Browsing by Author "Iputo, J. E."

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    Anti-ulcerogenic properties of Albuca setosa
    (2013-12) Ndebia, E. J.; Tchokonte-Nana, Venant; Umapathy, E.; Tamadjou Tchuen, C. R.; Williams, R. P.; Sewani-Rusike, C. R.; Page, B. J.; Iputo, J. E.; Anatomy and Histology
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Albuca setosa is a medicinal plant used by Xhosa tribe in the rural area of South Africa for the treatment of wounds, articulation problems, rheumatoid arthritis and digestive disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the healing effect of A. setosa on experimental induced gastric ulcer. The anti- ulcerogenic effects of A. setosa were investigated in male Wistar rats. Gastric ulcer was induced per os using indomethacin (50 mg/kg) and ethanol (2 ml/animal). The ulceration lesion index was calculated for each one of the ulcerated stomach; the macroscopic and histomorphology evaluation were made. In indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers, oral administration of A. setosa significantly inhibited (P<0.01) gastric ulcer formation by 82 and 83% at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. In ethanol- induced gastric ulcers, A. setosa significantly inhibited (P<0.05) gastric ulcer formation by 39 and 35% at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Macroscopic evaluation of ulcerated stomachs of A. setosa treated groups showed a reduced area of gastric lesion, with moderate disruption of the gastric epithelium as well as the mucosa stromal cell. The results obtained in this study suggest that the A. setosa possesses some anti-ulcerogenic properties, which may support evidence for its traditional use.
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    South African medical schools : current state of selection criteria and medical students’ demographic profile
    (Health & Medical Publishing Group, 2016-01) Van der Merwe, L. J.; Van Zyl, G. J.; St. Clair Gibson, A.; Viljoen, M.; Iputo, J. E.; Mammen, M.; Chitha, W.; Perez, A. M.; Hartman, N.; Fonn, S.; Green-Thompson, L.; Ayo-Ysuf, O. A.; Botha, G. C.; Manning, D.; Botha, S. J.; Hift, R.; Retief, P.; Van Heerden, B. B.; Volmink, J.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : Background: Selection of medical students at South African (SA) medical schools must promote equitable and fair access to students from all population groups, while ensuring optimal student throughput and success, and training future healthcare practitioners who will fulfil the needs of the local society. In keeping with international practices, a variety of academic and non-academic measures are used to select applicants for medical training programmes in SA medical schools. Objectives: To provide an overview of the selection procedures used by all eight medical schools in SA, and the student demographics (race and gender) at these medical schools, and to determine to what extent collective practices are achieving the goals of student diversity and inclusivity. Methods: A retrospective, quantitative, descriptive study design was used. All eight medical schools in SA provided information regarding selection criteria, selection procedures, and student demographics (race and gender). Descriptive analysis of data was done by calculating frequencies and percentages of the variables measured. Results: Medical schools in SA make use of academic and non-academic criteria in their selection processes. The latter include indices of socioeconomic disadvantage. Most undergraduate medical students in SA are black (38.7%), followed by white (33.0%), coloured (13.4%) and Indian/Asian (13.6%). The majority of students are female (62.2%). The number of black students is still proportionately lower than in the general population, while other groups are overrepresented. Conclusion: Selection policies for undergraduate medical programmes aimed at redress should be continued and further refined, along with the provision of support to ensure student success.