Individuals with epilepsy manage the clinical manifestations of the condition, primarily seizure-related activity, with daily use of pharmacologic agents, making it one of the most common neurological conditions treated with drug therapy for symptom management. Pharmacologic agents for epilepsy, also known as anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), are commonly prescribed to treat seizures and neurologic conditions associated with epilepsy but can lead to a reduced quality of life and many unwanted side effects. Complementary and alternative treatments can also provide relief from seizures associated with epilepsy. The purpose of this literature review was to evaluate the effectiveness of complementary and alternative treatments compared to pharmacological treatment for individuals with epilepsy. A literature review examining different alternative treatments, such as physical activity, medical cannabis, neurostimulation, and various diets, and their benefits on seizure reduction, seizure frequency, and the quality of life was conducted from various online databases. Research articles published from 2003 to 2020 that focused on the benefits of complementary and alternative therapies in controlling the clinical manifestations of epilepsy were included for synthesis. Results from 10 studies that used a complementary or alternative therapy as a treatment for epilepsy, alone or in combination with pharmacological therapy, were compared for effectiveness on clinical manifestations. Seventy percent of the studies analyzed show at least a fifty percent reduction in seizure frequency. The studies suggest that complementary and alternative therapies can be effective as monotherapy or as adjuvant agents for reducing seizure frequency, reducing seizure duration, and improving quality of life. Although benefits were found in each study, many studies were performed on animals or had small sample sizes, indicating the need for further research.

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Mammary gland (MG) is a dynamic organ that is essential for the production and secretion of breast milk. During pregnancy the MG undergoes a critical phase of remodeling, which is accompanied by the differentiation of mammary epithelial cells (MECs). During lactation, the MG requires high level of energy for proper folding of proteins in the secretory pathway, which takes place in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Limited evidence has been reported on the impact of cannabis or its components, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), on the differentiation of MECs. However, both THC and CBD have been reported to induce ER stress in various cell types, resulting in impacting cellular function. Furthermore, consequences of cannabis use in the perinatal period on breast milk composition have not been reported. Using the HC11 cell line, we investigated whether THC and CBD evoke ER stress in MECs resulting in the impaired cellular function. We also reported on the effects of cannabis use during pregnancy and lactation on the levels of macronutrients and bioactive factors in the breast milk of cannabis users. Relative to control, 10μM THC and 10μM CBD reduced mRNA levels of milk proteins (CSN2 and WAP) and lipid synthesizing enzymes (FASN, FABP4, PLIN2 and LPL), as well as whey acidic protein and lipid levels. In addition, 10μM THC, 10μM CBD, and the combination of 10μM THC + 10μM CBD significantly induced the expression of ER stress genes in HC11 cells. Furthermore, in the milk of women who used cannabis during pregnancy and lactation, the levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) were decreased, relative to non-users. Altogether, our findings indicate that cannabis use in the perinatal period may have implications on breast milk composition and infant health. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Science) / Breast milk is crucial to the nutrition and immunity of the newborn. It is produced by the mammary gland (MG), which is composed of mammary epithelial cells (MEC) that play a key role in producing and secreting proteins and factors into the milk. During pregnancy, the MG undergoes remodeling which is accompanied by differentiation of the MECs (change from unspecialized to a specialized stage that allows the MECs to produce milk proteins and other factors). The disruption in MEC differentiation can result in altered milk production and composition. Cannabis is used by women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In this study, we investigated the impact of cannabinoids on the MEC differentiation and examined the effect of cannabis use in the perinatal period on the breast milk composition in humans. We reported that cannabinoids reduced the differentiation of MECs and maternal cannabis use during breastfeeding reduced levels of an essential immune factor.

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The purpose of this integrative literature review was to understand the effects of medical cannabis for chronic pain management in adults. Anecdotal reports suggest the use of medical marijuana as a pain management therapy could be an alternative to opioids and other medications which have long term consequences. Potential uses span the health care continuum, from prescribed outpatient symptom management, to acute care, extended care, home care, and hospice treatment settings. The methodology included a review and synthesis of relevant research articles from 2012 to 2018, written in the English language. The findings suggest medical cannabis has the potential of effectively managing chronic pain in older adults. Adverse effects, if present, are mild and resolve without intervention. Lower doses of medical cannabis were reported to be more effective in treating chronic pain compared to higher doses. Inconsistencies in the efficacy of THC were noted compared to CBD for managing neuropathic pain. Implication for nursing practice, policy, education, and recommendation for future research were discussed along with study limitations.

Yes / We outline the valuation process for a No-Negative Equity Guarantee in an Equity Release Mortgage loan and for an Equity Release Mortgage that has such a guarantee. Illustrative valuations are provided based on the Black ’76 put pricing formula and mortality projections based on the M5, M6 and M7 mortality versions of the Cairns–Blake–Dowd (CBD) family of mortality models. Results indicate that the valuations of No-Negative Equity Guarantees are high relative to loan amounts and subject to considerable model risk but that the valuations of Equity Release Mortgage loans are robust to the choice of mortality model. Results have significant ramifications for industry practice and prudential regulation.

Student number: 0200613W Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment Master of Property Development and Management. / This paper is a report on the research undertaken to evaluate the implementation of the Urban Renewal strategies that the City of Johannesburg adopted for the CBD renewal through the Blue IQ. The study was restricted to the views expressed by the general community, business community, Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA). Johannesburg Housing Company (JHC), Blue IQ, Gauteng Development Agency and Gauteng Economic Development Agency (GEDA), which are the main role players in the CBD renewal effort. There was administered questioner to the members of the Business and general communities that were randomly picked using the fish bowl method. Interviews were conducted with the senior executive staff of JDA. Blue IQ, JHC. Statistics derived from the above company s websites was used as well. The results of the study show that the renewal strategy has been largely successful in so far as a number of factors, which have contributed to the CBD decay such as poor infrastructure and slumps. There have also been considerable efforts to address acute shortage of parking space by private partners such as financial institutions. Although crime has decreased it is still posing a serious challenge as most people still consider the CBD high risk. However there is still a room for improvement, which includes: the enhancement of safety and security, the infrastructure maintenance policy and the enforcement of the municipality by laws and town planning scheme. Overall the strategies have also improved the economic performance of the city significantly though unemployment still remain high with the ever increasing number of people coming to seek opportunities.

This study evaluated the role of waterfront development in urban regeneration, as waterfronts are used as the element that re-establishes the physical links between parts of the city. Consequently, waterfront development is an essential open resource where visitors can carry out diverse social and cultural activities on a daily basis. Furthermore, CBDs benefit from lively waterfronts, which become popular tourist attractions. There is a dire need for urban regeneration. The study focuses on the evolution of waterfront development through the urban morphology modelsto identify the starting point of central places and the factors that may have an effect on the growth of a city. Just as urban regeneration forms part of the evolution of cities and waterfronts, and as the cities and waterfronts developed so did the term urban regeneration evolve to its present form. Thus, one has to understand what components have an influence on the term urban regeneration and what the benefits are. Thereafter, the different aspects of urban development and urban regeneration are incorporated into waterfront development to understand the role of waterfront development in urban regeneration. As waterfront development took place, the first port was developed to ensure transportation of goods from one place to the next. Subsequently, the role of the waterfront became economically driven. As time passed and the old harbour fronts fell into disuse, a new role for the waterfront was needed, and the new role came with waterfront regeneration. Historically, waterfront regeneration was only seen as imperative when a waterfront area is critical for the growth of the city. Notably, when there is no use for the area and the city is in the decline period, waterfront regeneration will be a priority. Consequently, the empirical study focused on exploring this role of waterfront development by means of two international case studies (Baltimore Inner Harbour, Toronto Harbour Front) and two national case studies (V& A Waterfront, Mossel Bay CBD and Port Precinct Plan). A qualitative approach was selected because it focuses on collecting and analysing information in as many forms as possible. Furthermore, a qualitative approach aims to achieve an in-depth understanding of the matter, which is important to allocate the role of waterfront development in urban regeneration. As the study focuses on understanding the role of waterfront development as part of urban regeneration within cities, it explores the methodological framework of case studies. The case study approach involves one or more circumstances within a bounded system. As some of the case studies can be irrelevant to a study, the qualitative approach was appropriate for this study, because it focuses on eliminating unwanted case studies. This is importantto ensure that case studies do not influence the result. To ensure that the relevant information is selected, the multiple case study design was used. The study concludes that waterfront development has three primary roles in urban regeneration and that these roles have evolved over time. In conclusion, the role of waterfront development is not only economically motivated, but also environmentally and socially significant. / MSc (Urban and Regional Planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

This study evaluated the role of waterfront development in urban regeneration, as waterfronts are used as the element that re-establishes the physical links between parts of the city. Consequently, waterfront development is an essential open resource where visitors can carry out diverse social and cultural activities on a daily basis. Furthermore, CBDs benefit from lively waterfronts, which become popular tourist attractions. There is a dire need for urban regeneration. The study focuses on the evolution of waterfront development through the urban morphology modelsto identify the starting point of central places and the factors that may have an effect on the growth of a city. Just as urban regeneration forms part of the evolution of cities and waterfronts, and as the cities and waterfronts developed so did the term urban regeneration evolve to its present form. Thus, one has to understand what components have an influence on the term urban regeneration and what the benefits are. Thereafter, the different aspects of urban development and urban regeneration are incorporated into waterfront development to understand the role of waterfront development in urban regeneration. As waterfront development took place, the first port was developed to ensure transportation of goods from one place to the next. Subsequently, the role of the waterfront became economically driven. As time passed and the old harbour fronts fell into disuse, a new role for the waterfront was needed, and the new role came with waterfront regeneration. Historically, waterfront regeneration was only seen as imperative when a waterfront area is critical for the growth of the city. Notably, when there is no use for the area and the city is in the decline period, waterfront regeneration will be a priority. Consequently, the empirical study focused on exploring this role of waterfront development by means of two international case studies (Baltimore Inner Harbour, Toronto Harbour Front) and two national case studies (V& A Waterfront, Mossel Bay CBD and Port Precinct Plan). A qualitative approach was selected because it focuses on collecting and analysing information in as many forms as possible. Furthermore, a qualitative approach aims to achieve an in-depth understanding of the matter, which is important to allocate the role of waterfront development in urban regeneration. As the study focuses on understanding the role of waterfront development as part of urban regeneration within cities, it explores the methodological framework of case studies. The case study approach involves one or more circumstances within a bounded system. As some of the case studies can be irrelevant to a study, the qualitative approach was appropriate for this study, because it focuses on eliminating unwanted case studies. This is importantto ensure that case studies do not influence the result. To ensure that the relevant information is selected, the multiple case study design was used. The study concludes that waterfront development has three primary roles in urban regeneration and that these roles have evolved over time. In conclusion, the role of waterfront development is not only economically motivated, but also environmentally and socially significant. / MSc (Urban and Regional Planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Esta dissertação tem por escopo estudar a interface do Acordo TRIPS com o a Convenção sobre Diversidade Biológica, sob a perspectiva dos países em desenvolvimento. Para tanto, resgata a construção epistemológica Ocidental do conhecimento, direito, propriedade intelectual e desenvolvimento. Esta base teórica constituída é questionada pela CDB, que apresenta direitos relativos ao acesso de recursos genéticos e / ou conhecimento tradicional que subvertem a ordem estabelecida de geração do conhecimento e acumulação econômica. Tal subversão é parte integrante de movimento maior que questiona o próprio modelo de desenvolvimento e a relação Norte e Sul. Esta pesquisa contextualiza a estruturação legal e organizacional do tema e revisa as contribuições de autores que estudam este, sistematizando-as. Com este arcabouço, ela levanta hipóteses e reflete sobre as respostas destas, identificando paradoxos, compatibilidades e desafios. Apresenta (ndo) se, por fim, uma análise da governança institucional deste tema, através de uma nova configuração cognitiva e legal do mesmo. / This MA dissertation aims at studying the interface of the \'TRIPS Agreement\' with the \'Convention on the Biological Diversity\', under the view of the developing countries. As such, it ransoms the epistemologic building of the Ocidental knowledge, as well as the rights, intelectual property and development. This theoretical basis is questioned by \'CDB\', which presents rights related to the access of genetic resourses/ and the traditional knwledge, which subvert the established order of knowledge generation and economic accumulation. Such subvertion is part of a larger movement that questions its own development model and the North/ South relation. This research contextualizes the legal orgazing structuralization of the theme and revises the contributions of authors that study it, systematizing them. With this backbone, it rises hypotheses and thinks of these hypotheses, identifying paradoxes, compatibilities and challenges. It finally presents an analysis of the institutional governing of this theme, via a new cognitive and legal configuration of the same.