[Truncated abstract] Increased incidence of hypertension, insulin resistance, obesity and dyslipidemia, collectively referred to as the metabolic syndrome, has been linked to low birth weight, an indicator of a poor fetal environment. This association reflects developmental programming, a process by which organ systems are affected during early development such that disease states are more likely to emerge in adult life. Fetal glucocorticoid overexposure is thought to be a key factor that mediates developmental programming. Accordingly, maternal treatment with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone retards fetal growth and leads to delayed puberty, hypertension, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperleptinemia, either with or without increased adiposity, in adult offspring. Importantly, the postnatal environment can either amplify or attenuate the long-term outcome of developmental programming. The focus of this thesis was whether adverse developmental programming outcomes can be attenuated by the postnatal environment and thus provide therapeutic potential. Specifically, the effects of a postnatal diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids on glucocorticoid-induced developmental programming outcomes was investigated. ... The adipocyte phenotype was examined in Study 6, with hyperleptinaemia evident in offspring at 6 and 12 months of age in dexamethasone-exposed animals on a standard omega-3 diet, but this effect was prevented by a high omega-3 diet. The pattern of plasma leptin was paralleled by changes in leptin mRNA in retroperitoneal fat. Similarly, plasma levels of the inflammatory markers IL-6 and IL-1β were upregulated by prenatal glucocorticoid exposure and these were attenuated by postnatal dietary omega-3 fatty acids. Overall, omega-3 ingestion reduced adiposity, as indicated by measures of body composition. In conclusion, the studies presented in this thesis demonstrate for the first time that many of the detrimental effects of excess glucocorticoid exposure in utero on the adult phenotype can be attenuated by a postnatal diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This beneficial effect of omega-3 fatty acids was associated with a reversal of some (e.g. adiposal leptin) but not all (e.g. renal GR) 'programmed' changes in gene expression. These findings raise the possibility that dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may provide a viable therapeutic option for preventing and/or reducing adverse programming outcomes in humans.

In this study the role played by metaphor in psychotherapy is investigated. Issues discussed, included the formulation of a definition of metaphor as well as an adequate theory of metaphor. The place metaphor holds in thought and learning; as well as how it has found its expression within some psychotherapeutic traditions are also discussed. The primary aim of the dissertation is to illustrate the versatility of metaphor, enabling it to be a significant and powerful tool in the hand of the psychotherapist. The application of various forms of metaphor is illustrated through case studies which offer a discussion of how the specific type of metaphor had been applied in psychotherapy. In conclusion, some recommendations are made with regard to further research within the fields of psychotherapy and neuropsychology. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

Seaweeds of the genus Plocamium are known to produce a variety of halogenated monoterpenes. In addition to their ecological role as feeding deterrents, biological activities reported for these compounds include antibacterial, antialgal, antifungal and anticancer activities. An investigation of the non-polar extracts of the seaweed Plocamium corallorhiza resulted in the isolation of six known halogenated monoterpene compounds, 4-bromo-5-bromomethyl-1-chlorovinyl-2, 5-dichloro-methylcyclohexane (2.68), 1,4,8-tribromo-3 ,7-dichloro-3, 7-dimethyl-1,5-octadiene (2.67), 8-bromo-1 ,3,4,7-tetrachloro-3, 7-dimethyl-1,5-octadiene (2.66), 4,6-dibromo-1,1-dichloro-3,7-dimethyl-2,7-octadiene (2.64), 4,8-dibromo-1,1,7-trichloro-3,7-dimethyl-2,5-octadiene (2.65) and 3,4 ,6,7-tetrachloro-3, 7-dimethyl-1-octene (2.63) as well as eight new compounds, including five halogenated monoterpene aldehydes. The new compounds were identified by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques as: 8-Bromo-6,7-dichloro-3,7-dimethyl-octa-2,4-dienal (2.72), 8-Bromo-1,1,2,7-tetrachloro-3,7-dimethyl-octa-3,5-diene (2.70), 4,8-Dichloro-3,7-dimethyl-octa-2,4,6-trienal (2.74), 4-Bromo-8-chloro-3, 7-di methyl-octa-2, 6-dienal (2 76), 8-Bromo-4-chloro-3, 7-dimethyl-octa-2,4 ,6-trienaI (2.75), 4-Bromo-1,3,6,7-tetrachloro-3 ,7-dimethyl-octa-1,4-diene (2.71), 8-Bromo-1,3,4,7-tetrachloro-3,7-dimethyl-octa-1,5-diene (2.69), 4,6-Dibromo-3,7 -dimethyl-octa-2,7-dienal (2.73). All compounds were screened for antimicrobial activity, brine shrimp lethality and cytotoxicity towards oesophageal cancer cells. Compound 2.68 was toxic to brine shrimp larvae at a concentration of 50 μ/mL. It also showed promising activity towards oesophageal cancer cells with an IC₅₀, of 2 μg/mL.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / Background Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) also known as pityriasis capitis is a common skin condition that affects mainly the scalp, causing scaly patches, red skin and stubborn dandruff (Preedy 2012). It has been reported that dandruff occurs in at least 50% of the world’s adult population and approximately 15% to 20% of the world’s total population (Mia 2016). Recent studies suggest that a scalp specific yeast called Malasseiza globosa appears to be responsible for SD (Zhang, Ran, Xie and Zhang 2013). Seborrheic dermatitis does not affect overall health but it can be uncomfortable and may cause embarrassment and low self-esteem (Del Rosso 2011; Preedy 2012). Anecdotal evidence at Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Community Clinic (UNHCC) indicated that patients with SD responded positively to Calendula officinalis Ø in combination with Olea europaea (olive oil). Notwithstanding this, there is a dearth of clinical data available to validate the aforesaid patient’s positive response. Hence this study aims to provide clinical evidence to prove or disprove patient’s response to Calendula officinalis Ø in combination with Olea europaea (olive oil). Objective The aim of this double blind randomized controlled study was to determine the efficacy of a topical application comprising Calendula officinalis Ø with Olea europaea in the management of SD of the scalp (dandruff). Material and methods The sample was selected by means of non-probability convenience sampling and consisted of 64 consenting participants between the ages of 18 to 50 years who had read the information letter and met the inclusion criteria. Participants were evenly distributed between the treatment and control groups according to the randomization list (32 participants in each group). The treatment group received Calendula officinalis Ø with Olea europaea and the control group received Olea europaea only. Three participants withdrew from the study resulting in only 61 completing the study, 30 from the control group and 31 from the treatment group. The study was conducted at the Durban University of Technology Homoeopathic Day Clinic (DUTHDC) under the supervision of a qualified and registered homoeopathic clinician. The duration of the study was six weeks with three consultations in total. Consultations took place on day 1, day 22 and day 43. At each consultation the participants were assessed by three individuals – the participant themselves, the researcher, and an independent party (the homoeopathic clinician on duty that day). The assessment tools included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for the researcher and clinician consisting of the following categories: irritation, flaking, greasiness, percentage of the scalp involved and overall impression; and the Patient Perception Questionnaire (PPQ) for the patient consisting of the following categories: irritation, flaking, greasiness, itching and overall impression. This was accompanied by a detailed case history and physical examination performed by the researcher. Results Both the control and treatment groups displayed overall improvement in terms of Patient Perception Questionnaire and Visual Analogue Scale which means that a combination of Olea europeae with Calendula officinalis Ø (treatment group) and Olea europeae only (control group) were effective in the management of SD. There was no statistically significant difference between the effect of a combination of Olea europaea with Calendula officinalis Ø and Olea europaea only. In terms of the VAS and PPQ categories, there was a statistical significance between the groups, with the exception of irritation. Significant differences found were as follows: Flaking (clinician and patient rated p = 0.019) on visit 3 for the control group. Greasiness (clinician and patient rated p = 0.027) on visit 3 for the control group. Greasiness (researcher and patient rated p = 0.012) on visit 2 for the treatment group. Percentage of the scalp involved (researcher and clinician rated p = 0.013) on visit 2 for the treatment group. Overall impression (researcher and patient rated p = 0.026) on visit 2 for the control group. Overall impression (researcher and clinician rated p = 0.026) on visit 3 for the treatment group. Conclusion Both the combination of Olea europaea with Calendula officinalis Ø and Olea europaea only improve SD. Therefore, a topical application comprising Calendula officinalis Ø and Olea europaea is effective in the management of SD of the scalp (dandruff) and therefore permits further investigation. / M

Cyclic dipeptides have been well characterized for their multitude of biological activities, including antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Cyclo(His-Gly) and cyclo(His-Ala) have also recently been shown to possess significant anticancer activity against a range of cell lines, despite the limitations of these two molecules with respect to their physicochemical properties. Low Log P results in poor cell permeability which can often be problematic for drugs with intracellular mechanisms of action. It can also results in poor biodistribution, and theoretical Log P values for cyclo(His-Gly) and cyclo(His-Ala) were extremely low making them ideal candidates for inclusion into a nanoparticulate drug delivery system. The aim of this study was therefore to formulate and evaluate liposome-encapsulated cyclic dipeptides that increase the tumour-suppressive actions of the cyclic dipeptides, while showing a high degree of specificity for tumour cells. While liposomes are relatively simple to prepare, inter batch variation, low encapsulation and poor stability are often problematic in their production and this has lead to very few liposomal products on the market. This study aimed at using a comprehensive statistical methodology in optimizing liposome formulations encapsulating cyclo(His-Gly) and cyclo(His-Ala). Initial screening of potential factors was conducted using a 25-1 fractional factorial design. This design made use of two levels for each of the five factors and abbreviated the design to minimize runs. Although not much information is provided by these types of designs, the design was sufficient in identifying two critical factors that would be studies further in a more robust design. The two factors selected, based on the screening study, were cholesterol and stearylamine content. These two factors were then used in designing a response surface methodology (RSM) design making use of a central composite rotatable vii design (CCRD) at five levels (-1.5, -1, 0, 1, 1.5) for each factor in order to better understand the design space. Various factors influenced the measured responses of encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential, polydispersity index, cellular uptake and leakage, but most notable were the adverse effects of increasing stearylamine levels on encapsulations efficiency and cholesterol levels on leakage for both cyclo(His-Gly) and cyclo(His-Ala) liposomes. Optimized formulations were derived from the data and prepared. Fair correlation between the predicted and measured responses was obtained. The cytotoxic activity of the encapsulated cyclic dipeptides were assessed against HeLa and MCF-7 cells and found to have limited improvement in activity. However, modification of the polyethylene glycol (PEG) grafted to the liposome surface in order to target folate receptors showed good benefit in significantly decreasing the IC50 values recorded in all cells lines tested, particularly low folate HeLa cells with the lowest IC50 being recorded as 0.0962 mM for folate targeted cyclo(His-Ala). The results therefore indicate that hydrophilic cyclic dipeptides are ideal candidates for inclusion into targeted drug delivery systems such as liposomes. Key words: Liposomes, cyclo(His-Gly), cyclo(His-Ala), cyclic dipeptides, HeLa, MCF-7, folate receptors, factorial design, response surface methodology (RSM), central composite rotatable design (CCRD).

Previous controlled studies have shown that severe daytime restriction of dietary protein improves the efficacy of L-dopa and reduces response fluctuations in some Parkinson's disease in-patients. The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the nutritional adequacy of the restricted protein diet. Other objectives were to assess the patients' acceptance of the diet and to identify the practical difficulties encountered in following the diet at home. The effect of the restricted protein diet on the subjects' response to levodopa was also examined. Subjects were 11 free-living, otherwise healthy Parkinson's disease patients who suffered from unpredictable response fluctuations to Sinemet (L-dopa containing medicine). This condition is also described as the "on-off" phenomenon. They were counselled to consume a daytime restricted protein diet for 6 weeks (mean ± s.d. protein intake before evening meal 12 ± 2 g for females and 14 ± 3 g for males). Food intake was unrestricted from dinner until bedtime, and subjects were encouraged to consume nutrient-dense foods during this period. The subjects were required to complete a series of three 6-day food records and "on-off" charts (pre-diet, diet week 2, diet week 6). The "on-off" charts indicated the daily number of hours spent in the "on" state (when medication is effective and parkinsonian symptoms are controlled) and in the "off" state (when medication is not effective and symptoms are not well controlled). Hemoglobin, plasma albumin, prealbumin and ferritin were measured before and after the 6-week diet period. Subjective evaluation questionnaires were completed by all participants and their spouses or caregivers. Results from dietary record analysis showed that the restricted protein diet was associated with significant decreases in total intakes of protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and pantothenate, in comparison to "usual" intakes. Intake of energy, carbohydrates, lipids, potassium, thiamin, folacin, and vitamins A, C and B12 did not change significantly. While on the restricted protein diet, only calcium intake was substantially less than the RNI. Biochemical measures of nutritional status were not significantly reduced. Mean body weight tended to decrease (p=.054) over the first 2 weeks and then stabilized until the end of the study period. The results of the "on-off" charts showed that three of the eleven subjects significantly increased their daily time "on" while on the restricted protein diet. Subjectively, six individuals noted an improvement in daytime mobility and indicated that they would maintain the diet for an indefinite period of time. Problems identified by the subjects included hunger prior-'to the evening meal and a lack of variety in food choices. These results show that otherwise healthy and motivated patients with Parkinson's disease can maintain an adequate intake of energy, protein, and most nutrients while on the daytime restricted protein diet. The diet appeared to be relatively well tolerated by patients who obtained a subjective benefit. It is suggested that in patients whose regular diets are marginally adequate, the restricted protein diet might compromise nutrient intakes. Counselling by a registered dietitian is recommended for all patients who undertake this type of diet. / Land and Food Systems, Faculty of / Graduate

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic and debilitating condition, characterized by irreversible damage to the joint space, most commonly affecting the knees, hips, hands and spine (Colledge et al., 2010). OA is the leading cause of joint pain and disability in middle-aged and elderly persons (Long et al., 2001). The prevalence of OA of the knee in adults living in the United Sates has grown from a reported 21 million in 1990 to a total estimate of 26.9 million in 2005 (CDC, 2011). By the age of 65 years, 80% of the total population has been reported as showing radiographic evidence of OA; while a 20-30% of the total population is symptomatic with radiographic evidence of OA (Doherty et al., 2006). Conventional treatment for OA of the knee is aimed at pain management by use of analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Some negative effects of these drugs include drug dependency, liver and kidney damage, cardiovascular pathologies, gastric upset and depression. Corticosteroid injections are also used to alleviate chronic inflammation and joint pain, but may lead to further joint destruction (Shamoon and Hochberg, 2000; Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2011). OsteoEze Gold™ is a nutraceutical product that contains chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine sulphate, vitamin C and manganese. In combination, the constituents of OsteoEze Gold™ have been shown to be useful in the treatment for OA of the knee (Clegg et al., 2006). In addition, studies have shown that these ingredients prove effective in reducing moderate to severe pain in sufferers of OA of the knee (Vidyasagar et al., 2004). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of OsteoEze Gold™ on the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) and quality of life in OA of the knee using blood tests and the Arthritic Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS2SF) respectively. This was a 16-week, double blind, placebo-controlled study using matched pairs according to age, gender and severity of symptoms, and formed part of a group study, with another researcher, who utilized the Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain scale (ICOAP) Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and the same sample...

The purpose of this study was to explore the various animal assisted interventions mental health professionals incorporate in the therapeutic treatment process, as well as the various therapeutic purposes intended with each technique. Participants were recruited from animal assisted therapy related databases. Participants included professionals who practiced in the mental health field. Thirty one participants qualified for the study. A survey was developed based on information found reviewing literature related to animal assisted therapy. Nineteen animal assisted therapy techniques and ten therapeutic intentions were identified from a review of the literature. Participants were asked to rate on a Likert scale how often they incorporated each technique in their treatment process. Additionally, participants were asked to identify which therapeutic purposes they intended with each technique. Results indicated participants incorporated a variety of animal assisted techniques for various therapeutic intentions. Results indicated seven animal assisted techniques were incorporated by more than 50% of the participants. Building rapport in the therapeutic relationship was the most common therapeutic intention reported with a variety of animal assisted techniques.

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