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Investigating the potential antiproliferative effect of 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘢 𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘢 aqueous leaf extract in MCF-7 breast cancer cells
(University of the Free State, 2023) Moremane, Malebogo M.; Tiloke, Charlette; Abrahams, Beynon
𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱: Breast cancer is associated with elevated mortality and morbidity rates in women across the world. Current chemotherapeutic drugs such as Doxorubicin (Dox) display contra-indications, thus expressing the need for alternative treatment methods. Therefore, to reduce the cancer burden, the study’s objective was to investigate whether an aqueous leaf extract of 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘢 𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘢 (MO), a medicinal tree native to India and indigenous to Africa, possesses antiproliferative potential against MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆: In order to suppress cell growth, MCF-7 cells were treated with MO (2600 μg/ml) for 72 hours. Cells were also co-exposed with Dox (0.978 μM), modelled as a positive control. The unexposed cells served as the control. Biochemical analysis was conducted after 72 hours (MTT, GSH, DCFH-DA, ATP, Caspase 3/7, 8/9, qPCR and western blot assays) to assess the efficacy of MO and Dox.
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘢 𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘢 aqueous leaf extract significantly reduced the proliferation of breast cancer cells by inducing oxidative stress through increasing ROS whilst decreasing glutathione content and Nrf2 protein expression. Additionally, MO induced apoptosis by increasing caspases -3/7, -8, -9, metabolic activity and upregulating p53. Similar results were observed in Dox-exposed cells. Furthermore, cell death due to MO was activated with downregulation of Bcl-2, PARP-1 and Bax. Dox decreased the growth of breast cancer cells by increasing ROS. In contrast, Dox induced chemoresistance through increased GSH content and downregulated apoptotic protein Bax and p53 gene. However, the MO + Dox combination induced antiproliferative potential similarly to MO, suggesting a possible synergistic effect.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: MO aqueous leaf extract displayed antiproliferative potential by inducing apoptosis and oxidative damage to the MCF-7 breast cancer cells
Weaving temporal threads: a wool processing at Houtkraal Railway Station in the Karoo, South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2023) Adendorff, Maliza; Smit, J.; Noble, J. A.; Jooste-Smit, P.; Bitzer, M.
Many unused and abandoned railway stations are scattered throughout the Karoo, the site of Houtkraal Railway Station being one of them. The remaining buildings verge on ruin, and slow and deliberate decay has set in, mediating between present, future and past.
The main question is: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗽 𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗳𝗮𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗼 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮?
Though the wool industry in South Africa is largely unstable due to outbreaks of cattle diseases, which limits the export of wool to other countries, the local processing of wool has yet to be established. Much research has been done on wool processing and its social, economic and environmental impact, though past research and precedent studies fail to address the possible architecture that may accommodate and balance both the hand-driven processes of wool processing and the industrial nature of a railway line in South Africa. Furthermore, the interpretation of patinas in architecture relies heavily on time, temporality and ruin theories. Along with the theory, investigations are done regarding materiality and promenades, which will attempt to make sense of the experience of passing time. The successful and realistic design and development of a wool-processing facility in the Karoo, next to a railway, may revitalise the railway and the local economy and may change onlookers’ perspectives on buildings laid waste over time.
Between Ville and Cité: a layered mixed-use creative commons in Woodstock, Cape Town
(University of the Free State, 2023) Maree, Bernard; Bitzer, M.; Smit, J. D.; Smit, P.; Bosman, G.
Urban users can be disconnected from space if place is disconnected from the urban landscape. The main research question considered is how can an investigation of the layers that constitute the urban palimpsest, through adaptive reuse inform a neo-industrial sensory and spatial experience between the ’Ville’ and the ‘Cité’, to preserve history and enhance identity in lower Woodstock, Cape Town? Other designers have attempted to address the problem of reusing previous industrial areas and buildings yet struggle with accommodating current users of the site and context. The proposed design focuses on finding the place between the larger urban landscape, ’Ville’, and a specific place in the urban landscape, ‘Cité’, through the means of investigating the urban palimpsest. Investigating precedent buildings with a focus on creative community engagement informs the composition of newly proposed structures between existing buildings. The proposal’s aim is to merge commercial economic success with aspects of community engagement to mitigate negative effects that urban renewal may bring, such as gentrification. The proposal aids designers to approach projects of an urban nature to create space of community and commerce as the between of ’Ville’ and ‘Cité’.
A visitor city on the Moon: giving identity to Lunar Architecture
(University of the Free State, 2023) van Rhijn, Ronel
In an era when commercial space travel has become a reality and Lunar habitation is no longer fiction, the future Lunar visitors’ city emerges. With world-renowned architecture firms collaborating with space agencies on space architecture and the ongoing developments of NASA and SpaceX, the possible identity of Lunar architecture is explored. How can biomimicry with architecture be applied to create an immersive future visitors’ city on the Moon and contribute towards a Lunar architectural identity? This explorative thesis transcends the boundaries of traditional design, embracing the challenge of replicating Earth’s comforts and familiarity on the Moon. It invites visitors on an extraordinary journey to a world where technology sustains life, the Earth hangs in the distant sky, and the Moon’s reduced gravity offers unique opportunities for exploration. The book, “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺”, by Kevin Lynch, was thoroughly studied. The concept of biomimicry and relevant precedent studies were examined and applied. This was done to gain a thorough understanding of how humans perceive a new environment and how to design comfortable and relatable architecture. Furthermore, inspired by Le Corbusier’s notion of architecture as a machine, this thesis conceives the Lunar centre as a self-sustaining life-support system. It delves into the intricate details of providing essential services such as food, water, oxygen, sewage management, and power within the context of the Moon. Through science and architecture, the vision harmoniously combines functionality with an immersive visitor experience, catering to both scientific researchers and adventure-seeking tourists.
Perceived social support, aggression, age and repeat offending as predictors of coping amongst male maximum-security offenders
(University of the Free State, 2022) Gwambe, Snethemba; Jordaan, J.; Cronjé, M.
This dissertation consists of five chapters.
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗻𝗲 introduces and orientates the reader to coping amongst incarcerated maximum-security offenders and emphasises the study’s problem statement, rationale/background, research aim, research questions, ethical considerations, and clarification of numerous concepts. Lastly, the value of the study is discussed.
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝘄𝗼 provides the reader with an extensive literature review of coping amongst male maximum-security offenders and its related topics.
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 provides the reader with an outline of the study’s research methodology used to meet the research aim and answer the research questions. The research approach, research design, sampling procedure and data collection procedures will be discussed in this chapter. There will further be a discussion on the measuring instruments, data analysis procedures and ethical considerations of the study.
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 presents all the study’s research findings.
Lastly, 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 encompasses a summary of the study’s findings. The value and contribution of the study will also be discussed, and chapter five will conclude with the limitations and recommendations for future research studies.
The role of perceived social support in the relationships between self-esteem and posttraumatic growth in participants living with psychophysiological skin disorders
(University of the Free State, 2022) Hawker, Shannon Jaimie; Tadi, N. F.; Makhakhe, L.
Psychophysiological skin disorders affect a large number of people and are associated with a heavy burden of disease worldwide. It was reported that at least 30% of patients with skin disorders have significant psychological co-morbidities. Many studies only focus on the pathological aspects of these skin ailments, as well as the impact of psychological distress and poor mental health. However, it remains imperative to establish factors that enable these patients to develop their personal strength, to increase their self-esteem, and to receive adequate support. Thus, the aim of this study was to expand on this body of research by investigating the relationship between self-esteem and posttraumatic growth, as well as whether perceived social support moderates or mediates the relationship between self-esteem and posttraumatic growth in participants living with psychophysiological skin disorders.
A sample of 100 participants aged between 18 and 60 years, who met one of the four types of psychophysiological skin disorders that this study included namely, Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Pruritus, and Alopecia were obtained from a hospital in Bloemfontein, Free State. Participants were selected using a non-probability, convenience sampling method. For the purpose of this study, a quantitative, non-experimental and correlational research design was utilised.
The Statistical Package of the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28 was employed to analyse the results of the study. In particular, the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients and multiple hierarchical regression analyses were performed to investigate the research objectives respectively. Results indicated that there is indeed a significant positive relationship between self-esteem and posttraumatic growth, with coefficients indicating a moderate to large effect size. Emotional-informational support, as an aspect of perceived social support, acts as a moderator between self-esteem and posttraumatic growth. Further, tangible support as an aspect of perceived social support did not moderate/mediate the relationship between self-esteem and posttraumatic growth.
The current study’s findings emphasise the implication of distinguishing between the emotional-informational and tangible dimensions of perceived social support in aiding increased self-esteem and posttraumatic growth amongst participants living with psychophysiological skin disorders.
𝘐𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘰 evaluation of expression levels of ABC-transporter genes on needle biopsies of prostate cancer patients treated with chemotherapy
(University of the Free State, 2023) Ngesi, Nandi; Sekhoacha, M. P.; Abrahams, B. R.
𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second-most diagnosed cancer among men worldwide, and the foremost male malignancy in South Africa. Various therapies are used in the treatment of PCa patients. However, despite advances in cancer therapy, treatment failures still lead to the advancement of the disease, relapse, and ultimately mortality. Chemotherapy is the treatment of choice for metastatic PCa, but it is challenged by multidrug resistance (MDR) of cancer cells. Various mechanisms participate in the MDR of cancer cells, including an increase in drug efflux facilitated by members of the ATPbinding cassette (ABC) transporters such as ATP-binding cassette sub-family C (ABCC1) / multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP1), ABCC2/MRP2, and ABCC10/MRP7. Therefore, discovering drug resistance biomarkers and mechanisms is essential in both understanding and combating chemoresistance. This study identifies cellular drug
transporter genes (ABCC1, ABCC2, and ABCC10) as possible targets for the prediction of docetaxel treatment outcomes in PCa patients.
𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲: The aim of this study was to investigate whether a correlation exists between the expression levels of ABCC1, ABCC2, and ABCC10 transporter genes and good versus (vs) poor responses to chemotherapy.
Methods: A total of nine Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissue biopsies of PCa patients were obtained from National Health Laboratory Service, Universitas academic hospital, and divided into two categories, good and poor responders. RNA and proteins were extracted from the FFPE tissues, quantified, and evaluated using quantitative RT-PCR and western blot.
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: quantitative RT-PCR shows that ABCC1/MRP1, ABCC2/MRP2, and ABCC10/MRP7 were expressed in the good and poor responder categories of PCa patients. In the good responder category, 50 % of the patients showed elevated expression levels of ABCC1/MRP1 and ABCC10/MRP7 in the normal sections compared to their tumour sections. The expression level of ABCC2/MRP2 was elevated in 75 % of the patients’ normal sections in comparison to their tumour sections. Moreover, in the poor responder category, 80 % of the patients showed elevated expression of ABCC1 in the tumour sections compared to the normal sections, and 60 % of patients showed elevated expression levels of ABCC10 in the tumour sections compared to their normal sections. The expression levels of ABCC2 in the tumour and normal sections of patients in this category of poor responders, could not be compared because the expression levels of ABCC2 could not be determined in 50 % of the patient samples. The average expression levels of ABCC1 and ABCC10 were upregulated in the tumour sections of patients in the poor responder category but were deregulated in the tumour sections of patients in the good responder category. Additionally, ABCC1, ABCC2, and ABCC10’s average expression levels were upregulated in the normal sections of patients in the good responder category and deregulated in the normal sections of patients in the poor responder category.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: The results suggest that a correlation exists between the expression levels of ABCC1, ABCC2, and ABCC10 and drug resistance reported in the poor responder category. Also, the detection of these transporter genes could potentially be used as indicators of possible docetaxel treatment outcomes.
Language matters: exploring the language barriers between dietitians and mothers during nutrition counselling related to the first 1000 days of life
(University of the Free State, 2023) Jansen, Phozia; Meko, Lucia; van den Berg, Louise
𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
South Africa is a rich melting pot of culturally and linguistically diverse citizens. Historically, the development of indigenous South African languages has been stunted while English and Afrikaans were prioritized. There has been a growing concern by healthcare professionals to serve linguistically diverse patients. Dietitians often do not share the same language as their patients. The role of language is particularly important in nutrition education and assists in achieving behavioural change. The double burden of malnutrition is a serious public health concern. The first 1000 days of life refers to the critical period of development between conception and two years of age. Adequate nutritional care is invaluable during this period; without it, poor health outcomes will track into adulthood. Nutrition education is essential in addressing the double burden of malnutrition during the first 1000 days of life. It is well known that language barriers may lead to ineffective communication between dietitians and patients. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the language barriers between dietitians and Sesotho-speaking mothers during dietetic consultations related to the first 1000 days of life.
𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝘀
A phenomenological qualitative study design was used. A total of 22 dietitians were interviewed at ten public health institutions in the Free State province. The study involved unpacking the dietitians' lived experiences and collecting data through conversational interviewing techniques. The interviews were voice-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data was analysed and three major themes, with subthemes, were identified.
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀
Most participants were White Africans who spoke Afrikaans as their first language; the rest were Black Africans and spoke various indigenous South African languages. Many reported experiencing language barriers, including, amongst others, dietitians lacking proficiency in Sesotho, the predominantly spoken local language. Other issues included mothers lacking proficiency in English or Afrikaans and some Sesotho- speaking mothers' resistance to receiving healthcare services in English. The role of power and privilege in language was also highlighted. Furthermore, the dietitians reported difficulty in explaining nutrition concepts in Sesotho. Strategies were identified to overcome the language barriers, including interpreters, visual aids, codeswitching, language learning and nutritional education in Sesotho.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
Despite the country's eleven official languages, there is limited research on language barriers in healthcare within the South African context. This study provides evidence of language barriers experienced by dietitians and mothers of young children in a Free State public health setting and highlights that practical solutions are crucial to ensure the success of healthcare interventions as language barriers between dietitians and mothers result in communication gaps, which impact nutrition outcomes, particularly in the first 1000 days of life. It is recommended that the research be repeated for different professions and indigenous languages to explore the true complexity of language barriers in the South African healthcare system. The study also highlights the lack of research regarding appropriate Sesotho nutrition and medical terminologies. Therefore, this study provided a rationale for developing a Sesotho nutrition glossary.
Quantification and characterisation of circulating extracellular vesicles in cervical cancer patients before, during and after treatment
(University of the Free State, 2023) Gasa, Noluthando Ncebakazi; Coetzee, M. J. C.
All cells actively release extracellular vesicles (EVs) upon activation and apoptosis. EVs mediate intercellular communication in normal physiology and pathology. Cancer cells, like normal cells, secrete cancer specific EVs into the blood stream. EVs can possibly be used to monitor disease progression and response to treatment. This research quantified and characterised circulating EVs in the plasma of ten patients with stage II cervical cancer before, during and up to six weeks after treatment. EVs were isolated from plasma by size exclusion chromatography. Flow cytometry was used to count and characterise the EVs. The total number of EVs was identified by using an anti-CD63 monoclonal antibody. Cancer derived EVs were identified using an anti-CD133, while anti-CD11b was used to identify platelet derived EVs, and anti-CD41 to identify neutrophil EVs.
After the start of radiotherapy (week 1) the number of CD63+ EVs, increased as large numbers of cancer cells were killed. The number of CD63 positive events significantly decreased in week six compared to baseline. There was also a significant decrease in CD133 positive and CD41 positive events in week six compared to baseline. This study demonstrated a significant increase at the start of treatment, followed by a decrease in circulating EVs after treatment compared to baseline. These findings suggest that EVs can possibly be used to monitor a patient’s response to treatment.
Mental health literacy among primary healthcare nurses in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district
(University of the Free State, 2023) Morifi, Mmatlou Gabriel; Jansen, Ronelle
Mental health literacy (MHL) is the ability to recognise, manage and prevent mental health disorders. Primary healthcare (PHC) nurses provide mental health services in the PHC facilities to all patients seeking help, even though many of them do not have adequate levels of MHL. The study aimed to describe and explore the MHL of PHC nurses in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati (Dr RSM) district. Studies are done worldwide on MHL; few are found in South Africa (SA), while no study is in the Dr RSM district in the North West province of SA.
A quantitative research methodology, utilising cross-sectional and descriptive methods, was used for this study. Eighty-four participants participated by completing questionnaires. The PHC workers who participated in the study all worked at PHC facilities in the Dr RSM district, North West province. The PHC nurses who participated gave informed consent by signing a consent form before participating in the study. The language used for this study was English. MHL questionnaires were used for data collection from participants working at PHC facilities in Dr RSM. The collected data was captured in Excel.
Data analysis was done with the help of a biostatistician at the University of the Free State. The data analysis was done on the ability to recognise depression, suicidal thoughts, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic disorders using vignettes (scenarios). Most of the participants demonstrated good MHL by recognising these mental disorders, with an above-average percentage. They correctly identified suitable healthcare professionals for the management of mental disorders but also thought that clergy, ministers, or priests could assist. Psychotherapy and physical activities were believed to be helpful for the prevention of mental disorders, while some of the participants incorrectly indicated that alcohol would be helpful.
The recommendations include that all PHC nurses undergo the necessary mental health training to have an adequate MHL when providing mental health services. There should be six-month refresher courses for those with mental health nursing qualifications. PHC nurses interested in the field should be allowed to specialise in mental health. Mental health awareness campaigns should be mandatory at each PHC facility. There should also be collaboration with stakeholders outside of the healthcare sphere who are consulted for mental disorders.