Dietary habits and the association of neopterin with niacin and tryptophan in university students

Background: University students are potentially nutrient compromised as a result of social (demographics, socio-economic status) and other factors (such as transitioning from school to university - independent living). Poor eating habits compounded by lack of variety (including fruits, vegetables and dairy) may lead to students being at risk for malnutrition and non-communicable diseases of lifestyle. Adding to their stressful academic studies, the possible presence of chronic low-grade inflammation may negatively influence nutrition status, more so considering the effect of inflammation on malnutrition. Niacin is an essential nutrient and mild deficiencies are usually associated with irritability, memory problems, poor concentration and fatigue. The importance of this study was to investigate niacin micronutrient levels together with other biomarkers of nutrition, namely tryptophan and anthropometric indicators, in order to identify possible niacin deficiencies in apparently healthy individuals. Furthermore, it was important to investigate any presence of low-grade inflammation as this may have consequences for altered niacin and tryptophan micronutrient levels and nutrient metabolism among university students. Methods: A total of n=40 participants (70% female), with a mean age 23,6 ± 1,41 years, were recruited from the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria Prinshof Campus. Participants were divided into three malnutrition risk groups after completing questionnaires relating to university demographics, dietary habits and nutrition. Urine samples were collected for the assessment of niacin, tryptophan and the inflammatory biomarker neopterin via ELISA kits. Results: The mean BMI was 25.18 ± 5.14 kg/m2. The mean niacin and tryptophan levels were normal according to normative reference ranges. A total of n=19 (47.5%) participants had marginally above normal neopterin levels. There were no significant differences noted for niacin, tryptophan and neopterin between the malnutrition risk groups. However, neopterin correlated negatively with niacin, tryptophan and BMI, but positively with malnutrition risk scores. 1 in 4 participants consumed high-fat meat and processed foods daily and were at moderate risk for malnutrition. Less than 50% consumed dairy products or adequate servings of fruits and vegetables weekly with 85% of participants skipping at least one meal per day. Conclusion: Neopterin, as a relatively good marker of underlying inflammation, was negatively associated with nutrition parameters such as niacin and tryptophan. Although there were no deficiencies indicated by the niacin and tryptophan urine levels, university students may still be at risk for malnutrition as a result of underlying inflammation and the negative association of inflammation with dietary variables tested. Further research is required to support these findings.Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2019.PhysiologyMScUnrestricte

Theology at the University of Pretoria - 100 years: (1917-2017) Past, present and future

In this scholarly book, a century’s theology presented by the Faculty of Theology at the University of Pretoria, is celebrated. All authors are academics or research associates of the University of Pretoria. A historical and futuristic overview with perspectives from the past, present and future, are examined. The past is not only portrayed by means of societal and scientific contributions and achievements, but the authors also reflect on malfunctions, ill behaviour and disappointments of church and theology, presented at the University of Pretoria within the South African context over 100 years. The book commences with a chapter in which institutional transformation is discussed, as well as the changes that demonstrate the role of the Faculty of Theology within a secular state university. It includes an explanation of the importance of research impact, research productivity and research reputation. Among various discipline indicators, the category Theology and Religion Studies plays a significant role in the measurement of world university rankings of universities. With regard to scientific and encyclopaedic content, the book focuses on the theological disciplines presented in the academic curricula: first the biblical sciences (Old and New Testament Studies), then the historical disciplines (Systematic Theology, Church History and Church Polity), and finally the practical disciplines (Practical Theology, Science of Religion and Missiology). The role of Religion Studies in a newly established Faculty of Theology and Religion not only enhances the diversity of interreligious tolerance and an atmosphere of dialogue, but it serves as platform to interconnect with the fields of Humanities, Social and Natural Sciences and other academic disciplines. In the conclusive part of the book, contributions highlight the role of the centres in the Faculty (Centre for Contextual Ministry and Centre for Sustainable Communities), as well as the continental and international footprints of the two theological journals whose title ownership is attached to the Faculty of Theology of the University of Pretoria, namely HTS Theological Studies and Verbum et Ecclesia. The methodology comprised in all the chapters amounts to a literature and contextual study. Since the book describes the histories of formal academic departments, these texts are of a descriptive, interpretative and critical character. Reference is made in some chapters to exegetical methods, like the historical critical methods. The target audience of the book is academic scholars and theologians, who specialise in the different fields of Theology, the Humanities and other Social Sciences. The book is also accessible to scholars of other academic disciplines outside these disciplines. The book comprises original research by several authors and is not plagiarised from other scientific publications of this nature

The effect of fumigants on earthworms (Eisenia andrei) and soil microbial communities

MSc (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015Biofumigation is an important crop protection practice that uses a plant’s natural defence mechanisms to control agricultural crop pathogens and diseases. Glucosinolates are volatile compounds found in most Brassica species and when hydrolysed, it forms a range of natural toxins including isothiocyanates that act as biofumigants. Research suggests that biofumigation is a good alternative to chemical fumigants as it is effective in controlling plant pests but with lower health and environmental risks. Several studies have confirmed the effectiveness of the breakdown products, especially isothiocyanates, as fungicidal, bactericidal and nematicidal products against a series of plant pests. However, very little information is available on the effects of glucosinolates and its breakdown products on non-target and beneficial soil organisms. Negative effects on beneficial soil organisms can have serious negative impacts on soil quality especially when essential ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling and soil bioturbation are affected. Three biofumigants, broccoli, mustard and oilseed radish, and two chemical fumigants, metham sodium and cadusafos, were investigated for possible effects on non-target and essential soil organisms such as earthworms and the soil microbial community. Sublethal endpoints, including growth and reproductive success of the earthworms, were monitored. The genotoxicity of the biologically active compounds found in the fumigants, towards earthworms, was evaluated by means of the comet assay. The DNA damage was quantified by tail intensity parameters. Furthermore, the changes in the soil microbial community function and structure were evaluated by means of community level physiological profiling (CLPP) and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analyses respectively. All exposures were done in artificial soil prepared according to the OECD standard guidelines. In the biofumigant treated soils, results varied and different effects were observed on the non-target soil organisms. Broccoli reduced cocoon production and the number of hatchlings while mustard induced more DNA strand breaks in earthworm cells compared to the control. All the biofumigants stimulated microbial growth but broccoli and oilseed radish changed the microbial functional diversity. Mustard had no lasting effect on the functional diversity but altered the microbial community structure. The chemical fumigants had a marked negative impact on the survival, growth, reproduction and the genotoxicity of the earthworms with metham sodium causing greater harm than cadusafos. The effects on the microbial community varied. Both chemicals had an inhibitory effect on the microbial growth in terms of the viable biomass determined by PLFA and the average well colour development in the Biolog™ Ecoplates. No lasting effects were observed in the community structure. Overall, cadusafos had a more pronounced effect on the microbial community functional diversity than metham sodium. Results indicated that each bioindicator species illustrates effects at their own level of organisation.Master

Ecotoxicological Effects of Aflatoxins on Earthworms under Different Temperature and Moisture Conditions

Aflatoxin contamination remains one of the most important threats to food safety and human health. Aflatoxins are mainly found in soil, decaying plant material and food storage systems and are particularly abundant during drought stress. Regulations suggest the disposal of aflatoxin-contaminated crops by incorporation into the soil for natural degradation. However, the fate and consequences of aflatoxin in soil and on soil organisms providing essential ecological services remain unclear and could potentially pose a risk to soil health and productivity. The protection of soil biodiversity and ecosystem services are essential for the success of the declared United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The focus of this study was to investigate the toxicological consequences of aflatoxins to earthworms’ survival, growth, reproduction and genotoxicity under different temperature and moisture conditions. Results indicated an insignificant effect of aflatoxin concentrations between 10 and 100 µg/kg on the survival, growth and reproduction but indicated a concentration-dependent increase in DNA damage at standard testing conditions. However, the interaction of the toxin with different environmental conditions, particularly low moisture, resulted in significantly reduced reproduction rates and increased DNA damage in earthworms

Theology at the University of Pretoria - 100 years: (1917-2017) Past, present and future

In this scholarly book, a century’s theology presented by the Faculty of Theology at the University of Pretoria, is celebrated. All authors are academics or research associates of the University of Pretoria. A historical and futuristic overview with perspectives from the past, present and future, are examined. The past is not only portrayed by means of societal and scientific contributions and achievements, but the authors also reflect on malfunctions, ill behaviour and disappointments of church and theology, presented at the University of Pretoria within the South African context over 100 years. The book commences with a chapter in which institutional transformation is discussed, as well as the changes that demonstrate the role of the Faculty of Theology within a secular state university. It includes an explanation of the importance of research impact, research productivity and research reputation. Among various discipline indicators, the category Theology and Religion Studies plays a significant role in the measurement of world university rankings of universities. With regard to scientific and encyclopaedic content, the book focuses on the theological disciplines presented in the academic curricula: first the biblical sciences (Old and New Testament Studies), then the historical disciplines (Systematic Theology, Church History and Church Polity), and finally the practical disciplines (Practical Theology, Science of Religion and Missiology). The role of Religion Studies in a newly established Faculty of Theology and Religion not only enhances the diversity of interreligious tolerance and an atmosphere of dialogue, but it serves as platform to interconnect with the fields of Humanities, Social and Natural Sciences and other academic disciplines. In the conclusive part of the book, contributions highlight the role of the centres in the Faculty (Centre for Contextual Ministry and Centre for Sustainable Communities), as well as the continental and international footprints of the two theological journals whose title ownership is attached to the Faculty of Theology of the University of Pretoria, namely HTS Theological Studies and Verbum et Ecclesia. The methodology comprised in all the chapters amounts to a literature and contextual study. Since the book describes the histories of formal academic departments, these texts are of a descriptive, interpretative and critical character. Reference is made in some chapters to exegetical methods, like the historical critical methods. The target audience of the book is academic scholars and theologians, who specialise in the different fields of Theology, the Humanities and other Social Sciences. The book is also accessible to scholars of other academic disciplines outside these disciplines. The book comprises original research by several authors and is not plagiarised from other scientific publications of this nature