Thesis (MPhil (Sociology and Social Anthropology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / This thesis is about children who are vulnerable in the context of HIV/AIDS. The epidemic leaves children vulnerable in a number of ways. The education sector is confronted with vulnerable children and this has caused the roles and responsibilities of teachers to be extended. The research is aimed at determining whether teachers see a role for themselves in this context that extends beyond formal education and also to find out how teachers view this role. The research was conducted at three schools in the Llingelethu community in Malmesbury: a pre-primary school (the Siphumeze Educare Centre), a primary school (Naphakade Primary School) and a high school (Naphakade Secondary School). The research determined that teachers do feel that they have a role in this context, but there were also those who felt that other role players must rather fulfil this role. One of the most important findings of the research was that teachers often view their role in the context of HIV/AIDS in a limited way. In this regard, teachers often think only in terms of children who are infected by die virus, while not taking into account children who are affected in other ways. Teachers, as well as schools, also often still focus on their role in HIV/AIDS prevention. A further aim of the research was to determine which challenges prevent teachers from playing an extended role in the lives of vulnerable children. The participants in the research identified various challenges, including those that are a result of keeping HIV status secret, because of stigma and a lack of trust. A further challenge that was identified is a lack of background information about learners, sometimes as a result of the fact that teachers do not come from the community. Factors that make it difficult for teachers to conduct follow up work were also identified, as well as emotional exhaustion and other facors that prevent teachers from playing an extended role. A lack of support was also identified by participants as a challenge and different dimensions of support were identified.

Because of the HIV– and Aids pandemic, a paradigm shift is currently noticed in the traditional role expectation of educators. Except for didactical education, they are also confronted with professional and personal demands on a daily basis. These changes in professional and personal roles are often traumatic and sufficient coping skills as well as support, seems to be limited. The REds–program (resilient educators) was developed for this reason - to empower educators to cope more resiliently with these demands. This study was conducted in order to determine if this program is effective in the empowerment of educators. Two articles follow, from which the first one examines and explores the content, nature and extent of the program. The evaluation of the REds–program follows in the second article. Findings suggest that there were participants that were empowered in the long run and direct feedback from participants confirm that they found the program to be valuable on professional and personal areas. / Thesis (M.A. (MW.))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Hoofstuk 1 benadruk die sentrale en skerpsinnig-wyse sleutelposisie van eskatologiese hoop en getuienis daarvan in die lewens van gelowige terminale MIV/VIGS Iyers. 'n Eksegetiese studie van Johannes 9:1-8, Lukas 5:12-15, Job 1:6-22; 2:3-13, Genesis 2:1617, Romeine 5:2-5; 6:5-11; 8:18-25, 1 Petrus 1:3-9 en Matteus 28:19-20 is die studiekern van Hoofstuk 2. Siekte (blindheid, melaatsheid), Iyding en pyn (Job), dood van die mensdom (Adam en Eva) en die retrovitale dood van Jesus Christus, hoop en getuienis is nagevors en ontleed. Vergelykings met huidige tendense waar MIV/VIGS 'n gestigmatiseerde terminale siekte is, word getref. Die basis van hoop op die ewige lewe in die volle teenwoordigheid van God Almagtig, is die beloftes en oorweldigende liefde van die lewende God. Getuienis van hierdie standhoudende en lewende hoop is die Groot Opdrag aan die dissipels van Christus in Matteus 28:19-20, en daarom aan alle gelowiges tot die wederkoms (advent) van Christus. Hoofstuk 3 stel die bydrae vas van die metateorieë van die mediese -, kommunikasiewetenskappe en Psigologie as komplementerende ervaringvelde. Die mediese en sosiale omstandighede van die gelowige terminale MIV/VIGS Iyers toon 'n uiters negatiewe situasie, wat onder meer bestuurbaar gemaak word deur die sogenaamde "signature strengths" van die Positiewe Psigologie. Op 'n veel hoer vlak is spirituele gesondheid en heling, as die vrug van die Hel/lge Gees, van kardinale belang vir die ewige lewe. Hierdie metateorieë bevestig die waarhede rakende die Groot Geneesheer soos in Hoofstuk 2 aangedui, en voorsien verder verhelderende perspektiewe op 'n nuwe prakties-teologiese teorie. Empiriese navorsing aan die hand van 'n kwalitatiewe studie by die gesondheidsentrum van 'n voorstedelike motorvervaardigingaanleg, word in Hoofstuk 4 onderneem. In twee groeponderhoude met multi-veranderlikes per deelnemer (gelowige terminale MIV/VIGS Iyers en 'n kontrolegroep van mediese personeel/gesondheidwerkers), is vasgestel dat die MIV/VIGS Iyers versterkende geestelike krag van hul eskatologiese hoop vir die ewige lewe saam met God, ervaar. Pastorale behoeftes sluit gebed, vertroosting en koinonia/"fellowship" in. Hoofstuk 5 stel praktiese riglyne voor tot kerugmatiese -, liturgiese -, koinoniale -en diakoniale getuienis oor hoop. Versoening met God deur die "retrovitale" liefde/dade van Jesus Christus se dood as die spil-as wat radikaal-Skriftuurlike denke/lewe inisieer (in teenstelling met die "retrovirale" vermoë van die MI-virus waar die "kwaad" vermenigvuldig), word in die riglyne aangemoedig. Getuienis oor hoop aan ander is die "geskenk van die Lewe”. Die slotsom waartoe gekom word, is dat die gelowige terminale MIV/VIGS Iyer tot in die vierde fase van die siekte, oor haar/sy hoop kan getuig. Praktiese riglyne hiertoe moedig die gelowige met enige terminale siekte of in elk geval, aan om met 'n lewe van aanbidding oor hierdie hoop te getuig en s6 die lewende God te eer. / Chapter 1 emphasizes the central and perspicacious position of eschatological hope and witnessing thereof, in the lives of the believing terminal HIV/AIDS sufferers. An exegetical study of John 9:1-8, Luke 5:12-15 Job 1:6-22; 2:3-13, Genesis 2:16-17, Romans 5:2-5; 6:511; 8:18-25, 1 Peter 1 :3-9 and Matthew 28: 19-20 is conducted in Chapter 2. Illnesses (blindness, leprosy), suffering and pain (Job), death of mankind (Adam and Eve) and the retrovital death of Jesus Christ, hope and witnessing are researched and analysed. Comparisons with life today where HIV/AIDS is a stigmatised terminal illness, are weighed. Hope for eternal life in the full presence and reign of God Almighty, is based on the promises and overwhelming love of the living God. Witnessing of this vivacious and living hope is imperative to the disciples of Christ in Matthew 28: 19-20, and therefore to all believers until the advent of Christ. Chapter 3 establishes the contribution of meta theories of complementary and entwined sciences, such as health and medicine, communications and the positive psychology. The medical and social circumstances of the believing terminal HIV/AIDS sufferers revealed an extremely grave situation, which is manageable with inter alia positive "signature strengths". On a much higher plain, spiritual health and healing as the fruit of the Spirit, is of cardinal importance for eternal life. These theories only confirm the truths about the Great Healer as stated in Chapter 2 and provide enlightening perspectives for a new practical theological theory. Empirical research via a qualitative study at the health centre of an urban vehicle manufacturing plant, is conducted in Chapter 4. Two group interviews with multi-variables per participant (believing terminal HIV/AIDS sufferers and a control group of health workers), have established that the HIV/AIDS sufferers are spiritually enormously strengthened by their eschatological hope for eternal life with God, without this earthly suffering. Pastoral needs include prayer, comfort and koinonia/fellowship. Chapter 5 suggests practical guidelines in terms of witnessing hope by means of cherugmatical, liturgical, koinonial and diaconial communication. The image of the 'retrovital' Lord Jesus Christ as the pivotal change that paths the way to radical Biblical thinking/living (in comparison with the "retroviral" ability of the. HI-virus which multiplies the "evil"), is encouraged. The final conclusion is that a believing terminal HIV/AIDS sufferer is able to witness hope for eternal life until the fourth phase of the terminal illness. Practical guidelines hereto may encourage the believer of any terminal illness or in any case, to witness hope with a life of worship and thus honour the living God. / Thesis (M.A. (Practical Theology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

Because of the HIV– and Aids pandemic, a paradigm shift is currently noticed in the traditional role expectation of educators. Except for didactical education, they are also confronted with professional and personal demands on a daily basis. These changes in professional and personal roles are often traumatic and sufficient coping skills as well as support, seems to be limited. The REds–program (resilient educators) was developed for this reason - to empower educators to cope more resiliently with these demands. This study was conducted in order to determine if this program is effective in the empowerment of educators. Two articles follow, from which the first one examines and explores the content, nature and extent of the program. The evaluation of the REds–program follows in the second article. Findings suggest that there were participants that were empowered in the long run and direct feedback from participants confirm that they found the program to be valuable on professional and personal areas. / Thesis (M.A. (MW.))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Hoofstuk 1 benadruk die sentrale en skerpsinnig-wyse sleutelposisie van eskatologiese hoop en getuienis daarvan in die lewens van gelowige terminale MIV/VIGS Iyers. 'n Eksegetiese studie van Johannes 9:1-8, Lukas 5:12-15, Job 1:6-22; 2:3-13, Genesis 2:1617, Romeine 5:2-5; 6:5-11; 8:18-25, 1 Petrus 1:3-9 en Matteus 28:19-20 is die studiekern van Hoofstuk 2. Siekte (blindheid, melaatsheid), Iyding en pyn (Job), dood van die mensdom (Adam en Eva) en die retrovitale dood van Jesus Christus, hoop en getuienis is nagevors en ontleed. Vergelykings met huidige tendense waar MIV/VIGS 'n gestigmatiseerde terminale siekte is, word getref. Die basis van hoop op die ewige lewe in die volle teenwoordigheid van God Almagtig, is die beloftes en oorweldigende liefde van die lewende God. Getuienis van hierdie standhoudende en lewende hoop is die Groot Opdrag aan die dissipels van Christus in Matteus 28:19-20, en daarom aan alle gelowiges tot die wederkoms (advent) van Christus. Hoofstuk 3 stel die bydrae vas van die metateorieë van die mediese -, kommunikasiewetenskappe en Psigologie as komplementerende ervaringvelde. Die mediese en sosiale omstandighede van die gelowige terminale MIV/VIGS Iyers toon 'n uiters negatiewe situasie, wat onder meer bestuurbaar gemaak word deur die sogenaamde "signature strengths" van die Positiewe Psigologie. Op 'n veel hoer vlak is spirituele gesondheid en heling, as die vrug van die Hel/lge Gees, van kardinale belang vir die ewige lewe. Hierdie metateorieë bevestig die waarhede rakende die Groot Geneesheer soos in Hoofstuk 2 aangedui, en voorsien verder verhelderende perspektiewe op 'n nuwe prakties-teologiese teorie. Empiriese navorsing aan die hand van 'n kwalitatiewe studie by die gesondheidsentrum van 'n voorstedelike motorvervaardigingaanleg, word in Hoofstuk 4 onderneem. In twee groeponderhoude met multi-veranderlikes per deelnemer (gelowige terminale MIV/VIGS Iyers en 'n kontrolegroep van mediese personeel/gesondheidwerkers), is vasgestel dat die MIV/VIGS Iyers versterkende geestelike krag van hul eskatologiese hoop vir die ewige lewe saam met God, ervaar. Pastorale behoeftes sluit gebed, vertroosting en koinonia/"fellowship" in. Hoofstuk 5 stel praktiese riglyne voor tot kerugmatiese -, liturgiese -, koinoniale -en diakoniale getuienis oor hoop. Versoening met God deur die "retrovitale" liefde/dade van Jesus Christus se dood as die spil-as wat radikaal-Skriftuurlike denke/lewe inisieer (in teenstelling met die "retrovirale" vermoë van die MI-virus waar die "kwaad" vermenigvuldig), word in die riglyne aangemoedig. Getuienis oor hoop aan ander is die "geskenk van die Lewe”. Die slotsom waartoe gekom word, is dat die gelowige terminale MIV/VIGS Iyer tot in die vierde fase van die siekte, oor haar/sy hoop kan getuig. Praktiese riglyne hiertoe moedig die gelowige met enige terminale siekte of in elk geval, aan om met 'n lewe van aanbidding oor hierdie hoop te getuig en s6 die lewende God te eer. / Chapter 1 emphasizes the central and perspicacious position of eschatological hope and witnessing thereof, in the lives of the believing terminal HIV/AIDS sufferers. An exegetical study of John 9:1-8, Luke 5:12-15 Job 1:6-22; 2:3-13, Genesis 2:16-17, Romans 5:2-5; 6:511; 8:18-25, 1 Peter 1 :3-9 and Matthew 28: 19-20 is conducted in Chapter 2. Illnesses (blindness, leprosy), suffering and pain (Job), death of mankind (Adam and Eve) and the retrovital death of Jesus Christ, hope and witnessing are researched and analysed. Comparisons with life today where HIV/AIDS is a stigmatised terminal illness, are weighed. Hope for eternal life in the full presence and reign of God Almighty, is based on the promises and overwhelming love of the living God. Witnessing of this vivacious and living hope is imperative to the disciples of Christ in Matthew 28: 19-20, and therefore to all believers until the advent of Christ. Chapter 3 establishes the contribution of meta theories of complementary and entwined sciences, such as health and medicine, communications and the positive psychology. The medical and social circumstances of the believing terminal HIV/AIDS sufferers revealed an extremely grave situation, which is manageable with inter alia positive "signature strengths". On a much higher plain, spiritual health and healing as the fruit of the Spirit, is of cardinal importance for eternal life. These theories only confirm the truths about the Great Healer as stated in Chapter 2 and provide enlightening perspectives for a new practical theological theory. Empirical research via a qualitative study at the health centre of an urban vehicle manufacturing plant, is conducted in Chapter 4. Two group interviews with multi-variables per participant (believing terminal HIV/AIDS sufferers and a control group of health workers), have established that the HIV/AIDS sufferers are spiritually enormously strengthened by their eschatological hope for eternal life with God, without this earthly suffering. Pastoral needs include prayer, comfort and koinonia/fellowship. Chapter 5 suggests practical guidelines in terms of witnessing hope by means of cherugmatical, liturgical, koinonial and diaconial communication. The image of the 'retrovital' Lord Jesus Christ as the pivotal change that paths the way to radical Biblical thinking/living (in comparison with the "retroviral" ability of the. HI-virus which multiplies the "evil"), is encouraged. The final conclusion is that a believing terminal HIV/AIDS sufferer is able to witness hope for eternal life until the fourth phase of the terminal illness. Practical guidelines hereto may encourage the believer of any terminal illness or in any case, to witness hope with a life of worship and thus honour the living God. / Thesis (M.A. (Practical Theology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T13:32:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 tese_elisa_caroline_da_silva_santos.pdf: 986483 bytes, checksum: 66da36a6826c54f5bd79701d8e49d914 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-02-18 / The production of swine embryos in vitro requires efficient in vitro maturation (IVM), which can be achieved by selection the most competent cumulus-oocyte complexes COC).The Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB) dye allows the selection of COC with complete growth by assessing their levels of the G6PDH enzyme. However, there is a possible negative effect of selection with BCB. This effect may be due to its intrinsic toxicity or to factors related to the composition of the media used during the test. This research had the objectives: to determine potential toxicity after exposure to BCB and to evaluate the effect of different medias for BCB staining on the ability to support oocyte development. On the first research, after BCB staining and after IVM, several tests were performed to evaluate the effects of their potential toxicity on mitochondrial activity and functionality: reactive oxygen species (ROS), ATP, mitochondrial membrane potential and the number of copies of mitochondrial DNA. The results showed that oocytes stained with BCB produced high levels of ROS, compared with control immediately after staining and after the IVM. The ATP and mitochondrial membrane potential showed similar results between groups after staining, however, after IVM oocytes BCB showed lower membrane potential and ATP. There was no difference in the number of copies of mtDNA in the evaluated groups. Already, on test of ATP content in early embryos, ATP was lower in BCB oocytes, however, there was no difference statistical. In second study, the most commonly used media, D-PBS, was compared with a more elaborate media for BCB called here: ReproPEL. The COC s submitted to both media were submitted to nuclear and cytoplasmatic maturation, parthenogenetic activation, and to the comet test. The great rates of nuclear IVM (P<0.05) were obtained for DPBS+ (63.1%), ReproPELc (55.1%) and ReproPEL+ (50.2%). The group with smaller area of CG (P<0.05), showing better migration, were ReproPELc, D-PBS+, D-PBS- and ReproPEL+. The parthenogenetic activation indicated that ReproPEL media presented satisfactory capacity of oocyte maintenance, resulting in acceptable rates of development to blastocyst stage: 13.0% for ReproPEL+; and 12.7% for ReproPELc. So, the ReproPEL media can be used for maintenance of swine oocytes, but it was not the most appropriate media for BCB staining. Moreover, after exposure to BCB and after IVM, BCB oocytes presented high toxicity at mitochondrial level, due to increased production of ROS, decreased membrane potential and compromised ATP production. However, the mitochondrial function was restored in early embryonic development. In conclusion, BCB was responsible for toxicity in immature swine oocytes, nevertheless, further studies must be performed to evaluate the changes caused by BCB in the embryonic level. / Para a obtenção de embriões suínos produzidos in vitro faz-se necessário que a maturação in vitro (MIV) ocorra de forma eficiente, o que exige a seleção dos complexos cumulus-oócitos (CCOs) mais competentes. O corante Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB) permite selecionar os CCOs que completaram seu crescimento, mediante a avaliação dos níveis da enzima G6PDH. Entretanto, existe um possível efeito nocivo relacionado ao processo de seleção com BCB, o qual pode ser devido a uma toxicidade intrínseca do corante ou aos vários fatores relacionados à composição dos meios para a realização do teste. Desta forma, esta pesquisa teve como objetivos: averiguar a existência de toxicidade após exposição ao BCB e avaliar o efeito de diferentes meios para a coloração com BCB sobre a capacidade de suporte ao desenvolvimento oocitário. Na primeira pesquisa, após a coloração com BCB e após a MIV, vários testes foram realizados para avaliar os efeitos de sua potencial toxicidade sobre a atividade e a funcionalidade mitocondrial: análises de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS), ATP, potencial de membrana mitocondrial e número de cópias de DNA mitocondrial. Como resultados, obteve-se que oócitos corados com BCB produziram altos níveis de ROS quando comparados com o controle imediatamente após a coloração e após a MIV. O ATP e potencial de membrana mitocondrial apresentaram resultado similar entre os grupos após a coloração, porém, após a MIV oócitos BCB apresentaram menor potencial de membrana e ATP. Não ocorreu diferença no número de cópias do DNAmt nos grupos avaliados. Já, no teste do conteúdo de ATP em embriões iniciais, o ATP foi inferior em oócitos BCB, porém, não ocorreu diferença significativa. Na segunda pesquisa, comparou-se o meio mais utilizado, D-PBS, com um meio mais elaborado para o BCB, chamado de ReproPEL. Os CCOs submetidos aos dois meios foram submetidos à MIV e avaliados quanto à maturação nuclear e citoplasmática, ativação partenogenética e ao teste cometa. Na MIV nuclear, as maiores taxas de MII (P<0,05) foram obtidas no DPBS+ (63,1%), ReproPELc (55,1%) e ReproPEL+ (50,2%). Quanto à densidade dos GC, os grupos com menor área (P<0,05), evidenciando melhor migração, foram ReproPELc, D-PBS+, D-PBS- e ReproPEL+. A ativação partenogenética demonstrou que o meio ReproPEL possui boa capacidade de manutenção oocitária, possibilitando taxas aceitáveis de desenvolvimento até o estágio de blastocisto: ReproPEL+ (13,0%); e ReproPELc (12,7%). Desta forma, o meio ReproPEL pode ser indicado para a manutenção oocitária, porém não foi o meio mais indicado para o corante BCB. Com relação à toxicidade, após a exposição ao BCB e após a MIV, os oócitos BCB apresentaram alterações em nível mitocondrial, devido ao aumento na produção de ROS, diminuição do potencial de membrana e ao comprometimento da produção de ATP. Porém, a função mitocondrial foi restaurada no início do desenvolvimento embrionário. Com tudo isso, conclui-se que o BCB foi responsável por toxicidade em oócitos suínos imaturos, sendo necessários novos estudos para avaliar as alterações causadas pelo BCB em nível embrionário.

Antiretroviral drugs are successful in controlling HIV/AIDS and reducing disease progression. Antiretroviral regimens are stopped in up to 25% of all patients during their initial treatment therapy as a result of adverse drug effects, failing treatment and nonadherence within the initial eight months of treatment (Sharma et al., 2007: 235). A pharmacovigilance surveillance system makes it possible for physicians, pharmacists and other healthcare providers to report suspected ADRs. The purpose of this system is to operate as a guide in identification of new ADRs and predisposing risk factors to known ADRs. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and documentation of adverse drug reactions (ADR) in the private and public antiretroviral clinics in Maseru district, with special reference to zidovudine (AZT) and tenofovir (TDF) - based regimens. The empirical investigation was divided into two phases. The first phase was a cross-sectional quantitative retrospective drug utilisation review study which focused on the occurrence of adverse drug reactions in patients taking zidovudine (AZT) and tenofovir (TDF). The second phase, a survey in a form of questionnaires for the health professionals. Drug utilisation review: The sample size of patients was 300. Of the 44 patients who experience ADRs, 72.73% (n = 32) were female and 27.27% (n = 12) were male. A greater number of patients who experienced ADRs were females with 43.18% (n = 19) presenting with skin rash, 27.27% (n = 12) with nausea/vomiting, and 2.27% (n = 1) with diarrhoea. In male patients, 2.27% (n = 1) had peripheral neuropathy, 18.18% (n = 8) skin rash, 2.27% (n = 1) Fanconi syndrome, 2.27% (n = 1) nausea/vomiting, and 2.27% (n = 1) diarrhoea. Patients whose ART regimen changed due to ADRs were five. 60% (n = 3) of the patients were females and 40% (n = 2) were males. There was an estimated increase of 0.0025 cell/mm³, 0.0026 cell/mm³, 0.0024 cell/mm³, 0.0025 cell/mm³, and of 0.0019 cell/mm³ in CD4 cell count per day according to sex, age group, weight group, initial ART regimen, and ADRs, respectively. An estimated increase of 0.00021 g/dL, 0.00022 g/dL, 0.00018 g/dL, 0.00022 g/dL, and of 0.00020 g/dL in Hb profile per day occurred according to sex, age group, weight group, initial ART regimen, and ADRs, respectively. There was an estimated increase of 0.000062%, 0.000046%, 0.000068%, 0.000062%, and of 0.00017% in neutrophil count according to sex, age group, weight group, initial ART regimen, and ADRs per day, respectively. There was an estimated increase of 0.000044 IU/L, 0.000043 IU/L, 0.000046 IU/L, and of 0.000028 IU/L in ALT according to sex, age group, weight group, and initial ART regimen per day, respectively. An estimated decrease of 0.000013 IU/L in ALT according to ADRs per day also occurred. There was an estimated decrease of 0.00038 μmol/L, 0.00039 μmol/L, 0.00040 μmol/L, 0.00040 μmol/L, and of 0.00028 μmol/L in serum creatinine per day according to sex, age group, weight group, initial ART regimen, and ADRs, respectively. There was an estimated decline of 0.00023 mmol/L, 0.00022 mmol/L, 0.00023 mmol/L, 0.00024 mmol/L, and of 0.00015 mmol/L per day in urea according to sex, age group, weight group, initial ART regimen, and ADRs, respectively. Health professional’s questionnaire: 49 health professionals responded to the questionnaire. 100% (n= 49) of the participants showed that they did not use the yellow card scheme to report ADRs. 34.65% (n = 17) use the individual case safety reports. 57.14% (n = 28) used the structured databases to report ADRs. 85.71% (n = 42) documented in the patient bukana, and 6.12% (n = 3) used the HIV/AIDS ART card to document ADRs occurrence. 91.84% (n = 45) of the health professionals never filled the ADR reporting form in their working environment. In conclusion, adverse drug reactions occurring in a hospital or healthcare facility should be recorded and reported by the medical practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, and the pharmacy technicians. Therefore, it is important to assess the continuous evaluation of the benefits and harm of medicines which will help in achieving the ultimate goal of making safer and more effective treatment available for patients. As well as to help the health professionals to participate in the very important process of continuous surveillance of safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products used in clinical practice. / MPham (Pharmacy Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Antiretroviral drugs are successful in controlling HIV/AIDS and reducing disease progression. Antiretroviral regimens are stopped in up to 25% of all patients during their initial treatment therapy as a result of adverse drug effects, failing treatment and nonadherence within the initial eight months of treatment (Sharma et al., 2007: 235). A pharmacovigilance surveillance system makes it possible for physicians, pharmacists and other healthcare providers to report suspected ADRs. The purpose of this system is to operate as a guide in identification of new ADRs and predisposing risk factors to known ADRs. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and documentation of adverse drug reactions (ADR) in the private and public antiretroviral clinics in Maseru district, with special reference to zidovudine (AZT) and tenofovir (TDF) - based regimens. The empirical investigation was divided into two phases. The first phase was a cross-sectional quantitative retrospective drug utilisation review study which focused on the occurrence of adverse drug reactions in patients taking zidovudine (AZT) and tenofovir (TDF). The second phase, a survey in a form of questionnaires for the health professionals. Drug utilisation review: The sample size of patients was 300. Of the 44 patients who experience ADRs, 72.73% (n = 32) were female and 27.27% (n = 12) were male. A greater number of patients who experienced ADRs were females with 43.18% (n = 19) presenting with skin rash, 27.27% (n = 12) with nausea/vomiting, and 2.27% (n = 1) with diarrhoea. In male patients, 2.27% (n = 1) had peripheral neuropathy, 18.18% (n = 8) skin rash, 2.27% (n = 1) Fanconi syndrome, 2.27% (n = 1) nausea/vomiting, and 2.27% (n = 1) diarrhoea. Patients whose ART regimen changed due to ADRs were five. 60% (n = 3) of the patients were females and 40% (n = 2) were males. There was an estimated increase of 0.0025 cell/mm³, 0.0026 cell/mm³, 0.0024 cell/mm³, 0.0025 cell/mm³, and of 0.0019 cell/mm³ in CD4 cell count per day according to sex, age group, weight group, initial ART regimen, and ADRs, respectively. An estimated increase of 0.00021 g/dL, 0.00022 g/dL, 0.00018 g/dL, 0.00022 g/dL, and of 0.00020 g/dL in Hb profile per day occurred according to sex, age group, weight group, initial ART regimen, and ADRs, respectively. There was an estimated increase of 0.000062%, 0.000046%, 0.000068%, 0.000062%, and of 0.00017% in neutrophil count according to sex, age group, weight group, initial ART regimen, and ADRs per day, respectively. There was an estimated increase of 0.000044 IU/L, 0.000043 IU/L, 0.000046 IU/L, and of 0.000028 IU/L in ALT according to sex, age group, weight group, and initial ART regimen per day, respectively. An estimated decrease of 0.000013 IU/L in ALT according to ADRs per day also occurred. There was an estimated decrease of 0.00038 μmol/L, 0.00039 μmol/L, 0.00040 μmol/L, 0.00040 μmol/L, and of 0.00028 μmol/L in serum creatinine per day according to sex, age group, weight group, initial ART regimen, and ADRs, respectively. There was an estimated decline of 0.00023 mmol/L, 0.00022 mmol/L, 0.00023 mmol/L, 0.00024 mmol/L, and of 0.00015 mmol/L per day in urea according to sex, age group, weight group, initial ART regimen, and ADRs, respectively. Health professional’s questionnaire: 49 health professionals responded to the questionnaire. 100% (n= 49) of the participants showed that they did not use the yellow card scheme to report ADRs. 34.65% (n = 17) use the individual case safety reports. 57.14% (n = 28) used the structured databases to report ADRs. 85.71% (n = 42) documented in the patient bukana, and 6.12% (n = 3) used the HIV/AIDS ART card to document ADRs occurrence. 91.84% (n = 45) of the health professionals never filled the ADR reporting form in their working environment. In conclusion, adverse drug reactions occurring in a hospital or healthcare facility should be recorded and reported by the medical practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, and the pharmacy technicians. Therefore, it is important to assess the continuous evaluation of the benefits and harm of medicines which will help in achieving the ultimate goal of making safer and more effective treatment available for patients. As well as to help the health professionals to participate in the very important process of continuous surveillance of safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products used in clinical practice. / MPham (Pharmacy Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

La ICSI porcina es una herramienta con gran potencial aplicativo en diversos campos, entre los que destacan la producción de animales transgénicos, y la recuperación de razas en peligro de extinción. Aunque en la actualidad existen referencias de obtención de descendencia viva, el rendimiento es inferior al de otras especies, posiblemente debido al desconocimiento de las condiciones idóneas, y la dificultad de los cigotos para alcanzar el estadío de blastocisto in vitro. El presente trabajo se llevó a cabo para determinar diferentes factores que podrían afectar al rendimiento de la técnica, estudiando el efecto de 1) la secuencia de cultivo de los zigotos recién inyectados; 2) modificaciones en el sistema de MIV tradicional, y por último 3) la activación exógena del ovocito mediante la inyección de inositol trifosfato con el espermatozoide. El objetivo global de este estudio fue el de incrementar el rendimiento final de la ICSI en la especie porcina. / ICSI in pigs is a tool with an important applicable potential in diverse fields. One of this is the production of transgenic animals, and the conservation of endangered species. Even though there are some cases of living offspring, its output is still quite low comparing to other species, possibly due to unknown factors referring to ideal conditions for the development, and to the difficulty of the zygotes to reach the blastocyst stage in vitro. The goal of this study was to evaluate different factors affecting the ICSI performance. This was done by studying 1) the sequence of culture of the injected oocytes; 2) In vitro maturation (IVM) modifications, through meiotic inhibitors, such as roscovitine, and changes in IVM duration time, and finally 3) the exogenous oocyte activation through inositol triphosphate (InsP3) injection together with the sperm. The main objective of this study was to increase the final performance of ICSI in pigs.

The HIV epidemic does not only affect people living with HIV or AIDS but has a large impact on the children. They are being stigmatised by association. There is paucity in research on HIV stigma interventions. In addition, existing interventions aimed at reducing HIV stigma are not community based and very few are aimed at HIV-affected children. The purpose of this study was to assess the change on psychological well-being of HIV-affected children after a Community based HIV Stigma Reduction and Wellness Enhancement Intervention, and to explore and describe their experiences thereof. This study formed part of a larger Community based HIV Stigma Reduction and Wellness Enhancement Intervention project. A mixed method convergent parallel design involving quantitative and qualitative data collection, analyses and integration of findings was applied. The sample was drawn from populations in the greater Potchefstroom urban area and rural Ganyesa in the North West Province. The children as participants in this study were children of PLHA in the larger study and were recruited using snowball sampling (n=11) and were between the ages 15 and 21 years. The quantitative component utilised a one group pre-test-repetitive-post-test design which was analysed by using IBM SPSS (ver. 20) by comparing t-test scores and F-ratios in ANOVA. The qualitative component of the study employed a holistic multiple case study approach and qualitative interpretive description and data were analysed by using thematic content and document analyses. The results indicated no significant difference between the urban and the rural groups in the subscales and total scores of mental well-being. The results of the total scores projected that the participants’ mental health was in the region of moderately mentally healthy. The in-depth interviews confirmed the three dimensions of the subscales indicating that they have verbalised similar experiences to the itemised subscales of emotional, social and psychological well-being. The intervention was a meaningful experience to the children. They gained knowledge about HIV stigma and how to cope with it; as well how to build relationships amongst themselves and with the PLHA. They gained a better understanding of their parents suffering from HIV and other PLHA as well as support of one another being in this difficult situation. Conducting the project led to them becoming empowered to act as leaders in HIV stigma reduction. The results of the in-depth interviews showed that the children gained a greater awareness of the process of the stigma and experienced a general increase in their knowledge throughout the workshop and the project. They formed meaningful relationships with other children and deepened their relationships with their parents and other PLHA. The children were empowered through these interventions to advocate against HIV stigma despite the challenges they faced. They gained confidence and experienced personal growth through their participation in the project. It is recommended that the findings of the study be applied in education to raise awareness of HIV stigma among psychology students and for training of practicing psychologists on their role in reducing HIV stigma and enhancing well-being of the PLHA and those living close to them. It could also be meaningful if the intervention were to be used for practice purposes where support is given to the newly diagnosed PLHA and those associated with them. Further research can be done to test sustainability of the intervention in a different context and with a bigger sample. / Thesis (MA (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.