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Encapsulation and controlled release of halogenated natural products in nanoformulations for enhanced stability and biological activity
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) Mudanabula Ritshidze; D. Beukes; E. Antunes
Marine seaweeds, or macroalgae, represent a prolific source of natural products with promising antibacterial and antifungal properties. These organisms produce a wide array of secondary metabolites, including halogenated compounds, which exhibit potent activity against drug-resistant bacterial and fungal strains. The therapeutic development of these compounds is hindered by challenges related to their lipophilicity, poor solubility and limited stability under physiological conditions. However, such challenges can be addressed through advanced formulation strategies such as nanoencapsulation. Therefore, this study aims to address these limitations by developing solid lipid nanoparticle (SLNs) based formulations for halogenated compounds to enhance their solubility, stability and biological efficacy. Two identified monoterpenes (1 and 2) were isolated and characterized using standard chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. Structural assignment was established using standard TOCSY, 1D and 2D NMR experiments. SLNs formulations were prepared by hot homogenization followed by ultra sound technique, and evaluated using dynamic light scattering for their sizes and zeta potential. SEM images confirmed that the fabricated SLNs were spherical in shape. FTIR showed that there were no interactions between compounds and the lipid. Antimicrobial activity against clinically relevant bacterial and fungal pathogens was evaluated using a resazurin-based micro dilution assay, with the results expressed as the percentage (%) of resazurin reduction relative to the untreated control. Screening revealed that the compounds had weak antimicrobial activity, whereas, SLNs formulations had improved antimicrobial activity, reduced % resazurin reduction, against two bacterial strains, gram negative Escherichia coli and gram positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and fungal strain, Candida auris. Weak antifungal activity was observed against Candida albicans. Based on the results, this study proved that the nanoencapsulation improved the solubility and therapeutic effects of halogenated compounds.
Organisational learning culture in maternity units: a mixed-method study in rural district hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(Elsevier B.V, 2025) Horwood, Christiane; Doherty, Tanya; Haskins, Lyn
Background Building organisational learning in health facilities is a health system strengthening strategy that has particular relevance for rural health workers (HWs) who may be geographically isolated without access to learning opportunities or specialist support. We present the findings of a mixed methods study exploring organisational learning in rural hospital maternity units. Methods Data were collected from all cadres of HWs working in maternity units in 11 health facilities in two districts, including doctors, nurse managers, midwives and nursing assistants. A quantitative survey was conducted with all HWs using the validated Dimensions of Learning Organisation Questionnaire (DLOQ). We then conducted individual in-depth interviews with purposively selected HWs in each facility to explore their perceptions and experiences of learning, teamwork and leadership. Findings We completed 116 DLOQ self-administered questionnaires and conducted 35 in-depth interviews. Strategic leadership scored highest on the DLOQ, with HWs reporting that managers provided opportunities for mentoring and learning. Doctors and nurse managers experienced team learning, leadership and communication more positively than midwives and nursing assistants. Learning was driven by senior doctors and managers, frequently taking a top-down didactic approach rather than employing reflection and dialogue. This is supported by low DLOQ scores for inquiry and dialogue and empowerment among nurses compared to doctors and managers. Conclusions There is a need for shifts in learning approaches in maternity units from a didactic clinical focus to participatory dialogue and reflection, including interpersonal issues like respect and communication, and to ensure that all team members have access to learning opportunities.
AI-powered and emerging technologies for multilingual classrooms: pedagogical innovations in higher education
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) Bayaga, Anass; Mdzanga, Nokhanyo Nomakhwezi
Artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies are no longer peripheral to higher education. They are becoming part of the everyday infrastructures through which students access knowledge, lecturers design learning, institutions communicate, and academic support is organised. In multilingual higher education contexts, however, the significance of these technologies cannot be understood only in terms of efficiency, innovation or automation. Their deeper implications lie in how they shape access, participation, language, epistemic justice, and the conditions under which students are recognised as legitimate knowers.
Androstachys johnsonii Prain aqueous leaf extract attenuates oxidative stress in hyperglycaemic-induced spermatozoa: an in vitro study
(Elsevier B.V, 2025) Nethengwe, Murendeni; Opuwari, Chinyerum S; Okaiyeto, Kunle; Oguntibeju, Oluwafemi O
Background: Oxidative stress is a key instigator in the development of hyperglycaemia-associated complications in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM). Male infertility is one of the complications associated with oxidative stress and hyperglycaemia. Androstachys johnsonii Prain has been used traditionally to treat hyperglycaemic-related male infertility. Although its antioxidant capacity and phytochemical composition were previously reported, the effect of the plant extract on male parameters under oxidative stress conditions remains unclear. Objective: This study investigated the effect of the aqueous leaf extract of A. johnsonii on hyperglycaemic-induced sperm cells. Methods: A total of 25 male participants, aged 18-40, were recruited voluntarily following ethical guidelines. Sperm parameters, including reactive oxidative species (ROS), total protein content in the plasma, catalase activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, DNA fragmentation were measured after hyperglycaemia induction and treatment with (0.001 µg/mL, 0.01 µg/mL, 0.1 µg/mL, and 1 µg/mL) of plant extract, and 100 µg/mL of acarbose. Capacitation and acrosome reaction, mitochondrial membrane potential, sperm vitality and motility were also assessed. Results: The exposure of sperm cells to hyperglycaemic conditions for 24 h resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the production of reactive oxidative species (ROS), DNA fragmentation, and early capacitation and acrosome reaction, and a significant (P < 0.05) decline in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), vitality, motility. After the administration of A. johnsonii extract, there was a significant (P < 0.05) concentration-dependent reduction in ROS production, DNA fragmentation, and an increase in MMP integrity and vitality. The effect of acarbose on the sperm parameters was comparable to the highest concentrations (0.1 µg/mL and 1 µg/mL) of the extract. However, no significant (P > 0.05) change in motility and vitality was observed after treatment with acarbose. There was a significant (P < 0.05) reduction of capacitated and acrosome-reacted sperm cells post-acarbose treatment. Conclusion: These findings revealed the evident potential of A. johnsonii in the improvement of male sperm parameters in DM through the reduction of ROS.
Maternal health literacy and its associated factors among pregnant women in Western Cape antenatal clinics
(AOSIS (pty) Ltd, 2026) Noncungu, Thabani Mishack; Crowley, Talitha; Chipps, Jennifer Anne
Background: Maternal health literacy influences how pregnant women access, understand and use healthcare services for themselves and their children. Limited maternal health literacy is associated with poor maternal and foetal outcomes. Aim: To assess maternal health literacy and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the Western Cape. Setting: The study was conducted in antenatal clinics of the Western Cape. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 248 pregnant women using the Maternal Health Literacy Inventory in Pregnancy (MHELIP), together with measures of socio-demographics, depression and functional health literacy (reading and understanding). Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29. Descriptive statistics summarised participant characteristics and maternal health literacy domains, while non-parametric tests and logistic regression identified predictors of maternal health literacy. Results: Participants had a mean age of 27.4 years (± 7.53; range: 18-45), and 60.5% (n = 150) reported more than two pregnancies. Most respondents (80.0%, n = 196) had limited maternal health literacy, with a mean MHELIP score of 57.8 out of 100 (standard deviation [s.d.]: 10.8; range: 21–87). Adequate maternal health literacy was significantly associated with higher reading, understanding, and decision-making scores, while women with no risk of depression scored higher in assessing maternal health information (p < 0.05). Reading and understanding significantly predicted maternal health literacy (odds ratio [OR]: 1.20), explaining 10.0% of the variance. Conclusion: Most pregnant women had limited maternal health literacy, underscoring the need for tailored antenatal education. Contribution: The findings inform the development of maternal health literacy programmes to support informed decision-making among pregnant women in South Africa.