Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 93-117).

Thesis (M.D.)--University of Hong Kong, 1990.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 155-198).

Thesis (M.D.)--University of Hong Kong, 1990. / Also available in print.

Thesis (M. Med. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2006.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Also available online.

Objetivo: Determinar os valores normativos da área de secção transversa mínima nasofaríngea de indivíduos sem anomalias craniofaciais e em diferentes faixas etárias. Método: Participaram do estudo 96 indivíduos sem anomalias craniofaciais, de ambos os sexos, subdivididos em 4 grupos etários: crianças com idade entre 6 e 10 anos (G1), adolescentes de 11 a 17 anos (G2), adultos jovens entre 18 e 39 anos (G3) e adultos de meia-idade entre 40 e 59 anos (G4). Verificou-se o índice de massa corpórea (IMC), a partir das medidas de peso e altura, e a circunferência cervical (CC), por meio de fita métrica pediátrica. A área de secção transversa mínima nasofaríngea (área nasofaríngea ANF) foi determinada por meio de rinomanometria anterior modificada (técnica fluxo-pressão), utilizando o sistema PERCI-SARS (versão 3.50 Microtronics Corp.). A significância da diferença entre as médias dos quatro grupos etários foi verificada por meio do teste Kruskal-Wallis, para amostras não pareadas. A correlação entre ANF e IMC, e ANF e CC, em cada grupo estudado, foi verificada por meio do coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. Foram aceitos como significantes os valores de p<0,05. Resultados: Todos os indivíduos apresentaram IMC indicativo de peso normal, exceto um único adulto jovem que apresentou índice de sobrepeso. A CC média de mulheres e homens adultos (G3 e G4) apresentou-se dentro da normalidade, sugerindo ausência de risco para obesidade. Os valores médios±DP da ANF foram de 1,025±0,054cm2, 1,055±0,081cm2, 1,050±0,083cm2 e 1,054±0,081cm2, respectivamente, para G1, G2, G3 e G4, não havendo diferença entre as 4 faixas etárias. Não houve correlação entre a ANF e o IMC e a ANF e a CC, em nenhum dos grupos estudados. Conclusão: Os valores normativos de ANF foram determinados para indivíduos sem anomalias craniofaciais de diferentes faixas etarias e servirão como referência em estudos envolvendo obstrução nasofaríngea. / Objective: To establish normative values of minimum cross-sectional nasopharyngeal area in individuals without craniofacial anomalies at different age ranges. Method: Ninety-six individuals of both genders, without craniofacial anomalies were evaluated. Participants were divided into 4 age groups: children, aged 6 to 10 years (G1); adolescents, aged 11 to 17 years (G2); young adults, 18 to 39 years (G3) and middle-aged adults, 40 to 59 years (G4). The body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on weight and height, and neck circumference (NC) was measured with a pediatric measuring tape. Minimum cross-sectional nasopharyngeal area (nasopharyngeal area NPA) was assessed by means of modified anterior rhinomanometry (pressure-flow technique) using a PERCI-SARS system (version 3.50 Microtronics Corp.). The difference between the mean values of the 4 age groups were verified by the Kruskal-Wallis test, for unpaired samples. Correlations between NPA and BMI, and NPA and NC were verified for each group by the Spearmans correlation coefficient. Differences were analyzed at a significance level of 5%. Results: All individuals presented normal BMI, except one young adult, which presented BMI suggestive of overweight. Mean NC values from adult women and men (G3 and G4) were within the normal range, suggesting no risk for obesity. Mean±SD values of NPA were 1.025±0.054cm2, 1.055±0.081cm2, 1.050±0.083cm2 and 1.054±0.081cm2 respectively, for groups G1, G2, G3 and G4, showing that there were no differences between the four age ranges. There was no correlation between NPA and BMI, and NPA and NC, in none of the studied groups. Conclusion: Normative data of NPA were established for individuals without craniofacial anomalies from different age ranges and may be used as reference values for future studies concerning nasopharyngeal obstruction.

On the purpose of designing a novel generation of luminescent bioprobes for imaging and inhibition of tumour cells, a series of lanthanide-ruthenium complexes has been synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, absorption/emission spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and mass spectroscopy. Those complexes are qualified to be considered as photo-activatable anticancer prodrugs which consist of a ruthenium (II) complex linked to a lanthanide-based cyclen chelate via a π-conjugated bridge. Comprehensive studies have been performed to evaluate their efficacy as pro-drugs which requires in cellulo activity, inhibiting ability, instant monitoring possibility, and safety to normal cells. The resulting complexes are proved to be promising agents for controllable anticancer therapy because the prodrug remains inactive in dark and the release of the active drug is induced by visible light. Drug delivery process can be quantitatively monitored by either the long-lived red europium emission under one- or two-photon excitation or potentially by magnetic resonance imaging signals. Besides of these, the correlation among the drug releasing amount, signaling emission intensity, and mass spectroscopy response, has been proposed for quick and simple quantitative analysis.

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No description available.