The purpose of this research was to understand the lived experience of a person with a substance addiction that uses or has used alternative therapies for treatment. A single-case study approach was used to understand the lived experiences of Jason, a male in his mid-forties who is healing from a substance addiction. Through in-person interviewing and reading personal manuscripts written by the participant, data were collected. The data were analysed and interpreted using phenomenological and integral hermeneutics. Through the interpretations, it was clear that a major contributing factor to Jason’s drug use was the negative experiences he was carrying from his past. Once he was able to let go of the negativity and let his higher power guide him, his healing journey took a positive turn. Today, Jason lives in the moment and does not need drugs to heal the hurt he is feeling inside. He uses his ultimate alternative method, derived from within himself, to guide his journey in recovery. / viii, 155 leaves ; 29 cm

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the impact of an imagery/relaxation program on athletes with a surgical knee injury. More specifically the study examined changes in state and trait anxiety, locus of control, and attitude/opinion as a result of the imagery/relaxation program. A qualitative design was used to allow for an in-depth examination into each participant's behavior. Since a qualitative design was utilized, the procedures were slightly different for each participant.The following is a general outline for the procedures used. One week prior to surgery the participant was taught progressive relaxation. One week post-surgery the participant was administered the STAI, LCRS, and ERAIQ. The participant was also given a different imagery/relaxation script each week to rehearse beginning one week post-surgery to 11 weeks post-surgery. The participant also completed journal worksheets weekly. At each session the researcher asked interview questions. Twelve weeks post-surgery the participant was given the STAI, LCRS, ERAIQ, and exit questionnaire. Due to the lack of adherence to the program there were no conclusive results. / School of Physical Education

一、背景 中風是臨床常見病多發病，病死率與致殘率均高，流行病學調查結果顯示，我國中風發病率為（109.17〜217)/10萬，中風發病6個月以後仍遺留程度不同的偏癱、麻木、言語蹇澀不利、口眼喎斜、癡呆、情感障礙等後遺症，患者生活品質嚴重降低，其後遺症之一情感障礙以中風後抑鬱症（post stroke depression，PSD)為主。隨著中風的發病率持續增高，中風後抑鬱症同樣呈上升趨勢，國內外研究顯示，中風發病後6個月至2年間PSD的發生率和嚴重程度最高，發病率為30%〜70%，高於其他肢體殘疾患者人群抑鬱發生率（15.1%〜22.5%)及普通人群抑鬱發生率(3%〜6%)。中風後抑鬱症能推遲神經功能缺損恢復，延長恢復時間並使勞動力喪失，降低患者的生活品質，加重患者的精神痛苦，而且使患者對康復方案的實施缺乏積極性和主動性，嚴重影響治療和健康，甚至還會導致患者死亡。近年來，隨著中風患者存活率的提高、神經康復的普及和神經心理學的發展，中風後抑鬱症也越來越引起人們的廣泛關注。中西醫治療中風後抑鬱症有著較好的療效，尤其是針灸治療中風後抑鬱症有著效果顯著、不良反應很少出現、明顯提高患者的生存率和生活品質等優勢。筆者將对近年電針治療中風後抑鬱症的临床文獻做一次評價和探討。 二、目的 通過對近五年針灸治療中風後抑鬱症的國內外臨床研究文獻進行全面檢索，通過對其48篇相關文章的方法學品質評價，對該治療方法進行分析總結，以使電針在治療中風後抑鬱症發揮更好的作用，從而為臨床醫療服務。 三、方法 採用中國生物醫學文獻光碟資料庫（CBM disc）、中國期刊全文資料庫（CNKI,期刊全文資料庫，學位論文資料庫）、中文科技期刊全文資料庫（VIP)，檢索近5年國內有關電針治療中風後抑鬱症的臨床研究文獻，用循證醫學的方法對所收集的符合標準的文獻進行系統評價和分析，並對其文獻品質以及目前電針治療中風後抑鬱症的臨床取穴規律、方法等進行總結，為臨床實踐提供更可靠的依據。 四、結果 在收集的電針治療中風後抑鬱症的文獻中，同時採用國家級的HAMD和CCMD-3有28篇文獻，占58.3%。有中醫診斷標準的文獻有12篇，占25.0%。共同使用HAMD和抑鬱自評量表（SDS)作為評價指標的文獻有14篇，占29.2%。文獻中治療中風後抑鬱症的十大常用穴位為百會、太沖、内關、印堂、神庭、合穀、足三裡、四神聰、神門、三陰交。 五、結論 我國近5年來電針治療中風後抑鬱症的文獻表明電針治療有效，但文獻中採用的隨機方法的品質及可信度較低，盲法幾乎未被應用。這些問題在一定程度上阻礙和減弱了電針治療中風後抑鬱症的推廣和普及。為了提高電針治療中風後抑鬱症的臨床水準，需要採用高品質的臨床研究設計，從而為臨床實踐提供更為可靠的依據。 六、關鍵字 電針 中風後 腦卒中 抑鬱症 臨床研究

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Secondary metabolites derived from plants, especially those used by traditional healers, are at the forefront of new drug development in combating diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Garlic is employed in indigenous medicine all over the world for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Dietary garlic has been recognized for its beneficial health effects. In particular, garlic consumption has been correlated with (i) reduction of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and cancer, (ii) stimulation of immune function, (iii) enhanced detoxification of foreign compounds, (iv) hepatoprotection, (v) antimicrobial effects, (vi) antioxidant effects, and most importantly (vii) its hypoglycemic and anticoagulant properties. Due to these beneficial properties, garlic and its closely related genera which includes Tulbaghia violacea, may be useful as coadjuvant therapy in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and some of its physiological complications. The aim of this study was to determine if T. violacea has antidiabetic and anticoagulant properties. This was performed in vitro using both aqueous and organic extracts of the roots, leaves and bulbs. An organic extract was able to improve glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in INS-1 pancreatic β-cells and glucose uptake in Chang liver cells. The BO extract had no effect on the glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 an adipose cell line and reduced glucose utilisation in C2C12, a skeletal muscle cell line. Some of the properties displayed by T. violacea in this study are consistent with those found in similar studies with garlic extracts. It was observed that the BO extract increased the membrane potential and Glut-2 expression in INS-1 cells cultured at hyperglycemic levels, however, at normoglycemic levels a reduction was observed. The oxygen consumption increased at both glycemic levels due to treatment with the BO extract. Platelets were exposed to the extracts to determine their effects upon platelet aggregation, adhesion and protein secretion. Since the BO extract displayed the highest potential at inhibiting platelet aggregation and adhesion. A rat model was used in ex vivo studies to determine if the extract exhibited the same effect in a physiological model. It was noted that the BO extract exhibited a higher degree of inhibition on platelet aggregation and adhesion than the positive control, aspirin. The BO extract reduced clotting times in the prothrombin time (PT) test, but prolonged the clotting time in the actived partial thromboplastin time (APTT) assay in the ex vivo model; however, it had no affect on these clotting assays in the in vitro model using human blood. The BO extract increased the D-dimer and Fibrinogen-C levels in the in vitro model, but had no effect on the D-dimer concentrations and lowered the Fibrinogen-C levels in the ex vivo model. The active compounds in the extract remain to be elucidated.

Thesis (DPhil (Biomedical Science))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019. / Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic disorders characterised by persistent high blood glucose levels together with abnormal metabolism of macromolecules. If the hyperglycemia is not controlled, adverse metabolic changes could occur leading to the progressive development of severe complications. Formation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and inflammatory responses are principal mechanisms that have been implicated in the development of hyperglycemia-induced tissue damage. The commercially available drugs utilised in the treatment of diabetes have been linked to detrimental side effects hence the need to discover alternative medicines especially from medicinal plants. Catharanthus roseus is both a medicinal and ornamental plant that is traditionally used to treat various diseases. It has been reported to possess antidiabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The plant has been shown to possess more than 100 monotepernoid indole alkaloids which were linked to the plants’ antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effects. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the effect of vindoline; a bioactive compound derived from C. roseus against type 2 diabetes–induced complications. The study also investigated the effects of Catharanthus roseus extracts in RIN-5F cell line. The study was carried out in two parts: viz in vitro and the in vivo assessments. The in vitro study initially investigated the polyphenolic content and antioxidant activities of vindoline and the 3 extracts (methanolic, aqueous and the dichloromethane) of C.roseus. The assays used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the extracts include oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibitory assay. Among the evaluated extracts, the methanolic extract demonstrated both high total polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity. The HLPC analysis of the extracts was performed and showed highest concentrations of vindoline in the dichloromethane extract and the aqueous extract exhibited the least. The antioxidant activities of vindoline were determined and compared to a known antioxidant, ascorbic acid. Vindoline revealed stronger ORAC activity than ascorbic acid however the ferric reducing antioxidant power did not show any significant differences (p < 0.05). Insulin secretion studies were performed in a β-cell insulinoma cell line- RIN-5F exposed to different concentrations of glucose (high, low and in the absence of glucose). The studies were carried out to compare the β-cell stimulatory effect of vindoline to the extracts. After performing cytotoxic experiments, concentrations that resulted in about 80% cell viability were used to determine the insulin secretory effects. In cells that exposed to glucotoxicity (50 mM glucose), vindoline showed the highest β-cell stimulatory effect (p < 0.05) when compared to the untreated controls and to the cells that were treated with the methanolic extract. In cells that were exposed to a low glucose concentration, vindoline additionally showed significant β-cell stimulatory effect at p < 0.05 when compared to the aqueous and the methanolic extracts. Thereafter, the intracellular reactive oxygen species assay (ROSA) was performed in glucotoxicity-induced cells after treatment with vindoline and the respective extracts. The results were compared to the untreated control: vindoline, methanolic and the dichloromethane extracts indicated significant reduction in ROS generation (p < 0.05). Further measurement of the release of TNF-α, a pro-inflammatory cytokine in the cells following treatment, the results were not significant among the groups at p < 0.05. The carbohydrate enzymes inhibitory activity of vindoline and extracts of C.roseus (50, 25, 12.5 and 6.125 mg/ml) were measured. The alpha glucosidase inhibitory activities of the extracts at 50 mg/ml resulted in < 30% enzyme inhibition with no significant differences among the groups at p < 0.05. At lower concentrations, the dichloromethane extract exhibited significantly lower inhibitory activities when compared to the methanolic and the aqueous extract (p < 0.05). The alpha amylase inhibitory activity of the methanolic extract was significantly increased at all concentrations; recording the highest enzyme inhibition of approximately 40% (p < 0.5). However, the dichloromethane extract did not show any enzyme inhibitory activity. The enzyme inhibitory activity of vindoline was compared to acarbose-a known standard drug, for both enzymes; vindoline did not show appreciable enzyme inhibition when compared to acarbose (p < 0.05). In vivo studies were performed in a type 2 diabetes (T2DM) rat model in which T2DM was induced in 6 weeks old male Wistar rats by having them drink 10% fructose solution ad libitum for 14 days followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ 40 mg/kg) in freshly prepared 0.1 M citrate buffer (pH 4.5). Animals were randomly divided into six groups (n=8) and received daily treatments for 6 weeks with the vehicle, vindoline (20 mg/kg) or glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) via oral gavage. The effects of the treatments on blood glucose, insulin, body weight, organ weight, serum biochemical parameters, oxidative status, inflammatory markers and tissue histology were assessed in diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Administration of vindoline significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the fasting blood glucose in diabetic rats by 15% and significantly increased serum insulin levels when compared to the diabetic controls. Vindoline and glibenclamide significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the levels of circulating hepatic enzymes in T2DM; the results were significant when compared to the diabetic controls. Treatment with vindoline significantly improved the hepatic antioxidant status as indicated by increased ORAC, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, indicative of the protective effect of vindoline in diabetes-induced hepatic injury. Assessment of the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the hepatic tissue indicated remarkable reduction of TNF-ɑ by (-41%) and IL-6 (-28%) in diabetic rats treated with vindoline when compared to the diabetic controls (p < 0.05). The serum lipid profile showed marked increases in the levels of serum lipids (triglycerides, low density lipoproteins, total cholesterol and very low density lipoproteins) in diabetic controls when compared to all treatment groups (p < 0.05). Therefore, vindoline and glibenclamide showed possible protective effects against diabetes-induced cardiovascular disease. Kidney function assessment revealed increased levels of urea and creatinine in the diabetic control group. Vindoline and glibenclamide significantly reduced the urea and creatinine levels in diabetic rats. Vindoline additionally improved the FRAP in diabetic hearts. The SOD activity and ORAC were increased while lipid peroxidation was reduced in the kidneys of diabetic rats treated with vindoline when compared to the diabetic control (p < 0.05). Histopathological assessment in diabetic rats showed severe damage of the liver, kidney and pancreas. Treatment of diabetic rats with vindoline restored the structure of these organs which was indicated by minimum structural changes. The expression of pro-apoptotic marker caspase 9 in response to glucose stress was significantly higher in the diabetic control group when compared to all the treatment groups. Treatment with vindoline showed remarkable reduction of caspase 9 expression in the diabetic rats. In conclusion, persistent high blood glucose levels resulted in free radical induced tissue damage in the type 2 diabetes rat model. Vindoline demonstrated protective effects against diabetes induced hepatic, cardiac, pancreatic and nephritic injuries. In addition, vindoline improved insulin secretion in both in vitro and in vivo setups hence the findings suggest that vindoline could be an important agent that can be considered in the treatment and management of diabetes and diabetic complications.

Abstract This qualitative research explores creative movement processes such as dance/movement therapy (DMT), authentic movement (AM), and creative dance (CD) as possible tools for transforming sexual trauma for women. Eleven movement professionals were interviewed in a semi-structured research format. My direct experience and knowledge of sexual abuse, sexual trauma, and creative movement processes are interwoven with the research question: do creative dance/movement therapy processes contribute to the dynamic of healing for women transforming sexual trauma? These findings are inconclusive for the greater population of survivors of sexual abuse and sexual trauma. However, there are indications that DMT, AM, and CD may be potential tools for recovery. This research contributes to a dialogue about sexual abuse and recovery from sexual trauma.

In this project, the effects of dietary polyphenols on exercise-induced muscle damage and vascular health are examined. Dietary polyphenols exert well-known anti-inflammatory effects; however, how these effects are realized with respect to vascular health and EIMD is relatively unknown. I begin by reviewing the available literature surrounding the impact of three dietary polyphenols (curcumin, catechins, and quercetin) on inflammation associated with EIMD. It is well established that their primary means of anti-inflammation is through alterations of NF-κB and AP-1 transcription activities. Given this, their inclusion into training strategies seems reasonable. Consistent evidence is presented making a case for the anti-inflammatory effects of dietary polyphenols following EIMD. I follow this review up by completing an in-depth study on the consumption of curcumin prior to EIMD. I found curcumin (1000 mg/day) can reduce subjective soreness and decrease inflammation compared to placebo controls. To further understand the effects of dietary polyphenols on health, I investigate the effects of a four-week supplementation period of cocoa (catechins) on vascular. I concluded that atherogenic risk in obese women is reduced after consumption of cocoa. In addition to these experimental projects, I developed two novel methods that can be used to investigate vascular health (EMP concentration) and intracellular protein and mRNA production using flow cytometry.

Thesis (M.Sc.(Microbiology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / This study aimed to investigate antimycobacterial and cytotoxic compounds from Cassia petersiana. Cassia petersiana was selected for the current study based on its traditional use for treating tuberculosis (TB) symptoms. Extraction is an important step in the use of medicinal plants; hence, solvents of varying polarity were employed to extract a wide range of compounds where chloroform was the best extractant (67 mg). As there is no relation between the amount of plant material extracted and the bioactivity of the extracts, standard tests were used to determine the presence of different phytochemical constituents from Cassia petersiana and the total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents were quantified using colorimetric assays. It was revealed that all the tested phytochemical constituents were present, and it was proven that phenolic compounds were the most abundant, followed by the tannins, while the flavonoids were the least among the common phytochemical constituents quantified. The phytochemical compounds were further profiled on thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and developed in BEA, CEF, and EMW solvent systems. Colourful compounds which indicated diverse phytochemicals were visualised with both vanillin-sulphuric acid and ultraviolet light on the phytochemical chromatograms and good separation of the compounds was from the BEA solvent system. The qualitative and quantitative antioxidant activity and antimycobacterial activity assays were used to evaluate the extracts from Cassia petersiana. Minimal antioxidant activity was observed on the qualitative antioxidant activity profile. These findings correlated with the minimal quantity of antioxidants from extracts of Cassia petersiana from the quantitative antioxidant assays; ferric reducing power and DPPH scavenging activity assays. Cassia petersiana extracts had bioactivity against Mycobacterium smegmatis as indicated by the lowest MIC value. The cell viability effects of the acetone crude extract from Cassia petersiana were evaluated against the tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (TPH-1) macrophage cells. Large scale extraction procedure was employed to extract a sufficient amount of plant material in preparation for the isolation of the bioactive compound. Bioassay-guided fractionation combined with column chromatography and TLC were used to isolate and purify the bioactive compound from the n-hexane extract of Cassia petersiana. The purified isolated compound was elucidated as β-sitosterol, which showed remarkable bioactivity against Mycobacterium smegmatis only on the TLC-bioautographic assay, while the quantitative antimycobacterial activity was higher xx with the MIC value of 2.5 mg/mL. Although β-sitosterol is known as a good antioxidant, it showed no antioxidant activity on the qualitative antioxidant activity assay. Therefore, further studies, including in vivo assay, are recommended on the isolated compound to evaluate its biological activities before consideration of its use in the development of alternative drugs.

Thesis (MPH.) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / Background: Substances abuse is affecting many young people in rural communities of Limpopo Province. There are no effective measures to combat substance abuse. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen substance abuse prevention and treatment services through the integration of indigenous health care practices. The Indigenous Health Practitioners Act No.22 of 2007 permits IHPs to provide prevention and treatment services to combat substance abuse. However, there is a lack of literature on the roles of IHPs in combating substance abuse. This paucity of literature necessitates the need to explore the perceived roles of IHPs in combating substance abuse. Objectives: The study aimed at exploring the perceived roles of IHPs in combating substance abuse at Mohodi Ga-Manthata in Limpopo Province. Method: A qualitative research approach using a case study design was conducted among IHPs of RDHA at Mohodi Ga-Manthata in Molemole Local Municipality of Limpopo Province. The purposive sampling technique was used in order to select IHPs that serve the aims of the study best to ensure that data saturation was reached. Data was collected through semi-structured one-to-one interviews with selected IHPs. Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework for doing a thematic analysis was used to analyse data. An independent coder confirmed the findings. Results: The study findings revealed that IHPs perform demand reduction activities such as conducting awareness campaigns and involving young people in sporting and behavioural sessions for prevention of substance abuse. Furthermore, the findings show that IHPs perform harm reduction activities such as assessment and diagnosis, in-patient rehabilitation, counselling, diet therapy and prescription of indigenous medicines for treatment of substance abuse. Conclusion: The Indigenous Health Practitioners Act No.22 of 2007 permits IHPs to provide prevention and treatment services to combat substance abuse. The current study shows that IHPs have a significant role in demand reduction, harm reduction and supply reduction of substance abuse in rural communities. Therefore, there is a need for the Departments of Health and Department of Social Development to develop strategies to effectively train and integrate IHPs into the health system to ensure the provision of quality substance abuse continuum of care services and the strengthening of the health system.