<p>The Application of Magnetic Resonance (MRI) and Computed Tomography Imaging (CT) in the Diagnosis and Management of Maxillofacial Tumours. For decades maxillofacial surgeons over the world have been frustrated by the high and often fatal recurrence of certain advanced jaw tumours. This study conclusively proves that Computed Tomography and especially Magnetic Resonance Imaging significantly decreases recurrence of Odontogenic Keratocyst and Ameloblastoma and allows surgical planning to avoid these recurrences.</p>

The Effect of Sulindac was studied on an animal model of ischemic stroke. Sulindac, a non steroid anti inflammatory drug (NSAID) could protect cell death due to hypoxia/reoxygenation. This drug was given 2 days before and 24 hrs after ischemia until animals were sacrificed on 3rd or 11th day. Infarct size was measured for these animals. Sulindac induced Hsp 27 in ischemic penumbra and core on Day 3 & 11 with uncoated nylon suture which shows its cell-survival and anti-apoptotic activity. Also, it increased expression of cell survival markers such as Akt, Bcl2 & Grp 78 in ischemic penumbra and core. With silicon suture it reduced expression of Hsp 27 in ischemic penumbra and core, alleviating cell stress and having pro-survival and anti-stress effects. In conclusion sulindac may have excellent potential as neuro protective agent against oxidative stress in cerebral ischemia. / by JIgar Modi. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2011. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2011. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Two major troponin I (TnI) genes, fetal TnI (ssTnI) and adult TnI (cTnI), are expressed in the mammalian heart under the control of a developmentally regulated program. In this study, the up-stream domain (~1,800 bp) of mouse fetal TnI gene has been cloned and characterized. There is a high homology of this region among mouse, rat and human. Transfection assays indicated that conserved GA-rich sequences, CREB and a CCAAT box within the first 300 bp upstream of the transcription start site were critical for the gene expression. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed binding proteins to CREB site in nuclear extracts from myocardial cells. Thyroid hormone (T3) caused a significant inhibitory effect on ssTnI expression in myocardial cells. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) mutations have been linked to the development of restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) in human patients. We modeled one mutation in human cTnI Cv terminus, arginine1 92 histidine (R192H) by cardiac specific expression of the mutated protein (cTnI193His in mouse sequence) in transgenic mice. The main functional alteration detected in cTnI193His mice by ultrasound cardiac imaging examinations was impaired cardiac relaxation manifested by a decreased left ventricular end diastolic dimension (LVEDD) and an increased end diastolic dimension in both atria. Echocardiography revealed a series of changes on the transgenic mice including a reversed E-to-A ratio, increased deceleration time, and prolonged isovolumetric relaxation time. At the age of 12 months, cardiac output in cTnI193His mice was significantly declined, and some transgenic mice showed congestive heart failure. The negative impact of cTnI193His on ventricular contraction and relaxation was further demonstrated in isolated mouse working heart preparations. / Dobutamine stimulation increased heart rate in cTnI193His mice but did not improve CO.The cTnI193His mice had a phenotype similar to that in human RCM patients carrying the cTnI mutation. The results demonstrate a critical role of the COOH-terminal domain of cTnI in the diastolic function of cardiac muscle. This mouse model provides us with a tool to further investigate the pathophysiology and the development of RCM. / by Jianfeng Du. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2008. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2008. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood cell disorder that affects about 100,000 people in the US and results in high cost of medical care exceeding $1.1 billion annually. Sickle cell patients suffer from unpredictable, painful vaso-occlusive crises. Portable, costeffective approaches for diagnosis and monitoring sickle blood activities are important for a better management of the disease and reducing the medical cost. In this research, a mobile application controlled, impedance-based flow cytometer is developed for the diagnosis of sickle cell disease. Calibration of the portable device is performed using a component of known impedance value. The preliminary test results are then compared to those obtained by a commercial benchtop impedance analyzer for further validation. With the developed portable flow cytometer, experiments are performed on two sickle cell samples and a healthy cell sample. The acquired results are subsequently analyzed with MATLAB scripts to extract single-cell level impedance information as well as statistics of different cell conditions. Significant differences in cell impedance signals are observed between sickle cells and normal cells, as well as between sickle cells under hypoxia and normoxia conditions. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2018. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

This study explores the application of two methods of spectroscopy; Near Infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR) as alternative approaches for measuring glucocorticoid metabolites in chimpanzee feces. The goals of this study were twofold: The first was to determine if cortisol can be identified within the NIR and/or FTIR spectra of chimpanzee fecal hormone extract in ethanol solution. The second objective was to determine the capability of NIR and FTIR to predict FGM concentrations obtained using standard laboratory methods. Fecal glucocorticoid concentrations measured by Enzyme Immunoassay were used as the reference data of partial least square (PLS) regression of fecal extract NIR spectra and FTIR spectra. Low accuracies (NIR: R2 = 0.152; FTIR: R2 = 0.199) were obtained from regression models using data from both methods. Though this study did not successfully demonstrate the feasibility of using NIR and FTIR to qualify and quantify FGMs, it is likely not a reflection of the capabilities of the technology, but rather of appropriate sample types and preparation methods. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Transgenic mice were generated to express a restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) human cardiac troponin I (cTnI) R192H mutation in the heart. My study's objective was to assess cardiac function during the development of diastolic dysfunction and to gain insight into the pathophysiological impact of the RCM cTnI mutation. Cardiac function was monitored in cTnI193His mice and wild-type littermates for a period of 12 months. It progressed gradually from abnormal relaxation to diastolic dysfunction characterized with micro- echocardiography by a reversed E/A ratio, increased deceleration time, and prolonged isovolumetric relaxation time. The negative impact of cTnI193His on cardiac function was further demonstrated in isolated mouse working heart preparations. Dobutamine stimulation increased heart rate in cTnI193His mice but did not improve CO. The cTnI193His mice had a phenotype similar to that in human RCM patients carrying the cTnI mutation characterized morphologically by enlarged atria and restricted ventricle and functionally by diastolic dysfunction. / by Nariman Gobara. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2009. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2009. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

This study evaluated two methods for the isolation and purification of anti-DNA antibodies. A two-step affinity purification with streptavidin (SA) biotinylated oligodeoxythymidine (dT) M-280 and protein G Dynabeadsª was compared to a two step method using Melon(TM) Gel and cellulose DNA. Although Melon gel allowed for faster antibody purification and a higher recovery rate it gave a product of less purity than the magnetic bead method. Further characterization of the antibodies was done by PhastGel(TM) non-reducing SDS-PAGE and isoelectric focusing in order to analyze purity and confirm the polyclonal nature of anti-DNA antibodies. Agilent 2100, with a higher resolution then SDS-PAGE, revealed possible subclasses of different MW not detected by SDS-PAGE. ELISA showed that all four IgG antibody subclasses were present, while Western blot confirmed the presence of human IgGs. Ultraviolet spectroscopy, Agilent, and fluorescence based assays were used to demonstrate DNA hydrolytic activity of purified anti-DNA antibody. / by Anna M. Kats. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2008. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, FL : 2008 Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Wong Wai Lun. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 119-125). / Abstract also in Chinese. / Acknowledgments --- p.i / Legend for Figures --- p.ii / Legend for Tables --- p.iv / Abstract --- p.v / Abstract in Chinese --- p.ix / Chapter Chapter I --- Introduction --- p.1 / Objective --- p.5 / Chapter Chapter II --- Literature Review / Chapter II.1. --- Anatomy of the urinary system --- p.6 / Chapter II.2. --- Physiology of the urinary system --- p.10 / Chapter II.3. --- Methods for investigating the urinary system --- p.12 / Chapter II.3.1. --- Plain film radiography --- p.12 / Chapter II.3.2. --- Excretory Urogram --- p.12 / Chapter II.3.3. --- Ultrasound --- p.13 / Chapter II.3.4. --- Computed Tomography --- p.15 / Chapter II.3.5. --- Renal Angiography --- p.16 / Chapter II.3.6. --- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) --- p.16 / Chapter II.3.7. --- Radionuclide Imaging --- p.17 / Chapter II.4. --- Radiopharmaceuticals for renal parenchyma imaging --- p.17 / Chapter II.4.1. --- Tc-99m GHA --- p.18 / Chapter II.4.1.1. --- Chemistry of Tc-99m GHA --- p.18 / Chapter II.4.1.2. --- Preparation --- p.18 / Chapter II.4.1.3. --- Doses --- p.18 / Chapter II.4.1.4. --- Biological behavior --- p.19 / Chapter II.4.2. --- Tc-99m DMSA / Chapter II.4.2.1. --- Chemistry of Technetium-99m Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (Tc-99m DMSA) --- p.20 / Chapter II.4.2.2. --- Chemical property of Tc-99m DMSA --- p.21 / Chapter II.4.2.3. --- Preparation --- p.22 / Chapter II.4.2.4. --- Radiochemical purity measurement --- p.22 / Chapter II.4.2.5. --- Doses --- p.23 / Chapter II.4.2.6. --- Pharmacokinetic of Tc-99m DMSA --- p.23 / Chapter II.4.2.7. --- Renal handling of injected Tc-99m DMSA --- p.25 / Chapter II.5. --- General consideration for quantitative uptake measurement in organs --- p.26 / Chapter II.5.1. --- Clinical significance of renal Tc-99m DMSA uptake --- p.28 / Chapter II.5.2. --- Special consideration and problems for quantitative renal Tc-99m uptake measurement --- p.29 / Chapter II.5.3. --- Suggestions and solutions for quantitative renal Tc-99m uptake measurement --- p.29 / Chapter II.5.3.1. --- Planar images Vs SPECT images for quantification --- p.29 / Chapter II.5.3.2. --- Background subtraction --- p.31 / Chapter II.5.3.3. --- Choice of location for background ROI --- p.32 / Chapter II.5.3.4. --- Attenuation --- p.35 / Chapter II.5.3.5. --- Principle of the conjugate view method --- p.36 / Chapter II.5.3.6. --- Body thickness and kidney depth measurement --- p.37 / Chapter II.6. --- Glomerular Filtration / Chapter II.6.1. --- Introduction --- p.39 / Chapter II.6.2. --- Gold standard for GFR measurement --- p.40 / Chapter II.6.3. --- Laboratory studies for the measurement of glomerular filtration : Serum Creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) levels --- p.41 / Chapter II.6.3.1. --- Calculation of Creatinine Clearance Rate --- p.43 / Chapter II.6.3.2. --- Critique for using creatinine clearance as a measurement of renal function --- p.44 / Chapter II.6.3.3. --- Limitation of the serum creatinine concentration used alone as a measurement of renal function --- p.46 / Chapter II.6.4. --- Radionuclide technique for the assessment of the glomerular function --- p.48 / Chapter II.6.4.1. --- Diethylene Triamine Penta Acetic acid (DTPA) --- p.49 / Chapter II.6.4.2. --- Methods / Chapter II.6.4.2.1. --- Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate using Tc-99m DTPA with single injection techniques --- p.51 / Chapter II.6.4.2.2. --- Compartment model --- p.52 / Chapter II.6.4.2.2a. --- Two-compartment model --- p.52 / Chapter II.6.4.2.2b. --- Single-compartment model --- p.54 / Chapter II.6.4.2.3. --- Single blood sample technique: a modification of Tauxe's OIH method in which counts in a single plasma sample correlated with a GFR nomogram --- p.56 / Chapter II.6.4.2.4. --- Gamma camera based method --- p.58 / Chapter II.6.4.2.4a. --- Gates-modification of Schlegel's OIH technique --- p.58 / Chapter II.6.4.2.4b. --- Critique for the Gamma camera technique for measuring GFR --- p.62 / Chapter II.7. --- The relationship between the Tc-99m DMSA uptake and GFR --- p.67 / Chapter Chapter III --- Material and Methods --- p.69 / Chapter III.1. --- Subjects and Sampling Methods --- p.69 / Chapter III.2. --- Quantitation of Absolute DMSA uptake --- p.70 / Chapter III.2.1. --- Parameters for Tc-99m DMSA uptake study --- p.70 / Chapter III.2.1.1. --- Materials and methods --- p.70 / Chapter III.2.1.1.1. --- Instrumentation --- p.70 / Chapter III.2.1.1.2. --- Dosage --- p.70 / Chapter III.2.1.1.3. --- Optimum acquisition start time --- p.70 / Chapter III.2.1.1.4. --- Length of acquisition time --- p.71 / Chapter III.2.1.1.5. --- Acquisition parameter --- p.71 / Chapter III.3. --- Calculation of absolute renal DMSA uptake --- p.72 / Chapter III.3.1. --- Attenuation Coefficient factor(μ) --- p.73 / Chapter III.3.2. --- Table attenuation --- p.75 / Chapter III.3.3. --- Body thickness measurement --- p.77 / Chapter III.3.4. --- Decay correction --- p.78 / Chapter III.3.5. --- Calculation of DMSA uptake --- p.78 / Chapter III.3.6. --- Counting dose injected --- p.80 / Chapter III.3.7. --- Calculation of absolute quantitation of Tc-99m DMSA uptake --- p.80 / Chapter III.3.8. --- Dose infiltration --- p.81 / Chapter III.4. --- GFR measurement --- p.82 / Chapter III.4.1. --- Instrumentation --- p.82 / Chapter III.4.2. --- Methods --- p.82 / Chapter III.5. --- Statistical and analytical methods --- p.84 / Chapter Chapter IV --- Results --- p.87 / Chapter IV. 1. --- Characteristics of experimental subjects and their serum creatinine profile --- p.88 / Chapter IV.2. --- Absolute Tc-99m DMSA uptake / Chapter IV.2.1. --- The change of absolute Tc-99m uptake with time --- p.89 / Chapter IV.2.2. --- Absolute Tc-99m DMSA uptake measurement at 6 and 24 hours --- p.90 / Chapter IV.2.3. --- Gender difference in absolute Tc-99m uptake measurement at 6 hour --- p.92 / Chapter IV.3. --- GFR measurement --- p.93 / Chapter IV.3.1. --- GFR measurement by single (3hr) and double (1&3 hrs) plasma sampling --- p.93 / Chapter IV.3.2. --- Gender difference in GFR measurement using single plasma sampling --- p.96 / Chapter IV.4. --- Univariate Correlation --- p.97 / Chapter IV.4.1. --- Correlation between GFR using single plasma sampling and absolute Tc-99m uptake --- p.97 / Chapter IV.4.2. --- Correlation between GFR using single plasma sampling and plasma creatinine levels --- p.98 / Chapter IV.4.3. --- Correlation between anthropometric variables on GFR(3 hr) --- p.99 / Chapter IV.4.4. --- Correlation between anthropometric variables and serum creatinine plasma level on absolute Tc-99m DMSA uptake measurement at 6 hour --- p.101 / Chapter IV.4.5. --- Multiple linear stepwise regression --- p.103 / Chapter Chapter V. --- Discussion / Chapter V. 1 --- . Review of the study --- p.104 / Chapter V.1.1. --- Experimental subjects and their absolute Tc-99m DMSA uptake (%) at 6 hr --- p.104 / Chapter V.1.2. --- Experimental subjects and their GFR(3 hr) --- p.105 / Chapter V.2. --- Discussion on subject --- p.105 / Chapter V.2.1. --- Subject preparation --- p.106 / Chapter V.3. --- Discussion of method --- p.106 / Chapter V.3.1. --- Equipment --- p.106 / Chapter (a) --- Dose calibrator --- p.106 / Chapter (b) --- The sensitivity of the head 1 and 2 of the gamma camera --- p.106 / Chapter (c) --- Validation of quantification of injected activity by gamma camera method--------constancy of performance for gamma camera --- p.110 / Chapter (d) --- LEHR Collimator --- p.112 / Chapter (f) --- Dead time loss --- p.112 / Chapter V.4. --- Discussion on measurement --- p.113 / Chapter (a) --- Length of acquisition time --- p.113 / Chapter (b) --- Attenuation Coefficient factor (\x) --- p.113 / Chapter (c) --- "Body thickness, L, measurement" --- p.113 / Chapter (d) --- Optimum acquisition time for data collection --- p.115 / Chapter v.5. --- Discussion on overall error estimation --- p.115 / Chapter (a) --- Tc-99m DMSA uptake measurement at 6 hr --- p.115 / Chapter (b) --- GFR measurement by single (3 hr) sample --- p.116 / Chapter Chapter VI --- Conclusion --- p.117 / Reference --- p.119 / Appendix I --- p.126 / Appendix II --- p.128 / Appendix III --- p.134

Thesis (M.Cur.) --University of Limpopo, 2013 / All pregnant women who seek antenatal health care at the public clinics are offered HIV counselling and testing. Those who agree to test and who test positive, often fail to bring their infants for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) HIV testing after delivery, despite the fact that they have been advised to do so during delivery. There are very few studies which have assessed the women’s knowledge with regard to the PCR HIV testing of infants. In this study; a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive methodology was applied to explore and describe the knowledge of pregnant women with regard to PCR HIV testing of infants in the Molemole Municipality of the Limpopo Province, Capricorn District. Purposive sampling was used and semi-structured interviews were conducted until saturation of data was reached. Qualitative data analysis design of Marshall and Rossman was used. The study indicated that the participants had knowledge with regard to the PCR HIV testing of infants. The nurse and lay counsellors knew about the different modes of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and they used every contact opportunity with pregnant women to share its benefits. Mother to mother support groups for HIV positive pregnant and lactating women should be established for continuous support and counselling with the purpose of achieving an HIV-free generation.

Includes bibliographies. / [xvii], 173, [38] leaves, [18] leaves of plates : / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / This thesis presents the development of an assay for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to be applied to the immunomagnetic isolation of carcinoma cells, as a possible means of detecting small numbers of breast cancer cells in a haemopoietic environment. The messenger RNA expression of two different genes, CD44 and the cytokeratin K19, is assessed for suitability as tumour markers for the Immunobead RT-PCR method, and clinical results using K19 are presented. / Thesis (M.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Medicine, 1977?