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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common forms of cancer in Western nations, it is however uncommon in sub-Saharan Africa. In South Africa there is an approximate ten-fold lower incidence of CRC in black patients compared to Caucasian patients. This could be due to differences in lifestyles and environment that exist between the various population groups. Underlying molecular events could also account for the difference in susceptibility to colorectal cancer. Mutations in the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) gene, STK11, predispose to amongst others colorectal cancer. To examine the role of this gene in South African patients with CRC, DNA from 208 tumours (104 black patients, 104 Caucasian patients) was screened for STK11 mutations via PCR-SSCP analysis. In total 8 novel missense mutations, one of which was germline, were identified in seven tumours (~3.4% 7/208) from 5 black and two Caucasian patients. One tumour from a Caucasian patient was found to be a compound heterozygote. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome was thus diagnosed in 0.96% (1/104) of black patients via a germ line mutation. Thus 4.8% (5/104) of tumours from black patients and 1.9% (2/104) of tumours from Caucasian patients harbour STK11 missense mutations. In addition, 3 synonymous and 5 intronic mutations were detected in a further 73 tumours from black patients, whereas only 3 synonymous and 5 intronic mutations were detected in 25 tumours from Caucasian patients. The present study is the sixth to suggest that somatic mutation of the STK11 gene in sporadic colorectal cancer of Caucasians is an infrequent event. However, this is only the second study of a non-Western population to show somatic mutations in sporadic cases of CRC. Furthermore with regard to the anatomic site of tumours with somatic missense mutations, the present study found that for black patients 7.69% (2/26) of the left-sided tumours, 2% (1/50) of rectal tumours and 4.54% (1/22) of right-sided tumours harboured mutations. Thus the frequency of missense mutations of left-sided CRC tumours compared to right-sided tumours was not significantly elevated (÷2-test, 1df, p = 0.881) in the black population. This study represents the first investigation into the role of the STK11 gene in putative sporadic cases of CRC from both black and Caucasian South African patients. The observed mutations clearly show that mutations of the STK11 gene are infrequent in the CRCs of the South African Caucasian population, and more frequent in the South African black population. This may be a reflection of the differences in lifestyle and incidence of CRC in the different populations. / Dissertation (MSc (Human Genetics))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Genetics / unrestricted

This thesis sought to evaluate whether the increased risk of heat-related illness observed in black-African descendants stems from impairements in local- and whole-body heat loss responses in this ethnic group. To evaluate this, in separate studies local- (study 1) and whole–body (study 2) heat loss responses were compared in young men (18-30 y) of black-African (n=21) and Caucasian (n=21) descent, matched for physical characteristics and fitness and born and raised in the same temperate environment. In study 1, we compared nitric oxide-dependent skin blood flow and sweating responses in young men of black-African (n=10) and Caucasian (n=10) descent during rest, exercise, and recovery in the heat. Both groups rested for 10-min, and then performed 50-min of moderate-intensity exercise at 200 W/m2, followed by 30-min of recovery in hot-dry heat (35°C, 20% RH). Local cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC%max) and sweat rate (SR) were measured at two forearm skin sites treated with a) lactated-Ringer (Control), or b) 10 mM NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME, NO synthase-inhibitor). L-NAME significantly reduced CVC%max throughout rest, exercise, and recovery in both groups (both p<0.001). However, there were no significant main effects for the NO contribution to CVC%max between groups (all p>0.500). L-NAME significantly reduced local SR in both groups (both p<0.050). The NO contribution to SR was similar between groups such that L-NAME reduced SR relative to control at 40 and 50 min into exercise (both p<0.050). In study 2, we assessed whole-body total heat loss (evaporative + dry heat exchange) in black-African (n=11) and Caucasian (n=11) men using direct calorimetry. Participants performed three, 30-min bouts of semi-recumbent cycling at fixed metabolic heat productions (and therefore matched heat loss requirements between groups) of 200 (light), 250 (moderate), and 300 W/m2 (vigorous), each followed by 15-min recovery, in dry heat (40°C, ~13% relative humidity). Across all exercise bouts, dry (p=0.435) and evaporative (p=0.600) heat exchange did not differ significantly between groups. As such, total heat loss during light, moderate and vigorous exercise was similar between groups (p=0.777), averaging ((mean (SD)); 177 (10), 217 (13) and 244 (20) W/m2 in men of black-African descent, and 172 (13), 212 (17) and 244 (17) W/m2 in Caucasian men. Accordingly, body heat storage across all exercise bouts (summation of metabolic heat production and total heat loss) was also similar between the black-African (568 (142) kJ) and Caucasian groups (623 (124) kJ; p=0.356). This thesis demonstrates that ethnicity does not influence NO-dependent cutaneous vasodilation and sweating in healthy, young black-African descent and Caucasian men during exercise in the heat. Furthermore, we extend upon these observations by showing no differences in whole-body dry and evaporative heat exchange and therefore body heat storage.

Eating disorders (ED) are maladaptive eating patterns that can have social, biological, health, and occupational consequences. The purpose of this study was to explore and compare binge eating episodes, locus of control, and body dissatisfaction between African-American men (n = 66; 53.70%) and Caucasian-American men (n = 57; 46.30%). There is a current gap in the existing literature regarding the study of men who BE and a sampling bias with regard to ethnic minorities. Based on Bandura's social learning theory model and Rotter's locus of control, the purpose of this research was to determine and compare the relationship between BE, locus of control, and body dissatisfaction among African-American and Caucasian-American men. The participants answered a demographic questionnaire, Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), Internality, Powerful Others and Chance Scale (IPC), and Body Satisfaction Questionnaire (BSQ). A quantitative research design was used and the chi-square was performed to evaluate the variables of the research questions. The sample population came from the Walden University participants pool and men who are self-described binge eaters from the African-American and Caucasian-American ethnicity in the community. Key results showed that African- American men believed they had less power in their lives, lower levels of body dissatisfaction, and increased feelings of chance in their lives. Recommendations for further research can be to replicate this study using other ethnicities. Implications for social change can include increased knowledge of men that BE which can improve their overall health and quality of life while reducing medical costs.

Rationale Cognitive deficits are now recognised as a major symptom of schizophrenia with a number of studies reporting profound deficits in cognitive function in both chronic and first episode patients. Recent advances in cognitive remediation therapy have provided the opportunity for patients to improve their cognitive function and therefore improve their functional outcome. Aim The aim of the present study was to investigate cognitive deficits using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB®) in first episode psychosis and chronic schizophrenia patients. In the first episode population the effect of ethnicity on cognition was also examined. In the chronic schizophrenia study comparisons between severity of deficits with first episode psychosis patients were also made. The effects of cognitive remediation therapy were also examined in a sample of first episode patients. Methods A total of 35 patients and 30 healthy controls were recruited into the first episode study, 17 patients and 17 controls into the chronic schizophrenia study and 11 patients into the cognitive remediation study. The first episode psychosis patients were recruited from the Bradford and Airedale Early Intervention Service and the chronic patients from the Leeds Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. The control subjects were matched as closely as possible in terms of intelligence and demographics to the patient groups. The Wechsler Test of Adult Reading (WTAR) was used to estimate subjects pre-morbid IQ. The severity of symptoms was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). All subjects who took part in the study completed a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests from the CANTAB®. Patients in the cognitive remediation study participated in group therapy sessions using X-cog®. Results There were no significant differences found between There were no significant differences found between patients and controls in relation to intelligence or demographics in all studies. The effect of ethnicity was shown to be not significant in the first episode study. Results show that patients performed significantly worse than controls across all iv cognitive domains tested in all studies. A correlation between negative symptoms and executive function was found in both first episode and chronic schizophrenia patients. Comparisons between first episode psychosis and chronic schizophrenia patients in cognition showed no significant differences, however significant differences were found in levels of negative symptoms and age between the two groups with chronic patients scoring higher on negative symptoms and being older. In the cognitive remediation study a significant improvement was observed in patients in the domain of executive function and a reduction in negative symptoms following completion of the intervention. Conclusion First episode and chronic schizophrenia patients display significant cognitive deficits across all domains when tested using the CANTAB®. Some of these deficits appear to be independent of the length of the illness but dependent on negative symptoms. This study demonstrates that cognitive deficits exist across all patient groups regardless of age, gender, pre-morbid IQ, years in education and ethnicity. Cognitive remediation therapy has also been shown to be effective in improving cognitive functioning in patients.

The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore and analyze the nature of and rationale for classroom pedagogical and management strategies used by two effective female, Caucasian teachers who taught predominantly low socioeconomic, African American students. Teachers’ perceptions about the cultural and linguistic differences between low socioeconomic African American students and themselves were studied, as well as how these differences influenced their teaching and management strategies. Ladson-Billings’ (1994) work on culturally relevant pedagogy and Weinstein, Curran, and Tomlinson-Clarke’s (2003) and Brown’s (2003) models on culturally responsive classroom management served as conceptual frameworks for this study. Qualitative data were collected using classroom observations and teacher interviews. Findings from the study indicated that these two teachers built positive, mutually respectful relationships with their students to better understand their students on a personal level, delivered explicit behavioral expectations and classroom lessons, taught students the importance and applicability of lessons, demanded quality student performance, and possessed high expectations for student achievement. Both teachers selected pedagogical and classroom management strategies based on the individual academic needs of the students. Nevertheless, these teachers had difficulty identifying cultural and linguistic differences between themselves and their students. Therefore, cultural and linguistic differences did not directly influence teaching strategies they selected. However, these teachers inadvertently used culturally relevant pedagogical strategies without being aware of their own cultures and their students’ cultures. Finally, these teachers did not understand the important role that students’ cultures play in the classroom. Contrary to the findings of previous research, this study demonstrated that effective Caucasian female teachers do not need to understand the general cultural characteristics of African American students. However, on a specific individual basis, if the Caucasian female teacher understands the child, then she can successfully utilize pedagogical and classroom management strategies that will ensure the child’s academic success.

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The present research was concerned with examining the presence of anger in black subjects and determining if and how the experience of anger influences their perceptions of other blacks as well as whites. The hypotheses underlying the present research were: (1) Blacks who inhibit anger (anger inhibited) would exhibit a greater likelihood of viewing whites positively while viewing blacks in a more negative fashion; (2) Blacks who express anger (anger expressed) would exhibit a greater likelihood of viewing blacks more positively while viewing whites in a more negative fashion; (3) Differences were anticipated in the ratings of black vis-a-vis white subjects and these differences were examined. subjects were 55 students drawn from the following sources: 28 (16 females, 12 males) white students from University of Central Florida psychology classes; 27 (19 females, 8 males) black students were obtained through the University of Central Florida Office of Minority Affairs. The mean age for black subjects was 20.0, while the mean age for whites was 25.5. The Anger Self Report (A.S.R.) was used to delineate 12 black and 14 white subjects who tend to inhibit anger from 15 black and 14 white subjects whose tendencies are toward the expression of anger. Blacks and whites, in separated groups, then viewed and rated 50 photographs depicting blacks and whites on eight personality dimensions. The analysis of the data showed that black anger expressers do, in fact, rate blacks significantly higher than whites. On the other hand, anger inhibited blacks and whites showed no preference when presented with an identical stimulus situation. White anger expressers also showed no preference.

The perception is that inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are rare, but the reality is that more than 600 lEMs are now recognized. The organic aciduria, 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase (MCC) deficiency arises when 3-methylcrotonyl-Coenzyme A (CoA) carboxylase that participates in the fourth step of the leucine catabolism is defective. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) based screening programmes in North America, Europe and Australia, showed that MCC deficiency is the most frequent organic aciduria detected, with an average frequency of 1:50 000. Therefore MCC deficiency is considered an emerging disease in these regions. The incidence of MCC deficiency in the Republic of South Africa (RSA) is not yet known. However, one 48 year old male Caucasian individual (HGS) was diagnosed suffering from mild MCC deficiency, since elevated levels of 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid, 3- hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine, 3-methylcrotonylglycine was present in his urine. Several groups are currently working on various aspects of this emerging disease with the focus on the molecular characterisation of MCC deficiency. In the RSA no molecular based diagnostic method which complements MS/MS screening programmes have yet been implemented. Therefore, the aim of this study was to implement the necessary techniques for the molecular characterisation of MCC deficiency, the determination of the sequence of the open reading frame (ORF) of mccA and mccB subunits to determine which mutation(s) are present in the South African MCC deficient patient. For the implementation of the molecular characterisation, a two-pronged approached was used to characterize MCC of a MCC non-deficient individual (CFC). This approach included the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification of the ORFs of the associated genes [mccA (19 exons) and mccB (17 exons] and the PCR amplification of selected (genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (gDNA) regions (exons mccA8, mccA11 , mccB5, mccB6 and mccB5-intron 5-6 exon 6 (mccB5-6) which have been found to have mutations associated with MCC deficiency in Caucasians. The sequence analyses produced surprising results of the amplified ORFs (CFCmccA and CFCmccB) of the MCC non-deficient individual CFC. A non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (1391C→A, H464P) associated with MCC deficiency (Gallardo et al., 2001) was identified in the CFCmccA subunit. Another SNP (1368G→A, A456A) recently listed in GenBank was observed in the amplified CFCmccB ORF. No significant novel variations or described mutations were identified in the amplified genomic regions mccA8, mccA11 ,mccB5, mccB6 and mccB5-6. The implemented molecular approach was used to characterise MCC of our MCC deficient patient (HGS). The patient did not have any mutation in the four selected exons mccA8, mccA11, mccB5, mccB6 or the genomic region mccB5-6. The RT-PCR amplification of both ORFs (HGSmccA and HGSmccB) resulted in multiple amplicons. Gel extracted amplicons of the expected size were sequenced. Of the 36 exons, 34 exons were sequenced. This includes all 19 exons of HGSmccA and 15 of 17 exons of HGSmccB (exons 1-6 and exons 9-17). The non-synonymous SNP (1391C→A, H464P) detected in CFCmccA (MCC non-deficient individual), seems to be present in the HGSmccA subunit of the MCC deficient individual, HGS. The HGSmccB amplicons could not be entirely sequenced. However, the region exon 1-6 and 9-17 was sequenced but no described or novel mutations were identified. The lack of sequence data of region exon 7-8 led to an incomplete molecular characterisation of the MCC deficiency in HGS. In conclusion, the basic methods and techniques for the molecular characterisation of MCC deficient patients have been implemented locally. A few additional sequencing primers need to be designed to cover mccB7 and mccB8 as well as the entire coding and non-coding strands of each MCC gene (mccA and mccB). The primers for RT-PCR of both mccA and mccB need to be further refined to ensure better specificity. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Biochemistry))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

In the theatre field, Bertolt Brecht could be counted as a representation of cross-cultural phenomenon. His Verfremdungseffekt theory, Marxist beliefs and wide application of Chinese elements made him a significant stop for every person in theatre who has a passion for Chinese culture. For this reason, I am studying Brecht as a representative innovator who adapted the Eastern Asian elements, especially those from China, into his work, to illustrate this cultural phenomenon and the artistic achievement of his works as well. As an old saying in the Confucian Analects, “Isn’t it delightful to have friends coming from far away? ”, Brecht is like an old friend of China even though he never went to there. Since his works have been introduced into China from 1930s to 1940s, research of Brecht experienced ups and downs through the different political eras. Even now, Brecht’s theory and practice still has a deep impact on the Chinese drama. I particularly focus on Brecht’s works toward China, and try to illustrate them based on the former research from the European and American scholars as well as from Chinese scholars. I will clarify the Chinese traditional philosophy as the foundation of the whole thesis as well as the beginning of the first chapter, and analyze the Chinese-styled abstraction of Brecht’s poetry. In Chapter Two, I will illuminate the interaction between Brecht and traditional Chinese opera based on Huang Zuolin’s research. In addition, I will clarify the long-term misunderstanding that Chinese drama had for Brecht. In Chapter Three, I will focus on A Good Woman of Sichuan and The Caucasian Chalk Circle as representations to interpret the relationship between Brecht’s and the original versions as well as the Chinese philosophy that Brecht’s version has employed. Finally, the conclusion contains not only the summary, but also the possibilities for Brecht research in the future. Hopefully my work could balance both the objective truth and my personal thoughts, and contribute to the ones who may need them in the future.