The application of natural tundra wetlands for municipal wastewater treatment is an option to meet upcoming federal wastewater systems effluent regulations for Canada’s Far North. A treatment performance assessment with physical, hydraulic and biogeochemical contextual data was conducted on the wetland treatment area of Coral Harbour, Nunavut. A modified Tanks-In-Series model was used to model treatment kinetics. The study showed seasonal variability in treatment performance and hydraulic characteristics. A decrease in vegetation diversity and deposition of organic detritus was observed in high effluent loading areas. Effective reduction in effluent concentrations was observed. Dilution from watershed contributions accounted for much of the reductions observed. The importance of the determination of the hydraulic residence time, field delineation of the wetted area, and delineation of the watershed was demonstrated. First order rate coefficients determined suggested that the selection of the lowest percentiles from literature of southern treatment wetlands is conservative in this case.

Aluminum-silicon-copper cast alloys of the 319-type have attained a commercially important status because of their widespread use. Artificial aging treatments are routinely applied to these alloys in order to obtain precipitation hardening and improve their mechanical properties. Standard treatments may not always yield the optimum achievable properties, thus Mg and Sr are commonly added to improve the response of the alloy to aging and to modify the eutectic Si morphology from acicular to fibrous, respectively. The present study was carried out to investigate aging behavior of four 319-type alloys in regard to such mechanical properties as their ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, microhardness, percent elongation and impact toughness. Non-conventional aging cycles were applied so as to evaluate the degree of the improvement in strength obtainable. These treatments, labeled in this study as T6- and T7-type multi-temperature and interrupted aging treatments, involve several heating stages at different temperatures, as opposed to the single stage at constant temperature specifications of the standard T6 or T7 heat treatment regimes. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the fracture surfaces of selected tensile-tested samples to compare the fracture behavior. Transmission electron microscopy was used to reveal and identify the tiny precipitates which appear in the microstructure as a result of the precipitation-hardening process due to artificial aging. It was found that the main strengthening phase is theta-Al2Cu in the form of needles; other phases were observed as minor constituents in this alloy, including the binary beta-Mg2Si, the ternary S-CuAlMg 2 and the quaternary Q-Al5Cu2Mg7Si 7. The results show that while Mg and Sr additions improve the properties of the alloy, the standard T6 treatment may not be the best available option to produce optimum properties. In fact, when the peak-aged (T6) condition is desired, the optimum treatment consists of a continuous artificial treatment at 170°C for 8 h; when the overaged (T7) condition is desired, a T7-type multi-temperature treatment consisting of underaging at 170°C for 1 h, then at 190°C for 1 h, and finally overaging at 240°C for 2 h is the best option.

As doenças perimplantares (DPi) vêm sendo consideradas umas das maiores causas de perdas tardias de implantes dentários e nenhum dos tratamentos já propostos na literatura mostrou ser eficiente a ponto de se tornar a primeira escolha terapêutica. Considerando que a definição correta do tratamento depende invariavelmente do entendimento da etiopatogenia, ocorrências e diagnóstico das DPi, o objetivo da presente tese foi abordar as DPi através de uma ampla revisão dos seus conceitos e da apresentação de dados clínicos preliminares de três meses de um ensaio clínico controlado randomizado comparando os resultados dos tratamentos cirúrgico (C) e não cirúrgico (NC) da perimplantite. Foram incluídos implantes apresentando um ou mais sítios com profundidade de sondagem perimplantar (PSi) ≥ 5mm, com presença de sangramento submucoso (SSi) e/ou supuração e apresentando perda óssea radiográfica (PO) ≥ 3mm. O tratamento não cirúrgico incluiu debridamento mecânico com curetas de teflon e irrigação com solução salina, assim como o tratamento cirúrgico, com acesso por retalho mucoperiostal. Não foram utilizadas técnicas ressectivas e nem implantoplastia. A amostra foi randomizada de maneira estratificada para o hábito de fumar e a presente análise, de 3 meses de acompanhamento após o tratamento, se refere à amostra de 22 indivíduos (29 implantes), sendo 12 (17 implantes) no grupo C e 10 (12 implantes) no NC. No início do estudo não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os grupos para variáveis demográficas e clínicas, exceto nas condições periodontais de índice de placa visível (IPV) (NC 22,3±14,08 / C 40,2±19,9) e sangramento a sondagem (NC 15,9±10,2 / C 31,8±15,9). Após três meses de tratamento, não houve desistências e, considerando o pior sítio do implante, os dois tratamentos reduziram significativamente as medidas de PSi (NC 5,8±0,27 para 4,3±0,55mm / C 5,9±0,29 para 5,0±0,28mm), os dois grupos apresentaram redução de SSi mas apenas no grupo C foi significativa, diminuindo de 100% para 53%. Não houve diferenças entre os níveis de perda de inserção clínica (PIi). Em uma análise multivariada para identificar os preditores de sucesso dos tratamentos, implantes com PSi basal > 6 mm apresentaram piores reduções de PSi, SSi e PIi, o histórico de periodontite dificultou a redução de PSi enquanto indivíduos com 5 ou mais implantes e reabilitados com próteses cimentadas apresentaram piores reduções de SSi. A taxa de sucesso dos tratamentos foi de 33% no grupo NC e 17% para o grupo C sem diferenças estatísticas. Conclui-se que ambos os tratamentos diminuíram sinais inflamatórios embora sem a demonstração de diferenças entre eles, e que preditores de risco ao sucesso do tratamento devem ser investigados. / Peri-implant diseases (PiD) have been considered the major causes of late loss of dental implants, and none of the proposed treatments in the literature demonstrated to be efficient to become the first therapeutic choice. Considering that the correct definition of treatment depends invariably on the understanding of the etiopathogenesis, occurrence and diagnosis of PiD, the aim of the present theses was to approach PiD through a 9oné99ono f its concepts and presenting preliminary clinical data of 3 months from a randomized controlled 9oné9 comparing surgical (ST) and non-surgical (NST) treatments of peri-implantitis. Implants presenting pocket depth (PD) ≥5mm and bleeding on probing (Bosshardt et al.) with radiographic bone loss ≥3 mm were included in the study. NST included mechanical debridement of the implant with Teflon curets and irrigation with saline solution, whereas ST included the debridement with mucoperiostal flap. Ressective surgery and implantoplasty were not applied. The sample was randomized by stratification according to smoking habit, and the present 3-months analysis after treatment referes to 22 individuals (29 implants), 12 (17 implants) in ST and 10 (12 implants) in the NST group. At basliene, no significant differences were observed between groups for demographic and clinical variables, except for periodontal conditions of teeth in regards to visible plaque (NST 22.3±14.08% and ST 40.2±19.9%) and BOP (NST 15.9±10.2% and ST 31.8±15.9%). After 3 months, there were no drop-outs and, considering the worst site of each implant, the two treatments reduced significantly mean PD (NST 5.8±0.27mm to 4.3±0.55mm and ST 5.9±0.29mm to 5.0±0.28mm. Both groups presented reduction in BOP, but only in the ST the reduction was significant, decreasing from 100% to 53%. There were no significant differences in clinical attachment loss after 3 months in the two groups. In a multivariable analysis to identify predictors of treatment success, implants with baseline PD >6mm presented lower reduction in PD over 3 months, as well as BOP and CAL. Previous history of periodontitis lead to higher PD and individuals with more then 5 implants and rehabilitated with bonded prosthesis had higher BOP over time. It can be concluded that both treatments reduced signs of inflammation although without significant differences between them, and baseline PD, number of implants, history of periodontitis and type of prosthetic fixation may be used as predictors of clinical outcomes of peri-implantitis treatment.

Thesis (MTech (Nursing))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2008. / In South Africa the need for palliative care for the terminally ill is exacerbated by the upsurge of the HIV/AIDS epidemic resulting in more patients being in need of palliative care and the provision of effective pain management as part of providing them with palliative care. Effective pain management requires sound knowledge of the pathophysiology of pain and its treatment. Research found the attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge of healthcare professionals regarding pain management impact significantly on how these professionals practice pain control measures of the terminally ill. Despite the increase in knowledge and technological advances people still die in pain. The upsurge of cancer and AIDS cases require that all nursing practitioners be competent to deliver palliative care. Effective pain management is an integral part of palliative care. South Africa has a nurse-driven health care system where Registered Nurses are expected to become competent in among other health care issues, to manage pain in the increasing numbers of terminally ill patients due to especially AIDS epidemic.

As doenças perimplantares (DPi) vêm sendo consideradas umas das maiores causas de perdas tardias de implantes dentários e nenhum dos tratamentos já propostos na literatura mostrou ser eficiente a ponto de se tornar a primeira escolha terapêutica. Considerando que a definição correta do tratamento depende invariavelmente do entendimento da etiopatogenia, ocorrências e diagnóstico das DPi, o objetivo da presente tese foi abordar as DPi através de uma ampla revisão dos seus conceitos e da apresentação de dados clínicos preliminares de três meses de um ensaio clínico controlado randomizado comparando os resultados dos tratamentos cirúrgico (C) e não cirúrgico (NC) da perimplantite. Foram incluídos implantes apresentando um ou mais sítios com profundidade de sondagem perimplantar (PSi) ≥ 5mm, com presença de sangramento submucoso (SSi) e/ou supuração e apresentando perda óssea radiográfica (PO) ≥ 3mm. O tratamento não cirúrgico incluiu debridamento mecânico com curetas de teflon e irrigação com solução salina, assim como o tratamento cirúrgico, com acesso por retalho mucoperiostal. Não foram utilizadas técnicas ressectivas e nem implantoplastia. A amostra foi randomizada de maneira estratificada para o hábito de fumar e a presente análise, de 3 meses de acompanhamento após o tratamento, se refere à amostra de 22 indivíduos (29 implantes), sendo 12 (17 implantes) no grupo C e 10 (12 implantes) no NC. No início do estudo não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os grupos para variáveis demográficas e clínicas, exceto nas condições periodontais de índice de placa visível (IPV) (NC 22,3±14,08 / C 40,2±19,9) e sangramento a sondagem (NC 15,9±10,2 / C 31,8±15,9). Após três meses de tratamento, não houve desistências e, considerando o pior sítio do implante, os dois tratamentos reduziram significativamente as medidas de PSi (NC 5,8±0,27 para 4,3±0,55mm / C 5,9±0,29 para 5,0±0,28mm), os dois grupos apresentaram redução de SSi mas apenas no grupo C foi significativa, diminuindo de 100% para 53%. Não houve diferenças entre os níveis de perda de inserção clínica (PIi). Em uma análise multivariada para identificar os preditores de sucesso dos tratamentos, implantes com PSi basal > 6 mm apresentaram piores reduções de PSi, SSi e PIi, o histórico de periodontite dificultou a redução de PSi enquanto indivíduos com 5 ou mais implantes e reabilitados com próteses cimentadas apresentaram piores reduções de SSi. A taxa de sucesso dos tratamentos foi de 33% no grupo NC e 17% para o grupo C sem diferenças estatísticas. Conclui-se que ambos os tratamentos diminuíram sinais inflamatórios embora sem a demonstração de diferenças entre eles, e que preditores de risco ao sucesso do tratamento devem ser investigados. / Peri-implant diseases (PiD) have been considered the major causes of late loss of dental implants, and none of the proposed treatments in the literature demonstrated to be efficient to become the first therapeutic choice. Considering that the correct definition of treatment depends invariably on the understanding of the etiopathogenesis, occurrence and diagnosis of PiD, the aim of the present theses was to approach PiD through a 9oné99ono f its concepts and presenting preliminary clinical data of 3 months from a randomized controlled 9oné9 comparing surgical (ST) and non-surgical (NST) treatments of peri-implantitis. Implants presenting pocket depth (PD) ≥5mm and bleeding on probing (Bosshardt et al.) with radiographic bone loss ≥3 mm were included in the study. NST included mechanical debridement of the implant with Teflon curets and irrigation with saline solution, whereas ST included the debridement with mucoperiostal flap. Ressective surgery and implantoplasty were not applied. The sample was randomized by stratification according to smoking habit, and the present 3-months analysis after treatment referes to 22 individuals (29 implants), 12 (17 implants) in ST and 10 (12 implants) in the NST group. At basliene, no significant differences were observed between groups for demographic and clinical variables, except for periodontal conditions of teeth in regards to visible plaque (NST 22.3±14.08% and ST 40.2±19.9%) and BOP (NST 15.9±10.2% and ST 31.8±15.9%). After 3 months, there were no drop-outs and, considering the worst site of each implant, the two treatments reduced significantly mean PD (NST 5.8±0.27mm to 4.3±0.55mm and ST 5.9±0.29mm to 5.0±0.28mm. Both groups presented reduction in BOP, but only in the ST the reduction was significant, decreasing from 100% to 53%. There were no significant differences in clinical attachment loss after 3 months in the two groups. In a multivariable analysis to identify predictors of treatment success, implants with baseline PD >6mm presented lower reduction in PD over 3 months, as well as BOP and CAL. Previous history of periodontitis lead to higher PD and individuals with more then 5 implants and rehabilitated with bonded prosthesis had higher BOP over time. It can be concluded that both treatments reduced signs of inflammation although without significant differences between them, and baseline PD, number of implants, history of periodontitis and type of prosthetic fixation may be used as predictors of clinical outcomes of peri-implantitis treatment.

M.Tech. / Dancing, over the years has become a highly competitive sport with demanding levels of fitness and flexibility needed in order to progress to a professional level (DeMann, 1997). With lower back pain becoming a common occurrence in dancers, both physical as well as emotional stress is placed on the dancer and their lower back (DeMann, 1997). The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Chiropractic adjustments on the lumbar spine and Sacroiliac joints, stretching certain muscle groups or the combination of the two treatment protocols on Freestyle dancers with chronic lower back pain with regards to pain, disability and lumbar spine and pelvis range of motion. Thirty female participants between the ages of thirteen and twenty five years were recruited to participate in this study. Successful participants were then randomly placed into one of three groups, of ten participants each, which would receive different treatment protocols according to their group allocation. Group 1 underwent Chiropractic adjustments to the lumbar spine and Sacroiliac joints, Group 2 received stretching exercises to the Quadratus lumborum muscle; gluteal muscles consisting of Gluteus maximus, medius and minimus; Piriformis; Psoas; Hamstring and Multifidus muscles only and Group 3 received a combination of the treatment protocols. Participants in all three groups were assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire for subjective readings; the Digital Inclinometer was used for objective readings of ROM. All treatments were performed at the Riviere Academy of Dance under the supervision of a qualified Chiropractor. The results concluded that the benefits of an adjustment alone, stretching alone as well as the two treatments combined showed a reduction of pain and increase of ROM, when managing a dancer with lower back pain. Not one treatment was shown to be more beneficial than the other.

M.Tech. / Diaper dermatitis (Nappy Rash) is an acute inflammation of the skin in the diaper area and is the most common cutaneous disease among infants and children (Concannon et al., 2001). It is estimated that 7% - 35% of diaper wearing infants are affected by Diaper dermatitis during the period of wearing diapers (Barkin and Rosen, 2003). The exact prevalence is not known as many cases are selfmedicated by parents or guardians (Wolf et al., 2000). Diaper dermatitis causes severe discomfort to the infants as well as anxiety and worry for the parents. Diaper dermatitis is characterised by redness, inflammation, dryness, scaling, itching, irritability, pain, satellite lesions, papulovesicular or pustular eruptions, and in severe cases ulceration of the skin (Visscher and Hoath, 2006). This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a Homoeopathic complex cream as a topical treatment for Diaper dermatitis. The complex consisted of Atropa belladonna 6cH, Calendula officinalis D1 and Sulphuricum acidum 6cH. Madaji milking cream was used as a base which contained: chlorhexidene; vitamin E; and lanolin. The treatment group received the medicated Madaji milking cream whereas the control group received the unmedicated Madaji milking cream. The Diaper dermatitis was evaluated using a 4-Point Grading Scale (Appendix D) and The Modified Lund and Browder Chart (Appendix E). Forty participants who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited to participate in this double blind control study by means of advertisements (Appendix A) that were placed on notice boards at the various campuses of the University of Johannesburg, nursery schools and hospitals, with relevant permission given. Participants were also recruited via word of mouth. Once participants were accepted into the study they were allocated to either Group A or Group B using matched pairs according to severity in order to ensure equal v distribution in both groups. There were 20 participants in each group. Group A was the treatment group which received the medicated Madaji milking cream. Group B was the control group which received the unmedicated Madaji cream. The study was completed over a seven day period. The ten areas most commonly affected by Diaper dermatitis were evaluated on the initial visit, day two, day four and day seven.

Magister Public Health - MPH / Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem worldwide, with an estimated 9 million new cases accounting for an estimated 1.5 million deaths in 2012. Non-compliance with TB treatment has become a major barrier to achieving global TB control targets. Namibia is one of the worst affected countries in Africa with a high case notification rate (CNR) of all forms of TB and relatively low treatment success rate compared to the WHO targets. The study aimed at investigating TB treatment compliance and measuring its association to patient characteristics and treatment outcomes, in determining the effects of compliance on treatment outcomes in Windhoek District. This information is crucial for TB programme management and development of targeted strategies. A quantitative observational analytic study using a retrospective cohort design was adopted. New adult Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) patients treated under DOTS in Windhoek District between 1st January 2013 and 31st December 2013 were included in the study based on specified criteria. Data was collected from the patients TB treatment cards using an extraction tool. Selection and information bias was eliminated by using clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria using a pre-tested standardised tool. Statistical analysis using descriptive and analytic statistics was done using Epi Info 7 to determine compliance, treatment outcomes and to measure the associations. Overall treatment compliance (89%), initial phase compliance (97.2%) and continuation phase compliance (88.1%) were reported in the study. Age (OR=4.3 95% CI (1.72 – 9.90), p-value=<0.01) and type of area (OR=0.02 95% CI (1.00 – 1.13), p-value=0.05) were associated with compliance in the continuation phase. Overall, type of area (OR=0.03 95% CI (0.00 – 0.91), p-value=0.04) remains associated with treatment compliance. Treatment success is reported among 86.1% of patients. Poor treatment outcomes are associated with non-compliance in the initial phase ( =49.98, p-value=<0.01), continuation phase ( =98.81, p-value=<0.01) and overall ( =110.02, p-value=<0.01). Overall treatment compliance (89%) although higher than expected was lower than the WHO recommended 90% compliance. Very high compliance (97.2%) were reported in the initial phase of treatment whilst compliance was also lower than desired (88.1%) in the continuation phase. Non-compliance recorded in the continuation phase is in agreement with the literature. Age and type of area are associated with compliance as reported in the continuation phase and overall in this study is new contribution of knowledge. The findings suggest that treatment compliance is associated with treatment success in both phases of treatment and overall. Low compliance especially in the continuation phase could lead to poor treatment outcomes such as prolonged infections, relapse, high TB mortality and drug resistance leading to increased programme costs. The study concludes that non-compliance results in poor treatment outcomes highlighting the need for interventions that address compliance in all phases but specifically within the continuation phase and amongst those at risk of having reduced compliance such as those in rural areas and young adult patients aged (15 – 34 years). Recommendations to the District Management Team and TB Programme Managers include: identification of measures that promote treatment compliance; support and monitoring of TB patients’ compliance continuously; strengthening CB-DOT by increasing CB-DOT points and enhancing CB-DOT supporters’ capacity as well as strengthening record keeping as a monitoring tool to increase compliance and improve treatment outcomes.

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / Background: Ankle sprains are a frequently occurring injury sustained by sports individuals accounting for approximately 20% to 40% of all sports injuries (DiStefano et al. 2008; LeBrun and Krause, 2005). Ankle sprains are mainly caused by excessive inversion (Takao et al., 2005; Andersen et al., 2004), when the foot is twisted inwards and lands at a high velocity damaging the lateral capsule-ligamentous complex (Beynnon et al., 2005). According to Naqvi, Cunningham and Lynch (2012) untreated or inappropriately managed ankle sprains can lead to a cascade of negative alteration to both the joint structures and the individual’s lifestyle. According to Hale, Hertel and Olmsted-Kramer (2007) 30% of ankle sprains result in chronic ankle instability (CAI) and 78% of the CAI cases develop into post-traumatic ankle osteoarthritis. This poses a negative impact on an individual’s athletic performance. Ankle sprains can be managed conservatively with the utilization of the PRICE protocol during the acute stage, cross friction massage or instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization techniques (for example Graston®, FAKTR© Concept) for both acute and subacute ankle sprains (Bleakley, 2010). Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a myofascial treatment protocol (FAKTR© Concept) combined with cryotherapy compared to cryotherapy and sham laser in the treatment of sub-acute and acute ankle inversion sprains. Objectives: 1. To determine the effectiveness of a myofascial treatment protocol combined with cryotherapy in terms of subjective (numerical pain rating scale [NRS] and foot function index [FFI]) and objective (oedema measurements [EDM], digital inclinometer readings [DIR], algometer readings [AR] and stork balance stand test score [STR]) measurements in the treatment of acute and sub-acute ankle sprains. 2. To determine the effectiveness of sham laser combined with cryotherapy in terms of subjective (NRS and FFI) and objective (EDM, DIR, AR and STR) measurements in the treatment of acute and sub-acute ankle sprains. 3. To compare the relative improvement between the two groups in terms of subjective (NRS and FFI) and objective measurement (EDM, DIR, AR and STR). Study design: This was a quantitative randomised controlled clinical trial. Methods: Forty participants with sub-acute or acute ankle sprains of not more than three weeks were recruited into the study. All participants had a full case history, physical, and foot and ankle regional examination to assess for their eligibility for entry into the study in terms of inclusion and exclusion criteria. These participants were randomly allocated using the hat method into one of two study groups, Group A (treatment group) or Group B. Participants in Group A received a myofascial treatment protocol (FAKTR© Concept) combined with cryotherapy and Group B received cryotherapy and sham laser. These participants had four treatments in two weeks where the appropriate treatment was administered. Pre-treatment subjective (NRS and FFI) and objective (EDM, DIR, AR and STR) measurements were taken at each consultation. This data was analysed using SPSS software version 24.0. Results: The General Linear Model for repeated measures was used for the intra- group and inter-group analysis of the data. Intra-group analysis of the FAKTR© treatment group showed that the group had statistically significant improvements in terms of the subjective and objective measurements of the study with the p-value < 0.05 between all treatment periods. Intra-group analysis of the control group showed no statistically significant improvements in terms of subjective and objective measurements of the study. Inter-group analysis showed no statistically significant difference in terms of the DIR and EDM. The NRS, AR, STR and FFI readings showed statistically significant differences between the two groups with a p-value of < 0.05 mainly on the last two consultations. Conclusion: This study concluded that the myofascial treatment protocol (FAKTR© Concept) combined with cryotherapy was more effective than cryotherapy and sham laser in the treatment of sub-acute and acute inversion ankle sprains. The FAKTR© Concept treatment group appeared to show statistically significant improvements compared to the control group.

M.Tech. / Striae are linear scars in the dermis which arise from rapid stretching of the skin over weakened connective tissue (de Angelis & Adatto, 2010). Striae occur when collagen production cannot keep pace with a sudden growth of the underlying tissues. Striae have no medical consequences but are frequently distressing to those afflicted. These disfiguring marks are usually caused by excessive stretching of the skin that may occur with pregnancy, adolescent growth spurts, obesity and weightlifting (Kang & Arbor, 1998). Striae usually appear on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, breasts and extremities. Patients’ quality of life can be enhanced with the effective management of these unsightly marks. Modalities of treatments that exist for the treatment of striae have been advocated with varying success and side effects (Manuskiatti et al., 2010). The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the topical application of a homoeopathic preparation Thiosinaminum 1X on the appearance of striae. The research was a double-blind placebo controlled study which took place at the Homoeopathy Health Centre which is located at the University of Johannesburg(Doornfontein campus). Forty female participants aged between eighteen and thirty-five were randomly selected to take place in the study. The study was conducted over a period of twelve weeks. On recruitment, the participants were required to read and sign the information sheet (Appendix A) and consent form (Appendix B) assisted by the researcher. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire (Appendix C) to determine contributing factors e.g. duration of the stretch marks, the cause of the stretch marks and any disease that may contribute to the formation of stretch marks. A pertinent case and vital signs were taken at the initial consultation to eliminate any pathologies. All potential participants were required to present with stretch marks on the thighs or buttocks present for at least 6 months prior to the study. The stretch marks needed to have had a minimum length of 50mm and a maximum length of a 100mm. The researcher was responsible for choosing the designated area that was treated. The most distinct striae were selected by the researcher according to criteria for treatment. The researcher took photographs of the treatment areas at the commencement of the study and this was repeated at the end of the study (Appendix I). The length of the most prominent stretch mark (according to criteria) below was also measured on the commencement of the study. To physically iv measure the most prominent stretch mark a string and a ruler was utilized. The same ruler and ball of string was used each time to ensure validity of the results. A new piece of string was cut and tied in a knot at the tip and placed on the stretch mark itself to mould to its shape and thereafter it was placed on a ruler to determine the measurements in millimeters. To ensure that the same stretch mark was measured every time, the researcher measured out the distance between the stretch mark and a defined anatomical point for all the participants. The stretch mark was traced using plotting paper. The participants were required to apply the cream twice daily for the duration of the study. Participants were able to rate their satisfaction on a monthly basis by completing a questionnaire. The results of the study indicated that there was no improvement in the length of striae however there was more improvement in satisfaction ratings throughout the study from the experimental group.