A comparative study of the singlet oxygen generation capability of a zinc phthalocyanine linked to graphene quantum dots through π-π stacking and covalent conjugation when embedded in asymmetric polymer membranes
- Mafukidze, Donovan M, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mafukidze, Donovan M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187461 , vital:44655 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2018.11.096"
- Description: Following the establishment of graphene quantum dots as potential phthalocyanine supports in photoactive membrane preparation for phthalocyanines lacking linkage functional groups, the practical efficiency of p-p stacking versus covalent linkage was investigated. Synthesized materials were characterized using FT-IR, Raman, powder X-ray diffraction, and UVeVis spectroscopies and also by transmission electron and scanning electron microscopies. Phthalocyanine loadings onto graphene quantum dots of 0.40 mg/mg and 0.14 mg/mg (Pc mass/conjugate mass) for the p-p stacked and covalent linked conjugates respectively were observed. Covalent linkage to graphene quantum dots proved to be functionally superior to p-p linkage, where singlet oxygen quantum yield value of the phthalocyanine in the membrane for the covalent linked conjugate was approximately twice that of the p-p stacked membrane.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mafukidze, Donovan M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187461 , vital:44655 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2018.11.096"
- Description: Following the establishment of graphene quantum dots as potential phthalocyanine supports in photoactive membrane preparation for phthalocyanines lacking linkage functional groups, the practical efficiency of p-p stacking versus covalent linkage was investigated. Synthesized materials were characterized using FT-IR, Raman, powder X-ray diffraction, and UVeVis spectroscopies and also by transmission electron and scanning electron microscopies. Phthalocyanine loadings onto graphene quantum dots of 0.40 mg/mg and 0.14 mg/mg (Pc mass/conjugate mass) for the p-p stacked and covalent linked conjugates respectively were observed. Covalent linkage to graphene quantum dots proved to be functionally superior to p-p linkage, where singlet oxygen quantum yield value of the phthalocyanine in the membrane for the covalent linked conjugate was approximately twice that of the p-p stacked membrane.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An appraisal of the recruitment and selection process of the judiciary (chief justice) in Zimbabwe
- Bazana, Sandiso, Jackson, Charlene
- Authors: Bazana, Sandiso , Jackson, Charlene
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453722 , vital:75280 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ijhss/article/view/192901"
- Description: Societies that have accepted the notion of liberal modern democracy respect the role of the judges or the judiciary in making such democracies a success. As such, the drafting of the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe was a particularly significant event because, amongst other things, it set out the judicial selection process to be followed in the future. Following the recent appointment of the new chief justice (Justice Malaba, appointed in 2016) there has been controversy regarding the Zimbabwean judicial recruitment and selection appointment process. While some renowned legal practitioners expressed the opinion that the process itself was somewhat commendable, the reality is that there were some major flaws, which must be addressed for future judicial selection and appointment. This study analysed documents to appraise the recent recruitment and selection process of the chief justice in Zimbabwe. This study collated data from the Zimbabwe Constitution, Zimbabwe Legal Information Institute, Zimbabwe Case law, legislation and journal articles. The findings from this study suggest that there were some flaws in the last recruitment and selection process of the Chief Justice that were conducted by the Judicial Service Commission. The paper demonstrates some of these flaws. Broadly, the results of this work suggest that the recruitment and selection process require the expertise of those who are skilled in the procedure to do it with utmost proficiency, with limited acrimony and as little hindrance from the public as possible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Bazana, Sandiso , Jackson, Charlene
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453722 , vital:75280 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ijhss/article/view/192901"
- Description: Societies that have accepted the notion of liberal modern democracy respect the role of the judges or the judiciary in making such democracies a success. As such, the drafting of the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe was a particularly significant event because, amongst other things, it set out the judicial selection process to be followed in the future. Following the recent appointment of the new chief justice (Justice Malaba, appointed in 2016) there has been controversy regarding the Zimbabwean judicial recruitment and selection appointment process. While some renowned legal practitioners expressed the opinion that the process itself was somewhat commendable, the reality is that there were some major flaws, which must be addressed for future judicial selection and appointment. This study analysed documents to appraise the recent recruitment and selection process of the chief justice in Zimbabwe. This study collated data from the Zimbabwe Constitution, Zimbabwe Legal Information Institute, Zimbabwe Case law, legislation and journal articles. The findings from this study suggest that there were some flaws in the last recruitment and selection process of the Chief Justice that were conducted by the Judicial Service Commission. The paper demonstrates some of these flaws. Broadly, the results of this work suggest that the recruitment and selection process require the expertise of those who are skilled in the procedure to do it with utmost proficiency, with limited acrimony and as little hindrance from the public as possible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Asymmetrical and symmetrical zinc phthalocyanine-cobalt ferrite conjugates embedded in electrospun fibers for dual photocatalytic degradation of azo dyes: Methyl Orange and Orange G
- Mapukata, Sivuyisiwe, Kobayashi, Nagao, Kimura, Mutsumi, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mapukata, Sivuyisiwe , Kobayashi, Nagao , Kimura, Mutsumi , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186960 , vital:44551 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2019.04.048"
- Description: The conjugation of a symmetrical and an asymmetrical zinc phthalocyanine with amine functionalised cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (CoFe MNPs) for enhanced photophysics and photocatalysis is reported. The MNPs, 2-[5-(phenoxy)-isophthalic acid] 9(10), 16(17), 23(24)-tris (tertbutyl) phthalocyaninato Zn (II) (2) and 2, 10, 16, 24 – tetra 5-(phenoxy)-isophthalic acid phthalocyaninato] Zn (II) (3) as well as their respective conjugates are embedded into electrospun polyamide-6 (PA-6) fibers for support and catalyst regeneration. The resulting photocatalyts (CoFe/PA-6, 2/PA-6, 3/PA-6, CoFe-2/PA-6, and CoFe-3/PA-6) were compared based on their photophysical properties and photocatalytic efficiencies in degrading azo dyes; Methyl Orange (MO) and Orange G (OG). CoFe-2/PA-6 and CoFe-3/PA-6 were found to be more effective photocatalysts than their respective electrospun Pcs and MNPs. The degradation of OG was found to follow pseudo first order kinetics and the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model while that of MO does not.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mapukata, Sivuyisiwe , Kobayashi, Nagao , Kimura, Mutsumi , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186960 , vital:44551 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2019.04.048"
- Description: The conjugation of a symmetrical and an asymmetrical zinc phthalocyanine with amine functionalised cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (CoFe MNPs) for enhanced photophysics and photocatalysis is reported. The MNPs, 2-[5-(phenoxy)-isophthalic acid] 9(10), 16(17), 23(24)-tris (tertbutyl) phthalocyaninato Zn (II) (2) and 2, 10, 16, 24 – tetra 5-(phenoxy)-isophthalic acid phthalocyaninato] Zn (II) (3) as well as their respective conjugates are embedded into electrospun polyamide-6 (PA-6) fibers for support and catalyst regeneration. The resulting photocatalyts (CoFe/PA-6, 2/PA-6, 3/PA-6, CoFe-2/PA-6, and CoFe-3/PA-6) were compared based on their photophysical properties and photocatalytic efficiencies in degrading azo dyes; Methyl Orange (MO) and Orange G (OG). CoFe-2/PA-6 and CoFe-3/PA-6 were found to be more effective photocatalysts than their respective electrospun Pcs and MNPs. The degradation of OG was found to follow pseudo first order kinetics and the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model while that of MO does not.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring group solidarity for insights into qualities of T-learning
- Mudokwani, Kuda, Mukute, Mutizwa
- Authors: Mudokwani, Kuda , Mukute, Mutizwa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/390612 , vital:68568 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3390/su11236825"
- Description: Across the world, organised groups of farmers participating in just and sustainability transformations encounter multiple obstacles. Through solidarity manifested in iterative processes of questioning, co-learning, collective action and reflection, and value creation for themselves and for others, some succeed in overcoming them. This article investigates how a district organic farmer association in Zimbabwe is encountering and handling group solidarity challenges arising from shifting from local to district level coordinated organic production and marketing. Based on the use of change laboratory, this paper explores solidarity at the local niche and networked district level to seek insights into the qualities of T-learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mudokwani, Kuda , Mukute, Mutizwa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/390612 , vital:68568 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3390/su11236825"
- Description: Across the world, organised groups of farmers participating in just and sustainability transformations encounter multiple obstacles. Through solidarity manifested in iterative processes of questioning, co-learning, collective action and reflection, and value creation for themselves and for others, some succeed in overcoming them. This article investigates how a district organic farmer association in Zimbabwe is encountering and handling group solidarity challenges arising from shifting from local to district level coordinated organic production and marketing. Based on the use of change laboratory, this paper explores solidarity at the local niche and networked district level to seek insights into the qualities of T-learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Investigation of novel substituted zinc and aluminium phthalocyanines for photodynamic therapy of epithelial breast cancer
- Mohammed, Imadalulla, Oluwole, David O, Nemakal, Majunatha, Sannegowda, Lokesh K, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mohammed, Imadalulla , Oluwole, David O , Nemakal, Majunatha , Sannegowda, Lokesh K , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186824 , vital:44537 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2019.107592"
- Description: A series of phthalonitrile ligands were synthesized by nucleophilic substitution reaction using the hydroxyl or sulfanyl group precursors and the nitro moiety of the nitrophthalonitrile to yield corresponding oxy or sulfanyl bridged ligands. These ligands were subsequently subjected to cyclocondensation reaction with diamagnetic metal ions like zinc and aluminium to afford symmetrically substituted zinc and aluminium phthalocyanine (Pc) complexes and polymers. The ligands and Pc complexes were characterized by 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance, fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet visible and mass spectrometric techniques. Additionally, thermal gravimetric, and elemental analyzer were used for characterization of the Pc complexes. The photophysical and photochemical behaviour of the Pc complexes were investigated in dimethyl sulfoxide. Additionally, the complexes were tested against epithelial breast cancer cells for photodynamic therapy (PDT) effect. The substituted ZnPc complexes afforded higher singlet oxygen quantum yields as compared to the AlPc analogue. All the complexes showed innocuous invitro dark cytotoxicity and moderate PDT effect.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mohammed, Imadalulla , Oluwole, David O , Nemakal, Majunatha , Sannegowda, Lokesh K , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186824 , vital:44537 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2019.107592"
- Description: A series of phthalonitrile ligands were synthesized by nucleophilic substitution reaction using the hydroxyl or sulfanyl group precursors and the nitro moiety of the nitrophthalonitrile to yield corresponding oxy or sulfanyl bridged ligands. These ligands were subsequently subjected to cyclocondensation reaction with diamagnetic metal ions like zinc and aluminium to afford symmetrically substituted zinc and aluminium phthalocyanine (Pc) complexes and polymers. The ligands and Pc complexes were characterized by 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance, fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet visible and mass spectrometric techniques. Additionally, thermal gravimetric, and elemental analyzer were used for characterization of the Pc complexes. The photophysical and photochemical behaviour of the Pc complexes were investigated in dimethyl sulfoxide. Additionally, the complexes were tested against epithelial breast cancer cells for photodynamic therapy (PDT) effect. The substituted ZnPc complexes afforded higher singlet oxygen quantum yields as compared to the AlPc analogue. All the complexes showed innocuous invitro dark cytotoxicity and moderate PDT effect.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Nano-enabled liposomal mucoadhesive films for enhanced efavirenz buccal drug delivery
- Okafor, Nnamadi I, Ngoepe, Mpho, Siwe-Noundou, Xavier, Krause, Rui W M
- Authors: Okafor, Nnamadi I , Ngoepe, Mpho , Siwe-Noundou, Xavier , Krause, Rui W M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/194032 , vital:45417 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2019.101312"
- Description: Buccal films (BFs) were prepared using a solvent casting method using the liposomal suspension as the dispersing medium. Optimization of some physical properties of the films containing different amounts of polymers was done using digital Vernier calliper and digital weighing balance. The physiochemical properties of the best optimized properties were characterized using Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Permeation study of the BFs composed of Carbopol (CP) alone and CP to Pluronic 127 (PF127) demonstrated better bio-adhesive properties than the films made of other polymers such as HPMC (hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose) and HPMC-PF127. These CP based BFs (without and with PF127) exhibited good film thickness 0.88 ± 0.10 and 0.76 ± 0.14 mm, with weight uniformity 68.22 ± 1.04 and 86.28 ± 2.16 mg, satisfactory flexibility values 258 and 321, and slightly acidic pH 6.43 ± 0.76 and 6.32 ± 0.01. The swelling percentage was found to be 50% for CP and 78% for CP-PF127. The cumulative amount of drug that permeated through the buccal epithelium after 24 h was about 66% from CP and 75% from CP-PF127.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Okafor, Nnamadi I , Ngoepe, Mpho , Siwe-Noundou, Xavier , Krause, Rui W M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/194032 , vital:45417 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2019.101312"
- Description: Buccal films (BFs) were prepared using a solvent casting method using the liposomal suspension as the dispersing medium. Optimization of some physical properties of the films containing different amounts of polymers was done using digital Vernier calliper and digital weighing balance. The physiochemical properties of the best optimized properties were characterized using Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Permeation study of the BFs composed of Carbopol (CP) alone and CP to Pluronic 127 (PF127) demonstrated better bio-adhesive properties than the films made of other polymers such as HPMC (hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose) and HPMC-PF127. These CP based BFs (without and with PF127) exhibited good film thickness 0.88 ± 0.10 and 0.76 ± 0.14 mm, with weight uniformity 68.22 ± 1.04 and 86.28 ± 2.16 mg, satisfactory flexibility values 258 and 321, and slightly acidic pH 6.43 ± 0.76 and 6.32 ± 0.01. The swelling percentage was found to be 50% for CP and 78% for CP-PF127. The cumulative amount of drug that permeated through the buccal epithelium after 24 h was about 66% from CP and 75% from CP-PF127.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Photo-physicochemical properties and in vitro photodynamic therapy activity of morpholine-substituted Zinc (II)-Phthalocyanines π-π stacked on biotinylated graphene quantum dots
- Nene, Lindokuhle, Managa, Muthumuni, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Nene, Lindokuhle , Managa, Muthumuni , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186993 , vital:44554 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2019.03.002"
- Description: Two morpholine-substituted Zn(II) phthalocyanines, complex 4 and the cationic 5, were synthesized and conjugated to graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and biotinylated GQDs (GQDs-biotin) by non-covalent π-π interactions. The GQDs-biotin are prepared as potential nanoparticle-based Pc delivery vector combined with a receptor-mediated transport system using biotin. The photo-physicochemical properties of the Pc complexes and their corresponding conjugates were studied. Upon conjugation, the fluorescence quantum yields decrease for 4 and 5, however, the triplet quantum yields were increased for the conjugates. All samples demonstrated singlet oxygen generation. For conjugated complexes, the singlet quantum yields decreased due to the screening effect in some cases. An increase in the photodynamic therapy activities upon quaternization was observed for the conjugates, with the cell viability decreasing from 66.2% to 51.2% after treatment for 4-GQDs and 5-GQDs, respectively. A relatively better performance was also observed for the cationic complex in combination with the biotin functionalized GQDs, 5-GQDs-biotin, where the cell viability was 34.9% after treatment. Moreover, the cellular uptake of 5-GQDs-biotin over 24 h was relatively higher compared to Pc complex alone and other PcsGQDs conjugates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nene, Lindokuhle , Managa, Muthumuni , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186993 , vital:44554 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2019.03.002"
- Description: Two morpholine-substituted Zn(II) phthalocyanines, complex 4 and the cationic 5, were synthesized and conjugated to graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and biotinylated GQDs (GQDs-biotin) by non-covalent π-π interactions. The GQDs-biotin are prepared as potential nanoparticle-based Pc delivery vector combined with a receptor-mediated transport system using biotin. The photo-physicochemical properties of the Pc complexes and their corresponding conjugates were studied. Upon conjugation, the fluorescence quantum yields decrease for 4 and 5, however, the triplet quantum yields were increased for the conjugates. All samples demonstrated singlet oxygen generation. For conjugated complexes, the singlet quantum yields decreased due to the screening effect in some cases. An increase in the photodynamic therapy activities upon quaternization was observed for the conjugates, with the cell viability decreasing from 66.2% to 51.2% after treatment for 4-GQDs and 5-GQDs, respectively. A relatively better performance was also observed for the cationic complex in combination with the biotin functionalized GQDs, 5-GQDs-biotin, where the cell viability was 34.9% after treatment. Moreover, the cellular uptake of 5-GQDs-biotin over 24 h was relatively higher compared to Pc complex alone and other PcsGQDs conjugates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Photophysical and enhanced nonlinear optical response in asymmetric benzothiazole substituted phthalocyanine covalently linked to semiconductor quantum dots
- Nwaji, Njemuwa, Dingiswayo, Somila, Mack, John, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Nwaji, Njemuwa , Dingiswayo, Somila , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187851 , vital:44703 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2018.06.098"
- Description: The synthesis of asymmetric benzothiazole substituted phthalocyanines (complexes 3 to 5) and their covalent attachment to glutathione (GSH) functionalized quantum dots (QDs) are reported in this work. Additionally, their photophysical and nonlinear optical properties were investigated. A decrease in the fluorescence quantum yield with corresponding increase in the triplet quantum yield was observed when the complexes were covalently linked to glutathione (GSH) functionalized cadmium telluride (CdTe) quantum dots. Reverse saturable absorption was found to be predominantly dominated by excited state absorption. The observed limiting threshold values range from 0.29–0.75 J/cm2.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nwaji, Njemuwa , Dingiswayo, Somila , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187851 , vital:44703 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2018.06.098"
- Description: The synthesis of asymmetric benzothiazole substituted phthalocyanines (complexes 3 to 5) and their covalent attachment to glutathione (GSH) functionalized quantum dots (QDs) are reported in this work. Additionally, their photophysical and nonlinear optical properties were investigated. A decrease in the fluorescence quantum yield with corresponding increase in the triplet quantum yield was observed when the complexes were covalently linked to glutathione (GSH) functionalized cadmium telluride (CdTe) quantum dots. Reverse saturable absorption was found to be predominantly dominated by excited state absorption. The observed limiting threshold values range from 0.29–0.75 J/cm2.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Purification and biochemical characterisation of a putative sodium channel agonist secreted from the South African Knobbly sea anemone Bunodosoma capense
- van Losenoord, Wynand, Krause, Jason, Parker-Nance, Shirley, Krause, Rui W M, Stoychey, Stoyan, Frost, Carminita L
- Authors: van Losenoord, Wynand , Krause, Jason , Parker-Nance, Shirley , Krause, Rui W M , Stoychey, Stoyan , Frost, Carminita L
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/194082 , vital:45421 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.06.222"
- Description: Voltage gated ion channels have become a subject of investigation as possible pharmaceutical targets. Research has linked the activity of ion channels directly to anti-inflammatory pathways, energy homeostasis, cancer proliferation and painful diabetic neuropathy. Sea anemones secrete a diverse array of bioactive compounds including potassium and sodium channel toxins. A putative novel sodium channel agonist (molecular mass of 4619.7 Da) with a predicted sequence: CLCNSDGPSV RGNTLSGILW LAGCPSGWHN CKKHKPTIGW CCK was isolated from Bunodosoma capense using a modified stimulation technique to induce the secretion of the neurotoxin rich mucus confirmed by an Artemia nauplii bio-assay. The peptide purification combined size-exclusion and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. A thallium-based ion flux assay confirmed the presence of a sodium channel agonist/inhibitor and purity was determined using a modified tricine SDS-PAGE system. The peptide isolated indicated the presence of multiple disulfide bonds in a tight β-defensin cystine conformation. An IC50 value of 26 nM was determined for total channel inhibition on MCF-7 cells. The unique putative sodium channel agonist initiating with a cystine bond indicates a divergent evolution to those previously isolated from Bunodosoma species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: van Losenoord, Wynand , Krause, Jason , Parker-Nance, Shirley , Krause, Rui W M , Stoychey, Stoyan , Frost, Carminita L
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/194082 , vital:45421 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.06.222"
- Description: Voltage gated ion channels have become a subject of investigation as possible pharmaceutical targets. Research has linked the activity of ion channels directly to anti-inflammatory pathways, energy homeostasis, cancer proliferation and painful diabetic neuropathy. Sea anemones secrete a diverse array of bioactive compounds including potassium and sodium channel toxins. A putative novel sodium channel agonist (molecular mass of 4619.7 Da) with a predicted sequence: CLCNSDGPSV RGNTLSGILW LAGCPSGWHN CKKHKPTIGW CCK was isolated from Bunodosoma capense using a modified stimulation technique to induce the secretion of the neurotoxin rich mucus confirmed by an Artemia nauplii bio-assay. The peptide purification combined size-exclusion and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. A thallium-based ion flux assay confirmed the presence of a sodium channel agonist/inhibitor and purity was determined using a modified tricine SDS-PAGE system. The peptide isolated indicated the presence of multiple disulfide bonds in a tight β-defensin cystine conformation. An IC50 value of 26 nM was determined for total channel inhibition on MCF-7 cells. The unique putative sodium channel agonist initiating with a cystine bond indicates a divergent evolution to those previously isolated from Bunodosoma species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The relative representation of ecosystem services and disservices in South African newspaper media
- Mclellan, V, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Mclellan, V , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179699 , vital:43162 , https://doi.org/10.1080/26395916.2019.1667442
- Description: Newspapers are key information sources and may influence both public opinion and policy. Previous studies have analysed the portrayal of ecosystem disservices in newspapers, but none have assessed the relative coverage between disservices and services, or how it might have changed over time. We report on the relative frequency and depiction of ecosystem services and disservices in South African, English newspapers over a 15-year period. We used a SABINET search complemented by key-informant interviews with environmental journalists. For each article we recorded if it covered ecosystem services or disservices, the type of service or disservice, and article tone and length. Overall, 2,201 articles were found, of which 25% were on services and 75% on disservices. The number of articles per year declined over the 15-year period for services, but not disservices. The most common services were energy and craft materials, food production, recreation and culture, and disservices were human health, heat waves and floods. Articles on ecosystem services were 25–40% longer than those on disservices. Article lengths on both declined over the 15 years. The greater reporting of ecosystem disservices over services is likely to influence public opinion and environmental decision-making accordingly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mclellan, V , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179699 , vital:43162 , https://doi.org/10.1080/26395916.2019.1667442
- Description: Newspapers are key information sources and may influence both public opinion and policy. Previous studies have analysed the portrayal of ecosystem disservices in newspapers, but none have assessed the relative coverage between disservices and services, or how it might have changed over time. We report on the relative frequency and depiction of ecosystem services and disservices in South African, English newspapers over a 15-year period. We used a SABINET search complemented by key-informant interviews with environmental journalists. For each article we recorded if it covered ecosystem services or disservices, the type of service or disservice, and article tone and length. Overall, 2,201 articles were found, of which 25% were on services and 75% on disservices. The number of articles per year declined over the 15-year period for services, but not disservices. The most common services were energy and craft materials, food production, recreation and culture, and disservices were human health, heat waves and floods. Articles on ecosystem services were 25–40% longer than those on disservices. Article lengths on both declined over the 15 years. The greater reporting of ecosystem disservices over services is likely to influence public opinion and environmental decision-making accordingly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The South America tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), spreads its wings in Eastern Africa: distribution and socioeconomic impacts
- Aigbedion-Atalor, Pascal O, Hill, Martin P, Zalucki, Myron P, Obala, Francis, Idriss, Gamal E, Midingoyi, Soul-Kifouly G, Chidege, Maneno, Ekesi, Sunday, Mohamed, Samira Abuelgasim
- Authors: Aigbedion-Atalor, Pascal O , Hill, Martin P , Zalucki, Myron P , Obala, Francis , Idriss, Gamal E , Midingoyi, Soul-Kifouly G , Chidege, Maneno , Ekesi, Sunday , Mohamed, Samira Abuelgasim
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423859 , vital:72099 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toz220"
- Description: Following the arrival of Tuta absoluta Meyrick in the eastern African subregion in 2012, several studies have shown numerous ecological aspects of its invasion. We investigated the impact of T. absoluta on people’s livelihoods across four counties of Kenya. Here, 200 farmers in the country were interviewed in person using semistructured questionnaires. In addition to livelihood surveys, T. absoluta distribution was mapped between 2016 and 2018 to determine its current distribution across four countries (Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda) in the subregion. Albeit a recent invader, T. absoluta is abundant and distributed throughout the subregion and is viewed as the worst invasive alien species of agriculturally sustainable livelihoods by tomato farmers. The arrival of T. absoluta in the subregion has resulted in livelihood losses and increased both the cost of tomato production and frequency of pesticide application. We recommend the implementation of biological control along, with other control measures in an integrated approach, against T. absoluta in the subregion, where its impact on sustainable livelihoods is serious and long-term control strategies are required to curb its detrimental effects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Aigbedion-Atalor, Pascal O , Hill, Martin P , Zalucki, Myron P , Obala, Francis , Idriss, Gamal E , Midingoyi, Soul-Kifouly G , Chidege, Maneno , Ekesi, Sunday , Mohamed, Samira Abuelgasim
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423859 , vital:72099 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toz220"
- Description: Following the arrival of Tuta absoluta Meyrick in the eastern African subregion in 2012, several studies have shown numerous ecological aspects of its invasion. We investigated the impact of T. absoluta on people’s livelihoods across four counties of Kenya. Here, 200 farmers in the country were interviewed in person using semistructured questionnaires. In addition to livelihood surveys, T. absoluta distribution was mapped between 2016 and 2018 to determine its current distribution across four countries (Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda) in the subregion. Albeit a recent invader, T. absoluta is abundant and distributed throughout the subregion and is viewed as the worst invasive alien species of agriculturally sustainable livelihoods by tomato farmers. The arrival of T. absoluta in the subregion has resulted in livelihood losses and increased both the cost of tomato production and frequency of pesticide application. We recommend the implementation of biological control along, with other control measures in an integrated approach, against T. absoluta in the subregion, where its impact on sustainable livelihoods is serious and long-term control strategies are required to curb its detrimental effects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
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