small share of the general population. The absence of pre-donation testing for iron status allows many donors with iron deficiency to donate blood. This dissertation seeks to enhance our understanding of the causes of iron deficiency among blood donors, the resultant symptoms, and the likely effectiveness of alternate strategies for reducing the risk of iron deficiency. In Study 1, we used data from the REDS-II RISE prospective cohort study, over a 2-year follow-up period, to evaluate whether higher levels of dietary iron protect against incident iron deficiency in blood donors. Responses to a brief checklist of consumption of animal proteins were combined into an Iron Composite Score weighted for iron content and reported frequency. We found that donors reporting the lowest levels of iron consumption were more likely to develop advanced iron depletion during follow-up. In Study 2, we performed an analysis of observational data from the STRIDE study, a randomized trial, to evaluate whether improvements in iron status were associated with improvements in reported fatigue levels. Using linear regression, we found that many donors had sizable changes in both reported levels of fatigue and in measures of iron status, but neither iron status nor changes in iron status was associated with fatigue at the end of 20–24 months follow-up. In Study 3, we conducted a simulation study to evaluate the range of outcomes of different strategies that might be adopted by blood centers to reduce the prevalence of iron depletion in blood donors. Using inputs primarily from the REDS-II program, we simulated approaches that extended the minimum interval between donations, that promoted use of iron supplementation by blood donors, and that performed ferritin testing to determine donor iron stores and extended the donation interval to those with iron depletion. Only extending the current 8-week interval to 26 weeks approached a reduction by half of the proportion of blood donors who were iron deficient, but the estimated impact on blood supply was a 21% drop in blood availability. Those interventions impacting supply less were also less effective in reducing iron depletion.

"May 2002." / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 142-163). / 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.

Platelets play an essential role in haemostasis by adhering to the damaged vessel wall and forming a platelet plug to arrest bleeding. Although platelets are traditionally thought of as pro-coagulant, they possess the ability to harbour functional proteins that are key to fibrinolysis, the breakdown of the blood clot, on their surface. They are therefore substantially well equipped to regulate local fibrinolysis. This thesis aims to further define the role of platelets in fibrinolysis, in particular platelet-derived plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and plasminogen. PAI-1 is the principal physiological inhibitor of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), and plasminogen is the zymogen for plasmin. In Chapter 3, we show that platelet-derived PAI-1 is released from platelet α-granules by an αIIbβ3 and fibrin dependent mechanism. We found that a significant portion of α-granular PAI1 is retained on the surface of highly activated PS-positive platelets, and activity analysis revealed the majority of PAI-1 on the platelet surface was in its active form. The functional role of platelet PAI-1 was investigated by analysis of tPA-mediated lysis of Chandler model thrombi. Our data revealed a striking dependence for platelet PAI-1 in stabilising platelet-rich thrombi against degradation. Chapter 4 characterises the expression of a novel transmembrane receptor, Plg-RKT, on the surface of human and mouse platelets. This revealed that plasminogen and Plg-RKT augment one another's binding to the platelet surface. Furthermore, analysis of plasminogen binding to the platelet surface revealed two distinct binding sites: 1) via Plg-RKT and 2) via a fibrin and αIIbβ3 dependent mechanism. Finally, Chapter 5 of this thesis discusses the optimisation of a system that monitors thrombus formation and fibrinolysis under flow. Use of this model will help to further elucidate the complex role that platelets play in controlling the balance between coagulation and fibrinolysis.

by Cathy Yui Hung. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 129-152). / Abstract --- p.i / List of A bbreviations --- p.iv / Table of Contents --- p.vii / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1. --- Definitions & Morbid implication of PIH / Chapter 1.1. --- Definition of PIH --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2. --- Classification --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3. --- Background --- p.3 / Chapter 2. --- Aetiology PIH --- p.4 / Chapter 2.1. --- Anatomy of placenta --- p.4 / Chapter 2.2. --- Physiology of placenta --- p.4 / Chapter 2.3. --- The placenta as the cause of PIH --- p.6 / Chapter 2.4. --- Pathology of the placental bed --- p.7 / Chapter 3. --- Epidemiology of PIH --- p.9 / Chapter 3.1. --- Maternal risk factors --- p.9 / Chapter 3.2. --- Fetal risk factors --- p.10 / Chapter 3.3. --- Genetics of PIH --- p.10 / Chapter 3.4. --- Maternal outcome --- p.12 / Chapter 3.5. --- Fetal outcome --- p.13 / Chapter 4. --- Pathophysiologic changes in PIH --- p.14 / Chapter 4.1. --- Important Pathophysiologic changes in PIH --- p.14 / Chapter 4.1.1. --- Hyperdynamic circulation --- p.14 / Chapter 4.1.2. --- Changes in Intravascular volume --- p.15 / Chapter 4.1.3. --- Loss of resistance to Angiotensin II and catecholamines --- p.16 / Chapter 4.1.4. --- Coagulation abnormalities --- p.16 / Chapter 4.1.5. --- Platelets --- p.17 / Chapter 4.2. --- Multisystem disorder in PIH --- p.18 / Chapter 4.2.1. --- The kidney --- p.18 / Chapter 4.2.2. --- The liver --- p.19 / Chapter 4.2.3. --- The brain and nervous system --- p.19 / Chapter 4.2.4. --- Cardiovascular and renin-angiotensin systems --- p.20 / Chapter 4.2.5. --- Placenta --- p.21 / Chapter 5. --- Prediction of PIH --- p.22 / Chapter 5.1. --- Standard methods of antental care --- p.22 / Chapter 5.1.1. --- Blood pressure increase in antenatal period --- p.22 / Chapter 5.1.2. --- Second Trimester Mean Arterial Pressure --- p.23 / Chapter 5.1.3. --- Proteinuria --- p.25 / Chapter 5.1.4. --- Excessive weight gain and edema --- p.26 / Chapter 5.1.5. --- Platelet count --- p.27 / Chapter 5.2. --- Vasoconstriction tests --- p.27 / Chapter 5.2.1. --- The Isometric Handgrip Exercise Test --- p.27 / Chapter 5.2.2. --- Roll-Over Test --- p.28 / Chapter 5.2.3. --- Infusion of Angiotensin II --- p.31 / Chapter 5.3. --- Biochemical tests --- p.33 / Chapter 5.3.1. --- Urinary Calcium excretion --- p.33 / Chapter 5.3.2. --- Prostacyclin & throboxane A2 --- p.33 / Chapter 5.3.3. --- Platelet Angiotensin II receptors --- p.34 / Chapter 5.4. --- Ultrasougographic evaluation --- p.36 / Chapter 5.4.1. --- Doppler waveforms of uteroplacental circulation --- p.36 / Chapter 6. --- Prevention & treatment of PIH --- p.38 / Chapter 6.1. --- Antihypertensive drugs --- p.40 / Chapter 6.2. --- Antithrombotic agents --- p.40 / Chapter 6.2.1. --- Low-dose aspirin --- p.40 / Chapter 6.3. --- Calcium supplementation --- p.44 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- General Methodology / Chapter 1.1 --- Introduction --- p.48 / Chapter 1.2. --- Materials --- p.48 / Chapter 2. --- Studies --- p.51 / Chapter 2.1. --- Validation of Cor-7000 Sphygmomanometer --- p.51 / Chapter 2.1.1. --- Patients --- p.51 / Chapter 2.1.2. --- Methods --- p.51 / Chapter 2.1.3. --- Statistics --- p.52 / Chapter 2.1.4. --- Results --- p.53 / Chapter 2.2. --- Platelet ANG II receptor status and systemic vascular resistance --- p.58 / Chapter 2.2.1. --- Control subjects --- p.58 / Chapter 2.2.2. --- Patient subjects --- p.58 / Chapter 2.2.3. --- Platelet preparation and platelet angiotensin II binding site assay --- p.60 / Chapter 2.2.3.1. --- Statistical analysis --- p.62 / Chapter 2.2.3.2. --- Results --- p.63 / Chapter 2.2.4. --- Using impedance techniques to measurement of systemic vascular resistance --- p.74 / Chapter 2.2.4.1. --- Measurement of Cardiac Output by impedance cardiography --- p.74 / Chapter 2.2.4.2. --- Validity of transthoracic electrical bioimpedance technique --- p.81 / Chapter 2.2.4.3. --- Measurement of mean arterial pressure --- p.87 / Chapter 2.2.4.3.1. --- Experimental technique --- p.87 / Chapter 2.2.4.3.2. --- Statistical analysis --- p.92 / Chapter 2.2.4.4. --- Results --- p.92 / Chapter 2.2.4.5. --- Data analysis --- p.93 / Chapter 2.2.4.6. --- Relationship between platelet ANG II binding and haemodynamic indices --- p.110 / Chapter 2.2.4.7. --- pregnancy outcome --- p.115 / Chapter CHAPTER 3. --- RESULTS / Chapter 1. --- Study 1 Validation of Cor 7000 sphygmomanometer --- p.116 / Chapter 2. --- Study 2 Platelet ANG II receptor status and systemic vascular resistance --- p.118 / Chapter 2.1. --- Platelet Angiotensin II binding Assay --- p.118 / Chapter 2.2. --- Limitation of the TEB technique --- p.121 / Chapter 2.3. --- Changes in blood pressure and other cardiovascular indices --- p.122 / Chapter 2.4. --- Relationship between Platelet ANG II binding and Haemodynamic indices --- p.124 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- CONCLUSION / Chapter 4.1. --- Conclusion --- p.126 / References --- p.129 / Acknowledgments

Liu, Yinbo. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 74-79). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / List of Figures --- p.iv / List of Tables --- p.viii / Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Current status of Blood Pressure Management --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Current Status of Noninvasive Blood Pressure Measurement Techniques --- p.4 / Chapter 1.3 --- Motivations and Objectives of This Thesis --- p.9 / Chapter 1.4 --- Organization of This Thesis --- p.9 / Backgrounds --- p.11 / Chapter 2.1 --- Principle of the Pulse Transit Time-based Approach for BP Measurement --- p.11 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- General Descriptions --- p.11 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Pressure Wave Propagation in Cylindrical Arteries --- p.13 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Determining the PTT for BP Measurement --- p.14 / Chapter 2.2 --- Backgrounds for Pressure Related Elastic Properties of Artery --- p.17 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Transmural Pressure and Its Components --- p.17 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Volume-pressure Models --- p.19 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Types and Structure of the Artery and Its Properties --- p.20 / Chapter 2.3 --- Literature Review on the Calibration Methods for Cuffless Blood Pressure Measurements --- p.22 / Chapter 2.4 --- Section Summary --- p.25 / Investigations on Factors Affecting PTT or BP --- p.26 / Chapter 3.1 --- The Effects of External Pressure --- p.26 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Background --- p.26 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Experimental protocol --- p.28 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Analysis for the Effects of External Pressure on PTT --- p.30 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- Section Discussions --- p.31 / Chapter 3.2 --- The Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure --- p.32 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Experimental protocol --- p.33 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Analysis for the Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure on PTT --- p.34 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Section Discussions --- p.37 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Section Summary --- p.38 / Modeling the Effect of Hydrostatic Pressure on PTT for A Calibration Method --- p.39 / Chapter 4.1 --- Current Status of Hydrostatic Calibration Approaches --- p.39 / Chapter 4.2. --- Modeling Pulse Transit Time under the Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure for A Hydrostatic Calibration Method: --- p.40 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Basic BP-PTT model --- p.40 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- V-P relationship Represented by a Sigmoid Curve --- p.40 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Relating PTT with Hydrostatic Pressure --- p.41 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Implementing the Hydrostatic Calibration Method for BP Estimation --- p.43 / Chapter 4.3. --- Preliminary Experiment --- p.44 / Chapter 4.3.1. --- Experimental Protocol and Methodology --- p.44 / Chapter 4.3.2. --- Experimental Analysis --- p.46 / Chapter 4.4. --- Section Discussions --- p.48 / Chapter 4.5. --- A Novel Implementation Algorithm of Hydrostatic Calibration Method for Cuffless BP Estimation --- p.49 / Chapter 4.6. --- Section Summary --- p.50 / Experimental Studies for the Hydrostatic Calibration Approach --- p.51 / Chapter 5.1 --- Experimental Analysis --- p.51 / Chapter 5.1.1 --- Experimental Protocol --- p.51 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- Methodology --- p.53 / Chapter 5.1.3 --- Preparations --- p.54 / Chapter 5.1.4 --- Experimental Results --- p.56 / Chapter 5.2 --- Section Discussions --- p.63 / Chapter 5.3 --- Section Summary --- p.70 / Conclusions and Suggestions for Future Works --- p.71 / Chapter 6.1 --- Conclusions --- p.71 / Chapter 6.2 --- Suggestions for Future Works --- p.72 / Reference --- p.71

No description available.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 172-217). Examines the effects of estrogens and phytoestrogens on plasma lipoprotein levels and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including the oxidisability of low density lipoprotein

Blood samples were collected from 602 white-tailed deer (WTD) (Odocoileus virginianus) between October 2008 – October 2009, from 15 different counties throughout Texas. White-tailed deer were evaluated for serum biochemical parameters (total protein, albumin, calcium serum, phosphorus, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, total bilirubin, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, globulins, albumins to globulins ratio, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and magnesium) and the following variables were recorded: age, gender, county of collection, season, capture method, and status based on captive or free-ranging. The 14 biochemical parameters were compared for WTD among age groups fawns (<12 months), yearlings (≥12 months - <24 months) and adults (≥24 months), gender, season (Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter), status (captive or free-ranging) and capture method (physical restraint, anesthetized using physical restraint method of drug administration, anesthetized using dart gun method of drug administration, drop-netted, net-gunned, or hunter harvested). The data collected for these parameters was used to establish normal ranges for a comprehensive metabolic panel (serum chemistry panel) for WTD in Texas. These reference ranges will be used for both captive and free-ranging WTD to improve diagnostic screening and disease monitoring. Captive vs. free-ranging status was statistically significant in WTD for 7 of the 14 physiological parameters. Significant differences and trends were observed among the three age groups. Calcium and phosphorus had an inverse relationship with age, while glucose had a direct relationship with age. Gender was statistically significant for 7 of 14 parameters. Anesthetized WTD vs. non-anesthetized had the greatest impact on mean blood chemistry values. Values for total serum protein, albumin, calcium, phosphorus, and globulins were higher for non-anesthetized WTD. Glucose, BUN, and AST mean values for higher for anesthetized WTD.

輸血安全在國內外一直都是非常受重視的議題，然而輸血錯誤問題卻仍時有所聞。根據國內2003年調查顯示，醫療不良事件中，輸血錯誤比率高達4%。初步探究輸血錯誤發生之原因，除了發生在醫院內保存及輸血過程的疏失外，採血單位(捐血中心)採血、檢驗與血品分離過程、運送保存過程等等之人為疏失，所有環節只要稍有疏忽，就可能造成無法彌補的錯誤。 本研究目的主要探討藉由RFID技術的導入，對整體採血到輸血流程在「流程管理」、「時間效益」、「品質確保」及「經濟效益」等方面所可產生之效益。 為了解實際流程與真正影響效益的因素，選定採血及輸血單位，針對採血到輸血之流程現況進行個案訪談。訪談結果藉由UML統一塑模語言進行企業流程塑模(Business Process Modeling)，並進行血袋相關流程萃取，以個別探討血袋R化後之效益評估。 經由本研究分析，得到結論如下：RFID的導入對流程管理、時間效益、經濟效益等方面改善都很有限，只有在醫療品質確保方面，可獲得比較顯著的效益。但畢竟人命關天，只要因此就能多救活或少犧牲幾條寶貴的生命，也是相當值得。 本研究同時也建議由相關中央政府機關來統籌規劃建置以EPC網路架構為基礎的血袋資訊流通共通平臺，血袋才能獲得有效率的流通，而不會浪費了許多捐血人的善意。此外，在醫院中也必須擴大使用RFID，特別是病患識別腕帶，才能收到加乘綜效。