M.A. / The power of positive thinking to promote and maintain well-being has enjoyed widespread popular appeal. Spurred largely by the development of the Life Orientation Test (LOT) (Scheier & Carver, 1985), mounting evidence now attests to the apparent benefits conferred by an optimistic life outlook. Optimism, the inclination to expect favourable outcomes, has been linked to both psychological and physical well-being (Taylor, et al., 1992; Cheng & Hamid, 1997; Marshall, Wortman, Kusalas, Hervig, & Vickers, 1992; Scheier, Carver & Bridges, 1994; Scheier et al., 1989; Segerstrom, Taylor, Kemeny, & Fahey, 1998). Optimists and pessimists have been shown to differ in the manner in which they cope with the challenges in their lives. They differ in their stable coping tendencies and in the kinds of coping responses that they spontaneously generate when given hypothetical coping situations (Scheier, Weintraub, & Carver, 1986). Optimists also differ from pessimists in the manner in which they cope with serious disease and with concerns about specific health threats (Friedman, et al., 1992), and these coping mechanisms in optimists in turn have been linked to improved physical and psychological functioning. There is also a clear biological link between optimism and physical well-being and this has been noted in such areas as immune functioning (Peterson & Bossio, 2002). The current study examines these apparent benefits of optimism on health and explores the medical bases for this connection. The study also examines whether these benefits may be of use in the treatment and recovery from the unique secondary medical complications experienced by those who are spinal cord injured.

The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of chiropractic manipulative therapy on the wrist, in treating lateral epicondylitis. It also aimed to determine the effectiveness of Mills’ manipulation applied to elbow, and whether adjusting both the elbow and the wrist would be more effective than simply adjusting the elbow or the wrist in isolation. Thirty patients suffering from lateral epicondylitis who conformed to specific diagnostic criteria were accepted for the trial. The patients were stratified according to age and sex and placed into three groups of ten. The first group received chiropractic manipulative therapy directed to the wrist. The second group received chiropractic manipulative therapy directed to the elbow complex, and the third group received chiropractic manipulative therapy directed at both areas. The treatment consisted of four sessions over a period of 2 weeks. The groups were assessed and compared in terms of objective and subjective measurements to determine the most beneficial treatment. The data was collected at the beginning of each treatment session. Subjective data consisted of the Numerical Pain Rating Scale 101 (Vernon in Liebenson, 1996:61) and the short form Mc Gill Pain Questionnaire (Melzack, 1987:192), which assessed patients’ discomfort levels. Objective data was collected by means of the Jamar Grip Strength Dynamometer (Kaufman, 2000:619) and the Pressure Algometer (Fischer, 1987:213), which measured the grip strength and pressure pain threshold respectively. The results showed that both wrist and Mills’ manipulation in isolation as well as in combination are beneficial in treating lateral epicondylitis, in that they all showed subjective and objective improvements. The Mills’ manipulation alone and in combination with wrist manipulations had superior clinical effects compared to the wrist manipulations in isolation. The statistical results of the inter-group analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between the outcomes of the wrist manipulation, Mills’ manipulation and combined treatment protocols and therefore none are expressly recommended above the other. / Dr. C. Yelverton Dr. C. Lyons

Magister Scientiae Dentium - MSc(Dent) / The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, etiology and types of injuries to permanent incisors among schoolchildren aged 10-14 years from Maseru, Lesotho. Upper and lower permanent incisors were examined for dental injuries. / South Africa

Magister Scientiae (Physiotherapy) - MSc(Physio) / Physiotherapists are part of the medical team involved in prevention and management of football injuries in Malawi. However, in Malawi no physiotherapist is currently involved in prevention and management of football injuries in the Malawi Super League. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the need for physiotherapy intervention in prevention and management of football injuries. Methodology: A concurrent mixed method study design was used to collect data. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from football players. Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews from team doctors and coaches respectively. Quantitative data was analysed using the SPSS version 20.0. Descriptive data was presented in the form of percentages, means, ranges, standard deviations, and frequencies using tables, figures and graphs. A chisquare test of association and Fischer’s exact test were used to study the factors associated with football injuries against prevalence of injury. Audiotaped interviews were transcribed verbatim and expressed ideas were read several times, coded and reduced into categories and themes. Ethical clearance was granted by the University of the Western Cape and relevant authorities in Malawi. Results: A response rate of 67.5% was obtained. The mean age of football players was 21.73 (SD=3.295) years. The injury prevalence was 68.9% with 64% of injuries occurring during matches and 37% during training. The majority (84%) of the injuries were sustained in the lower limbs and 52.7% of the players who reported to have incurred an injury had recurring injuries with the ankle joint (33.3%) being the most affected part. Ligament sprain was the most common type of injury (36%) and most of the injuries (36.5%) reported were severe. No medical professional is available to manage injuries during training while team doctors are always available during matches. Recurrent injury was significantly associated injury prevalence (P=0.000). Use of protective gear was also significantly associated with injury prevalence both at training (P<0.01) and matches (P<0.05). Both coaches and team doctors reported that recurrent injury, psychological, player fitness, and lack of equipment were factors contributing to injury prevalence. Regarding injury management, coaches and team doctors reported sprains and strains as the most common injuries seen in the league. Furthermore, their views regarding injury prevention were sought. Team doctors perceived use of protective equipment as the main strategy of injury prevention while coaches regarded warm up as the main injury preventative strategy. Conclusion: There is need for physiotherapy intervention in prevention and management of football injuries in Malawi.

Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) is an important African indigenous legume crop for the livelihoods of many relatively poor people residing n less developed countries of the tropics. Rural families derive a nutritious food, animal feed and in income from the production of this crop. Storage of seed is certainly the most important post-harvest operation but the losses incurred are great. These losses, due to an inability to effectively control physical and biological factors, result in problems with storage insects, moisture and associated fungi. Seeds are particularly susceptible to fungal contamination when stored at high ambient temperatures and relative humidities. To determine the storage fungi associated with cowpea seeds, surface-sterilised cowpea seeds (200 seeds from each of nine cultivars) were plated out n malt extract agar. After 5-7 days incubation at 25°C, the most dominant and common fungi recorded were Alternaria spp. followed by Penicillium spp., Aspergillus flavus and A. niger. The influence of a three-year cold storage period at ± 5°C on the fungi associated with the seeds was also investigated. Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. appeared to dominate. Some fungal species recorded prior to cold storage were not recorded thereafter. Certain storage fungi are known to produce mycotoxins, which are secondary fungal metabolites that are toxic to both farm animals and humans, under poor storage conditions. The presence of the fusarial mycotoxins, fumonisin BI, B2 and B3 in four cowpea cultivars (Bechwana Whit, Glenda, Iron Grey, Rhino) was investigated. The samples were extracted with methanol/water (70:30 v/v) and cleaned-up on strong anion exchange solid phase extraction cartridges. High performance liquid chromatography with pre¬column derivatisation using o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) was used for the detection and quantification of fumonisin Bl, B2 and B3. All sampIes were contaminated with FBI, with levels ranging from 81-1002 ng g-I. Fumonisin B2 and B3 were not detected in any samples. This is believed to be the first report of fumonisin BI in cowpea seeds. Since the known fumonisin-producing Fusarium species were not found in the six different Fusarium species isolated from these four cultivars, further investigations are required to determine which fungal species are species are responsible species are responsible for the FBI production. An alternative approach to the prevention and control of fungal contamination and mycotoxin production of seeds by treating cowpea seed with essential plant oils was tested. The inhibitory activity of five essential oils (thyme, clove, peppermint, soybean and peanut) was investigated, in vitro and in vivo, on five fungal species (A. flavus, A. niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, Fusarium oxysporum and F. equiseti) commonly associated with cowpea seeds and on two cowpea cultivars. Thyme and clove oil significantly inhibited the growth of all five fungal species in vitro at 500 and 1000 ppm, while peppermint oil was successful at 2000 ppm. Peanut and soybean oil did not show any significant inhibition of fungal growth. The in vivo effect of thyme, clove and peppermint oils on naturally infected seed revealed that only thyme at 1000 ppm reduced fungal growth of storage fungi in the PAN 325 cultivar. In the PAN 311 cultivar, thyme and clove oils at 1000 ppm and peppermint oil at 2000 ppm significantIy reduced growth of storage fungi. In artificially infected seed, all three oils significantly inhibited the growth of P. chrysogenum. Thyme reduced the growth of F. oxysporum and F. equisetii, whilst peppermint oil inhibited only F. oxyspomm. These oils did not seem to adversely affect the germination nor emergence of cowpea seed. The storage fungi significantly reduced percentag germination and emergence of the white (IT 93K452-1) seed but had little or no effect on the brown (CH 14) seed. Furthermore, all three oils significantly inhibited the storage fungi on the white seed, possibly increasing the percentage germination and emergence. / Dissertation (MSc (Botany))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Plant Science / unrestricted

The study investigated the long-term neuropsychological effects of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) due to participation in a contact sport amongst South African final year male high school athletes (N=189). The sample was divided by sports affiliation (Contact n = 115; Non-Contact n = 74) and concussion history (2+ Concussion n = 43; 0 Concussion n = 108). Comparative subgroups were statistically equivalent for age, education and estimated IQ (P > 0.05), with the Contact sport groups having markedly higher incidences of concussion than controls (p < 0.000). Measures included the ImPACT Verbal and Visual Memory, Visuomotor Speed and Reaction Time Composites, Digit Symbol Substitution and Digit Symbol Incidental Recall (immediate and delayed), the ImPACT Symptom Scale and a Post-concussion Symptom (PCS) questionnaire. Independent t-tests on cognitive measures at pre-and post-season revealed a predominant trend of Contact and 2+ Concussion groups performing worse, although only ImPACT Reaction Time at pre-season reached significance (p = 0.014). PCS comparisons revealed an overwhelming tendency of enhanced symptoms for Contact and 2+ Concussion groups with total scores being significantly different in most instances at pre-and post-season. Fatigue and aggression were the symptoms most pervasively high for the Contact and 2+ Concussion groups. Dependent t-test analyses at pre- versus post-season, revealed significant practice effects for the Contact group, not in evidence for controls on ImPACT Visual Motor Speed and Digit Symbol Incidental Recall-Delayed. Overall the results imply the possible presence of lingering neurocognitive and symptomatic concussion sequelae amongst South African final year high school participants of a contact sport. The indications gain potency when understood against the background of (i) Brain Reserve Capacity threshold theory, and (ii) the known risk of Type II error in group MTBI research, that might result in under-emphasis of subtle effects and miscalculation of cost-benefit risks. Clinical implications, and the need for prospective case-based research to ratify the results of this predominantly cross-sectional study, are discussed.

A dissertation presented in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Technikon Natal, 2001. / The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relative effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation alone compared to chiropractic manipulation in conjunction with gastrocnemius and soleus stretching in the treatment of subacute and chronic grade I and II ankle inversion sprains / M

The aim of the study was twofold namely (1) to describe and compare the incidence and mechanism of injuries that occurred in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University hockey teams that play in the Premier and President Leagues; and (2) to determine the relationships between the level of physical preparation of the relevant players and injury occurrence. The study utilised an exploratory-descriptive epidemiological approach, implementing a cohort study design and was conducted over a period of six months. Data collection was done by means of two physical tests, one to assess the players’ endurance and the other to assess their anaerobic fitness. This was performed twice on the participants during the study. Data collection also utilised four questionnaires to determine the following: the players’ personal information and medical history, the preparation and training the players did for hockey, the incidence and mechanism of the injury the players have incurred and the follow-up of the injury to describe the type of injury and the rehabilitation process. The study included 42 participants with 25 from the two Premier League Teams and 17 from the President League Team. The results were placed into table and graph format and elucidated by means of descriptive statistics. Furthermore inferential statistics and Cohen’s d were utilised to determine both statistical and practical significances of differences between groups mean values respectively. The statistical significance of differences between the frequency distributions of the two sample groups was determined by means of Chi2 tests of independence. Cramér’s V statistic was used when there were statistically significant Chi2 tests results to determine the practical significance of the two sample group’s differences. The variable of highest level of play showed the only significant difference with regards to screening statistics as the Premier League Participants had a higher number of years participating at a provincial level. The injury statistics revealed that the incidence of injury in the Premier League was 4.08 injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures (A-E), while there was a significantly higher incidence for the President League of 14.71 injuries per 1000 A-E. Matches showed a significantly higher incidence of injuries (8.18 injuries per 1000 A-E) than xiv practices (2.42 injuries per 1000 A-E) which follows previous research. Goalkeepers and halves showed the highest occurrence of injuries (36 percent each) and are supported by 59 percent of the injuries occurring on the defensive side of the 23 metre line. Contact injuries (collision 6 percent, hit by stick 17 percent and hit by ball 33 percent) accounted for 56 percent of all the injuries. No significant differences were found between the two leagues with regards to preparation, the Multi Stage Shuttle Run Test (MSSRT) and the Repeated Sprint Test (RST), except for one period each for technical skills and aerobic training. The relationship between injuries and training showed no significances with regards to preparation, MSSRT and RST, although there was minimal balance and proprioceptive training performed. Thus the lower league showed a significantly higher incidence of injury with preparation not being a mechanism for injuries.

Western society has advanced in the provision of services for disabled children, but their complete acceptance and integration within the community has yet to be achieved. The development of interdisciplinary team programs for diagnosis and treatment has nevertheless notably assisted this process. Social workers have an important contribution to make in this area, but there is still much to be done to standardize the information secured in their interviews with parents. An initial project in this direction was carried out in Vancouver last year in a speech and hearing clinic. The present project explores adaptations of this with the cerebral palsied child as representing one type of brain-injury. Two basic dimensions in the development of criteria and rating scales are: 1) the health and socio-emotional circumstances of the child; and 2) the family circumstances and home environment. The present study initially gives particular attention to the latter, and considers some of the relationships between this and assessments of the progress of the child in functional ability. Since only limited sampling is possible, measurement of the results is not taken very far. There is also evidence that this is primarily a middle income group. Case illustrations and some comparisons of criteria are used to supplement the conclusions. The qualitative characteristics of the criteria and their significance for diagnostic assessment is subjected to careful view. In the present context they are considered in terms of the interrelatedness of culture, values, role and stress. The brain-injured child may have a relatively mild or severe condition. While treatment may be complex, objectivity is essential in assessing habilitation potential. Differentials in family functioning as they pertain to parental relationships, emotional acceptance, understanding, and cooperation are highly relevant to effective remedial or educational procedures, or casework. Indeed, the assessment of environmental circumstances in terms of social functioning may further the eventual integration of the disabled child into the community. It is reasonable to anticipate results from continued research of the present kind. / Arts, Faculty of / Social Work, School of / Graduate

As management of forests and parks intensifies, pruning of conifers becomes more common. Thus understanding the role of wounds as possible entry courts for decay fungi is vital. In order to study some aspects of this, three natural stands, one in New Brunswick and two in Nova Scotia, which had been pruned 4 to 7 years earlier by industrial or displaced workers, were examined. Five pruned and two unpruned balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) trees from each stand were dissected; cultural isolations were taken from 207 knots where pruning had caused little or no apparent damage to the bole, and from 169 blazes resulting from less careful prunings. All 15 pruned trees, ranging in age from 23 to 42 years, had decay attributable to pruning which averaged 1.7% of the stem volume. This incidence and volume of decay exceeds that recorded in unpruned trees 40 to 60 years old in New Brunswick. Axe blazes were the major entry court for decay-causing fungis basidiomycetes were associated with 12% of the blazes and with 5% of the more carefully pruned knots. Neither stem nor butt decay was found in the unpruned trees. In a further study, 7 branches on each of 30 balsam fir trees near Fredericton, N. B. were experimentally axe pruned; some carefully, some carelessly; both during tree dormancy and during wet and dry periods of active growth. Thirty additional branches were saw pruned. At periods of 2 to 3 weeks, 5 to 7 months and 17 to 19 months after pruning, cultures were made in the field from 70 of the pruning wounds. Within 2 weeks of the latter period, the trees were dissected, measured and further cultures were made in the laboratory from the same 70 wounds. Eighteen months after pruning, 28 of 30 trees had decay averaging 3.9% of stem volume and basidiomycetes were isolated from 22 (31%) of 70 wounds. In the controls butt decay only occurred in 4 of 10 trees. These studies show: (l) that blazes into sapwood (careless pruning) were more frequently infected than those where little or no sapwood was exposed; (2) the incidence of infection was least in branches pruned during the dry period and about equal for those pruned in the wet-active and dormant periods; and (3) the successional pattern began with imperfect fungi and bacteria, and terminated with decay fungi. / Forestry, Faculty of / Graduate