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Ageing is a progressive impairment of function causing decreased defense against environmental challenges and increased risk of many diseases. The development of ageing and ageing-related diseases might be attenuated by nutrients such as carotenoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. In the present study, for the first time, two nutrient-rich marine microalgae, namely Haematococcus pluvialis (HP) and Schizochytrium mangrovei (SM) were studied for their anti-ageing effects both in vitro and in vivo. Results of nutritional profile analysis confirmed that HP is rich in astaxanthin (AX) (978.9 μg/g). Using rat adrenal medulla pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells as an in vitro model, AX exhibited significant protective effects against oxidative stress induced by H2O2 or amyloid β-peptide (Aβ). To testify whether AX conveys such effects to HP, the anti-ageing property of HP was subsequently investigated on Drosophila melanogaster. In the group of SODn108 mutant fruit flies, lifespan elongation effect was observed, where HP may play as a complement of the defective endogenous antioxidant system to extend the lifespan and ameliorate the age-related decline of locomotor function. On the other hand, a long-term intake of HP (20 mg/mL) induced early mortality of wild type fruit flies, which was associated with the decreased enzymatic activities of CuZn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD2) as well as mRNA down-regulation of SOD1, SOD2, and Catalase (CAT). Further study showed that HP supplementation contributed to the defense of wild type OR fruit flies against chronic but not intensive oxidative stress. The observed ‘bifacial effect’ could be resulted from ‘hormesis’ responses, suggesting the therapeutic instead of the preventive potential of HP against ageing-related diseases. Another microalga SM was found to contain abundant docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (53 mg/g). The in vitro studies showed that SM failed to protect PC12 cells under H2O2-induced oxidative stress due to its poor anti-oxidative activity. However, from in vivo studies, the SM supplementation significantly extended the lifespan of both wild type and SODn108 mutant fruit flies and ameliorated the age-related decline of locomotor function. Further studies revealed that the observed activities were associated with the mRNA up-regulation of endogenous stress-defending genes such as SOD1 and SOD2, as well as the down-regulation of methuselah (MTH) gene. It has been proposed that antioxidants may protect DHA against oxidative damage. To determine whether there is a synergistic effect for HP and SM, a mixture of these two algal samples was evaluated for its effects on the lifespan of D. melanogaster. Results showed that the wild type fruit flies fed with the mixture had no elevated survival rate, tentatively suggesting that the increased nutritional complexity may trigger elevated metabolic rate and lead to shortened lifespan. In conclusion, results of the present study demonstrated the anti-ageing properties of nutrient-rich microalgae both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting SM possesses the potential to be used as a preventive diet supplementation, while HP may be a suitable candidate as therapeutic agents. Based on these findings, the health benefits of nutrient-rich microalgae for the elderly as well as patients with ageing-related diseases were proposed. / published_or_final_version / Biological Sciences / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Treatments with natural products rich in anti-oxidants have attracted remarkable interest in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry to combat oxidative stress and reverse the effects of ageing. Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) is a South African fynbos plant, well-known for its strong anti-oxidant capacity and use in many cosmetic products. However, little published research exists on its potential as an anti-ageing treatment. The anti-ageing properties of fermented and green rooibos were investigated using an in vitro cell culture model designed to evaluate the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in the age related decline in preadipocyte function. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deficient preadipocytes, ρ0 3T3-L1preadipocytes, were generated following continuous long-term exposure to sub lethal concentrations of ethidium bromide (EtBr). Depletion of the mtDNA resulted in a significantly reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, rate of proliferation in culture, as well as an increased glucose utilization and lactate production. Treatment with the green rooibos (100 μg/mL) stimulated cell growth rates for both the wildtype and mutant cell lines. MtDNA depleted cells showed arrest in the G1 phase (48.8 ± 3.34%) compared to wildtype cells (44.6 ± 1.38%), which was significantly attenuated after treatment with green rooibos for mutant (42.0 ± 0.83%) and wildtype (36.5 ± 5.80%) treated cells. The results obtained for glucose utilization and lactate production, indicated a significant increase in glucose utilization along with a concomitant increase in lactate production after treatment with both green and fermented rooibos for wildtype and mutant cell lines. A significant improvement in mitochondrial membrane potential was also later observed after treatment with green and fermented rooibos on both the wildtype and mutant cell lines. The results obtained indicate that rooibos extracts, particularly the green rooibos, exhibit effects which preserve the functional capacity of preadipocytes exposed to ageing related insults, and indicate that rooibos could cause a metabolic shift in cells redirecting carbon flow away from mitochondrial metabolism, and towards lactate production and consequently, cells become resistant to mitochondrial dysfunction.

Aging results from an accumulation of damage to macromolecules inhibiting cellular replication, repair, and other necessary functions. Damage may be due to environmental stressors such as metal toxicity, oxidative stress caused by imperfections in electron transfer reactions, or other metabolic processes. In an effort to discover medical treatments that counteract this damage, we have initiated a program to search for small molecule drugs from natural sources. We have identified marine red algae as a source of natural products that slow aging of the invertebrate rotifer Brachionus manjavacas. Rotifers are a promising model organism for life extension studies as they maintain a short, measurable lifespan while also having an accepted literature precedent related to aging. Rotifer lifespan was increased 9-14% by exposure to three of 200 screened red algal extracts. Bioassay guided fractionation led to semi-purified extracts composed primarily of lipids responsible for rotifer life extension. The life extending effects of these small molecule mixtures are not a result of their antioxidant capacity; instead they may activate pathways that slow the accumulation of cellular damage. An understanding of how these natural products interact with their molecular targets could lead to selective and efficient treatments for slowing aging and reducing age related diseases.

In order to increase the number of older adults physically active enough to obtain the health benefits of exercise, inactive individuals must firstly be identified, and attention must then be focused on determinants of exercise amenable to change. This study set out to develop self-complete questionnaires for assessing activity status, and perceived benefits of, and barriers to, physical activity. Of 1456 questionnaires sent out to a random sample of adults aged 55-74 a usable return rate of 37.6% (n=548) was achieved. A principal components analysis of the benefits of physical activity revealed five factors (physical performance, social, weight control, enjoyment, and psychological), and of the barriers to physical activity, also five factors (opportunities, physical exertion, time, limiting health, and support). Alpha internal consistency coefficients for the 10 factors ranged from 0.64 to 0.92, and test-retest reliability coefficients from 0.56 to 0.87. A series of one-way ANOVAs revealed that, with the exception of the benefit weight control, there was a significant gradation in factor scores between active and inactive subjects as classified by 4-, 9-, and 5- point activity classification methods. Validity of the activity classifications was assessed in a subsample of 86 subjects against measures of strength, flexibility, aerobic fitness and objectively measured physical activity. Active and inactive subjects classified using the 4- and 9-point questionnaires differed significantly in 1-mile walk time and energy expenditure estimated by a Caltrac accelerometer. The 5-point questionnaire did not appear able to differentiate active and inactive subjects. Test-retest reliability of the questionnaires ranged from 0.62 to 0.73. The questionnaire developed from this work for measuring perceived benefits and barriers of older adults can be used in either practical or research settings. Further work is required to determine the accuracy of the physical activity questionnaires in identifying low-active individuals in the population.

Thesis (MTech (Industrial Design))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2007 / This thesis tests the Usability, Safety and Attractiveness Participatory Design model (USAP) in the field of inclusive fitness. The focus is on improving compatibility between elderly people and fitness products. Three participatory design (PO) workshops were carried out with potential users ranging from 20 to 80 years of age. The research not only includes current elderly people but also those who will be entering this age bracket in the next ten years. Although the main focus is on the elderly, younger participants were included, and acted as a transgenerational audit. The first PO session made known possible avenues for exploration; the second session introduced a new group of people to the research and acted as a check to see if a wider audience of older users had similar needs to those uncovered so far; the third session involved middle age participants who will be entering old age in the next ten years. Concepts were generated and participants commented and critiqued them.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Technology: Somatology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / Background Internationally medical professionals have become increasingly aware of services that somatologists offer as adjunctive interventions. These include pre-surgery preparative and post-surgery maintenance treatments to enhance client recovery time and experience. This practice has led to the increasing utilisation of aestheticians/somatologists in medical practices internationally. In turn, the demand for aesthetic procedures has sparked great interest amongst medical professionals, more specifically dermatologists. Conversely, within the South African context, specifically KwaZulu-Natal, Vosloo (2009) revealed a poor response regarding the referral practices between medical professionals practicing non-invasive aesthetic and anti-ageing medicine, and somatologists. Thus a paucity of literature limits our understanding of the role and placement of somatology services, as well as the referral practices and their impact on the client within the medical practice. Aim: To determine whether a professional relationship currently exists between somatologists and medical professionals within the eThekwini area, in order to support the development of effective inter-professional relationships which promote higher procedure success rates and reduced client recovery time. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in eThekwini. A total of 579 questionnaires were issued. The final sample size consisted of 172 somatologists and 21 medical professionals. The response rates were 31% and 81% respectively. A self-selection sampling technique was used. Structured questionnaires were hand-delivered to the participants’ work setting. Data was analysed using SPSS version 21.0. Descriptive statistics were used to describe quantitative data. Correlation and regression analysis were used to determine the relationship between actual dimensions of two variables at a time. Results: Currently 91% of medical professionals refer aesthetic treatments to somatologists through word-of-mouth. High levels of awareness were revealed amongst medical professionals with regards to the somatology treatments/services beneficial in a medical practice. All medical professionals felt that further information regarding the somatology curriculum was necessary. Somatologists preferred to establish a referral relationship with dermatologists. A lower referral relationship (55%) was revealed by this group. Conclusion: Currently, a collaborative relationship between dermatologists and somatologists exists within the eThekwini area. Regulation of the somatology profession is crucial in order to promote this growing relationship.

Peng, Cheng. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 142-163). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

Thesis (MTech (Public Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2006. / Every organisation needs to have well-trained and experienced human resources to perform organisational activities. In the absence of such resources, it is necessary to raise the skills levels and increase the versatility and adaptability of current personnel. The aim of the study was to analyse the impact of training and development on service delivery in the City of Cape Town. Chapter one introduced the study and includes the terms of reference, the problem statement, the objectives of the study and the key questions pertaining to the study. As part of the methodology the researcher conducted a pre-testing of the competencies of the experimental group, investigating the extent to which present competencies contributed towards execution of service delivery obligations and the extent to which lack of capacity contributed to lack of service delivery. Chapter two provided information on the evolution of local government training and development in South Africa. The chapter found that there has been a complete democratization of local government structures where the emphasis has been on greater development, particularly in terms of human resource development. Chapter three analysed the Human Resource Development Strategy for staff development in the Western Cape Provincial Administration. Legislation such as the South African Qualifications Authority Act 1996 (SAQA), the Skills Development Act of 1998 and the Skills Development Levies Act of 1999 formed the basis for Human Resource Development Strategy in the Western Cape Province particularly the in City of Cape Town. Chapter four put forward the research design and methodology. The technique used to obtain information for the study included a literature review. A survey was conducted with selected employees. In the chapter a brief overview of the study is provided, as well as the methods utilized, data collected and the proposed data analysis. Chapter five concluded the study and put forward recommendations. One such recommendation is for example, the utilization of the concept training and development in a more concrete way, and the redefinition of the consequent roles or duties of trainers. It may appear as if implementation of training and development was not done effectively. It is unclear whether trainers were able to conceptualise and interpret the aims and objectives of training and development in the City of Cape Town.

O envelhecimento cutâneo tem grande importância na pesquisa, influenciando muito no bem-estar psíquico do indivíduo e nos relacionamentos sociais, na auto-estima e na qualidade de vida. Devido a isso, é dado crescente valor à aparência e, cada vez mais as pessoas buscam a juventude da pele, visando mantê-la firme, macia, com aparência saudável e homogeneamente pigmentada. A Cosmetologia busca entender profundamente este processo, desenvolvendo diversas formulações que retardam o envelhecimento cutâneo, com ações emoliente, umectante, hidratante, tonificante, fotoprotetora e uniformizadora da textura da pele. Para atingir isto, os produtos cosméticos incorporam vitaminas, oligoelementos, extratos vegetais, antioxidantes, alfa e beta hidroxiácidos e protetores solares, dentre outros. O público está mais exigente, esclarecido e interessado nos efeitos reais das formulações cosméticas, e menos enganáveis pela falsa publicidade. Portanto, os cosmetólogos estão constantemente pesquisando substâncias novas para combater e principalmente, prevenir o envelhecimento cutâneo. Novas formulações têm sido desenvolvidas com substâncias que possam atingir a eficácia pretendida e que sejam seguras ao usuário. / The cutaneous aging has great importance in the research. It largely influences not only on the psychic well-being of the individual but also on the social relationships, self-respect and quality of life. Due to this, increasing value has been given to the appearance and, people are looking for the youth of the skin, in order to keep it firm, soft, healthy and with homogeneous pigmentation. Cosmetology tries to understand this process, developing some formulations that delay the skin aging, with emollient, humectant, moisturizing, tonic, photoprotective and conditioning skin actions. In order to reach that, vegetable extracts, vitamins, antioxidants, oligoelements, sunscreens, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and other substances are incorporated in the cosmectic products. Nowadays, the people are more demanding, clarified and interested in the real effects of the cosmetic formulations, and they are not so easily-fooled. Therefore, the cosmetic experts are often researching new substances in order to attack and mainly to prevent the cutaneous aging, and for this new formulations have been developed with substances which are able to reach the intended effectiveness and that are safe.