Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)- Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2006. 130 leaves. / The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of the adjustment of the first rib as an adjunct to the manipulative treatment of mechanical neck pain, according to subjective and objective clinical findings. The results of this study would indicate to Chiropractors which specific types of adjustments, used for the treatment of mechanical neck pain, would potentially increase the cervical range of motion and / or decrease pain experienced by the patient and thus lead to a more effective treatment protocol. The outcome of the study will help clinicians select the more appropriate treatment for patients based on the subjective and objective outcomes.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2011. / Hypertension is a serious problem in South Africa, affecting 18.8 percent of women (South African Demographic and Health Survey, 2003), prompting investigation into treatment. In total, approximately 6.1 million people suffer from Hypertension in South Africa. AIM The purpose of this double-blind study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Homoeopathicsimillimum and a Homoeopathic complex (Aurummetallicum6CH, Lachesismuta6CH, Natrummuriaticum6CH, and Veratrum album 6CH) in the treatment of Primary Hypertension in adult females. METHODOLOGY A minimum of 30 patients were recruited and were selected on the basis of specified inclusion and exclusion criteria, and randomly divided into two equal groups by the research supervisor, with the first group receiving the Homoeopathic simillimum andthe second group receiving the Homoeopathic complex.The initial consultation took place at the Durban University of Technology or at the Umlazi Medical Centre after obtaining informed consent from the patients (Appendix D).A detailed case history was taken, followed by a complete physical examination, including blood pressure readings and cardiovascular system examinations. Follow up consultations occurred weekly for a period of four weeks to record blood pressure readings, any changes in the general health and well being of the participants, in order to prescribe more medicines if needed. A mercury sphygmomanometer and a Littmann Classic 2 stethoscope were the tools of measurement and was used according to the method outlined by Bates (2007), which states that an accurate measurement of blood pressure is dependent on the appropriate cuff size of the sphygmomanometer and whether the type of gauge used needs to be calibrated or not. SPSS version 18 was used to analyse the data. A p value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Repeated measures ANOVA tests were done to compare the blood pressures over time between the treatment groups. Specific remedies used at each time point were described by treatment group. Potencies of the remedies were compared within each remedy between the treatment groups using Pearson’s chi square tests. RESULTS Within each of the two treatment groups there was a highly significant decrease in systolic blood pressure over time (p<0.001). This means that both treatments were effective at lowering systolic blood pressure. Within each of the two treatment groups there was a highly significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure over time (p=0.001 and p<0.001 respectively). This means that both treatments were effective at lowering diastolic blood pressure. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures at five time points were compared between the two treatment groups using repeated measures ANOVA. There was an overall significant change over time in both groups (p<0.001), but the change over time was not different according to treatment groups (p=0.355). The decrease in systolic blood pressure over time was nearly identical in the two groups as the profiles are almost parallel. Therefore in terms of systolic blood pressure there was no statistical evidence for one treatment being more beneficial than the other. There was an overall significant change over time in both groups (p<0.001) but the change over time was not different according to treatment groups (p=0.187). The decrease in diastolic blood pressure over time was almost the same rate in both groups as the profiles are almost parallel. Therefore in terms of diastolic blood pressure there was no statistical evidence for one treatment being more beneficial than the other. CONCLUSION The results of the study led to the conclusion that both the simillimum and complex treatments were effective at reducing blood pressure over time, but there was no evidence that one treatment was more beneficial than the other, since the rates of change over time in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were similar in both treatment groups.

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No description available.

The effect of power ultrasound on algae blooms (Microcystis aeruginosa) over a 30 minute period was assessed using 200 and 400 mL suspensions of optical density of 2.0 at 680 nm. The frequencies employed were 20, 40, 580 (40%, 80%, and maximum intensity), 864 (40%, 80% and maximum intensity) and 1146 kHz (40%, 80% and maximum intensity). Ultrasound can induce two different effects on algal cells; inactivation at high power (≥ 0.0022 Wcm-3) and de-agglomeration at low power (≤ 0.0042 Wcm-3). Ultrasonic effects were observed using haemocytometer, optical density, UV-visible spectrometer, fluorospectrometer and flow cytometry. Using a 40 kHz bath (0.0214 Wcm-3) led to de-agglomeration resulting in an overall increase in algae of -0.28% by haemocytometer and -4.20% by optical density. The highest inactivation achieved was 91.54% (haemocytometer) and 44.63% (optical density) using 1146 kHz (maximum intensity, 0.0248 Wcm-3) and 200 mL suspension. In terms of efficiency to achieve inactivation (i.e. inactivation % / power) the best result was observed at 864 kHz (40% power setting, 0.0042 Wcm-3) with 200 mL suspension giving 8226.19 by haemocytometer and 5011.90 by optical density. This initial part of the study allowed a comparison to be made of the ultrasonic parameters that would lead to optimum algae removal in terms of acoustic energy input. The haemocytometer results for cells number were generally higher than those indicated by optical density which is probably due to the fact that the former records only cell numbers remaining whereas the latter is an overall measure of algae concentration (ruptured cells will still register, because their contents remain in suspension). Studies on de-agglomeration and inactivation were also undertaken using small or medium-scale ultrasonic equipment that were models for industrial scale systems. The following volumes of algae suspension and equipment were employed: Sonolator (Sonic Corporation, 5L flow), 16 kHz and 20 kHz Dual Frequency Reactor (DFR, Advanced Sonics LLC, 1L static and 3.5 L flow), 20 kHz Vibrating Tray (Advanced Sonics LLC, 1.5L static) and 20 kHz ultrasonic probe (made at Southeast University, 4L static). The most effective inactivation effects were obtained with the DFR reactor in static mode and 60% power setting for 10 minutes which achieved reductions calculated at 79.25% using haemocytometry and 60.44% by optical density. The third part of this study was to gain a greater understanding of the basic mechanisms of the action of ultrasound on algae and to interpret this in terms of its potential for algal cell removal and control. Algal cell activity was assessed by three methods: using a UV-visible spectrometer (Shimazu, 2450PC), a fluorometer (Shimazu, RF5301) and a flow cytometer (BD FACS Calibur). Ultrasonic damage to Chlorophyll A was revealed through observation of the loss in UV-Vis spectrophotometer peaks around 600 nm together with the decrease in fluorometer results for peaks around 500 and 680 nm. Flow cytometer results were able to identify the number of both intact cells and damaged/ruptured cells thus giving greater insight into the mechanism of ultrasonic inactivation. The direct rupture of cells by power ultrasound was prevalent at low frequencies ≤ 40 kHz due to the mechanical effects of cavitation collapse and inactivation of algal cells by free radicals occurred at high frequencies ≥ 100 kHz and medium powers where mechanical effects are much reduced. In conclusion, this work has shown that power ultrasound can provide a suitable method to control algal growth in small and medium laboratory scales. Scale-up beyond this point is the subject of further research but the results herein clearly demonstrate the importance of choosing the correct ultrasonic parameters in terms of frequency, power and exposure time.

Thesis (MCurr)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Non-compliance with (tuberculosis) TB treatment is a problem at the Nyanga Clinic in the Western Cape Province. Non-compliance is defined as when a patient interrupted TB treatment for more than two months consecutively, at any time during the treatment period. The aim of the study was to explore the patient experiences and perceptions of non-compliance regarding their TB treatment. The following research question was posed by the researcher as a guide for this study: “What are the patient experiences and perceptions of non-compliance with TB treatment?” The objectives of this study were to determine the: - patients’ experiences and perceptions of non-compliance with TB treatment - non-compliant patients’ knowledge regarding TB - reasons why patients are not compliant with TB treatment. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was applied. The target population included the 354 non-compliant with TB treatment patients from March 2010 until May 2011. A purposive, non-random sampling technique was used to select participants for the study. Every tenth participant who, according to the TB register, was colour-coded as non-compliant with TB treatment, was selected for interviewing until data saturation should occurred. A sample of fourteen (14) participants was realised. A semi-structured interview schedule was developed based on the objectives of the study, which was validated by experts in nursing and approved by the Human Resources Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Stellenbosch. Data was collected personally by the researcher. Informed written consent was obtained from the participants. One patient who was not included in the main study was selected at random to pre-test the semi-structured interview. The pilot study revealed no pitfalls. Trustworthiness of the research was enhanced by adhering to the principles of credibility, confirmability, transferability and dependability. Credibility was ensured by member checking, data saturation, triangulation and involvement of an experienced research supervisor. Confirmability was enhanced through member checking and the leaving of an audit trail. Transferability through keeping an intensive description of all the processes and dependability by using an interview schedule and by submitting the transcribed tape-recorded data and field notes to the research supervisor for verification. The quantitative data was summarised in a table format to enhance clarity and facilitate a rapid overview of the results. The qualitative data was analysed manually with the findings coded and divided into subthemes and themes. Four themes emerged, namely: health system, client-related, social-economic and therapy factors. These themes identified the impeding factors regarding the non-compliance with TB treatment. The main conclusion is that there is a need to educate the community regarding the lengthy duration of the TB treatment, its side-effects, its curability and the spread of the infection as well as the consequences of inadequate treatment to empower the community at large about the disease. The National Department of Health framework of contributing to non-compliance with TB treatment was used as the conceptual framework for this study. The researcher applied the problem-solving approach of Faye Glen Abdellah’s theory. According to this theory it is anticipated that by solving the problems or needs of patients, through appropriate and organised health strategies the client will be moved towards ultimate health. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Onderbreking van tuberkulose (TB) behandeling is ’n probleem by die Nyanga-kliniek in die Wes-Kaap Provinsie. Onderbreking kan gedefinieer word wanneer’n pasiënt vir twee of drie opeenvolgende maande TB behandeling onderbreek het (Jaggarajamma, Sudha, Chandrasekaran, Nirupa, Thomas, Santha, Muniyandi & Narayanan, 2007:131). Die doel van die studie is om die pasiënte se ervaringe en persepsies betreffende die onderbreking in TB behandeling te ondersoek. Die navorser het die volgende navorsingsvraag as riglyn vir hierdie studie gestel: “Wat is die pasiënte se ervaringe en persepsies wat TB-behandeling onderbreek het?” Die doelwitte van die studie was om te bepaal wat die: - pasiëntervaringe en persepsies is wat TB-behandeling onderbreek - kennis van pasiënte is wat TB-behandeling onderbreek - redes is waarom pasiënte TB-behandeling onderbreek. ’n Kwalitatiewe navorsingsontwerp met’n ondersoekende, beskrywende en kontekstuele benadering is aangewend. ’n Doelbewuste, lukrake steekproef is gebruik om deelnemers te selekteer. ‘n Steekproef van veertien (14) deelnemers uit ’n totale populasie van 354 hetrealiseer en sluit pasiënte in wat behandeling onderbreek het vanaf Maart 2010 tot en met Mei 2011. ’n Semi-gestruktureerde onderhoudsgids is ontwerp, gebaseer op die doelwitte van die studie en gevalideer deur kundiges in verpleegkunde en die Etiese Komitee van die Fakulteit van Gesondheidswetenskappe aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch. Die data is persoonlik deur die navorser ingesamel. Ingeligte skriftelike toestemming is van die deelnemers verkry. Een deelnemer wat nie ingesluit is by die hoofstudie nie, is lukraak gekies om die semi-gestruktureerde onderhoud te toets. Die loodsondersoek het geen tekortkominge aangedui nie. Betroubaarheid van die studie is verseker deur die beginsels van objektiwiteit, bevestiging, veralgemening en neutraliteit te verseker. Getranskribeerde data is gekontroleer met die deelnemers, volledige beskrywings van alle prosesse is bygehou, ’n onderhoudsgids is gebruik om te verseker dat vir al die deelnemers dieselfde vrae gevra word, en ’n ervare navorsing toesighouers was deurgaans teenwoordig wat alle data gevalideer het. Kwantitatiewe data is in ’n tabel opgesom ten einde goeie oorsig te bied. Kwalitatiewe data-analise is met die hand gedoen. Die data wat uit die analise na vore gekom het, is geënkodeer en in subtemas en temasgekategoriseer. Die vier temas wat hieruit voortspruit, is faktore betreffende die gesondheidsorgsisteem, kliënte, sosio-ekonomiese en terapie-verwante faktore. Die navorser het n geskrewe verslag saamgestel betreffende die weergawe van die data-analise ten einde te verseker dat belangrike data nie verlore gaan. Die belangrikste bevindinge van die studie dui daarop dat die gemeenskap ’n behoefte aan opleiding het betreffende die onderbreking in TB behandeling, die langdurige tydperk van behandeling, newe-effekte van die medikasie, geneesbaarheid daarvan, hoe die siekte versprei en die gevolge betreffende onvoldoende medikasie ten einde die gemeenskap te bemagtig betreffende die siekte. Die raamwerk van die Nasionale Departement van Gesondheid (2009:45) betreffende die faktore wat bydra tot onderbreking in TB-behandeling is gebruik as konseptuele raamwerk vir die studie. Faye Abdellah se teorie (George, 2002:173-1830)verduidelik verpleging as ’n omvattende diens wat insluit: identifisering van die pasiënt se verplegingsprobleme, die besluit van ’n toepaslike plan van aksie, sowel as die voortgesette sorg betreffende die individu se totale behoeftes.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Although the neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT) treatment approach is used extensively in the management of children with cerebral palsy, there is currently very little documented research to support its efficacy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of NDT in terms of its effect on motor function in a group of 10 cerebral palsy children. A multiple simple single-subject design was used in which the children each acted as their own controls. A 5 week baseline period, during which no intervention was received by the children, was followed by a 5 week intervention phase during which the children received twice weekly NDT treatment. The children were assessed at the beginning and end of each phase using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), and an assessment tool, which allowed the establishment of individualised outcome measures, called TELER. The group of children demonstrated no statistically significant gains in motor function on either of the outcome measures during the baseline phase of the study. However during the intervention phase the overall improvements demonstrated by the group on both the GMFM and TELER were statistically significant. Nine out of the ten children achieved greater improvements in their goal total GMFM scores during the intervention phase than during the baseline phase. Similarly all of the children achieved a greater number of clinically significant improvements on the TELER outcome measures. NDT was beneficial and useful in promoting motor function in this group of cerebral palsy children. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Alhoewel die Neuro-ontwikkelingsterapie (NOT) behandelingsbenadering wydeverspreid gebraik word in die behandeling van kinders met serebrale verlamming, is daar huidiglik baie min gedokumenteerde navorsing om die effektiwiteit daarvan te staaf. Die doel van hierdie studie was om die effektitiwiteit van NOT te evalueer met betrekking tot die impak daarvan op die motoriese funksie van ‘n groep van 10 kinders met serebrale verlamming. ‘n Veelvuldige eenvoudige enkeling -subjek raamwerk is gebruik waarvolgens die kinders elk as hul eie kontrolegoep ageer het. ‘n 5-weke basislyn fase, waartydens die kinders aan geen intervensies onderwerp is nie, is gevolg deur ‘n 5-weke intervensie fase waartydens die kinders twee keer per week NOT behandeling ontvang het. Die kinders is geevalueer aan die begin en einde van elke fase met die Oorhoofse Motoriese Funksie Maatstaf (OMFM)/Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), asook ‘n evalueringsmaatstaf genaamd TELER, wat die bepaling van geindivualiseerde resultate moontlik gemaak het. Die groep kinders het geen statistics bewese vordering in motoriese fiinksies getoon volgens beide die evalueringsmaatstawwe tydens die basislyn fase van die studie nie. Daarteenoor het die groep tydens die intervensie fase oorhoofs gesproke statistics bewese vordering getoon met betrekking tot beide die OMFM en die TELER. Nege uit die 10 kinders het groter vordering getoon met hul totale OMFM resultate tydens die intervensie fase as gedurende die basislyn fase. A1 die kinders het tegelykertyd ‘n groter hoeveelheid substantiewe kliniese verbeterings getoon met betrekking tot hul TELER uitkomste. NOT was voordelig en nuttig in terme van die verbetering van motoriese funksie in die groep van serebraal verlamde kinders.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study describes: 1. The evaluation of a novel, patented thin-film, turbulent-flow Ultravioletdisinfection system as an alternative processing method to thermal pasteurisationfor the disinfection of bovine milk. 2. The microbial, biochemical and sensory characterization of bovine milk treated by heat and Ultraviolet light and then used for the commercial production of Cheddarcheese. 3. The microbial, biochemical and sensory characterization of commercial Cheddarcheese produced from bovine milk treated by heat and Ultraviolet light. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie beskryf: 1. Die evaluasie van ‘n unieke, gepatenteerde dun-film, turbulente vloeiUltravioletsisteem as ‘n alternatief vir termiese pasteurisasie vir die behandeling van beesmelk. 2. Die mikrobiologiese-, biochemiese- en sensoriese karakterisasie van beesmelkbehandel met hitte en Ultravioletlig gebruik vir kommersiële produksie van Cheddar kaas. 3. Die mikrobiologiese-, biochemiese- en sensoriese karakterisasie van kommersiëleCheddarkaas vervaardig van beesmelk wat behandel is met hitte en Ultravioletlig.

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Herbal and homeopathic compounds have been used to aid in childbearing and pregnancy for centuries. Much of this information is anecdotal and lacks scientific support, making it difficult to evaluate safety and efficacy. Increased public interest in alternative treatments leads to the need for a systematic review on the topic. Herbal remedies are most often used to treat the most common pregnancy-related problems like nausea, stretch marks and varicose veins. In contrast to this, concerns have also been raised about the adverse effects of these remedies. The primary objective of this research project was to conduct a systematic review to assess the maternal and neonatal outcomes of ingested herbal and homeopathic remedies using during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding.