1
|
Botha NL, Cloete KJ, Šmit Ž, Isaković K, Akbari M, Morad R, Madiba I, David OM, Santos LPM, Dube A, Pelicon P, Maaza M. Ionome mapping and amino acid metabolome profiling of Phaseolus vulgaris L. seeds imbibed with computationally informed phytoengineered copper sulphide nanoparticles. Discov Nano 2024; 19:8. [PMID: 38175418 PMCID: PMC10767113 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-023-03953-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
This study reports the effects of a computationally informed and avocado-seed mediated Phyto engineered CuS nanoparticles as fertilizing agent on the ionome and amino acid metabolome of Pinto bean seeds using both bench top and ion beam analytical techniques. Physico-chemical analysis of the Phyto engineered nanoparticles with scanning-electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of CuS nanoparticles. Molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the interaction of some active phytocompounds in avocado seeds that act as reducing agents with the nano-digenite further showed that 4-hydroxybenzoic acid had a higher affinity for interacting with the nanoparticle's surface than other active compounds. Seeds treated with the digenite nanoparticles exhibited a unique ionome distribution pattern as determined with external beam proton-induced X-ray emission, with hotspots of Cu and S appearing in the hilum and micropyle area that indicated a possible uptake mechanism via the seed coat. The nano-digenite also triggered a plant stress response by slightly altering seed amino acid metabolism. Ultimately, the nano-digenite may have important implications as a seed protective or nutritive agent as advised by its unique distribution pattern and effect on amino acid metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nandipha L Botha
- UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology Laboratories, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, PO Box 392, Pretoria, 0003, South Africa.
- Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, 7129, South Africa.
| | - Karen J Cloete
- UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology Laboratories, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, PO Box 392, Pretoria, 0003, South Africa.
- Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, 7129, South Africa.
| | - Žiga Šmit
- Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, Jadranska 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1001, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Mahmood Akbari
- UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology Laboratories, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, PO Box 392, Pretoria, 0003, South Africa
- Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, 7129, South Africa
| | - Razieh Morad
- UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology Laboratories, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, PO Box 392, Pretoria, 0003, South Africa
- Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, 7129, South Africa
| | - Itani Madiba
- UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology Laboratories, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, PO Box 392, Pretoria, 0003, South Africa
- Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, 7129, South Africa
| | | | - Luis P M Santos
- Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, Campus of PICI, Fortaleza, CE, 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Admire Dube
- School of Pharmacy, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
| | - Primoz Pelicon
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1001, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Malik Maaza
- UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology Laboratories, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, PO Box 392, Pretoria, 0003, South Africa
- Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, 7129, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cloete KJ, Šmit Ž, Gianoncelli A. Multidimensional Profiling of Human Body Hairs Using Qualitative and Semi-Quantitative Approaches with SR-XRF, ATR-FTIR, DSC, and SEM-EDX. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044166. [PMID: 36835578 PMCID: PMC9964782 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the potential of a multidimensional approach to differentiate body hairs based on their physico-chemical properties and whether body hairs can replace the use of scalp hair in studies linked to forensic and systemic intoxication. This is the first case report controlling for confounding variables to explore the utility of multidimensional profiling of body hair using synchrotron synchrotron microbeam X-ray fluorescence (SR-XRF) for longitudinal and hair morphological region mapping) and benchtop methods, including attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) (complemented with chemometrics analysis), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) (complemented with heatmap analysis), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis (complemented by descriptive statistics) to profile different body hairs in terms of their elemental, biochemical, thermal, and cuticle properties. This multidimensional approach provided supportive information to emphasize the intricate and rather complex interplay between the organization and levels of elements and biomolecules within the crystalline and amorphous matrix of different body hairs responsible for the differences in physico-chemical properties between body hairs that are predominantly affected by the growth rate, follicle or apocrine gland activity, and external factors such as cosmetic use and exposure to environmental xenobiotics. The data from this study may have important implications for forensic science, toxicology and systemic intoxication, or other studies involving hair as a research matrix.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen J. Cloete
- UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology Laboratories, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, P.O. Box 392, Pretoria 0003, South Africa
- Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, P.O. Box 722, Somerset West 7129, South Africa
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +27-21-82-587-6720
| | - Žiga Šmit
- Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, Jadranska 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14, km 163.5 in Area Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, TS, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
López-Vergès S, Urbani B, Fernández Rivas D, Kaur-Ghumaan S, Coussens AK, Moronta-Barrios F, Bhattarai S, Niamir L, Siciliano V, Molnar A, Weltman A, Dhimal M, Arya SS, Cloete KJ, Awan AT, Kohler S, Sharma CS, Rios Rojas C, Shimpuku Y, Ganle J, Matin MM, Nzweundji JG, Badre A, Carmona-Mora P. Correction: Mitigating losses: how scientific organisations can help address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on early-career researchers. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 2021; 8:313. [PMID: 34879121 PMCID: PMC8638647 DOI: 10.1057/s41599-021-01000-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1057/s41599-021-00944-1.].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra López-Vergès
- Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Sistema Nacional de Investigación SNI del SENACYT, Panama City, Panama
| | - Bernardo Urbani
- Center for Anthropology, Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research, Caracas, Venezuela
| | | | - Sandeep Kaur-Ghumaan
- University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
- Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World, Trieste, Italy
| | - Anna K. Coussens
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC Australia
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Suraj Bhattarai
- Global Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies, Lalitpur, Nepal
- National Young Academy of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Leila Niamir
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria
- Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Andreea Molnar
- Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC Australia
- Early- and Mid-Career Researcher Forum, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | | | | | - Shalini S. Arya
- Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World, Trieste, Italy
- Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
- Indian National Young Academy of Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Karen J. Cloete
- Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World, Trieste, Italy
- UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences/Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
- Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, Somerset West, South Africa
| | - Almas Taj Awan
- University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- National Young Academy of Young Scientists Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Chandra Shekhar Sharma
- Indian National Young Academy of Sciences, New Delhi, India
- Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Clarissa Rios Rojas
- Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yoko Shimpuku
- Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Young Academy of Japan, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Maryam M. Matin
- Department of Biology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Justine G. Nzweundji
- Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde, Cameroon
- Cameroon Academy of Young Scientists, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Paulina Carmona-Mora
- Department of Neurology and MIND Institute, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
López-Vergès S, Urbani B, Fernández Rivas D, Kaur-Ghumaan S, Coussens AK, Moronta-Barrios F, Bhattarai S, Niamir L, Siciliano V, Molnar A, Weltman A, Dhimal M, Arya SS, Cloete KJ, Awan AT, Kohler S, Sharma CS, Rios Rojas C, Shimpuku Y, Ganle J, Matin MM, Nzweundji JG, Badre A, Carmona-Mora P. Mitigating losses: how scientific organisations can help address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on early-career researchers. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 2021; 8:284. [PMID: 34901880 PMCID: PMC8646015 DOI: 10.1057/s41599-021-00944-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Scientific collaborations among nations to address common problems and to build international partnerships as part of science diplomacy is a well-established notion. The international flow of people and ideas has played an important role in the advancement of the 'Sciences' and the current pandemic scenario has drawn attention towards the genuine need for a stronger role of science diplomacy, science advice and science communication. In dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, visible interactions across science, policy, science communication to the public and diplomacy worldwide have promptly emerged. These interactions have benefited primarily the disciplines of knowledge that are directly informing the pandemic response, while other scientific fields have been relegated. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on scientists of all disciplines and from all world regions are discussed here, with a focus on early-career researchers (ECRs), as a vulnerable population in the research system. Young academies and ECR-driven organisations could suggest ECR-powered solutions and actions that could have the potential to mitigate these effects on ECRs working on disciplines not related to the pandemic response. In relation with governments and other scientific organisations, they can have an impact on strengthening and creating fairer scientific systems for ECRs at the national, regional, and global level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra López-Vergès
- Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Sistema Nacional de Investigación SNI del SENACYT, Panama City, Panama
| | - Bernardo Urbani
- Center for Anthropology, Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research, Caracas, Venezuela
| | | | - Sandeep Kaur-Ghumaan
- University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
- Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World, Trieste, Italy
| | - Anna K. Coussens
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC Australia
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Suraj Bhattarai
- Global Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies, Lalitpur, Nepal
- National Young Academy of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Leila Niamir
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria
- Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Andreea Molnar
- Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC Australia
- Early- and Mid-Career Researcher Forum, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | | | | | - Shalini S. Arya
- Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World, Trieste, Italy
- Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
- Indian National Young Academy of Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Karen J. Cloete
- Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World, Trieste, Italy
- UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences/Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
- Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, Somerset West, South Africa
| | - Almas Taj Awan
- University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- National Young Academy of Young Scientists Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Chandra Shekhar Sharma
- Indian National Young Academy of Sciences, New Delhi, India
- Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Clarissa Rios Rojas
- Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yoko Shimpuku
- Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Young Academy of Japan, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Maryam M. Matin
- Department of Biology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Justine G. Nzweundji
- Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde, Cameroon
- Cameroon Academy of Young Scientists, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Paulina Carmona-Mora
- Department of Neurology and MIND Institute, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
David M, Afzal M, Shoaib M, Aman F, Cloete KJ, Turi N, Jahan S. Study of occupational exposure to brick kiln emissions on heavy metal burden, biochemical profile, cortisol level and reproductive health risks among female workers at Rawat, Pakistan. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2020; 27:44073-44088. [PMID: 32754884 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10275-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The present study was planned to understand the heavy metal burden and its possible actions in blood of occupational females working at brick kilns at Rawat, Pakistan. A total of 232 women were included in the study, of which 114 presented control subjects. Apart from collection of demographic data, fertility indicators and body mass index (BMI), blood was collected from subjects that was later used for the determination of heavy metal concentrations using atomic absorption spectroscopy and haematological profile. Blood was centrifuged and plasma was obtained and stored at - 20° to study biochemical variables (sodium dismutase, peroxidase, reactive oxygen species, thiobarbituric acid reactive species, protein estimation), lipid profile and cortisol concentrations among the two groups. Analysis of heavy metal in blood showed elevated levels of cadmium (3.09 ± 0.01 μg/dl), chromium (4.20 ± 0.02 μg/dl) and nickel (5.59 ± 0.03 μg/dl) in worker's group as compared with control. Increased platelet count; decreased antioxidant enzyme and increased oxidants level; increased total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride (TG); decreased total protein and high-density lipoprotein (HDL); and increased cortisol levels were evident among workers as compared with the control group. The study concluded that occupational workers experience increased heavy metals burden in blood and, therefore, pose a risk to human health by causing reduction in antioxidant enzymes concentration and increase in stress conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehwish David
- Reproductive Physiology laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Afzal
- Reproductive Physiology laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shoaib
- Reproductive Physiology laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Faiza Aman
- Reproductive Physiology laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Karen J Cloete
- iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Sciences, National Research Foundation, PO Box 722, Somerset West, 7129, South Africa
| | - Naheed Turi
- Reproductive Physiology laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Sarwat Jahan
- Reproductive Physiology laboratory, Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cloete KJ, Šmit Ž, Minnis-Ndimba R, Vavpetič P, du Plessis A, le Roux SG, Pelicon P. Physico-elemental analysis of roasted organic coffee beans from Ethiopia, Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico using X-ray micro-computed tomography and external beam particle induced X-ray emission. Food Chem X 2019; 2:100032. [PMID: 31432016 PMCID: PMC6694858 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2019.100032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The physico-elemental profiles of commercially attained and roasted organic coffee beans from Ethiopia, Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico were compared using light microscopy, X-ray micro-computed tomography, and external beam particle induced X-ray emission. External beam PIXE analysis detected P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, and Sr in samples. Linear discriminant analysis showed that there was no strong association between elemental data and production region, whilst a heatmap combined with hierarchical clustering showed that soil-plant physico-chemical properties may influence regional elemental signatures. Physical trait data showed that Mexican coffee beans weighed significantly more than beans from other regions, whilst Honduras beans had the highest width. X-ray micro-computed tomography qualitative data showed heterogeneous microstructural features within and between beans representing different regions. In conclusion, such multi-dimensional analysis may present a promising tool in assessing the nutritional content and qualitative characteristics of food products such as coffee.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen J. Cloete
- iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Sciences, National Research Foundation, PO Box 722, Somerset West 7129, South Africa
| | - Žiga Šmit
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, Jadranska ulica, 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Roya Minnis-Ndimba
- iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Sciences, National Research Foundation, PO Box 722, Somerset West 7129, South Africa
| | - Primož Vavpetič
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anton du Plessis
- CT Scanner Facility, Central Analytical Facilities, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Stephan G. le Roux
- CT Scanner Facility, Central Analytical Facilities, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Primož Pelicon
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mandoreba TY, Cloete KJ, Minnis-Ndimba R, Kupika OL. A Novel Application of a Cryosectioning Technique to Aid Scat Hair Microanalysis. J Forensic Sci 2018; 64:1181-1186. [PMID: 30513553 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Scat hair presents a diverse profile of hairs for morphological assessment that may find versatile applications in wildlife forensic investigations. Successful morphological assessment of scat hair microstructure, however, depends on a robust sectioning methodology. We assessed the feasibility and efficacy of a cryosectioning technique compared to that of a gold standard hand-sectioning technique. Scat hairs were embedded in paraffin wax and hand-sectioned, while cryopreserved scat hairs were sectioned with a cryostat. The results showed that cryosectioning preserved the pristine morphology of the scat hair and provided cross sections more amenable to high-resolution imaging of hair internal microstructure than hand-sectioning. The cryosectioning technique may find novel applications as a more reliable and robust technique to aid (i) scat hair internal microstructure analysis for cross-referencing with species identification keys in wildlife forensic studies and (ii) downstream toxicological analysis in wildlife forensic studies as hair biochemistry is not altered during cryopreservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Talia Y Mandoreba
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, School of Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Private Bag 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe.,Cheetah Outreach Project, PO Box 1009, Somerset West, 7137, South Africa
| | - Karen J Cloete
- Materials Research Department, iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Sciences, National Research Foundation, PO Box 722, Somerset West, 7129, South Africa
| | - Roya Minnis-Ndimba
- Materials Research Department, iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Sciences, National Research Foundation, PO Box 722, Somerset West, 7129, South Africa
| | - Olga L Kupika
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, School of Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Private Bag 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Here, we assessed for the first time the frequency of religious delusions and the effect of treatment on religiosity and the phenomena of religious delusions in a Xhosa schizophrenia population. Religious delusions were present in 42 (70%) participants, and treatment significantly reduced religiosity (p = 0.02) as well as mean scores for certain phenomena associated with the delusions including changes in both thinking (p = 0.0001) and behaviour (p = 0.0001), as well as affective response to the delusion (p = 0.0001) The high frequency of religious delusions may indicate a higher tolerance for religious delusions in this community. It is therefore important to educate spiritual leaders on mental illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alida Connell
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Roos TC, Niehaus DJH, Leppänen JM, Ras J, Cloete KJ, Jordaan E, Koen L. Facial affect recognition and exit examination performance in medical students: a prospective exploratory study. BMC Med Educ 2014; 14:245. [PMID: 25431251 PMCID: PMC4261890 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-014-0245-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Facial affect recognition (FAR) abilities underpin emotional intelligence (EI). The latter is suggested to predict academic success and to be important for clinician-patient interaction. It is therefore of interest to investigate the possible association between FAR and academic performance in undergraduate medical students. METHODS We assessed the association between the ability to recognize emotions through facial expression and exit examination performance, a measure of clinical proficiency, in undergraduate medical students stratified by gender at a South African tertiary institution using a prospective descriptive design. Data on the perception of facial expressions and exit examination marks were obtained from 144 (61%) females and 93 (39%) males with a mean age of 24.1 ± 1.6 years. Facial affect recognition measures on the Hexagon and Animation tasks were individually correlated with academic performance indicators using Pearson correlation. RESULTS The perceptual discrimination of anger was associated with improved performance in anaesthetics (r = .24; p = .004) and urology (r = .24; p = .001), while the recognition of happiness was associated with decreased performance in obstetrics (r = -.21, p = .002). Gender was an effect modifier in the relationship between perceptual discrimination of anger and urology performance (p = .03), with a strong positive relationship for males, but a non-significant relationship for females. CONCLUSION There was no overall correlation between FAR and overall academic performance or with gender. However, subject (specialty) specific findings with recognition of specific emotions and with gender as effect modifier poses interesting questions about EI and FAR and prompts further research into FAR as a useful tool. Being an objective test and offering a more focused assessment makes FAR worthy of further application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tessa C Roos
- />Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg Cape Town, 7505 South Africa
| | - Dana JH Niehaus
- />Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg Cape Town, 7505 South Africa
| | - Jukka M Leppänen
- />Human Information Processing Laboratory, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Tampere, Tampere, FIN-33014 Finland
| | - Johan Ras
- />Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg Cape Town, 7505 South Africa
| | - Karen J Cloete
- />Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg Cape Town, 7505 South Africa
| | - Esmè Jordaan
- />Biostatistics unit, Medical Research Council, Parow, South Africa
- />Statistics and Population Studies Department, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Liezl Koen
- />Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg Cape Town, 7505 South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fjeldheim CB, Nöthling J, Pretorius K, Basson M, Ganasen K, Heneke R, Cloete KJ, Seedat S. Trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder and the effect of explanatory variables in paramedic trainees. BMC Emerg Med 2014; 14:11. [PMID: 24755358 PMCID: PMC4004503 DOI: 10.1186/1471-227x-14-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency healthcare workers, including trainees and individuals in related occupations are at heightened risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression owing to work-related stressors.We aimed to investigate the type, frequency, and severity of direct trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress symptoms and other psychopathology amongst paramedic trainees. In order to create a risk profile for individuals who are at higher occupational risk of developing PTSD, we examined risk and resilience factors that possibly contributed to the presence and severity of posttraumatic symptomatology. METHODS Paramedic trainees (n = 131) were recruited from a local university. A logistic regression analysis was conducted using the explanatory variables age, gender, population group, trauma exposure, depression, alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, resilience and social support. RESULTS 94% of paramedic trainees had directly experienced trauma, with 16% meeting PTSD criteria. A high rate of depression (28%), alcohol abuse (23%) and chronic perceived stress (7%) and low levels of social support was found. The number of previous trauma exposures, depression, resilience and social support significantly predicted PTSD status and depression had a mediating effect. CONCLUSION There is a need for efficient, ongoing screening of depressive and PTSD symptomatology in trauma exposed high risk groups so that early psychological supportive interventions can be offered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celine B Fjeldheim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Jani Nöthling
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Karin Pretorius
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa
- The Medical Research Council, University of South Africa Safety and Peace Promotion Research Unit, Parow, South Africa
| | - Marina Basson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Keith Ganasen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Robin Heneke
- Department of Emergency Medical Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Karen J Cloete
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Luckhoff M, Jordaan E, Swart Y, Cloete KJ, Koen L, Niehaus DJH. Retrospective review of trends in assaults and seclusion at an acute psychiatric ward over a 5-year period. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2013; 20:687-95. [PMID: 22988983 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In developing countries such as South Africa, not much is known about the prevalence of assaults and seclusion occurring in mental health wards over time. Here, we describe a 5-year trend in assaults and seclusions, stratified by gender, at Stikland Hospital, South Africa. A retrospective review of clinical records of patients admitted to the acute psychiatric admission wards at Stikland and involved in assault and secluded was undertaken between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2010. Data on the number of patient and staff assaults as well as seclusions, gender, age, marital status, level of education, level of income, duration of hospital admission and primary psychiatric diagnosis were collected. Significantly (P < 0.01) more men than women engaged in patient assaults, while significantly (P < 0.01) more men were secluded than women. On a monthly basis, the number of gender-stratified patient assaults and seclusions significantly increased (P < 0.01) throughout the study period. In conclusion, we show here that gender had a significant effect on both patient assault and seclusion numbers, which increased towards the end of the study period. Monitoring of these events is therefore important to continuously improve quality of care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Luckhoff
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch and Stikland Hospital, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
van den Heuvel L, Chishinga N, Kinyanda E, Weiss H, Patel V, Ayles H, Harvey J, Cloete KJ, Seedat S. Frequency and correlates of anxiety and mood disorders among TB- and HIV-infected Zambians. AIDS Care 2013; 25:1527-35. [PMID: 23668833 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2013.793263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We determined the frequency and correlates of current common mental disorders (CMDs) in a consecutive series of 649 adult patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis (TB) or both receiving treatment at 16 primary health care centres across Zambia. Data on socio-demographic variables, clinical disease features, anxiety and mood disorders were collected. The frequency of any anxiety disorder (AD) was 30.8% and major depressive disorder (MDD) 11.3%. Although differences by disease group did not reach statistical significance, rates of suicidality (34.8%) and panic disorder (4.1%) were highest for the TB-HIV group (n = 269), while rates of generalised AD (13.3%), obsessive compulsive disorder (7.6%), posttraumatic stress disorder (7.4%) and any AD (37.8%) were highest for the HIV group (n = 149). Female gender (p = 0.004) predicted any current AD as well as current suicidality (p = 0.009), while lower education status (p < 0.001) predicted current MDD. World Health Organisation (WHO) clinical staging and antiretroviral treatment status were not significantly associated with MDD or anxiety in the HIV and co-infected groups. This study indicates the importance of early identification of CMDs in TB, HIV and co-infected patients, especially women and uneducated patients, newly initiated on treatment in primary care settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leigh van den Heuvel
- a Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences , Stellenbosch University , Tygerberg , South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vos PJ, Cloete KJ, le Roux A, Kidd M, Jordaan GP. A retrospective review of trends and clinical characteristics of methamphetamine-related acute psychiatric admissions in a South African context. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 13:390-4. [PMID: 21390410 DOI: 10.4314/ajpsy.v13i5.63105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epidemiological studies indicate that methamphetamine (MA) abuse poses a major challenge to health in the Western Cape. The objectives of this study were to retrospectively assess the trends, clinical characteristics and treatment demand of MA-related admissions to a psychiatric ward in this region. METHOD The clinical records of patients admitted to an acute psychiatric admission ward at Tygerberg Hospital from 1 January 2002 to 30 June 2002 and 1 January 2006 to 30 June 2006, were retrospectively reviewed. Admission numbers including those of adolescent and adult substance users were compared for both study periods. Study samples comparing demographic profile, admission status, length of stay, psychopathology, treatment requirements and referral pattern to other disciplines between MA users and non-users were collected for the 2006 period. RESULTS There was a significant (p <0.01) increase in adolescent substance user admissions between the study periods. A significant (p <0.01) increase in adolescent and adult MA user admissions was also noted. MA users were significantly (p = 0.04) younger than non-MA users, whilst the former presented mainly with psychotic features associated with aggression, requiring involuntary admission of an average of 8 weeks. MA users required significantly (p = 0.007) more benzodiazepines compared to non-MA users. CONCLUSION Although MA use is relatively recent to the Western Cape, its adverse psychiatric effects and consequences have become a major challenge. These effects in both adolescent and adult patient populations and the associated impact on psychiatric services demand urgent intervention strategies as well as prospective study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P J Vos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lachman A, Cloete KJ, Kidd M, Schoeman R. The clinical utility and cost effectiveness of routine thyroid screening in adult psychiatric patients presenting at Stikland Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. Afr J Psych 2012; 15:36-41. [PMID: 22344761 DOI: 10.4314/ajpsy.v15i1.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 04/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
15
|
Govender RC, Oosthuizen P, Cloete KJ. Diagnostic outcome of patients referred to psychiatry with medically unexplained symptoms: a retrospective study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.4314/ajpsy.v14i1.65470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
16
|
Govender RC, Oosthuizen P, Cloete KJ. Diagnostic outcome of patients referred to psychiatry with medically unexplained symptoms: a retrospective study. Afr J Psychiatry (Johannesbg) 2011; 14:45-49. [PMID: 21509409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are commonly encountered in medical practice. In psychiatry, they are classified mostly as Somatoform Disorders and are often associated with anxiety and depression. The literature suggests that, in some cases, MUS may be ascribed to Somatoform Disorders when, fact, they are "organic" syndromes that are misdiagnosed. In developing countries, with fewer resources, MUS may be more difficult to assess. METHOD We undertook a retrospective chart review to examine the demographics, referral pathway, management and diagnostic outcome of subjects (n = 50) referred to psychiatry with MUS over an 18 month period. RESULTS Subjects with MUS accounted for only 4.5% of the total number of files reviewed. In only 38% of cases did the final diagnosis in psychiatry concur with the referral diagnosis. In 28% of cases a new "organic" diagnosis was made and in 72% of cases a new psychiatric diagnosis was made. Subjects who were diagnosed with "organic" illness were seen fewer times prior to referral to psychiatry and were significantly older than other subjects. CONCLUSION In developing countries like SA, a significant number of patients with MUS may have underlying "organic" illness, and most may have psychiatric disorders. Patients with MUS, especially older patients, should be more extensively investigated. Psychiatric referral of these patients is very appropriate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R C Govender
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Cassimjee N, Fouche JP, Burnett M, Lochner C, Warwick J, Dupont P, Stein DJ, Cloete KJ, Carey PD. Changes in regional brain volumes in social anxiety disorder following 12 weeks of treatment with escitalopram. Metab Brain Dis 2010; 25:369-74. [PMID: 21063760 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-010-9218-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2010] [Accepted: 08/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
It has been suggested that antidepressants, including the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have neurotrophic effects. Nevertheless, the impact of treatment with a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor on regional brain volumes in social anxiety disorder has not been studied. 11 subjects with social anxiety disorder completed magnetic resonance imaging both before and after 12-weeks of treatment with 20 mg/day escitalopram. No increases in structural grey matter were found, but there were decreases in bilateral superior temporal cortex, vermis and the left cerebellum volumes following 12 weeks of treatment with escitalopram. These preliminary findings require replication to determine their reliability, and extension to determine whether or not they are disorder specific.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naseema Cassimjee
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Reeb D, Best PB, Botha A, Cloete KJ, Thornton M, Mouton M. Fungi associated with the skin of a southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) from South Africa. Mycology 2010. [DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2010.492531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Desray Reeb
- a Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, c/o Iziko South African Museum, PO Box 61 , Cape Town 8000, South Africa
| | - Peter B. Best
- a Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, c/o Iziko South African Museum, PO Box 61 , Cape Town 8000, South Africa
| | - Alfred Botha
- b Department of Microbiology , University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1 , Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Karen J. Cloete
- b Department of Microbiology , University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1 , Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Meredith Thornton
- a Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, c/o Iziko South African Museum, PO Box 61 , Cape Town 8000, South Africa
| | - Marnel Mouton
- b Department of Microbiology , University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1 , Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cloete KJ, Przybylowicz WJ, Mesjasz-Przybylowicz J, Barnabas AD, Valentine AJ, Botha A. Micro-particle-induced X-ray emission mapping of elemental distribution in roots of a Mediterranean-type sclerophyll, Agathosma betulina (Berg.) Pillans, colonized by Cryptococcus laurentii. Plant Cell Environ 2010; 33:1005-1015. [PMID: 20132522 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3040.2010.02122.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The role of rhizosphere yeasts as plant nutrient-scavenging microsymbionts in resource-limited Mediterranean-type heathlands is unknown. This study, therefore, focused on quantitative elemental distribution within the roots of a medicinal sclerophyll, Agathosma betulina (Berg.) Pillans, grown under nutrient-poor conditions, and colonized by Cryptococcus laurentii. Micro-particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) was used to assess quantitative elemental distribution within the roots of A. betulina inoculated with viable C. laurentii, as well as within roots of control plants that received autoclaved yeast. To aid in the interpretation of heterogeneous elemental distribution patterns, apoplastic barriers (Casparian bands) in root tissues were located using fluorescence microscopy. In addition, root cross-sections were examined for endophytic C. laurentii using light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The average concentrations of P, Fe and Mn were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in roots of yeast-inoculated plants, compared to control plants. Casparian bands were observed in the exodermal cells of both treatments, and the presence of these bands was correlated with elemental enrichment in the epi/exodermal-outer cortical tissues. Light and TEM micrographs revealed that the yeast was not a root endophyte. This is the first report describing the role of a soil yeast as a plant nutrient-scavenging microsymbiont.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Cloete
- Faculty of Science, Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, 7602, Western Cape, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Cloete KJ, Valentine AJ, Stander MA, Blomerus LM, Botha A. Evidence of symbiosis between the soil yeast Cryptococcus laurentii and a sclerophyllous medicinal shrub, Agathosma betulina (Berg.) Pillans. Microb Ecol 2009; 57:624-632. [PMID: 18958514 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-008-9457-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2008] [Accepted: 09/23/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between a common soil yeast, Cryptococcus laurentii, and a slow-growing medicinal plant adapted to low-nutrient soils, Agathosma betulina (Berg.) Pillans, was studied. C. laurentii CAB 578 was isolated from the rhizosphere of wild A. betulina, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) analysis revealed that the yeast was capable of producing polyamines, such as cadaverine and spermine, while growing in vitro in a chemically defined medium. Since the exogenous application of polyamines are known to impact on root growth, these findings supported the results obtained when axenic cultures of A. betulina seedlings were inoculated with C. laurentii CAB 578 and cultivated for 5 months under glasshouse conditions. The presence of the yeast increased root growth by 51%. Using soil dilution plates, it was demonstrated that yeast numbers were greater in the vicinity of the roots than in the bulk soil. In addition, fluoromicroscopy, in combination with the fluorescent probes Fungolight and Calcofluor white, revealed the presence of metabolic active yeast colonies on the rhizoplane 5 months after initiation of the experimentation. The study provided evidence for a symbiosis between C. laurentii and A. betulina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Cloete
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Western Cape, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|