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Pyle, Rhonda. "Bad Blood: Impurity and Danger in the Early Modern Spanish Mentality." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2010. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc30504/.
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The current work is an intellectual history of how blood permeated early modern Spaniards' conceptions of morality and purity. This paper examines Spanish intellectuals' references to blood in their medical, theological, demonological, and historical works. Through these excerpts, this thesis demonstrates how this language of blood played a role in buttressing the church's conception of good morals. This, in turn, will show that blood was used as a way to persecute Jews and Muslims, and ultimately define the early modern Spanish identity.
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Apel, Joachim, and Uwe Klaus. "Aspects of Large Scale Symbolic Computation Management." Universität Leipzig, 1998. https://ul.qucosa.de/id/qucosa%3A34525.
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The special-purpose computer algebra system FELIX is designed for computations in constructive commutative and non-commutative algebra. In this paper
we discuss some features of the system supporting the computation of rather complex problems, especially standard basis computations, using standard hardware. There is a frst aspect concerning the definition and implementation of the basic data types which should be a good compromise between space and time efficient representations of the algebraic objects. Usually, rather complex computations are very time consuming (up to weeks) and often require several attempts. So, there are included special session saving methods in FELIX which allows to backup the attained intermediate results in form of memory images into special session files and to restart later on. Finally, we describe our efforts crunching complex problems by parallelization. The implemented interface is based on stream sockets and includes a special protocol for the data exchange. It supports the distributed computation on heterogeneous, loosely coupled systems.
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Gorman, Judith A. "Aspects of coherent logic." Thesis, McGill University, 1987. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=63868.
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Fransson, Rebecka. "Bloody Horror! : The Symbolic Meaning of Blood in Stephen King’s Carrie." Thesis, Örebro universitet, Institutionen för humaniora, utbildnings- och samhällsvetenskap, 2016. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:oru:diva-49733.
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Clark, Phillipa Margaret. "Childhood blood pressure : aspects of programming." Thesis, University of Southampton, 1996. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.242550.
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Hutchinson, Ronelle. "The symbolic construction of online community." Monash University, School of Political and Social Inquiry, 2002. http://arrow.monash.edu.au/hdl/1959.1/9377.
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Poulin, Marc J. "Aspects of cerebral blood flow in humans." Thesis, University of Oxford, 1998. http://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:a2af655f-9198-4cd0-a126-57c070f6399d.
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The technique of transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) was used to assess cerebral blood flow (CBF) in humans. Studies were performed at rest and during dynamic submaximal exercise. In the resting experiments, TCD was combined with the technique of dynamic end-tidal forcing to study the dynamics of the CBF response to step changes in end-tidal (i.e. arterial) PC02 and PO2 In the resting and exercise experiments, the degree of consistency was examined between three indices of CBF that can be extracted from the TCD spectrum. Finally, the ventilatory and the CBF responses to acute isocapnic hypoxia were examined to try to quantify the possible reduction in ventilation that could be attributed to changes in CBF with hypoxia. In the studies performed at rest, during either hypoxia and/or hypercapnia (Chapter 2), the three indices of CBF extracted from the TCD spectrum were all consistent. However, during submaximal exercise (Chapter 5), the indices were less consistent and results suggest that the increase in CBF with exercise that has been reported with TCD needs to be treated with caution. The dynamic studies of the CBF response to step changes in end-tidal PC02 and PO2 in humans revealed that the CBF response to hypercapnia (Chapter 3) is characterised by a significant asymmetry, with a slower on-transient than off-transient, and also by a degree of undershoot following the relief of hypercapnia. The CBF response to hypocapnia (Chapter 4) is also characterised by a significant asymmetry, with a faster on-transient than off-transient. Furthermore, there is a slow progressive adaptation throughout the hypocapnic period. These studies show that the CBF responses to hypercapnia and hypocapnia are much faster than previously been thought. Finally, the work described in Chapter 6 attempts to quantify the possible reduction in ventilation that could be attributed to changes in CBF with hypoxia to determine whether it could be of sufficient magnitude to underlie hypoxic ventilatory decline (HVD). The results suggest that, in awake humans, changes in CBF during acute isocapnic hypoxia are quantitatively insufficient to underlie HVD.
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Ainscough, Juliana Mary. "Olivier Messiaen : musical and symbolic aspects of three later organ cycles." Thesis, University of Surrey, 2011. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.551154.
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The main part of this submission is a portfolio of five selected compositions, representative of my compositional development between 2003 and 2009, three of which explore the expressive qualities of the solo voice, soprano, counter-tenor or baritone, in settings of highly symbolic or surreal poetry by Gerard Manley Hopkins (Life's Masque Mirrored), St. John of the Cross (En una noche oscura) and Federico Garcia Lorca (Virgen de la Soledad). While the Hopkins cycle features the piano in a substantive accompanimental role, the other two works make use of unusual chamber combinations. Hopkins' poetry also features in The May Magnificat for choir and organ; while the potential of the piano as a solo instrument is realised in the Sonata. Also included are recordings of two of the works, Virgen de la Soledad (2005-06) and Sonata for Piano (2007), programme notes and composer's analytical commentary, the latter of which outlines techniques and methodologies employed in the composition of the above works and acknowledges the diverse influences which have had some bearing upon them. A major component of the submission is a dissertation entitled Olivier Messiaen: musical and symbolic aspects of three later organ cycles, which has some relevance to the submitted compositions, most of which are settings of symbolic texts. The purpose of this study is to consider the particular nature and circumstances of Messiaen's own, deeply-held faith and to evaluate the extent to which the truths which he sought to illuminate were determinants of the form, structure and content of his compositions and to what degree these truths inform our understanding of his music. Three of the later organ cycles, each being representative of a different period of Messiaen's compositional development and each dealing with one of the most important mysteries of the Roman Catholic faith, are analysed in detail to achieve this end. Religious symbolism has, down the centuries, been a source of inspiration in many different areas of creativity, e.g. fine art, architecture, poetry, drama and music. A number of the more established contemporary composers look to some form of religious symbolism to underpin their work : James Macmillan, Arvo Part, and John Tavener come to mind. Olivier Messiaen himself said that "all art which attempt~ to express the Diivine Mystery may qualify as religious" and that “all music which approaches with reverence the Divine, the Sacred, the Ineffable, IS truly religious music in the full strength of the term". Most of Messiaen's music is strongly symbolic, but the organ repertoire is of particular importance since it is performed usually within a consecrated space, sometimes as part of the liturgy; furthermore, it spans his whole compositional career. The purpose of this present study is to consider the particular nature and circumstances of Messiaen's own, deeply-held faith and to evaluate the extent to which the truths which he sought to illuminate were determinants of the form, structure and content of his compositions and to what degree these truths inform our understanding of his music. Three of the later organ cycles, each being representative of a different period of Messiaen's compositional development and each dealing with one of the most important mysteries of the Roman Catholic faith, are analysed in detail to achieve this end.
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Ali, Maselan Bin. "Symbolic manipulations related to certain aspects such as interpretations of graphs." Thesis, University of Warwick, 1996. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/57058/.
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This thesis describes an investigation into university students' manipulation of symbols in solving calculus problems, and relates this to other aspects such as drawing and interpretation of graphs. It is concerned with identifying differences between students who are successful with symbol manipUlation and those who are less successful. It was initially expected that the more successful would have flexible and efficient symbolic methods whilst the less successful would tend to have single procedures which would be more likely to break down. Krutetskii (1976) noted that more successful problem-solvers curtail their solutions whilst the less able are less likely to acquire that ability even after a long practice. This suggested a possible correlation between success and curtailment. An initial pilot study with mathematics education students at a British University showed that in carrying out the algorithms of the calculus, successful students would often work steadily in great detail, however, they were more likely to have a variety of approaches available and were more likely to use conceptual ideas to simplify their task. However, the efficiency in handling symbolic manipulation may not be an indication that the students are able to relate their computational outcome to graphical ideas. A modified pilot test was trialed at the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia before a main study at the same university in which 36 second year students were investigated in three groups of twelve, having grades A, B, C respectively in their first year examination. The findings of this research indicate that there is no significant correlation between ability and curtailment, but ability correlates with conceptual preparation of procedures where there is an appropriate simplification to make the application of the algorithm simpler. The more able students may have several flexible strategies and meaningful symbolic mathematical representations but these may not always relate to visual and graphical ideas. On the other hand the less able students are less likely to break away from the security of a single procedure and liable to breakdown in getting the solutions for the calculus problems.
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Burling, John William. "The function of culturally-created symbolic systems in the reduction of death anxiety." Diss., The University of Arizona, 1988. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/184349.
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Several studies have attempted to assess the effects of death anxiety upon personality and behavior. However, only recently has research on this topic begun to develop a larger theoretical context within which many behaviors and intrapsychic mechanisms can be explained. The present study was conducted to test the hypothesis that people's symbolic investments, such as religious beliefs and status, are inflated when an individual is faced with events which make their personal mortality salient. Theoretically this inflation would help them buffer their anxieties about death. Subjects were selected for participation on the basis of scores on measures of status concern and religiosity, and were assigned to a mortality salience treatment or control condition. Results suggest limited support for the hypothesis. Though all predictions were not confirmed, some intriguing findings are noted. Implications of these findings are discussed.
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Kadianaki, Eirini Irene. "Negotiating immigration through symbolic resources : the case of immigrants living in Greece." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2010. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.609097.
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Mainwaring, Gary. "Aspects of fish haematology." Thesis, Swansea University, 1987. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.627994.
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Tong, Deborah Grace. "Codes of power : Dimensional semiotics and photonic perspectives." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1999. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk1/tape9/PQDD_0015/MQ55009.pdf.
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Bianco-Miotto, Tina. "Loss of ABO antigens in haematological malignancies." Adelaide, S.A, 2002. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09PH/09phb578.pdf.
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"May 2002" Includes bibliographical references (leaves 229-251) Describes the investigation of the alteration of ABH antigen expression on the surface of red blood cells in patients with haematological malignancies.
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Bengtsson, Jörgen. "Developmental Aspects of Drug Transport Across the Blood-Brain Barrier." Doctoral thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för farmaceutisk biovetenskap, 2009. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-108374.
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The developmental aspect of drug transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) was investigated. Microdialysis was used to study unbound morphine BBB transport at different ages in sheep. An in vitro study was performed to find differentially expressed genes in brain capillary-rich fractions of the brain in rats of different ages. Microdialysis and brain-to-plasma ratios were used to study the contribution of breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp) to the transport of nitrofurantoin (NTF) across the BBB of rats during development as well as in adult rats and mice. A method of analysing morphine and its metabolites in plasma and microdialysis samples was developed and validated. The in vivo recovery of deuterated morphine, used as a calibrator in microdialysis experiments, was not affected by the presence of morphine in the tissue. A net influx of morphine was observed in premature lambs and adult sheep, in contrast to the efflux seen in other species. This influx decreased with age, indicating that the morphine transport across the BBB changes with age. In contrast, the transport of the morphine metabolite morphine-3-glucuronide (M3G) did not change with age. Microarray data indicated that several active transporters are differentially expressed with age. Moreover, the mRNA expression levels of Abcg2 (Bcrp) and Slc22a8 (organic anion transporter 3) changed with age when quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction. In contrast, the expression of Abcb1 (P-glycoprotein) and occludin (a tight junction protein) did not change with age. In rats, the brain distribution of NTF decreased with age due to increased protein binding in plasma. The concentration ratio of unbound NTF across the BBB was low in the adult rat, due to intra-brain metabolism and/or efflux by other transporters. Bcrp did not appear to have a significant contribution in the developing rat or in knock-out mice compared to wild-type controls with regard to NTF BBB transport. In conclusion, in vitro studies showed that the expression levels of some genes changed with age, presumably affecting subsequent drug distribution to the brain. Further, in vivo studies showed that distribution across the BBB changed with age for morphine but not for M3G or NTF.
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Bradley, Jane Louise. "Quantitative aspects of blood vessels and perineurium in diabetic neuropathy." Thesis, University College London (University of London), 1995. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.307586.
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Parr, Sharon M. "The effects of graduated exercise at the piano on the pianist's cardiac output, forearm blood flow, heart rate, and blood pressure." Virtual Press, 1985. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/434086.
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The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of graduated exercise at the piano on the pianist's cardiac output, forearm blood flow, heart rate, and blood pressure. Also considered were the effects of piano practice conditioning, general cardiovascular conditioning, and acute cigarette smoking on the aforementioned parameters during and after graduated piano exercise.Fifteen adult pianists participated in the study. The piano exercises consisted of bilateral scales played in eight three-minute stages. Tempo was constant within stages but increased with each new stage. Cardiac output and forearm blood flow were monitored by electrical impedance utilizing a tetrapolar electrode-placement system.FindingsCardiac output, forearm blood flow, heart rate, and systolic blood pressure generally increased proportionally to exercise intensity and returned to basal levels within a five-minute recovery period.ConclusionsStrenuous piano exercise stresses the body in general, not just the active forearm muscles.The stress load placed on the heart by piano playing can be at least as great as that produced by a brisk walk.Piano playing can generate an oxygen debt in the forearm muscles.Conditioning of forearm muscles through regular piano practice results in training effect for piano playing in those muscles.Pianists who participate regularly in quality aerobic exercise programs generally begin and end piano exercise with lower heart rates than those who do not exercise. Frequently, they increase heart rates to a lesser extent during exercise and settle into steady postexercise rates more quickly as well.Both regular piano practice and general cardiovascular conditioning gained through quality aerobic exercise contribute to increased piano-playing endurance.Acute smoking increases cardiac outputs and heart rates of pianists resulting in higher levels of cardiac work during piano exercise.During piano exercise, acutely smoking pianists require greatly increased forearm blood flows to meet muscle needs.
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Lilly, Debra L. "Anger expression and blood pressure : the influence of self- consciousness." Virtual Press, 1992. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/862263.
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The validity of the Self-Consciousness Scale (SCS) for use with adolescents was investigated. Also, a path model of blood pressure based on the cognitive social learning theory was tested using sets of biological (i.e., family history of hypertension and age), psychological (i.e., public self-consciousness, private self-consciousness, suppressed anger and outwardly expressed anger), and lifestyle (i.e., relative weight and smoking) variables.Subjects were 169 female and 124 male adolescents from the southeastern United States. Parents provided information about the subjects' family history of hypertension and health. Subjects completed the SCS and Anger Expression Scale and a health questionnaire. Subjects' blood pressures, weights, and heights were assessed. Data from all subjects were used for the SCS analyses. Data from 36 subjects who reportedly had health problems or used drugs with cardiovascular effects were excluded from the path model analyses.The SCS data were factor analyzed. Based on the initial analysis, four items were excluded from the data. The subsequent factor analysis suggested that the SCS is a valid measure of the dimensions of self-consciousness in adolescents. Test-retest reliabilities and internal consistencies of the SCS showed reasonable reliability. Comparisons of the SCS scores between college students and adolescents and between female and male adolescents were made.The path model was tested separately for males and females on both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), using hierarchical multiple regression analyses of sets. Although the variables collectively explained a significant amount of variance in DBP and SBP for both sexes, few had significant direct and total effects on DBP and SBP, and none had indirect effects on DBP or SBP. Sex differences emerged in the variables' effects on DBP and SBP and the variables' effects on other variables. DBP and SBP increased as relative weight increased for both sexes. No other variables influenced SBP or DBP for males or SBP for females. Females with a positive family history of hypertension had higher DBPs. Females' DBPs decreased as private self-consciousness increased. The implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services
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Hedrick, Michael Scott. "Aspects of cardiovascular oxygen transport in vertebrates." PDXScholar, 1985. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/3404.
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The hematological and rheological characteristics of blood from a number of vertebrates was compared to assess possible species differences in blood viscosity that may influence cardiovascular oxygen transport. Nucleated red blood cells (RBCs) were more viscous (measured by cone-plate viscometry) in comparison with enucleate (mammalian) RBCs at hematocrits greater than 40% when measured at equivalent temperatures. The lower viscosity of enucleate RBCs is attributed to an enhanced deformability of enucleate cells in comparison to nucleated cells.
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Vela-Melton, Dorothy Louise. "Self-esteem and blood pressure, cholesterol, thyroxine and leukocytes." CSUSB ScholarWorks, 1991. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd-project/460.
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Ahvazi, Behrouz C. "Mechanisms of modulation of immune responses during blood-stage malaria." Thesis, McGill University, 1994. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=26454.
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In this thesis, mechanisms of immunoregulation by CD4$ sp+$ T cells during blood-stage P. chabaudi AS infection in C57BL/6 mice were studied. The kinetics of in vitro production of the Th1-derived cytokine, IFN-$ gamma$, versus the Th2-derived cyokines, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10, by spleen cells as well as of polyclonal and malaria-specific antibodies in the sera were examined during infection using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Upon antigenic stimulation, spleen cells were found to produce high levels of IFN-$ gamma$ several days prior to peak parasitemia, while high levels of IL-10 production occurred at the time of peak parasitemia followed by IL-4 and IL-5 later in infection. The levels of polyclonal IgG2a isotype were found to be increased during both the acute and chronic phases of infection, whereas the levels of polyclonal IgM, IgG1 and IgG2b isotypes were found to be increased only during the chronic phase of infection. High titers of malaria-specific IgG2a and IgG1 were detected during the primary as well as secondary infections. Investigation of in vitro proliferation of spleen cells to mitogens and malaria specific antigen revealed that the responses of splenic lymphocytes from infected mice to Con A, PHA and LPS were suppressed, with the most severe suppression occurring during the first 14 days post infection. Evidence is provided demonstrating that nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins (PG), products of activated macrophages, mediated suppression of lymphocyte proliferation in response to Con A and PHA, whereas only PG were found to suppress LPS-stimulated proliferation. In addition, NO was found to mediate suppression of proliferation of spleen cells from infected mice in response to parasite antigen. Taken together, results from these studies suggest that immune activation and immunosuppression occur simultaneously during blood-stage malaria with P. chabaudi AS infection in C57BL/6 mice. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
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Harris, Maryke. "Deterrents to continued blood donation among regular blood donors." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15934.
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Collecting blood from repeat blood donors is cost effective and safer compared to other donor types. At the end of 2012, 84% of the SANBS donor panel were inactive or lapsed. There is a lack of research available on lapsed donors in the South African context and available research is mostly quantitative with subtle contradictions. Donors who donated blood in 2012 at fixed site donor centres in Port Elizabeth, and did not return in 2013, were studied. A descriptive analysis was done and a random sample of 78 lapsed donors were selected to participate in a face-to-face interview. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed. A grounded model was developed from various existing theories to seek out and conceptualise social patterns and structures of lapsed blood donors through a process of comparison. There were 10 062 donors who donated blood in 2012 and 4 923 became lapsed during 2013. Analysis of sub groups showed a higher proportion of donors who became lapsed in the following sub-categories: new donors (95%), re-joined donors (64%), black donors (63%), donors younger than 40 (61%), female donors (52%). The feedback received from the 11 participants highlighted peer pressure as the biggest motivator. Of the six communication theories applied, The Social Penetration Theory highlighted the cost-minus-benefit ratio which played a big role in a donor’s motivation and decision to return. The AIDA Marketing Model application described lapsed donor behaviour most comprehensively and it highlighted a missing step which was created as part of a Grounded Model and is called the AIDAA Model. The role and existence of peer pressure is directly linked to donor motivation and is categorised as an Action Motivator in the AIDAA Model. The new model creates additional recruitment opportunities which has not been explored and applied strategically before.
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Davies, Philip Andrew. "Physical and engineering aspects of protein separation processes." Thesis, University of Oxford, 1989. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.253017.
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Parker, David Robert. "Aspects of hypoglycaemic recovery in man." Thesis, University of Bristol, 1995. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.296699.
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Lilliecreutz, Caroline. "Blood-and Injection Phobia in Pregnancy : Epidemiological, Biological and Treatment aspects." Doctoral thesis, Linköpings universitet, Hälsouniversitetet, 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-59745.
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Introduction: Blood- and injection phobia is an anxiety disorder with a prevalence of approximately 3-5% in the general population. The etiology is often a combination of genetic factors and a conditioning experience. The symptoms of blood- and injection phobia are dizziness, confusion, nausea, epigastria discomfort, anxiety and sometimes panic attacks when receiving injections, seeing blood or having a blood sample taken. Unique for this specific phobia is the high probability of fainting when the phobic situation is encountered if there is no possibility to escape or to avoid the stimuli. During pregnancy and labor, women with blood- and injection phobia are exposed to most of their fears and they therefore find themselves in anxiety-ridden situations. Stress and anxiety during pregnancy is known to be risk factors for adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Studies have shown an altered hypothalamic-adrenal-pituitary axis in women with stress or/and anxiety during pregnancy and increased cortisol concentrations can imply negative consequences for the unborn child. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is known to be effective in treating specific phobias such as blood- and injection phobia. Aim: The prevalence, obstetric and neonatal consequences, impact on the hypothalamic adrenal-pituitary axis and treatment aspects of blood- and injection phobia in a pregnant population have not been investigated before. The aims of this thesis were to study each of these phenomena. Material and methods: During 2005 a total of 1606 pregnant women were approached at their first visit in an antenatal care clinic in the southeast region in Sweden. They were asked to complete the “Injection Phobia Scale-Anxiety” questionnaire. All women who scored ≥ 20 on the “Injection Phobia Scale-Anxiety” questionnaire (N=347), were interviewed and either diagnosed for blood- and injection phobia or dismissed. In total, 110 women were diagnosed as having blood- and injection phobia. Among the women who scored <20 on the “Injection Phobia Scale-Anxiety” questionnaire, 220 women were randomly stratified for age and parity as a control group. The women in the study population answered questionnaires in gestational week 25, 36 and postpartum concerning symptoms of blood- and injection phobia, depression and anxiety. Samples of cortisol in the saliva were collected in the morning and evening in gestational week 25 and 36 in both groups of pregnant women. The medical records from the antenatal care visits, the delivery and postpartum check-up was used to collect data of importance. A treatment study was conducted using a two session cognitive behavioral therapy in a group of pregnant woman with blood- and injection phobia. Results: The prevalence of blood- and injection phobia is 7 % in a pregnant population. Pregnant women with blood- and injection phobia stated more often a fear of childbirth (p<0.001) and were more frequently delivered by elective cesarean section (p=0.032). The incidence of having a baby diagnosed with a complication (p=0.001) was also higher among these women. The women with blood- and injection phobia had increased cortisol concentrations in the saliva compared to the healthy controls (p=0.014). A two-session CBT in group for pregnant women with blood- and injection phobia reduced phobic (p<0.001) anxiety (p<0.001) and depressive (p<0.001) symptoms during pregnancy. Conclusions: Blood- and injection phobia during pregnancy is rather common. Pregnant women with blood- and injection phobia are more likely to be delivered by elective cesarean section and having a baby born with a complication compared to women not suffering from this specific phobia. Untreated blood- and injection phobia during pregnancy increases salivary cortisol concentrations indicating an altered hypothalamic-adrenal-pituitary axis during these weeks of pregnancy. To enhance psychological well being in pregnant women with blood- and injection phobia a two-session program providing CBT for groups of pregnant women is valuable and produces stable results for at least 3 months after delivery.
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Chopra, M. S. "Some biochemical aspects of blood in rheumatoid arthritis and vascular diseases." Thesis, University of Strathclyde, 1987. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.381360.
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Rock, Melanie. "Sweet blood and power : making diabetics count." Thesis, McGill University, 2001. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=38265.
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As recently as 1995, sweet blood did not resonate broadly as an urgent transnational concern. This thesis chronicles how diabetes mellitus, sweet blood, became recognized as a social problem besetting Canada, among many other countries.This ethnographic study brings anthropological theories---developed for the most part to analyze the lives of "non-Western" peoples---to bear on "Western" philosophy, science, medicine, mass media, governments, and commerce. Throughout, this thesis challenges received wisdom about disease, technologies, kinship, commodification, embodiment, and personhood.
This thesis argues that a statistical concept, the population, is the linchpin of both politics and economics in large-scale societies. Statistically-fashioned populations, combined with the conviction that the future can be partially controlled, undergird the very definition of diabetes as a disease. In turn, biomedical knowledge about diabetes grounds the understanding of sweet blood as a social problem in need of better management. The political economy of sweet blood shows that, under "Western" eyes, persons can remain intact while their bodies---down to their very cells---divide and multiply, both literally and figuratively. As members of statistically-fashioned populations, human beings have a patent existence and many "statistical doubles." These statistical doppelgangers help shape feelings, actions, identities, and even the length of human lives. They permit countless strangers and "lower" nonhuman beings---among them, mice, flies, and bacteria---to count as kin. Through the generation and use of statistics, people and their body parts undergo valuation and commodification, but are neither bought nor sold. The use of statistics to commodify human beings and body parts, this thesis finds, inevitably anchors biomedical practice, biomedical research, health policies, and the marketing of pharmaceuticals and all other things known to affect health.
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Moreau, Kerrie L. "The effects of blood lactate concentration on perception of effort during exercise." Virtual Press, 1996. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/1014847.
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Several studies have reported that rating of perceived exertion (RPE) covaries more with blood lactate concentration (BLC) than other measures of relative exercise intensity. If BLC is used as the intensity criterion, then RPE could be used as a valid tool for exercise prescription. However, few have shown the relationship between RPE and BLC across a variety of graded exercise tests (GXTs) and exercise training settings. The purpose of this study was to determine if differences exist in RPEs at matched BLC between two GXTs and steady state exercise in the field setting. Thirteen healthy males (25 ± 5.3 yrs) completed two maximal treadmill protocols (Bruce and Balke) and one steady state exercise trial on a treadmill at two intensities which lasted approximately 7 minutes each. The intensities (40% & 70% max heart rate reserve) were below and above their ventilatory threshold. RPEs were recorded during the last minute of each workload of the field trial (FT). Immediately following the end of each workload, blood samples were collected for BLC analysis. RPEs from the FT were compared with RPEs from the GXTs at matched BI-Cs using a repeated measures ANOVA across exercise trials. The results show that there were no significant differences in RPEs at a matched BLC of 1.5 mM between the FTand and the Bruce and Balke GXT at the lower intensity, with the RPEs being 9.6 ± 1.7, 9.8 ± 2.6, and 10.2 ± 2.4, respectively. However, at the higher intensity, RPEs at a matched BLC of 3.0 mM were significantly different, with the FT < Bruce < Balke (11.9 ± 1.9, 13.5 ± 2.2 and 15.2 ± 2.0, p < 0.05). These results suggest that the relationship between RPE and BLC established during a GXT may not be transferable to the exercise training setting at exercise intensities in the typical prescription range of 50-85%. Therefore, using RPE for exercise prescription may not be an effective method for regulating exercise intensity according to BLC.School of Physical Education
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Hunt, Ailsa Gaynor. "Rooted in religion : the Roman sacred tree." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2013. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.608102.
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Huang, Tingyu Tina, and 黄亭语. "Systematic review: effect of tartary buckwheat in controlling blood cholesterol." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2011. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B46937298.
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Vasileiou, Konstantina. "Symbolic and practical facets in the use and production of home medical technology : the example of blood pressure monitoring." Thesis, Brunel University, 2015. http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/13821.
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The value to consider user needs throughout the development of medical devices has been acknowledged in the field of health technology assessment. Yet, user needs are narrowly conceptualised and are mainly examined from an ergonomic perspective. By focusing on the user-device interaction per se with a view to detect use errors and to create design solutions that promote intended use, the dominant approach to user needs research fails to adequately elaborate upon symbolic and practice-related dimensions in the user-technology relationship. Moreover, whilst the examination of user needs from a User standpoint is clearly required, it is also crucial to investigate how the medical device industry understands and addresses this issue, since it is these understandings that will eventually be projected onto the technology. The present research sought to provide a cross-actor account on the issue of user needs by examining the perspectives of two key stakeholders: the users and the medical device manufacturer. Using the example of home blood pressure (BP) monitoring, a qualitative programme of research explored, on the one hand, the process of integrating home blood pressure monitors (HBPMs) into daily life as well as the elements that are conducive to building trust in this technology, and on the other, the practices the medical device manufacturer adopts to capture its users and their needs. The results suggest that people engage with home BP monitoring in an effort to develop an experiential understanding of their health condition reproducing the dominant discourse around the benefits of self-care. Nevertheless, communicating this practice outside the home was not always without tension since concerns around the ascription of undesired identities were expressed. Home measurements were occasionally performed to check the dependability of technology – arguably an unintended device use – indicating the importance of establishing trust in the artefact. Building trust in HBPMs appeared to be a multifaceted phenomenon that was not limited to the perceived trustworthiness of the technology but implicated a network of other trustworthy relationships with humans, institutions and technologies. Medium-to-large medical device manufacturers appear to appreciate the value of a user needs-informed approach to medical device development employing a series of routes, more or less direct and formalised, to reach their user. The challenge for the industry is to synthesise the evidential base deriving from individual user studies to create a higher order knowledge base. The term ‘symbolic’ – also employed in the title of this thesis – signifies people’s representations, reasoning and meanings constructed around the use or production of home medical technology whilst the term ‘practical’ (or practice-related) refers to actions, activities, and routines pertaining to these two aspects.
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Perry, Barbara. "Geopiety and landscape perceptions at Mounds State Park, Anderson, Indiana." Virtual Press, 2003. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/1265464.
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This study provides an examination of landscape perceptions, specifically geopiety or sacred landscape perceptions, at Mounds State Park. Through archival analysis I traced 2000 years of landscape perceptions at the park and found that geopiety has been an underlying influence in shaping perceptions. I further examine contemporary perceptions at Mounds state Park through participant observation and ethnographic interviewing and have determined that geopiety continues at the park in the form of nature-centered, historical/cultural and recreational perceptions. Finally, I examined the influence of modernity on geopiety and have determined that the level of geopiety is determined by the degree an individual is influenced by modernity. Modernity exists in varying degrees from traditional to progressive with the majority of individuals couched within the “inbetweeness” of modernity.Department of Geography
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Taylor, Claire E. "Functional aspects of chemically modified bovine blood plasma and egg albumen proteins." Thesis, University of Surrey, 1988. http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/785/.
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Lewkowski, Maxim D. "Relations among blood pressure, pain sensitivity and sweet taste hypoalgesia." Thesis, McGill University, 2007. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=111853.
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Pain sensitivity is typically reduced in individuals with higher blood pressure although the nature of this relationship is poorly understood. Relatedly, the ingestion of sweet tasting solutions has been shown to reduce pain, possibly by an opioid mediated mechanism. The objective of the present research was to investigate the effects of blood pressure and sweet taste on pain sensitivity in healthy adults. The first aim was to test whether blood pressure interacts with sweet taste to affect pain sensitivity. The second aim was to test whether endogenous opioids mediate the effects of sweet taste and blood pressure on pain. In Study One, participants held sweet, bitter and plain water solutions in their mouths during exposure to a painful cold pressor test. Replicating previous research, individuals with higher blood pressure were found to have generally higher pain tolerance than those with lower blood pressure. Sweet taste was associated with an increase in pain tolerance but only in individuals with lower range blood pressure, increasing their tolerance to the level of those with higher blood pressure. In Study Two, participants held sweet solution, plain water or nothing in their mouths during cold pressors on two days. To test the involvement of endogenous opioids, participants were administered an opioid antagonist on one of the test days. Participants with higher resting blood pressure again showed increased tolerance and reduced unpleasantness ratings of the pain tasks, as well as dampened mood reactivity to the testing. In these individuals, the opioid antagonist reduced their pain tolerance and partially reversed their lower mood reactivity. As in Study One, sweet taste increased pain tolerance in participants with lower but not higher blood pressure, but this was unaffected by opioid blockade. Taken together these results suggest some overlap between non-opioid mechanisms of sweet taste and blood pressure related analgesia. These results are also consistent with work suggesting that endogenous opioid activity may play a role in the reduced pain sensitivity, and perhaps mood reactivity, of individuals with higher blood pressure and that multiple processes are involved in blood pressure-related hypoalgesia.
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Rajack, Louise S. "Pets and human health : the influence of pets on cardiovascular and other aspects of owners' health." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 1997. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.340465.
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Cowper, John Guy. "Theoretical and technical aspects of using the Doppler umbilical flow waveform to assess compromised foetal circulation." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/26994.
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Includes bibliography.The aim of this thesis was to investigate the feasibility of using the shape of the umbilical flow waveform, obtained clinically with Doppler ultrasound, to monitor the condition growth impaired foetuses. This aim was addressed via the following . 1. Survey the literature to obtain information regarding : a) the foetal blood flow distribution for normal foetuses. b) the effect of placental pathology and maternal hyperoxygenation in compromised foetuses. 2. Model the foetal circulation to investigate the effect, on the umbilical flow waveform, of physiological changes resulting from placental insufficiency. 3. Perform a theoretical and practical assessment of Doppler ultrasound by considering its suitability in monitoring foetal condition, through alterations in the umbilical blood flow waveform shape. 4. Clinically gather and analyse umbilical blood flow waveforms from foetuses currently on a trial to investigate appropriate protocols for the assessment of maternal hyperoxygenation.
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Patel, Rajnikant. "Anti-inflammatory drugs and some aspects of the function of white blood cells." Thesis, Aston University, 1985. http://publications.aston.ac.uk/12473/.
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Buffone, Michael A. "Blood lactate response and performance in a simulated ice hockey task in male varsity and recreational players." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1998. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk1/tape11/PQDD_0002/MQ43840.pdf.
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Aoyagi, Hiroshi. "Islands of eight million smiles, pop-idol performances and the field of symbolic production." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1999. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/ftp02/NQ46312.pdf.
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Southard, Douglas R. "Co-variation of blood pressure and mood in the natural environment." Diss., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1985. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/53607.
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Current clinical diagnostic procedures may lead to an V over-identification of hypertension. The lack of a comprehensive assessment may also lead to difficulty in timing cognitive-behavioral interventions to coincide with periods when blood pressure is most elevated. The goals of the current study were (a) to determine if a laboratory relaxation procedure would be capable of discriminating those individuals who generally have elevated blood pressure from those who react with increased blood pressure specifically to laboratory assessment, and (b) to identify "markers" of emotional states which would enable individuals to determine when their blood pressure was elevated.
Fifty-one undergraduate students at Virginia Tech volunteered to participate in a two-hour laboratory session consisting of baseline blood pressure measurements, a relaxation procedure and a battery of psychological questionnaires assessing anger, anxiety and Type A. This was followed by a two-day self-monitoring period consisting of approximately twelve self-reports of mood state concurrent with blood pressure measured by a portable, semi-automatic monitor.
Results suggested that blood pressure response to the laboratory relaxation procedure was associated with the difference between average ambulatory blood pressure and laboratory blood pressure for diastolic A blood pressure only. Anger arousal and anger expression were unrelated to either average ambulatory blood pressure or high versus low ambulatory blood pressure readings. Perceptions of the environment as hostile and demanding did discriminate between high versus low systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure readings. A cluster of negative moods discriminated between high and low systolic blood pressure readings. A cluster of moods characteristic of the Type A behavior pattern also discriminated high versus low systolic blood pressure readings as well as high versus low heart rate readings.
One of the clearest findings of the study was the relationship between the type of analysis used and the probability of finding an association between psychological variables and blood pressure. In general, across subject analysis yielded fewer significant relationships than analyses emphasizing within subject variation. Exploring this further, two case studies are presented which illustrate statistical procedures for analyzing the relationship between blood pressure and mood in single case designs.Ph. D.
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Kaczynski, Marek. "The effects of active and passive recovery on blood lactate concentration and performance in a simulated ice hockey task /." Thesis, McGill University, 1989. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=61826.
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Ross, James H. "Comparison of blood lactate concentration and perceived exertion during two clinical treadmill protocols." Virtual Press, 1996. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/1036180.
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The purpose of this study was to determine if previously observed differences in ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) at the same intensities during two graded exercise tests (GXT) were the result of changes in blood lactate concentrations (BLC). Thirteen healthy males (25.3 ±53 yrs.) were maximally tested during two protocols (Bruce and Balke 3.0 mph/2.5 % grade changes every 2 minutes). Subjects were randomly assigned to one GXT and completed the second test after 48 hours; both were completed within one week. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded at the end of each 2 minute stage of the Balke and twice per stage during the Bruce protocol. Blood lactate concentrations (BLC) were collected each minute during both protocols.Results: RPE data was first analyzed using two-way ANOVA (protocol x intensity), and a significant interaction was observed with RPEs being higher at each intensity during the Balke protocol. Mean RPE differences were 1.4, 2.8, and 4.5 for 40, 60, 80% of VO2max respectively. The addition of the BLC at each relative exercise intensity as a covariate in the model suggested that BLC accounted for some of the protocol differences in RPE, at 60 and 80% of VOimax.Conclusion: Differences in RPEs between standard GXT protocols reported in previous studies were due, in part, to differences in BLC.School of Physical Education
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Fights, Sandra D. "The relationship between the exercise of self-care agency and serum cholesterol levels." Virtual Press, 1990. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/722467.
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The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship of exercise of self-care agency and serum cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association (1986) and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (1987) have identified the reduction of serum cholesterol as a major factor in decreasing the risk for coronary artery disease. Orem's theory of self-care identified diet and exercise management as activities well being (Orem, 1971). It was hypothesized that high levels of self-care are inversely related to serum cholesterol levels. A retrospective study was conducted. A convenience sample of 176 individuals who have obtained cholesterol screening at a Nursing Center for Family Health was obtained. Written consent was obtained to review individual files for serumcholesterol levels, information related to demographic variables, nutrition and exercise habits; and for the Exercise of Self-Care Agency. Each participant completed the "Exercise of Self-Care Agency" tool. Confidentiality was maintained and responses were coded for analysis only. Correlational statistics were utilized to analyze the data obtained. The hypothesis was tested using Pearson r analysis and demonstrated poor correlation and no significant relationship. Research questions related to diet, exercise, age and the exercise of self-care agency were tested by a 3x2x2 ANOVA and showed no significant difference. Recommendations for future study should include replication of the study with a larger sample and randomization of the sample.School of Nursing
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Viljoen, Janet Erica. "The effect of progressive resistance training on the blood lipid profile in post-menopausal women." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005191.
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The main purpose of this study was to assess the effect of progressive resistance training on the blood lipid profile in post-menopausal women. Thirty-four female subjects aged 50 to 75 years were selected from the population of Grahamstown, South Africa. All participants were previously sedentary and possessed at least one lipid profile abnormality but were otherwise healthy. Pre-tests included a sub-maximal stress Electrocardiogram, measures of stature, mass, central and limb girths as well as an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and a total blood lipid profile. Participants took part in a 24-week progressive resistance training programme, consisting of three supervised sessions per week, each lasting 45 minutes and were not permitted to lose more than 10% of initial body mass during the 24-week study. All pre-test measures, excluding the stress ECG and the OGTT, were repeated every four weeks for the duration of the study. Results were that body mass, body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio did not change. Girth measures at mid-humerus, chest, waist, hip, mid-quadricep and mid-gastrocnemius all decreased significantly (p=0.05). LDL-cholesterol increased significantly over the course of 24 weeks (3.61mmol.L-1 to 4.07mmol.L-1) as did total cholesterol (5.81mmol.L-1 to 6.24mmol.L-1). Triglyceride concentration remained unchanged and HDL-cholesterol decreased significantly between the pre-test measure (1.55mmol.L-1) and the measure after six months (1.42mmol.L-1). It can be concluded that the blood lipid profile in a sample of post-menopausal women was not positively affected by a progressive resistance training programme over a 24 week period.Maiden name: Kelly, Janet Erica
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Koziris, L. Perry (Lymperis Perry). "Blood lactates following intermittent and continuous cycling tests of anaerobic capacity." Thesis, McGill University, 1990. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=60051.
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The purpose of this study was to compare the concentration of and the time to peak blood lactate following three 90-s cycle ergometer tests--intermittent all-out (Int-A), continuous all-out (Cont-A), and continuous constant (Cont-C), and to compare group peak lactate to blood lactate at individual peak time. Eight fingertip blood samples were drawn between 1 and 12min post-exercise. Subjects were university hockey players (n = 19) and physical education students (n = 19). The two all-out tests had a higher peak concentration than the Cont-C test (P $<$ 0.05). The Int-A test had an earlier peak than the two continuous tests (P $<$ 0.05) but this difference vanished if peak time was measured from the onset of the tests. A number of sampling times had lactate concentrations similar to the individual peak concentration (P $<$ 0.05): (1) 1, 2, 3, and 4min for Int-A; (2) 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6min for Cont-A; (3) 2 and 4min for Cont-C.
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Brien, Donald Michael. "The effect of induced alkalosis and acidosis on blood lactate appearance and performance capacity during simulated rowing." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 1987. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/26756.
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In order to test the effect of artificially induced alkalosis and acidosis on the appearance of blood lactate and work production, six well-trained oarsmen (age= 23.8 ±2.5 wt = 82.0 ±7.5kg.) were tested on three separate occasions after ingestion of 0.3 gm/kg body wt. NH4C1 (acidosis) , NaHC03 (alkalosis) or a placebo (control). Blood was taken from a forearm vein immediately prior to exercise for determination of pH and bicarbonate (HC03). One hour following the ingestion period, subjects rowed on a stationary ergometer at a pre-determined sub-maximal rate for 4 minutes, then underwent an immediate transition to a maximal effort for 2 minutes. Blood samples from an indwelling catheter placed in the cephalic vein were taken at rest and every 30 seconds throughout the 6 minute exercise test, and every 3 minutes during a 30 minute passive recovery period. Pre-exercise blood values demonstrated significant differences (p<0.01) in pH and HC03 in all three conditions. Work outputs were unchanged in the submaximal test and in the maximal test (p>0.05), although a trend toward decreased production was evident in the acidotic condition. Analysis of exercise blood samples using ANOVA with repeated measures revealed that the linear increase in blood lactate
concentration([BLA]) during control was significantly greater than acidosis (p<0.01), although [BLa] during alkalosis were consistently elevated above control there was no significant difference in the linear trend (p>0.05). During recovery, there was no significant difference in the rate of lactate disappearance amongst the three conditions. It was concluded that under this protocol artificial manipulation of the acid-base status of the blood does not significantly influence work production despite significantly reduced [BLa] during acidosis. The inability of these pH changes to alter exercise performance emphasizes the relative importance of the intracellular and the extracellular buffer systems in well trained athletes.Education, Faculty of
Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of
Graduate
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Mason, Steven M. "Life as a red blood cell in the artery of a cyborg." Honors in the Major Thesis, University of Central Florida, 1999. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETH/id/76.
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This item is only available in print in the UCF Libraries. If this is your Honors Thesis, you can help us make it available online for use by researchers around the world by following the instructions on the distribution consent form at http://library.ucf.edu/Systems/DigitalInitiatives/DigitalCollections/InternetDistributionConsentAgreementForm.pdf You may also contact the project coordinator, Kerri Bottorff, at kerri.bottorff@ucf.edu for more information.Bachelors
Arts and Sciences
Humanities
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Sandberg, Margareta. "Acupuncture - effects on muscle blood flow and aspects of treatment in the clinicla context." Doctoral thesis, Linköpings universitet, Rehabiliteringsmedicin, 2004. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-10456.
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The overall aim of this thesis was to elucidate and investigate psychophysiological aspects and effects of acupuncture and needle stimulation. Within this framework emphasis was directed toward the effects of needle stimulation (acupuncture) on muscle blood flow in the tibialis anterior and trapezius muscles in healthy subjects and patients suffering from chronic muscle pain. This study also included evaluation of a new application of photoplethysmography in noninvasive monitoring of muscle blood flow. The evaluation was based on experiments known to provocate skin or muscle blood flow. The psychological aspects studied comprised the effects of manual acupuncture on pain in fibromyalgia patients and the effects of electro-acupuncture on psychological distress and vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women in the clinical context. The results showed that photoplethysmography have potential to noninvasively monitor muscle blood flow and to discriminate between blood flow in skin and muscle, although some considerations still have to be accounted for. It was further shown that muscle blood flow change in response to needle stimulation differed between healthy subjects and patients. Deep needle stimulation in the muscle of healthy subjects consistently increased muscle blood flow more than subcutaneous needle stimulation. In the painful trapezius muscle of FMS patients, however, subcutaneous needling was equal or even more effective in increasing muscle blood flow than deep intramuscular stimulation. Generally, needle stimuli had weak effect on blood flow in the trapezius muscle of the severely affected trapezius myalgia patients, possibly depending on older age and lesser number of patients included in the study. The different patterns of blood flow response to needle stimulation between healthy subjects and patients with chronic muscle pain might be a manifestation of altered somatosensory processing in the patients. The clinical studies showed that best pain relief of acupuncture in FMS patients was achieved in the neck-shoulder region, while the effect on the generalised symptoms was of short duration. Well-being and sleep was found to best predict treatment outcome. The results suggest that acupuncture treatment may be used for the alleviation of neck-shoulder pain, primarily, but it is not an alternative as the sole treatment. Electro-acupuncture, significantly decreased psychological distress and climacteric symptoms in postmenopausal women, but not better than a (near-) placebo control, implying pronounced non-specific effects.Akupunktur ingår som en del i traditionell kinesisk medicin (TCM) och har använts i över 2000 år för att lindra sjukdom och symptom. I Sverige blev akupunktur godkänd som smärtlindringsmetod inom Hälso- och Sjukvården 1984. Sedan nästan 10 år är akupunktur jämställd med övrig behandling i sjukvården vilket innebär, att akupunktur kan användas även för behandling av annat än smärta. Förutsättningen är emellertid, att det finns tillräckligt med vetenskapliga belägg, s.k. evidens, för detta. I de allra flesta fall saknas det idag. För att säkerställa att evidens föreligger krävs omfattande forskning om effekter av akupunktur. Syftet med de olika studierna i avhandlingen var att belysa och studera psykologiska och fysiologiska aspekter och effekter av akupunktur och nålstimulering. Effekt på blodflöde i hud och muskel undersöktes på friska personer och på patienter med kronisk muskelsmärta. Normalt krävs ett mindre kirurgiskt ingrepp för att mäta blodflöde i muskel, men i dessa studier användes en mätmetod, som enkelt och utan ingrepp (icke-invasivt) i normala fall används för att mäta blodflöde i huden, s.k. fotopletysmografi (PPG, eng.). Med hjälp av ny teknik användes PPG i dessa studier för att mäta även muskelblodflöde. En studie för utvärdering av den nya PPG-tekniken ingick också i avhandlingen. Utvärderingen av mätmetoden visade goda möjligheter att mäta muskelblodflöde icke-invasivt med hjälp av PPG. Hos friska personer blev effekten på blodflödet störst vid djup stimulering i muskeln och där den s.k. DeQi-känslan framkallades (som vid klassisk akupunktur). Hos patienter med fibromyalgi var nålstimulering i huden lika, eller t.o.m. mer, effektiv att öka muskelblodflödet i skuldran än den djupa nålstimuleringen. De olika mönstren av blodflödesökning mellan de friska personerna och patienterna kan bero på ett förändrat reaktionssätt i nervsystemet som svar på smärtsam stimulering. I två kliniska studier studerades den smärtlindrande effekten av manuell akupunktur vid fibromyalgi och effekten av elektroakupunktur på stress och klimakteriebesvär hos kvinnor i övergångsåldern. Akupunktur vid fibromyalgi visade sig ha bäst smärtlindrande effekt i nack-skulderområdet, medan effekten på de generella symptomen var kortvarig. Patienter som mådde och sov relativt bra erhöll bäst effekt. Efter en behandlingsserie, bestående av elektroakupunktur, minskade stress och klimakteriebesvär påtagligt hos kvinnorna i övergångsåldern, men inte mer än hos en grupp kvinnor, som fick en kontrollbehandling bestående av mycket ytligt placerade nålar i huden. Detta tyder på att en betydlig del av behandlingsresultatet utgjordes av ospecifika effekter eller, s.k. eller placeboeffekter.
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Wåhlin, Anders. "Cerebral blood flow and intracranial pulsatility studied with MRI : measurement, physiological and pathophysiological aspects." Doctoral thesis, Umeå universitet, Radiofysik, 2012. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-55424.
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During each cardiac cycle pulsatile arterial blood inflates the vascular bed of the brain, forcing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and venous blood out of the cranium. Excessive arterial pulsatility may be part of a harmful mechanism causing cognitive decline among elderly. Additionally, restricted venous flow from the brain is suggested as the cause of multiple sclerosis. Addressing hypotheses derived from these observations requires accurate and reliable investigational methods. This work focused on assessing the pulsatile waveform of cerebral arterial, venous and CSF flows. The overall aim of this dissertation was to explore cerebral blood flow and intracranial pulsatility using MRI, with respect to measurement, physiological and pathophysiological aspects. Two-dimensional phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (2D PCMRI) was used to assess the pulsatile waveforms of cerebral arterial, venous and CSF flow. The repeatability was assessed in healthy young subjects. The 2D PCMRI measurements of cerebral arterial, venous and CSF pulsatility were generally repeatable but the pulsatility decreased systematically during the investigation. A method combining 2D PCMRI measurements with invasive CSF infusion tests to determine the magnitude and distribution of compliance within the craniospinal system was developed and applied in a group of healthy elderly. The intracranial space contained approximately two thirds of the total craniospinal compliance. The magnitude of craniospinal compliance was less than suggested in previous studies. The vascular hypothesis for multiple sclerosis was tested. Venous drainage in the internal jugular veins was compared between healthy controls and multiple sclerosis patients using 2D PCMRI. For both groups, a great variability in the internal jugular flow was observed but no pattern specific to multiple sclerosis could be found. Relationships between regional brain volumes and potential biomarkers of intracranial cardiac-related pulsatile stress were assessed in healthy elderly. The biomarkers were extracted from invasive CSF pressure measurements as well as 2D PCMRI acquisitions. The volumes of temporal cortex, frontal cortex and hippocampus were negatively related to the magnitude of cardiac-related intracranial pulsatility. Finally, a potentially improved workflow to assess the volume of arterial pulsatility using time resolved, four-dimensional phase contrast MRI measurements (4D PCMRI) was evaluated. The measurements showed good agreement with 2D PCMRI acquisitions. In conclusion, this work showed that 2D PCMRI is a feasible tool to study the pulsatile waveforms of cerebral blood and CSF flow. Conventional views regarding the magnitude and distribution of craniospinal compliance was challenged, with important implications regarding the understanding of how intracranial vascular pulsatility is absorbed. A first counterpoint to previous near-uniform observations of obstructions in the internal jugular veins in multiple sclerosis was provided. It was demonstrated that large cardiac- related intracranial pulsatility were related to smaller volumes of brain regions that are important in neurodegenerative diseases among elderly. This represents a strong rationale to further investigate the role of excessive intracranial pulsatility in cognitive impairment and dementia. For that work, 4D PCMRI will facilitate an effective analysis of cerebral blood flow and pulsatility.
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Casadei, Barbara. "Some aspects of the parasympathetic control of the cardiovascular system in man." Thesis, University of Oxford, 1995. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.297082.
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