Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2008. / Bibliography. Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Nevada, Reno, 2008. / "August, 2008." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 152-158). Online version available on the World Wide Web.

Field and greenhouse studies were conducted in 2007 and 2008 to evaluate the foliar efficacy of saflufenacil on horseweed (Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq.). In the field, saflufenacil applied alone at the lowest rate (25 g/ha) resulted in less control than all other herbicide treatments that included saflufenacil. The addition of glyphosate to 25 g/ha of saflufenacil increased the level of control over either herbicide applied alone. However, the addition of glyphosate to 50 g/ha of saflufenacil or greater was not beneficial because saflufenacil alone provided at least 95% control. Overall, horseweed height at the time of herbicide application had very little effect on the efficacy of saflufenacil applied alone or in combination with glyphosate. Application variables can enhance the foliar activity of saflufenacil. In the greenhouse, saflufenacil combined with glyphosate provided greater control than saflufenacil applied alone on both glyphosate-susceptible and -resistant horseweed populations. Regardless of horseweed population or glyphosate, saflufenacil had greater activity when crop oil concentrate rather than nonionic surfactant was used as the adjuvant. Decreasing light level within 24 hours of herbicide application resulted in greater saflufenacil activity. Applying saflufenacil in a pH 5 spray solution resulted in greater activity than pH 7 or pH 9. Although effects from saflufenacil applied under different temperatures were evident in early timings, there were no lasting effects on the efficacy of saflufenacil. Saflufenacil had significant activity on both glyphosate-susceptible and -resistant horseweed. Under certain conditions when complete control of horseweed is not achieved, such as low application rates, large target weeds, and varying environmental conditions, application variables including glyphosate tank-mixtures, crop oil concentrate, low spray solution pH, and low light level may increase the level of horseweed control from saflufenacil.

The study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of people treated for multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Omaheke region, Namibia in order to make relevant recommendations regarding their management. A descriptive qualitative design approach was used. Data was collected using in-depth individual interviews with six participants. The interview transcripts were analysed using thematic content analysis. Three themes emerged namely (1) Stressors related to MDR-TB diagnosis and treatment which involved nature of disease and compulsory hospitalisation (2) Impact of being treated for MDR-TB which related to emotional , social , spiritual and financial impact (3) Support structures for people treated for MDR-TB which included family members, health care professionals and friends. Systemic practical patient-centred, staff-centred and community-centred recommendations are suggested as well as recommendations for future research and an appraisal of the limitations of this study. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Master of Science / Department of Grain Science and Industry / Yong-Cheng Shi / Sorghum flour is a gluten-free ingredient and can be used to prepare foods for celiac patients. In addition, sorghum flour is a good source of fiber in the form of resistant starch. The objectives of this research were to develop an effective process to increase resistant starch content of sorghum flour and investigate the effects of sorghum protein matrix on starch digestibility. Samples of white sorghum flour (28.9% amylose content) with different moisture contents (0%, 12.5%, 20%, and 30%) were treated at different temperatures (100, 120, and 140 [degrees]C) for different times (1, 2, and 4 h). Samples after heat treatments were tested for starch digestibility, protein digestibility, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), and X-ray diffraction. The sample treated with 20% moisture at 100[degrees]C for 4 h had high resistant starch (RS) content (22.1% compared with 5.6% of the native sample) and low protein digestibility (8.4% compared with 68.3% of the native sample). The same heat-moisture treatment on isolated sorghum starch showed no significant change in RS content. DSC showed a very low degree of gelatinization for samples treated at moisture contents 20% and below. X-ray diffraction also suggested minimal change in starch crystallinity after heat treatment at low moisture contents (20% and below). Sorghum protein solubility after heat treatment was reduced, suggesting that protein structure was altered during the heat treatments. In conclusion, heat-moisture treatments were successful in increasing resistant starch content of sorghum flour by altering sorghum protein without gelatinizing the starch to retain starch functionality in food product applications. Sorghum flour with increased resistant starch content after heat treatment was evaluated and compared with normal sorghum flour for starch digestibility using the Integrated Total Dietary Fiber method, and for food applications in tortillas.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:24:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-10-02Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:31:45Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 cruz_ar_me_botfmvz.pdf: 295083 bytes, checksum: ab5cfdefcaea9966bbd7d2f696f50b96 (MD5) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / A passagem de bactérias resistentes dos animais ao homem é possível. As amostras foram coletadas de cães, machos e fêmeas, de diferentes raças e idade, com infecções bacterianas variadas. Foram realizados cultura e antibiograma das bactérias isoladas (n=100), sendo avaliadas como sensíveis ou resistentes. Grupo das bactérias Gram-negativas: tetraciclina 83,02%, azitromicina 81,48%, doxiciclina 77,78%, ampicilina 62,96%, ceftiofur e florfenicol 50%, cefalexina 46,3%, enrofloxacino 44,44%, norfloxacino 18,52%, gentamicina 20,37%, levofloxacino 27,78%, amoxicilina + ácido clavulânico 31,48%, ciprofloxacino 31,48%, amicacina e ceftriaxona 33,33%, cloranfenicol e sulfa + trimetoprin 35,19%. Grupo dos Streptococcus: tetraciclina 80%, eritromicina 72%, enrofloxacino e levofloxacino 52%, ampicilina, azitromicina, ciprofloxacino, norfloxacino, penicilina G e sulfa + trimetoprin 48%, amoxicilina + ácido clavulânico 4%, cefalexina 12%, florfenicol 24%, ceftiofur, ceftriaxona e oxacilina 28%, cloranfenicol 32%. Grupo dos Staphylococcus spp: ampicilina 57,14%, sulfa + trimetoprin e tetraciclina 52,38%, amicacina, amoxicilina + ácido clavulânico, gentamicina, levofloxacino, 4,76%; cefalexina, ceftiofur, ceftriaxona e cloranfenicol, 9,52%; vancomicina 13,33%, norfloxacino 19,05%; ciprofloxacino, enrofloxacino e oxacilina 23,81% e azitromicina 33,33%. Os cães são reservatórios de bactérias multidrogas resistentes que podem transmitir por meio de plasmídios os genes de resistência, explicando a resistência de bactérias isoladas de cães à antimicrobianos de uso humano como a vancomicina. / The transmission of resistant bacteria from animals to humans is possible. Samples were collected from different breeds of dogs in different ages including males and females, with a variety of bacterial infections. The culture and antibiograma of isolated bacteria were analysed (n = 100), being evaluated as sensitive or resistant. Group of Gram-negative bacteria tetracycline 83.02%, azithromycin 81.48%, doxycycline 77.78%, ampicillin 62.96%, ceftiofur and florfenicol 50%, cephalexin 46,3%, enrofloxacin 44.44%, norfloxacin 18.52%, gentamicin 20.37%, levofloxacin 27.78%, amoxicillin + clavulanic acid 31.48%, ciprofloxacin 31.48%, amikacin and ceftriaxone 33.33%, chloramphenicol and trimethoprim + sulfa (35.19%). Streptococcus’ group: tetracycline 80%, erythromycin 72%, enrofloxacin and levofloxacin 52%, ampicillin, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, penicillin G and sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim 48%, amoxicillin + clavulanic acid 4%, cephalexin 12%, florfenicol 24%, ceftiofur, ceftriaxone, and oxacillin 28%, chloramphenicol 32%. Group of Staphylococcus spp: ampicillin 57.14%, sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim and tetracycline 52.38%, amikacin, amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, gentamicin, levofloxacin, 4.76%, cephalexin, ceftiofur, ceftriaxone, and chloramphenicol 9.52%, vancomycin 13.33%, norfloxacin 19.05% ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin and oxacillin 23.81% and azithromycin 33.33%. Dogs have resistant-multidrug bacteria that might pass through the plasmid resistant genes, explaining the resistance of isolated bacteria from dogs to human use of antimicrobials such as vancomycin.

2 p. / Originally published 2001. / The plants on this list represent plants less likely to be eaten by javelina. Reviewed 10/2016. Originally published 2001.

Background: Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) is considered a disease of the past but it remains a major cause of mortality among immune compromised patients and continues to be a significant threat to public health globally. Notably, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) has increased over the years. The biological link of TB and DM has been reported in numerous literature with DM attributed to three folds increase in the risk of TB and linked to Drug Resistant TB, especially amongst aged diabetic patients. The aim of the study was to examine the distribution of DM among TB patients and explore the risk of Drug resistant TB in Diabetics infected with TB Methods: The study employed a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive case based study involving 3638 patients diagnosed with pulmonary TB in the State of Florida, USA, 2009-2014. A comparative analysis of TB cases with DM and cases without DM adjusted for age was conducted. The risk of Drug resistant TB associated with DM was estimated through logistic regression analysis. Odds Ratios of TB/DM comorbidity were calculated and adjusted for Age using 5-year intervals from 40 years to above 70 years. Ninety-five percent (95%) confidence intervals were used and the accepted level of error was 0.05. Results: There were 3836 cases of Pulmonary TB in Florida for the period of 2009-2014. The majority of cases (65%) were males and likely unemployed (59.1%). The prevalence of DM was 12 % but when adjusted for age the prevalence of DM was 3.9% amongst patients aged below 40 years and 16.7 % in patients aged above 40 years. An estimated 469 cases had TB/DM comorbidity (12.2%). The majority of TB/DM cases were above 40 years amongst the patients with DM, 44/469 (9.4%) had drug resistant TB and a majority were resistant to Rifampin. Population density did not influence the distribution of TB in this study. Conclusion: Diabetes Mellitus, Aging, and low immunity are linked with increased rates of progressing from latent TB infection to active disease. To achieve the goal of TB elimination it is important to fully understand and identify known TB comorbidities for proper diagnosis and early initiation to care. There is a positive correlation between high DM burden and increased TB prevalence. Therefore, it is recommended that prevention of DM, hyperglycemia and comprehensive management of DM be intensified to prevent TB, improve TB treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of drug resistant TB in Florida, USA.

Class of 2013 Abstract / Specific Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess risk factors that are associated with inpatient charges and mortality rates with methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureu (MRSA), Aspergillus, and Candida in children with leukemia. The hypotheses is MRSA and opportunistic fungal infections are associated with higher inpatient charges and worse outcomes relative to those without. Children with leukemia are especially at risk due to underdeveloped and compromised immune systems. The rational is that identifying the risk factors that affect mortality and inpatient charges of these infections should add to the current knowledge of treating and preventing these infections in immune compromised patients. Methods: Retrospective cohort study using the Agency for Healthcare Research Quality (AHRQ) KIDS 2009 database. Inclusion criteria was defined as 17 years of age or younger and a ICD-9 code for an active infection with MRSA, Aspergillus, or Candida. Regression analysis's were performed to identify factors that had an impact on mortality, length of stay, and direct patient charges. Main Results: Values that were significant (p≤0.05) for predicting an increase in mortality were Age (year), MRSA, Aspergillus, Candida, and Deyo-Charlson comorbidity scores. Significant predictors of increased Inpatient Charges (p≤0.05) was Age (year), MRSA, Aspergillus, Candida, Female Sex, Deyo-Charlson comorbidity scores, Urban Hospitals, and the Southern Region. Significant predictors of Increased Length of Stay (p≤0.05) MRSA, Aspergillus, Candida, Female Sex, Deyo-Charlson, Urban Hospitals, Teaching Hospitals, and the Southern Region. Conclusion: Although uncommon in leukemia cases involving pediatrics or young adults, statistically significant and large risks of higher mortality, length of stay, and inpatient charges were noted in cases involving MRSA, aspergillus, and candida. Increasing Deyo-Charlson comorbidities scores were also consistently important predictors for poor outcomes in these leukemia patients and, with certain outcomes, increasing age and female sex.

Magister Public Health - MPH / Namibia is currently coping with a dual burden of human immunodeficiency (HIV) and HIV-associated tuberculosis (TB). In 2010, HIV prevalence was 18.8%, the TB case notification rate was 634 per 100,000 population, while TB/HIV co-infection was 58% in 2009. There were 372 reported cases of drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) in 2009. This study assessed the prevalence, profile and outcome of adverse events (AEs) associated with the treatment of DR-TB, and risk factors for the adverse events. The researcher used a cross-sectional design. Data was collected from the treatment records of all patients treated for DR-TB (N = 59) at the study facility between January 2008 and February 2010. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the frequency of the adverse events and logistic regression to analyse the association between possible risk factors and (specific) adverse events, with stratification (sub-group analysis) and multivariate analysis to adjust for measured confounders. Results of logistic regression analysis are reported as odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value, where p<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. A total of 141 adverse events were experienced by 90% (53/59) of patients in the sample. HIV-associated TB occurred in 31 (53%) of the sample. The prevalence of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) adverse events was 64%, tinnitus 45%, joint pain 28% and decreased hearing 25%. Abdominal pain, rash, nausea, decreased hearing and joint pain were found to be more common in people living with HIV than in HIV-negative patients. Moderate-to-severe adverse events were mostly experienced after four weeks of DR-TB treatment (OR 6.4; 95% CI 1.6 – 25.6, p= 0.01). Drug-resistant TB patients who were coinfected with HIV were more prone to experiencing three or more adverse events (OR 3.9; 95% CI 1.2 – 13.6, p= 0.03). Patients treated with zidovudine-based ART were at an increased risk of experiencing nausea (OR 7.5; 95% CI 1.1 -51.5, p=0.04). Females were associated with an increased risk of skin rash (OR 15.7; 95% CI 1.7 – 143.7, p=0.01). The use of cycloserine-based DR-TB regimens was associated with joint pain (OR 6.5; 95% CI 1.6 – 25.8, p=0.01), while the risk of ototoxicity was associated with the use of amikacin-containing regimens (OR 12.0; 95% CI 1.3 – 111.3, p=0.03). Adverse events were found to be more common among patients treated for DR-TB (90% prevalence), particularly during the intensive phase of TB therapy. Most of these adverse events were mild and tolerable. Some adverse events were more common among DR-TB patients who were co-infected with HIV than in HIV-negative patients. The characteristics and risk factors of the serious adverse events need further research. The use of cycloserine-based DR-TB regimens was associated with joint pain. Findings of the risk factor analysis are inconclusive because of the small sample size, which severely limited the power of the study. Clinicians should invest more time in the prevention and management of adverse events, and should pay greater attention to the needs of HIV co-infected DR-TB patients who are using second-line anti-TB medications, especially those who are concomitantly undergoing treatment using antiretroviral medicines.