Browsing by Author "Pillay, Basil Joseph."

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Characterization of 1, 2-DCA degrading Ancylobacter aquaticus strains isolated in South Africa.
(2011) Pillay, Thiloshini.; Pillay, Basil Joseph.; Olaniran, Ademola Olufolahan.
1,2-Dichloroethane (1,2-DCA), a highly toxic and recalcitrant compound, is produced anthropogenically in larger quantities than any other chlorinated compound. It is regarded as a mutagen and carcinogen, thus making it a priority target molecule for biological degradation. In addition, the intermediates of 1,2-DCA degradation are highly reactive and toxic, due to the electrophilic nature of the carbonyl groups in these compounds. Aerobic biodegradation of 1,2-DCA, resulting in complete mineralization, has previously been reported in Xanthobacter autotrophicus GJ10 and some Ancylobacter aquaticus strains. X. autotrophicus GJ10 has been found to possess chloroacetaldehyde (CAA) dehydrogenase and haloacid (HA) dehalogenase enzymes, both of which play a crucial role in 1,2-DCA degradation. Five strains of Ancylobacter aquaticus capable of utilizing 1,2-DCA as a sole carbon and energy source have recently been isolated in our laboratory. The degradation potential and specific dehalogenase activities of these bacterial isolates against 1,2-DCA and other halogenated compounds as a carbon source were investigated and compared to previously characterized organisms, viz., X. autotrophicus GJ10 and Ancylobacter aquaticus strains AD25 and AD27. Furthermore, this study proposed to detect the presence of the CAA dehydrogenase (aldB) and HA dehalogenase (dhlB) encoding genes in these isolates. Growth of all strains in the presence of 1,2-DCA as a carbon source was monitored over an 84 h period, in minimal medium supplemented with either vitamins or yeast extract. Dehalogenase activities were measured colorimetrically by monitoring halide release by crude cell extracts of the isolates. In order to detect the presence of dhlB and aldB genes, genomic DNA of the isolates was digested with individual restriction endonucleases, viz., EcoRI, PstI, HindIII and BamHI, and then subjected to Southern hybridization experiments. All isolates demonstrated significant growth rates in both vitamin and yeast extract supplemented media, with the former having a greater overall growth effect. Ancylobacter aquaticus DH5 demonstrated the highest growth rate of 0.147.h-1 in the presence of vitamins while Ancylobacter aquaticus DH12 displayed the highest growth rate of 0.118.h-1 with yeast extract. Optimum haloalkane dehalogenase activities of these bacterial isolates were confirmed at pH 8, similar to the activity in X. autotrophicus GJ10, while haloaciddehalogenase activity had a broader pH range. Hydrolytic dehalogenase activity of the bacterial isolates using a range of halogenated aliphatic compounds was also determined. Results demonstrated a wide substrate range with activity being observed on 1,3- dibromopropane, 1,2-dibromoethane and 1,3-dichoropropene, for all isolates. Southern Hybridization experiments confirmed the presence of both aldB and dhlB genes in X. autotrophicus GJ10. The dhlB probe produced a positive signal for an EcoRI fragment in Ancylobacter aquaticus DH12 while the aldB probe hybridized and produced a single positive signal on similar sized PstI fragments for all organisms except A. aquaticus AD25 which produced two positive signals. The results in this study demonstrate the potential application of the newly isolated strains of Ancylobacter aquaticus. in future bioremediation strategies. The detection of the genes involved in 1,2-DCA degradation further support the use of these isolates and/or their enzymes for the degradation of 1,2- DCA as well as other halogenated compounds. Future work need to determine sequence similarity of these genes detected in A. aquaticus strains to the genes in Xanthobacter autotrophicus GJ10 and other previously reported genes. It may also be important to investigate the activity of the enzymes under various environmental conditions and to determine enzyme structure and the catalytic sites, so as to gain knowledge of their degradation potential on site. Characterization of enzymes at both the molecular and protein levels may be necessary and beneficial for implementation in strategies involving bioremediation for the biological degradation of a wide range of halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons.
Cigarette smoking among Indian matriculants at ex-House of Delegates schools in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal.
(1995) Bayat, Mahomed.; Pillay, Basil Joseph.
A descriptive study of cigarette smoking in a sample of Indian matriculation students was undertaken in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal in order to establish the prevalence of cigarette smoking; reasons for developing cigarette smoking behaviour; to determine knowledge about and attitudes to cigarette smoking and also to establish students' awareness of antismoking organisations and to make recommendations based on the findings. Data was collected by the researcher who administered questionnaires at various schools previously under the jurisdiction of the House of Delegates, in the towns of Newcastle, Dannhauser, Glencoe and Dundee. There were 55 smokers in the sample (N =326), ie., a prevalence rate of 16,9%. Among the males 52 (36,1%) were smokers and 3 (1,8%) females smoked. Fifty four (98,2%) smokers had commenced smoking above the age of 10 years. Twenty seven (53%) smoked at home and 12 (24%) smoked at school. Experimentation occured among 46 (83,6%) smokers prior to actual smoking with 52 (94,5%) smokers having friends who also smoked. Advertisements influenced 10 (18,2%) smokers while 11 (20%) were influenced by teachers and 9 (16,7%) were influenced by family members. Smokers received more pocket money than non-smokers. More family members of the smokers were also smokers as opposed to non-smokers. Fourty nine (89,1%) smokers believed that smoking was harmful to themselves while 41 (74,5%) said it was also harmful to others. The association between smoking and lung cancer was well known by 49 (90,7%) smokers but the association with heart disease and other cancers was not as well known. There was very little awareness among both smokers and non-smokers about anti-smoking programmes and organisations. Alarmingly there was hardly any formal health education on the dangers of smoking in schools. The conclusions are that the prevalence of cigarette smoking among Indian matriculants in the study area was 16,9% and that teachers, friends, family members and advertisements are influential in cigarette smoking behaviour. There is a need for education on the dangers of smoking in schools; and parents and teachers must take congnisance about smoking at home and in schools.
Frontal network syndrome testing : a hierarchical and time orientated approach.
(2014) Hoffmann, Michael Wolfgang.; Robbs, John Vivian.; Pillay, Basil Joseph.
Abstract available in PDF file.
HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes and sexual practices among intellectually impaired and mainstream learners in selected schools in Oyo state, Nigeria.
(2011) Aderemi, Toyin Janet.; Pillay, Basil Joseph.
In the absence of a cure and/or vaccine, the best approach to HIV is to focus on prevention. However, preventative measures that are presently available in Nigeria do not target persons with intellectual disability despite their vulnerability to HIV infection. This study sought to compare the HIV knowledge, attitudes, and sexual practices of mildly/moderately intellectually impaired learners (IIL) and mainstream learners (ML) in Nigeria; to explore the contextual factors informing these, as well as both groups‗ exposure to HIV education. It also tested the relevance of the I-Change Model in predicting sexual abstinence among learners with intellectual disability. Findings can assist in developing tailored HIV prevention education for Nigerian learners with intellectual impairment. This cross-sectional, comparative study utilised mixed methods to investigate HIV knowledge, attitudes, and sexual practices among mildly/moderately IIL and ML in Nigeria. Mildly/moderately IIL (300) and ML (300) within the age range of 12-19 years in special and regular schools completed a questionnaire based on the I-Change Model. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used with learners to explore contextual factors informing their HIV knowledge, risk perception, sexual behaviours and access to HIV education and services. Key informant interviews were used as independent sources of the same information with their teachers. Learners with intellectual impairment were less aware of HIV/AIDS than their non-disabled peers (p < 0.001), had lower HIV knowledge scores (p < 0.001) and lower HIV risk perception scores (p < 0.001). Sexual experience was reported by 79 (26.3%) of the IIL sample compared to 48 (16.0%) of the ML sample (p = 0.002). Girls with intellectual disability were 3.71 times more likely to report a history of sexual abuse than non-disabled girls (p = 0.041). Inconsistent condom use with casual partners (p < 0.001) and non-use of condoms during the last sexual activity (p < 0.001) was higher in IIL. The I-Change Model was most effective in predicting sexual abstinence among IIL, particularly regarding factors related to motivation and intention. Intellectually impaired learners were more vulnerable to HIV infection due to neglect, poverty, sexual abuse/exploitation, stigmatisation, pressure from non-disabled peers, denial of HIV education, and inaccessible HIV-related services. Teachers only provided them with sexuality and HIV education when sexual activity was suspected and/or from age 18. The content of such education comprised mainly warnings, misinformation and corporal punishment to instil fear and desexualise them. Thus, this group of learners was limited in the way they experienced and expressed their sexuality. Unlike with their non-disabled peers, teachers attributed sexual activity among IIL solely to natural urges without emotional involvement. Contrary to teachers‘ opinions, some IIL were involved in symbiotic, loving relationships with their II peers. In addition, those that were not yet in such relationships expressed the desire to find non-discriminatory partners in the future. They explored their sexuality through intimate relationships, sexual intercourse, peeping at the opposite sex, pornography, and masturbation. Condoms were less available to IIL than ML, and they lacked the self-efficacy to use them. They were also less available to II girls than II boys. Female learners with intellectual impairment often had older sexual partners due to sexual abuse/exploitation, unlike their non-disabled peers, who embarked on such relationships for financial/material gains. The findings of this study indicated that IIL were sexual beings, just like their non-disabled peers, and at higher risk of HIV infection than the latter. Stigma and discrimination are the root causes of all the disadvantages/barriers that IIL experience in accessing HIV information, education and related services. Therefore, there is the need to put stigma reduction strategies in HIV response to safeguard the health of IIL. In addition, there is a need for the development of a gender-sensitive, tailored sexuality and HIV/AIDS educational format for learners with intellectual disability in Nigeria.
The impact of heavy metals on the aerobic biodegradation of 1,2-dichloroethane in soil.
(2009) Balgobind, Adhika.; Olaniran, Ademola Olufolahan.; Pillay, Basil Joseph.
1,2-Dichloroethane (1,2-DCA), a short chain chlorinated aliphatic compound, is one of the most hazardous toxic pollutant of soil and groundwater, with an annual production in excess of 5.44 × 109 kg. The major concern over soil contamination with 1,2-DCA stems largely from health risks. Owing to their toxicity, persistence and potential for bioaccumulation, there is a growing interest in technologies for their removal. Many sites are, however, co-contaminated with a complex mixture of 1,2-DCA and heavy metal contaminants. Co-contaminated environments are considered difficult to remediate because of the mixed nature of the contaminants and the fact that the two components often must be treated differently. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the aerobic biodegradation of 1,2-DCA by autochthonous microorganisms in soil co-contaminated with 1,2-DCA and heavy metals, namely; arsenic (As3+), cadmium (Cd2+), mercury (Hg2+) and lead (Pb2+), via a direct and quantitative measurement of the inhibitory effects of heavy metals in a microcosm setting. Effects of various metal concentrations and their combinations were evaluated based on the following: (i) degradation rate constants; (ii) estimated minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of metals; (iii) concentrations of heavy metals that caused biodegradation half-life doublings (HLDs); and (iv) heavy metal concentrations that caused a significant effect on biodegradation (> 10% increase in t½ of 1,2-DCA). The effects of biostimulation, bioaugmentation and the addition of treatment additives on the biodegradation process were evaluated. The presence of heavy metals was observed to have a negative impact on the biodegradation of 1,2-DCA in both clay and loam soil samples, with the toxic effect being more pronounced in loam soil for all heavy metal concentrations except for Hg2+, after 15 days. Heavy metal concentrations of 75 mg/kg As3+, 840 mg/kg Hg2+, and 420 mg/kg Pb2+, resulted in 34.24%, 40.64%, and 45.94% increases in the t½ of 1,2-DCA, respectively, in loam soil compared to clay soil. Moreover, the combination of four heavy metals in loam soil resulted in 6.26% less degradation of 1,2-DCA compared to clay soil, after 15 days. Generally, more than 127.5 mg/kg Cd2+, 840 mg/kg Hg2+ and 420 mg/kg of Pb2+ was able to cause a > 10% increase in the t½ of 1,2-DCA in clay soil, while less than 75 mg/kg was required for As3+. An increased reduction in 1,2-DCA degradation was observed with increasing concentration of the heavy metals. In clay soil, a dose-dependant relationship between k1 and metal ion concentrations in which k1 decreased with higher initial metal concentrations was observed for all the heavy metals tested except Hg2+. Ammonium nitrate-extractable fractions of bioavailable As3+ and Cd2+ concentrations varied greatly, with approximately < 2.73% and < 0.62% of the total metal added to the system being bioavailable, respectively. Although bioavailable heavy metal fractions were lower than the total metal concentration added to the system, indigenous microorganisms were sensitive to the heavy metals. Biostimulation, bioaugmentation and amendment with treatment additives were all effective in enhancing the biodegradation of 1,2-DCA in the co-contaminated soil. In particular, biostimulation with fertilizer, dual-bioaugmentation and amendment with CaCO3 were most efficient in enhancing 1,2-DCA degradation resulting in 41.93%, 59.95% and 51.32% increases in the degradation rate constant of 1,2-DCA in the As3+ co-contaminated soil, respectively, after 20 days. Among all the treatments, dualbioaugmentation produced the highest 1,2-DCA degrading population of up to 453.33 × 107 cfu/ml in the Cd2+ co-contaminated soil. On comparison of the As3+ and Cd2+ co-contaminated soil undergoing either biostimulation or dual-bioaugmentation, similarity in the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) banding patterns was observed. However, the banding patterns for the different bioremediation options demonstrated a difference in bacterial diversity between the fertilized and dual-bioaugmented samples. DGGE profiles also indicate that while numerous bands were common in the fertilized co-contaminated soils, there were also changes in the presence and intensity of bands due to treatment and temporal effects. Dehydrogenase and urease activities provided a more accurate assessment of the negative impact of heavy metals on the indigenous soil microorganisms, resulting in up to 87.26% and 69.58% decreases in activities, respectively. In both the biostimulated and bioaugmented soil microcosms, dehydrogenase activity appeared biphasic with an initial decrease followed by an increase in the treated soils over time. Results from this study provide relevant information on some alterations that could be introduced to overcome a critical bottle-neck of the application of bioremediation technology. In conclusion, the bioremediation strategies adopted in this study may be used as a rational methodology for remediation of sites co-contaminated with 1,2-DCA and heavy metals, subject to a thorough understanding of the microbial ecology and physico-chemical parameters of the site.
Microbial and physico-chemical quality of some surface water resources in Durban, South Africa.
(2010) Naicker, Kovashnee.; Pillay, Basil Joseph.; Olaniran, Ademola Olufolahan.
Microbial and chemical contamination of inland and coastal waters in Southern Africa is a major challenge facing the water industry and regulatory authorities. Increased stresses on these surface water resources through human and environmental influences have resulted in deteriorating water quality that has severely encumbered the country’s capability to provide sufficient water to meet its needs and to ensure environmental sustainability. In addition, indiscriminate use of antibiotics has resulted in widespread contamination of surface waters, leading to accelerated development of antibiotic resistance and proliferation of resistant water-borne diarrhoeal-related pathogens, such as Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae. Despite the high level of contamination of South African surface waters, the microbiological quality of rivers and beaches in Durban, South Africa, have not been adequately investigated. Therefore, the current study assessed the seasonal fluctuations of the microbial and physicochemical quality of two rivers (Umgeni River and Umdloti River) and six beaches (Virginia Aerodome, Beachwood, Umgeni South, Battery, Sunkist, Addington) in Durban, using several bacterial indicator organisms and physico-chemical parameters as indices. The antibiotic resistance profiles (ARPs) of E. coli and V. cholerae strains, recovered from the water samples, were determined and changes in the microbial community of the water samples were monitored over a seasonal cycle, using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Spatial and seasonal fluctuations of the physico-chemical parameters differed significantly (p < 0.05) among the water samples with high heavy metal concentrations detected across the seasonal cycle. Temperature profiles ranged from 13°C to 26.5°C for the Umgeni River, 13°C to 27°C for the beaches and 12°C to 26°C for the Umdloti River while pH ranged from 6.30 to 8.45 (Umgeni River), 6.37 to 8.30 (beaches) and 5.96 to 7.94 (Umdloti River). Turbidity ranged from 0.53 NTU to 15.6 NTU (Umgeni River); 0.57 NTU to 2.37 NTU (beaches) and 2.23 NTU to 18.8 NTU (Umdloti River). During spring and summer, all river and beach water samples had < 500 μg/L phosphate concentrations; however, these concentrations increased significantly (p < 0.05) during autumn and winter in both rivers. Majority of the samples had low concentrations of ammonia and nitrates. Sulphate concentrations for the beach samples ranged from 2355 mg/L (B5 – summer) to 2899 mg/L (B2 – winter) as compared to the Umgeni and Umdloti Rivers which ranged from 3.90 mg/L (A4 – autumn) to 2762 mg/L (A1 – summer) and 4.47 mg/L (C4 – winter) to 168 mg/L (C1 – winter), respectively. According to the South African Target Quality Range guidelines for the heavy metals (in surface waters), all river and beach water samples exceeded the set limits for lead (Pb2+), mercury (Hg2+) and cadmium (Cd2+) across all seasons. During spring and summer all water samples complied with the aluminium guideline of 0 – 0.15 mg/L. Bacterial population profiles indicated that all sampling points failed to comply with the set guidelines (domestic use) for presumptive total coliform (TC), faecal coliform (FC) and total heterotrophic bacterial (THB) counts during all four seasons. Estimated TC, FC and THB populations as high as 8.6 x 101, 3.7 x 101 and 2.15 x 105 cfu/100ml, respectively, were obtained for some of the samples with peak indicator levels and generally a higher microbial load observed during the summer season. High prevalence of resistance to ampicillin [67.82% (Umgeni River)] was encountered among the E. coli isolates from the water samples followed by amikacin [53.33% (Umdloti River)], augmentin [49.6% (Umdloti River)], tetracycline [42% (Umgeni River)], streptomycin [37.1% (beaches)] and cotrimoxazole [33% (Umgeni River)]. The most frequently encountered form of resistance among the V. cholerae isolates was against cotrimoxazole [93.34% (Umgeni River)], streptomycin [84% (beaches)], erythromycin [78.7% (Umgeni River)], trimethoprim [77.7% (Umdloti River)], rifampicin [70% (Umgeni River)] and cefoxitin [45% (Umdloti River)]. Multidrug resistance among the E. coli isolates was indicated by twenty nine (Umgeni River), twenty six (beaches) and fourteen (Umdloti River) different resistance patterns, while the V. cholerae isolates produced eighteen (Umgeni River), thirty five (beaches) and twenty nine (Umdloti River) different resistance patterns. In addition, proportional resistances of the E. coli and V. cholerae strains to the different classes of antibiotics ranged from six to eleven and four to eleven different antibiotic classes, respectively. The present study suggests that the bacterial communities detected in the water samples collected from the rivers and beaches in Durban, followed seasonal dynamics and could possibly be the consequence of fluctuations in certain environmental factors. A total of 87 different DGGE bands were detected among the Umgeni River water samples, 127 different DGGE bands among the six beach water samples and 107 bands in the Umdloti River samples, over the four seasons. Twenty one dominant bands were found among all sampling sites, indicating widespread phylotypes, whereas 14 bands were exclusively detected at only one sampling site (C1) potentially indicating unique phylotypes. Some bands appeared all year-round, whereas some other bands were specific to a particular season. Overall, the present study successfully demonstrated the poor microbiological quality of the investigated river and beach water resources which raise concerns over the management of these water resources and the subsequent deleterious effects these waters could have on the end users. This emphasizes the need for implementation of improved management strategies of these river catchments and beaches for continued sustainability. Furthermore, the high level of multi-antibiotic resistance demonstrated by the E. coli and V. cholerae strains, recovered from the water samples, reiterates the need to continuously monitor the changing trends in antimicrobial resistance patterns of these diarrhoeal-related bacterial pathogens. Therefore, continued surveillance of these surface waters used for recreational or domestic purposes and development of adequate prevention strategies are needed for public health reasons. Lastly, combining the use of conventional faecal indicators with molecular-based techniques, such as DGGE, can provide more information on the microbial load and diversity of surface waters. In addition, information regarding the effects of seasonal variations on microbial diversity as observed in this study is important for the sustainable management of surface water resources.
Molecular and biochemical characterisation of ethanolic D-xylose fermenting Pichia stipitis, Candida shehatae and their fusants.
(1994) Govinden, Roshini.; Pillay, Basil Joseph.; Pillay, D.
No abstract available.
Neuropsychological functioning and adjustment in spinal cord injured patients.
(2010) Moodley, Nancy.; Pillay, Basil Joseph.
Abstract available in PDF file.
Profile and management of patients presenting with asthma in outpatients at a community hospital in Escourt.
(1997) Loot, S. M. H.; Pillay, Basil Joseph.
Much work has been done in urban areas to implement national guidelines in the treatment of asthma. There is however a dearth of studies done in rural and semi-rural areas. For this reason this study on the profile and management of patients presenting with asthma at a community hospital was undertaken in Estcourt. The study involved interviewing patients presenting with asthma at an outpatient clinic. The questionnaire and patient records were used. The questionnaire was designed by the author to detect precipitating factors leading to exacerbation of asthma and to assess whether national guidelines were been followed by doctors treating these patients. A hundred patients were interviewed. Eighty seven percent of these patients' treatments were not in keeping with national guidelines. In only 11 % of these patients had a doctor used a peak flow meter in the assessment of the patient. Three percent of patients had an understanding of their disease because of relatives who were medical workers. Patients complained that their illness was not explained to them and-they were not shown methods of coping with an acute attack. In many cases patients and health workers did not appreciate the seriousness of an attack. This is demonstrated by the study which showed seventy four percent of participants did not receive prophylactic treatment such as inhaled steroids or sodium chromoglycate although all were chronic sufferers of asthma. Of the thirty one patients admitted in 1997, twenty five had presented to outpatients in 1997 in the same month of their admission. This proves that the seriousness of their condition was not detected by the health workers attending to them. Recommendations are made in keeping with national guidelines to improve services in the Estcourt area in order to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients suffering from asthma and to increase patient satisfaction.
Profile of the asthma clinic at Addington hospital, Durban.
(1996) Lubbinge, A. W.; Pillay, Basil Joseph.
A study was done about the Asthma Clinic at Addington Hospital to show the characteristics and demography of the patients attending the clinic during the study period of one year. Some of the aspects studied were: the onset and duration of asthma, concomitant allergies, smoking behaviour, evaluation of treatment, casualty attendance, hospital admissions and compliance in attending the clinic. Therapy of the patients was aimed at control of inflammation and brocho constriction. Preventative pumps were used in 96% of the patients. The aim was to make the patient symptom free, to live a normal life and to prevent short term and long term complications of asthma. A comparison was made between three different groups of patients. a) non-smokers, b) smokers and ex-smokers, c) non-compliance in attending the clinic. It was found that the non-smoking group showed clinical improvement in lung functions, although not statistically significant.
Psychosocial factors and trauma in Rwandese refugees living in Lusaka, Zambia=Izimo zempilo yengqondo kanye nokwethuka kubabaleki baseRwanda abahlala eLusaka, eZambia.
(2021) Mwanamwambwa, Victor.; Pillay, Basil Joseph.
The 1994 genocide left many Rwandan refugees to undergo many adverse experiences. The transition from Rwanda to other countries of asylum was often punctuated with a lot of immeasurable challenges. Traumatic experiences encountered by refugees, such as torture and the atrocities witnessed from the genocide, have negatively impacted the refugees. Like other countries in Sub Saharan Africa, Zambia has had political, social and economic challenges. The current state of refugees in Zambia presents different challenges that impact refugees’ wellbeing. Exposure to traumatic experiences creates a range of mental health challenges. These challenges affect both those who had a direct experience of the genocide and their children born in the post-genocide era. This Thesis aimed to examine mental health, psychological distress and coping mechanisms in Rwandan refugees. The differences in symptomology between the older and younger refugees were examined. In addition, the study examined the association between socio-economic factors and psychological distress among Rwandan refugees. An examination of the existing literature indicates that the topics covered in this research are still under-studied in Zambia as well as many other African countries. The research will contribute to a greater understanding and awareness of refugees’ mental health and coping. Mixed method research was utilised involving a quantitative cross-sectional survey and qualitative design involving Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Two hundred and sixty-seven refugees consisting of 128 (47.9%) males and 139 (52.1%) females purposively sampled participated in the study. Different statistical models were used to assess mental health and psychological distress in the refugees. Further, different coping mechanisms used by the refugees to cope with adversity were evaluated. The results from the study posit that Rwandan refugees have experienced adverse trauma emanating from atrocities of the 1994 genocide. The study further indicated that there is a significant number of participants that reported PTSD and psychological distress. Lower education, lack of financial support and larger family size were positively associated with PTSD and psychological distress. In addition, the study revealed that social support, religion and/or spirituality were the main practices that Rwandan refugees utilise to cope with adversity. Among the key limitations of the study is the small sample size. Future studies should consider using a bigger sample size to improve the generalisability of results. Intervention strategies aimed at improving the lives of refugees should be ongoing. They must encompass a well-structured refugee policy that defines and emphasises refugees’ mental health and psychosocial needs. IQOQA Ukubulawa kwabantu ngokobuhlanga ngonyaka we-1994 kwashiya izakhamizi eziningi zaseRwanda ezibalekele kwamanye amazwe zibhekene nezimo eziningi ezingezinhle. Ushintsho lokusuka eRwanda beya kwamanye amazwe okubhaca kwakuhlangabezana njalo nezingqinamba ezingalinganiseki. Izimo zokuhlukumezeka ezabhekana nababaleki, ezifana nokuhlukunyezwa kanye namazinga empilo okwaba khona ngenxa yokubulawa kwabantu ngokobuhlanga, kwaba nemiphumela emibi kakhulu ezimpilweni zababaleki. Njengamanye amazwe aseSub-Saharan Africa, iZambia seyibe nazo izingqinamba zezepolitiki, ezenhlalakahle yomphakathi kanye nezomnotho. Isimo samanje sababaleki eZambia siveza izinkinga ezahlukene ezihlukumeza impilo yababaleki. Ukubhekana bukhona nezimo ezibuhlungu kudala izinhlobonhlobo zezinkinga zesimo sempilo yengqondo. Lezi zinkinga zihlukumeza bobabili labo ababhekane ngqo nesimo sokubulawa kwabantu ngokobuhlanga kanye nabantwana babo abazalwe emva kwesikhathi sokubulawa kwabantu ngokobuhlanga. Lolu cwaningo luhlose ukuhlola impilo yengqondo, ukuhlukumezeka ngokomqondo kanye nezindlela abazisebenzisayo zokubhekana nesimo kwababaleki baseRwanda. Umehluko okhona phakathi kwezinkomba phakathi kwababaleki asebekhulile kanye nabasebancane kwahlolwa. Okunye futhi, ucwaningo luhlole ubudlelwane phakathi kwezimo zempilo yomnotho kanye nokuhlukumezeka ngokomqondo phakathi kwababaleki baseRwanda. Ukubuyekezwa kwemibhalo esivele isikhona kuveza ukuthi izihloko okukhulunywa ngazo emibhalweni zisacwaningwa eZambia kanye nakwamanye amazwe ase-Afrika. Ucwaningo luzonezezela ekuqondeni okungcono kanye nokuqwashiseka ngesimo sempilo yengqondo sababaleki kanye nezindlela ababhekana ngazo nalezi zimo. Ucwaningo lwendlela engxube lusetshenzisiwe kubandakanye nengxenyana esabalele yenhlolovo kanye nohlaka lwekhwalithethivu olubandakanye izingxoxo namaqoqo acwaningwayo, ama-Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Ababaleki abangamakhulu amabili namashumi ayisithupha okubalwa kubo abesilisa abayi-128 (47.9%) kanye nabesifazane abayi-139 (52.1%) baqokwa ngenhloso ukubamba iqhaza ocwaningweni. Amamodeli ezinombolo ehlukene asetshenziswa ukuhlola izinga lempilo yengqondo kanye nokuhlukumezeka ngokwengqondo kubabaleki. Okunye futhi, izindlela zokubhekana nezimo ezahlukene ezisetshenziswa ababaleki ukubhekana neshwa labo kwabhekwa. Imiphumela yocwaningo iveza ukuthi ababaleki baseRwanda sebebhekene nesimo esingesihle nesiwumphumela wamazinga empilo okubulawa kwabantu ngokobuhlanga kwa-1994. Ucwangingo luphinde luveze ukuthi kubabambiqhaza abaningi ababika i-PTSD kanye nokuhlukumezeka ngokwengqondo. Amazinga aphansi emfundo, ukwesweleka kosizo lwezimali kanye nemindeni emikhulu kwakuhlobene nesimo se-PTSD kanye nesokuhlukumezeka ngokomqondo. Okunye futhi, ucwaningo luveze ukuthi ukwesekwa ngokwenhlalakahle yomphakathi, ezenkolo kanye/noma ngokomoya kwakuyizinto ezisemqoka eziyimikhuba ababaleki baseRwanda abazisebenzisayo ukubhekana nesimo sabo saleli shwa. Phakathi kwezingqinamba ezinqala zocwaningo kwaba ubungakho bukasayizi. Ucwaningo olulandelayo kumele lubheke ukusebenzisa usayizi othe ukuba mkhulu ukuthuthukisa ukusabalalisela kwemiphumela. Amasu okubhekana nalesi simo ahlose ukuthuthukisa izimpilo zababaleki kumele aqhubeke. Kumele ahlanganise inqubomgomo ehleleke ngendlela yababaleki nechaza futhi igcizelele kabanzi ngezidingo zempilo yengqondo kanye nesimo sokusebenza kwengqondo.
Screening for and diagnosing dementia in an elderly residential home population : a validation study.
(2014) Ramlall, Suvira.; Pillay, Basil Joseph.; Bhigjee, Ahmed Iqbal.
Background: With the projected increase in the elderly population and expected rise in the prevalence of dementia, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries, early case identification is necessary for planning and delivering clinical services. The effectiveness of dementia screening depends on the availability of suitable screening tools with good sensitivity and specificity to confidently distinguish normal age-related cognitive decline from dementia. The aims of this research study were to report on the prevalence of cognitive impairment (dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment-MCI), and to assess the performance of selected screening tools and a neuropsychological battery of tests in a heterogeneous local population. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted in a heterogeneous elderly South African population and consisted of three stages of data collection. In the first stage, cognitive screening measures were administered to a group of 302 participants, aged +60 years, living in a residential facility for the aged. The second stage consisted of a sub-sample of 140 participants who were assessed for cognitive impairment based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition-Text Revised criteria (DSM-IV-TR). Criteria A and B for Alzheimer’s and Vascular dementia were applied to assign a diagnosis of dementia without reference to aetiology. The participants were also assessed for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), based on the criteria of the International Working Group on Mild Cognitive Impairment. Of the 140 participants in stage two, 117 were administered a neuropsychological battery of tests in the third stage. The influence of demographic variables and the sensitivity, specificity and optimum cut-off scores were determined for the following seven selected screening measures, individually and in combination: the Mini- Mental State Examination (MMSE), Subjective Memory Complaint (SMC), Subjective Memory Complaint Clinical (SMCC), Subjective Memory Rating Scale (SMRS), Deterioration Cognitive Observee (DECO), Subjective Memory Complaint Clinical (SMCC) and the Clock Drawing Test (CDT). The sensitivity and specificity of the neuropsychological tests in the detection of dementia were also determined. Results Eleven (7.9%) dementia and 38 (27.1%) MCI cases were diagnosed. Performance on the screening measures was influenced by race, age and education. Using ROC analyses, the SMCC, MMSE and CDT were found to be moderately accurate in screening for dementia with AUC >.70. Neuropsychological test performance was influenced by the age, gender, race and education level of participants. With the exception of the Digit Span (forward), Digit Span (total), COWAT-A, Narrative Memory Test (delayed recall), Token Test and the Luria Hand Sequence Test, all the neuropsychological test measures displayed significance in distinguishing between the three classification groups (controls, MCI, dementia). Conclusion SMCC’s are valid screening questions as a first level of ‘rule-out’ screening. The MMSE can be included at a second stage of screening at general hospital level and the CDT in specialist clinical settings. Several measures from the neuropsychological battery of tests evaluated have discriminant validity and diagnostic accuracy for the differential diagnosis of cognitive disturbances in an elderly heterogeneous South African population .
Strategies for effective bioremediation of water co-contaminated with 1, 2-dichloroethane and heavy metals.
(2011) Arjoon, Ashmita.; Olaniran, Ademola Olufolahan.; Pillay, Basil Joseph.
The production of 1,2-Dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) exceeds 5.44 billion kg per year, and is higher than that of any other industrial halogenated chemical. Improper disposal practices or accidental spills of this compound have made it a common contaminant of soil and groundwater. 1,2-DCA has been classified as a priority pollutant by the Environmental Protection Agency owing to its toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulation in the environment. It has also been shown to have mutagenic and potential carcinogenic effects on animals and humans. Bioremediation is emerging as a promising technology for the clean-up of sites contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbons. However, sites co-contaminated with heavy metals and 1,2-DCA may pose a greater challenge for bioremediation, as the former pollutant could inhibit the activities of microbes involved in bioremediation. Therefore, this study was undertaken to quantitatively assess the effects of heavy metals on 1,2-DCA biodegradation and to investigate the use of biostimulation, bioaugmentation, dual bioaugmentation, and biosorption for remediation of water co-contaminated with 1,2-DCA and heavy metals in microcosms. The combined effect of 1,2-DCA and the respective heavy metals on the microbial population and diversity was also investigated. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and concentrations of the heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead) that caused half-life doubling (HLDs) of 1,2-DCA as well as the degradation rate coefficient (k1) and half-life (t1/2) of 1,2-DCA were measured in two different wastewater types. An increase in heavy metal concentration from 0.01–0.3 mM, resulted in a progressive increase in the t1/2 and relative t1/2 and a decrease in k1. The MICs and HLDs of the heavy metals were found to vary, depending on the heavy metals and wastewater type. In addition, the presence of heavy metals was shown to inhibit 1,2-DCA biodegradation in a dose-dependent manner, with the following order of decreasing inhibitory effect: Hg2+ > As3+ > Cd2+ > Pb2+. For the bioremediation experimental set-up, 150 ml wastewater was spiked with 1,2-DCA (2.5 mM) and the respective heavy metal in air-tight serum bottles (Wheaton). The bottles were biostimulated, bioaugmented, dual-bioaugmented or undergoing biosorption. The microcosms were incubated at 25 °C and the 1,2-DCA concentration was measured weekly. Co-contaminated water undergoing biostimulation, bioaugmentation and, in particular, dual bioaugmentation were observed to exhibit higher degradation of 1,2-DCA in the presence of the heavy metal, compared to co-contaminated water receiving none of the treatments. Dual bioaugmentation, proved to be most effective, resulting in up to 60% increase in 1,2-DCA degradation after 4 weeks, followed by bioaugmentation (55%) and biostimulation (51%). In addition, an increase in the total number of 1,2-DCA degrading bacterial population was observed in the bioaugmentated microcosms compared to those biostimulated, which corresponds to an increased 1,2-DCA degradation observed in the bioaugmentated co-contaminated microcosms. Dominant bacterial strains obtained from the co-contaminated microcosms were identified as members of the genera, Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Enterobacter and Bradyrhizobiaceae, that have been previously reported to degrade 1,2-DCA and other chlorinated compounds. Some of these isolates also belong to genera that have been previously shown to be resistant to heavy metals. PCR-DGGE analysis revealed variations in microbial diversity over time in the different co-contaminated microcosms, whereby the number of bands was reduced, the intensity of certain bands increased, and new bands appeared. Agricultural biosorbents (AB) were found to adsorb heavy metals effectively when utilized at a concentration of 2.5%, with the level of biosorption found to be dependent on the type of AB as well on the type of heavy metal present. OP proved to be the most efficient biosorbent for the heavy metals tested, followed by CNF, and corn cobs (CC) least efficient; therefore CC was not used in further bioremediation experiments. Both orange peel (OP) and coconut fibre (CNF) were found to be excellent at removing heavy metals from co-contaminated microcosms, with OP removing 14.59, 74.79, 60.79 and 87.53% of As3+, Cd 2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+, respectively, while 10.03, 40.29, 68.47 and 70.00% of As3+, Cd2+, Hg2+ and Pb2+, respectively, was adsorbed by CNF. Consequently, a higher degradation of 1,2-DCA was observed in the presence of OP and CNF, compared to the untreated control. It can be concluded that the remediation approaches utilized in this study proved effective in the bioremediation of water co-contaminated with 1,2-DCA and heavy metals and may provide the foundation for new and innovative treatment strategies for co-contaminated sites.
A study of the relation between health attitudes, values and beliefs and help-seeking behaviour with special reference to a representative sample of black patients attending a general hospital.
(1993) Pillay, Basil Joseph.; Schlebusch, Lourens.
There is strong evidence supporting the view that beliefs and attitudes influence health behaviour. Furthermore, cultural and social beliefs also have been shown to influence the way health care facilities are used. Although western medicine plays a dominant role in the mass control of disease, traditional or folk medicine continues to play an important role in the health care of black communities. They therefore, possess unique attitudes, values and beliefs about health and illness which integrally influence their health behaviour. This study aims therefore to: understand phenomenologically the urban African’s perception of illness, disease and health; identify attitudes that directly influence health behaviour: identify “trigger factors” that precipitate health action and isolate factors that contribute to “negative” health behaviour. The sample in this study consisted of 3 groups of urban Africans who were 20 years and older. Group 1 comprised first time attenders to a medical outpatients department Group 2 and Group 3 were sample groups drawn from the Umlazi Township and the Kwa Mashu Township respectively. The Health and Illness Battery in the language of the participants were administered by trained interviewers. This study has demonstrated the following: urban Africans have a personal conception of illness, health and disease that influences their manner of help‐seeking; there are certain attitudes and beliefs that directly influence both positive and negative health behaviour;. there are several health beliefs which interact in a complex way and may lead to medical help‐seeking. Health action was found to be influenced by significant individuals in the subject's environment; demographic variables, such as, age, sex, education and urbanisation strongly influence the health and illness beliefs; these results validated some of the fundamental aspects of the common western health and illness models; the use of services and facilities are determined by the location, accessibility and the quality of services; financial costs, time, transport, lack of community supports, negatively affected helpseeking; symptoms have been identified as a “trigger factor” of help‐seeking. Individuals use other forms of treatments independent of medical treatments. A model of help‐seeking for urban Africans is proposed.
Testing deficits in behavioural planning, set- shifting/ cognitive flexibility and working memory in children with high levels of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms=Ukuhlola ukusilela ekuhlelweni kokuziphatha, ukuguquka ngokuqonda/ukuseka ukushintsha kanye nenkumbulo yokusebenza ezinganeni ezinamazinga aphezulu ezimpawu ze-ADHD.
(2022) Boshomane, Tshikani Theodore.; Pillay, Basil Joseph.; Meyer, Anneke.
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by age-inappropriate symptoms of inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity that persist into adulthood. The symptoms are thought to result from a deficit in executive functions (EFs), such as inhibition, working memory, planning and set-shifting or cognitive flexibility. The study was aimed at investigating deficits in behavioural planning, cognitive flexibility and working memory in children with ADHD, with the use of specific neuropsychological tests, designed to measure deficiencies in the cortical areas of EFs, and compare this performance with a neurotypical control group. Further, the study investigated whether commonly used EF measurements were able to predict the core symptoms of ADHD. One hundred and fifty-six Sepedi and Xitsonga speaking primary school children (78 with ADHD and 78 matched controls without ADHD) aged between 6 and 15 years (M=11.7 years, SD=1.7), both males and females, participated in the study. The Tower of London (ToL) was used to measure planning, Memory for Digits (MFD) was used to measure working memory, Trail Making Test (TMT) to measure cognitive flexibility and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) to measure set-shifting. Our results showed that, on the ToL, children with ADHD, especially ADHD-PI and ADHD-C, used more moves and took a longer time to complete the task compared to the neurotypical controls. There were no differences in the number of moves and time taken by the ADHD-HI when compared to controls. Further, the results showed that, on theWCST, children with ADHD presentations /subtypes (ADHD-Hyperactive/impulsiveness, ADHD-Inattention and ADHD-combined) met with more set-shifting problems than the neurotypical comparison group, as they made more total errors, perseverative responses, perseverative errors and nonperseverative errors. Children with ADHD also exhibited poorer performance on both the Digits Backwards (DB) and Trails-B when compared to the control group. No significant effect between the ADHD and control group were found on the Trails-A test. Sex and age did not influence the performance of set-shifting, working memory and cognitive flexibility tasks. All the tests (ToL, DF and DB, Trails-B and WCST) were found to predict ADHD symptomatology, except Trails-A. The WCST (total errors and perseverative errors) was the best predictor of ADHD symptomatology and H/I, followed by DB and Trails-B which predicted more inattention. In conclusion, the study revealed behavioural planning, set-shifting and working memory deficits in children with ADHD compared to neurotypical comparisons. The study also showed commonly used EFs tests could predict ADHD symptomatology. Since children with ADHD show behavioural planning, cognitive flexibility and working memory deficiencies which affect their academic and social functioning, it is recommended that tests of EF are included in the assessment to complement the diagnosis of ADHD. Iqoqa Isifo sokuba nenkinga yokugxila kulokhu okwenziwayo, i-Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) yisifo esijwayelekile esithinta ingqondo esihambelana neminyaka ethize. Izimpawu zaso ukuhluleka ukugxila kokwenziwayo, amatata, nokuqina kakhulu okuqhubeka kuze kube sebudaleni. Izimpawu zaso kukholakala ukuthi zihambelana nokuhluleka ukwenza izinto ezibalulekile empilweni, ezaziwa nge-executive functions (EFs), ezintweni ezifana nokuziqoqa, ukukhumbula izinto, ukuhlela nokuhlunga izinto engqondweni. Lolu cwaningo beluhlose ukucubungula ubuthakathaka bokukwazi ukubamba indlela yokuziphatha, ukukwazi ukucabanga ngokuvulelekile, nokukhumbula izinto ezinganeni eziphila ne-ADHD, kusetshenziswa indlela yokuhlola ingqondo, eyenzelwe ukukala izinga lobuthakathaka ezindaweni zomqondo i-EFs, kuqhathaniswe ukusebenza kwazo nalezo zingane ezinezinkinga ezihambelana nemizwa. Futhi, lolu cwaningo belucubungula ukuthi ingabe indlela ejwayelwe ukusetshenziswa yokukala i-EF iyakwazi yini ukuqagula izimpawungqo ze-ADHD. Izingane zesikole zamabanga aphansi eziyikhulu namashumi ayisihlanu nesithupha (ezingama-78 zazo zine-ADHD kanti ezingama-78 azinayo i-ADHD) ezineminyaka esukela kweyi-6 kuye kweyi-15 (M=11.7 eminyaka, SD=1.7), zobulili besilisa nobesifazane, ezikhuluma izilimi iSepedi neXitsonga, zazibandakanya nalolu cwaningo. Kwasetsheziswa indlela yokukala ebizwa nge-Tower of London (ToL) ukukala ukukwazi ukuhlela izinto, ukukwazi ukukhumbula, i-Memory for Digits (MFD), ukukala ukuthi ukukhumbula abanako ngokwesikhathi esingakanani. Kanti i-Trail Making Test (TMT) yona yasetshenziswa ukukala ukucabanga ngokukhululeka, bese i-Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) yona yakala ukukwazi ukuhlukanisa izinto. Imiphumela etholakele iveza ukuthi izingane ezine-ADHD ikakhulukazi i-ADHD-PI ne-ADHD-C zathatha isikhathi esithe xaxa ukwenza umsebenzi ezazinikezwe wona uma ziqhathaniswa nalezo ezingenayo i-ADHD. Kanti awukho umehluko owaba khona mayelana nesikhathi ezinganeni ezine- ADHD-HI uma kuqhathaniswa nalezo ezingenayo. Okunye okwavela ukuthi izingane ezine-ADHD zaziba nenkinga yokuhlukanisa izinto kunalezo zingane ezazinenkinga yemizwa ngenxa yamaphutha amaningi ezaziwenza kanye nokungakwazi ukuhluza kahle imicabango yazo. Izingane ezine-ADHD zazibuye zibe nenkinga yokufunda izinombolo ezihlanazelwe, i-Digits Backwards (DB) ne-Trails-B uma kuqhathaniswa nezingane ezingenayo. Awukho umehluko ongako nokho phakathi kwezingane ezine-ADHD nezingenayo mayelana nesivivinyo se-Trails-A. Ubulili kanye neminyaka akwenzanga mehluko ekukwazini ukuhlukanisa izinto, ukukhumbula nokwenza imisebenzi edinga ukucabanga ngokuvulelekile. Izivivinyo zonke (ToL), i-DF ne-DB, i-Trails-B ne-WCST kwahlonzwa njengezinto ezikwaziyo ukuqagula izimpawu ze-ADHD, ngaphandle kwe-Trails-A. I-WCST (inani lamaphutha nokugcina ulwazi) yayiyindlela engcono kakhulu ukuqagula izimpawu ze-ADHD ne-H/I, ilandelwe yi-DB ne-Trails-B eyaveza kakhulu ukuhluleka ukugxila kokwenziwayo. Uma sekuphethwa, lolu cwaningo luveze izinkinga zokuhlela, ukukwazi ukuhlukanisa, kanye nokukhumbula ezinganeni ezine-ADHD uma kuqhathaniswa nalezo ezinenkinga yezemizwa. Lolu cwaningo luphinde lwaveza ukuthi indlela ejwayelwe ukusetshenziswa yokukala i-EFs iyakwazi ukuqagula izimpawu ze-ADHD. Njengoba izingane ezine-ADHD zikhombisa ukuba nenkinga yokuhlela, eyokucabanga ngokuvulelekile nokukhumbula okuyizinto ezinomthelela ezifundweni zazo nasekwazini ukuphilisana nabanye abantu, kunconcwa ukuba indlela yokuhlola ye-EF isetshenziswe uma kuhlohlwa i-ADHD.