A dermal sludge for targeted genetic auto-inflammatory skin disorders

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Pharmacy. 2016Genetic auto-inflammatory inflammatory skin disorders (GAISDs) are a group of inherited disorders which are characterized by seemingly unprovoked recurrent episodes of fever and severe localised inflammation. GAISDs are associated with abnormal activation of the innate immune system, leading to clinical inflammation and high levels of acute-phase reactants. The most common disorder is Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), followed by Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS). TRAPS episodes generally last longer than FMF and FMF patients tend to respond well with colchicine while TRAPS management seems to be challenging. Hence this work is directed towards improving TRAPS diseases management. A definitive treatment for TRAPS has yet to be identified, and current corticosteroid treatment is mainly limited by the long-term side-effects due to high systemic drug exposure, and the poor availability of drugs at the site of action. A number of measures were taken in order to overcome the limitations of corticosteroids.Herein a novel stimuli responsive nanocolloidal gel system was developed. A nanoliposomal gel was the stimuli responsive gel system of choice due to its advantages of skin penetration enhancement in transdermal drug delivery system. In this research, a phospholipid based system with Eudragit® E100 (EuE100) chemically modified into EuE100-cystamine derivative for dual pH/redox responsive delivery of [Copper-glycylglycine-prednisolone succinate] ([Cu(glygly)(PS)]) was developed. The rationale of using [Cu(glygly)(PS)] complex instead of the pure PS corticosteroid was supported by comparing the biological activities of these two compounds. Results indicated a high inflammatory/oxidant inhibitory activity of [Cu(glygly)(PS)] in comparison to the free PS drug. The [Cu(glygly)(PS)] complex exhibited a significant free radical-scavenging activity (60.1±1.2%) and lipoxygenase (LOX-5) inhibitory activity (36.6±1.3%) in comparison to PS which gave activity of 4.4±1.4% and inhibition of 6.1±2.6% respectively. The [Cu(glygly)(PS)] loaded NLs showed a low level of [Cu(glygly)(PS)] release of 22.9±5.4% in 6h at pH 7.4, in comparison to a significant accelerated release at pH 5 in a reducing environment of 75.9±3.7%in 6h. Thereafter optimized [Cu(glygly)(PS)]-loaded NLs were dispersed in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)/Polyvinyl alcohol(PVA) gel resulting in a [Cu(glygly)(PS)]-loaded nanoliposomal gel termed asdermal sludge.A dermal sludge is defined as a viscous gel suspended with solid particles ([Cu(glygly)(PS)]-loaded nanoliposomes). The sludge was characterized using ex vivo permeation, in vitro release, cytotoxicity and in vivo studies, and compared to the conventional PS formulations. The results indicated that the novel dual redox/pH responsive nanoliposomal dermal sludge holds great potential for targeted bioactive delivery in TRAPS through the transdermal route, hence improving the therapeutic outcome.MT201

An exploration of the roles of the parent SGB members in the SGB: a case study of two selected rural primary schools in the King Williams Town district

The aim of this study was to explore the roles of the parent SGB members in the School Governing Bodies (SGB) of two selected rural primary schools in the King Williams Town District. This was achieved by applying the qualitative approach within the parameters of the interpretivist paradigm. Structured interviews, semi structured interviews, document analysis and non-participatory observation methods were used at two sites that were purposely sampled. The samples in both schools were made up of SGB chairperson, SGB secretary, treasurer, one additional member, principal and non SGB parents. From the findings it emerged that the principal and SGB chairperson work in partnership in the business of school governance. However, principals seemed to dominate their SGB chairpersons who in most cases seem to be less competent than the principals. Parent SGB members seem to be dependent upon the educators in most cases on issues of school governance and they do not differentiate between their role and that of the SMT. Most SGB subcommittees seem to be dysfunctional and it was clear from the data that educators were the persons who dealt with school finances and matters of procurement. The majority of parent SGB members do not know what policies the school must adopt

Semilinear elliptic partial differential equations with the critical Sobolev exponent

We present how variational methods and results from linear and non-linear functional analysis are applied to solving certain types of semilinear elliptic partial differential equations (PDEs). The ultimate goal is to prove results on the existence and non-existence of solutions to the Semilinear Elliptic PDEs with the Critical Sobolev Exponent. To this end, we first recall some useful results from functional analysis, including the Sobolev spaces, which provide a natural setting for the idea of weak or generalised solutions. We then present linear PDE theory, including eigenvalues of the Dirichlet Laplacian operator. We discuss the Direct Methods of Calculus of Variations and Critical Point Theory, together with examples of how these techniques are applied to solving PDEs. We show how the existence of solutions to semilinear elliptic equations depends on the exponent of the growth of the non-linear term. This then naturally leads to the discussion of the critical Sobolev exponent, where we present both positive and negative results

Investigating the challenges faced by female students in STEM courses: case study of a traditional South African University

The paper investigated the challenges faced by female students enrolled in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) field of study. The social cognitive theory (SCCT) was employed to examine the role played by the environment, goals, behaviour, and self-efficacy factors of female students studying towards Engineering and Information Technology degrees at a traditional South African university. The study examined the interdependencies between these four factors and their role in female students’ success in STEM courses at the university. The finding revealed that female students possess the selfefficacy required to excel in their studies, despite overt or covert hostilities and other challenges they face during their study. The data analysis indicate that female students need the support of their families in achieving their goals. The fear of disappointing parents or family members if they fail to obtain their qualifications seem to be a key motivation to female students in STEM courses. It is recommended that all stakeholders be positively involved in ensuring that female students in the STEM fields get the needed support. Such support, in tandem with their self-efficacy, outcome expectations and goal setting, will ensure that they overcome obstacles and are adequately equipped to realise their dream of achieving qualifications in this critical segment of the economy

Student Teachers’ Views of the impact of School Experience Programme on their Perceptions of the Teaching Profession

This study analysed the impact of the School Experience (SE) programme on rural student teachers’ perceptions of the teaching profession. This was done through investigating the views of Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Bachelor of Education (BEd) fourth year students which were randomly selected. A qualitative and quantitative survey through semi- structured questionnaire with closed and open - ended items and structured interviews was conducted. The majority of student teachers (86%) felt that school experience positively socialised them into the teaching profession by providing them with the needed work-based experience. Most of the student teachers in the study felt that a student teacher’s experiences during SE mediate their beliefs, opinions, views and convictions about the teaching profession, making them like or dislike the profession. Ten percent were ambivalent and still an insignificant number (4%) decided against the teaching profession. One of the major recommendations of the study is that since the SE programme is critical in the formation of one’s perceptions about and commitment to the teaching profession, teacher training institutions should design appropriate SE programmes and closely monitor them to ensure they continue achieving the intended goals. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n8p33

Patient waiting time at a HIV Clinic in a Regional Hospital in Swaziland

Magister Public Health - MPHThe aim of the study was to measure patient waiting and service times, describe the causes of high waiting time as well as to determine staff and patient derived norms on waiting times at the Manzini Regional Hospital HIV Clinic. Literature reviewed show that complaints regarding long waiting time have been effectively dealt with through patient flow analysis studies, which measure patient waiting and service times as well as other characteristics. A descriptive cross sectional quantitative survey methodology was undertaken using a time-delimited sample of all patients attending the HIV clinic over one week and all the staff who were in contact with the patients. Waiting time tracking instruments and short questionnaires were used to collect data from both patients and staff. Data were analysed quantitatively.South Afric

Factors of communication management for successful project delivery in the Swaziland construction industry

Abstract: Purpose of this paper: The study aims to identify the communication-management factors that influence project success; and it proposes a conceptual improvement model to enhance communication-management practice for successful project delivery in the Swaziland construction industry. Design/methodology/approach: The study derived information that relates to the objectives of the study from different books, journals, theses, and published conference papers. Therefore, a historical-research approach was adopted to review the literature. Twenty-five articles were reviewed, spanning the period of 1998 to 2015. Thematic analysis was used to extract the themes, which were tabulated in a matrix. Findings: Eight communication-management factors were identified that were observed to influence project success; and a hypothetical communication management improvement model has also been proposed. The variables were: Technology and systems, communication skills or competence, communication plans, teamwork and partnering, organizational structure, stakeholders’ frame of references, project briefing and the context of an environment ..

A comparative study of the phosphate levels in some surface and ground water bodiesof Swaziland

The levels of total phosphate in selected surface water and groundwater bodies from Manzini and Lubombo regions of Swaziland were determined using UV spectroscopic method. Samples were collected from three rivers (upstream and downstream of each), three industrial effluents, one reservoir, one pond, one tap water and fifteen boreholes. Mean phosphate levels in the tap water and reservoir varied between 0.08-0.09 mg/L while for the river samples, the range was 0.11-0.37 and for the industrial discharge, it was 0.11-1.60 mg/L PO4–P. For the ground water systems it ranged between 0.10-0.49 mg/L PO4–P. The mean phosphate levels in all the analyzed surface and groundwater samples were below the recommended maximum contaminant level (MCL) by SWSC (Swaziland Water Service Corporation) – i.e. 1.0 mg/L for drinking water; 2.0 mg/L for rivers and industrial effluents, and the South African criterion of 1.0 mg/L PO4–P, for sewage effluents being discharged into receiving waters. However, pooled mean values for all the sites were higher than the USEPA criterion of 0.03 mg/L maximum for uncontaminated lakes. Dominant factors considered to have influenced the levels of phosphates in both the surface and groundwater samples analyzed include industrial activities (where present), agricultural activities (including livestock), population density, location (urban, suburban or rural), soil/rock type in the vicinity of the sampling point, climate and rainfall pattern of the area or region concerned. KEY WORDS:  Surface water, Groundwater, Limiting nutrient, Eutrophication, Algal bloom, Anthropogenic phosphate sources  Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2008, 22(2), 197-206