2 pp. / Describes how to select the appropriate lawn mower to properly mow the species of grass at the correct height for high, medium, or low maintenance levels.

This study provides an insight into a provincial region of a developing country, namely Río Negro, Argentina and possible links between diet, environmental factors (especially water quality) and human health. Measuring levels of trace elements in scalp hair is a known method for assessing nutritional status. Levels of Ca, Fe, Mg, K, Na, As, Cr, Co, Cu, I, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, V, Zn, Al, Cd, Pb, Rb and Hg in scalp hair from adolescents of the age 14 to 18 years in a rural and an urban population of Río Negro were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The hypothesis is that levels of trace elements reflect lifestyle factors such as smoking, beverage and food selection and consumption patterns and are directly linked to dehydration and could be associated with future health problems. Furthermore, environmental factors, such as (i) indecent water systems and governmental subsidised food in the rural/urban population, and (ii) ingestion or inhalation of arsenic (from naturally high sources of water, dust and foodstuffs) may also be linked to present and future health problems. The relationship between environmental and dietary factors could be implicated with the onset of diseases such as diabetes type II, obesity or hypothyroidism. The results show that both study populations in the region are exposed to several trace elements in exceedingly high amounts such as As and Mn through tap water which may induce cancers. Also, regular soft drink consumption is associated with low Cr level in this population. Evidence was not obtained for assessing potential dehydration. In terms of understanding the relationship between these factors, methods for assessing dehydration and dietary consumption need to be perfected, and other demographic issues and methods for quantifying obesity and health status will require further research.

This dissertation is a compendium of multiple research papers that, together, address two main objectives. The first objective and primary research question is to determine whether or not, through a procedure of independent component analysis (ICA)-based data mining, volume-domain validation, and source volume estimation, it is possible to construct a meaningful, objective, and informative model of brain activity from scalpacquired EEG data. Given that a methodology to construct such a model can be created, the secondary objective and research question investigated is whether or not the sources derived from the EEG data can be used to construct a model of complex brain function associated with the spatial navigation and the virtual Morris Water Task (vMWT). The assumptions of the signal and noise characteristics of scalp-acquired EEG data were discussed in the context of what is currently known about functional brain activity to identify appropriate characteristics by which to separate the activities comprising EEG data into parts. A new EEG analysis methodology was developed using both synthetic and real EEG data that encompasses novel algorithms for (1) data-mining of the EEG to obtain the activities of individual areas of the brain, (2) anatomical modeling of brain sources that provides information about the 3-dimensional volumes from which each of the activities separated from the EEG originates, and (3) validation of data mining results to determine if a source activity found via the data-mining step originates from a distinct modular unit inside the head or if it is an artefact. The methodology incorporating the algorithms developed was demonstrated for EEG data collected from study participants while they navigated a computer-based virtual maze environment. The brain activities of participants were meaningfully depicted via brain source volume estimation and representation of the activity relationships of multiple areas of the brain. A case study was used to demonstrate the analysis methodology as applied to the EEG of an individual person. In a second study, a group EEG dataset was investigated and activity relationships between areas of the brain for participants of the group study were individually depicted to show how brain activities of individuals can be compared to the group. The results presented in this dissertation support the conclusion that it is feasible to use ICA-based data mining to construct a physiological model of coordinated parts of the brain related to the vMWT from scalp-recorded EEG data. The methodology was successful in creating an objective and informative model of brain activity from EEG data. Furthermore, the evidence presented indicates that this methodology can be used to provide meaningful evaluation of the brain activities of individual persons and to make comparisons of individual persons against a group. In sum, the main contributions of this body of work are 5 fold. The technical contributions are: (1) a new data mining algorithm tailored for EEG, (2) an EEG component validation algorithm that identifies noise components via their poor representation in a head model, (3) a volume estimation algorithm that estimates the region in the brain from which each source waveform found via data mining originates, (4) a new procedure to study brain activities associated with spatial navigation. The main contribution of this work to the understanding of brain function is (5) evidence of specific functional systems within the brain that are used while persons participate in the vMWT paradigm (Livingstone and Skelton, 2007) examining spatial navigation. / Graduate / 0541 / 0622 / 0623

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / Background Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) also known as pityriasis capitis is a common skin condition that affects mainly the scalp, causing scaly patches, red skin and stubborn dandruff (Preedy 2012). It has been reported that dandruff occurs in at least 50% of the world’s adult population and approximately 15% to 20% of the world’s total population (Mia 2016). Recent studies suggest that a scalp specific yeast called Malasseiza globosa appears to be responsible for SD (Zhang, Ran, Xie and Zhang 2013). Seborrheic dermatitis does not affect overall health but it can be uncomfortable and may cause embarrassment and low self-esteem (Del Rosso 2011; Preedy 2012). Anecdotal evidence at Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Community Clinic (UNHCC) indicated that patients with SD responded positively to Calendula officinalis Ø in combination with Olea europaea (olive oil). Notwithstanding this, there is a dearth of clinical data available to validate the aforesaid patient’s positive response. Hence this study aims to provide clinical evidence to prove or disprove patient’s response to Calendula officinalis Ø in combination with Olea europaea (olive oil). Objective The aim of this double blind randomized controlled study was to determine the efficacy of a topical application comprising Calendula officinalis Ø with Olea europaea in the management of SD of the scalp (dandruff). Material and methods The sample was selected by means of non-probability convenience sampling and consisted of 64 consenting participants between the ages of 18 to 50 years who had read the information letter and met the inclusion criteria. Participants were evenly distributed between the treatment and control groups according to the randomization list (32 participants in each group). The treatment group received Calendula officinalis Ø with Olea europaea and the control group received Olea europaea only. Three participants withdrew from the study resulting in only 61 completing the study, 30 from the control group and 31 from the treatment group. The study was conducted at the Durban University of Technology Homoeopathic Day Clinic (DUTHDC) under the supervision of a qualified and registered homoeopathic clinician. The duration of the study was six weeks with three consultations in total. Consultations took place on day 1, day 22 and day 43. At each consultation the participants were assessed by three individuals – the participant themselves, the researcher, and an independent party (the homoeopathic clinician on duty that day). The assessment tools included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for the researcher and clinician consisting of the following categories: irritation, flaking, greasiness, percentage of the scalp involved and overall impression; and the Patient Perception Questionnaire (PPQ) for the patient consisting of the following categories: irritation, flaking, greasiness, itching and overall impression. This was accompanied by a detailed case history and physical examination performed by the researcher. Results Both the control and treatment groups displayed overall improvement in terms of Patient Perception Questionnaire and Visual Analogue Scale which means that a combination of Olea europeae with Calendula officinalis Ø (treatment group) and Olea europeae only (control group) were effective in the management of SD. There was no statistically significant difference between the effect of a combination of Olea europaea with Calendula officinalis Ø and Olea europaea only. In terms of the VAS and PPQ categories, there was a statistical significance between the groups, with the exception of irritation. Significant differences found were as follows: Flaking (clinician and patient rated p = 0.019) on visit 3 for the control group. Greasiness (clinician and patient rated p = 0.027) on visit 3 for the control group. Greasiness (researcher and patient rated p = 0.012) on visit 2 for the treatment group. Percentage of the scalp involved (researcher and clinician rated p = 0.013) on visit 2 for the treatment group. Overall impression (researcher and patient rated p = 0.026) on visit 2 for the control group. Overall impression (researcher and clinician rated p = 0.026) on visit 3 for the treatment group. Conclusion Both the combination of Olea europaea with Calendula officinalis Ø and Olea europaea only improve SD. Therefore, a topical application comprising Calendula officinalis Ø and Olea europaea is effective in the management of SD of the scalp (dandruff) and therefore permits further investigation. / M

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(情報学) / 甲第21213号 / 情博第666号 / 新制||情||115(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院情報学研究科先端数理科学専攻 / (主査)講師 青柳 富誌生, 教授 西村 直志, 准教授 田口 智清, 講師 水原 啓暁 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Informatics / Kyoto University / DFAM

No / The proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides, ACTH and alpha-MSH, are the principal mediators of human skin pigmentation via their action at the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC-1R). Recent data have demonstrated the existence of a functionally active beta-endorphin/mu-opiate receptor system in both epidermal and hair follicle melanocytes, whereby beta-endorphin can regulate melanogenesis, dendricity, and proliferation in these cells. However, a role for ACTH and alpha-MSH in the regulation of the human follicular pigmentary unit has not been determined. This study was designed to examine the involvement of ACTH and the alpha-MSH/MC-1R system in human follicular melanocyte biology. To address this question we employed RT-PCR and immunohisto/cytochemistry, and a functional role for these POMC peptides was assessed in follicular melanocyte cultures. Human scalp hair follicle melanocytes synthesized and processed POMC. ACTH and alpha-MSH in association with their processing enzymes and MC-1R are expressed in human follicular melanocytes at the message level in vitro and at the protein level both in situ and in vitro. The expression of the POMC/MC-1R receptor system was confined only to subpopulations of poorly and moderately differentiated melanocytes. In addition, functional studies revealed that ACTH and alpha-MSH are able to promote follicular melanocyte differentiation by up-regulating melanogenesis, dendricity, and proliferation in less differentiated melanocyte subpopulations. Thus, these findings suggest a role for these POMC peptides in regulating human hair follicle melanocyte differentiation.

yes / We report a genome-wide association scan in over 6,000 Latin Americans for features of scalp hair (shape, colour, greying, balding) and facial hair (beard thickness, monobrow, eyebrow thickness). We found 18 signals of association reaching genome-wide significance (P values 5 × 10−8 to 3 × 10−119), including 10 novel associations. These include novel loci for scalp hair shape and balding, and the first reported loci for hair greying, monobrow, eyebrow and beard thickness. A newly identified locus influencing hair shape includes a Q30R substitution in the Protease Serine S1 family member 53 (PRSS53). We demonstrate that this enzyme is highly expressed in the hair follicle, especially the inner root sheath, and that the Q30R substitution affects enzyme processing and secretion. The genome regions associated with hair features are enriched for signals of selection, consistent with proposals regarding the evolution of human hair.

Yes / Establishing the age at which prehistoric individuals move away from their childhood residential location holds crucial information about the socio dynamics and mobility patterns in ancient societies. We present a novel combination of strontium isotope analyses performed on the over 3000 year old “Skrydstrup Woman” from Denmark, for whom we compiled a highly detailed month-scale model of her migration timeline. When combined with physical anthropological analyses this timeline can be related to the chronological age at which the residential location changed. We conducted a series of high-resolution strontium isotope analyses of hard and soft human tissues and combined these with anthropological investigations including CT-scanning and 3D visualizations. The Skrydstrup Woman lived during a pan-European period characterized by technical innovation and great social transformations stimulated by long-distance connections; consequently she represents an important part of both Danish and European prehistory. Our multidisciplinary study involves complementary biochemical, biomolecular and microscopy analyses of her scalp hair. Our results reveal that the Skrydstrup Woman was between 17–18 years old when she died, and that she moved from her place of origin -outside present day Denmark- to the Skrydstrup area in Denmark 47 to 42 months before she died. Hence, she was between 13 to 14 years old when she migrated to and resided in the area around Skrydstrup for the rest of her life. From an archaeological standpoint, this one-time and one-way movement of an elite female during the possible “age of marriageability” might suggest that she migrated with the aim of establishing an alliance between chiefdoms. Consequently, this detailed multidisciplinary investigation provides a novel tool to reconstruct high resolution chronology of individual mobility with the perspective of studying complex patterns of social and economic interaction in prehistory. / Carlsberg Foundation through the project entitled "Tales of Bronze Age Women" CF-15 0878 to KMF (http://www. carlsbergfondet.dk/en).

Orientador: Ione Corrêa / Resumo: INTRODUÇÃO: A Segurança do Paciente pode ser definida como um conjunto de ações que reduzem o risco de danos associados às infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde até o mínimo aceitável, utilizando-se das melhores evidências disponíveis e visando promover uma assistência qualificada não só em instituições hospitalares. A falta de higienização das mãos é o principal veículo de transmissão de infecções e deve ser realizada antes e após de qualquer procedimento. Os exames de eletroencefalograma podem trazer riscos de contaminação e infecção do couro cabeludo, além dos utensílios utilizados para o exame. A falta de protocolo instituído no processo de trabalho ao paciente pode influenciar no que se refere na disseminação de microrganismos ou até mesmo infecção cruzada do couro cabeludo. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os fatores de risco de disseminação de microrganismos relacionados com as dermatoses do couro cabeludo para elaboração de medidas preventivas e controle de infecção cruzada em exames de eletroencefalograma. MÉTODO: Revisão Integrativa com estratégia de busca em bases de dados online: CINAHL, Embase, Pubmed, Scopus e Wos. Utilizou-se os seguintes descritores: Dermatoses do Couro Cabeludo, Eletroencefalograma, Desinfecção, Instituição em Saúde e Infecção Cruzada. O levantamento foi realizado durante os meses de janeiro a fevereiro de 2018. Como critérios de inclusão utilizaram-se estudos que abordassem a temática da correlação entre exame de eletroencefalograma e infecção cruza... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Patient Safety can be defined as a set of actions that reduce the risk of injury associated with health care-associated infections to the lowest acceptable level, using the best evidence available and to promote qualified care not only in hospital institutions. The lack of hand wash is the primary way of transmission of infections and should be performed before and after any procedure. Electroencephalogram tests can bring scalp contamination and infection risks, as well as the utensils used for the exam. The lack of protocol instituted in the patient work process can influence in the dissemination of microorganisms or even cross-infection of the scalp. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate risk factors to microorganisms' dissemination related to dermatoses of the scalp. To perform measures of prevention and control of cross infection in electroencephalogram exams. METHOD: Integrative revision with search strategy in online databases: CINAHL, Embase, PubMEd, Scopus and Wos. The descriptors were used: Scalp Dermatoses, Electroencephalogram, Disinfection, Health Institution and Cross Infection. The search was carried out from January to February 2018. As inclusion criteria were researches by topic electroencephalogram and cross-infection, in national and international journals and texts available in Portuguese, Spanish or English indexed and without temporal delimitation. RESULTS: A total of 936 articles were identified. From the inclusion criteria, four articles were inserted fo... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

O entendimento dos mecanismos de ação hormonal envolvidos com o crescimento do pêlo são de grande relevância na área médica e podem representar novas perspectivas no tratamento para distúrbios de crescimento de pêlos. A aromatase, enzima que converte androgênios em estrogênios, é uma das enzimas-chave relacionadas com o metabolismo intra-tecidual de hormônios sexuais. O objetivo desse estudo foi determinar a expressão gênica da enzima aromatase em folículos pilosos do vértice do escalpo de mulheres com ciclos regulares e ovulatórios e em pacientes com PCOS, verificando possíveis associações com variáveis hormonais e metabólicas dessas mulheres. Cinqüenta e quatro mulheres no menacme preencheram os critérios de inclusão (23 com PCOS e 31 com ciclos regulares e ovulatórios) e completaram avaliação antropométrica, hormonal e metabólica. Uma sub-amostra de 16 mulheres (11 com ciclos regulares e ovulatórios e 5 com PCOS) foi selecionada para coleta de folículos pilosos através da técnica do arrancamento. A expressão do gene da aromatase foi avaliada por PCR em tempo real, e os resultados foram normalizados em relação ao gene constitutivo b2-microglobulina. A expressão do gene da aromatase foi observada nos folículos pilosos da região do escalpo de mulheres dos dois grupos em estudo. A expressão deste gene foi de intensidade baixa e variável entre as amostras estudadas e não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa da relação dos genes aromatase/b2-microglobulina entre o grupo de mulheres com ciclos regulares [80 (35,31 – 138,25) e o grupo PCOS [52,11 (5,68 – 84,8), P = 0,157]. A expressão do gene da aromatase em folículos pilosos do escalpo de mulheres correlacionou-se negativamente e com significância estatística com os níveis séricos de LH (P = 0,008, r = -0,653) e esta correlação foi independente de testosterona ou SHBG. Esses resultados demonstram, pela primeira vez, que folículos pilosos da região do vértice do escalpo de mulheres expressam o gene da aromatase. A correlação negativa e independente de LH com a expressão gênica da aromatase pode estar refletindo o microambiente hormonal nos folículos pilosos e, em especial, o conjunto das alterações metabólicas e hormonais característico de pacientes com PCOS. É possível que a expressão gênica dessa enzima seja mais evidente na papila dérmica (porção dos folículos pilosos não analisada nesse estudo) e que a regulação do balanço estrogênico no metabolismo local não seja tão pronunciada na porção epitelial dos folículos pilosos que é obtida pela técnica do arrancamento. A análise da expressão protéica da enzima, a seleção de pacientes hirsutas de outras etiologias e de mulheres portadoras de alopecia, e a coleta de outras regiões pilosas hormônio-dependentes estão entre as perspectivas para a confirmação do padrão de expressão gênica da aromatase nos folículos pilosos. / The knowledge of hormonal mechanisms of action that are involved with hair growth is of great relevance on medical research and could represent new approaches on therapeutics for hair growth disturbs. Aromatase, the enzyme that converts androgens into estrogens, is one of the key enzymes related to sexual hormones metabolism and may act on different target tissues, like the hair follicle. The aim of this study was to determine the aromatase gene expression on hair follicles from the vertex portion of the scalp of women with regular and ovulatory cycles, and patients with PCOS. We were also interested on the possible association among the gene expression and hormonal/metabolic parameters of these women. Fifty-four women at reproductive age were included (23 with PCOS and 31 with regular and ovulatory cycles), and were submitted to anthropometric, hormonal, and metabolic evaluation. A minor group of 16 women (11 with regular and ovulatory cycles and 5 with PCOS) were selected for hair follicle’s molecular analysis, using the plucking technique. Aromatase gene expression was analyzed by using real time PCR, and the results were normalized with the housekeeping gene b2-microglobuline. Aromatase gene expression was observed at the scalp’s hair follicles from the two groups of women. The intensity of the gene expression was low and variable among the samples. There was not a statistically significant difference between the women with regular cycles [80 (35,31 – 138,25) and patients with PCOS [52,11 (5,68 – 84,8), P = 0,157]. Aromatase gene expression in the plucked hairs from the vertex portion of the scalp of women was negatively correlated with circulating LH levels (P = 0,008, r = -0,653), and was also independent of testosterone or SHBG levels. The present results show, for the first time, that plucked hairs from the vertex portion of the scalp of women express the gene of aromatase. The negative and independent correlation between LH and aromatase gene expression may reflect the hormonal microenvironment of the hair follicle, and also the hormonal and metabolic alterations characteristics of women with PCOS. Aromatase gene expression may be more evident at the dermal papilla (not analyzed in this study), and the local metabolism could not be so pronounced on the epithelial portion of hair follicles, when obtained by the plucking method. Aromatase protein expression, plucked hair from other hormone-dependent areas and from women with other clinical conditions like androgenetic alopecia, are some of the perspectives for the confirmation of the pattern of aromatase gene expression on hair follicles.