The contribution of wild palms to the livelihoods and diversification of rural households in southern Mozambique
- King, Angelina R, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: King, Angelina R , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/399846 , vital:69563 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2022.102793"
- Description: In most low-income countries, rural households combine a range of economic activities to generate income, achieve food and nutritional security and fulfill other livelihood objectives, including: small-scale farming, fishing, hunting, livestock and timber production, and non-timber forest products gathering, as well as off-farm activities such as wage labour and informal trading. This work examines the role of diversification, including palm products income, on rural livelihoods in the Zitundo area, southern Mozambique. Seven livelihood strategies were identified, with every strategy combining cash income from several sources. Most households adopt a wage-based strategy to some degree, although this strategy shows low potential for reducing poverty in the area. Households adopting a palm-based strategy show between 23% and 60% lower poverty incidence than those adopting alternatives strategies. Yet, a palm-based livelihood strategy was adopted by only 11% of households. Traders of palm products earn approximately double the annual income and per capita income than non-traders. Village of residency and some household socio-economic and demographic characteristics correlate with a households' choice of livelihood strategy and palm income dependency. The adherence of many households to a less remunerative wage strategy indicates other factors also influence the choice of livelihood strategies. The study shows that future development plans and policy interventions to mitigate poverty in the area should go beyond the usual agricultural sector and recognize the role of non-timber forest products, especially palm products, for people's livelihoods and poverty alleviation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: King, Angelina R , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/399846 , vital:69563 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2022.102793"
- Description: In most low-income countries, rural households combine a range of economic activities to generate income, achieve food and nutritional security and fulfill other livelihood objectives, including: small-scale farming, fishing, hunting, livestock and timber production, and non-timber forest products gathering, as well as off-farm activities such as wage labour and informal trading. This work examines the role of diversification, including palm products income, on rural livelihoods in the Zitundo area, southern Mozambique. Seven livelihood strategies were identified, with every strategy combining cash income from several sources. Most households adopt a wage-based strategy to some degree, although this strategy shows low potential for reducing poverty in the area. Households adopting a palm-based strategy show between 23% and 60% lower poverty incidence than those adopting alternatives strategies. Yet, a palm-based livelihood strategy was adopted by only 11% of households. Traders of palm products earn approximately double the annual income and per capita income than non-traders. Village of residency and some household socio-economic and demographic characteristics correlate with a households' choice of livelihood strategy and palm income dependency. The adherence of many households to a less remunerative wage strategy indicates other factors also influence the choice of livelihood strategies. The study shows that future development plans and policy interventions to mitigate poverty in the area should go beyond the usual agricultural sector and recognize the role of non-timber forest products, especially palm products, for people's livelihoods and poverty alleviation.
- Full Text:
The double burden of treating traumatic stress in low-resource communities: experiences and perspectives of non-specialist health workers in South Africa
- Booysen, Duane D, Kagee, Ashraf
- Authors: Booysen, Duane D , Kagee, Ashraf
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/454132 , vital:75312 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0081246320984051 "
- Description: Considering the global trend towards the dissemination and implementation of trauma-focused treatments in the majority of the world, it is imperative to ascertain the contextual factors which affect the treatment of traumatic stress, especially in low- and middle-income countries characterised by ongoing adversity such as poverty and increased levels of trauma exposure. We explored the experiences of non-specialist health workers whose work involved providing trauma-focused services in low-resource communities in South Africa. Participants (n = 18) worked at four non-governmental organisations in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape of South Africa. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted and analysed using a phenomenologically informed thematic analysis. Two superordinate themes were identified, namely, adjusting to trauma-focused work and trauma in the social context. Five themes that made up the superordinate themes were Encountering Trauma Narratives, Support and Resilience, Going the Extra Mile, Helplessness, and Social Factors. The findings are not only in keeping with the psychological risks of trauma-focused work (e.g., vicarious traumatisation) but also highlighting the impact of the social context on the provision of trauma-focused work. Participants reported experiencing an added burden of helplessness due to social factors, such as poverty and high levels of trauma exposure, which affect the process of treating traumatic stress in low-resource settings. We discuss how these findings can contribute to efforts to implement trauma-focused services in low- and middle-income countries.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Booysen, Duane D , Kagee, Ashraf
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/454132 , vital:75312 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0081246320984051 "
- Description: Considering the global trend towards the dissemination and implementation of trauma-focused treatments in the majority of the world, it is imperative to ascertain the contextual factors which affect the treatment of traumatic stress, especially in low- and middle-income countries characterised by ongoing adversity such as poverty and increased levels of trauma exposure. We explored the experiences of non-specialist health workers whose work involved providing trauma-focused services in low-resource communities in South Africa. Participants (n = 18) worked at four non-governmental organisations in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape of South Africa. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted and analysed using a phenomenologically informed thematic analysis. Two superordinate themes were identified, namely, adjusting to trauma-focused work and trauma in the social context. Five themes that made up the superordinate themes were Encountering Trauma Narratives, Support and Resilience, Going the Extra Mile, Helplessness, and Social Factors. The findings are not only in keeping with the psychological risks of trauma-focused work (e.g., vicarious traumatisation) but also highlighting the impact of the social context on the provision of trauma-focused work. Participants reported experiencing an added burden of helplessness due to social factors, such as poverty and high levels of trauma exposure, which affect the process of treating traumatic stress in low-resource settings. We discuss how these findings can contribute to efforts to implement trauma-focused services in low- and middle-income countries.
- Full Text:
The effect of charge on Zn tetra morpholine porphyrin conjugated to folic acid-nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots for photodynamic therapy studies
- Magaela, N Bridged, Matshitse, Refilwe, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Magaela, N Bridged , Matshitse, Refilwe , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295840 , vital:57383 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2022.102898"
- Description: Zinc tetra morpholine porphyrin (complex 2), and its quaternized derivative (complex 3) were synthesized and conjugated to folic acid decorated nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots (FA-NGQDs) through π−π stacking to study their photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy. Photophysiochemical properties of complexes 2, 3, and their conjugates (2-FA-NGQDs, 3-FA-NGQDs) were studied. It was found that complex 3 had higher ϕΔ of 0.56 compared to complex 2 with ϕΔ of 0.24, and respective composites: 3-FA-NGQDs had higher ϕΔ compared to 2-FA-NGQDs. The PDT studies were conducted for nanoparticles (FA-NGQDs), complexes (2, 3), and respective composites (2-FA-NGQDs, and 3-FA-NGQDs) using MCF-7 breast cancer cell. Dark toxicity of all compounds was above 90% which is negligible. At a highest concentration of 40 µg/mL, 3-FA-NGQDs gave the lowest cell viability of 28% compared to all other conjugates and porphyrins alone.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Magaela, N Bridged , Matshitse, Refilwe , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295840 , vital:57383 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2022.102898"
- Description: Zinc tetra morpholine porphyrin (complex 2), and its quaternized derivative (complex 3) were synthesized and conjugated to folic acid decorated nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots (FA-NGQDs) through π−π stacking to study their photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy. Photophysiochemical properties of complexes 2, 3, and their conjugates (2-FA-NGQDs, 3-FA-NGQDs) were studied. It was found that complex 3 had higher ϕΔ of 0.56 compared to complex 2 with ϕΔ of 0.24, and respective composites: 3-FA-NGQDs had higher ϕΔ compared to 2-FA-NGQDs. The PDT studies were conducted for nanoparticles (FA-NGQDs), complexes (2, 3), and respective composites (2-FA-NGQDs, and 3-FA-NGQDs) using MCF-7 breast cancer cell. Dark toxicity of all compounds was above 90% which is negligible. At a highest concentration of 40 µg/mL, 3-FA-NGQDs gave the lowest cell viability of 28% compared to all other conjugates and porphyrins alone.
- Full Text:
The Electrocatalytic Detection of Nitrite Using Manganese Schiff Base Phthalocyanine Complexes
- Ndebele, Nobuhle, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Ndebele, Nobuhle , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295856 , vital:57385 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s12678-022-00752-4"
- Description: This work investigates the use of manganese phthalocyanines (MnPcs) in the electrochemical detection of nitrite. These are two Schiff base derivatives: tetrakis 4-(4-thio-thiophene-2-ylmethanamino) phthalocyaninato Mn(III)Cl (2) and tetrakis 4-(3-(pyrrolidine-1-yl)propan-1-amino)phthalocyaninato Mn(III)Cl (3) and one aldehyde: tetrakis(4-formylphenoxy)phthalocyaninato Mn(III)Cl (1). The MnPc complexes were adsorbed onto the glassy carbon electrode surface using the drop-dry method and used as electrocatalysts to detect nitrite. Nitrite oxidation peak potentials obtained using cyclic voltammetry ranged between 0.70 and 0.84 V. Detection limits as low as 0.16 µM and sensitivity values as high as 276 µMmM−1 were obtained through the use of chronoamperometry. The Schiff base MnPcs 2 and 3 exhibited better nitrite detection properties (in terms of limit of detection and sensitivity) than their aldehyde precursor (1).
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ndebele, Nobuhle , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295856 , vital:57385 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s12678-022-00752-4"
- Description: This work investigates the use of manganese phthalocyanines (MnPcs) in the electrochemical detection of nitrite. These are two Schiff base derivatives: tetrakis 4-(4-thio-thiophene-2-ylmethanamino) phthalocyaninato Mn(III)Cl (2) and tetrakis 4-(3-(pyrrolidine-1-yl)propan-1-amino)phthalocyaninato Mn(III)Cl (3) and one aldehyde: tetrakis(4-formylphenoxy)phthalocyaninato Mn(III)Cl (1). The MnPc complexes were adsorbed onto the glassy carbon electrode surface using the drop-dry method and used as electrocatalysts to detect nitrite. Nitrite oxidation peak potentials obtained using cyclic voltammetry ranged between 0.70 and 0.84 V. Detection limits as low as 0.16 µM and sensitivity values as high as 276 µMmM−1 were obtained through the use of chronoamperometry. The Schiff base MnPcs 2 and 3 exhibited better nitrite detection properties (in terms of limit of detection and sensitivity) than their aldehyde precursor (1).
- Full Text:
The emergence of isiZulu in Skeem Saam (2011)
- Authors: Aiseng, Kealeboga
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/277956 , vital:55335 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13504630.2022.2063115"
- Description: This study aims to investigate how an ecological understanding of polyglossia is used in the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) television channel, SABC 1 to maintain and create ethnolinguistic dominance. Key arguments this study will make are: (1) polyglossia is a language ideology masquerading as ethnolinguistic pluralism, (2) there is a loss of ethnolinguistic pluralism in SABC 1 because of the polyglot culture and its transmissions, (3) isiZulu is emerging as a language and cultural flare of the channel. This paper concluded that isiZulu’s presence is rising in a soap initially meant to be a Sepedi show. And this has negative consequences for language equality in the SABC.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Aiseng, Kealeboga
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/277956 , vital:55335 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13504630.2022.2063115"
- Description: This study aims to investigate how an ecological understanding of polyglossia is used in the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) television channel, SABC 1 to maintain and create ethnolinguistic dominance. Key arguments this study will make are: (1) polyglossia is a language ideology masquerading as ethnolinguistic pluralism, (2) there is a loss of ethnolinguistic pluralism in SABC 1 because of the polyglot culture and its transmissions, (3) isiZulu is emerging as a language and cultural flare of the channel. This paper concluded that isiZulu’s presence is rising in a soap initially meant to be a Sepedi show. And this has negative consequences for language equality in the SABC.
- Full Text:
The emergence of isiZulu in Skeem Saam (2011) sociolinguistics: factors and the politics of the ‘loss of ethnolinguistic pluralism’at the SABC 1
- Authors: Aiseng, Kealeboga
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/455285 , vital:75418 , https://doi.org/10.1080/13504630.2022.2063115
- Description: This study aims to investigate how an ecological understanding of pol-yglossia is used in the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) television channel, SABC 1 to maintain and create ethnolinguis-tic dominance. Key arguments this study will make are: (1) polyglossia is a language ideology masquerading as ethnolinguistic pluralism, (2) there is a loss of ethnolinguistic pluralism in SABC 1 because of the polyglot culture and its transmissions, (3) isiZulu is emerging as a lan-guage and cultural flare of the channel. This paper concluded that isi-Zulu’s presence is rising in a soap initially meant to be a Sepedi show. And this has negative consequences for language equality in the SABC.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Aiseng, Kealeboga
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/455285 , vital:75418 , https://doi.org/10.1080/13504630.2022.2063115
- Description: This study aims to investigate how an ecological understanding of pol-yglossia is used in the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) television channel, SABC 1 to maintain and create ethnolinguis-tic dominance. Key arguments this study will make are: (1) polyglossia is a language ideology masquerading as ethnolinguistic pluralism, (2) there is a loss of ethnolinguistic pluralism in SABC 1 because of the polyglot culture and its transmissions, (3) isiZulu is emerging as a lan-guage and cultural flare of the channel. This paper concluded that isi-Zulu’s presence is rising in a soap initially meant to be a Sepedi show. And this has negative consequences for language equality in the SABC.
- Full Text:
The experiences of clinical psychologists in treating traumatic stress at a tertiary psychiatric hospital in the Eastern Cape: A qualitative study
- Munishvaran, Kuriesha, Booysen, Duane D
- Authors: Munishvaran, Kuriesha , Booysen, Duane D
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/454158 , vital:75314 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajpsyc/article/view/241251"
- Description: Background: Qualitative data on the experiences of treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a psychiatric setting in a low-resource context is sparse. Aim: The authors aimed to explore the lived experiences of clinical psychologists who treat patients who are either trauma survivors or perpetrators in a psychiatric hospital. Setting: A public psychiatric hospital in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Munishvaran, Kuriesha , Booysen, Duane D
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/454158 , vital:75314 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajpsyc/article/view/241251"
- Description: Background: Qualitative data on the experiences of treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a psychiatric setting in a low-resource context is sparse. Aim: The authors aimed to explore the lived experiences of clinical psychologists who treat patients who are either trauma survivors or perpetrators in a psychiatric hospital. Setting: A public psychiatric hospital in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
- Full Text:
The extent and impact of variation in ADME genes in sub-Saharan African populations
- da Rocha, Jorge E B, Othman, Houcemeddine, Botha, Gerrit, Cottino, Laura, Twesigomwe, David, Ahmed, Samah, Drögemöller, Britt I, Fadlelmola, Faisal M, Machanick, Philip, Mbiyavanga, Mamana, Panji, Sumir, Wright, Galen E B, Adebamowo, Clement, Matshaba, Mogomotsi, Ramsay, Michéle, Simo, Gustave, Simuunza, Martin C, Tiemessen, Caroline T, Baldwin, Sandra, Chiano, Mathias, Cox, Charles, Gross, Annette S, Thomas, Pamela, Gamo, Francisco-Javier, Scott Hazelhurst
- Authors: da Rocha, Jorge E B , Othman, Houcemeddine , Botha, Gerrit , Cottino, Laura , Twesigomwe, David , Ahmed, Samah , Drögemöller, Britt I , Fadlelmola, Faisal M , Machanick, Philip , Mbiyavanga, Mamana , Panji, Sumir , Wright, Galen E B , Adebamowo, Clement , Matshaba, Mogomotsi , Ramsay, Michéle , Simo, Gustave , Simuunza, Martin C , Tiemessen, Caroline T , Baldwin, Sandra , Chiano, Mathias , Cox, Charles , Gross, Annette S , Thomas, Pamela , Gamo, Francisco-Javier , Scott Hazelhurst
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/439202 , vital:73555 , https://homes.cs.ru.ac.za/philip/Courses/CSHonsArch/HonsArchNotes2022.pdf
- Description: Investigating variation in genes involved in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of drugs are key to characterizing pharmacogenomic (PGx) relationships. ADME gene variation is relatively well characterized in European and Asian populations, but data from African populations are under-studied—which has implications for drug safety and effective use in Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: da Rocha, Jorge E B , Othman, Houcemeddine , Botha, Gerrit , Cottino, Laura , Twesigomwe, David , Ahmed, Samah , Drögemöller, Britt I , Fadlelmola, Faisal M , Machanick, Philip , Mbiyavanga, Mamana , Panji, Sumir , Wright, Galen E B , Adebamowo, Clement , Matshaba, Mogomotsi , Ramsay, Michéle , Simo, Gustave , Simuunza, Martin C , Tiemessen, Caroline T , Baldwin, Sandra , Chiano, Mathias , Cox, Charles , Gross, Annette S , Thomas, Pamela , Gamo, Francisco-Javier , Scott Hazelhurst
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/439202 , vital:73555 , https://homes.cs.ru.ac.za/philip/Courses/CSHonsArch/HonsArchNotes2022.pdf
- Description: Investigating variation in genes involved in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of drugs are key to characterizing pharmacogenomic (PGx) relationships. ADME gene variation is relatively well characterized in European and Asian populations, but data from African populations are under-studied—which has implications for drug safety and effective use in Africa.
- Full Text:
The first ‘Grylloblattida’of the family Liomopteridae from the Middle Permian in the Onder Karoo, South Africa (Insecta Polyneoptera)
- Cawood, Rebecca, Nel, Andre, Garrouste, Romaine, Moyo, Sydney, Villet, Martin H, Prevec, Rosemary
- Authors: Cawood, Rebecca , Nel, Andre , Garrouste, Romaine , Moyo, Sydney , Villet, Martin H , Prevec, Rosemary
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/440723 , vital:73807 , https://hal.science/mnhn-04019993/
- Description: Here we describe a new genus and four new species of the extinct ‘Grylloblattida’: Liomopteridae Sellards, 1909: Liomopterum connexus Cawood and Nel, n. sp., Liomopterum daenerys Cawood and Nel, n. sp., Colubrosopterum karooensis Cawood and Nel, n. gen., n. sp., and Paraliomopterum sp. The fossil wings were collected from a new Middle Permian locality near Sutherland, Northern Cape, South Africa, with the horizon close to the Ecca-Beaufort Group contact in the southern Karoo Basin.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Cawood, Rebecca , Nel, Andre , Garrouste, Romaine , Moyo, Sydney , Villet, Martin H , Prevec, Rosemary
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/440723 , vital:73807 , https://hal.science/mnhn-04019993/
- Description: Here we describe a new genus and four new species of the extinct ‘Grylloblattida’: Liomopteridae Sellards, 1909: Liomopterum connexus Cawood and Nel, n. sp., Liomopterum daenerys Cawood and Nel, n. sp., Colubrosopterum karooensis Cawood and Nel, n. gen., n. sp., and Paraliomopterum sp. The fossil wings were collected from a new Middle Permian locality near Sutherland, Northern Cape, South Africa, with the horizon close to the Ecca-Beaufort Group contact in the southern Karoo Basin.
- Full Text:
The genetic architecture of the corpus callosum and its subregions
- Campbell, Megan M, Dalvie, Shareefa, Shadrin, Alexey, van der Meer, Dennis, Andreassen, Ola, Stein, Dan J, Rokicki, Jaroslav
- Authors: Campbell, Megan M , Dalvie, Shareefa , Shadrin, Alexey , van der Meer, Dennis , Andreassen, Ola , Stein, Dan J , Rokicki, Jaroslav
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/302542 , vital:58206 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2022.07.263"
- Description: Background: Regional surface area and thickness of the cerebral cortex and volume of subcortical structures are highly heritable brain morphological features with complex genetic architectures, involving many common genetic variants with small effect sizes. However, the genetic architecture of the corpus callosum (CC) and its subregions remains largely unclear. We aim to determine the heritability and genetic architecture of CC volume and each subregion and the extent to which this overlaps with that of psychiatric disorders. Methods: Genetic and T1-weighted MRI data of 40,894 individuals from the UK-biobank was used to construct a multivariate GWAS. Here, we utilized a multivariate approach (Multivariate Omnibus Statistical Test, MOSTest) to assess the distributive effects of common variants across the five subregions of the CC (posterior, mid posterior, central, mid anterior and anterior) obtained by running the automatic subcortical segmentation algorithm in FreeSurfer 5.3. Gene-set enrichment analyses were performed using MAGMA. Linkage disequilibrium score regression was used to determine the SNP-based heritability of the CC and will be used to assess the genetic correlation between each subregion and a variety of psychiatric disorders. Results: Following MOSTest, 70 independent loci show pooled effects across the 5 subregions of the CC (p more than 5×10-8). Using LDSC, we found evidence to suggest that CC volume is heritable (h2SNP= 0.38, SE=0.03). Significant variants showed enrichment in pathways related to regulation of the nervous system and cell development, neurogenesis, and regulation of neuron differentiation. Gene-set analysis revealed 156 significant genes (p is less than 2.6x10-6). Many of the significant SNPs have been previously associated with white matter hyperintensity volume as well as a range of psychiatric disorders. Discussion: Here we provide the first preliminary evidence to suggest that volume of the CC is heritable. Gene set enrichment analyses identified pathways related to neuron development and neurogenesis, suggesting that CC alteration may have an independent developmental origin. Further investigation into the shared genetic architecture of CC subregions and psychiatric disorders may provide novel insight into disease manifestation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Campbell, Megan M , Dalvie, Shareefa , Shadrin, Alexey , van der Meer, Dennis , Andreassen, Ola , Stein, Dan J , Rokicki, Jaroslav
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/302542 , vital:58206 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2022.07.263"
- Description: Background: Regional surface area and thickness of the cerebral cortex and volume of subcortical structures are highly heritable brain morphological features with complex genetic architectures, involving many common genetic variants with small effect sizes. However, the genetic architecture of the corpus callosum (CC) and its subregions remains largely unclear. We aim to determine the heritability and genetic architecture of CC volume and each subregion and the extent to which this overlaps with that of psychiatric disorders. Methods: Genetic and T1-weighted MRI data of 40,894 individuals from the UK-biobank was used to construct a multivariate GWAS. Here, we utilized a multivariate approach (Multivariate Omnibus Statistical Test, MOSTest) to assess the distributive effects of common variants across the five subregions of the CC (posterior, mid posterior, central, mid anterior and anterior) obtained by running the automatic subcortical segmentation algorithm in FreeSurfer 5.3. Gene-set enrichment analyses were performed using MAGMA. Linkage disequilibrium score regression was used to determine the SNP-based heritability of the CC and will be used to assess the genetic correlation between each subregion and a variety of psychiatric disorders. Results: Following MOSTest, 70 independent loci show pooled effects across the 5 subregions of the CC (p more than 5×10-8). Using LDSC, we found evidence to suggest that CC volume is heritable (h2SNP= 0.38, SE=0.03). Significant variants showed enrichment in pathways related to regulation of the nervous system and cell development, neurogenesis, and regulation of neuron differentiation. Gene-set analysis revealed 156 significant genes (p is less than 2.6x10-6). Many of the significant SNPs have been previously associated with white matter hyperintensity volume as well as a range of psychiatric disorders. Discussion: Here we provide the first preliminary evidence to suggest that volume of the CC is heritable. Gene set enrichment analyses identified pathways related to neuron development and neurogenesis, suggesting that CC alteration may have an independent developmental origin. Further investigation into the shared genetic architecture of CC subregions and psychiatric disorders may provide novel insight into disease manifestation.
- Full Text:
The implications of ortho-, meta-and para-directors on the in-vitro photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy activity of cationic pyridyl-dihydrothiazole phthalocyanines
- Magadla, Aviwe, Openda, Yolande Ikala, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Magadla, Aviwe , Openda, Yolande Ikala , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295875 , vital:57386 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2022.103029"
- Description: Cationic Zn phthalocyanine complexes were derived by alkylation reaction of tetra-(pyridinyloxy) phthalocyanines (Pcs) at the ortho, meta, and para positions to form Zn (II) tetrakis 3-(4-(2-pyridin-1-ium-1-yl) butyl)-2-mercapto-4,5-dihydrothiazol-3-ium phthalocyanine (2), Zn (II) tetrakis 3-(4-(3-pyridin-1-ium-1-yl) butyl)-2-mercapto-4,5-dihydrothiazol-3-ium phthalocyanine (4) and Zn (II) tetrakis 3-(4-(4-pyridin-1-ium-1-yl) butyl)-2-mercapto-4,5-dihydrothiazol-3-ium phthalocyanine (6). The photophysicochemical behaviors of the Pc complexes were assessed. The meta and para-substituted complexes gave high singlet oxygen quantum yields. The cationic Pcs demonstrated good planktonic antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with the high log reduction values of 9.29 and 8.55, respectively. The cationic complexes also showed a significant decrease in the viability of in vitro biofilms after photo-antimicrobial chemotherapy at 100 µM for both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli biofilms.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Magadla, Aviwe , Openda, Yolande Ikala , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295875 , vital:57386 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2022.103029"
- Description: Cationic Zn phthalocyanine complexes were derived by alkylation reaction of tetra-(pyridinyloxy) phthalocyanines (Pcs) at the ortho, meta, and para positions to form Zn (II) tetrakis 3-(4-(2-pyridin-1-ium-1-yl) butyl)-2-mercapto-4,5-dihydrothiazol-3-ium phthalocyanine (2), Zn (II) tetrakis 3-(4-(3-pyridin-1-ium-1-yl) butyl)-2-mercapto-4,5-dihydrothiazol-3-ium phthalocyanine (4) and Zn (II) tetrakis 3-(4-(4-pyridin-1-ium-1-yl) butyl)-2-mercapto-4,5-dihydrothiazol-3-ium phthalocyanine (6). The photophysicochemical behaviors of the Pc complexes were assessed. The meta and para-substituted complexes gave high singlet oxygen quantum yields. The cationic Pcs demonstrated good planktonic antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with the high log reduction values of 9.29 and 8.55, respectively. The cationic complexes also showed a significant decrease in the viability of in vitro biofilms after photo-antimicrobial chemotherapy at 100 µM for both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli biofilms.
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The in vitro photo-sonodynamic combinatorial therapy activity of cationic and zwitterionic phthalocyanines on MCF-7 and HeLa cancer cell lines
- Nene, Lindokuhle Cindy, Buthelezi, Khanyisile, Prinsloo, Earl, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Nene, Lindokuhle Cindy , Buthelezi, Khanyisile , Prinsloo, Earl , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295891 , vital:57387 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2022.114116"
- Description: The syntheses and characterization studies of zwitterionic 2,9,16,23-tetrakis-(N-propane sultone-morpholino) zinc(II) (4) and 2,9,16,23-tetrakis-(2,5-dimethyl-4-(N-propane sultone-morpholinomethyl))-phenoxy zinc(II) (6) phthalocyanines are reported in this work. The photophysical properties, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and in vitro anticancer photodynamic (PDT), sonodynamic (SDT), and photo-sonodynamic combination (PSDT) therapy activities of the Pcs were studied and compared to their cationic counterparts: (2,9,16,23-tetrakis-(N-methyl-morpholino) Zn(II)Pc, 3), (2,9,16,23-tetrakis-(2,5-dimethyl-4-(N-methylmorpholine)-phenoxy) Zn(II)Pc, 5). The cationic Pcs maintained higher anticancer activity for all treatment types and had higher ROS generation compared to the zwitterionic Pcs. Singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radicals were generated during ultrasound and combination irradiations of the Pcs. The zwitterionic Pcs also generated carbon radicals under ultrasound and combination irradiations. The ability of the Pcs to generate ROS is essential for PDT, SDT and PSDT, thus making these Pcs potential anticancer probes for these treatment types. Furthermore, the Pcs demonstrated the ability to bind to bovine serum albumin protein.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nene, Lindokuhle Cindy , Buthelezi, Khanyisile , Prinsloo, Earl , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295891 , vital:57387 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2022.114116"
- Description: The syntheses and characterization studies of zwitterionic 2,9,16,23-tetrakis-(N-propane sultone-morpholino) zinc(II) (4) and 2,9,16,23-tetrakis-(2,5-dimethyl-4-(N-propane sultone-morpholinomethyl))-phenoxy zinc(II) (6) phthalocyanines are reported in this work. The photophysical properties, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and in vitro anticancer photodynamic (PDT), sonodynamic (SDT), and photo-sonodynamic combination (PSDT) therapy activities of the Pcs were studied and compared to their cationic counterparts: (2,9,16,23-tetrakis-(N-methyl-morpholino) Zn(II)Pc, 3), (2,9,16,23-tetrakis-(2,5-dimethyl-4-(N-methylmorpholine)-phenoxy) Zn(II)Pc, 5). The cationic Pcs maintained higher anticancer activity for all treatment types and had higher ROS generation compared to the zwitterionic Pcs. Singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radicals were generated during ultrasound and combination irradiations of the Pcs. The zwitterionic Pcs also generated carbon radicals under ultrasound and combination irradiations. The ability of the Pcs to generate ROS is essential for PDT, SDT and PSDT, thus making these Pcs potential anticancer probes for these treatment types. Furthermore, the Pcs demonstrated the ability to bind to bovine serum albumin protein.
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The last two remaining populations of the critically endangered estuarine pipefish are inbred and not genetically distinct
- Weiss, Sven-Erick, Emami-Khoyi, Arsalan, Kaiser, Horst, Cowley, Paul D, James, Nicola C, Jansen van Vuuren, Bettine, Whitfield, Alan K, Teske, Peter R
- Authors: Weiss, Sven-Erick , Emami-Khoyi, Arsalan , Kaiser, Horst , Cowley, Paul D , James, Nicola C , Jansen van Vuuren, Bettine , Whitfield, Alan K , Teske, Peter R
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/445101 , vital:74347 , https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.756595
- Description: Temporary wetland ecosystems are common in arid and semi‐arid envi-ronments, and are inhabited by diverse invertebrate communities. Little is known about the dynamics of genetic connectivity in the geograph-ically scattered populations of these wetland specialists. The current study investigated the spatial genetic structure and dispersal history of a recently described calanoid copepod, Lovenula raynerae, reported from temporary wetlands in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. We tested whether the species represents a single, well-connected population or comprises different regional genetic groups, some of which may be rare or endangered.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Weiss, Sven-Erick , Emami-Khoyi, Arsalan , Kaiser, Horst , Cowley, Paul D , James, Nicola C , Jansen van Vuuren, Bettine , Whitfield, Alan K , Teske, Peter R
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/445101 , vital:74347 , https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.756595
- Description: Temporary wetland ecosystems are common in arid and semi‐arid envi-ronments, and are inhabited by diverse invertebrate communities. Little is known about the dynamics of genetic connectivity in the geograph-ically scattered populations of these wetland specialists. The current study investigated the spatial genetic structure and dispersal history of a recently described calanoid copepod, Lovenula raynerae, reported from temporary wetlands in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. We tested whether the species represents a single, well-connected population or comprises different regional genetic groups, some of which may be rare or endangered.
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The legacy of colonial and apartheid eras on the distribution, composition and representation of street trees in South Africa
- Shackleton, Charlie M, Gwedla, Nananmhla, Davoren, Elandrie
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Gwedla, Nananmhla , Davoren, Elandrie
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/433984 , vital:73017 , ISBN 9781003054672 , https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003054672
- Description: South Africa is a country of social, economic and racial contrasts and inequities, the roots of which can be traced back to the colonial and the post-colonial, racist apartheid periods. During these periods, urban black South Africans were restricted to living in specifically designated neighbourhoods apart from white citizens. These areas became characterised by institutionalised underdevelopment, insufficient infrastructure, limited opportunities and deep poverty. Despite the democratic transition in the mid-1990s, the imprints of the previous institutionalised segregation remain visible in many facets of the spatial geography of South African towns and cities. The legacies of colonialism and apartheid remain strongly expressed in street trees in terms of where they are found in the urban areas (i.e. very few in the former black neighbourhoods) and the provenance of prevalent species (mostly non-native species in older areas). Similarities to and reproduction of colonial approaches are evident in even contemporary initiatives such as the national social housing programme, the national Champion Trees inventory and the naming of streets after non-native species. This has translated into apathy or antagonism towards street trees in some regions by officials and the public.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Gwedla, Nananmhla , Davoren, Elandrie
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/433984 , vital:73017 , ISBN 9781003054672 , https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003054672
- Description: South Africa is a country of social, economic and racial contrasts and inequities, the roots of which can be traced back to the colonial and the post-colonial, racist apartheid periods. During these periods, urban black South Africans were restricted to living in specifically designated neighbourhoods apart from white citizens. These areas became characterised by institutionalised underdevelopment, insufficient infrastructure, limited opportunities and deep poverty. Despite the democratic transition in the mid-1990s, the imprints of the previous institutionalised segregation remain visible in many facets of the spatial geography of South African towns and cities. The legacies of colonialism and apartheid remain strongly expressed in street trees in terms of where they are found in the urban areas (i.e. very few in the former black neighbourhoods) and the provenance of prevalent species (mostly non-native species in older areas). Similarities to and reproduction of colonial approaches are evident in even contemporary initiatives such as the national social housing programme, the national Champion Trees inventory and the naming of streets after non-native species. This has translated into apathy or antagonism towards street trees in some regions by officials and the public.
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The molecular basis of the effect of temperature on the structure and function of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
- Khan, Faez I, Lobb, Kevin A, Lai, Dakun
- Authors: Khan, Faez I , Lobb, Kevin A , Lai, Dakun
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453223 , vital:75232 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fmolb.2022.794960"
- Description: The remarkable rise of the current COVID-19 pandemic to every part of the globe has raised key concerns for the current public healthcare system. The spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 shows an important part in the cell membrane fusion and receptor recognition. It is a key target for vaccine production. Several researchers studied the nature of this protein under various environmental conditions. In this work, we applied molecular modeling and extensive molecular dynamics simulation approaches at 0°C (273.15 K), 20°C (293.15 K), 40°C (313.15 K), and 60°C (333.15 K) to study the detailed conformational alterations in the SARS-CoV-2 S protein. Our aim is to understand the influence of temperatures on the structure, function, and dynamics of the S protein of SARS-CoV-2. The structural deviations, and atomic and residual fluctuations were least at low (0°C) and high (60°C) temperature. Even the internal residues of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein are not accessible to solvent at high temperature. Furthermore, there was no unfolding of SARS-CoV-2 spike S reported at higher temperature. The most stable conformations of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein were reported at 20°C, but the free energy minimum region of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein was sharper at 40°C than other temperatures. Our findings revealed that higher temperatures have little or no influence on the stability and folding of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Khan, Faez I , Lobb, Kevin A , Lai, Dakun
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453223 , vital:75232 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fmolb.2022.794960"
- Description: The remarkable rise of the current COVID-19 pandemic to every part of the globe has raised key concerns for the current public healthcare system. The spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 shows an important part in the cell membrane fusion and receptor recognition. It is a key target for vaccine production. Several researchers studied the nature of this protein under various environmental conditions. In this work, we applied molecular modeling and extensive molecular dynamics simulation approaches at 0°C (273.15 K), 20°C (293.15 K), 40°C (313.15 K), and 60°C (333.15 K) to study the detailed conformational alterations in the SARS-CoV-2 S protein. Our aim is to understand the influence of temperatures on the structure, function, and dynamics of the S protein of SARS-CoV-2. The structural deviations, and atomic and residual fluctuations were least at low (0°C) and high (60°C) temperature. Even the internal residues of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein are not accessible to solvent at high temperature. Furthermore, there was no unfolding of SARS-CoV-2 spike S reported at higher temperature. The most stable conformations of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein were reported at 20°C, but the free energy minimum region of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein was sharper at 40°C than other temperatures. Our findings revealed that higher temperatures have little or no influence on the stability and folding of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein.
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The Okavango Delta Peatlands
- Ellery, William N, Ellery, Karen S
- Authors: Ellery, William N , Ellery, Karen S
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434557 , vital:73077 , ISBN 978-3-030-86101-8 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86102-5_3
- Description: The presence of a large (approximately 2000 km2) peatland in a semi-arid climatic setting such as the Kalahari is unusual. Peat forms in permanently flooded areas in the Okavango Delta primarily due to the perennial input of large volumes of water from a distant catchment in the highlands of Angola, into a valley formed by rifting. Peat deposits form in three distinct settings in the Okavango: backswamp settings where open water is converted into homogeneous emergent peatlands, lake and channel margins where the peatland is patchy, and the inlets to lakes that connect to the primary distributary channel, which presently is the Okavango-Nqoga-Maunachira River system. An unusual feature of peat formation in backswamp areas, as well as in lake and channel margin settings, is that frequently mats of fine organic detritus on the bed rise to the water surface and are colonised by emergent plants.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ellery, William N , Ellery, Karen S
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434557 , vital:73077 , ISBN 978-3-030-86101-8 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86102-5_3
- Description: The presence of a large (approximately 2000 km2) peatland in a semi-arid climatic setting such as the Kalahari is unusual. Peat forms in permanently flooded areas in the Okavango Delta primarily due to the perennial input of large volumes of water from a distant catchment in the highlands of Angola, into a valley formed by rifting. Peat deposits form in three distinct settings in the Okavango: backswamp settings where open water is converted into homogeneous emergent peatlands, lake and channel margins where the peatland is patchy, and the inlets to lakes that connect to the primary distributary channel, which presently is the Okavango-Nqoga-Maunachira River system. An unusual feature of peat formation in backswamp areas, as well as in lake and channel margin settings, is that frequently mats of fine organic detritus on the bed rise to the water surface and are colonised by emergent plants.
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The photocatalytic properties of zinc phthalocyanines supported on hematite nanofibers for use against methyl orange and Staphylococcus aureus
- Mapukata, Sivuyisiwe, Britton, Jonathan, Nwahara, Nnamdi, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mapukata, Sivuyisiwe , Britton, Jonathan , Nwahara, Nnamdi , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/230184 , vital:49751 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2021.113637"
- Description: Heterogeneous photocatalysis is a promising approach for environmental remediation from contaminants including microorganisms and organic pollutants. In this work, hematite nanofibers are fabricated and modified with a novel monosubstituted Pc (4) as well as an asymmetrical tetrasubstituted Pc (5) with the aim of creating hybrid photocatalysts. The photocatalytic activities of the unmodified and phthalocyanine modified hematite nanofibers were compared based on their efficiencies in the photoinactivation of S. aureus and photooxidation of methyl orange. For both applications, the hybrid nanofibers were found to be more efficient photocatalysts than the unmodified hematite nanofibers. Comparison of the modified nanofibers (4-Fe2O3 and 5-Fe2O3) showed that they have comparable antibacterial activity while the 5-Fe2O3 nanofibers are the best for the photooxidation of methyl orange. The singlet oxygen generation efficiency, high activity, versatility, regenerability and thus reusability of the fabricated hybrid nanofibers makes them ideal candidates for real life water treatment studies.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mapukata, Sivuyisiwe , Britton, Jonathan , Nwahara, Nnamdi , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/230184 , vital:49751 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2021.113637"
- Description: Heterogeneous photocatalysis is a promising approach for environmental remediation from contaminants including microorganisms and organic pollutants. In this work, hematite nanofibers are fabricated and modified with a novel monosubstituted Pc (4) as well as an asymmetrical tetrasubstituted Pc (5) with the aim of creating hybrid photocatalysts. The photocatalytic activities of the unmodified and phthalocyanine modified hematite nanofibers were compared based on their efficiencies in the photoinactivation of S. aureus and photooxidation of methyl orange. For both applications, the hybrid nanofibers were found to be more efficient photocatalysts than the unmodified hematite nanofibers. Comparison of the modified nanofibers (4-Fe2O3 and 5-Fe2O3) showed that they have comparable antibacterial activity while the 5-Fe2O3 nanofibers are the best for the photooxidation of methyl orange. The singlet oxygen generation efficiency, high activity, versatility, regenerability and thus reusability of the fabricated hybrid nanofibers makes them ideal candidates for real life water treatment studies.
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The prevalence, composition and distribution of forageable plant species in different urban spaces in two medium-sized towns in South Africa
- Garekae, Hesekia, Shackleton, Charlie M, Tsheboeng, Gaolathe
- Authors: Garekae, Hesekia , Shackleton, Charlie M , Tsheboeng, Gaolathe
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/401300 , vital:69724 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01972"
- Description: Globally, the importance of urban vegetation in the quality and maintenance of life in urban areas is increasingly recognized. As the basis of urban green infrastructure, urban vegetation provides a diversity of ecosystem services, including provisioning services. However, there is limited understanding of the potential of urban vegetation as a supply of forageable resources within urban landscapes. This study examined the prevalence and distribution of forageable plant species across different spaces in the towns of Potchefstroom and Thabazimbi, South Africa. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed for selecting study sites, with a total of 136 plots sampled. In total, 88 plant species (foraged and forageable) were encountered across the sample plots, with almost three-quarters (70%) being indigenous to South Africa. Most of the species had multiple uses, with medicine, food and firewood being the most common uses, in order of frequency. Species cover and richness significantly differed across the urban spaces, being markedly higher in protected areas as compared to other spaces. Moreover, five plant communities were identified, resembling various species uses. Overall, the findings show that the fragmented urban spaces are endowed with a diversity of forageable plant species, with many valuable to particular sectors of urban society, such as foragers. Moreover, the notable number of forageable plant species encountered across the different spaces demonstrates the potential of urban green infrastructure as a supply of provisioning and cultural ecosystem services. This provides the basis for the selection of a diversity of species in urban greening programs for enhancing liveability and overall well-being in urban areas.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Garekae, Hesekia , Shackleton, Charlie M , Tsheboeng, Gaolathe
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/401300 , vital:69724 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01972"
- Description: Globally, the importance of urban vegetation in the quality and maintenance of life in urban areas is increasingly recognized. As the basis of urban green infrastructure, urban vegetation provides a diversity of ecosystem services, including provisioning services. However, there is limited understanding of the potential of urban vegetation as a supply of forageable resources within urban landscapes. This study examined the prevalence and distribution of forageable plant species across different spaces in the towns of Potchefstroom and Thabazimbi, South Africa. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed for selecting study sites, with a total of 136 plots sampled. In total, 88 plant species (foraged and forageable) were encountered across the sample plots, with almost three-quarters (70%) being indigenous to South Africa. Most of the species had multiple uses, with medicine, food and firewood being the most common uses, in order of frequency. Species cover and richness significantly differed across the urban spaces, being markedly higher in protected areas as compared to other spaces. Moreover, five plant communities were identified, resembling various species uses. Overall, the findings show that the fragmented urban spaces are endowed with a diversity of forageable plant species, with many valuable to particular sectors of urban society, such as foragers. Moreover, the notable number of forageable plant species encountered across the different spaces demonstrates the potential of urban green infrastructure as a supply of provisioning and cultural ecosystem services. This provides the basis for the selection of a diversity of species in urban greening programs for enhancing liveability and overall well-being in urban areas.
- Full Text:
The synergistic effects of coupling Au nanoparticles with an alkynyl Co (II) phthalocyanine on the detection of prostate specific antigen
- Nxele, Siphesihle Robin, Nkhahle, Reitumetse, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Nxele, Siphesihle Robin , Nkhahle, Reitumetse , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/230232 , vital:49756 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122948"
- Description: Prostate specific antigen (PSA) aptasensors are fabricated using a novel asymmetrically substituted Co phthalocyanine (CoPc), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and PSA-specific antigen. The fabricated aptasensors are: GCE-AuNPs-Aptamer, GCE@CoPc-Aptamer and GCE-AuNPs@CoPc-Aptamer (GCE = glassy carbon electrode). The fabricated sensors are characterized at each modification step to monitor the changes occurring at the sensor surface. Concentration studies were carried out using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to determine detection limits. All the fabricated aptasensors were found to be highly specific and selective but the GCE-AuNPs@CoPc-Aptamer nanoconjugate performed the best. The aptasensors were also tested in spiked serum samples and detection limits, as well as % recoveries were determined. The results obtained showed that the GCE-AuNPs@CoPc-Aptamer has the potential to be used for clinical studies as the results agree with those obtained for detection of PSA in buffer.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nxele, Siphesihle Robin , Nkhahle, Reitumetse , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/230232 , vital:49756 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122948"
- Description: Prostate specific antigen (PSA) aptasensors are fabricated using a novel asymmetrically substituted Co phthalocyanine (CoPc), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and PSA-specific antigen. The fabricated aptasensors are: GCE-AuNPs-Aptamer, GCE@CoPc-Aptamer and GCE-AuNPs@CoPc-Aptamer (GCE = glassy carbon electrode). The fabricated sensors are characterized at each modification step to monitor the changes occurring at the sensor surface. Concentration studies were carried out using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to determine detection limits. All the fabricated aptasensors were found to be highly specific and selective but the GCE-AuNPs@CoPc-Aptamer nanoconjugate performed the best. The aptasensors were also tested in spiked serum samples and detection limits, as well as % recoveries were determined. The results obtained showed that the GCE-AuNPs@CoPc-Aptamer has the potential to be used for clinical studies as the results agree with those obtained for detection of PSA in buffer.
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The thermal physiology of Lysathia sp.(Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a biocontrol agent of parrot’s feather in South Africa, supports its success
- Goddard, Matthew, Owen, Candice A, Martin, Grant D, Coetzee, Julie A
- Authors: Goddard, Matthew , Owen, Candice A , Martin, Grant D , Coetzee, Julie A
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/417806 , vital:71487 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2022.2054949"
- Description: The establishment success of biocontrol agents originating from tropical regions is often limited by climate when introduced in temperate regions. However, the flea beetle, Lysathia sp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a biocontrol agent of Myriophyllum aquaticum (Vell.) Verdc. (Haloragaceae) in South Africa, is an effective agent in regions where other biocontrol agents of tropical aquatic weeds have failed due to winter-induced mortality. The development (degree-day model) and thermal tolerance (critical thermal minimum/maximum [CTmin/max] and lower/upper lethal limits [LLT/ULT50]) of Lysathia sp. were investigated to explain this success. The model predicted that Lysathia sp. could complete 6 to 12 generations per year in the colder regions of the country. The lower threshold for development (t0) was 13.0 °C and thermal constant (K) was 222.4 days, which is considerably lower than the K values of other biocontrol agents of aquatic weeds in South Africa. This suggests that above the temperature threshold, Lysathia sp. can develop faster than those other species and complete multiple life cycles in the cooler winter months, allowing for rapid population growth and thus improving M. aquaticum control. Furthermore, the CTmin of Lysathia sp. was 2.3 ± 0.2 °C and the CTmax was 49.0 ± 0.5 °C. The LLT50 was calculated as ∼ −7.0 °C and the ULT50 as ∼ 43.0 °C. These wide tolerance ranges and survival below freezing show why Lysathia sp. has established at cool sites and suggest that it may be a suitable agent for other cold countries invaded by M. aquaticum.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Goddard, Matthew , Owen, Candice A , Martin, Grant D , Coetzee, Julie A
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/417806 , vital:71487 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2022.2054949"
- Description: The establishment success of biocontrol agents originating from tropical regions is often limited by climate when introduced in temperate regions. However, the flea beetle, Lysathia sp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a biocontrol agent of Myriophyllum aquaticum (Vell.) Verdc. (Haloragaceae) in South Africa, is an effective agent in regions where other biocontrol agents of tropical aquatic weeds have failed due to winter-induced mortality. The development (degree-day model) and thermal tolerance (critical thermal minimum/maximum [CTmin/max] and lower/upper lethal limits [LLT/ULT50]) of Lysathia sp. were investigated to explain this success. The model predicted that Lysathia sp. could complete 6 to 12 generations per year in the colder regions of the country. The lower threshold for development (t0) was 13.0 °C and thermal constant (K) was 222.4 days, which is considerably lower than the K values of other biocontrol agents of aquatic weeds in South Africa. This suggests that above the temperature threshold, Lysathia sp. can develop faster than those other species and complete multiple life cycles in the cooler winter months, allowing for rapid population growth and thus improving M. aquaticum control. Furthermore, the CTmin of Lysathia sp. was 2.3 ± 0.2 °C and the CTmax was 49.0 ± 0.5 °C. The LLT50 was calculated as ∼ −7.0 °C and the ULT50 as ∼ 43.0 °C. These wide tolerance ranges and survival below freezing show why Lysathia sp. has established at cool sites and suggest that it may be a suitable agent for other cold countries invaded by M. aquaticum.
- Full Text: