The effects of pre-stroke exercise and levesl of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on behavioural and functional recovery were examined following focal cortical ischemic infarct. Intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) was used to derive topographical maps of forelimb representations within the motor cortex and ischemia was induced via bipolar coagulation of surface vasculature. One month of excerise prior to ischemia significantly increased the amount of peri-infarct movement represnetations and initiates vascular changes within motor cortex. Further, this exercise-induced preservation of peri-infarct movement representations is associated with behavioural recovery and is dependent on BDNF levels in the motor cortex. These results provide further support for the idea that endurance exercise prior to stroke may enhance functional and behavioural recovery. / 140 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 29 cm.

Localised accumulation of body fat significantly influences the development of obesity related co-morbidities and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) have been suggested to modulate body fat distribution. Phytosterols (PS) have demonstrated unequivocal cholesterol-lowering effects. A healthy dietary solution combining MCT and PS could thus become first-line obesity and CVD prevention. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the effects of a functional oil (FctO) rich in MCT and PS on blood lipid levels and body adiposity, compared to olive oil. Twenty-three hypercholesterolemic, overweight men, were randomly assigned, in a single-blind crossover study, to consume a FctO, or olive oil, incorporated into a 40% fat diet for 6 wks. Blood lipid levels were measured and body composition was assessed. Total and LDL cholesterol were significantly reduced in subjects consuming the FctO versus the control oil. No significant differences for weight or adiposity loss of subjects were observed between the two oils. Results support the cardio-protective role of this FctO.

Weight loss is a common occurrence in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and contributes to further debilitation in the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Wasting syndrome (WS) is defined as 10% or more unintentional weight loss from usual body weight. The etiology of WS includes alterations in metabolism, which contribute to loss of lean body mass. Cytokine driven oxidative stress may play a critical role in the metabolic pathways that lead to HIV wasting. Studies have shown that that patients infected with HIV may have a depleted antioxidant (AO) defense system, the integrity of which is needed to efficiently scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). It has been theorised that low AO intake may contribute to a depressed AO defense system, which drives oxidative stress (OS). In this study we examined 16 subjects who had documented WS but no active infectious process, stratified into 10 to 15% weight loss (n = 7) and over 15% weight loss (n = 9) groups, and reported on oxidative stress measures and AO intake. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

<p>Physical inactivity together with overweight and obesity has emerged as a major health risk factor for chronic disease of lifestyle as coronary heart disease, diabetes type 2, and hypertension affecting adolescents with physical disabilities in developed countries. This has contributed to the increase of social and economic costs of healthcare and social services in these countries. Review of literature has revealed that little has been documented about the status of adolescents with physical disabilities in developing countries. This study, therefore, aimed at establishing the degree of physical inactivity among high school adolescents with physical disabilities in Kenya.</p>

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic) -Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2006. xiii, 44 leaves, Annexures A-F / The purpose of this study is to determine whether the cumulative effect of studying, and practising manual therapeutic techniques (including receiving manipulation), is associated with chiropractic students experiencing low back pain (LBP). According to Smith (2005), students currently registered in the Durban Institute of Technology Health faculty were found to have the highest proportion of LBP when compared to students in other faculties. Thirty seven percent of the students with LBP were chiropractic students. In a study performed by Macanuel et al. (2005) on undergraduate chiropractic training, it was concluded that chiropractic students experience side effects during chiropractic technique class. There is epidemiological evidence that chiropractors are a high-risk group of health professionals who experience low back disorders (Tim 1996, Lorme and Naqv 2003, Rupert and Ebete 2004). Rupert and Ebete (2004) suggest that the majority of chiropractors have suffered an occupational injury primarily related to administering manual procedures.

This empirical study assessed the perceived stressors in medical school environment and psychological outcomes in undergraduate medical students in a non - western sample. The sample consisted of African and Indian students in the Clinical group (N = 149) and a matched Control group, the Pre-clinical group (N = 158) bringing the total number of participants to 307. The research dealt with perceived stressors, coping mechanisms and outcomes in a medical school environment. Outcome was assessed using self-report instruments which examined stress symptoms and psychological distress. Both bivariate and multivariate correlational analyses were performed to investigate correlations and the predictive value of risk factors for psychological distress. The findings indicate that there are no significant differences in the perception of stressors in the medical school environment between the Pre-clinical and Clinical groups. Maladaptive coping strategies, perceived stressors and female gender have important roles to play in predicting psychological distress. High self-esteem and good social support for both groups, as well as optimism in the Clinical group protects against psychological distress. Strengths and limitations of this study as well as implications for intervention strategies among undergraduate medical students are also discussed. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2003.

No abstract available. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

In order to evaluate the respiratory health status of spray painters exposed to paints containing hexamethylene diisocyanates (HDI) and to obtain more insight into the relationship between occupational exposures to isocyanates and chronic obstructive airway diseases, a follow up study on 33 of an original cohort of 40 randomly selected workers was undertaken. The original investigation was conducted by the author in 1989. The subjects were studied using a standardised American Thoracic Society (ATS) approved respiratory health questionnaire, baseline pre and post shift spirometry and ambulatory peak flow monitoring. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness tests using histamine (PC20) were performed. Immunological tests including IgE, RAST (HDI), and house dust mite evaluations were also made. The subjects were stratified into exposed (n=20), partially exposed (n=5) and no longer exposed (n=7) groups. One subject was excluded from the group analysis because of his indeterminate isocyanate exposure. Warehouse assistants (n=30) in a non-exposed occupation were used as controls. The worker's compliance with safety regulations and the employers provision of safety requirements was assessed by means of a questionnaire. The environmental conditions in the workplace were measured by the evaluation of the isocyanate concentrations at the worker's breathing zone. Spray booth efficiency was measured using measurements of airflow velocities and airflow patterns within the booth. Longitudinal changes in respiratory health status was assessed by comparison with baseline data studied in 1989. The exposed group showed the largest mean cross-shift declines of 297 ml (± 83.8) in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). The decline in the partially exposed group was 282 ml (± 102.7) and 54 ml (± 140) in the no longer exposed group. The results of the first study, when compared with the second study, showed a mean cross-shift decline in FEV1 of 130.5 ml. (± 203) (p=0.0002) and 297ml. (± 323) (p=0.0001) respectively. Furthermore, of the spray painters examined, 10 (25%) showed clinically significant cross-shift declines in FEV1 viz. decreases >250 ml in the first study (n=40) compared with 9 (45%) in the second study (n=33). In contrast to the HDI exposed spray painters, a closely matched control group (n=30) showed a mean cross-shift increase in FEV1 of 17.4 ml ( ± 63.04). Only 2 subjects had a diagnosis of asthma which was made in childhood and not related to occupation. The mean annual baseline decline in FEV1 was greatest in the exposed group 41.25 ml (25% showed a decline greater than >90 ml per annum). These values exceeded the predicted annual declines for both smokers and non smokers due to age. The decline in the no longer exposed group was 7.85 ml per annum. Immunological tests showed no correlation with declines in FEV1 . This study demonstrates the difficulties in correlating immunological status with clinical and lung function findings in workers exposed to HDI, as a means of predicting occupational asthma. Although measurements in cross-shift declines in FEV1 appear to be a suitable predictor of occupational asthma, in some cases it was found that the forced expiratory flow rate (FEF 25-75 %) was a more sensitive predictor of early changes in the small airways. The mean isocyanate concentration in the spray painter's breathing zone was 14.65 mg/m3 (±12.219), exceeding the current South African Occupational Exposure Limit - Control Limit (OEL-CL) of 0.07 mg/m3 for isocyanates. Fifty per cent of the subjects suffered from eye irritation and 40% had dermatitis of the hand. This was expected since none of the spray painters wore goggles or gloves. Whilst no subject had evidence of clinical asthma related to spray painting, a large proportion demonstrated significant cross- shift changes in lung function implying short- term adverse effects of exposure. In addition longitudinal declines in lung function which was worse in those who continued spray painting in the follow-up study, is of major concern. The lack of cases of clinical or occupational asthma may be due to the healthy worker effect. Recommendations include, routine spirometric lung function testing of all spray painters, the use of high volume-low pressure spray guns and the wearing of positive pressure airline masks complying with the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) safety standard. In terms of current legislation it was further recommended that spray booths be regularly monitored, including the measurement of HDI concentrations, airflow velocities and airflow patterns within the booth and the implementation and enforcement of stricter control measures. Workers demonstrating excessive declines in both cross-shift and longitudinal spirometry, require special attention. / Thesis (M.Med.Sc.)-University of Natal, 1997.

Fermentation is a process by which primary food products are modified biochemically by the action of microorganisms and/or their enzymes. Several societies have, over the years, intentionally carried it out to enhance the taste, aroma, shelf-life, texture, nutritional value and other properties of food. It is used in many parts (lithe world. However, there are regional differences in use and these depend on the availability of raw materials, consumption habits. and other socio-cultural factors. This study was aimed at (comparatively) assessing, local commercial and homemade amahewu with respect to nutritional value, hygiene and other health benefits to the commirn ity. Methods employed were Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) (mycotoxins), High Perliffmance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) (mycotoxins, sugars and amino acids), Dumas (proteins), SOxhlet (lipids) and intubation technique (metabolisable energy) to analyse maize meal and amahewu samples from various regions. The regions sampled included mal3heleni (South Coast) and kwaNgcolosi (North Coast) villages. Commercial amahewu was analysed with kind permission from Clover SA. Species from the following genera were isolated and identified from amahewu samples: Lactobacillus, Saccharonivccs, Lcuconostoc, Lactococcus, Panioca, Entcrobacter and kleb•iella. Saccharotnyces was detected in commercial samples only. Gram-negative strains were identified in most of manheleni village samples. No traceable amounts of aflatoxin BI (AFB1), fumonisin B 1 (FBI) and zearalenone (ZEA) were found in Clover SA samples. AFB I was detected in 40% of both maize meal and amahewu samples from maBheleni (range 0.55 — 0.84ng/g and 8.3x10 5 — 9.1x10-5ng/g respectively). From the same village, 100% of the maize meal and 80% of the amahewu samples were contaminated with FBI (range 4.1 47.2ng/g and 1.4 ---- 6.9ng/g respectively). ZEA was detected in all maize meal samples (range 0.9 — 4.3ng/g). None of the amahewu samples contained detectable levels of ZEA. All maize meal and amahewu samples from kwaNgcolosi were contaminated with AF13 1 (range 8.3 — 30.I ng/g and 0.04 - 0.102ng/g respectively). FB I was detected in 75% of both maize meal and amahewu samples from the same village (range 0.5 — 4.1ng/g and 0.04 0.56ng/g respectively). ZEA was also found in all maize meal samples and 75% of amahewu samples (range 3.7 — 16.4ng/g and 0.03 -- 0.06ng/g respectively). MaBheleni, Clover SA and kwaNgcolosi maize meal and amahewu samples contained vitamins B1, 13 2 and B6 with a range of 0.31+0.21 - 4.48±0.81 B 1 ; 0.15±0.14 - 1.67±0.33 B2 and 0.05±0.07 - 0.77±1.45 lig/g B6. Fat levels ranged from 0.28±0.40 to 4.54±0.05 percentage by weight. The levels of proteins varied from 4.02±0.02 to 8.40±0.04 percentage by weight. Starch concentrations ranged from 31.51.5.28 to 75.911.92g/100g. Maize meal samples contained glucose and maltose, while glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, M-triose, DP 4 and 5 and DP >15 were detected in amahewu. Apparent and true metabolisable energy for homemade and commercial Freeze-dried amahewu was 13.194 and 13.696MJ/kg (AME N ); and 13.605 and 14.106M.Ekv ( 1 MEN ), respectively. This study has shown that lactic acid maize fermentation reduce' the levels of AF13 1 , FB I and ZEA toxins in maize meal, inhibits the growth of most Gram-negative bacteria, and in some instances, fermentation did improve the nutritional value. Metabolisable energy analysis represents an important tool to assess whether or not compounds ingested are converted to sources of energy in the body and utilised. Amahewu fermentation yielded beneficial products (probiotics: reduced mycotoxins levels and reduced starch). In conclusion, natural lactic acid maize fermentation to produce amahewu will do more good than harm to the consumer, therefore, people need to be advised on how to safely store their maize and also to be encouraged to consume their stored maize in fermented form. / Thesis (M.Med.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

Electronic waste or `e-waste' is a rapidly growing form of solid waste worldwide. The heavy metals present in various electronic components demand attention because such metals may leach and pose significant health and environmental hazards (U.S. EPA, 2007). Knowledge of the potential of heavy metal leaching from e-waste represents an important contribution for developing U.S. standards for classifying e-waste as hazardous waste. Hazardous elements which leach from a variety of electronics wastes were assessed in laboratory batch studies. Electronic components evaluated included PC cathode ray tubes, PC motherboards, PC mice, television remote controls, and cellular phones. Each component was disassembled and digested using the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP), EPA Method 1312, Method EA NEN 7371 (Dutch Environmental Agency), and Method DEV-S4 (Germany). The extracts were analyzed for lead, cadmium, chromium, silver, and cobalt. The TCLP consistently leached the greatest amounts of all metals; TCLP-soluble lead was extracted well beyond federal limits for several electronic devices. / Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management