pH-Dependent release of isoniazid from isonicotinic acid (4-hydroxy-benzylidene)-hydrazide loaded liposomes
- Nkanga, Christian I, Tor-Anyiin, Terrumun A, Igoli, John O, Noundou, Xavier S, Krause, Rui W M
- Authors: Nkanga, Christian I , Tor-Anyiin, Terrumun A , Igoli, John O , Noundou, Xavier S , Krause, Rui W M
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/126427 , vital:35884 , https://doi.org/10.9734/AJOCS/2017/37147
- Description: Liposomes are considered as potential vehicles for the delivery of anti-tuberculosis drugs (ATBD) due to their rapid uptake by alveolar macrophages, where the mycobacterium often resides. This may provide macrophage-targeting effects that would be key to site specific ATBD delivery using pH-sensitive liposomes, considering the pH-gradient found in the phagocytotic pathway. In this study, isoniazid (INH) was conjugated to 4-hydroxy-benzaldehyde via a hydrazone bond to yield isonicotinic acid (4-hydroxy-benzylidene)-hydrazide (INH-HB). This conjugate was encapsulated in crude soybean lecithin liposomes using film hydration method. INH-HB loaded liposomes (IHL) were characterized by means of dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. The release of INH from IHL was evaluated in media of different pH using a dialysis method. The particle size, Zeta Potential and encapsulation efficiency of IHL were about 945 nm, −62 mV and 89% respectively. In media of pH 7.4, 6.4, 5.4 and 4.4; the IHL exhibited respectively 22, 69, 83 and 100% of release over 12 h. In addition to possible targeted delivery, this pH-dependent release behavior may be suitable for minimizing the loss of INH by leakage from liposomes. The characteristics of IHL are promising for potential site-specific delivery of ATBD.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nkanga, Christian I , Tor-Anyiin, Terrumun A , Igoli, John O , Noundou, Xavier S , Krause, Rui W M
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/126427 , vital:35884 , https://doi.org/10.9734/AJOCS/2017/37147
- Description: Liposomes are considered as potential vehicles for the delivery of anti-tuberculosis drugs (ATBD) due to their rapid uptake by alveolar macrophages, where the mycobacterium often resides. This may provide macrophage-targeting effects that would be key to site specific ATBD delivery using pH-sensitive liposomes, considering the pH-gradient found in the phagocytotic pathway. In this study, isoniazid (INH) was conjugated to 4-hydroxy-benzaldehyde via a hydrazone bond to yield isonicotinic acid (4-hydroxy-benzylidene)-hydrazide (INH-HB). This conjugate was encapsulated in crude soybean lecithin liposomes using film hydration method. INH-HB loaded liposomes (IHL) were characterized by means of dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. The release of INH from IHL was evaluated in media of different pH using a dialysis method. The particle size, Zeta Potential and encapsulation efficiency of IHL were about 945 nm, −62 mV and 89% respectively. In media of pH 7.4, 6.4, 5.4 and 4.4; the IHL exhibited respectively 22, 69, 83 and 100% of release over 12 h. In addition to possible targeted delivery, this pH-dependent release behavior may be suitable for minimizing the loss of INH by leakage from liposomes. The characteristics of IHL are promising for potential site-specific delivery of ATBD.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Photo-induced resonance energy transfer and nonlinear optical response in ball-type phthalocyanine conjugated to semiconductor and graphene quantum dots
- Nwaji, Njemuwa, Achadu, Ojodomo John, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Nwaji, Njemuwa , Achadu, Ojodomo John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187959 , vital:44713 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C7NJ05196D"
- Description: The synthesis of ball-type zinc and gallium phthalocyanines (complexes 2 and 3) and their covalent linkage to glutathione (GSH) and amine functionalized quantum dots QDs) are reported in this work. Furthermore, their photophysical, photo-induced resonance energy transfer and optical limiting responses were investigated. We observed a decrease in the fluorescence quantum yields with a corresponding increase in the triplet quantum yields of the nanoconjugates in comparison to the phthalocyanine complexes alone. The reverse saturable absorption was found to be dependent on the excited state absorption, and the observed limiting threshold ranged from 0.32 to 1.43 J cm−2. Enhanced triplet parameters and nonlinear optical performance were found when the complexes were covalently linked to semiconductor quantum dots compared to carbon based graphene quantum dots.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nwaji, Njemuwa , Achadu, Ojodomo John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187959 , vital:44713 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C7NJ05196D"
- Description: The synthesis of ball-type zinc and gallium phthalocyanines (complexes 2 and 3) and their covalent linkage to glutathione (GSH) and amine functionalized quantum dots QDs) are reported in this work. Furthermore, their photophysical, photo-induced resonance energy transfer and optical limiting responses were investigated. We observed a decrease in the fluorescence quantum yields with a corresponding increase in the triplet quantum yields of the nanoconjugates in comparison to the phthalocyanine complexes alone. The reverse saturable absorption was found to be dependent on the excited state absorption, and the observed limiting threshold ranged from 0.32 to 1.43 J cm−2. Enhanced triplet parameters and nonlinear optical performance were found when the complexes were covalently linked to semiconductor quantum dots compared to carbon based graphene quantum dots.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Photodynamic therapy activity of zinc phthalocyanine linked to folic acid and magnetic nanoparticles
- Matlou, Gauta G, Oluwole, David O, Prinsloo, Earl, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Matlou, Gauta G , Oluwole, David O , Prinsloo, Earl , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/234429 , vital:50195 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2018.07.025"
- Description: In this work, the photodynamic therapy (PDT) activities (using human carcinoma adherent MCF-7 cells) of zinc phthalocyanine derivatives: complexes 1 (Zn mono cinnamic acid phthalocyanine) and 2 (zinc mono carboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine) when covalently linked to folic acid (FA) and amine functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (AMNPs) are reported. The covalent linkage of asymmetric zinc cinnamic acid Pc (1) to FA (1-FA) through an amide bond is reported for the first time. Complex 1 is insoluble in water, but upon linkage to FA, (to form 1-FA) the molecule become water soluble, hence the UV–Vis spectrum and singlet oxygen quantum yield for 1-FA were also done in water since water solubility is essential for biological applications. The reported 2-FA is also water soluble. Linking complexes 1 and 2 to FA and AMNPs decreased the dark toxicity of 1 and 2 on MCF-7 cells. Pc-FA (1-FA and 2-FA) conjugates had better singlet oxygen quantum yields (Φ∆) in DMSO as compared to Pc-AMNPs (1-AMNPs and 2-AMNPs). The water- soluble 1-FA and 2-FA also achieved a better photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity as compared to 1-AMNPs and 2-AMNPs. Folic acid targeting on the tumor cells may have also facilitated better bioavailability of 1-FA and 2-FA and improved PDT activity on MCF-7 cells over AMNPs carriers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Photodynamic therapy activity of zinc phthalocyanine linked to folic acid and magnetic nanoparticles
- Authors: Matlou, Gauta G , Oluwole, David O , Prinsloo, Earl , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/234429 , vital:50195 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2018.07.025"
- Description: In this work, the photodynamic therapy (PDT) activities (using human carcinoma adherent MCF-7 cells) of zinc phthalocyanine derivatives: complexes 1 (Zn mono cinnamic acid phthalocyanine) and 2 (zinc mono carboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine) when covalently linked to folic acid (FA) and amine functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (AMNPs) are reported. The covalent linkage of asymmetric zinc cinnamic acid Pc (1) to FA (1-FA) through an amide bond is reported for the first time. Complex 1 is insoluble in water, but upon linkage to FA, (to form 1-FA) the molecule become water soluble, hence the UV–Vis spectrum and singlet oxygen quantum yield for 1-FA were also done in water since water solubility is essential for biological applications. The reported 2-FA is also water soluble. Linking complexes 1 and 2 to FA and AMNPs decreased the dark toxicity of 1 and 2 on MCF-7 cells. Pc-FA (1-FA and 2-FA) conjugates had better singlet oxygen quantum yields (Φ∆) in DMSO as compared to Pc-AMNPs (1-AMNPs and 2-AMNPs). The water- soluble 1-FA and 2-FA also achieved a better photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity as compared to 1-AMNPs and 2-AMNPs. Folic acid targeting on the tumor cells may have also facilitated better bioavailability of 1-FA and 2-FA and improved PDT activity on MCF-7 cells over AMNPs carriers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Photoluminescence and thermoluminescence properties of BaGa2O4
- Noto, L L, Poelman, D, Orante-Barrón, V R, Swart, H C, Mathevula, Langutani E, Nyenge, R, Chithambo, Makaiko L, Mothudi, B M, Dhlamini, M S
- Authors: Noto, L L , Poelman, D , Orante-Barrón, V R , Swart, H C , Mathevula, Langutani E , Nyenge, R , Chithambo, Makaiko L , Mothudi, B M , Dhlamini, M S
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/116037 , vital:34292 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physb.2017.07.059
- Description: Rare–Earth free luminescent materials are fast becoming important as the cost of rare earth ions gradually increases. In this work, a Rare–Earth free BaGa2O4 luminescent compound was prepared by solid state chemical reaction, which was confirmed to have a single phase by X-ray Diffraction. The Backscattered Electron image and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy maps confirmed irregular particle and homogeneous compound formation, respectively. The Photoluminescence spectrum displayed broad emission between 350 to 650 nm, which was deconvoluted into two components. The photoluminescence excitation peak was positioned at 254 nm, which corresponds with the band-to-band position observed from the diffuse reflectance spectrum. The band gap was extrapolated to 4.65 ± 0.02 eV using the Kubelka-Munk model. The preliminary thermoluminescence results indicated that the kinetics involved were neither of first nor second order. Additionally, the activation energy of the electrons within the trap centres was approximated to 0.61 ± 0.01 eV using the Initial Rise model.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Noto, L L , Poelman, D , Orante-Barrón, V R , Swart, H C , Mathevula, Langutani E , Nyenge, R , Chithambo, Makaiko L , Mothudi, B M , Dhlamini, M S
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/116037 , vital:34292 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physb.2017.07.059
- Description: Rare–Earth free luminescent materials are fast becoming important as the cost of rare earth ions gradually increases. In this work, a Rare–Earth free BaGa2O4 luminescent compound was prepared by solid state chemical reaction, which was confirmed to have a single phase by X-ray Diffraction. The Backscattered Electron image and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy maps confirmed irregular particle and homogeneous compound formation, respectively. The Photoluminescence spectrum displayed broad emission between 350 to 650 nm, which was deconvoluted into two components. The photoluminescence excitation peak was positioned at 254 nm, which corresponds with the band-to-band position observed from the diffuse reflectance spectrum. The band gap was extrapolated to 4.65 ± 0.02 eV using the Kubelka-Munk model. The preliminary thermoluminescence results indicated that the kinetics involved were neither of first nor second order. Additionally, the activation energy of the electrons within the trap centres was approximated to 0.61 ± 0.01 eV using the Initial Rise model.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
Photophysical and strong optical limiting properties of ball-type phthalocyanines dimers and their monomeric analogues
- Nwaji, Njemuwa, Mack, John, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Nwaji, Njemuwa , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187930 , vital:44711 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2017.10.045"
- Description: The nonlinear optical behaviors of ball-type phthalocyanine complexes: 1′,11,’15′,25′-tetrakis-[4,4′-((4-formyl-1,2-bisphenoxyl))bis(phthalocyaninato zinc (II)] (5), 1′,11,’15′,25′-tetrakis-[4,4′-((4-formyl-1,2-bisphenoxyl) bis(phthalocyaninato gallium (III) chloride)] (6), and 1′, 11,’15′,25′-tetrakis-4,4′-((4-formyl-1,2-phenoxyl)bis(phthalocyaninato indium (III) chloride)] (7) and the corresponding monomeric derivatives 8–10 were investigated using nanosecond pulse open aperture Z-scan technique at 532 nm. The nonlinear response showed strong reverse saturable absorption for all the complexes both in solution and when embedded in polymer matrix. The dimeric complexes showed better optical limiting properties compared to the monomeric derivatives. The βeff values for the dimeric complexes 5–7 were found to be 48.5, 55.2, and 60.1 cm/GW for 5, 6A, and 7 respectively, higher than the corresponding monomeric derivatives 8–10. Enhanced optical limiting properties were observed when the complexes were formulated in thin films. The second order hyperpolarizability values were in order of 10−28–10−26 esu in solution and 10−27–10−26 in films.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nwaji, Njemuwa , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187930 , vital:44711 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2017.10.045"
- Description: The nonlinear optical behaviors of ball-type phthalocyanine complexes: 1′,11,’15′,25′-tetrakis-[4,4′-((4-formyl-1,2-bisphenoxyl))bis(phthalocyaninato zinc (II)] (5), 1′,11,’15′,25′-tetrakis-[4,4′-((4-formyl-1,2-bisphenoxyl) bis(phthalocyaninato gallium (III) chloride)] (6), and 1′, 11,’15′,25′-tetrakis-4,4′-((4-formyl-1,2-phenoxyl)bis(phthalocyaninato indium (III) chloride)] (7) and the corresponding monomeric derivatives 8–10 were investigated using nanosecond pulse open aperture Z-scan technique at 532 nm. The nonlinear response showed strong reverse saturable absorption for all the complexes both in solution and when embedded in polymer matrix. The dimeric complexes showed better optical limiting properties compared to the monomeric derivatives. The βeff values for the dimeric complexes 5–7 were found to be 48.5, 55.2, and 60.1 cm/GW for 5, 6A, and 7 respectively, higher than the corresponding monomeric derivatives 8–10. Enhanced optical limiting properties were observed when the complexes were formulated in thin films. The second order hyperpolarizability values were in order of 10−28–10−26 esu in solution and 10−27–10−26 in films.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Photophysical properties of a novel styryl-BODIPY with a fused crown ether moiety
- Stone, Justin, Mack, John, Nyokong, Tebello, Kimura, Mitsumi, Kobayashi, Nagao
- Authors: Stone, Justin , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello , Kimura, Mitsumi , Kobayashi, Nagao
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188227 , vital:44736 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424617500699"
- Description: The synthesis and characterization of a crown-ether-substituted 3-styrylBODIPY dye with a 4-isopropylphenyl group at the meso-position is reported. The effect that the incorporation of Na++ ions into the crown ether moiety has on the photophysical properties is investigated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Stone, Justin , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello , Kimura, Mitsumi , Kobayashi, Nagao
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188227 , vital:44736 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424617500699"
- Description: The synthesis and characterization of a crown-ether-substituted 3-styrylBODIPY dye with a 4-isopropylphenyl group at the meso-position is reported. The effect that the incorporation of Na++ ions into the crown ether moiety has on the photophysical properties is investigated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Photophysical studies of graphene quantum dots-Pyrene-derivatized porphyrins conjugates when encapsulated within Pluronic F127 micelles
- Managa, Muthumuni, Achadu, Ojodomo John, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Managa, Muthumuni , Achadu, Ojodomo John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187971 , vital:44714 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2017.09.031"
- Description: Pyrene-derivatized H2, GaCl, and Zn porphyrins were immobilized on graphene quantum dots (GQDs) to form (GQDs-H2TPrP, GQDs-GaClTPrP, and GQDs-ZnTPrP) conjugates through the π-π stacking interaction method followed by encapsulating into Pluronic F127 micelles to form (GQDs-H2TPrP + F127, GQDs-GaClTPrP + F127, and GQDs-ZnTPrP + F127). Spectroscopic evidence shows that the resultant conjugates were stable due to the strong π-π stacking interaction between the GQDs and the porphyrins. The fluorescence and singlet oxygen generating behaviour of the porphyrins were investigated following incorporation. GQDs-GaClTPrP + F127 showed highest values of the binding constant (Kb). The Stern-Volmer constant (Ksv) for GQDs-ZnTPrP + F127 were the highest compared to other porphyrins derivatives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Managa, Muthumuni , Achadu, Ojodomo John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187971 , vital:44714 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2017.09.031"
- Description: Pyrene-derivatized H2, GaCl, and Zn porphyrins were immobilized on graphene quantum dots (GQDs) to form (GQDs-H2TPrP, GQDs-GaClTPrP, and GQDs-ZnTPrP) conjugates through the π-π stacking interaction method followed by encapsulating into Pluronic F127 micelles to form (GQDs-H2TPrP + F127, GQDs-GaClTPrP + F127, and GQDs-ZnTPrP + F127). Spectroscopic evidence shows that the resultant conjugates were stable due to the strong π-π stacking interaction between the GQDs and the porphyrins. The fluorescence and singlet oxygen generating behaviour of the porphyrins were investigated following incorporation. GQDs-GaClTPrP + F127 showed highest values of the binding constant (Kb). The Stern-Volmer constant (Ksv) for GQDs-ZnTPrP + F127 were the highest compared to other porphyrins derivatives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Photophysicochemical behaviour and antimicrobial properties of monocarboxy Mg (II) and Al (III) phthalocyanine-magnetite conjugates
- Idowu, Mopelola A I, Xego, Solami, Arslanoglu, Yasin, Mark, John, Antunes, Edith M, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Idowu, Mopelola A I , Xego, Solami , Arslanoglu, Yasin , Mark, John , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188205 , vital:44734 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2017.12.052"
- Description: Asymmetric Mg (II) or Al (III) phthalocyanine (containing a COOH group and 3-pyridylsulfanyl units) was conjugated via an amide bond to amino functionalized magnetic nanoparticle (AIMN) to form MgPc-AIMN or AlPc-AIMN conjugate, and characterized. The photophysicochemical behaviour of the phthalocyanine–AIMN conjugates was investigated and compared to the asymmetric Pcs and to the simple mixture of Pc with AIMNs without a chemical bond, (MPc-AIMN (mixed)). The directed covalent linkage of AIMNs to the asymmetrical metallopthalocyanines afforded improvements in the singlet oxygen (ФΔ) and triplet state quantum yield (ФT) as well as singlet oxygen lifetimes for the MPcs–AIMN-linked conjugates compared to MPc-AIMN (mixed) and MPcs alone. The asymmetric phthalocyanines and their conjugates showed effective antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli bacteria under illumination.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Idowu, Mopelola A I , Xego, Solami , Arslanoglu, Yasin , Mark, John , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188205 , vital:44734 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2017.12.052"
- Description: Asymmetric Mg (II) or Al (III) phthalocyanine (containing a COOH group and 3-pyridylsulfanyl units) was conjugated via an amide bond to amino functionalized magnetic nanoparticle (AIMN) to form MgPc-AIMN or AlPc-AIMN conjugate, and characterized. The photophysicochemical behaviour of the phthalocyanine–AIMN conjugates was investigated and compared to the asymmetric Pcs and to the simple mixture of Pc with AIMNs without a chemical bond, (MPc-AIMN (mixed)). The directed covalent linkage of AIMNs to the asymmetrical metallopthalocyanines afforded improvements in the singlet oxygen (ФΔ) and triplet state quantum yield (ФT) as well as singlet oxygen lifetimes for the MPcs–AIMN-linked conjugates compared to MPc-AIMN (mixed) and MPcs alone. The asymmetric phthalocyanines and their conjugates showed effective antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli bacteria under illumination.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Photophysicochemical properties and photodynamic therapy activity of highly water-soluble Zn (II) phthalocyanines
- Oluwole, David O, Sari, Fatma Aslihan, Prinsloo, Earl, Dube, Edith, Yuzer, Abdulcelil, Nyokong, Tebello, Ince, Mine
- Authors: Oluwole, David O , Sari, Fatma Aslihan , Prinsloo, Earl , Dube, Edith , Yuzer, Abdulcelil , Nyokong, Tebello , Ince, Mine
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/234507 , vital:50203 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2018.05.090"
- Description: The syntheses of two zinc(II) phthalocyanines (ZnPcs) having either imidazole (ZnPc 1) or pyridiloxy (ZnPc 2) moieties as their macrocycle substituents are reported. Quaternization of the ZnPcs with methyl iodide afforded water soluble cationic phthalocyanines. The photophysical, photochemical properties and photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity of the ZnPcs were studied in solution. The fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime of ZnPc 1 were higher as compared to ZnPc 2. ZnPc 2 afforded higher triplet state (ΦT) and singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ) in comparison to ZnPc 1. The PDT activity of ZnPcs was investigated against human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF–7). The two compounds afforded a very minimal in vitro dark cytotoxicity with 85% viable cells at concentration ≤80 μM. On irradiation of the cells having the ZnPcs, ≥50% cell death was recorded for ZnPc 1 which was also evidenced by the cells photo–micrograph.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Oluwole, David O , Sari, Fatma Aslihan , Prinsloo, Earl , Dube, Edith , Yuzer, Abdulcelil , Nyokong, Tebello , Ince, Mine
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/234507 , vital:50203 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2018.05.090"
- Description: The syntheses of two zinc(II) phthalocyanines (ZnPcs) having either imidazole (ZnPc 1) or pyridiloxy (ZnPc 2) moieties as their macrocycle substituents are reported. Quaternization of the ZnPcs with methyl iodide afforded water soluble cationic phthalocyanines. The photophysical, photochemical properties and photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity of the ZnPcs were studied in solution. The fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime of ZnPc 1 were higher as compared to ZnPc 2. ZnPc 2 afforded higher triplet state (ΦT) and singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ) in comparison to ZnPc 1. The PDT activity of ZnPcs was investigated against human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF–7). The two compounds afforded a very minimal in vitro dark cytotoxicity with 85% viable cells at concentration ≤80 μM. On irradiation of the cells having the ZnPcs, ≥50% cell death was recorded for ZnPc 1 which was also evidenced by the cells photo–micrograph.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Photophysics and NLO properties of Ga (III) and In (III) phthalocyaninates bearing diethyleneglycol chains
- Managa, Muthumuni, Khene, Samson M, Britton, Jonathan, Martynov, Alexander G, Gorbunova, Yulia G, Tsivadze, Aslan Y, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Managa, Muthumuni , Khene, Samson M , Britton, Jonathan , Martynov, Alexander G , Gorbunova, Yulia G , Tsivadze, Aslan Y , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/237822 , vital:50556 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424618500128"
- Description: This work reports on synthesis and characterizations of Ga(III) and In(III) complexes, formed by 2,3-bis[2′′-(2′′′′-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]-9,10,16,17,23,24-hexa-nn-butoxy phthalocyanine (1H2) coordinating acetatoindium(III) (1InOAc) and hydroxogallium(III) (1GaOH) Photophysical properties of hydroxogallium(III) phthalocyaninate 1GaOH and acetatoindium(III) phthalocyaninate 1InOAc were studied by UV-vis, fluorescence spectroscopy and time-resolved methods. The nonlinear absorption of the complexes was studied using the Z-scan technique at 532 nm and 10 ns pulse in DMSO and in thin films formed by composite with poly(bisphenol A carbonate) — PBC. The magnitude of absorption coefficients and other nonlinear optical parameters estimated in this work showed that complex 1InOAc exhibited the strongest nonlinear optical behavior in comparison with 1GaOH in solution and a reverse tendency when embedded in PBC thin films. DFT calculations were used to rationalize these results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Managa, Muthumuni , Khene, Samson M , Britton, Jonathan , Martynov, Alexander G , Gorbunova, Yulia G , Tsivadze, Aslan Y , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/237822 , vital:50556 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424618500128"
- Description: This work reports on synthesis and characterizations of Ga(III) and In(III) complexes, formed by 2,3-bis[2′′-(2′′′′-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]-9,10,16,17,23,24-hexa-nn-butoxy phthalocyanine (1H2) coordinating acetatoindium(III) (1InOAc) and hydroxogallium(III) (1GaOH) Photophysical properties of hydroxogallium(III) phthalocyaninate 1GaOH and acetatoindium(III) phthalocyaninate 1InOAc were studied by UV-vis, fluorescence spectroscopy and time-resolved methods. The nonlinear absorption of the complexes was studied using the Z-scan technique at 532 nm and 10 ns pulse in DMSO and in thin films formed by composite with poly(bisphenol A carbonate) — PBC. The magnitude of absorption coefficients and other nonlinear optical parameters estimated in this work showed that complex 1InOAc exhibited the strongest nonlinear optical behavior in comparison with 1GaOH in solution and a reverse tendency when embedded in PBC thin films. DFT calculations were used to rationalize these results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Phototransferred thermoluminescence and thermally-assisted optically stimulated luminescence dosimetry using α-Al2O3:C,Mg annealed at 1200°C
- Kalita, Jitumani M, Chithambo, Makaiko L
- Authors: Kalita, Jitumani M , Chithambo, Makaiko L
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/105422 , vital:32511 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlumin.2018.08.085
- Description: We report phototransferred thermoluminescence (PTTL) and thermally-assisted optically stimulated luminescence (TA-OSL) of α-Al2O3:C,Mg annealed at 1200 °C. PTTL is TL measured from an irradiated phosphor after its exposure to light. The other theme of this study, TA-OSL is the additional amount of luminescence optically stimulated from a sample over and above the amount that would be measured at room temperature. A sample irradiated to 10 Gy and preheated to 230 °C at 1 °C/s followed by illumination by 470 nm blue light produced four PTTL peaks at 53, 80, 102 and 173 °C. The PTTL peaks occur at the same positions as the corresponding conventional TL peaks. Their kinetic parameters are also similar. The intensity of the PTTL peaks increased with duration of illumination to a maximum within 200 s for doses between 1 Gy and 10 Gy. The dose response of each of the PTTL peaks at 80, 102 and 173 °C is linear within 1–15 Gy. The rate of fading is low and the peaks are reproducible. When the irradiated sample is optically stimulated at temperatures between 30 °C and 300 °C, after preheating to 500 °C, the intensity of its TA-OSL goes through a peak with temperature at 200 °C. Using the rising edge of the plot, activation energy of thermal assistance for a deep electron trap was estimated as (0.21 ± 0.02) eV. The TA-OSL dose response is sublinear from 10–250 Gy and saturates thereafter. The PTTL and TA-OSL analyses signify that the concentration of deep traps in α-Al2O3:C,Mg increased after annealing at 1200 °C. As a result, the sample produced better PTTL and TA-OSL response than when annealed at lower temperature.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kalita, Jitumani M , Chithambo, Makaiko L
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/105422 , vital:32511 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlumin.2018.08.085
- Description: We report phototransferred thermoluminescence (PTTL) and thermally-assisted optically stimulated luminescence (TA-OSL) of α-Al2O3:C,Mg annealed at 1200 °C. PTTL is TL measured from an irradiated phosphor after its exposure to light. The other theme of this study, TA-OSL is the additional amount of luminescence optically stimulated from a sample over and above the amount that would be measured at room temperature. A sample irradiated to 10 Gy and preheated to 230 °C at 1 °C/s followed by illumination by 470 nm blue light produced four PTTL peaks at 53, 80, 102 and 173 °C. The PTTL peaks occur at the same positions as the corresponding conventional TL peaks. Their kinetic parameters are also similar. The intensity of the PTTL peaks increased with duration of illumination to a maximum within 200 s for doses between 1 Gy and 10 Gy. The dose response of each of the PTTL peaks at 80, 102 and 173 °C is linear within 1–15 Gy. The rate of fading is low and the peaks are reproducible. When the irradiated sample is optically stimulated at temperatures between 30 °C and 300 °C, after preheating to 500 °C, the intensity of its TA-OSL goes through a peak with temperature at 200 °C. Using the rising edge of the plot, activation energy of thermal assistance for a deep electron trap was estimated as (0.21 ± 0.02) eV. The TA-OSL dose response is sublinear from 10–250 Gy and saturates thereafter. The PTTL and TA-OSL analyses signify that the concentration of deep traps in α-Al2O3:C,Mg increased after annealing at 1200 °C. As a result, the sample produced better PTTL and TA-OSL response than when annealed at lower temperature.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
Phototransferred thermoluminescence of synthetic quartz: analysis of illumination-time response curves
- Chithambo, Makaiko L, Niyonzima, P, Kalita, Jitumani M
- Authors: Chithambo, Makaiko L , Niyonzima, P , Kalita, Jitumani M
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/111020 , vital:33364 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlumin.2018.02.029
- Description: Phototransferred thermoluminescence (PTTL) induced in synthetic quartz by 470 nm blue light is reported. The glow curve measured at 5 °C/s up to 500 °C after irradiation to 100 Gy shows six peaks at 94, 116, 175, 212, 280 and 348 °C labelled I through VI and another one at 80 °C (labelled A1). PTTL is only observed for peaks A1 and I and is induced at peak A1 as long as peak III has been removed by preheating and at peak I after preheating to deplete peak VI. The inducement of PTTL even when all peaks have been removed points to deep electron traps in the quartz also acting as donors in addition to the putative ones below 500 °C. The PTTL intensity as a function of duration of illumination for A1 goes through a peak and decreases monotonically or to a stable value depending on the preheating temperature. The change of PTTL intensity as a function of illumination time is described using a set of coupled linear differential equations. The number of acceptors and donors in a particular system described in this way is influenced by the preheating temperature.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Chithambo, Makaiko L , Niyonzima, P , Kalita, Jitumani M
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/111020 , vital:33364 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlumin.2018.02.029
- Description: Phototransferred thermoluminescence (PTTL) induced in synthetic quartz by 470 nm blue light is reported. The glow curve measured at 5 °C/s up to 500 °C after irradiation to 100 Gy shows six peaks at 94, 116, 175, 212, 280 and 348 °C labelled I through VI and another one at 80 °C (labelled A1). PTTL is only observed for peaks A1 and I and is induced at peak A1 as long as peak III has been removed by preheating and at peak I after preheating to deplete peak VI. The inducement of PTTL even when all peaks have been removed points to deep electron traps in the quartz also acting as donors in addition to the putative ones below 500 °C. The PTTL intensity as a function of duration of illumination for A1 goes through a peak and decreases monotonically or to a stable value depending on the preheating temperature. The change of PTTL intensity as a function of illumination time is described using a set of coupled linear differential equations. The number of acceptors and donors in a particular system described in this way is influenced by the preheating temperature.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
Physicochemical properties of water soluble unsymmetrical phthalocyanine-folic acid conjugates
- Matlou, Gauta G, Kobayashi, Nagao, Kimura, Mutsumi, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Matlou, Gauta G , Kobayashi, Nagao , Kimura, Mutsumi , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/233240 , vital:50071 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2017.10.030"
- Description: This work reports on the successful chemical linkage of folic acid (FA) to Zn mono carboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine (1) and Zn mono carboxyphenoxy tri–(tert–butyl) phthalocyanine (2). The amide bond linkage of FA to phthalocyanine (Pc) is achieved for the first time through the FA-NH2 and Pc-COOH and confirmed using FTIR, MS, elemental analysis and NMR. The linked conjugates were found to be water soluble compared to the physical mixtures of FA and Pc, which allowed for studies of singlet oxygen in water. The Pc-FA linked conjugates (1-FA and 2-FA) were found to be singlet oxygen generators with the following singlet oxygen quantum yields: 1-FA = 0.61 and 2-FA = 0.47 in DMSO and 1-FA = 0.17 and 2-FA = 0.12 in water.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Matlou, Gauta G , Kobayashi, Nagao , Kimura, Mutsumi , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/233240 , vital:50071 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2017.10.030"
- Description: This work reports on the successful chemical linkage of folic acid (FA) to Zn mono carboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine (1) and Zn mono carboxyphenoxy tri–(tert–butyl) phthalocyanine (2). The amide bond linkage of FA to phthalocyanine (Pc) is achieved for the first time through the FA-NH2 and Pc-COOH and confirmed using FTIR, MS, elemental analysis and NMR. The linked conjugates were found to be water soluble compared to the physical mixtures of FA and Pc, which allowed for studies of singlet oxygen in water. The Pc-FA linked conjugates (1-FA and 2-FA) were found to be singlet oxygen generators with the following singlet oxygen quantum yields: 1-FA = 0.61 and 2-FA = 0.47 in DMSO and 1-FA = 0.17 and 2-FA = 0.12 in water.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Plant–herbivore–parasitoid interactions in an experimental freshwater tritrophic system: higher trophic levels modify competitive interactions between invasive macrophytes
- Martin, Grant D, Coetzee, Julie A, Compton, Stephen
- Authors: Martin, Grant D , Coetzee, Julie A , Compton, Stephen
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/125686 , vital:35808 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-017-341
- Description: Natural enemies are known to modify competitive hierarchies among terrestrial plants. Here we examine whether the same applies to freshwatersystems. Lagarosiphon major (Hydrocharitaceae) is a submerged aquatic macrophyte, indigenous to South Africa. Outside its native range, it outcompetes with indigenous submerged species and degrades aquatic habitats. Hydrellia lagarosiphon (Diptera: Ephydridae) is the most abundant and ubiquitous herbivore associated with L. major in South Africa and is a potential biological control agent elsewhere. Chaenusa anervata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Alysiinae) is its main parasitoid. We generated an experimental system involving one, two or three trophic levels to monitor variation in the competitive ability of L. major relative to that of Myriophyllum spicatum (Haloragaceae), a second submerged macrophyte that can also be invasive. Using inverse linear models to monitor competition, we found that herbivory by H. lagarosiphon greatly reduced the competitive ability of L. major. Addition of the wasp at typical field densities halved the impact of herbivory and reestablished the competitive advantage of L. major. Our results demonstrate how multitrophic interactions modify relative competitive abilities among aquatic plants, emphasize the significance of higher tropic levels in these systems and illustrate how parasitoids can reduce the effectiveness of insects released as biocontrol agents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Martin, Grant D , Coetzee, Julie A , Compton, Stephen
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/125686 , vital:35808 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-017-341
- Description: Natural enemies are known to modify competitive hierarchies among terrestrial plants. Here we examine whether the same applies to freshwatersystems. Lagarosiphon major (Hydrocharitaceae) is a submerged aquatic macrophyte, indigenous to South Africa. Outside its native range, it outcompetes with indigenous submerged species and degrades aquatic habitats. Hydrellia lagarosiphon (Diptera: Ephydridae) is the most abundant and ubiquitous herbivore associated with L. major in South Africa and is a potential biological control agent elsewhere. Chaenusa anervata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Alysiinae) is its main parasitoid. We generated an experimental system involving one, two or three trophic levels to monitor variation in the competitive ability of L. major relative to that of Myriophyllum spicatum (Haloragaceae), a second submerged macrophyte that can also be invasive. Using inverse linear models to monitor competition, we found that herbivory by H. lagarosiphon greatly reduced the competitive ability of L. major. Addition of the wasp at typical field densities halved the impact of herbivory and reestablished the competitive advantage of L. major. Our results demonstrate how multitrophic interactions modify relative competitive abilities among aquatic plants, emphasize the significance of higher tropic levels in these systems and illustrate how parasitoids can reduce the effectiveness of insects released as biocontrol agents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Plant–herbivore–parasitoid interactions in an experimental freshwater tritrophic system: higher trophic levels modify competitive interactions between invasive macrophytes
- Martin, Grant D, Coetzee, Julie A, Compton, Stephen
- Authors: Martin, Grant D , Coetzee, Julie A , Compton, Stephen
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/103892 , vital:32321 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-017-3417-7
- Description: Natural enemies are known to modify competitive hierarchies among terrestrial plants. Here we examine whether the same applies to freshwater systems. Lagarosiphon major (Hydrocharitaceae) is a submerged aquatic macrophyte, indigenous to South Africa. Outside its native range, it outcompetes with indigenous submerged species and degrades aquatic habitats. Hydrellia lagarosiphon (Diptera: Ephydridae) is the most abundant and ubiquitous herbivore associated with L. major in South Africa and is a potential biological control agent elsewhere. Chaenusa anervata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Alysiinae) is its main parasitoid. We generated an experimental system involving one, two or three trophic levels to monitor variation in the competitive ability of L. major relative to that of Myriophyllum spicatum (Haloragaceae), a second submerged macrophyte that can also be invasive. Using inverse linear models to monitor competition, we found that herbivory by H. lagarosiphon greatly reduced the competitive ability of L. major. Addition of the wasp at typical field densities halved the impact of herbivory and re-established the competitive advantage of L. major. Our results demonstrate how multitrophic interactions modify relative competitive abilities among aquatic plants, emphasize the significance of higher tropic levels in these systems and illustrate how parasitoids can reduce the effectiveness of insects released as biocontrol agents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Martin, Grant D , Coetzee, Julie A , Compton, Stephen
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/103892 , vital:32321 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-017-3417-7
- Description: Natural enemies are known to modify competitive hierarchies among terrestrial plants. Here we examine whether the same applies to freshwater systems. Lagarosiphon major (Hydrocharitaceae) is a submerged aquatic macrophyte, indigenous to South Africa. Outside its native range, it outcompetes with indigenous submerged species and degrades aquatic habitats. Hydrellia lagarosiphon (Diptera: Ephydridae) is the most abundant and ubiquitous herbivore associated with L. major in South Africa and is a potential biological control agent elsewhere. Chaenusa anervata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Alysiinae) is its main parasitoid. We generated an experimental system involving one, two or three trophic levels to monitor variation in the competitive ability of L. major relative to that of Myriophyllum spicatum (Haloragaceae), a second submerged macrophyte that can also be invasive. Using inverse linear models to monitor competition, we found that herbivory by H. lagarosiphon greatly reduced the competitive ability of L. major. Addition of the wasp at typical field densities halved the impact of herbivory and re-established the competitive advantage of L. major. Our results demonstrate how multitrophic interactions modify relative competitive abilities among aquatic plants, emphasize the significance of higher tropic levels in these systems and illustrate how parasitoids can reduce the effectiveness of insects released as biocontrol agents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Point-of-care and lung ultrasound incorporated in daily practice
- Neethling, E, Roodt, F, Beck, C, Swanevelder, J L C
- Authors: Neethling, E , Roodt, F , Beck, C , Swanevelder, J L C
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/5248 , vital:44424 , http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj/article/view/12293
- Description: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a fast-growing clinical utility and is becoming an essential clinical skill for all practitioners attending to critically ill patients. Ultrasound equipment is now smaller, more affordable and readily available in clinical work areas. POCUS is performed by a non-cardiologist physician at the patient’s bedside as an adjunct to the physical examination. It is easily taught, non-invasive and allows for real-time clinical information. Bedside use of ultrasound imaging aids with rapid diagnosis of severe and life-threatening pathological conditions. It can be repeated, may change clinical management, and impact on patient outcome. POCUS has a broad clinical use, including, but not limited to, focused assessed transthoracic echocardiography (FATE), lung ultrasound imaging, extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (e-FAST), vascular access and regional blocks. It may also be extended to detect endotracheal intubation and the estimation of intracranial pressure. Assessment of cardiac pathology by POCUS, performed by a novice examiner, has been shown to compare with the gold standard of an expert. Training is paramount. The physician should know his limitations and always relate the information back to the clinical scenario and context. By incorporating POCUS as part of our armamentarium and into our daily medical practice, we might see it reach its full clinical potential, optimising patient care and improving patient outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Neethling, E , Roodt, F , Beck, C , Swanevelder, J L C
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/5248 , vital:44424 , http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj/article/view/12293
- Description: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a fast-growing clinical utility and is becoming an essential clinical skill for all practitioners attending to critically ill patients. Ultrasound equipment is now smaller, more affordable and readily available in clinical work areas. POCUS is performed by a non-cardiologist physician at the patient’s bedside as an adjunct to the physical examination. It is easily taught, non-invasive and allows for real-time clinical information. Bedside use of ultrasound imaging aids with rapid diagnosis of severe and life-threatening pathological conditions. It can be repeated, may change clinical management, and impact on patient outcome. POCUS has a broad clinical use, including, but not limited to, focused assessed transthoracic echocardiography (FATE), lung ultrasound imaging, extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (e-FAST), vascular access and regional blocks. It may also be extended to detect endotracheal intubation and the estimation of intracranial pressure. Assessment of cardiac pathology by POCUS, performed by a novice examiner, has been shown to compare with the gold standard of an expert. Training is paramount. The physician should know his limitations and always relate the information back to the clinical scenario and context. By incorporating POCUS as part of our armamentarium and into our daily medical practice, we might see it reach its full clinical potential, optimising patient care and improving patient outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Population connectivity of an overexploited coastal fish, Argyrosomus coronus (Sciaenidae), in an ocean-warming hotspot
- Henriques, R, Potts, Warren M, Santos, Carmen V D, Sauer, Warwick H H, Shaw, Paul W
- Authors: Henriques, R , Potts, Warren M , Santos, Carmen V D , Sauer, Warwick H H , Shaw, Paul W
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/125720 , vital:35811 , https://doi.10.2989/1814232X.2018.1434090
- Description: Anthropogenic activities are recognised as causing significant impacts to marine systems at multiple levels, ranging from habitat disturbance (Pauly et al. 2005) to overfishing (Sala and Knowlton 2006) and loss of genetic diversity (Pinsky and Palumbi 2014). Exploitation and harvesting in particular are known to strongly influence fish populations and their associated ecosystems (Pauly et al. 2005), and in combination with ongoing climate change can have compound effects on the viability and long-term survival of marine fishes (Last et al. 2011). Species can react to the impacts of climate change either by shifting their distributional range or by adapting to changing conditions through individual ecological plasticity and/or local population adaptation (Briggs 2011; Last et al. 2011). However, since ecological plasticity and local adaptation have strong genetic components, overharvesting has the potential to impact the long-term adaptive ability of marine fishes by decreasing the extant genetic diversity (Allendorf et al. 2014). Therefore, understanding the impact of exploitation on genetic diversity and population substructuring is critical for predicting the likely consequences of continued exploitation and climate change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Henriques, R , Potts, Warren M , Santos, Carmen V D , Sauer, Warwick H H , Shaw, Paul W
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/125720 , vital:35811 , https://doi.10.2989/1814232X.2018.1434090
- Description: Anthropogenic activities are recognised as causing significant impacts to marine systems at multiple levels, ranging from habitat disturbance (Pauly et al. 2005) to overfishing (Sala and Knowlton 2006) and loss of genetic diversity (Pinsky and Palumbi 2014). Exploitation and harvesting in particular are known to strongly influence fish populations and their associated ecosystems (Pauly et al. 2005), and in combination with ongoing climate change can have compound effects on the viability and long-term survival of marine fishes (Last et al. 2011). Species can react to the impacts of climate change either by shifting their distributional range or by adapting to changing conditions through individual ecological plasticity and/or local population adaptation (Briggs 2011; Last et al. 2011). However, since ecological plasticity and local adaptation have strong genetic components, overharvesting has the potential to impact the long-term adaptive ability of marine fishes by decreasing the extant genetic diversity (Allendorf et al. 2014). Therefore, understanding the impact of exploitation on genetic diversity and population substructuring is critical for predicting the likely consequences of continued exploitation and climate change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Porphyrin dimers with a bridging chiral amide-bonded benzo-moiety
- Liang, Xu, Qin, Mingfeng, Zhou, Lin, Liu, Tingting, Li, Minzhi, Mack, John, Ndebele, Nobuhle, Nyokong, Tebello, Zhu, Weihua
- Authors: Liang, Xu , Qin, Mingfeng , Zhou, Lin , Liu, Tingting , Li, Minzhi , Mack, John , Ndebele, Nobuhle , Nyokong, Tebello , Zhu, Weihua
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/233433 , vital:50090 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2018.02.043"
- Description: The facile synthesis and characterization of four porphyrin dimers which introduced stereomeric centers with chiral amide-bonded para- and meta-disubstituted benzo-moiety is reported. Trends in the electronic structures and optical and redox properties are analyzed through a comparison with theoretical calculations to explore the effect of positional isomerism of the bridging benzene rings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Liang, Xu , Qin, Mingfeng , Zhou, Lin , Liu, Tingting , Li, Minzhi , Mack, John , Ndebele, Nobuhle , Nyokong, Tebello , Zhu, Weihua
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/233433 , vital:50090 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2018.02.043"
- Description: The facile synthesis and characterization of four porphyrin dimers which introduced stereomeric centers with chiral amide-bonded para- and meta-disubstituted benzo-moiety is reported. Trends in the electronic structures and optical and redox properties are analyzed through a comparison with theoretical calculations to explore the effect of positional isomerism of the bridging benzene rings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Postgraduate writing groups as spaces of agency development
- Oluwole, David O, Achadu, A, Asfour, Fouad-Martin, Chakona, Gamuchirai, Mason, Paul, Mataruse, P, McKenna, Sioux
- Authors: Oluwole, David O , Achadu, A , Asfour, Fouad-Martin , Chakona, Gamuchirai , Mason, Paul , Mataruse, P , McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187194 , vital:44578 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.20853/32-6-2963"
- Description: Academic writing is a peculiar phenomenon – it varies greatly from discipline to discipline and its requirements are rarely made overt. Taking on the writing practices of the academy has implications for identity and it is thus unsurprising that it is seen to be a risky endeavour. This article analyses the experiences of postgraduate scholars who have participated in writing groups that meet weekly to read each other’s work and provide supportive critique. Thirty-two people provided detailed, anonymous evaluations of their writing groups and these were studied using a discourse analysis. Three main findings are discussed here. Firstly, writing circles allowed for academic writing development to be engaged with as a social practice, where the disciplinary norms could be made more explicit through peer deliberation, and where they could also be challenged. Secondly, the lack of hierarchical power in the writing groups was key to making safe spaces for agency development, and also for providing positive peer pressure whereby participants were spurred on to work on their writing. Thirdly, the fact that the groups were interdisciplinary, within cognate disciplinary families, provided an interesting challenge in that the students had to consider what these non-specialist readers would or would not understand. This process assisted students in clarifying their writing. Participants’ evaluation of the writing groups revealed an overall sense that these contributed to postgraduate student wellbeing and were places of significant agential development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Oluwole, David O , Achadu, A , Asfour, Fouad-Martin , Chakona, Gamuchirai , Mason, Paul , Mataruse, P , McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187194 , vital:44578 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.20853/32-6-2963"
- Description: Academic writing is a peculiar phenomenon – it varies greatly from discipline to discipline and its requirements are rarely made overt. Taking on the writing practices of the academy has implications for identity and it is thus unsurprising that it is seen to be a risky endeavour. This article analyses the experiences of postgraduate scholars who have participated in writing groups that meet weekly to read each other’s work and provide supportive critique. Thirty-two people provided detailed, anonymous evaluations of their writing groups and these were studied using a discourse analysis. Three main findings are discussed here. Firstly, writing circles allowed for academic writing development to be engaged with as a social practice, where the disciplinary norms could be made more explicit through peer deliberation, and where they could also be challenged. Secondly, the lack of hierarchical power in the writing groups was key to making safe spaces for agency development, and also for providing positive peer pressure whereby participants were spurred on to work on their writing. Thirdly, the fact that the groups were interdisciplinary, within cognate disciplinary families, provided an interesting challenge in that the students had to consider what these non-specialist readers would or would not understand. This process assisted students in clarifying their writing. Participants’ evaluation of the writing groups revealed an overall sense that these contributed to postgraduate student wellbeing and were places of significant agential development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Potential latitudinal variation in orodigestive tract cancers in Africa
- Adeola, H A, Adefuye, A O, Jimoh, S A
- Authors: Adeola, H A , Adefuye, A O , Jimoh, S A
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/5280 , vital:44428 , http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj/article/view/12259
- Description: Background. Previous studies have alluded to a causal relationship between pathological entities and geographical variations, but there is a paucity of studies from Africa discussing the effect of latitudinal variation on orodigestive cancers in this region. It seems plausible that the burden of orodigestive cancer would differ as a result of variations in diet, cultural habits, climate and environmental conditions down the length of Africa. Objectives. To analyse regional variations in prevalence, incidence and mortality data in the global cancer statistics database (GLOBOCAN 2012) curated by the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Basic descriptive statistical tools were used to depict regional variations in cancer morbidity and mortality. Methods. Data on 13 African countries between longitude 20⁰ and 30⁰ east and latitude 35⁰ north and 35⁰ south were examined for variation in age-standardised orodigestive cancer prevalence, incidence and mortality. Possible regional causes for orodigestive tract cancer development were investigated. Data on lip and oral cavity, oesophageal, gastric, colorectal, liver, gallbladder and pancreatic cancers in the 13 countries were compared. Results. Our empirical findings from this preliminary study support the notion that the incidence and prevalence of orodigestive cancers vary within Africa. This effect may be due to environmental, economic, political and possibly genetic factors. Conclusions. Considering the heterogeneity of the above factors across Africa, disbursement of funding for cancer research and therapy in Africa should be focused in terms of regional variations to make best use of the fiscal allocation by African governments, non-governmental organisations and international agencies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Adeola, H A , Adefuye, A O , Jimoh, S A
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/5280 , vital:44428 , http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj/article/view/12259
- Description: Background. Previous studies have alluded to a causal relationship between pathological entities and geographical variations, but there is a paucity of studies from Africa discussing the effect of latitudinal variation on orodigestive cancers in this region. It seems plausible that the burden of orodigestive cancer would differ as a result of variations in diet, cultural habits, climate and environmental conditions down the length of Africa. Objectives. To analyse regional variations in prevalence, incidence and mortality data in the global cancer statistics database (GLOBOCAN 2012) curated by the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Basic descriptive statistical tools were used to depict regional variations in cancer morbidity and mortality. Methods. Data on 13 African countries between longitude 20⁰ and 30⁰ east and latitude 35⁰ north and 35⁰ south were examined for variation in age-standardised orodigestive cancer prevalence, incidence and mortality. Possible regional causes for orodigestive tract cancer development were investigated. Data on lip and oral cavity, oesophageal, gastric, colorectal, liver, gallbladder and pancreatic cancers in the 13 countries were compared. Results. Our empirical findings from this preliminary study support the notion that the incidence and prevalence of orodigestive cancers vary within Africa. This effect may be due to environmental, economic, political and possibly genetic factors. Conclusions. Considering the heterogeneity of the above factors across Africa, disbursement of funding for cancer research and therapy in Africa should be focused in terms of regional variations to make best use of the fiscal allocation by African governments, non-governmental organisations and international agencies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018