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Diversity is an asset to science not a threat

- Blackie, Margaret A

Authors: Blackie, Margaret A
Date: 2021
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/426624 , vital:72373 , xlink:href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/48687065"
Description: In this paper, Critical Realism is used as a theoretical framework to show that diversity is an asset to science not a threat. Critical Realism situates the reliability and reproducibility of science in the realm of the real and thus relocates the notion of “objectivity” from the person of the scientist to the process of science. This means that it no longer necessary to attempt to minimise the person of the scientist in pursuit of rigorous knowledge. The implication is that diversity both in terms of intellectual training (within limits) and in terms of being multicultural, gender, sexuality, multilingual, is revealed to be an asset. This is because the construction of knowledge draws on personal experience and having people with divergent experience interrogating the same problem is more likely to provide a reliable, reproducible solution. In the latter parts of the paper, the implications for teaching are described. In addition, it is demonstrated that this argument can be extended into different knowledge areas.
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Date Issued: 2021

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Effect of ultrasonic frequency and power on the sonodynamic therapy activity of cationic Zn (II) phthalocyanines

- Nene, Lindokuhle C, Sindelo, Azole, Britton, Jonathan, Nyokong, Tebello

Authors: Nene, Lindokuhle C , Sindelo, Azole , Britton, Jonathan , Nyokong, Tebello
Date: 2021
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185737 , vital:44419 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2021.111397"
Description: We report on the sonodynamic activity of cationic phthalocyanines (Pcs) and the effect of the variation of two parameters: ultrasound frequency and power (Par I (1 MHz, 1 W cm−2), Par II (1 MHz, 2 W cm−2), Par III (3 MHz, 1 W cm−2) and Par IV (3 MHz, 2 W cm−2)) on the efficiency of their reactive oxygen species generation and cancer eradication in vitro thereof. Where Par stands for the various combinations of these parameters. Four Pcs were investigated with substituents bearing diethylamine, ortho- and para-pyridine and morpholine groups. Overall, the para-pyridine and morpholine Pcs showed substantial sono-activity in the various ultrasound parameters with Par I and IV generally showing better singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radicals generation confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. In some cases, very high hydroxyl radicals' generation was observed at Par II. Furthermore, the fragmentation of the Pcs after Par II treatments was confirmed using UV–vis and magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy. The reactive species generation efficacy decreased at Par III for all samples. Ultrasound assisted cytotoxicity of the Pcs was confirmed in vitro using the human (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7) breast cancer cell line.
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Date Issued: 2021

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Efforts towards engaging communities to promote the benefits of biological control research and implementation in South Africa

- Weaver, Kim N, Hill, Martin P, Byrne, Marcus J, Ivey, Philip J

Authors: Weaver, Kim N , Hill, Martin P , Byrne, Marcus J , Ivey, Philip J
Date: 2021
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/414428 , vital:71146 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-ento_v29_n3_a23"
Description: In the last decade, biological control in South Africa has evolved from a classical applied science, allied to an extension service, to a more community engagement-based activity. Therefore, capacity building is important for the sustainability of biological control research and its implementation. In South Africa, a broad approach has been taken to build capacity in weed biological control, starting at grass-roots level with primary and secondary school learner programmes, through to developing research capacity at the tertiary level and enhancing technical capacity through adult education. Non-specialists are empowered through access to knowledge. The dissemination of accurate information through the most appropriate outlets has become increasingly important, including non-traditional science communication through the internet and, more importantly, social media, which has the potential to reach a far wider audience. Public understanding of biological control has the potential to contribute significantly to the green and knowledge economies of South Africa, but relies on government support for the sustainability of this discipline.
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Date Issued: 2021

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Electrocatalytic Activity of Cobalt Phthalocyanines Revisited: Effect of the Number of Oxygen Atoms and Conjugation to Carbon Nanomaterials

- Ndebele, Nobuhle, Mgidlana, Sithi, Nyokong, Tebello

Authors: Ndebele, Nobuhle , Mgidlana, Sithi , Nyokong, Tebello
Date: 2021
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185700 , vital:44416 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s12678-021-00670-x"
Description: The synthesis and characterization of tetrakis[4(4-acetlyphenoxy)phthalocyanato] cobalt (II) (1) are presented. Complex 1 together with the reported tetrakis dimethyl 5-(phenoxy)-isophthalatephthalocyaninato] cobalt (II) (2) are conjugated to carbon-based nanomaterials: graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) via π-π stacking, taking advantage of the π electrons on the graphitic structure of the nanomaterial as well as on the aromatic rings of the Co phthalocyanines (CoPcs). The electrocatalytic behaviour of the CoPcs, GQDs, SWCNTs and their respective conjugates towards the electrochemical oxidation of catechol was studied. The electrocatalytic probes were drop-dried onto the electrode surface of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The electrochemical oxidation of catechol was studied using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry. Complex 2 when linked to GQDs gave the lowest oxidation peak potentials of 0.33 V. Low catechol detection limits (LOD) of 0.057 µM was obtained for complex 2 with SWCNT. Thus, complex 2 containing more oxygen atoms outperformed complex 1 with less oxygen atoms. The CoPcs on their own showed moderate electrocatalytic behaviour, hence showing the importance of conjugating them to the carbon nanomaterials. SWCNT-based electrodes performed better than GQDs, and an improvement in the LoDs, sensitivity and the catalytic rate was observed upon conjugation.
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Date Issued: 2021

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Electrocatalytic activity of manganese tetra 4-aminophenyl porphyrin in the presence of graphene quantum dots

- Jokzai, Mbulelo, Mpeta, Lekhetho S, Nyokong, Tebello

Authors: Jokzai, Mbulelo , Mpeta, Lekhetho S , Nyokong, Tebello
Date: 2021
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/231443 , vital:49888 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2015.02.040"
Description: A manganese tetra 4-aminophenyl porphyrin (MnTAPP) was synthesized and attached to graphene quantum dots (GQDs) via covalent and π-π interaction to give MnTAPP@GQDs and MnTAPP--GQDs, respectively. There was an increase (using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy) in size of the GQDs in the presence of the porphyrin due to aggregation. The porphyrins in the absence and presence of GQDs were then adsorbed onto a glassy carbon electrode using drop and dry method. The electrochemical behavior was tested by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry towards hydrazine. Both methods of combining MnTAPP with GQDs improved the activity of the electrocatalysis compared to individual components. MnTAPP@GQDs showed better catalytic rate constant of 4.36 × 102 Ms−1 and lowest LoD of 0.0023 mM followed by MnTAPP--GQDs. Furthermore, the sensor showed good selectivity in the presence of interfering analytes. All probes showed good stability.
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Date Issued: 2021

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Electrocatalytic activity of Schiff base containing copper phthalocyanines towards the detection of catechol

- Ndebele, Nobuhle, Sen, Pinar, Nyokong, Tebello

Authors: Ndebele, Nobuhle , Sen, Pinar , Nyokong, Tebello
Date: 2021
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/231410 , vital:49885 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2021.115518"
Description: In this study, four new copper phthalocyanine complexes were synthesised and studied as electrocatalysts for the detection of catechol. Two of these complexes were derived from a symmetrical benzaldehyde phthalocyanine complex via the condensation of the benzaldehyde substituents with amine reagents. The electrocatalysts proved to be highly stable towards the detection of catechol. The oxidation peaks obtained using cyclic voltammetry range from 0.20 to 0.38 V. Detection limits were obtained via chronoamperometry and are as low as 0.16 µM with fairly high sensitives being obtained. Overall all four copper complexes exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the electrooxidation of catechol.
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Date Issued: 2021

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Electrocatalytic detection of l-cysteine using molybdenum POM doped-HKUST-1 metal organic frameworks

- Murinzi, Tafadzwa W, Watkins, Gareth M, Shumba, Munyaradzi, Nyokong, Tebello

Authors: Murinzi, Tafadzwa W , Watkins, Gareth M , Shumba, Munyaradzi , Nyokong, Tebello
Date: 2021
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185748 , vital:44420 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00958972.2021.1907573"
Description: Glass carbon electrodes (GCE) were modified with metal organic frameworks (MOFs) containing molybdenum polyoxometallates (Mo POMs) in a copper benzene tricarboxylate framework (HKUST-1). The Mo POMs were introduced via one-pot synthesis (Mo2) and post-synthetic modification (Mo1) techniques. The electrode modifiers were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal analysis. The modified electrodes’ oxidation capacity toward L-cysteine was studied. Mo POMs significantly improved electron transfer kinetics compared to the bare GCE. The best Mo POM doped electrode (Mo1-GCE) had a catalytic rate constant of 2.2 × 104 M−1 s−1 and a limit of detection of 3.07 × 10−7 M. Under the employed experimental conditions, the detection response for L-cysteine was very fast (within 0.1 s) for all the modified electrodes and selective toward L-cysteine in the presence of other amino acids.
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Date Issued: 2021

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Electrochemical detection of dopamine using phthalocyanine-nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dot conjugates

- Ndebele Nobuhle, Sen, Pinar, Nyokong, Tebello

Authors: Ndebele Nobuhle , Sen, Pinar , Nyokong, Tebello
Date: 2021
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185724 , vital:44418 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelechem.2021.115111"
Description: Two cobalt phthalocyanine molecules were synthesized, a symmetrically substituted CoPc (1) and an unsymmetrically substituted CoPc (2). These CoPcs were π-π stacked onto nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs). The CoPcs, NGQDs and their respective conjugates were used as electro-catalytic probes in the electrochemical oxidation of dopamine. The molecules were adsorbed onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) using the drop dry method, the GCE was used to support those catalysts. The electrooxidation of dopamine was studied using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. An improvement in the sensitivity and limit of detection was observed upon conjugation.
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Date Issued: 2021

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Electrochemical Detection of Nitrite on Electrodes Modified by Click Chemistry Using Asymmetrical Co (II) and Mn (III) Phthalocyanines Containing Push-Pull Substituents

- Nkhahle, Reitumetse, Nyokong, Tebello

Authors: Nkhahle, Reitumetse , Nyokong, Tebello
Date: 2021
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/231425 , vital:49886 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ac377f"
Description: The more conventional route to synthesizing asymmetric push-pull phthalocyanines (Pcs) involves pairing electron-donating substituents with electron-withdrawing groups in either an A3B or AB3 manner. In this work, a push-pull system fashioned from a substituent bearing different functional groups was created. Symmetric and asymmetric cobalt and manganese Pcs in which acetaminophen was the dominant substituent were synthesized where the asymmetric analogues bore an alkyne-terminated substituent. These complexes were applied as sensors towards the electro-oxidation of nitrite. In addition to comparing the asymmetric Pcs to the symmetric counterparts, an assessment on the different central metals as well as the method of electrode modification was made. From the studies performed, the results showed that the manganese complexes are generally better suited (more so when clicked on to the electrode) in the electrocatalysis of nitrite with a limit of detection and a catalytic rate values of 2.15 μM and 6.91 × 106 s−1 M−1 being recorded for the asymmetric MnPc.
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Date Issued: 2021

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Electrografting of isophthalic acid monolayer and covalent attachment of antibody onto carbon surfaces

- Mwanza, Daniel, Phal, Sereilakhena, Nyokong, Tebello, Tesfalidet, Solomon, Mashazi, Philani N

Authors: Mwanza, Daniel , Phal, Sereilakhena , Nyokong, Tebello , Tesfalidet, Solomon , Mashazi, Philani N
Date: 2021
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/231345 , vital:49879 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2021.139360"
Description: In this study, a 5-diazonium isophthalic acid was synthesized and electrografted onto glassy carbon (GCE) and screen-printed carbon (SPCE) electrodes. SPCE was used to demonstrate fabrication of a miniature device and to compare with conventional glassy carbon electrodes. The isophthalic acid (IPA) electrografted thin film was used for the immobilization of anti-methotrexate antibody (Ab) using carbodiimide activation chemistry to form antibody modified surfaces, GCE-IPA-Ab and SPCE-IPA-Ab. The GCE -IPA-Ab and SPCE-IPA-Ab surfaces were used as capacitive biosensors for the detection of methotrexate (MTX) in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) using capacitive electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The EIS data was analyzed using singular value decomposition (SVD). Principal component regression analysis gave R2 values of 0.99 for both the GCE-IPA-Ab and SPCE-IPA-Ab surfaces. The detection limit from the calibration curve of the GCE-IPA-Ab and SPCE-IPA-Ab was calculated to be 7.0 pmol.L−1 and 5.5 pmol.L−1, respectively.
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Date Issued: 2021

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Enhanced photo-ablation effect of positively charged phthalocyanines-detonation nanodiamonds nanoplatforms for the suppression of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli planktonic cells and biofilms

- Openda, Yolande I, Nyokong, Tebello

Authors: Openda, Yolande I , Nyokong, Tebello
Date: 2021
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185712 , vital:44417 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2021.113200"
Description: Photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (PACT) is a powerful technic recommended to eliminate life-threatening pathogens that cause localized and superficial infections as pathogens cannot develop resistance to it. For this reason, new positively charged chalcone substituted zinc (3a) and indium (4a) metalated phthalocyanines (Pcs) were synthesized and were π-π interacted with detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) nanoparticles to form new water soluble nanoplatfoms 3a@DNDs and 4a@DNDs. The conjugates generated high singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ) in water (1% DMSO, used for PACT studies) with values of 0.46 and 0.47 for 3a@DNDs and 4a@DNDs, respectively. Hence, they were tested for PACT against biofilms of S. aureus and E. coli, as well as their planktonic cells. The quaternized Pcs alone 3a and 4a as well as their nanoconjugates 3a@DNDs and 4a@DNDs were effective PACT agents with log10 CFU > 9 for E. coli and S. aureus. The quaternized derivatives were found to have higher ability to completely suppress both planktonic and biofilms of S. aureus and E. coli in vitro. Therefore, they could be used as appropriate photosensitive agents.
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Date Issued: 2021

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Enhanced upconversion emission of Er3+-Yb3+ co-doped Ba5 (PO4) 3OH powder phosphor for application in photodynamic therapy

- Mokoena, Puseletso P, Poluwole, David O, Nyokong, Tebello, Swart, Hendrik C, Ntwaeaborwa, Odireleng M

Authors: Mokoena, Puseletso P , Poluwole, David O , Nyokong, Tebello , Swart, Hendrik C , Ntwaeaborwa, Odireleng M
Date: 2021
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185035 , vital:44318 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sna.2021.113014"
Description: Er3+-Yb3+ co-doped Ba5(PO4)3OH nanoparticle powder phosphors were successfully synthesized by urea combustion method. The resulting powder phosphors were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). XRD data confirmed crystallization of pure hexagonal phase of Ba5(PO4)3OH and HRSEM images showed formation of ellipsoidal particles. XPS data combined with EDS analysis confirmed the materials composition that corresponds with identification of all the chemical elements constituting the materials. The in vitro dark cytotoxicity of the particles confirmed lack of cytocidal behaviour in the absence of light, but considerable photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity was observed upon illumination. Upon excitation using a 980 nm laser, multiple emission peaks in the green and red regions corresponding to the optical transitions of Er3+ ion were observed. Upon co-doping with Yb3+, upconverted red emission was detected and this was attributable to non-radiative energy transfer from Yb3+ to Er3+. The proposed mechanism of upconversion photoluminescence is discussed.
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Date Issued: 2021

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Enhancement of Biological and Pharmacological Properties of an Encapsulated Polyphenol: Curcumin

- Witika, Bwalya A, Makoni, Pedzisai A, Matafwali, Scott K, Mweetwa, Larry L, Shandele, Ginnethon C, Walker, Roderick B

Authors: Witika, Bwalya A , Makoni, Pedzisai A , Matafwali, Scott K , Mweetwa, Larry L , Shandele, Ginnethon C , Walker, Roderick B
Date: 2021
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183161 , vital:43917 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26144244"
Description: There is a dearth of natural remedies available for the treatment of an increasing number of diseases facing mankind. Natural products may provide an opportunity to produce formulations and therapeutic solutions to address this shortage. Curcumin (CUR), diferuloylmethane; I,7-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione is the major pigment in turmeric powder which has been reported to exhibit a number of health benefits including, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. In this review, the authors attempt to highlight the biological and pharmacological properties of CUR in addition to emphasizing aspects relating to the biosynthesis, encapsulation and therapeutic effects of the compound. The information contained in this review was generated by considering published information in which evidence of enhanced biological and pharmacological properties of nano-encapsulated CUR was reported. CUR has contributed to a significant improvement in melanoma, breast, lung, gastro-intestinal, and genito-urinary cancer therapy. We highlight the impact of nano-encapsulated CUR for efficient inhibition of cell proliferation, even at low concentrations compared to the free CUR when considering anti-proliferation. Furthermore nano-encapsulated CUR exhibited bioactive properties, exerted cytotoxic and anti-oxidant effects by acting on endogenous and cholinergic anti-oxidant systems. CUR was reported to block Hepatitis C virus (HCV) entry into hepatic cells, inhibit MRSA proliferation, enhance wound healing and reduce bacterial load. Nano-encapsulated CUR has also shown bioactive properties when acting on antioxidant systems (endogenous and cholinergic). Future research is necessary and must focus on investigation of encapsulated CUR nano-particles in different models of human pathology.
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Date Issued: 2021

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Ethnobotanical survey, phytoconstituents and antibacterial investigation of Rapanea melanophloeos (L.) Mez. bark, fruit and leaf extracts

- Lukhele, Thabile, Olivier, Denise, Tata, Charlotte, Ikhile, Monisola I, Krause, Rui W M, van Vuuren, Sandy, Ndineh, Derek T

Authors: Lukhele, Thabile , Olivier, Denise , Tata, Charlotte , Ikhile, Monisola I , Krause, Rui W M , van Vuuren, Sandy , Ndineh, Derek T
Date: 2021
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191791 , vital:45164 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1515/psr-2020-0143"
Description: Rapanea melanophloeos is traditionally used in South Africa in the treatment of ailments of the skin, pulmonary and gastro intestinal tract. This study was aimed at giving an overview of these traditional uses and comparing the phytochemicals and antibacterial activities of various crude extracts of the leaves, fruits and bark in order to validate these uses. The three plant parts were extracted using petroleum ether (PE), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), methanol (MeOH) and water. Various phytochemicals were compared using TLC, while alcohol precipitable solids (APS), non-polar terpenes and amino acids were analysed by GC-MS. Antibacterial activity was determined against three Gram-positive and three Gram-negative strains by microdilution assays. Caryophyllene oxides, α-cadinol and (−)-spathulenol were identified in the PE extracts. All nine essential amino acids were present in fruit extracts in significantly higher levels than in the leaves and bark; 255.1, 23.4 and 21.3 mg/g respectively. Most of the extracts showed good antibacterial activity, especially against the Gram-positive pathogens (MIC of ≤1 mg/mL), the EtOAc extracts exhibited the best activity with the fruit having an MIC values of 0.1 ± 0.2 mg/mL against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis, 0.05 mg/mL against Bacillus cereus. Results from this study validate the ethnomedicinal uses of R. melanophloeos extracts for ailments of bacterial etiology. The plant had a rich supply of secondary metabolites, APS and amino acids and TLC and antibacterial activities of the extracts showed slight variations in chemical composition due to geographic distribution.
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Date Issued: 2021

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Evaluating and reflecting on coproduction of protected area management plans

- Roux, Dirk J, Nel, Jeanne L, Freitag, Stefanie, Novellie, Peter, Rosenberg, Eureta

Authors: Roux, Dirk J , Nel, Jeanne L , Freitag, Stefanie , Novellie, Peter , Rosenberg, Eureta
Date: 2021
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/370550 , vital:66353 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.542"
Description: Protected areas are complex social-ecological systems, hence their management should be guided by engagement and co-learning with diverse stakeholders. The challenge of effective stakeholder participation has generated a body of literature on the design and facilitation of coproduction processes. In this study, we used this literature to develop a principle-based framework for assessing coproduction. We then applied this framework to evaluate how well “adaptive planning” (a sub-process of adaptive management used for visioning and objective setting with stakeholders), as applied to the Garden Route National Park in South Africa, aligned with the ideals of coproduction. Our analysis revealed shortcomings in the adaptive planning process, which could be improved through broadening the agenda beyond the mandate and control of national parks, empowering collective agency among a wider stakeholder network, and embedding co-learning with stakeholders as an ongoing journey. A significant finding was that adaptive management does not align well with the ideals of coproduction, which may be better supported by an adaptive comanagement approach. The latter is particularly necessary in complex national parks that are diverse in terms of both ecosystems and stakeholders, and where governance may be contested.
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Date Issued: 2021

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Evaluating Community Engagement Strategies to Manage Stigma in Two African Genomics Studies Involving People Living with Schizophrenia or Rheumatic Heart Disease

- Campbell, Megan, Matshabane, Olivia P, Mqulwana, Sibonile, Mndini, Michael, Nagdee, Mohamed, Stein, Dan J, De Vries, Jantina

Authors: Campbell, Megan , Matshabane, Olivia P , Mqulwana, Sibonile , Mndini, Michael , Nagdee, Mohamed , Stein, Dan J , De Vries, Jantina
Date: 2021
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/302475 , vital:58199 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/9926495"
Description: In global health research and genomics research specifically, community engagement has gained prominence in enhancing ethical conduct, particularly in managing the risk of stigmatization, but there is minimal scientific evidence on how to do this effectively. This article reports on community engagement evaluation strategies in two African genomics studies: the Stigma in African Genomics Research study and the Genomics of Schizophrenia in South African Xhosa People (SAX) study. Within the Stigma in African Genomics Research study, a self-report rating scale and open-ended questions were used to track participant responses to an experiential theatre workshop. The workshop focused on participant experiences of living with schizophrenia or rheumatic heart disease (RHD). While the schizophrenia group reported more alienation and less stigma resistance than the RHD group, both groups demonstrated increased stigma resistance over time, after participating in the workshops. Hearing from others living with and managing the same illness normalised participants’ own experiences and encouraged them. Within the SAX study, a short rating scale and qualitative feedback methods were used to evaluate a Mental Health Literacy Day targeting mental health stigma. Information talks about (i) the symptoms of schizophrenia and treatment options and (ii) the illness experiences of a patient in recovery were rated as the most helpful on the day. Audience members reported that these talks challenged negative perceptions about severe mental illness. Three important learnings emerged from these evaluations: firstly, integration of evaluation strategies at the research study planning phase is likely to promote more effective community engagement. Secondly, a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods that draw on simple descriptive statistics and thematic analysis can provide nuanced perspectives about the value of community engagement. Thirdly, such evidence is necessary in establishing and promoting the science of community engagement in genomics research and health research more broadly.
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Date Issued: 2021

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Field-based ecological studies to assess prospective biological control agents for invasive alien plants: An example from giant rat's tail grass

- Sutton, Guy F, Canavan, Kim N, Day, Michael M, Paterson, Iain D

Authors: Sutton, Guy F , Canavan, Kim N , Day, Michael M , Paterson, Iain D
Date: 2021
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423756 , vital:72091 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.13834"
Description: Biological control (biocontrol) of invasive alien plants is a widely utilised weed management tool. Prospective biocontrol agents are typically assessed through host specificity testing and pre-release efficacy studies performed in quarantine. However, rearing of the potential biocontrol agents and/or test plants is often difficult or impossible under quarantine conditions. Moreover, practitioners may attain laboratory artefacts in quarantine, which may result in the potential agent being needlessly rejected. Field-based studies in the weed's indigenous distribution could overcome these issues.
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Date Issued: 2021

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Flavonoids from the Genus Euphorbia

- Magozwi, Douglas K, Dinala, Mmabatho, Mokwana, Nthabiseng, Siwe-Noundou, Xavier, Krause, Rui W M, Sonopo, Molahleli, McGaw, Lyndy J, Augustyn, Wilma A, Tembu, Vuyelwa J

Authors: Magozwi, Douglas K , Dinala, Mmabatho , Mokwana, Nthabiseng , Siwe-Noundou, Xavier , Krause, Rui W M , Sonopo, Molahleli , McGaw, Lyndy J , Augustyn, Wilma A , Tembu, Vuyelwa J
Date: 2021
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191736 , vital:45159 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3390/ph14050428"
Description: Plants of the genus Euphorbia are widely distributed across temperate, tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Asia and Africa with established Ayurvedic, Chinese and Malay ethnomedical records. The present review reports the isolation, occurrence, phytochemistry, biological properties, therapeutic potential and structure–activity relationship of Euphorbia flavonoids for the period covering 2000–2020, while identifying potential areas for future studies aimed at development of new therapeutic agents from these plants. The findings suggest that the extracts and isolated flavonoids possess anticancer, antiproliferative, antimalarial, antibacterial, anti-venom, anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatitis and antioxidant properties and have different mechanisms of action against cancer cells. Of the investigated species, over 80 different types of flavonoids have been isolated to date. Most of the isolated flavonoids were flavonols and comprised simple O-substitution patterns, C-methylation and prenylation. Others had a glycoside, glycosidic linkages and a carbohydrate attached at either C-3 or C-7, and were designated as d-glucose, l-rhamnose or glucorhamnose. The structure–activity relationship studies showed that methylation of the hydroxyl groups on C-3 or C-7 reduces the activities while glycosylation loses the activity and that the parent skeletal structure is essential in retaining the activity. These constituents can therefore offer potential alternative scaffolds towards development of new Euphorbia-based therapeutic agents.
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Date Issued: 2021

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Folic acid-modified phthalocyanine-nanozyme loaded liposomes for targeted photodynamic therapy

- Nwahara, Nnamdi, Abrahams, Garth, Prinsloo, Earl, Nyokong, Tebello

Authors: Nwahara, Nnamdi , Abrahams, Garth , Prinsloo, Earl , Nyokong, Tebello
Date: 2021
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/231369 , vital:49881 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102527"
Description: The hypoxic tumour microenvironment and poor spatiotemporal localization of photosensitizers are two significant obstacles that limit practical applications of photodynamic therapy. In response, a biocompatible, light-activatable liposome integrated with both a zinc phthalocyanine photodynamic component and Pt nanoparticles-decorated with MnO2 catalase-mimicking component are engineered. This multifunctional system was rationally designed using unsaturated phospholipids to achieve on-demand drug release following light irradiation. Specificity was achieved by folic acid functionalization resulting in folate-modified liposomes (FTLiposomes). We demonstrated its specific uptake by fluorescence imaging using folate receptor (FR) overexpressing HeLa and MCF-7 cells as in vitro models. This multifunctional liposome exhibits superior hypoxic anti-tumour effects and holds the potential to reduce side effects associated with untargeted therapy. Fluorescence of the constituent ZnPc and folate-receptor targeting could enable tracking and permit spatiotemporal regulation for improved cancer treatment.
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Date Issued: 2021

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