Mental healthcare in Ethiopia is underutilized due to a lack of resources and skilled practitioners.Psychological counselling offers unique intervention possibilities because of its focus on a wide range of mental hea...Mental healthcare in Ethiopia is underutilized due to a lack of resources and skilled practitioners.Psychological counselling offers unique intervention possibilities because of its focus on a wide range of mental health and social justice issues.This literature review tracks the historical development of the profession of psychological counselling in Ethiopia to establish what has been achieved to date and the development challenges.Key achievements include recognition of the profession by the Ministry of Education,growing public awareness,and increasing capacity of practitioners skilled in psychological counselling.Challenges include limited contextually relevant training,poor representation of the profession within Ministry of Health policies,poor public and government mental health literacy,and a lack of regulatory frameworks.Postgraduate training would benefit from more culturally,contextually,and linguistically appropriate evidence-based,indigenous psychology practices.The profession would benefit from engagement in government policy development that promotes mental health,and professional regulatory bodies to hold practitioners accountable to professional standards and ethical practice.展开更多
The pathogenesis of insulin resistance is influenced by environmental factors,genetic predispositions,and several medications.Various drugs used to managemultiple ailments have been shown to induce insulin resistance,...The pathogenesis of insulin resistance is influenced by environmental factors,genetic predispositions,and several medications.Various drugs used to managemultiple ailments have been shown to induce insulin resistance,which could lead to Type II Diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Central to drug-induced insulin resistance is mitochondrial dysfunction.Amongst disturbed pathways in drug-inducedmitochondrial toxicity is mitophagy,a process that removes dysfunctionalmitochondria through the lysosomal pathways to maintain mitochondrial quality.A balancemust always be maintained between mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy,as any alterations may contribute to the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus.If damaged mitochondria are not removed,their accumulation leads to increased production of reactive oxygen species(ROS)and release of calcium and cytochrome C,which leads to apoptosis.This review paper focuses on the implications of the mitophagy initiation pathways,such as Adenosine Monophosphate-activated Protein Kinase/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin(AMPK/mTOR),PTEN-induced kinase 1,and Parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase,PINK/Parkin,and the receptor-mediated pathways,such as FUN14 domain containing 1(FUNDC1)and Bcl-2 interacting protein 3(BNIP3/NIX),as a crucial link between drug-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin sensitivity impairment.It also focuses on the implications of mitochondrial dynamics in drug-induced insulin impairments.Pharmacological agents such as simvastatin,clarithromycin,olanzapine,and dexamethasone have been investigated and shown to induce insulin resistance in part through altered mitochondrial function.In this review paper,we further illuminate disturbances in mitophagy and mitochondrial dynamics that could also be pivotal in insulin resistance development as a result of exposure to these drugs.Mitophagy and mitochondrial dynamics remain understudied.Exploring the implications of mitophagy pathways and mitochondrial dynamics on drug-induced insulin resistance could lead to the development of new approaches that can be used to mitigate insulin resistance associated with different classes of pharmacological modalities.展开更多
The rapid emergence of drug-resistant microbial pathogens has posed challenges to global health in the twenty-first century.This development has significantly made most antibiotics ineffective in the treatment of infe...The rapid emergence of drug-resistant microbial pathogens has posed challenges to global health in the twenty-first century.This development has significantly made most antibiotics ineffective in the treatment of infections they cause,resulting in increasing treatment costs and annual death rates.To address the challenge posed by these pathogens,we explore the potential of secondary metabolites from Aspergillus species as a source of new and effective therapeutic agents to treat drug-resistant infections.Terpenoids,a distinct group of natural products,are extensively distributed in plants and fungi,and have been attributed with significant antibacterial,anticancer,and antiviral activities.In this review,we present an overview of Aspergillus species,and review the novel terpenoids isolated from them from 2019 to April 2024,highlighting anti-infective activity against members of the ESKAPE pathogens.We further focus on the strategies through which the structural framework of these new terpenoids could be modified and/or optimized to feed a pipeline of new lead compounds targeting microbial pathogens.Overall,this review provides insight into the therapeutic applications of terpenoids sourced from Aspergillus species and the potential for the discovery of new compounds from these fungi to combat antimicrobial resistance.展开更多
Cyanobacterial blooms or algae problems in aquaculture fish-ponds are becoming a big concern to fish farmers due to reduced production of fish.Although several studies have been conducted around the globe focusing on ...Cyanobacterial blooms or algae problems in aquaculture fish-ponds are becoming a big concern to fish farmers due to reduced production of fish.Although several studies have been conducted around the globe focusing on cyanobacterial blooms in oceans and lakes,little has been done on inhibition of algal biomass impacting fish-ponds in aquaculture industry.The present study assessed the potential of banana peel ashes and potassium sulphate on algal growth inhibition within fish-ponds based on a six-weeks mesocosm experiment conducted with varying ash concentrations(i.e.,2,4,6,8,10 g·L-1).This study analysed differences among treatments for the various nutrient variables(nitrates,ammonium and phosphates)at the end of the experiment.The significant experimental differences in physicochemical variables among the study weeks(i.e.,1–6 weeks),treatments(three levels,including controls)and ash concentrations using factorial repeated measures ANOVA were further tested.Moreover,algal growth was determined in order to test the efficiency of treatment n inhibiting algal growth by measuring chlorophyll-a concentration across 6 weeks.Banana peel ashes performed significantly well on inhibition of algal growth than potassium sulphate,except for controls.However,no clear patterns between pH and conductivity were observed throughout the experiment.The present study found that banana peel ashes do not have notable effects on water quality variable,particularly physicochemical parameters,which did not significantly change from first week of experiment.With banana peel ashes being the best inhibitor according to the findings of the present study,further studies are required to investigate the effects of banana peel ashes on fish within the ponds.展开更多
Magmatic oxide deposits in the～260 Ma Emeishan Large Igneous Province（ELIP）,SW China and northern Vietnam,are important sources of Fe,Ti and V.Some giant magmatic Fe-Ti-V oxide deposits, such as the Panzhihua,Hongg...Magmatic oxide deposits in the～260 Ma Emeishan Large Igneous Province（ELIP）,SW China and northern Vietnam,are important sources of Fe,Ti and V.Some giant magmatic Fe-Ti-V oxide deposits, such as the Panzhihua,Hongge,and Baima deposits,are well described in the literature and are hosted in layered mafic-ultramafic intrusions in the Panxi region,the central ELIP.The same type of ELIP- related deposits also occur far to the south and include the Anyi deposit,about 130 km south of Panzhihua,and the Mianhuadi deposit in the Red River fault zone.The Anyi deposit is relatively small but is similarly hosted in a layered mafic intrusion.The Mianhuadi deposit has a zircon U-Pb age of～260 Ma and is thus contemporaneous with the ELIP.This deposit was variably metamorphosed during the Indosinian orogeny and Red River faulting.Compositionally,magnetite of the Mianhuadi deposit contains smaller amounts of Ti and V than that of the other deposits,possibly attributable to the later metamorphism.The distribution of the oxide ore deposits is not related to the domal structure of the ELIP.One major feature of all the oxide deposits in the ELIP is the spatial association of oxide-bearing gabbroic intrusions,syenitic plutons and high-Ti flood basalts.Thus,we propose that magmas from a mantle plume were emplaced into a shallow magma chamber where they were evolved into a field of liquid immiscibility to form two silicate liquids,one with an extremely Fe-Ti-rich gabbroic composition and the other syenitic.An immiscible Fe-Ti-（P） oxide melt may then separate from the mafic magmas to form oxide deposits.The parental magmas from which these deposits formed were likely Fe-Ti-rich picritic in composition and were derived from enriched asthenospheric mantle at a greater depth than the magmas that produced sulfide-bearing intrusions of the ELIP.展开更多
Recent work on the Panzhihua intrusion has produced two separate models for the crystallisation of the intrusion：（1） low-Ti,high CaO and low H2O（0.5 wt.%） parent magma（equivalent to Emeishan low-Ti basalt） at F...Recent work on the Panzhihua intrusion has produced two separate models for the crystallisation of the intrusion：（1） low-Ti,high CaO and low H2O（0.5 wt.%） parent magma（equivalent to Emeishan low-Ti basalt） at FMQ;and（2） high-Ti,low CaO and higher H2O（＆gt;1.5 wt.%） parent magma（equivalent to Emeishan high-Ti basalt） at FMQ ＋ 1.5.Modelling of these parent magma compositions produces significantly different results. We present here detailed f（O2） and H2O modelling for average compositions of both Emeishan high-Ti and low-Ti ferrobasalts in order to constrain the effects on crystallisation sequences for Emeishan ultra-mafic -mafic layered intrusions.Modelling is consistent with numerous experimental studies on ferro-basaltic magmas from other localities（e.g.Skaergaard intrusion）.Modelling is compared with the geology of the Panzhihua intrusion in order to constrain the crystallisation of the gabbroic rocks and the Fe-Ti oxides ore layers.We suggest that the gabbroic rocks at the Panzhihua intrusion can be best explained by crystallisation from a parent magma similar to that of the high-Ti Emeishan basalt at moderate H2O contents（0.5-1 wt.%） but at the lower end of TiO2 content for typical high-Ti basalts（2.5 wt.%TiO2）. Distinct silicate disequilibrium textures in the Fe-Ti oxide ore layers suggest that an influx of H2O may be responsible for changing the crystallisation path.An increase in H2O during crystallisation of gabbroic rocks will result in the depression of silicate liquidus temperatures and resultant disequilibrium with the liquid.Continued cooling of the magma with high H2O then results in precipitation of Mt-Uv alone. The H2O content of parent magmas for mafic layered intrusions associated with the ELIP is an important variable.H2O alters the crystallisation sequence of the basaltic magmas so that at high H2O and f（O2） Mt -Uv crystallises earlier than plagioclase and clinopyroxene.Furthermore,the addition of H2O to an anhydrous magma can explain silicate disequilibrium texture observed in the Fe-Ti oxide ore layers.展开更多
The Panzhihua intrusion in southwest China is part of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province and host of a large Fe-Ti-V ore deposit.During emplacement of the main intrusion,multiple generations of mafic dykes invaded ca...The Panzhihua intrusion in southwest China is part of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province and host of a large Fe-Ti-V ore deposit.During emplacement of the main intrusion,multiple generations of mafic dykes invaded carbonate wall rocks,producing a large contact aureole.We measured the oxygen-isotope composition of the intrusions,their constituent minerals,and samples of the country rock.Magnetite and plagioclase from Panzhihua intrusion haveδ18O values that are consistent with magmatic equilibrium, and formed from magmas withδ18O values that were 1-2‰higher than expected in a mantle-derived magma.The unmetamorphosed country rock has highδ18O values,ranging from 13.2‰（sandstone） to 24.6-28.6‰（dolomite）.The skarns and marbles from the aureole have lowerδ18O andδ13C values than their protolith suggesting interaction with fluids that were in exchange equilibrium with the adjacent mafic magmas and especially the numerous mafic dykes that intruded the aureole.This would explain the alteration ofδ18O of the dykes which have significantly higher values than expected for a mantle-derived magma.Depending on the exactδ18O values assumed for the magma and contaminant, the amount of assimilation required to produce the elevatedδ18O value of the Panzhihua intrusion was between 8 and 13.7 wt.%,assuming simple mixing.The exact mechanism of contamination is unclear but may involve a combination of assimilation of bulk country rock,mixing with a melt of the country rock and exchange with CO2-rich fluid derived from decarbonation of the marls and dolomites.These mechanisms,particularly the latter,were probably involved in the formation of the Fe-Ti-V ores.展开更多
The biodegradation of coal discard is being intensively studied in South Africa in an effort to develop passive methods for the successful revegetation and rehabilitation of waste dumps, to mitigate pollution, and fac...The biodegradation of coal discard is being intensively studied in South Africa in an effort to develop passive methods for the successful revegetation and rehabilitation of waste dumps, to mitigate pollution, and facilitate mine closure. Bacteria were isolated from slurries of coal tailings and diesel-contaminated soil, screened for coal biodegradation competence, characterized, and the colonization and degradation of coal discard and geologically weathered coal investigated using individual isolates and consortia. Ten novel coal-degrading bacterial strains were isolated and characterized, the gene sequences deposited with GenBank, and the (wild-type) strains deposited at Microbial Culture Collection, India. The results from the present work show that bituminous coal discard and geologically weathered coal is used by these isolates as carbon and energy source. Isolated strains and consortia colonized and degraded both coal substrates. Growth rate of the isolates is faster and stationery phase achieved sooner in minimal medium containing geologically weathered coal. This observation suggests that the oxygen-rich weathered coal is a more friable substrate and thus readily colonised and biodegraded. A reduction in mass of substrate is demonstrated for both individual isolates and consortia. The changes in pH and associated media colouration occurred concomitant with formation of humic acid-like (HS) and fulvic acid-like substances (FS) which is confirmed following analysis of these products by FT-IR spectroscopy. It is concluded that preferential metabolism of alkanes from the coal substrates provided the carbon and energy for bacterial growth and transformation of the substrates to HS and FS.展开更多
In their recent publication Van Schijndel et al.(2020) present new age data and P-T analysis from the eastern margin of the Namaqua Sector of the Namaqua Natal Metamorphic Province.The authors claim to provide evidenc...In their recent publication Van Schijndel et al.(2020) present new age data and P-T analysis from the eastern margin of the Namaqua Sector of the Namaqua Natal Metamorphic Province.The authors claim to provide evidence for the subduction and collision of terranes and the presence of paired metamorphic belts in this region.展开更多
The family Mesopsychidae Tillyard, 1917 presently consists of ten described genera from the Early Permian to the Early Cretaceous of Australia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, South Africa, Tajikistan, and Ukraine. Herein,...The family Mesopsychidae Tillyard, 1917 presently consists of ten described genera from the Early Permian to the Early Cretaceous of Australia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, South Africa, Tajikistan, and Ukraine. Herein, a new genus and a new species of fossil mesopsyehid, Epicharmesopsyche pentavenulosa gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of Inner Mongolia, China, supplementing the family-level diversity. The well-preserved, new material reveals many characters, including antennae, wing venation, shape and genitalia that increase our morphological understanding of the family, although unfortunately the mouthparts and most of the legs are not preserved. Diagnosis of the Mesopsychidae is emended to include a four- or five-branched MP in both the fore- and hind wings. This is the first documentation of a wing coupling structure in the Mesopsychidae, consisting of three to four frenula bristles on the humeral lobe at the base of the costal margin of both hind wings. Asymmetrical shape and size of the left and right wings on a specimen of E. pentavenulosa gen. et sp. nov., seems to be a common condition for mesopsychid taxa from northeastern China.展开更多
A series of five new Schiff bases(1–5) were synthesized by reacting 2-(trifluoromethoxy) aniline with different aromatic aldehydes. The Schiff base compounds were characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods...A series of five new Schiff bases(1–5) were synthesized by reacting 2-(trifluoromethoxy) aniline with different aromatic aldehydes. The Schiff base compounds were characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods. Crystal structure of one new compound was also reported. The pharmacological properties, including antibacterial(14 bacterial species), antifungal(7 strains), antimalarial, anti-trypanosomal and anti-HIV activities of the compounds, were investigated. Cytotoxicity of the tested compounds was evaluated against human cervix adernocarcinoma cells(He La). Bacterial minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC) results by broth microdilution method showed that Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella oxytoc and Klebsiella pneumonia were more sensitive in the presence of tested compounds with an MIC value of 15.6 μg/m L. All the tested compounds showed good to moderate activity against fungi. The sensitivity of Aspergillus fumigatus was higher than other strains with a minimum cell death concentration(MFC) of 15.6 μg/m L. Compound 1 showed greater antimalarial and anti-trypanosomal properties with very low to no cytotoxic effects against He La cells as compared with compound 5, while other compounds exhibited poor activity. Compounds 1–5 demonstrated good activity against HIV type-1. These Schiff base compounds could be used as good antimicrobial agents.展开更多
Mimosa diplotricha is an invasive perennial, scrambling, thorny, leguminous shrub of neotropical origin widely acknowledged as a major economic, agricultural and ecological burden in its introduced ranges. Although th...Mimosa diplotricha is an invasive perennial, scrambling, thorny, leguminous shrub of neotropical origin widely acknowledged as a major economic, agricultural and ecological burden in its introduced ranges. Although the plant is thought to have been present in Nigeria for well over two decades, its mode and time of introduction is uncertain. In spite of the continuing spread of, and the menace caused by M. diplotricha in Nigeria, no attempt has been made to map the distribution of the plant countrywide. Therefore, we conducted a countrywide survey between 2007 and 2009, sponsored by the Weed Science Society of Nigeria (WSSN) to determine the spread and status of Mimosa diplotricha in Nigeria. A further objective of this paper was to review literatures on Mimosa diplotricha in Nigeria and elsewhere to enable comparison. In this paper, we report on the spread, distribution and problems of Mimosa diplotricha in Nigeria based on the field monitoring surveys conducted. The distribution of this invasive plant in Nigeria has been mapped and is presented together with its ecology and problems being caused. Since the early 1990s, the weed has started to spread and invade many parts of the country causing significant damage to many natural and semi natural ecosystems. The different control options used by farmers to control Mimosa diplotricha in Nigeria are discussed. Based on the successful control of this invasive plant using the biocontrol agent, Heteropsylla spinulosa in countries such as Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG), we discussed the biological control prospects for the management of Mimosa diplotricha in Nigeria. Such control attempts stands to benefit from international collaborations between Nigerian institutions and a host of others in Australia, PNG and/or Brazil. Finally three major causes for the massive and continuing spread of this weed in Nigeria are presented with recommendations for the Nigerian government and institutions to: 1) formulate policies and legislations regarding the control and management of invasive alien plant species which is currently nonexistent;2) enlighten the general public on the dangers of invasive alien plant species such as Mimosa diplotricha;and 3) initiate actions such as early detection and rapid response (EDRR) and biological control in order to prevent further spread of, and invasion by invasive plant species including Mimosa diplotricha.展开更多
Solvent extraction of base metals using bis((1-decylbenzimidazol-2-yl)methyl)amine (BDNNN) showed a lack of pH-metric separation of the metals. The extraction system was described quantitatively using the equilibria i...Solvent extraction of base metals using bis((1-decylbenzimidazol-2-yl)methyl)amine (BDNNN) showed a lack of pH-metric separation of the metals. The extraction system was described quantitatively using the equilibria involved to derive the mathematical explanation for the two linear log D vs pHe plots for each metal ion extraction curve, and coordination numbers could also be extracted from the two slopes. The lack of separation was attributed to the absence of stereochemical “tailor making” since the complexes isolated from the reaction of the ligand, bis((1H-benzimidazol- 2-yl)methyl)amine (NNN), with base metals suggested the formation of similar octahedral complex species from spectral and crystal structure evidence. The bis tridentate coordination observed was in agreement with information extracted from the extraction data. This investigation opens up an opportunity and an approach for the evaluation of amines as extractants but cautions against tridentate ligands.展开更多
Seven electron-deficient A_2 B type H_3-triarylcorroles have been synthesized and characterized. The solvent dependence of the electronic absorption and magnetic circular dichroism（MCD） spectra and a series of TD-DF...Seven electron-deficient A_2 B type H_3-triarylcorroles have been synthesized and characterized. The solvent dependence of the electronic absorption and magnetic circular dichroism（MCD） spectra and a series of TD-DFT calculations have been used to analyze trends in the electronic structures. Significant differences are observed in the optical spectra when solvents of differing polarity are used,which can be assigned to the effect of NH-tautomerism.展开更多
Global increase in demand for edible plant oil along with changing climates has led to a greater need to grow oilseed rape even in wet and humid environments.To find effective measures to increase tolerance of juvenil...Global increase in demand for edible plant oil along with changing climates has led to a greater need to grow oilseed rape even in wet and humid environments.To find effective measures to increase tolerance of juvenile oilseed rape to waterlogging is vitally important.A pot experiment was conducted to investigate effects of soaking seed in paclobutrazol(PBZ)solution(0(W),0.1(P1),0.3(P2)or 0.5(P3)g/L)on the growth of juvenile oilseed rape(Brassica napus L.cv.‘Zhongshuang 11’).Seed soaking with water without waterlogging was used as a control.Results showed that waterlogging decreased oilseed rape growth significantly;however,soaking seed with lower doses of PBZ(P1 and P2)significantly ameliorated the decrease in plant dry weight caused by waterlogging.Compared with W,both root dry weights and shoot dry weights of P1 and P2 treatments were significantly increased at 5 d and 10 d after waterlogging,and photosynthetic pigment contents and antioxidative enzyme activities were increased by P2 treatment at both 2 samples.Since it is labor saving and economical,soaking seed with an optimal dose(0.3 g/L)of PBZ might be an efficient way to improve waterlogging tolerance of oilseed rape.展开更多
文摘Mental healthcare in Ethiopia is underutilized due to a lack of resources and skilled practitioners.Psychological counselling offers unique intervention possibilities because of its focus on a wide range of mental health and social justice issues.This literature review tracks the historical development of the profession of psychological counselling in Ethiopia to establish what has been achieved to date and the development challenges.Key achievements include recognition of the profession by the Ministry of Education,growing public awareness,and increasing capacity of practitioners skilled in psychological counselling.Challenges include limited contextually relevant training,poor representation of the profession within Ministry of Health policies,poor public and government mental health literacy,and a lack of regulatory frameworks.Postgraduate training would benefit from more culturally,contextually,and linguistically appropriate evidence-based,indigenous psychology practices.The profession would benefit from engagement in government policy development that promotes mental health,and professional regulatory bodies to hold practitioners accountable to professional standards and ethical practice.
文摘The pathogenesis of insulin resistance is influenced by environmental factors,genetic predispositions,and several medications.Various drugs used to managemultiple ailments have been shown to induce insulin resistance,which could lead to Type II Diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Central to drug-induced insulin resistance is mitochondrial dysfunction.Amongst disturbed pathways in drug-inducedmitochondrial toxicity is mitophagy,a process that removes dysfunctionalmitochondria through the lysosomal pathways to maintain mitochondrial quality.A balancemust always be maintained between mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy,as any alterations may contribute to the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus.If damaged mitochondria are not removed,their accumulation leads to increased production of reactive oxygen species(ROS)and release of calcium and cytochrome C,which leads to apoptosis.This review paper focuses on the implications of the mitophagy initiation pathways,such as Adenosine Monophosphate-activated Protein Kinase/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin(AMPK/mTOR),PTEN-induced kinase 1,and Parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase,PINK/Parkin,and the receptor-mediated pathways,such as FUN14 domain containing 1(FUNDC1)and Bcl-2 interacting protein 3(BNIP3/NIX),as a crucial link between drug-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin sensitivity impairment.It also focuses on the implications of mitochondrial dynamics in drug-induced insulin impairments.Pharmacological agents such as simvastatin,clarithromycin,olanzapine,and dexamethasone have been investigated and shown to induce insulin resistance in part through altered mitochondrial function.In this review paper,we further illuminate disturbances in mitophagy and mitochondrial dynamics that could also be pivotal in insulin resistance development as a result of exposure to these drugs.Mitophagy and mitochondrial dynamics remain understudied.Exploring the implications of mitophagy pathways and mitochondrial dynamics on drug-induced insulin resistance could lead to the development of new approaches that can be used to mitigate insulin resistance associated with different classes of pharmacological modalities.
基金supported by grants awarded to RAD by the South African Medical Research Council(SAMRC),with funds received from the South African National Department of Health,and the UK Medical Research Council,with funds received from the UK Government's Newton Fund(Grant No.:96185)by South African National Research Foundation(NRF)through the DSI/NRF South African Research Chair Initiative(NRF UID 87583)+2 种基金OO was supported by a Rhodes University Post-Doctoral FellowshipIN and TS received Post-Doctoral Fellowships from the SAMRCDA was supported by DAAD Scholarship(Reference number:91758998).
文摘The rapid emergence of drug-resistant microbial pathogens has posed challenges to global health in the twenty-first century.This development has significantly made most antibiotics ineffective in the treatment of infections they cause,resulting in increasing treatment costs and annual death rates.To address the challenge posed by these pathogens,we explore the potential of secondary metabolites from Aspergillus species as a source of new and effective therapeutic agents to treat drug-resistant infections.Terpenoids,a distinct group of natural products,are extensively distributed in plants and fungi,and have been attributed with significant antibacterial,anticancer,and antiviral activities.In this review,we present an overview of Aspergillus species,and review the novel terpenoids isolated from them from 2019 to April 2024,highlighting anti-infective activity against members of the ESKAPE pathogens.We further focus on the strategies through which the structural framework of these new terpenoids could be modified and/or optimized to feed a pipeline of new lead compounds targeting microbial pathogens.Overall,this review provides insight into the therapeutic applications of terpenoids sourced from Aspergillus species and the potential for the discovery of new compounds from these fungi to combat antimicrobial resistance.
基金supported by National Research Foundation Masters Scholarship(UID:106618).
文摘Cyanobacterial blooms or algae problems in aquaculture fish-ponds are becoming a big concern to fish farmers due to reduced production of fish.Although several studies have been conducted around the globe focusing on cyanobacterial blooms in oceans and lakes,little has been done on inhibition of algal biomass impacting fish-ponds in aquaculture industry.The present study assessed the potential of banana peel ashes and potassium sulphate on algal growth inhibition within fish-ponds based on a six-weeks mesocosm experiment conducted with varying ash concentrations(i.e.,2,4,6,8,10 g·L-1).This study analysed differences among treatments for the various nutrient variables(nitrates,ammonium and phosphates)at the end of the experiment.The significant experimental differences in physicochemical variables among the study weeks(i.e.,1–6 weeks),treatments(three levels,including controls)and ash concentrations using factorial repeated measures ANOVA were further tested.Moreover,algal growth was determined in order to test the efficiency of treatment n inhibiting algal growth by measuring chlorophyll-a concentration across 6 weeks.Banana peel ashes performed significantly well on inhibition of algal growth than potassium sulphate,except for controls.However,no clear patterns between pH and conductivity were observed throughout the experiment.The present study found that banana peel ashes do not have notable effects on water quality variable,particularly physicochemical parameters,which did not significantly change from first week of experiment.With banana peel ashes being the best inhibitor according to the findings of the present study,further studies are required to investigate the effects of banana peel ashes on fish within the ponds.
基金supported by the Research Grant Council of Hong Kong(HKU707012P)to MFZfrom a Chinese National "973" project (2011CB808903)+1 种基金a "CAS Hundred Talents" project under Chinese Academy of Sciences to CYWSouth African National Science Foundation Grant SA/China Project 67220 to SP and MFZ
文摘Magmatic oxide deposits in the～260 Ma Emeishan Large Igneous Province（ELIP）,SW China and northern Vietnam,are important sources of Fe,Ti and V.Some giant magmatic Fe-Ti-V oxide deposits, such as the Panzhihua,Hongge,and Baima deposits,are well described in the literature and are hosted in layered mafic-ultramafic intrusions in the Panxi region,the central ELIP.The same type of ELIP- related deposits also occur far to the south and include the Anyi deposit,about 130 km south of Panzhihua,and the Mianhuadi deposit in the Red River fault zone.The Anyi deposit is relatively small but is similarly hosted in a layered mafic intrusion.The Mianhuadi deposit has a zircon U-Pb age of～260 Ma and is thus contemporaneous with the ELIP.This deposit was variably metamorphosed during the Indosinian orogeny and Red River faulting.Compositionally,magnetite of the Mianhuadi deposit contains smaller amounts of Ti and V than that of the other deposits,possibly attributable to the later metamorphism.The distribution of the oxide ore deposits is not related to the domal structure of the ELIP.One major feature of all the oxide deposits in the ELIP is the spatial association of oxide-bearing gabbroic intrusions,syenitic plutons and high-Ti flood basalts.Thus,we propose that magmas from a mantle plume were emplaced into a shallow magma chamber where they were evolved into a field of liquid immiscibility to form two silicate liquids,one with an extremely Fe-Ti-rich gabbroic composition and the other syenitic.An immiscible Fe-Ti-（P） oxide melt may then separate from the mafic magmas to form oxide deposits.The parental magmas from which these deposits formed were likely Fe-Ti-rich picritic in composition and were derived from enriched asthenospheric mantle at a greater depth than the magmas that produced sulfide-bearing intrusions of the ELIP.
基金funding through South African National Science Foundation(NRF)Grant SA/China Project 67220 to SP and Mei-Fu ZhouGH also acknowledges the support of a doctoral fellowship from the NRF for 2011-2012
文摘Recent work on the Panzhihua intrusion has produced two separate models for the crystallisation of the intrusion：（1） low-Ti,high CaO and low H2O（0.5 wt.%） parent magma（equivalent to Emeishan low-Ti basalt） at FMQ;and（2） high-Ti,low CaO and higher H2O（＆gt;1.5 wt.%） parent magma（equivalent to Emeishan high-Ti basalt） at FMQ ＋ 1.5.Modelling of these parent magma compositions produces significantly different results. We present here detailed f（O2） and H2O modelling for average compositions of both Emeishan high-Ti and low-Ti ferrobasalts in order to constrain the effects on crystallisation sequences for Emeishan ultra-mafic -mafic layered intrusions.Modelling is consistent with numerous experimental studies on ferro-basaltic magmas from other localities（e.g.Skaergaard intrusion）.Modelling is compared with the geology of the Panzhihua intrusion in order to constrain the crystallisation of the gabbroic rocks and the Fe-Ti oxides ore layers.We suggest that the gabbroic rocks at the Panzhihua intrusion can be best explained by crystallisation from a parent magma similar to that of the high-Ti Emeishan basalt at moderate H2O contents（0.5-1 wt.%） but at the lower end of TiO2 content for typical high-Ti basalts（2.5 wt.%TiO2）. Distinct silicate disequilibrium textures in the Fe-Ti oxide ore layers suggest that an influx of H2O may be responsible for changing the crystallisation path.An increase in H2O during crystallisation of gabbroic rocks will result in the depression of silicate liquidus temperatures and resultant disequilibrium with the liquid.Continued cooling of the magma with high H2O then results in precipitation of Mt-Uv alone. The H2O content of parent magmas for mafic layered intrusions associated with the ELIP is an important variable.H2O alters the crystallisation sequence of the basaltic magmas so that at high H2O and f（O2） Mt -Uv crystallises earlier than plagioclase and clinopyroxene.Furthermore,the addition of H2O to an anhydrous magma can explain silicate disequilibrium texture observed in the Fe-Ti oxide ore layers.
基金The project benefited from a PROCORE Hong Kong-France exchange grant to Arndt and Zhou and a grant from the US National Science Foundation
文摘The Panzhihua intrusion in southwest China is part of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province and host of a large Fe-Ti-V ore deposit.During emplacement of the main intrusion,multiple generations of mafic dykes invaded carbonate wall rocks,producing a large contact aureole.We measured the oxygen-isotope composition of the intrusions,their constituent minerals,and samples of the country rock.Magnetite and plagioclase from Panzhihua intrusion haveδ18O values that are consistent with magmatic equilibrium, and formed from magmas withδ18O values that were 1-2‰higher than expected in a mantle-derived magma.The unmetamorphosed country rock has highδ18O values,ranging from 13.2‰（sandstone） to 24.6-28.6‰（dolomite）.The skarns and marbles from the aureole have lowerδ18O andδ13C values than their protolith suggesting interaction with fluids that were in exchange equilibrium with the adjacent mafic magmas and especially the numerous mafic dykes that intruded the aureole.This would explain the alteration ofδ18O of the dykes which have significantly higher values than expected for a mantle-derived magma.Depending on the exactδ18O values assumed for the magma and contaminant, the amount of assimilation required to produce the elevatedδ18O value of the Panzhihua intrusion was between 8 and 13.7 wt.%,assuming simple mixing.The exact mechanism of contamination is unclear but may involve a combination of assimilation of bulk country rock,mixing with a melt of the country rock and exchange with CO2-rich fluid derived from decarbonation of the marls and dolomites.These mechanisms,particularly the latter,were probably involved in the formation of the Fe-Ti-V ores.
基金Anglo American Thermal Coal,South Africa and the National Research Foundation,South Africa(IFR1202220169,Grant No.80879)are acknowledged for financial support.Oghenekume G.Edeki and Jacob T.Olawale acknowledge financial support in the form of doctoral bursaries from Anglo American Thermal Coal and the Technology for Human Resources for Industry Programme(THRIP,TP13070820781,UID 90252).
文摘The biodegradation of coal discard is being intensively studied in South Africa in an effort to develop passive methods for the successful revegetation and rehabilitation of waste dumps, to mitigate pollution, and facilitate mine closure. Bacteria were isolated from slurries of coal tailings and diesel-contaminated soil, screened for coal biodegradation competence, characterized, and the colonization and degradation of coal discard and geologically weathered coal investigated using individual isolates and consortia. Ten novel coal-degrading bacterial strains were isolated and characterized, the gene sequences deposited with GenBank, and the (wild-type) strains deposited at Microbial Culture Collection, India. The results from the present work show that bituminous coal discard and geologically weathered coal is used by these isolates as carbon and energy source. Isolated strains and consortia colonized and degraded both coal substrates. Growth rate of the isolates is faster and stationery phase achieved sooner in minimal medium containing geologically weathered coal. This observation suggests that the oxygen-rich weathered coal is a more friable substrate and thus readily colonised and biodegraded. A reduction in mass of substrate is demonstrated for both individual isolates and consortia. The changes in pH and associated media colouration occurred concomitant with formation of humic acid-like (HS) and fulvic acid-like substances (FS) which is confirmed following analysis of these products by FT-IR spectroscopy. It is concluded that preferential metabolism of alkanes from the coal substrates provided the carbon and energy for bacterial growth and transformation of the substrates to HS and FS.
文摘In their recent publication Van Schijndel et al.(2020) present new age data and P-T analysis from the eastern margin of the Namaqua Sector of the Namaqua Natal Metamorphic Province.The authors claim to provide evidence for the subduction and collision of terranes and the presence of paired metamorphic belts in this region.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program) (2012CB821906)National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31230065, 31272352, 41272006)+1 种基金Project of Great Wall Scholar and KEY project of Beijing Municipal Commission of Education (grants KZ201310028033)China Geological Survey (grant 1212011120115)
文摘The family Mesopsychidae Tillyard, 1917 presently consists of ten described genera from the Early Permian to the Early Cretaceous of Australia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, South Africa, Tajikistan, and Ukraine. Herein, a new genus and a new species of fossil mesopsyehid, Epicharmesopsyche pentavenulosa gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of Inner Mongolia, China, supplementing the family-level diversity. The well-preserved, new material reveals many characters, including antennae, wing venation, shape and genitalia that increase our morphological understanding of the family, although unfortunately the mouthparts and most of the legs are not preserved. Diagnosis of the Mesopsychidae is emended to include a four- or five-branched MP in both the fore- and hind wings. This is the first documentation of a wing coupling structure in the Mesopsychidae, consisting of three to four frenula bristles on the humeral lobe at the base of the costal margin of both hind wings. Asymmetrical shape and size of the left and right wings on a specimen of E. pentavenulosa gen. et sp. nov., seems to be a common condition for mesopsychid taxa from northeastern China.
文摘A series of five new Schiff bases(1–5) were synthesized by reacting 2-(trifluoromethoxy) aniline with different aromatic aldehydes. The Schiff base compounds were characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods. Crystal structure of one new compound was also reported. The pharmacological properties, including antibacterial(14 bacterial species), antifungal(7 strains), antimalarial, anti-trypanosomal and anti-HIV activities of the compounds, were investigated. Cytotoxicity of the tested compounds was evaluated against human cervix adernocarcinoma cells(He La). Bacterial minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC) results by broth microdilution method showed that Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella oxytoc and Klebsiella pneumonia were more sensitive in the presence of tested compounds with an MIC value of 15.6 μg/m L. All the tested compounds showed good to moderate activity against fungi. The sensitivity of Aspergillus fumigatus was higher than other strains with a minimum cell death concentration(MFC) of 15.6 μg/m L. Compound 1 showed greater antimalarial and anti-trypanosomal properties with very low to no cytotoxic effects against He La cells as compared with compound 5, while other compounds exhibited poor activity. Compounds 1–5 demonstrated good activity against HIV type-1. These Schiff base compounds could be used as good antimicrobial agents.
文摘Mimosa diplotricha is an invasive perennial, scrambling, thorny, leguminous shrub of neotropical origin widely acknowledged as a major economic, agricultural and ecological burden in its introduced ranges. Although the plant is thought to have been present in Nigeria for well over two decades, its mode and time of introduction is uncertain. In spite of the continuing spread of, and the menace caused by M. diplotricha in Nigeria, no attempt has been made to map the distribution of the plant countrywide. Therefore, we conducted a countrywide survey between 2007 and 2009, sponsored by the Weed Science Society of Nigeria (WSSN) to determine the spread and status of Mimosa diplotricha in Nigeria. A further objective of this paper was to review literatures on Mimosa diplotricha in Nigeria and elsewhere to enable comparison. In this paper, we report on the spread, distribution and problems of Mimosa diplotricha in Nigeria based on the field monitoring surveys conducted. The distribution of this invasive plant in Nigeria has been mapped and is presented together with its ecology and problems being caused. Since the early 1990s, the weed has started to spread and invade many parts of the country causing significant damage to many natural and semi natural ecosystems. The different control options used by farmers to control Mimosa diplotricha in Nigeria are discussed. Based on the successful control of this invasive plant using the biocontrol agent, Heteropsylla spinulosa in countries such as Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG), we discussed the biological control prospects for the management of Mimosa diplotricha in Nigeria. Such control attempts stands to benefit from international collaborations between Nigerian institutions and a host of others in Australia, PNG and/or Brazil. Finally three major causes for the massive and continuing spread of this weed in Nigeria are presented with recommendations for the Nigerian government and institutions to: 1) formulate policies and legislations regarding the control and management of invasive alien plant species which is currently nonexistent;2) enlighten the general public on the dangers of invasive alien plant species such as Mimosa diplotricha;and 3) initiate actions such as early detection and rapid response (EDRR) and biological control in order to prevent further spread of, and invasion by invasive plant species including Mimosa diplotricha.
文摘Solvent extraction of base metals using bis((1-decylbenzimidazol-2-yl)methyl)amine (BDNNN) showed a lack of pH-metric separation of the metals. The extraction system was described quantitatively using the equilibria involved to derive the mathematical explanation for the two linear log D vs pHe plots for each metal ion extraction curve, and coordination numbers could also be extracted from the two slopes. The lack of separation was attributed to the absence of stereochemical “tailor making” since the complexes isolated from the reaction of the ligand, bis((1H-benzimidazol- 2-yl)methyl)amine (NNN), with base metals suggested the formation of similar octahedral complex species from spectral and crystal structure evidence. The bis tridentate coordination observed was in agreement with information extracted from the extraction data. This investigation opens up an opportunity and an approach for the evaluation of amines as extractants but cautions against tridentate ligands.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.21171076)Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(No.BK20160499)to XL and WZ and an NRF of South Africa CSUR grant(uid:93627)to JM
文摘Seven electron-deficient A_2 B type H_3-triarylcorroles have been synthesized and characterized. The solvent dependence of the electronic absorption and magnetic circular dichroism（MCD） spectra and a series of TD-DFT calculations have been used to analyze trends in the electronic structures. Significant differences are observed in the optical spectra when solvents of differing polarity are used,which can be assigned to the effect of NH-tautomerism.
基金financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFD02009)the China Agriculture Research System-Green Manure (CARS-22-G-05)the Opening Project of the Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, the Ministry of Agriculture of China (2012013)
文摘Global increase in demand for edible plant oil along with changing climates has led to a greater need to grow oilseed rape even in wet and humid environments.To find effective measures to increase tolerance of juvenile oilseed rape to waterlogging is vitally important.A pot experiment was conducted to investigate effects of soaking seed in paclobutrazol(PBZ)solution(0(W),0.1(P1),0.3(P2)or 0.5(P3)g/L)on the growth of juvenile oilseed rape(Brassica napus L.cv.‘Zhongshuang 11’).Seed soaking with water without waterlogging was used as a control.Results showed that waterlogging decreased oilseed rape growth significantly;however,soaking seed with lower doses of PBZ(P1 and P2)significantly ameliorated the decrease in plant dry weight caused by waterlogging.Compared with W,both root dry weights and shoot dry weights of P1 and P2 treatments were significantly increased at 5 d and 10 d after waterlogging,and photosynthetic pigment contents and antioxidative enzyme activities were increased by P2 treatment at both 2 samples.Since it is labor saving and economical,soaking seed with an optimal dose(0.3 g/L)of PBZ might be an efficient way to improve waterlogging tolerance of oilseed rape.
