M.Tech. (Chiropractic) / Purpose: The pelvis, femur, tibia, fibula, ankle and foot form a closed kinematic chain during gait. According to biomechanical principles any restriction or tension in one part of the kinematic chain will create increased load on the other parts of the same chain (Comerford and Mottram, 2001; Sahrmann, 2000). This increased load can lead to dysfunction and compensation along the chain and also lead to gait anomalies. A chiropractic adjustment is utilised for the treatment of sacroiliac joint restrictions. There has not been research conducted to establish the effects that a chiropractic adjustment has on lower limb biomechanics and gait. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a sacroiliac adjustment had an effect on gait by looking at the gait parameters. Method: Sixty participants who were between the ages of 18 and 40 years were recruited. The participants were asked to sign a consent form and then a thorough history and physical examination was performed to ensure that participants did not have any disease or pathology that may have excluded them from the study. These included foot pathologies, knee pathologies, hip pathologies, structural leg length discrepancies, or any contraindications to chiropractic adjustment. A lumbar spine regional examination as well as motion palpation of the sacroiliac joints was performed to determine which joints were restricted. Each participant then underwent a gait assessment before and after they received a chiropractic adjustment to the restricted sacroiliac joint. Procedure: Participants only received one adjustment. Objective measurements were obtained using the Zebris FDM gait analysis system. This system uses high-quality capacitive force sensors that are arranged in matrix form. As a result, each sensor produces its own calibration curve. The measuring plates enable the static and dynamic force distribution to be analysed under the feet while standing and walking. The measuring plate is integrated in a level walking area. The measuring parameters are automatically calculated in the WinFDM program and a printable, easy to read report of the measuring results is then available (Zebris Medical GmbH, Germany). Each participant walked over the measuring plate for 4 times. This was done before and after the adjustment.Results: Statistically significant changes were seen between the pre and post treatment measurements of foot rotation on the treatment side, the step length on the treatment side, the stride length, the stance phase on both the treatment and non-treatment sides, the swing phase on the treatment and non-treatment side and the total double support. Conclusion: This study shows that a chiropractic adjustment to the sacroiliac joint does change certain gait parameters and it should therefore be part of any treatment regime for gait abnormalities. Podiatrists, biokineticists and chiropractors should work together when treating patients with gait abnormalities. As the study only recruited asymptomatic participants, further studies are necessary to determine the effect a chiropractic adjustment has on the gait of symptomatic patients.

M. Tech / HIV/AIDS is currently one of the most devastating conditions affecting the health of millions throughout the world. In South Africa it is estimated that 4,74 million individuals between 15-49 years are infected with HIV despite the intensive HIV prevention programs that are in place. KwaZulu Natal (KZN) province of South Africa has the highest HIV prevalence in the country (Statistics South Africa, 1996; South African DOH, 2001). Only in August 2003, the South African government announced that it would provide anti-aids drugs free of charge in the public sector. Previously this was unavailable to most HIV-infected South Africans. However despite the governments plan to roll out the provision of ARVs, there are mammoth logistical and human capacity challenges confronting the implementation of a treatment program of this magnitude. Furthermore due to the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS, the high cost of treatment and the association of symptomatic treatment with emergence of drug resistance, many patients with HIV/AIDS are seeking help from alternative systems of medicine. With the worldwide sales of homoeopathic products in 1997 estimated to be $1.5 billion, homoeopathy is growing and becoming an important aspect of healthcare. However in South Africa homoeopathy is relatively new and there seems to be a limited awareness of homoeopathy amongst the public and healthcare authorities. For this reason the Technikon Witwatersrand’s’ (TWR), Department of Homoeopathy has instituted a 3 Phase HIV/AIDS Research strategy in order to identify alternative remedies and support structures that could be useful in controlling the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This study aims to achieve phase one of the TWR’s 3 phase strategy. This study initiated the collection of basic data on the extent homoeopaths are treating HIV/AIDS, the current approaches utilised by the homoeopaths in KwaZulu Natal in the treatment of HIV/AIDS and the need for additional training for homoeopaths with regards to HIV/AIDS. The study was carried out by using the survey method and the measuring tool was a self-administered questionnaire as well as an interview. The study population (n = 59) comprised only registered homoeopathic practitioners of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The study was completed in four stages. Stage 1 comprised mailing a covering letter together with the questionnaire and self addressed stamped return envelope. Stage 2 and 3 involved the mailing of reminder letters to the study population. Stage 4 which was only carried out when the data from the questionnaire was analyses consisted of either a face to face or telephonic interview of practitioners. The data was analysed by means of descriptive statistics using the SPSS version 11.0 statistical program. The Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis Test (non-parametric ANOVA) and Dunn’s Multiple Comparison Test which was used as a post-test to the Kruskal-Wallis and the Spearman Rank Correlation were used to test the association between various factors in the questionnaire. On analysing the results it can be seen that the demographics of practitioners who treat HIV-positive patients have been influenced by the political-legal and training history of Homoeopathy in South Africa. The majority of respondents in this survey are graduates of Durban Institute of Technology are White and have had less than ten years experience. It has been found that locality of the practice, race of the practitioner and the number of years in practice has an influence on the number of HIV-positive patients that the practitioner treats. Homoeopaths who practice in rural areas rather than urban, treat larger numbers of HIV-positive patients. Black homoeopaths see more HIV-positive patients than white homoeopaths. The longer a practitioner was in practice the more HIV-positive patients are seen. Homoeopathic simplex was the most frequently used treatment for HIV/AIDS patients. This was followed by vitamin supplementation and the use of homoeopathic complex. In addition, it was found that more than 90% of the respondents felt the need for further training with regards to HIV/AIDS. Specific topics that should be addressed were evaluated. This study raised many areas of concern with regards to the treatment of HIV/AIDS using homoeopathy and strongly highlights the need for more information and further research. / Professor A. N. Smith Dr. N. Wolf

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / The common cold is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract, usually afebrile in nature. It is characterized by inflammation of the airways (Beers and Porter 2006). Influenza, commonly referred to as “flu”, is an acute and highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract. It is easily spread by sneezing and coughing (Balch, 2006). Conventional medication typically includes: aspirin, nasal decongestants, antihistamines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antiviral drugs, but these substances may produce unwanted side-effects. If a secondary bacterial infection develops, antibiotics are added (Beers, 2003). Linctagon® Forte Capsules are a self-help proprietary medication by Nativa containing Pelargonium sidoides, Quercetin, Bromelain and Zinc, and is used for the treatment of colds and influenza (Nativa, 2011), but further research is required for this product. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of Linctagon® Forte Capsules on the symptoms of colds and influenza of female resident students between the ages of eighteen and thirty five years at the University of Johannesburg. Efficacy was determined by means of a modified “Severity of Symptoms Questionnaire” and a modified “Quality of Life Questionnaire”. Thirty female participants, aged between 18 and 35 years, with symptoms of common cold and influenza, were recruited in this double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were recruited by means of advertising flyers and posters at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) campuses as well as the University of Johannesburg female residences. Participants that presented with any of the common cold or influenza symptoms were to immediately contact the researcher to set up an initial interview. The study was conducted over an eight day period with a total of three consultations. During the first consultation, the participants were requested to sign a “Participant Profile Form”, a “Participant Information and Consent Form” and undergo the relevant physical examinations. Participants were then given either the placebo capsules or the Linctagon® Forte Capsules and instructed to take one capsule three times daily. Participants were also requested to complete a modified “Severity of Symptoms Questionnaire” and a modified “Quality of Life Questionnaire” every evening for the duration of the study. All data collected during the study was statistically analysed using Chi Square as well as the Descriptive Analysis (Smith, 2011).

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Hypertension is one of the major cardiovascular diseases worldwide. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and this is mainly caused by heart and renal diseases (Alhalaiqa et al., 2011). Hypertension is common in South Africa. About a quarter of all South Africans, 15 years and older, suffer from hypertension (Steyn, 1998). There are 6.1 million people with a blood pressure equal to or above 140/90 mmHg, 23% of South African men are hypertensive and for women the equivalent prevalence is 16% (South African Demographic and Health Survey, 1998). Allopathic anti-hypertensive drugs are not always effective or well tolerated due to their many harmful side effects (Ahmad, 1999). Homoeopathy though, does not have unwanted side effects (Digby, 1997). The aim of this study is to ascertain the efficacy of a homoeopathic complex containing Crataegus oxycantha 6CH, Viscum album 6CH, Glonoine 6CH and Digitalis purpurea 6CH in treating essential hypertension in black adults between the ages of eighteen and fifty five years. The study was a randomised double-blind placebo controlled study and thirty male and female participants were recruited and divided into the treatment and the placebo group. Three participants withdrew from the study during the trial period and therefore twenty seven participants were in this study. The treatment group was administered the homoeopathic complex remedy and the placebo group was administered the placebo. Participants received medication which they took for six weeks according to proper instructions. They were requested not to make any substantial changes to their lifestyle and diet. The blood pressure readings were monitored every two weeks for the six weeks duration of the study. Collected data was analysed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test to determine the statistical significance of changes in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and in the symptoms that the participants had during the study. The analysis compared the variables between and within the two groups. The inter-group statistical analysis was done using the Mann-Whitney Test. The intra-group statistical analysis was done using the non-parametric test (Friedman Test). The difference between the two groups over time was done using the Post-Hoc Test. The Post-Hoc test analysis with Wilcoxon The homoeopathic remedy complex provided a statistically significant decrease in systolic blood pressure readings compared to the placebo. The diastolic blood pressure of the treatment group also decreased, and that of the placebo group decreased gradually. In the treatment group the most significant symptomatic relief was from headaches and vertigo. The other symptoms slightly decreased in the second week and then remained constant. In the placebo group there was a slight relief of the headache and vertigo symptoms but it was not significant. The homoeopathic complex remedy provided a statistically significant decrease in systolic blood pressure readings. This provides a safe and effective alternative treatment for essential hypertension.

Magister Curationis / Herbal and homeopathic compounds have been used to aid in childbearing and pregnancy for centuries. Much of this information is anecdotal and lacks scientific support, making it difficult to evaluate safety and efficacy. Increased public interest in alternative treatments leads to the need for a systematic review on the topic. Herbal remedies are most often used to treat the most common pregnancy-related problems like nausea, stretch marks and varicose veins. In contrast to this, concerns have also been raised about the adverse effects of these remedies. The primary objective of this research project was to conduct a systematic review to assess the maternal and neonatal outcomes of ingested herbal and homeopathic remedies using during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. / South Africa

Inadequate sanitation is one of the leading causes of water pollution and consequently illness in many underdeveloped countries, including South Africa and, specifically, the Eastern Cape Province, where cholera has become endemic. As modern wastewater treatment processes are often energy intensive and expensive, they are not suitable for use in these areas. There is thus a need to develop more sustainable wastewater treatment technologies for application in smaller communities. The integrated algal ponding system (IAPS) was identified as a possible solution to this wastewater management problem and was investigated for adaptation to local conditions, at the Rhodes University Environmental Experimental Field Station in Grahamstown, South Africa. The system was monitored over a period of nine years, with various configuration adjustments of the high rate algal pond (HRAP) unit operation investigated. Under standard operating conditions, the system was able to achieve levels of nutrient and organic removal comparable with conventional wastewater treatment works. The mean nitrate level achieved in the effluent was below the 15mg.l-1 South African discharge standard, however, nitrate removal in the IAPS was found to be inconsistent. Although the system was unable to sustain chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal to below the 75mg.l-1 South African discharge standard, a removal rate of 87% was recorded, with the residual COD remaining in the form of algal biomass. Previous studies in the Eastern Cape Province have shown that few small wastewater treatment works produce effluent that meets the microbial count specification. Therefore, in addition to the collation of IAPS data from the entire nine year monitoring period, this study also investigated the use of the HRAP as an independent unit operation for disinfection of effluent from small sewage plants. It was demonstrated that the independent high rate algal pond (IHRAP) as a free standing unit operation could consistently produce water with Escherichia coli counts of 0cfu.100ml-1. The observed effect was related to a number of possible conditions prevailing in the system, including elevated pH, sunlight and dissolved oxygen. It was also found that the IHRAP greatly enhanced the nutrient removal capabilities of the conventional IAPS, making it possible to reliably and consistently maintain phosphate and ammonium levels in the final effluent to below 5mg.l-1 and 2mg.l-1 respectively (South African discharge standards are 10mg.l-1 and 3mg.l-1 in each case). The quality of the final effluent produced by the optimisation of the IAPS would allow it to be used for irrigation, thereby providing an alternative water source in water stressed areas. The system also proved to be exceptionally robust and data collected during periods of intensive and low management regimes were broadly comparable. Results of the 9 year study have demonstrated reliable performance of the IAPS and its use an appropriate, sustainable wastewater treatment option for small communities.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, in which there is a marked decline in neurotransmitters, especially those of the cholinergic pathways. One of the approaches to the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease is the inhibition of the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, using an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. One such drug tested, is the organophosphate, metrifonate. Any drug used for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders should preferably not induce further neurological damage. Thus, in the present study, we investigated whether or not metrifonate is neuroprotective. The in vivo and in vitro effect of this drug on free radicals generation shows that metrifonate increases the level ofthese reactive species. Lipid peroxidation induced using quinolinic acid (QA) and iron (II) and show that metrifonate increased the peroxidative damage induced by using quinolinic acid. Metrifonate is also able to induce lipid peroxidation both in vivo and in vitro. This was reduced in vitro in the presence of melatonin. Using iron (II), in vi/ro, there was no significant difference in the level of lipid peroxidation in the presence of this drug. An investigation of the activity of the mitochondrial electron transport chain and complex I of the electron transport chain in the presence of metrifonate revealed that metrifonate reduces the activity of the electron transport chain at the level of complex I. The activity of the mitochondrial electron transport chain was restored in the presence of melatonin. Pineal organ culture showed that metrifonate does not increase melatonin production. Histological and apoptosis studies show that tissue necrosis and apoptosis respectively, occur in the presence of this agent, which is reduced in the presence of melatonin. Metal binding studies were performed USing ultraviolet spectroscopy, and electrochemical analysis to examine the interaction of metrifonate with iron (II) and iron (III). No shift in the peak was observed in the ultraviolet spectrum when iron (ll) was added to metrifonate. Electrochemical studies show that there may be a very weak or no ligand formed between the metal and drug. This study shows that while drugs such as metrifonate may be beneficial in restoring cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease, it could also have the potential to enhance neurodegeneration, thus worsening the condition, in the long term. / KMBT_363 / Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in

M. Tech. / Since year zero of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, homosexuality has been linked to HIV/AIDS (Hooper; 2000). HIV positive homosexual individuals, therefore, are exposed to double stigmatisation; that of being homosexual and of being infected with HIV/AIDS. Taking into account the link between psyche, neural and immunological function, the above statement directly impacts the pathophysiology and prognosis of HIV/AIDS (Forrest and Kanbus; 2004) (De Kooker; 2002). This study examines the psychological and emotional states of the subjects, which are influenced, not only by their disease state but also by social stigmatisation. The aim of the study is to obtain a comprehensive homoeopathic symptom picture of HIV positive homosexual males within a South African context, compare this to existing homoeopathic symptom pictures, discuss HIV/AIDS in terms of miasmatic theory and consider possible homoeopathic treatment options for HIV/AIDS. This is a qualitative pilot study. Fourteen HIV positive homosexual males, of varying race, were recruited through Caritas Care and interviewed in Gauteng. The participants were between the ages of twenty and fifty and in stage one to three of HIV infection. Six of the participants were on antiretroviral therapy, eight not. The participants were interviewed using set questionnaires and underwent a physical examination. The interview transcripts were analysed and compared to each other then commonalities extracted to obtain a composite symptom picture. The composite symptom picture was compared to existing genus epidemicus symptom pictures and existing nosode proving pictures. The composite symptom picture was analysed using Cara Pro computerized repertorisation to determine possible treatment options. This computer programme affords the user access to multiple repertories simultaneously for rubric selection, and then analyses the case allowing for the use of different strategies. The composite symptom picture was also analysed in terms of miasmatic characteristics. The study concludes that the composite symptom picture partially matches existing HIV/AIDS genus epidemicus symptom pictures and nosode proving pictures. The composite symptom picture exhibits prominent themes of mental and emotional restlessness, generalized weakness, rebelliousness, desire for control and a desire for warmth. Possible treatment options are indicated. The include the remedies Sepia, Apis mellifica, Bryonia alba, Iodium and Natrum carbonicum but particularly of the Flouratum mineral group remedies such as Calcarea fluorica and Acidum flouricum. The study indicates that HIV/AIDS is emerging as a new miasm exhibiting characteristics of the Sycotic and Tuberculinic miasms. / Dr. L. Solomon Dr. T. Blake

M.A. (Clinical Psychology) / This study concerns itself with relaxation training and social support as alternative forms of treatment for hypertension in renal patients. following the success of these in the treatment of essential hypertension (Lagrone et al 1986). Three groups of renal dialysis patients were chased for the study. The first group underwent relaxation training, the second group participated in group therapy sessions whieh emphasized social support. and the last group acted as a control group. The following hypotheses were made: I. Renal dialysis patients that receive progressive muscle relaxation training will show a significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure rate. 2. Renal dialysis patients that participated in a number of group therapy sessions will show significant decreases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / INTRODUCTION Dysmenorrhoea is defined as difficult menstrual flow or painful menstruation. Dysmenorrhoea is the most common gynaecological complaint in younger women who present themselves to clinicians. Primary dysmenorrhoea is defined as painful menstrual cramps without any evident pathology present. It refers to any degree of perceived cramping pain experienced during menstruation. Around 50% of menstruating females suffer from primary dysmenorrhoea. Prevalence decreases with age, with prevalence being highest in the 20 to 24 year old age group. This trial intended to evaluate the effectiveness of a phytotherapeutic complex in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea compared to homoeopathic similimum in a 30 cH plussed potency. This study aimed to provide the safe and effective alternative therapy for primary dysmenorrhoea, especially for the population that is contradicted to use the readily available forms of treatments. TRIAL DESIGN This double-blind randomised parallel clinical trial, aimed to determine the effectiveness of a phytotherapeutic complex consisting of Angelica sinensis1:10, Dioscorea villosa1:10, Matricaria chamomilla 1:10, Viburnum opulus 1:10, and Zingiber officinalis 1:10 in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, compared to homoeopathic similimum in a 30cH plussed potency. METHODOLOGY A sample group of 26 participants were voluntarily selected for the study on the basis of an inclusion and exclusion criteria. These participants were then randomly divided into two groups, 17 in the group receiving the phytotherapeutic complex, 8 in the control group receiving the similimum and 1 drop-out. Each participant had to attend a total of four consultations with the researcher over a three month period, at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Homoeopathic Day Clinic. At each consultation the participant completed the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) (Appendix B) as well as the Pain Rating Scale (PRS) (Appendix C). Intra-group analysis was performed using the non-parametric test for analysis of variance: Friedman’s test. Inter-group analysis was conducted using the Mann- Whitney U test for two independent samples. RESULTS Results from the intra-group analysis showed that in both groups most measured parameters relating to experience during the previous menstrual flow showed statistically significant reductions in intensity. This is to say that both the group receiving phytotherapy and the group receiving similimum experienced reductions in their symptoms as measured by both the MDQ and the PRS. Results from the inter-group analysis showed that there is no significant difference between the phytotherapy and similimum group in all symptoms except the water retention category, with regard to symptom perception during the last menstrual flow of the trial. CONCLUSION The conclusion reached in this study was that both the phytotherapeutic complex treatment and the homoeopathic similimum treatment were effective at reducing the clinical features of primary dysmenorrhea, but there was no significant difference between the phytotherapy and similimum group in all except the water retention category during the last menstrual period as measured by the MDQ Further, there was no statistically significant difference between groups treated with phytotherapy compared to similimum as measured by the PRS. / M