Faculty of Health Sciences

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The evaluation of the applicability of using gold plating to enhance the predictability and strength of base metal post ceramic gold solder joints when using a flux that does not discolour the porcelain
(1993) Waddell, John Neil; Coertze, Dirk J.; Engelbrecht, Nick J. H.
The unpredictability of solder joints in dental base metal alloys constitute a major problem. This study aimed to establish whether gold plating the joint surfaces of a metal ceramic base metal alloy prior to postceramic soldering would enhance the predictability of the soldering method and joint strength. 150 standardised test specimens were prepared from 3 Oegussa dental alloys, viz Resistal P (Nier), Oegulor M (AUPt) and Realor (PdAU). The Resistal P specimens were subjected to 6 porcelain firing cycles and solder joint surfaces of 40 specimens gold plated prior to soldering, using gold plating equipment and solutions found in the jewellery industry. suitable fluxes were used and all soldering was done in a porcelain furnace. First the soldering method was validated by soldering 20 oegulor M specimens and determining the tensile strength of the 10 joints in an Instron testing machine. The data were then compared with the ISO minimum standards. The soldering method proved sound and a control was thus established. secondly, using 3 alloy combinations without gold plating, 30 solder joints were made and their tensile strengths determined. This established the level of predictability and strength and parameters for comparison. Thirdly, the above procedure was repeated, but the Resistal P specimen joint surfaces were gold plated prior to investing for soldering. The levels of predictability and strength were then compared with the parameters set. The fracture sites of broken joints were examined and photographed using a metallurgical microscope. The data were analysed using 4 statistical tests. The Oegulor M control group solder joints were the strongest and the Resistal P joints the weakest. The success rates for the non-plated joints were; oegulor M to oegulor M = 100%, Resistal P to oegulor M = 90%, Resistal P to Realor = 80% and Resistal P to Resistal P = 60%. The success rates for the gold plated joints were; Resistal P to oegulor M = 60%, Resistal P to Realor = 40% and Resistal P to Resistal P = 80%. This study found, under the circumstances of testing, that gold plating of the base metal alloy prior to investing for postceramic soldering did not enhance the strength, solderability and predictability of the solder joints to an extent that a flux that does not discolour porcelain can be used.
The use of pilocarpus jaborandi in the treatment of emotional palmar hyperhidrosis
(1994) Singh, Varuna; Gerber, A.
The efficacy of Pilocarpus Jaborandi in the management of emotional palmar hyperhidrosis was studied. It was hypothesised that this homoeopathic drug would cause a significant decrease in sweat production rates. The study was double blinded and consisted of thirty treated patients, with fifteen patients in group and fifteen patients in the the placebo group. Patients were chosen by convenience sampling with no specifications of age or sex. The treated group received Pilocarpus Jaborandi 9 CH, and were instructed to take five pills on waking everyday for ninety days. The other group received a placebo also for ninety days. Quantification of the first day, on ninetieth day of sweat production was done on the forty-fifth day and treatment, by means of on the sweat collection tests. In each test sweat was
The homoeopathic treatment of warts
(1994) Schultz, Myron; Frazer, P. A.
The atm of this study was to determine if homeopathy has a role to play in the treatment of warts. This study focuses only on external warts (excluding genital warts). A sample of thirty patients was taken from the greater Durban area, and from this sample fifteen were treated with Homeopathic simillimum treatment and the remaining fifteen received placebo treatment. The study was conducted using the double blind protocol with all medications being prepared and dispensed by a neutral homeopathic pharmacist. Every twenty SIX days for the duration of the six month trial, patients' warts were photographed and questionnaires completed, regarding the patients' perception to the treatment. The study was divided into three sections viz. Subproblem one, two and three. Subproblem one was the objective analysis of the treatment by means of colour photography. Trace outlines of the warts from the photographs were scanned onto a computer which calculated the surface area of the warts. Each group (i.e. the control and treatment group) was then compared with themselves (i.e. before and after treatment) using the paired T-test, With the control group p= 0.670, indicating there was no statistically significant difference. With the treatment group p = 0.264, indicating there was no statistically significant difference. When comparing the surface area of the warts treated with homeopathy as opposed to those treated with placebo using the unpaired T-test no significant difference was found between the two groups (p= 0.947). Subproblem two was concerned with the subjective analysis of the treatment by measuring the patients perception to the treatment with a questionnaire. Each .group was then compared with themselves (i.e.before and after treatment) using the paired T-test. With the control group p = 0.623, indicating there was no statistically significant difference. With the treatment group p= 0.1002, indicating there was no statistically significant difference between the beginning and end of the treatment (although this value was closer to 0.05 than the Il value of the control group and thus more significant). When comparrug the patients perception to the treatment of those treated with homeopathy as opposed to those treated with placebo using the unpaired T-test p= 0.947, indicating there was not a statistically significant difference between the two groups. Subproblem three was a comparative analysis of subproblem one and two. There was a positive correlation between the wart surface area and the patients perception to the treatment with those patients recervmg Homeopathic treatment (p= 0.0225, Jr= 0.8246). 60% of the treatment group patients improved, 20% worsened and there was no agreement between subproblem one and two with 20%. There was a poor correlation between the wart surface area and the patients perception to the treatment with those patients receiving Placebo treatment (p= 0.9957, r= 0.0025). 33.33% of the control group patients improved, 46.67% worsened and there was no agreement between subproblem one and two with 20%. It was thus concluded that although there was not a statistically significant difference between the control and treatment groups, there was a difference measured (as can be seen considering the frequency of occurrences) and therefore homeopathy does have a role to play in the treatment of warts.
Determining the role chiropractic plays in the management of tension-type headache
(1994) Penter, Christopher Sean; Liebenberg, H. S.
The effectiveness of chiropractic management of tension-type headache was evaluated in a single blind, randomised, placebo controlled tr ial us ing a pat ient populat ion of thirty (30) individuals who were suffering from tension-type headache
The homoeopathic treatment of acne
(1994) McDavid, Gillies Malcolme; Boyer, R. P.
The aim of this study was to determine the degree of proficiency of Homoeopathy in the treatment of Acne Vulgaris in terms of its clinical manifestations and the patients perception to the treatment in order to determine the role Homoeopathy plays, if any, in the treatment of this condition. In this study the specific single variable design chosen was the 'before-and-after with control'. A sample of thirty patients was randomly taken from the greater Durban area, and from this sample fifteen patients were treated with Homoeopathic treatment and the remaining fifteen received placebo treatment. Patients were screened using a series of delimitations set out in a consent form which was signed by the patients. An extensive case history was performed on each patient at the first consultation in order to assess their Mental, Emotional and their Physical well being and were seen at regular four week intervals thereafter. The patients were also photographed at the first and all the subsequent visits. Based on the case history and a physical examination, Homoeopathic medication or placebo was prescribed according to the law of similars. At each of the following consultations the patients completed a questionnaire regarding their perception to the treatment and were rephotographed noting any changes.
Positive or negative x-axis rotation of the innominate as a cause of a functional leg length inequality
(1994) Peers, Anthony Victor; Liebenberg, H. S.
The objective of this research was to determine whether there was any reasonable biomechanical evidence to support the chiropractic theory that a positive (anterior) or negative (posterior) x-axis rotation of the innominate bone, could result in a significant functional leg length inequality. This theory was advocated by winterstein J.F. 1991, Gatterman M.I. 1990 and Herbst R.W. (undated) ~ The object was achieved by clamping six fresh cadaveric pelves in a specially designed instrument which measured the positive (anterior) and negative (posterior) x-axis rotation of the innominate via the sacroiliac joint and the symphysis pubis, the forces involved, and the associated y-axis translation, zaxis translation and x-axis rotation of the roof of the acetabulum. The extra-capsular iliac tubercle was used as the axis of rotation due to easy palpation and identification of this point. Some authors placed the axis at this point, or at a point very close to this area, ( Bakland o. et al. 1984; Weisle H. 1955; Bernard T.N. et al. 1991; Bellamy N. et al. 1983) . The results were tabulated, and thereafter a Pearson's moment correlation coefficient was done to show the linearity of the results. Graphs were then drawn to depict this linearity graphically. Finally a mean of the differences for each set of results of each cadaver was done to show how the results of each cadaver compared. The results showed that a positive (anterior) and a negative (posterior) x-axis rotation of the innominate caused a functional lengthening and shortening of the lower limb respectively. These findings concur with those of winterstein J.F. 1991, Gatterman M.I. 1990 and Herbst R.W. (undated) The maximum amount of lower limb lengthening varied between 11.75 millimetres and 6.17 millimetres among different cadavers, when 9 degrees of anterior innominate rotation was induced. The maximum amount of lower limb shortening varied between 10.58 millimetres and 6.16 millimetres among different cadavers when 9 degrees of posterior innominate rotation was induced. This 9 degrees of rotation was via both sacroiliac joints, thus effectively allowing 4,5 degrees of rotation per sacroiliac joint.
The effects of music therapy in conjunction with chiropractic management of muscle tension headaches
(1994) Da Silva, Kendrah Leontine; Liebenberg, H. S.; Grove-Jooster, Shani
This study proposes to evaluate the combined effects of music therapy and chiropractic treatment in the management of muscle tension headaches, in terms of the patients' response, in order to establish the efficacy of music therapy as an adjunct to chiropractic management of muscle tension headaches. It was hypothesized that music therapy and chiropractic treatment combined have a more beneficial effect, in that it would reduce muscle tension headaches to a greater extent than chiropractic treatment alone, thus reducing the severity, duration and frequency of muscle tension headaches. The diagnostic criteria for muscle tension headache were consistent amongst the majority of authors. The most common cause was attributed to psychological or occupational stress on the posterior neck musculature i .e. an increase in muscle tension. An increase in muscle tension in muscle tension headache sufferers measured with an electromyogram was reported on by various authors. A decrease in electromyogram readings in response to music therapy has also been measured. Certain authors have attributed muscle tension headaches to cervical facet joint dysfunction. The presence of myofascial trigger points occurring concurrently with a muscle tension headache was mentioned. The majority of authors were in agreement as to the most beneficial type of music to be used. The music is to have a
The effectiveness of myofascial trigger point therapy on myofascial pain syndrome trigger points
(1994) Jones, Andrew D; Liebenberg, H. S.
The efficacy of myofascial trigger point therapy in treatment of myofasciitis was evaluated in a single blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. The patient population consisted of twenty individuals who presented with one of the following: upper-back pain, shoulder pain, and neck-pain and or headaches and who were diagnosed as having myofasciitis.
The influence of homoeopathic simillimum on raised blood lead and urine porphyrin concentrations in lead chemical company employees
(1994) Alexander, Karen; Boyer, R. P.
This study contains a review of the major recognizable Industrial problem of chronic lead toxicity. Lead poisoning has been recognized for thousands of years, dating beclt to the Roman Empire. Today, Industries In South Africa and worldwide struggle to maintain low blood lead levels In their employees and companies have to abide by regulations to ensure they ere doing all that Is In their power. Cooltson Chemicals (Pty) Limited, In Durban, which has a factory which produces lead based chemicals, was approached with regard to treating the workers exposed to the lead dust and fumes with Homoeopathlc Slmlllimum. This Individualistic Homoeopathlc treatment depends on the person's symptoms and signs on a physical, mental and emotional level, and by treating the person as a whole, the excretion of toxic lead occurs. Thus lower lead levels result. According to Herneeepetntc methodology, It Is the sum of all the symptoms and signs In each Individual ease of a disease that Is the main pointer In the choice of the remedy. This Is where despite many complaining of a slmillar condition, or suffering from a common complaint, different Homoeopathlc remedies may be prescribed. Lower blood lead levels result In fewer retrenchments as once a factory employee continually presents with excessively high blood lead levels, he risks losing his Job. A sample group of twenty volunteers was obtained from this factory and each werker tooit his prescribed medication and had blood and urine tests talten at regular Intervals over five months. The precise methodology and the consequent results are explained In this paper. The results were analysed using the computer program, SGPLUS,to obtain summary statistics. The blood lead results were subjected to The Wilcoxon Signed RankTest to determine the 11kreasesand decreases In the levels over the monitoring period. Due to sample size and the presence to only one group In the research, the remaining results were from visual observation. Based on the problems encountered during this study, recommendations are made If further research Is to be done along similar guidelines. A final conclusion closes the study. The urine porphyrin tests are not a true Indicator of lead metabolism or excretion and these results are therefore not valid. A slight change did occur In the blood lead levels as Is discussed. A great deal of progress remains to be made with the aim of lowering blood lead levels In lead-exposed factory workers. Homoeopathy has the potential to alleviate this serious problem of chronic lead toxicity. Further research could provide Industry with the answer. Presently the emphasis Is on prevention of excessively high blood lead levels with only removal from exposure as the last possible means of alleviating the problem. If a method to solving lead toxicity In the Industrial sphere can be found, It has numerous possibilities In nonIndustry. Thus an opening exists for Homoeopathy.
The homoeopathic treatment of chronic sinusitis
(1994) Sengpiehl, Monika; Burger, F. J.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reaction of homoeopathic Luffa Operculata and a combination of Kalium Bichromicum and Cinnabaris on chronic sinusitis patients, with reference to the patients' perception of the treatment and the physical appearance of the nasal mucosa during treatment in order to determine the effectiveness of the two modes of treatment. Fourty patients were randomly selected and divided into two experimental groups . The study was double blind. The one group received Luffa Operculata and the other group received a combination of Kalium Bichromicum and Cinnabaris. Questionnaires were answered before and during the four month treatment period in order to assess the patients perception of the treatment. The physical appearance of the nasal mucosa was inspected on a monthly basis using a nasal speculum. Eight patients dropped out over the four month period. All data obtained from the questionnaires was depicted on spreadsheets and subsequently analysed using frequency tables, cross tabulation ,. Mann-Whitney-U-Test and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. The results showed that both modes of treatment were equally effective in reducing the sinusitis headaches, with Luffa Operculata having a 44.1% decrease and Kalium 8ichromicum and Cinnabaris having a 37.3% decrease. The Mann-Whitney-U-Test was done within each group and showed values of P=O.033 and P=O.31 respectively, thereby indicating a statistically significant difference. There was no significant difference between the groups. However Luffa Operculata's results were more positive with respect to post-nasal drip, facial swelling, nasal mucosal swelling and nasal mucosal colour. The most dramatic difference in results occurred in the analysis of the fatigue data, where Luffa Operculata had a 44% decrease and Kalium 8ichromicum and Cinnabar is only had a 6% decrease.
Hypercholesterolaemia and homoeopathy
(1994) Gillespie, Nerena Beatrice; Anderson, Hettie
The object of the present research trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a single homoeopathic medication, Cholesterinum, in the ninth atcenuation (9CH) in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia. Special attention was paid to its effect on total choles~erol (TC) levels and the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol/ low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C/LDL-C) ratio.
Homoeopathy in hypercholesterolaemia
(1994) Joseph, Jeanine Dorothy; Anderson, Hettie
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Chelidonium 3X in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia in terms of changes in the blood cholesterol levels in order to determine the extent to which homoeopathic medicine could be used in the treatment of this condition. It was hoped that there would be a drop i n the total cholesterol levels and an increase in the ratio of high density / low density lipoprotein. Participants in the trial were drawn from the staff at Technikon Natal, convenience sampling being used. For acceptance into the trial, 'participants had to have an elevated total cholesterol level together with a raised low density lipoprotein value according to age. Drawing of blood was performed following an overnight fast. Of those participants meeting the above criteTicrthirty were chosen to participate in the trial. Half constituted the control and were given a placebo and the other half made up the experimental group and were treated with Chelidonium 3X. This was a double blind study with the medicine being dispensed on a random basis by a qualified pharmacist. After commencement of the trial venous blood was collected once a month for three consecutive months from both the control and experimental groups. The participants were asked to make no changes to their normal lifestyle. Statistical analysis of the results using paired T-tests revealed no statistical difference between the initial and final total cholesterol or ratio reading of the control group. However, with the experimental group a statistical difference was noted between both the initial and final total cholesterol reading
The effect of physostigma venenosum om myopia
(1994) Pillay, Bavani; Burger, F. J.
The purpose of this project was to determine how effective Physostigma venenosum is as a Homoeopathic treatment of myopia. Myopia does not have a history of spontaneous remission, therefore some form of treatment is required. Glasses and contact lenses, both widely used, have been of tremendous value in relieving the symptoms\xB7 of myopia.
The role of essential oils in the management of mechanical low back pain
(1994) Luders, Regina Gertrude; Liebenberg, H. S.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of essential oils, applied by means of effleurage massage, in the treatment of mechanical low back pain, in terms of the patient's physical and psychological responses to the essential oils, in order to determine the role of essential oils in the management of mechanical low back pain.
The homoeopathic treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis
(1994) Poolman, Emmerentia Christina; Boyer, R. P.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of simillimum and allergen treatment to patients allergic to mixed grass pollens in terms of patients' responses to RAST and patients' percept ion of the effectiveness of treatment in order to identify key issues calling for the selection of the most effective method of treatment.
The homoeopathic treatment of recurrent cutaneous herpes simplex I
(1994) White, Keryn; Burger, F. J.
The purpose of the study was to determine the efficacy of simillimum treatment and Natrum muriaticum and Rhus toxicodendron on the treatment of recurrent cutaneous Herpes Simplex I with reference to patients response to treatment and patients perception of the effectiveness of treatment in order to determine the efficacy of the treatment methods in the management of recurrent Herpes Simplex I attacKS. Thirty one patients with recurrent cutaneous Herpes Simplex I were admitted to the study if they suffered from frequently recurring cutaneous Herpes Simplex lat least three times a year.Patients were recruited by means of advert ising in local newspapers, shoppi ng centres and libraries. Age group was 5-65 years. After an initial consultation including a case history and physical examination, a double-blind, random procedure ensured that the 31 patients were allocated to one of the two experimental groups.One group recei ved simillimum treatment and the other group received Natrum muriaticum and Rhus toxicodendron for a period of five months.Treatment only started at the beginning of a recurrent attaCK. At the time of recurrence details of the HSV llesion were obtained and a patient perception questionnaire
The value of isometric and stretch exercises in the management of mechanical lower back pain
(1995) Deall, Ashleigh Jane; Kretzmann, Heidi Marise
Mechanical low back pain is a common clinical entity which needs professional treatment (Margo 1994). Due to the nature of mechanical low back pain, recurrence of pain is a common entity that can cripple a patient and the ~tate financially. It is for'this reason that the professionals need to establish a cost effective method of treatment that helps maintain the pain free state and prevent recurrences
The homeopathic treatment of warts involving the use of Thuja occidentals tincture and tablets
(1995) Giles, Lance; Till, Hettie
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Thuja occidentalis tincture and Thuja occidental is tablets in the treatment of warts. The study design was double-blind, a sample group of thirty patients was selected, and then randomised into two groups by an independent pharmacist. The first group of fifteen patients were administered Thuja occidentalis 9CH tablets, which were taken twice daily.The second group of fifteen patients were administered Thuja occidentalis 9CH tablets, which were taken twice daily as well as Thuja occidental is tincture, which was applied twice daily to the warts. On initial consultation, a colour photograph of the wart was taken. Every three weeks thereafter a questionnaire was completed by the patients on their perception of the treatment and colour photographs were again taken to evaluate whether, changes in the surface areas had occurred. The surface areas of the warts, as seen on the colour photographs, were measured using a scanner. The trial was conducted over a three month period. In order to investigate the correlation between treatment and clinical manifestations of the warts, the two groups were compared using the paired T test.The tablet group (p=O.008) and the tablet and tincture group (p=O.022), indicating there is no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The unpaired T test (p=O.078), also showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups.
The effects of co-trimoxazole used in conventional and homeopathic preparations upon growth of E. coli and S. aureus
(1995) Pillay, Danny; Kasan, Hamanth C.
The aim of this study was to establish the effect of cotrimoxazole prepared in conventional form , homoeopathic form and a mixture of both forms, on E. coli and S. aureus in terms of maximum specific growth rate, time taken to reach maximum specific growth rate, maximum cell population and metabolic activity for the purpose of evaluating the efficacy of cotrimoxazole when used in a homoeopathic form. Co-trimoxazole used conventionally, homoeopathically (9CH or 15CH) and a mixture containing the conventional and homoeopathic (9CH or 15CH) forms were compared. The growth of E. coli and aureus in the presence of these medications (added separately) was monitored. Enumeration of colony forming units was conducted at 0 i 6 i 12 i 24 and 48 hours , by the serial dilution - spread plate procedure. This was conducted in triplicate. Enzyme activity was used as an indicator of metabolic activity and was done at times 0 i 12 i 24 and 48 hours. The maximum specific growth rate (MSGR) , time taken to reach maximum specific growth rate were calculated and compared for the various preparations. Enzyme reactions were semiquantitively assessed. The conventional antibiotic decreased cell growth of both E. coli and S. aureus when compared to the control. Inhibition of coli growth was most pronounced after 6 hours and that of S.aureus after times 6 and 48 hours. The MSGR for E. coli showed
The efficacy of Folliculinum in the treatment of premenstrual tension
(1995) Kirtland, Karen Andrea; Burger, F. J.
The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of Folliculinum 15CH on a patient experiencing premenstrual tension, with reference to the patients perception of the treatment, in order to determine how effective Homoeopathy is in the treatment of premenstrual tension. A sample of 31 patients was conveniently selected from the greater Durban area, and from this sample 16 patients were treated with Homoeopathic medication and the remainirig 15 patients received placebo treatment. Patients were screened using a series of delimitations. The patients participating in the research project were then asked to sign a consent form.