Research Publications (Health Sciences)

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Academic integrity in the information age : insights from health sciences students at a South African University
(Emerald, 2024-01-01) Kell, Colette Melissa; Thandar, Yasmeen; Bhundoo, Adelle Kemlall; Haffejee, Firoza; Mbhele, Bongiwe; Ducray, Jennifer
Purpose Academic integrity is vital to the success and sustainability of the academic project and particularly critical in the training of ethical and informed health professionals. Yet studies have found that cheating in online exams was commonplace during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the increased use of online and blended learning post-COVID-19, an understanding of student cheating dynamics is essential for developing effective strategies to combat academic dishonesty in the rapidly changing educational landscape.Design/methodology/approachThis study explored academic integrity and reasons for dishonesty from the perspective of health sciences students at a South African University of Technology (UOT) via the Fraud Diamond. To gain an in-depth understanding of the topic, a qualitative method was employed, and data were collected via focus group discussions with nine student class representatives. These data were analysed thematically using the Clarke and Braun approach.FindingsCheating during online assessment was common and innovative, with students manipulating others and exploiting friendships to facilitate dishonest practices. Student motivations for dishonesty included a lack of consequences and pressure due to a lack of time management, engagement and preparation.Practical implicationsThis study underscores the need for institutions to adopt an adaptable, multi-faceted approach that addresses student cheating opportunity, motivation and normalisation of dishonest practices whilst strengthening academic integrity policies and enforcement thereof.Originality/valueThe findings contribute valuable insights into the ongoing academic integrity crisis in higher education in the South African context.
Achieving prehospital analgesia
(BMJ, 2010-10-23) Castle, Nicholas; Naidoo, Raveen
Acknowledging the other …
(National Association of Child Careworkers, 2012) Winfield, Jacqueline Ann
African leafy vegetables as bio-factories for silver nanoparticles : a case study on Amaranthus dubius C Mart. Ex Thell
(Elsevier, 2016) Sigamoney, M.; Shaik, S.; Govender, P.; Krishna, Suresh Babu Naidu
Nanoparticles are used across many scientiﬁc and pharmaceutical ﬁelds and are found in products that come into close contact with the human body. There is a growing need for ‘green synthesis’ of silver (Ag) nanoparticles and plant-mediated synthesis is becoming increasingly popular. The current study aimed to ﬁrstly synthesise Ag nanoparticles using fresh and freeze-dried leaves, stems and roots of the African leafy vegetable, Amaranthus dubius. The synthesised Ag nanoparticles were subsequently characterised using UV–visible spectroscopy, scan-ning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) anal-ysis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis. The bioactivity (antibacterial and antifungal) of the synthesised Ag nanoparticles was also assessed using the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) method. The results suggest that A. dubius plant extracts can serve as environmentally benign bio-factories for the synthe-sis of bioactive Ag nanoparticles. However, the characteristics of these nanoparticles differed based on the organ used to prepare the extract and whether the plant material was fresh or freeze-dried. Silver nanoparticle yield was greatest in the freeze-dried and fresh leaf extracts of A. dubius. However, EDX analysis revealed nanoparticles produced using freeze-dried and fresh stem extracts to contain the most elemental Ag. Silver nanoparticles syn-thesised from the different plant organs all displayed a spherical shape; however, Ag nanoparticles synthesised from the stem extracts (30–35 nm) were signiﬁcantly larger than those synthesised from leaf and root extracts (18–21 nm). FTIR analysis conﬁrmed the presence of carbonyl groups, proteins and aldehydes on nanoparticles produced using all extract types. The Ag nanoparticles synthesised from fresh stem extracts displayed the highest antimicrobial activity compared with those synthesised from the other plant organs. Fresh stem extracts of A. dubius appear to be most suitable for biosynthesis of Ag nanoparticles, yielding the largest nanoparticles, with the highest elemental Ag content, and greatest inhibition of microbial growth.
Allopathic medicine practitioners' experiences with non-disclosure of traditional medicine use
(AOSIS, 2024-01-31) Gumede, Lindiwe; Nkosi, Pauline B.; Sibiya, Maureen Nokuthula
A pertinent issue impacting patient treatment outcomes is the nondisclosure of traditional medicine (TM) use to Allopathic medicine practitioners (AMPs). For years, TM has been a controversial practice, with patients often using it alongside allopathic medicine without disclosing their use. It is imperitive to learn and understand the experiences of AMPs regarding the disclosure of TM use in Gauteng province to enable them to provide the best possible treatment outcomes for patients who use TM.
Aim
This study aimed to explore the experiences of AMPs regarding non-disclosure of TM use in Gauteng province.
Setting
This study was conducted in four district hospitals where outpatient care and services are rendered in Gauteng Province.
Methods
An interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) design was followed. Fourteen purposefully sampled AMPs participated in face-to-face, one-on-one, and semi-structured interviews. Interpretive phenomenological analysis in Atlas.ti was conducted.
Results
Three themes emerged: bedside manner of AMPs; stigmatising TM use; and individual belief systems. The belief of patients' disclosure hesitancy because of fear of judgment by the AMPs underpinned these themes.
Conclusion
Allopathic medicine practitioners are aware that patients who use TM could feel guilty and stigmatised. They acknowledged that patients use TM because of cultural and ethnic reasons, which should not be disregarded.
Contribution
The study highlighted that patients do not disclose their TM use because of AMPs' attitudes, stigmatising TM use, and their prejudices against the cultural beliefs of patients. Allopathic medicine practitioners should establish good communication with patients by providing patient-centred communication to facilitate disclosure of TM use.
Allopathic medicine practitioners' perspectives on facilitating disclosure of traditional medicine use in Gauteng, South Africa : a qualitative study
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2023-12-12) Gumede, Lindiwe; Nkosi, Pauline B.; Sibiya, Maureen N.
Traditional medicine (TM) plays a key role in maintaining health in many societies. Given the requirement for TM disclosure, Allopathic Medicine Practitioners (AMPs) must encourage open communication with patients to persuade those who use TM to disclose. Addressing patient non-disclosure of TM requires this dialogue to be facilitated. We sought to understand and describe how South African AMPs facilitate disclosure of TM use during a consultation with patients who use both TM and allopathic medicine (AM) and how it influences the patients' willingness to disclose TM use.
Methods
This qualitative exploratory descriptive study on AMPs at Gauteng district public hospitals in South Africa was conducted between 2021 and 2022. Non-probability purposive sampling was employed to select a sample of 14 AMPs. Individual participants were encouraged to share their unique experiences and interpretations of the phenomenon concerning TM use disclosure. The raw transcribed textual data were processed using ATLAS.ti, and inductive content analysis was undertaken following the coding of the content to identify categories.
Results
The data revealed four major categories: 'providing a suitable atmosphere for disclosure,' 'encouraging patients to disclose TM usage to AMPs,' 'patient autonomy,' and 'AMP training'. During a consultation with patients who use both TM and AM, participants expressed their experiences and perceptions of TM nondisclosure. They also discussed several methods for encouraging patients to disclose their TM usage, particularly when TM is used concurrently with AM.
Conclusion
This study expands on previously reported findings by describing how South African AMPs facilitate the disclosure of TM use during consultation. Many AMPs struggle to initiate TM conversations with their patients which results in non-disclosure. This study revealed that integrating TM into AM training programmes, promoting cross-practice, and creating a safe environment is necessary for the development and application of the most appropriate approaches that would assist in facilitating disclosure.
An analysis of patients transported by a private helicopter emergency medical service in South Africa
(SAMJ, 2016) Muhlbauer, Dagmar; Naidoo, Raveen; Hardcastle, T.C.
Background. A helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) is a specialist flying emergency service where on-board medical personnel have both the knowledge and equipment to perform complicated medical procedures. The paucity of literature describing the types of patients flown by HEMS in South Africa (SA) and their clinical outcome poses a challenge for current aeromedical services, as there is no baseline information on which to base flight criteria, staffing and policy documents. This has the potential to hamper the advancement of HEMS in SA. Objectives. To undertake a descriptive analysis of patients flown by the Netcare 911 HEMS over a 12-month period in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) provinces, SA, and to assess patient outcomes. The clinical demographics of patients transported by the HEMS were analysed, time frames from dispatch of the helicopter to delivery of the patient to the receiving hospital determined, and patient outcomes at 24 hours and 72 hours analysed. Methods. The study utilised a retrospective quantitative, descriptive design to analyse patients transported by a private HEMS in SA. All complete records of patients transported by the Netcare 911 HEMS between 1 January and 31 December 2011 were included. Results. The final study population comprised 537 cases, as 10 cases had to be excluded owing to incomplete documentation. Of the 537 cases, 82 (15.3%) were managed by the KZN HEMS and 455 (84.7%) by the Gauteng HEMS. Adult males were the patients most commonly flown in both Gauteng and KZN (350/455 patients (76.9%) in Gauteng and 48/82 (58.5%) in KZN were males, and 364/455 patients (80.0%) in Gauteng and 73/82 (89.0%) in KZN were adults). Motor vehicle collisions were the most common incidents necessitating transport by HEMS in both operations (n=193, 35.9%). At the 24-hour follow-up, 339 patients (63.1%) were alive and stable, and at the 72-hour follow-up, 404 (75.3%) were alive and stable. Conclusions. The study findings provided valuable information that may have an impact on the current staffing and authorisation criteria of SA HEMS operations.
An analysis of the need for accredited training on the administration of intravenous contrast media by radiographers : results of an online survey
(The South African Radiographer, 2012) Swindon, Lynda; Friedrich-Nel, Hesta; Isaacs, Ferial; Munro, Leonie
Role extension has been debated amongst South African radiographers for a number of years. However, the administration of contrast media still remains outside their scope of practice. The Society of Radiographers of South Africa (SORSA) has received anecdotal reports that radiographers are administering contrast media. This practice is a direct infringement of the rights of patients who are required to be treated and examined by health professionals who practice within their legal scope. The aim of this survey was to investigate the views and opinions of South African radiographers regarding the injecting of contrast media and the type of training needed if it were included in the scope of practice of South African radiographers. A questionnaire was sent to 845 radiographers using an online survey programme (SurveyMonkey). The questions related to biographical information, work experience, training and the medico-legal aspects of intravenous contrast media injection by radiographers. The response rate was 21% (n=177). Eighty-one percent (81%) were diagnostic radiographers. Seventy-three percent (73%) practice radiography in a major city. There was an equal representation of the public and private sector, namely 43% for both. Of those from the public sector 47% were from a tertiary healthcare facility. More than seventy-eight percent (>78%) practice radiography in a health facility that provides radiology services. Seventy-three percent (73%) were aware of mild to moderate adverse reactions to contrast media; 45% were aware of severe adverse reactions to contrast media in their workplace. Eighty-five percent (85%) thought that accredited training should include the administration of contrast media as well as resuscitation of a patient. Sixty-two percent (62%) thought the accredited training should include pharmacology and advanced resuscitation. Ninety-three percent (93%) thought the main advantage would be an increase in service delivery to patients; 85% thought the main disadvantage would be potential risk of criminal or civil litigation. Ninety-seven percent (97%) were of the opinion that radiographers who introduce contrast media to patients must have current malpractice insurance. The results of this survey provide new information on the current status of contrast media administration to the patient whose safety and rights remain at the centre of our focus. It is recommended that the statutory body, namely the professional board for radiography and clinical technology (RCT) of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) takes cognizance of the outcome of this study and embarks on a more extensive survey to include a larger sample which would be more representative of the South African radiography population.
Antidiabetic potential of Brachylaena discolor
(0189-6016, 2015) Mellem, John Jason; Baijnath, Himansu; Odhav, Bharti
Background: The traditional African herbal medicinal system has many reports of anti-diabetic food plants with no known side effects. Such plants and their products have been widely prescribed for diabetic treatment with little known mechanistic basis of their functioning. Therefore, these natural products need to be evaluated scientifically in order to confirm antidiabetic property claims. Materials and Methods: In this study, leaves of Brachylaena discolor were evaluated for potential to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The leaves were also screened for toxicity and free radical scavenging capacity. Results: Results from the study show that the methanolic extract gave a higher α-glucosidase inhibition potential and was able to effectively scavenge free radicals better than the aqueous extract. The toxicity, cytotoxicity and mutagenicity screen also showed that both plant extracts are safe for use. Conclusion: These results therefore indicate that B. discolor has the potential for use as a potential dietary adjunct or therapy for the treatment of diabetes.
Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of substituted halogenated coumarins
(Academic Journals, 2014-02-03) Kasumbwe, K.; Venugopala, Katharigatta Narayanaswamy; Mohanlall, Viresh; Odhav, Bharti
Pathogens frequently display resistance to current drugs, which frequently lack selectivity/efficacy and have detrimental side effects. Thus, there is a constant need for novel therapeutic agents. Coumarins belong to the family of lactones, having a benzopyrone system that can be isolated from plants as well as total synthesis that can be carried out in the laboratory. To date, many chemical reactions have been established that can be used to synthesize coumarins. The synthesis of coumarins and their derivatives has attracted the attention of organic and medicinal chemists, as these are widely used as fragrances, pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. In the present study, the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of substituted coumarin analogue compounds have been screened. 3-(2-bromoacetyl)-2H-chromen-2-one (CMRN3) and 3-(2, 2-dibromoacetyl)-2H-chromen-2-one (CMRN6) showed bacterial growth inhibition for all the tested species except Klebsiella pneumonia and Bacillus stearothermophilus. CMRN4 and CMRN5 displayed moderate bacterial inhibition against Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus. CMRN3 and CMRN6 had a minimum inhibition concentration at 0.75 mg/ml against B. cereus, Bacillus coagulans, and Streptococcus faecalis. They displayed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.5 mg/ml against Escherichia coli and S. aureus. (CMRN5) displayed an MIC at 0.75 mg/ml against M. luteus and 1.5 mg/ml against S. aureus. Compounds3-(2-bromoacetyl)-6-chloro-2H-chromen-2-one (CMRN4), 3-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-6-bromo-2H-chromen-2-one(CMRN7), 3-acetyl-6-bromo-2H-chromen-2-one (CMRN1) exhibited potent antioxidant activity at 85, 61 and 56%, respectively, as evaluated by the DPPH free radical method.
Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of substituted halogenated coumarins
(Academic Journals, 2014-02) Kasumbwe, K.; Venugopala, Katharigatta Narayanaswamy; Mohanlall, Viresh; Odhav, Bharti
Pathogens frequently display resistance to current drugs, which frequently lack selectivity/efficacy and have detrimental side effects. Thus, there is a constant need for novel therapeutic agents. Coumarins belong to the family of lactones, having a benzopyrone system that can be isolated from plants as well as total synthesis that can be carried out in the laboratory. To date, many chemical reactions have been established that can be used to synthesize coumarins. The synthesis of coumarins and their derivatives has attracted the attention of organic and medicinal chemists, as these are widely used as fragrances, pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. In the present study, the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of substituted coumarin analogue compounds have been screened. 3-(2-bromoacetyl)-2H-chromen-2-one (CMRN3) and 3-(2, 2-dibromoacetyl)-2H-chromen-2-one (CMRN6) showed bacterial growth inhibition for all the tested species except Klebsiella pneumonia and Bacillus stearothermophilus. CMRN4 and CMRN5 displayed moderate bacterial inhibition against Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus. CMRN3 and CMRN6 had a minimum inhibition concentration at 0.75 mg/ml against B. cereus, Bacillus coagulans, and Streptococcus faecalis. They displayed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.5 mg/ml against Escherichia coli and S. aureus. (CMRN5) displayed an MIC at 0.75 mg/ml against M. luteus and 1.5 mg/ml against S. aureus. Compounds3-(2-bromoacetyl)- 6-chloro-2H-chromen-2-one (CMRN4), 3-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-6-bromo-2H-chromen-2-one(CMRN7), 3- acetyl-6-bromo-2H-chromen-2-one (CMRN1) exhibited potent antioxidant activity at 85, 61 and 56%, respectively, as evaluated by the DPPH free radical method.
Are common polymorphisms of the Lipoprotein Lipase and human Paraoxonase-1 Genes Associated with the metabolic syndrome in South African Asian Indians?
(OMICS International, 2016) Prakaschandra, Dorcas Rosaley; Gordon, Michelle; Naidoo, Datshana Prakash
A cross-sectional study was performed to determine the possible contribution of the Human Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) and Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) polymorphisms to the risk of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in 817 participants of South African Asian Indian ancestry. Demographic and anthropometric data, including fasting blood for analysis of glycaemic and lipid parameters was collected. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood and allelic polymorphisms at positions Q192R, L55M in the PON1 gene and S447X and N291S in the LPL gene were studied using real-time PCR. Melting curve analysis was used to identify homozygotes and heterozygotes. The MetS was classified using the harmonised criteria. The prevalence of the MetS was 47.99%, with the main drivers being the increased waist circumference (96.6%), raised blood pressure (76.8%) and raised triglyceride levels (72.4%). There was no significant difference (p=n/s) in the distribution of the genotypes as well as their alleles in subjects with and without MetS. Increased levels of triglycerides was found in subjects with the MetS who had the QQ (p=0.007; OR=1.19; 95%CI=1.04; 1.36) and QR (p=0.018; OR=1.73; 95% CI=1.12; 2.67) genotypes of the Q192R polymorphisms. Subjects who had both the SX genotype (S447X polymorphism) and the LM genotype (L55M polymorphism) were more likely to have the MetS than those without (p=0.016; OR 2.19; 95% CI: 1.17, 4.06). Interactions involving the PON 1 gene may predispose to the MetS and to its component risk factors such as hypertriglyceridemia in this population. Environmental factors, such as lifestyle behaviour patterns appear to be the main driver contributing to obesity-related MetS.
Are point-of-decision prompts in a sports science and medicine centre effective in changing the prevalence of stair usage? : a preliminary study
(2009) Pillay, Julian David; Kolbe-Alexander, Tracy; Achmat, Masturah; Carstens, Madelaine; Lambert, Estelle V.
Objective. To determine the impact of a signed intervention on promoting stair versus lift usage in a health and fitness facility. Design. A 3-week observational study in which a simple timeseries design of collecting data before, during and after the introduction of an intervention was used. Setting. The Sports Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA): a 5-storey building with a centrally located lift lobby and internal stairwell. Method. Observers were placed unobtrusively on the ground floor, with good visibility of lift/stairwell, to observe ascending movement of students, staff, tenants, visitors and patients 4 hours/day (07h00 - 09h00, 16h00 - 18h00), 4 days/week for 3 weeks. During week 2, motivational signs were displayed on the wall next to the lift and stairs and on the floor leading to the stairwell. In week 3, signage was removed. Factors considered in predicting stair use were gender, phase of intervention, and whether persons were staff/students or visitors. Results. A total of 4 256 person-counts were recorded. Prevalence of stair use increased from 43% before the intervention to 53% during the intervention to 50% after the intervention. Odds of using the stairs during the intervention increased by 45% (odds ratio (OR) 1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25 - 1.68) (p<0.00001), were 41% higher for staff/students compared with visitors (p<0.00001) and were 55% greater for women (p<0.00001). These effects did not change significantly after the intervention and stair use remained modestly higher than before the intervention. Conclusion. Signed intervention produced significant increases in stair usage during and after the intervention. These findings support the effectiveness of point-of-decision prompts for changing behaviour, and highlight potential factors influencing the impact of such messages.
Assessing infection control knowledge and compliance of cardiovascular perfusionists in theatre at a private hospital in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
(Durban University of Technology, 2023) Naidoo, Elizabeth; Akpa-inyang, Francis; Odayan, Myenderan; Adam, Jamila
Infections acquired in a hospital (HAI) often referred to as nosocomial infections are related with increasing morbidity and death among patients that are hospitalised and are predisposed to an elevated risk of infection by health workers (HCWs). The need to maintain an effective infection prevention and control program is therefore essential for quality health care. This study sought to assess the knowledge and compliance of infection control practices of Cardiovascular Perfusionists in theatre at a private healthcare facility in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in the city of Durban. We conducted a qualitative study based on in-depth interviews with 12 Cardiovascular Perfusionists (CP) who were purposively selected from private sector. The interviews lasted between 20 to 25 minutes and were transcribed, and then thematic analysis were applied using NVivo. The study found that there is a need for Clinical Technologist specialising in Cardiovascular Perfusion to undergo training in infection control and prevention practices at the higher education and training level. Subsequently, the study reveals that Cardiovascular Perfusionists have a good overall understanding of pathogens and the implications thereof. The study also notes that there is considerable compliance to infection control practices in theatre irrespective of the knowledge pertaining to infection control and prevention policies. We concluded that there is an overall good knowledge and understanding regarding infection control practices, although many felt that there exists an inequitable application of infection control policies due to professional biases.
An assessment of Erythropoietin levels in haemodialysis patients in Addington Hospital Durban, South Africa
(Research India Publications, 2013) Adam, Jamila Khatoon; Benjamin, Sherilene Cheryl; Assounga, A. G.; Rmaih, Wafaa
Assessment of the use of the new maternity case record in improving the quality of ante natal care in eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal
(Elsevier, 2015) Sibiya, Maureen Nokuthula; Cele, Reginah Jabulisile; Ngxongo, Thembelihle Sylvia Patience
The national guidelines for maternity care in South Africa recommend that a standardised maternity case record be used by all facilities at all levels of care in order to improve the quality of care for pregnant women. This will facilitate continuity and quality of care for women during pregnancy, labour and post-partum. The aim of the study was to assess the use of the maternity case record in improving the quality of the antenatal care for pregnant women. An exploratory, descriptive study using both quantita-tive and qualitative design was used to conduct the study. Data was collected through a retrospective record review using a checklist for the quantitative strand, and from midwives using unstructured inter-views for the qualitative strand. The quantitative data set was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0 and the qualitative strand was analysed using the Tesch’s method of data analysis. The results of the record review revealed that although the recording was done fairly well, there were a number of activities and interventions that were recorded poorly or not recorded at all in some primary health care clinics. The midwives verbalised that many mistakes and mismanagement of ante-natal care clients emanated from the structure and the design of the new maternity case record.
The association between daily steps and health, and the mediating role of body composition : a pedometer-based, cross-sectional study in an employed South African population
(Biomed Central, 2015) Pillay, Julian David; Van der Ploeg, Hidde P.; Kolbe-Alexander, Tracy L.; Proper, Karin I.; Van Stralen, Maartje; Tomaz, Simone A.; van Mechelen, Willem; Lambert, Estelle V.
Background: Walking is recognized as an easily accessible mode of physical activity and is therefore supported as a strategy to promote health and well-being. To complement walking, pedometers have been identified as a useful tool for monitoring ambulatory physical activity, typically measuring total steps/day. There is, however, little information concerning dose-response for health outcomes in relation to intensity or duration of sustained steps. We aimed to examine this relationship, along with factors that mediate it, among employed adults. Methods: A convenience sample, recruited from work-site health risk screening (N = 312, 37 ± 9 yrs), wore a pedometer for at least three consecutive days. Steps were classified as “aerobic” (≥100 steps/minute and ≥10 consecutive minutes) or “non-aerobic” (<100 steps/minute and/or <10 consecutive minutes). The data were sub-grouped according to intensity-based categories i.e. “no aerobic activity”, “low aerobic activity” (1-20 minutes/day of aerobic activity) and “high aerobic activity” (≥21 minutes/day of aerobic activity), with the latter used as a proxy for current PA guidelines (150-minutes of moderate-intensity PA per week). Health outcomes included blood pressure, body mass index, percentage body fat, waist circumference, blood cholesterol and blood glucose. Analysis of covariance, adjusting for age, gender and total steps/day were used to compare groups according to volume and intensity-based steps categories. A further analysis compared the mediation effect of body fat estimates (percentage body fat, body mass index and waist circumference) on the association between steps and health outcomes, independently. Results: Average steps/day were 6,574 ± 3,541; total steps/day were inversely associated with most health outcomes in the expected direction (p < 0.05). The “no aerobic activity” group was significantly different from the “low aerobic activity” and “high aerobic activity” in percentage body fat and diastolic blood pressure only (P < 0.05). Percentage body fat emerged as the strongest mediator of the relationship between steps and outcomes, while body mass index showed the least mediation effect. Conclusion: The study provides a presentation of cross-sectional pedometer data that relate to a combination of intensity and volume-based steps/day and its relationship to current guidelines. The integration of volume, intensity and duration of ambulatory physical activity in pedometer-based messages is of emerging relevance.
Balance and stability-focused exercise program improves stability and balance in patients after acute stroke in a resource-poor setting
(American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2014-12) Puckree, Threethambal; Naidoo, Pooveshni
Objective: To compare the effect of a balance and stability - focused outpatient community-based rehabilitation and a regular physiotherapy program on balance, stability, and perceptions of improvement after acute stroke. Design: A randomized controlled trial in a community-based therapy center. Participants: Fifty consecutive patients with a first stroke, who reported to a community-based therapy center over a 7-month period were allocated to the control group (regular physiotherapy) or the experimental group (balance and stability - focused rehabilitation). Intervention: A program of physiotherapy focused on balance and stability exercises. The control group received the regular physiotherapy program. Main Outcome Measurements: The Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) monitored stability and balance. The normalized data (PASS and BBS) were analyzed by using analysis of covariance. Qualitative data were thematically described. Results: Internal consistency of baseline PASS and BBS scores was high (Cronbach a , .964 and .974, respectively). PASS overall pretest scores increased from 21.96 +- 21.41 (mean +- standard deviation) and 21.52 +- 8.43 to 67.67 +- 28.42 and 80.16 +- 22.60 posttest in the control and experimental groups, respectively. Posttest scores were significantly different ( P ¼ .004). The effect size was medium (.490). The overall BBS scores showed overall mean (standard deviation) increases from 44.71 +- 22.24 and 43.43 +- 17.11 pretest to 48.71 +- 23.18 and 59.71 +- 18.20 posttest for the control and experimental groups, respectively. The effect size was considered medium (.532). Conclusion: The balance and stability - focused community-based rehabilitation program was more effective in improving stability and balance in patients with stroke compared with the regular physiotherapy program in resource-poor settings.
Biosynthesis of bimetallic Au-Ag nanoparticles using Ocimum basilicum (L.) with antidiabetic and antimicrobial properties
(VBRI Press, 2015) Malapermal, Veshara; Mbatha, Joyce Nonhlanhla; Gengan, Robert Moonsamy; Anand, Krishnan
This study was aimed at developing a simple, eco-friendly and cost effective green chemistry method for the synthesis of bimetallic Au-Ag nanoparticles using Ocimum basilicum aqueous leaf and flower extracts, respectively as the natural reducing agents. The successive reduction of chloroauric acid and silver nitrate led to the formation of Au-Ag nanoparticles within 10 min at room temperature, suggesting a higher reaction rate than chemical methods involved in the synthesis. Stable, spherical nanoparticles with well-defined dimensions of average size of 3-25 nm was confirmed by UV-Visible spectroscopy, TEM, SEM-EDX, DLS, and zeta potential, whilst, FTIR in combination with GC-MS analyzed the functional groups adhered to the surface of the nanoparticles. The colloidal suspension displayed enhanced antihyperglycemic activity at 69.97 ± 3.42% (leaf) against α-amylase (from porcine) and at 85.77 ± 5.82% (flower) against Bacillus stearothermophilus α-glucosidase than that of acarbose and their respective crude extracts. Furthermore, revealed good antibacterial activity against bacterial species Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Copyright © 2015 VBRI Press.
Calories and steps! How many days of walking/hiking in the Himalayas does ONE Christmas lunch translate to?
(Health & Medical Publishing Group, 2015) Pillay, Julian David; Brown, W.
Background. The festive season is a time when people are at risk of overeating and weight gain. An active break during this time can help maintain energy balance. Objectives. To determine steps taken during a walk/hike to Everest Base Camp and back and compare estimated activity-related energy expenditure to a typical Christmas lunch. Methods. Five adults (39-70 years) completed an 11-day walk/hike. Pedometer-measured steps were recorded at two cadences: ‘aerobic’ (>100 steps/minute for 10 consecutive minutes) or ‘slower’ steps. Activity-related energy expenditure was estimated using generic values for walking uphill/downhill at each cadence. Energy intake of a typical Christmas lunch was estimated. Results. Participants accumulated a total of 143 770 steps, or 13 070 (SD 8 272) steps/day, 20% of which were ‘aerobic’. Total walk-related energy expenditure was estimated at 22 816 kcals, or 1 901 (SD 580) kcals/day. Conclusion. Estimated energy intake in one Christmas lunch equates to 1.7 days of walking/hiking.

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