Four hand-reared, naïve roan antelope 6 months of age were exposed to naturally infected pasture on a game farm in Mpumalanga where roan are known to die from theileriosis. The predominant ticks parasitising these animals at this time (during the months of January and February) were Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and R. evertsi evertsi adults. After a period of 5 weeks the animals developed signs of clinical theileriosis, characterized by anorectal lymphadenomegaly, shortly followed by pyrexia and generalised peripheral lymphadenomegaly. Around the time of pyrexia, peripheral blood smears showed severe mononuclear leukocytosis, with some leukocytes containing cytoplasmic theilerial schizonts (Koch’s bodies). This was followed by erythrocytic piroplasmaemia. Animals were treated successfully using buparvaquone. Primary hyperplasia of the local draining lymph nodes (Lnn. anorectales) of adult R. e. evertsi feeding sites indicated vector status of theileriosis for this tick species. After recovery from theileriosis, these animals were confirmed carriers of Theileria sp. (sable) by PCR and DNA probe analysis. Laboratory-bred larvae and nymphae of R. e. evertsi and R. appendiculatus respectively were fed on the ears of these roan antelope, now known to be carriers. Engorged nymphae were recovered from the roan. A cryopreserved stabilate was produced from each species, using an adapted protocol for Theileria parva tick stabilate preparation. Both stabilates were tested for infectivity in T. sp. (sable) negative (PCR analysis) roan antelope calves that were intensively hand reared under tick-free conditions. The stabilate derived from R. e. evertsi induced clinical theileriosis at doses between 5 and 60 tick equivalents per calf. The R. appendiculatus stabilate did not induce clinical disease or infection; the calves remained PCR negative throughout the trial period. The calves that survived the R. e. evertsi stabilate trial showed no clinical reaction to field exposure, in contrast to the controls and R. appendiculatus stabilate inoculated calves which all exhibited clinical theileriosis The stabilate has the potential to be used as the infection source in an infection and treatment method of immunising roan antelope against theileriosis. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Paraclinical Sciences / unrestricted

Roan antelope numbers have declined drastically over the last 30 years in the Kruger National Park (KNP). Various hypotheses have been tested and suggested as reasons for their sharp decline. A change in habitat structure and nutrient deficiencies were among the factors considered for their population decline. The aim of this research was to study the influence of habitat structure on habitat selection in the absence of predators by two separate roan populations in predator-proof enclosures on the northern plains of the KNP. Seasonal variations in the nitrogen, macro-and micronutrient concentrations of the preferred grass species in every enclosure were determined. Faecal samples were collected and pooled seasonally in order to link nutrient concentrations in faeces with that in grass. Water and soil samples were also collected and analysed. The nutrient concentrations of grass and faeces in the wet-and dry season were compared with nutrient concentrations collected similarly from a roan antelope population at Vaalbos National Park, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. Where possible, serum samples were also collected and analysed for macro-and micronutrient concentrations. Results indicated that roan antelope disregard habitat structure in the selection of vegetation type or foraging areas in the absence of predators. This behaviour may jeopardise survival if captive bred roan are released to supplement free roaming roan populations in the KNP since previous studies indicated that free roaming roan antelope in the KNP prefer lightly wooded areas with a fairly high visibility. Results from grass, faecal and serum analyses indicated that some nutrient deficiencies might occur in each of the populations studied during specific times of the year and especially in animals in nutrient challenging production phases. Results suggested a possible induced copper deficiency in roan at N'washitsumbe in the KNP, mainly from a Cu-Mo-S interaction. Wet season faecal nitrogen levels of roan at N'washitsumbe was marginal to deficient and that of the Graspan population at Vaalbos National Park was marginal. Phosphorus levels of all the populations were sufficient in faeces despite low dietary intakes. Results were compared with faecal and serum nutrient levels of supplemented roan and sable antelope at Sable Ranch, Northwest Province, South Africa. In general, supplemented roan and sable antelope had a significantly higher nutrient status than un-supplemented populations. Significant species and gender differences in serum and faecal nutrient concentrations were identified in supplemented animals at Sable Ranch. Copyright / Dissertation (MScAgric)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / unrestricted

The roan antelope Hippotragus equinus equinus, is listed as endangered in the South African Red Data Book. A herd of nine roan were introduced to Weenen Nature Reserve (WNR) in 1988. The herd has since increased to sixteen animals. The aim of the study was to determine those habitat characteristics which influenced the preference or avoidance of the habitat types available at WNR. The extent to which the antelope's occurrence was correlated with certain habitat elements was determined. The roan preferred open woodland on gently undulating terrain. Themeda triandra was found to be the most common grass species in the diet of the roan. Cauline grass species such as Hyparrhenia spp. were avoided in the dry season. Dicots assumed greater importance in the diet in the dry season. Several management practices employed at the reserve were assessed to determine their influence on habitat use by the roan. These practices were not found to be incompatible with the goal of conserving roan antelope in the reserve. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1995.

nÃo hà / Background: Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A), one of the most potent biological toxins, acts by blocking neuromuscular transmission via inhibiting acetylcholine release and is a well-known treatment for poststroke spasticity, despite some variations among dose protocols. Spasticity is one of the factors that affect the functional rehabilitation process in stroke. Spasticity arises from the loss of myotatic reflex inhibition, resulting from upper motor neuron lesion. Equinus foot is common in lower limb spasticity after stroke worsening gait pattern and functional independence. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of BTX-A different doses on spastic foot in stroke patients in rehabilitation programme and on gait velocity and functional independence of these patients. Methods: This study was a randomized, prospective and double blind trial. Patients were recruited if they had diagnosis of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) with a poststroke period of at least six months and hemiparesis with spastic equinus foot (Ashworth score 3 or 4 in a range from 0 to 5). Twenty-one hemiparetic stroke patients enrolled in a rehabilitation programme were divided into two groups. The first group (n=11) received BTX-A 300UI in spastic foot and the second group (n=10) received BTX-A 100UI. All patients were assessed at baseline and 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after injection for passive range of motion for ankle joint, Modified Ashworth Score, time walking 10 meters, clonus score and motor score of Functional Independence Measure (mFIM). Results: Higher dose group had significant improvement in range of motion on week 12 (p=0,021) and in Ashworth score on weeks 8 (p=0,012) and 12 (p < 0,0001) compared with lower dose group. There was slight improvement in clonus score in higher dose group on week 12 without statistical significance. Both groups had improvement in time walking 10 meters and mFIM without significant difference between them in the analyzed sample. There was no significant adverse effect. Conclusions: BTX-A is an important tool in poststroke rehabilitation for spasticity parameters improvement, but there was no significant difference between high and low doses of BTX-A for gait velocity neither for functional independence in the analyzed sample. Future studies with larger number of patients and evaluation of response to BTX-A reapplications are necessary to confirm these findings. / IntroduÃÃo: A toxina botulÃnica tipo A (TbA), uma das mais potentes toxinas biolÃgicas, age atravÃs do bloqueio da transmissÃo neuromuscular via inibiÃÃo da liberaÃÃo de acetilcolina e à um tratamento bem-estabelecido para espasticidade pÃs-AVE, apesar de variaÃÃes entre os protocolos de doses em diferentes centros. Espasticidade à um dos fatores que interferem no processo de reabilitaÃÃo funcional apÃs acidente vascular encefÃlico (AVE). Ela surge por causa da perda da inibiÃÃo do reflexo miotÃtico, resultante de lesÃo do neurÃnio motor superior. O pà equino à comum na espasticidade de membro inferior depois do AVE e sua instalaÃÃo piora o padrÃo de marcha e a independÃncia funcional. O objetivo desse estudo à avaliar os efeitos da TbA em diferentes doses sobre o pà espÃstico de pacientes com sequela de AVE inseridos em programa de reabilitaÃÃo e sobre a velocidade de marcha e independÃncia funcional desses pacientes. Metodologia: Este estudo foi realizado atravÃs de ensaio randomizado, prospectivo e duplo cego. Foram recrutados pacientes com diagnÃstico de AVE (isquÃmico ou hemorrÃgico) com perÃodo pÃs-AVE de pelo menos seis meses e hemiparesia com pà equino espÃstico (escore Ashworth 3 ou 4 em uma escala de 0 a 5). Vinte e um pacientes hemiparÃticos pÃs-AVE inseridos em programa de reabilitaÃÃo foram divididos em dois grupos. O primeiro grupo (n=11) recebeu aplicaÃÃo de 300UI de TbA no pà espÃstico e o segundo grupo (n=10) recebeu 100UI de TbA. Todos os pacientes foram avaliados no tempo zero e 2, 4, 8 e 12 semanas apÃs a injeÃÃo quanto aos seguintes parÃmetros: amplitude de movimento passivo da articulaÃÃo do tornozelo, escala de Ashworth modificada, tempo para andar 10 metros, escore clÃnus de aquileu e escore motor da Medida de IndependÃncia Funcional (MIFm). Resultados: O grupo 300UI TbA teve melhora significativa da amplitude de movimento na 12 semana (p=0,021) e da escala de Ashworth nas 8 (p=0,012) e 12 (p < 0,0001) semanas em comparaÃÃo ao grupo 100UI TbA. Houve tendÃncia à melhora do escore clÃnus na 12 semana no grupo 300UI TbA. Ambos os grupos apresentaram melhora durante o estudo no tempo para andar 10 metros e da MIFm sem diferenÃa significativa entre eles. NÃo foram observados efeitos adversos significativos no decorrer do estudo. ConclusÃes: TbA à uma importante ferramenta na reabilitaÃÃo pÃs-AVE para melhora dos parÃmetros de espasticidade, mas nÃo houve diferenÃa significativa entre dose alta e baixa de TbA para parÃmetros funcionais (velocidade de marcha e independÃncia funcional), na amostra analisada. Estudos futuros com um nÃmero maior de pacientes e avaliaÃÃo de resposta a reaplicaÃÃes de TbA sÃo necessÃrios para confirmaÃÃo desses achados.

Theileria species (sable) causes significant mortalities in roan (Hippotragus equinus), and to a lesser extent, sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) yearly. Treatment of the condition and an ‘infect and treat’ vaccination method using a tick-derived stabilate both rely on the availability of buparvaquone, a naphthoquinone with anti-theilerial activity. As buparvaquone is a controlled drug which is not commercially available in South Africa, a viable commercial alternative prevention or treatment method is necessary to control this disease. This study explores the effectiveness of an alternative vaccination method using Theileria sp. (sable) infected in vitro cultured leukoblasts. A Theileria sp. (sable) containing cell line was initiated from lymph node biopsy material of an infected roan antelope and the parasite was successfully propagated in vitro. Attenuation is believed to have been achieved by 16 cycles of passage. Real time PCR suggests that the parasite was successfully transmitted via subcutaneous inoculation with this cell line to two naïve roan antelope. These two inoculated animals remained clinically unaffected by challenge with a tick stabilate used in the ‘infect and treat’ vaccination method. In contrast, the two unvaccinated control animals became clinically ill and required buparvaquone treatment after challenge. This pilot study provides enough evidence to encourage further investigation in the use of Theileria sp. (sable) infected cells as a potential vaccine. A field study involving more animals which are challenged by natural infection after inoculation is the proposed next step. / Dissertation (MMedVet)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Paraclinical Sciences / unrestricted

Die meisten Kinder mit infantiler Zerebralparese (IZP) entwickeln eine spastische Parese, was zu Schwäche, erhöhtem Muskel-Dehnungswiderstand und Kontrakturen führt. Der Spitzfuß ist eines ihrer häufigsten Defizite. Das übergeordnete Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, nicht-invasive Behandlungsstrategien für diese Pathologie näher zu untersuchen. In der ersten Studie wurden die Effekte einer Unterschenkel-Lagerungsorthese auf die Muskelmorphometrie des Gastrocnemius unter zu Hilfenahme von Ultraschall und 3D Bewegungsanalyse untersucht. Lagerungsorthesen konnten das Gangbild verbessern, führten gleichzeitig aber zu Atrophie. Um eine alternative Therapieform zu finden, wurde in der zweiten Studie die kontraktile Aktivität des Gastrocnemius mittels Ultraschall, Bewegungsanalyse und EMG während des Gehens, Vorwärts-Bergauf, bzw. Rückwärts-Bergab, sowie in der Ebene untersucht. Das Bergaufgehen steigerte die konzentrische Exkursion der Faszikel, wohingegen das Rückwärts-Bergabgehen zu vermehrter Exzentrik führte. Da sich exzentrisches Training positiv auf Faszikellängenwachstum auswirken kann, wurde in der dritten Studie das Rückwärts-Bergabgehen mit statischem Dehnen als traditionelle Therapieform verglichen. Ultraschall, Bewegungsanalyse und handgesteuerte Dynamometrie wurden verwendet, um die Plantarflexorenkraft, die passive Sprunggelenksbeweglichkeit, die Gastrocnemius Morphometrie sowie die Steifigkeit und Dehnbarkeit auf Muskel-Sehnen und Gelenkebene zu untersuchen. Dehnen zeigte keinerlei Benefits gegenüber dem Laufbandtraining. Rückwärts-Bergabgehen war dagegen ein effektives Gangtraining und setzt vermutlich neuronale und koordinative Reize. In der Zusammenschau scheinen positive Änderungen im Gangbild bei IZP Kindern sowohl durch Unterschenkelorthesen, als auch durch Rückwärts-Bergabgehen erreichbar zu sein. Beides führte aber nicht zu Muskelwachstum. Funktionelle Verbesserungen scheinen daher auch stark von neuronal, koordinativen Aspekten abhängig zu sein. / Most children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) develop spastic paresis, which leads to muscle weakness, increased stretch-resistance and joint contractures. The gastrocnemius muscle is frequently targeted to alleviate a common deficiency known as equinus. The overall objective of this thesis was to investigate several non-invasive treatment strategies for this pathology. The first study investigated the effects of ankle foot orthotics on spastic gastrocnemius morphometrics as well as on gait by using ultrasound and motion capturing. We concluded that braces improved walking function but also lead to atrophy. During the second study, we searched for a readily available, substituting stimulus and compared the contractile activity of the gastrocnemius on treadmills, namely during flat-forward, forward-uphill and backward-downhill gait using ultrasound, motion capturing and EMG. Uphill gait promoted concentric fascicle action, while backward-downhill gait increased eccentric fascicle action. Since eccentric training had been previously shown to increase fascicle length in controls, during the third study, we compared backward-downhill walking versus static, manual stretching. Ultrasound, motion analysis and handheld dynamometry were used to test plantarflexor strength, passive ankle joint flexibility, as well as gastrocnemius morphometrics, stiffness and strain on muscle-tendon and joint level. Backward-downhill walking led to larger single stance dorsiflexion and faster achievable walking velocities while stretching aggravated knee flexion in swing. Strength, joint flexibility, as well as stiffness on muscle-tendon and joint level were not altered. Backward-downhill walking can be an effective gait treatment, probably improving coordination. Nevertheless, more intense training might be necessary to alter muscle-tendon properties. In sum, backward-downhill walking and bracing increased function without promoting or even by harming muscle growth.

Increasingly, virtual reality therapy (VRT) technologies are being used to augment pediatric rehabilitation. The mechanisms underlying success/failure of VRTs are not well understood. This thesis proposed an innovative 3-phase framework for evaluating VRT technologies with respect to neuroplasticity based on results of a scoping review of 21 studies. A case study was undertaken to demonstrate use of the framework to design and evaluate ‘Musical Steps’, a VRT technology aimed at promoting heel contact in toe-walking children. 5 therapists and 4 children were engaged in this study. The system accurately detected 88%(SD=7%) of heel contacts and was rated positively in usability testing (phase 1). Feasibility studies indicated that, while enjoyable, children did not understand the feedback provided and hence, heel contact was not increased (phase 2). These findings will direct future reiterations prior to evaluating clinical impact (phase 3). The proposed framework may enhance design and translation of therapeutically relevant VRTs.

Increasingly, virtual reality therapy (VRT) technologies are being used to augment pediatric rehabilitation. The mechanisms underlying success/failure of VRTs are not well understood. This thesis proposed an innovative 3-phase framework for evaluating VRT technologies with respect to neuroplasticity based on results of a scoping review of 21 studies. A case study was undertaken to demonstrate use of the framework to design and evaluate ‘Musical Steps’, a VRT technology aimed at promoting heel contact in toe-walking children. 5 therapists and 4 children were engaged in this study. The system accurately detected 88%(SD=7%) of heel contacts and was rated positively in usability testing (phase 1). Feasibility studies indicated that, while enjoyable, children did not understand the feedback provided and hence, heel contact was not increased (phase 2). These findings will direct future reiterations prior to evaluating clinical impact (phase 3). The proposed framework may enhance design and translation of therapeutically relevant VRTs.

As alterações neuro-motoras podem diminuir os movimentos, as atividades de vida diária e o convívio social. Dentro dessas alterações encontram-se as dispraxias ou apraxias dos movimentos que podem desequilibrar o movimento voluntário, principalmente dos músculos do tornozelo e desenvolver uma rigidez do movimento conhecida como "pé equino" diminuindo o apoio do calcanhar e consequentemente o controle do equilíbrio do corpo dificultando a deambulação. Como fonte de ajuda às pessoas acometidas por esse problema, desenvolveu-se um equipamento denominado Baropodômetro que utiliza o conceito de biofeedback, fornecendo informações audiovisuais, com o propósito de estimular e ou corrigir a falta de apoio do calcanhar no solo auxiliando na percepção do equilíbrio e correção da marcha. O equipamento faz a leitura da pressão aplicada pela parte da frontal e traseira dos pés sobre o solo por meio de sensores colocados em palmilhas e acomodados em calçados (e.g., sandálias). Essa ação é traduzida visualmente através de números mostrados em displays e por colunas de leds que acendem em sequência na medida em que a pressão sobre os sensores aumentam, bem como por um sinal de áudio com frequência variável e volume ajustável produzido por um alto-falante interno. O equipamento pode armazenar os dados coletados em um cartão de memória que pode ser lido em um microcomputador, permitindo montagens de tabelas e gráficos para análise posterior viabilizando o planejamento da ação de reabilitação. Com o auxilio de um método de reabilitação, o aparelho foi validado clinicamente com a participação de um grupo de dez pacientes voluntários que obtiveram um excelente resultado (i.e., todos os pacientes após 10 sessões conseguiram apoiar o pé comprometido) mostrando que é possível a reabilitação com a utilização do aparelho desenvolvido. / The neuro-motor changes can reduce the movements, activities of daily living and social life. Within these changes are the dyspraxia or apraxia of movements that can unbalance the voluntary movement, especially of the ankle muscles and develop a stiffness of movement known as "equinus foot". The equinus foot decreases the heel support and consequently the balance control of the body making it difficult to walking properly. As a source of help to people affected by this problem, we developed a device called Baropodometer that uses the concept of biofeedback, providing audiovisual information in order to stimulate and or correct the absence of heel strike on the ground assisting in the realization and correction of balance and gait. The device reads the pressure applied by the front and rear part of the foot on the ground by means of sensors placed in insoles and accommodated in shoes (e.g., sandals). This action is translated visually through numbers shown in displays and columns of LEDs that are illuminated according to the increase of the pressure on the sensors, as well as an audio signal with variable frequency and adjustable volume produced by an internal buzzer. The device can store the collected data in a memory card that can be read on a microcomputer, allowing creation of tables and graphs for further analysis enabling the planning of rehabilitation action. With the help of a method of rehabilitation, the device was clinically validated with the participation of ten volunteers who achieved an excellent result (i.e, all patients after 10 sessions were able to properly support the equinus foot) showing that the rehabilitation is possible with the use of the developed device.

Title Atypical Pronation of the Sub-Talar Joint: Its Implications on the Lower Limb Background Atypical pronation of the sub-talar joint, or overpronation of the foot, as it is more commonly known, is a current subtopic in foot and lower limb-related biomechanical issues. Typical pronation is a tri-planar movement that involves eversion of the hindfoot, combined with abduction and dorsiflexion of the forefoot. Atypical pronation is recognized when this motion is excessive, and may be determined by the extent and duration to which this occurs according to the rhythmic timing during the gait pattern. It is a mechanical problem of the foot that primarily results from a subluxation or shift of the sub-talar joint and bones of the mid- and hind-foot. As a common finding in the general population, especially in those with flexible flat feet, atypical pronation may result chronically in a displacement of the bones and joints of the lower limb. Research has stated that excessive pronation of the ankle-foot complex may cause change in position of certain bones in the lower limb. This is believed to occur through an interaction between foot and pelvis through a kinetic chain mechanism. Furthermore, it has been stated that atypical pronation may affect weight transfer of the lower limb during gait that may...