Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Masters Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005 12, xiii, 84 leaves / Plantar Fasciitis (PF) or “painful heel syndrome” is an inflammation of the plantar fascia at its insertion on the medial calcaneal tubercle. Accounting for 7-9% of total sports injuries, this condition is predominantly due to overuse and is notoriously difficult to treat. Traditionally treatment focused on the resolution of the inflammation with the application of such modalities cross frictions / transverse frictions being the modality of choice. With such modalities there are however limitations which include the detection of the appropriate areas in which treatment should be given as well as the treatment depth achieved. The GISTM, however is an advanced form of soft tissue mobilisation that employs the use of specifically designed stainless steel instruments that, when manually brushed over the skin of the affected area, are thought to detect and release scar tissue, adhesions and fascial restrictions. This complementary technique is hypothesized to work in the same manner as cross friction massage, and is thought to achieve quicker and improved outcomes by its detection of the treatment area(s) as well as improving the depth of treatment application. This assertion was however untested. Therefore the purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of the Graston Technique Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (GISTM) in the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis in runners. / M

This study was concerned with determining the effects that varying the methadone-dispensing frequencies during mandatory clinic visits had on patients' retention in treatment and behavioral adjustment.

M.Tech.

Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico descritivo que busca analisar o tempo de tratamento da tuberculose de pacientes inscritos no Programa de Controle da Tuberculose de um serviço de saúde do município de Ribeirão Preto-SP, no período de janeiro de 1998 a dezembro de 1999. Os dados relativos a algumas variáveis sociodemográficas (sexo, idade, escolaridade e ocupação), ao diagnóstico (forma clínica), ao tratamento (condição, esquema, tipo, tempo e resultado de tratamento), a intercorrências "patológicas" e a doenças associadas (AIDS e alcoolismo) foram obtidos através de livros de registro e de prontuários. Utilizou-se o programa Epi-Info, versão 6.04d para o cadastramento, tabulação e análise dos dados. Observou-se que dos 140 pacientes em estudo, 105 (75%) pacientes curaram, 20 (14,29%) foram transferidos, 05 (3,57%) tiveram mudança de diagnóstico, 05 (3,57%) abandonaram e 05 (3,57%) foram a óbito. Em relação à cura, 39,05% curaram em até 6 meses; 39,05% entre 6,1 e 9 meses; 20% em mais de 9 meses e 1,9% foi ignorado. Identificou-se que a história de tratamento anterior, intercorrências patológicas, AIDS e alcoolismo contribuíram para o não-cumprimento correto da terapêutica, prolongando o tempo de tratamento entre os indivíduos curados. Quanto ao tempo de tratamento dos pacientes que não evoluíram para a cura, 09 (25,71%) não curaram após 6 meses de tratamento (03 abandonos; 03 óbitos; 02 mudanças de diagnóstico e 01 transferência). Pode-se verificar que as intercorrências podem acontecer ao longo do tratamento, ocasionando desvios como o não-cumprimento do esquema terapêutico, aumentando o tempo de tratamento, o risco de abandono e até mesmo o óbito. Além disso, o estudo possibilitou descrever o tempo de tratamento da tuberculose no Programa (diferença entre data da última e da primeira ingestão do medicamento) e o mês de término do tratamento registrado no prontuário (computado através do número de cartelas de medicamentos concluídos). Verificou-se que o dado registrado no prontuário altera o tempo real de tratamento da tuberculose, uma vez que essa anotação considera como 1 mês de tratamento, a contagem do término de 1 cartela de medicamentos concluída pelo paciente, que pode ter duração de mais de 30 dias. Constatou-se, neste estudo, o preenchimento incompleto das fichas de notificação e das folhas de evolução médica e de enfermagem, bem como o critério de registro correspondente ao mês de tratamento do doente, sugerindo uma maior atenção do serviço para esses fatos e melhor esclarecimento aos trabalhadores de saúde sobre os critérios e a precisão dos dados a serem informados. / This is a descriptive epidemiological study which aims at analyzing tuberculosis treatment in patients enrolled in the Tuberculosis Control Program of a health service in the city of Ribeirão Preto-SP from January 1998 to December 1999. Data concerning some social and demographic variables (sex, age, education and occupation), the diagnosis (clinical condition), treatment (condition, plan, type, period and treatment results), pathological intercurrences and associated diseases (AIDS and alcoholism) were obtained through records books and charts. The Epi-Info, version 6.04d was used for data recording, tabulation and analysis. It was observed that of the 140 patients under study, 105 (75%) patients were cured, 20 (14.29%) were transferred, 05 (3.57%) had their diagnoses changed, 05 (3.57%) quit treatment and 05 (3.57%) passed away. Concerning cure, 39.05% were cured in the period of 6 months; 39.05% in a period of 6.1 to 9 months; 20% in more than 9 months and 1.9% were ignored. It was identified that the history of previous treatment, pathological intercurrences, AIDS and alcoholism contributed to not following therapy adequately, which extended the time of treatment among cured individuals. Concerning the time of treatment of patients who did not develop to cure, 09 (25.71%) were not cured after 6 months of treatment (03 dropouts; 03 deaths; 02 diagnosis alterations and 01 transfer). It can be observed that intercurrences may occur during treatment, which causes deviances such as the non-adherence to the therapeutic plan and increase in the treatment period, risks of quitting and even death. In addition, the study enabled the comparison between the time of treatment of tuberculosis in the Program (difference between the dates of the last and first medication ingestion) and the month of completion of treatment recorded in the chart (calculated through the number of medication packages used). It was observed that the information recorded in the chart changed the real time of tuberculosis treatment, since this note considered as a month of treatment the counting of the consumption of one medication package consumed by the patient, which can take over 30 days. Incomplete report forms, medical and nursing development sheets and the recording criterion corresponding to the patient’s month of treatment were found in this study, which suggests greater attention from the service to these facts and a better clarification to health workers concerning the criteria and precision of the data to be informed.

University of Macau / Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences

University of Macau / Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences

by Yeung Ching Chung. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 69-71). / Text in English; abstract also in Chinese. / by Yeung Ching Chung. / Table of contents --- p.i / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- General overview --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- The present study --- p.3 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Sample preparation and characterization / Chapter 2.1 --- Sample preparation / Chapter A. --- General description --- p.5 / Chapter B. --- The thermal pulse furnace --- p.7 / Chapter C. --- The substrates --- p.9 / Chapter D. --- Sample preparation --- p.10 / Chapter 2.2 --- Sample characterization / Chapter A. --- Micro Raman system --- p.11 / Chapter B. --- Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) --- p.12 / Chapter C. --- X-ray powder diffraction --- p.13 / Chapter D. --- AFM. SEM and Surface Profiler --- p.13 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Results and discussion / Chapter 3.1 --- The surface morphology / Chapter A. --- General description --- p.15 / Chapter B. --- The as-deposited amorphous film --- p.15 / Chapter C. --- The crystalline Ge film --- p.16 / Chapter D. --- The alloy film --- p.17 / Chapter E. --- The role of a-Si layer --- p.22 / Chapter 3.2 --- The depth profile (RBS) / Chapter A. --- General description --- p.24 / Chapter B. --- Peak temperature dependence --- p.27 / Chapter C. --- Heating rate dependence --- p.30 / Chapter 3.3 --- The near surface composition measured by Raman scattering / Chapter A. --- General description --- p.33 / Chapter B. --- Peak temperature dependence --- p.43 / Chapter C. --- Heating rate dependence --- p.45 / Chapter 3.4 --- Preferred growth direction / Chapter A. --- General description --- p.47 / Chapter B. --- Peak temperature dependence --- p.48 / Chapter C. --- Heating rate dependence --- p.51 / Chapter 3.5 --- Discussion / Chapter A. --- The particle size --- p.55 / Chapter B. --- The participation of Si substrate --- p.58 / Chapter C. --- The alloy formation --- p.58 / Chapter D. --- The abnormally fast interdiffusion --- p.63 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Conclusion --- p.65 / Appendix --- p.67 / References --- p.69

"The thesis includes fundamental work in the following, · Development of materials database which includes the main parameters of the various heat transfer models · Validation and testing of the system capability and accuracy by means of various case studies A computer aided heat treatment planning system (CAHTPS) is developed to assist the heat treatment process. The temperature distribution inside the furnace and the temperature of the various parts in the load can be determined. The various models for the heat treatment are analyzed and the various parameters in the equations are classified. The majority of the equations parameters were properties of various metals and non metals. Hence an extensive database is developed so as to assist the models. The remaining physical conditions dependent parameters of the models were analyzed and the effects due to change in the conditions and these parameters are tested and studied by various case studies. The change in the loading pattern effects and change in the load quantity effects for the various cases are presented. The thesis work establishes the system’s application scope and the accuracy to be used in the current heat treatment industries."

Magister Scientiae Dentium - MSc(Dent) / In modern day dentistry, aesthetics forms an integral part of our social perception almost as much as functionality. Malocclusion has been brought to the forefront of developmental anomalies as it can affect mastication, speech as well as the appearance of the face. Furthermore, pre-pubertal and pubertal changes have compounded existing malocclusions in this growth period thus spiraling the need for orthodontic treatment. Therefore, it is essential to determine the normative and selfperceived need for orthodontic treatment in a population. The epidemiological data collected can be used to facilitate policy changes to manage malocclusion in Khomas, Namibia. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the orthodontic treatment needs of a population of 12-15 year-old children attending a school in Khomas and to express it as percentages of those with subjective and objective orthodontic treatment need over the whole sample population. The objectives were to find associations between treatment needs and some demographic and socioeconomic factors.

Bone fracture, particularly that occurring in osteoporotic conditions, has become a major health issue. Fracture healing is a well-orchestrated regenerative process, the enhancement of which has been one of the major goals in fracture management. Low-magnitude high-frequency vibration (LMHFV) is osteogenic for intact bone and beneficial for limb blood circulation, which implies a potential of enhancement for fracture healing. Three parts of the experiments were conducted in this study to test the hypothesis that LMHFV would accelerate fracture healing by promoting chondrogenesis, endochondral ossification, and remodeling in both normal and osteoporotic bones. / Part I study. Three-month-old female SD rats underwent closed femoral fracture and were randomized into either vibration group (VG-I, 35Hz, 0.3g, 20min/day, 5days/week) or sham-treated control group (CG-I). Femora were harvested at 1, 2 and 4 weeks for micro-CT analysis, histomorphometry, and mechanical testing. Part II study. Osteoporotic model was established in nine-month-old SD rats after three months of inducement following ovariectomy. Similar grouping (VG-II and CG-II) and treatment regimes were performed after fracture, with the femora harvested at 2, 4 and 8 weeks for assessments like those in the Part I study. Part III study. After fracture, 3-month-old female SD rats were grouped (VG-III and CG-III) and treated as in the Part I study. At 1, 2 and 4 weeks, femora were collected for gene quantification (Col-1, Col-2, BMP-2, VEGF, and TGF-beta1) using real-time PCR. Type I and II collagens were located immunochemically in histological sections. / Results of the Part I and II studies demonstrated that LMHFV promoted callus formation (together with chondrogenesis), mineralization (endochondral ossification), and remodeling, which led to faster healing and better mechanical outcomes in both normal and osteoporotic fractures. In molecular level, the effect of LMHFV was reflected by the stimulation of chondrogenesis and osteogenesis related matrix collagen formation and growth factor expression. The molecular data echo Part I and II findings well. This study proved that LMHFV accelerated fracture healing by promoting chondrogenesis, endochondral ossification, and remodeling in both normal and osteoporotic bones, and indicated great potential of its future clinical application on fracture healing. / Shi, Hongfei. / Adviser: Kwok-Sui Leung. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 70-06, Section: B, page: 3422. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 180-201). / 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.