Browsing Research articles (Dept of Biological Sciences) by Issue Date
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Matsheka, M.I.; Lastovica, A.J.; Elisha, B.G. (American Society for Microbiology. http://jcm.asm.org/, NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: A 1.6-kb DNA fragment isolated from a Campylobacter concisus genomic library gave C. concisus-specific restriction fragment length patterns when it was used as a probe in hybridization studies. All of the strains tested, including type strains and clinical isolates, contained a 0.5-kb HindIII fragment that hybridized to the probe. DNA sequencing of the 1.6-kb fragment identified three open reading frames (ORFs). One of the ORFs encodes the carboxy terminus of GyrB, and the translational products of ORF2 and ORF3 showed similarity to hypothetical proteins, previously identified in Campylobacter jejuni. DNA-DNA hybridization studies with a fragment internal to ORF3 showed that this sequence was responsible for the signal observed with the 0.5-kb HindIII fragment. A rapid PCR assay was developed and evaluated. Primers that annealed to the extremities of the 1.6-kb fragment were used to obtain an amplicon of the correct size from both reference and clinical strains of C. concisus. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/306 Files in this item: 1
Molecular identification of.pdf (4.701Mb) -
Mubyana, T.; Krah, M.; Totolo, O.; Bonyongo, M. (Journal of Arid Environments. http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/622855/description#description, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: The effect of flooding on soil total nitrogen, phosphorus and microbial population in different vegetation zones (floodplain, island and woodland) and profile depth (0?1, 0?5, 2?0, 3?0, 4?0 and 5?0m) of the Okavango Delta was studied from February to July 1999. Total nitrogen significantly differed with soil profile depth, moisture regime and months. In the woodlands, insignificant total nitrogen was detected at all depths except at 0?1m, where 0?03% and 1?17% were detected in February and March, respectively. In the island samples, only 0?05% was detected at 4m in February. Nitrogen in the floodplain samples was concentrated in the A1 horizon where 0?12%, 0?61% and 0?03% were detected in February, March, and May, respectively. Organic phosphorus significantly differed with vegetation zone but not with months and depth. Although organic phosphorus was low (0?02–0?52%) at all sites, it was liberally distributed throughout the profiles. On the island, actinomycetes were only detected up to 2m in February and up to 3m in July. Fungi concentrated in the top 0?5m (103–105). In both the floodplain and island samples, bacteria concentrated in the upper 3m. However, after May, populations decreased significantly. In the floodplain, significant actinomycetes populations were only detected in the upper 0?5m. Generally, organic phosphorus showed positive correlations with fungal populations. This study indicates that these soils are low in total nitrogen and phosphorus. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/293 Files in this item: 1
Influence of seasonal flooding.pdf (3.953Mb) -
Moyo, S.; Gashe, B.A.; Collison, E.K.; Mpuchane, S. (Elsevier / www.elsevier.com/locate/ijfoodmicro, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: This present study was undertaken to find optimum conditions of pH, temperature and, period of incubation for the pectinolytic activity of Kluyveromyces wickerhamii isolated from rotting fruits and to assess the effect of these factors by use of response surface methodology (RSM). A central composite rotatable design was used as an experimental design for the analysis of the allocation of treatment combinations. A second order polynomial regression model was fitted and was found adequate, with an R2 of 0.94469 ( P < 0.001). The effects of temperature and pH were the most significant factors in influencing enzyme production. Estimated optimum conditions were as follows: pH 5.0, temperature, 32 jC and an incubation period of 91 h. Pectinesterase (PE), pectin lyase (PL), and cellulase activities were not detected. Pectinase production was partially constitutive. Pectin was degraded by the isolated strain of K. wickerhamii in the current study, and the pectinolytic activity is referred to as polygalacturonase (PG) activity. Crude enzyme extract was thermostable at various temperatures and, stimulated by the presence of Ca2 + ions but inhibited by other ions like Mg2 +, Zn2 +, Co2 +, Mn2 + and Na+. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/228 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)Moyo_IJFM_2003.pdf (2.012Mb) -
Chaturvedi, P.; George, S.; Milinganyo, M.; Tripathi, Y.B. (John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1099-1573, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: In this study, the methanol extract of Momordica charantia fruit extract was administered to diabetic rats to assess the long term effect of the extract on the lipid profile and the oral glucose tolerance test. Treatment for 30 days showed a significant decrease in triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and a significant increase in high density lipoprotein level. A significant effect on oral glucose tolerance was also noted. Chronic administration showed an improvement in the oral glucose tolerance curve. The effect was more pronounced when the test was done in rats fed the extract on the day of the test compared with tests done in rats which were not fed the extract on the same day. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1017 Files in this item: 1
Chaturvedi_PR_2004.pdf (258.2Kb) -
Bonyongo, M.C.; Mubyana, T. (South African Journal of Science, http://www.sajs.co.za/, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: WETLANDS SUCH AS THE OKAVANGO Delta, located in semi-arid regions, are of great ecological, environmental and socio-economic importance. In most cases, however, few data exist on nutrient cycling in these areas. This paper presents preliminary results of an ongoing study, which investigates the influence of seasonal flooding on soil nutrient status in the different vegetation communities of the delta. Soil K, Na, and pH significantly increased with a decrease in soil moisture, with the values increasing from the primary floodplains to the islands communities. Available P, Ca and Mg decreased as the elevation gradient increased from the riverbed. Although nutrient status generally was highest in the floodplain vegetation areas adjacent to the riverbed, there was no significant difference in available P, Ca and Mg within the vegetation communities. Calcium levels in the different vegetation zones were more influenced by rainfall than floodplain vegetation community. Higher soil Ca was observed in the rainy season, while elevated Mg was recorded after the rains. Overall, these results indicate that flooding is an essential aspect of the Okavango Delta as it may be a primary source of some of the soil nutrients that support the high diversity of plants sustaining the delta’s ecosystem. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/401 Files in this item: 1
Soil nutrient status.pdf (1.635Mb) -
Omari, K.; Mubyana, T.; Matsheka, M.I.; Bonyongo, M.C.; Veenendaal, E. (South African Journal of Botany http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/707238/description#description, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Effects of flooding on soil nitrogen (N), and asymbiotic nitrogen fixing bacterial (diazotroph) populations of the Okavango Delta were investigated. Diazotrophs from the rhizosphere of dominant annual and perennial grasses of the Okavango Delta were isolated on N-free composite media and identified applying morphological and biochemical criteria and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). Azotobacter species were found associated mostly with the grasses Andropogon guyanus and Vetevaria nigritiana (103CFU g–1 rhizosphere soil). Annual grasses such as Eragrostis inamoena, Setaria sphacelata as well as perennials showed insignificant populations (<101CFU g–1 soil). On the contrary, Azospirillum spp. was found associated with most of the grasses. Highest population densities (above 104MPN g–1 soil) were observed in rhizospheres of E. inamoena, Cympogon excavatus, Sporobolus acinifolis, Eragrostis lapila and Eragrostis rigidor and lowest population densities (below 102MPN g–1 soil) in rhizospheres of Andropogon guyanus and Panicum repens. Flooding increased the Azotobacter populations, while Azospirillum spp. populations were significantly reduced. Nitrogen-fixing sulphur reducers were observed in the rhizosphere of annuals (A. guyanus and P. repens) and only in perennials growing in flooded soils. No Beijerinckia species were found associated with any of the grasses. The highest soil nitrogen levels were detected in flooded soils (<0.20% N) while no N was detected in the rhizosphere soil of grasses growing in very dry soils (<5% moisture content). The results indicate that in the Okavango Delta, total soil nitrogen varies with flooding regime. With flooding, the diazotroph population shifts towards Azotobacter and Nfixing sulphur reducers while Azospirillum spp. are widespread in non-flooded soils. RFLP analysis of the 1 450bp amplicon using the restriction endonuclease Alu1, showed three different banding profiles, suggesting the occurrence of three different species of Azospirillum. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/294 Files in this item: 1
Flooding and its influence.pdf (2.253Mb) -
Mpuchane, S.; Allotey, J.; Matsheka, I.; Simpanya, M.; Coetzee, S.; Jordaan, A.; Mrema, N.; Gashe, B.A. (ICIPE - African Insect Science for Food and Health, http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayJournal?jid=JTI, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Domestic cockroaches Blattella germanica were trapped from various homes in Gaborone, Botswana using ‘Dyroach’ traps. Isolations of bacteria, yeasts and moulds were done on external body parts and on the faecal pellets using various selective media. Body parts of cockroaches were also fixed with OsO4 vapour for 24 h, sputter coated with gold under special conditions and examined in a Phillips (1) XL30 ESEM in low vacuum mode. Awide spectrum of bacteria including common food spoilage and pathogenic organisms, such as Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Erwinia spp. Salmonella sp., Shigella sp. and Serratia spp. were isolated. Yeasts commonly associated with food spoilage, such as Pichia sp., Candida sp. and Torulopsis spp. were found on many cockroaches. In addition, various groups of moulds, some associated with food spoilage and others known to produce mycotoxins, such as Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus parasiticus were isolated. Antimicrobial sensitivities of bacterial isolates revealed resistance patterns to various agents. Since cockroaches are prevalent in homes, particularly in food preparation areas and since their body parts and faecal pellets have been found in food storage areas, concern about their impact on food quality and safety is raised and possible control measures including education of communities on proper sanitation are suggested. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1005 Files in this item: 1
Matsheka_IJTIS_2006.pdf (193.3Kb) -
Evaluation of methods for the isolation, detection and quantification of cyanobacterial hepatotoxinsMsagati, T.A.M.; Siame, B.A.; Shushu, D.D. (Elsevier Ltd. http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/505509/description#description, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Cyanobacterial hepatotoxins such as microcystins and nodularins have been responsible for the poisoning of both animals and humans who ingest or come into contact with toxic blooms. They are extremely stable in water due to their stable chemical structure and can tolerate radical changes in water chemistry, including pH and salinity. Different methods for the extraction and detection of these compounds have been reported. Extraction methods utilizing both aqueous and organic solvent systems have been reported. The detection methods ranging from immunological or biochemical assays such as enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and enzyme activity assays, to chemicals methods such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and more sophisticated liquid chromatographyà ¢ mass spectrometry (LC-MS) have been documented as well. We review some important aspects of cyanobacterial hepatotoxins and methods of analysis for these toxins. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/218 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Thior, I.; Gabaitiri, L.; Grimes, J.; Shapiro, R.; Lockman, S.; Kim, S.; Kebaabetswe, P.; Garmey, E.; Montano, M.; Peter, T.; Chang, S.; Marlink, R.; Essex, M. (Elsevier www.elsevier.com/locate/pateducou, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Objective: To determine uptake and socio-demographics predictors of acceptance of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) among postpartum women in Botswana. Methods: Women attending maternal and child health clinics for their first post-partum or well baby visit in three sites in Botswana were offered VCTafter a written informed consent. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic characteristics and reasons for declining VCT. Results: From March 1999 to November 2000, we approached 1735 post-partum women. Only 937 (54%) of those approached accepted VCT. In multiple logistic regression analysis, younger maternal age, not being married, and less formal education were significant predictors of acceptance of VCT. Thirty percent of women who accepted VCT were HIV-positive. Conclusion: Our results indicated that in Botswana prior to the initiation of a government Mother to Child Transmission (MTCT) prevention program, younger, unmarried, and less educated post-partum women were more likely to undergo VCT. Practice implications: Our results have shown that interventions to improve VCT among post-partum women and more generally among women of reproductive age are warranted in Botswana. These interventions should account for differences such age, marital status, education, and partner involvement to maximize VCT uptake. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/588 Files in this item: 1
GABAITIRI2007VOLUNTARY COUNSELING.pdf (642.1Kb) -
Mogobe, K.D.; Tshiamo, W.; Bowelo, M. (Elsevier, www.rhmjournal.org.uk, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper describes the maternity monitoring system in Botswana, developed in 1998, and the main methods used: maternal death and morbidity reviews at service delivery level, analysis by the National Maternal Mortality Audit Committee of data from the reviews as reported on two forms, perinatal reviews and surveys using process indicators. We carried out a study of these findings to examine whether the system was working well. Surveys using process indicators in 2001 and 2006 were analysed. Other data examined were from 2004–2006 and early 2007. The Maternal Death Notification Form was found to be comprehensive but not all health facilities were submitting them and some gave incomplete information. In 2001, 70% of pregnant women attended antenatal care but access to emergency obstetric care was uneven. In 2006, 28 facilities with maternity services surveyed were providing 24-hour delivery care, but laboratory, theatre and blood supplies were more limited, and only 50% of doctors and 67% of midwives had life-saving skills. Antibiotics were widely available, but there were shortages of magnesium sulphate, diazepam, oxytocics and manual vacuum aspiration kits. Recommendations for improvements have been made, training for skilled attendants is ongoing and a medical school has just opened at the University of Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/498 Files in this item: 1
DintleMogobe2007Mortality.pdf (944.3Kb) -
Chaturvedi, P.; George, S.; John, A. (British Journal of Biomedical Science. http://www.ibms.org/index.cfm?method=publications.british_journal, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: In the present study, preventive and protective effects of Ocimum gratissimum in ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity are assessed in albino rats. A methanol extract of O. gratissimum leaves is prepared, with a yield of 3.5% (w/w) of the dry weight of leaves. Graded doses of the extract (10, 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg body weight), together with ethanol (5 gm/kg body weight) are administered orally to experimental groups for 30 days. Normal control rats receive distilled water only, while rats in an alcohol control group (AC) receive ethanol only for 30 days. O. gratissimum reduced the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance in all experimental groups (E1â E4). Alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels fell in all experimental groups (E1â E4), but this reduction was significant only in groups E3 and E4 (P<0.05), indicating inhibition of lipid peroxidation by free radicals generated after ethanol metabolism. Levels of antioxidants also increased. Ascorbic acid and glutathione levels increased in all experimental groups (E1â E4; P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). A significant increase in catalase (P<0.05) was noted only in group E4, although an upward trend was noted in all experimental groups. This study shows that O. gratissimum prevents free radical damage to the liver and thus protects the organ from oxidative stress. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/309 Files in this item: 1
Preventive and pro.pdf (2.493Mb) -
Mubyana-John, T.; Wutor, V.C.; Yeboah, S.O.; Ringrose, S. (Academic Journals. http://www.academicjournals.org/SRE, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The influence of wild fires on microbial community structure, soil organic matter, sulphur oxidising and nitrifying microbial populations in the floodplains of the Okavango Delta of Botswana was assessed. Microbial community structure was assessed by phospholipids ester-linked fatty acids (PLFA) quantification while microbial sulphur oxidisers were assessed by Most Probable Number (MPN). Community structure assessment showed that burning shifted the microbial community structure from single cellular bacteria being the dominant groups to filamentous fungi and actinomycetes being the most dominant groups. Generally burning increased the fungal component (18:2 w6) matrix from 3.40 to 8.35 while the actinomycetes and sulphur reducing bacterial (10 Me 16:0) component also increased from 1.02 to 1.70 mostly in the floodplains. Generally, the organic matter content declined with burning. However, the influence of burning on soil pH was non conclusive. Soil microbial biomass carbon increased slightly after the fire. The number of heterotrophic and nitrite-oxidizing and sulphur reducing bacteria increased. Overall, these results indicate that burning significantly alters the microbial community structure as large above ground losses of nutrients during and after burning often results in low quantities of nutrients released into the soil. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/349 Files in this item: 1
Fire and.pdf (2.461Mb) -
Chaturvedi, P.; Segale, M. (Academic Journals http://www.academicjournals.org/SRE/index.htm, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Four types of extracts were prepared from Melia azedarach fruits. These were methanol extract and three types of water decoctions; urine treated water decoction (UE), milk treated water decoction (ME) and plain water decoction (WE). Different doses of these four extracts were tried in normal rats to estimate the hypoglycemic activity of these extracts against glucose induced hyperglycemia. Most potent doses of all the extracts were assessed for their effects on lipid peroxidation, toxic effects on liver and reduced glutathione which is considered as first line of defense against free radicals in normal rats after 10 days of oral administration. All the extracts were found to posses hypoglycemic properties. Methanol extract showed toxic effects on the liver as indicated by high activities of Serum glutamate oxaloacetate (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate tranasaminase (SGPT). It also indicated high rate of lipid peroxidation and depleted reduced glutathione levels of plasma. On the other hand three water decoctions showed very low activities of SGOT, SGPT, very low rates of lipid peroxidation and high levels of reduced glutathione. Extract prepared by the Ayurvedic method reduce blood glucose in glucose induced hyperglycemic rats and impart no toxicity. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/181 Files in this item: 2
Effects of different types of water.pdf (836.9Kb)license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Mpoloka, S.W. (Academic Journals. http://www.academicjournals.org/AJB, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Over the past few decades, there has been a depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer due to emissions of halogen-containing compounds of anthropogenic origin. This has resulted in a concomitant increase in solar ultraviolet-B radiation. High levels of UV-B radiation are responsible for multiple biologically harmful effects in both plants and animals. In plants, these effects include DNA damage, which often causes heritable mutations affecting various physiological processes, including the photosynthetic apparatus, protein destruction and signal transduction via UV-B photoreceptors. High UV-B levels introduce a number of different lesions, predominantly cyclobutane pyrimidine dimmers (CPDs) and pyrimidine (6-4) pyrimidinone products [(6-4) PPs] in the genome. These could adversely affect plant growth, development and morphology, especially the productivity of sensitive crop species. This paper reviews the genetic effects of long-term UV-B exposure in plants. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/491 Files in this item: 1
Effects of prolonged.pdf (2.345Mb) -
Mpoloka, S.W. (American-Eurasian Network for Scientific Information. http://www.aensi.org/aeb_online.html, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: The nuclear 18S rDNA and chloroplast encoded rbcL gene sequences were used to investigate the evidence of residual UV-B induced mutagenesis in Dimorphotheca sinuata plants. The probes were generated by the polymerase chain reaction and labelled with a non-radioactive Digoxigenin label and used in Southern hybridization studies. High levels of variability in the 18S rDNA gene were found, pointing to genome rearrangements and possibly genome instability due to UV-B effects. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/484 Files in this item: 1
Investigating evidence.pdf (1.233Mb) -
Gnonlonfin, G.J.B.; Hell, K.; Fandohan, P.; Siame, A.B. (Elsevier B.V. www.elsevier.com/locate/ijfoodmicro, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: The presence of fungi, aflatoxins and fumonisin B1 in cassava and yam chips (during 28 processing and storage) were evaluated during two consecutive seasons in two agroecological zones of Benin (Northern Guinea Savannah, NGS and Sudan Savannah, SS). The Benin samples were assessed for moisture content, fungal infestation and total aflatoxin and fumonisin B1 contamination. During the two seasons, samples collected from the NGS, had moisture contents ranging from 10.0 to 14.7% in cassava chips and from 11.4 to 15.3% in yam chips. In samples from the SS, moisture content ranged from 10.1 to 14.5% and 11.1 to 14.5% in cassava and yam chips, respectively. A. flavus was the predominant fungal species. The maximum cfu/g in cassava and yam chips was 8950 and 6030, respectively. Other fungal species isolated included P. chrysogenum, M. piriformis, Phoma sorghina, F. verticillioides, R. oryzae and Nigrospora oryzae. High performance liquid chromatography analysis of both cassava and yam chips showed no contamination by either aflatoxins or fumonisin B1. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/317 Files in this item: 1
Mycoflora and natural occurrence.pdf (5.959Mb) -
Siele, M.P.; Mubyana-John, T.; Bonyongo, M.C. (Global Science Books http://www.globalsciencebooks.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=1&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=5&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=56&vmcchk=1&Itemid=56, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Soil cover influences soil biological and chemical processes in various ways. The effects of soil cover (bare soil without litter, litter cover, Mopane tree canopy and grass cover) on soil respiration and microbial population at four sites in the Mopane woodland of north western Botswana were investigated. Soil respiration rates were measured using an infrared gas analyzer. Nitrifying bacterial populations were quantified by MPN on ammonium and nitrite calcium carbonate media, oligotrophs on 1% nutrient agar, actinomycetes on starch casein agar, bacteriovorous protozoans by MPN on sodium chloride agar baited with Enterobacter, and fungal biomass carbon using buried slides were also determined. Soil respiration in different habitats was significantly influenced by type of cover, diurnal temperature variations and soil moisture. Soils under cover showed significantly higher soil respiration than the bare soils. Autochthonous bacterial populations in the Mopane woodland soils consisted mostly of oligotrophs which varied insignificantly between seasons. Fungi were the most dominant microorganisms in all the Mopane woodland soils, with biomass of 162.05 to 282.14 μg C/g soil in the wet season and 11.84 to 44.16 μg C/g soil in the dry season. Microscopic observation of buried slides revealed that fungi play a vital role in holding soil particles together in these soils. The results showed a strong positive relationship between changes in fungal biomass and fluctuation of soil respiration. However, no clear correlation was observed between the variation of soil respiration and other microbial populations (oligotrophic bacteria, actinomycetes, and nitrifying bacteria). Overall these results indicate that in soils under Mopane tree canopy, fungi contribute significantly to soil structure and soil respiration. Other microbial populations consist mostly of oligotrophs which show minimal seasonal variations. Soil moisture significantly influences seasonal fluctuation in soil respiration. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/292 Files in this item: 1
The Effects of Soil Cover.pdf (6.625Mb) -
Chaturvedi, P. (Oxford University Press, Oxford Journals; http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/, March NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: In the present study, inhibitory effect of the methanol extract of Raphanus sativus root on lipid peroxidation has been carried out in normal rats. Graded doses of methanol extract of root of the plant (40, 80 and 120 mg kg 1 body weight) were administered orally for 15 days to experimental treated rats. Distilled water was administered to experimental control rats. At the end of experiment, rats were killed by decapitation after ether anesthesia. Blood and liver were collected to measure thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, reduced glutathione and activity of catalase. Results indicated that the extract of R. sativus root reduced the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance significantly in all experimental treated groups (P50.05) as compared to the experimental control group. It also increased the levels of reduced glutathione and increased the activity of catalase. In vitro experiments with the liver of experimental control and experimental treated rats were also carried out against cumene hydroperoxide induced lipid peroxidation. The extract inhibited in vitro cumene hydroperoxide induced lipid peroxidation. R. sativus inhibits lipid peroxidation in vivo and in vitro. It provides protection by strengthening the antioxidants like glutathione and catalase. Inclusion of this plant in every day diet would be beneficial. Description: eCAM Advance Access originally published online on February 20, 2007 eCAM 2008 5(1):55-59; doi:10.1093/ecam/nel077 Version available here is the 2007 version. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/182 Files in this item: 2
Inhibitory response of raphanus.pdf (861.5Kb)license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Mpoloka, S.W.; Kgotlele, T.; Wally, A. (Academic Journals, www.academicjournals.org, April 17, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Allele frequencies for nine short tandem repeat (STR) loci from the AmpFlSTR® Profiler Plus PCR Amplification Kit were determined in five subpopulations across Botswana and tested for suitability for use in individual identification. DNA was extracted from whole blood samples collected from 150 unrelated individuals. Targeted regions of DNA (vWA, FGA, D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D18S51, D21S11 and the sex determining locus Amelogenin) were amplified using multiplexed PCR. The alleles showed a high degree of polymorphism, with heterozygosity above 67%, indicating that there is no significant inbreeding within the subpopulations. Matching probability was below 0.2 hence power of discrimination was high, indicating that the alleles from the five subpopulations can be used in human identifications. The present study is the first reported attempt at determining allele frequencies of subpopulations in Botswana and could possibly be used in developing a national DNA database. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1010 Files in this item: 1
mpoloka ajb paper.pdf (292.5Kb) -
Morobe, I.C.; Obi, C.L.; Nyila, M.A.; Gashe, B.A.; Matsheka, M.I. (Academic Journals, http://www.academicjournals.org/AJB, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Listeria monocytogenes is known to cause epidemic and sporadic cases of listeriosis. The present study investigated the occurrence, antibiograms and molecular serotypes of the organism in various retail outlets in Gaborone, Botswana. Food samples were obtained randomly from selected supermarkets and street vendors in 5 geographical areas of Gaborone from May, 2007 to September 2007. L. monocytogenes was isolated and positively identified by using morphological and biochemical tests. From a total of 1324 food samples tested 57(4.3 %) were positive for L. monocytogenes. Out of the 57 isolates of L. monocytogenes 7 (12.3%), 3 (5.3%), 0 (0%), 27 (47.4%) and 20 (35.1%) were isolated from cheese, raw milk, meat (biltong), frozen cabbage and salad (coleslaw), respectively. From the 5 geographical areas selected for sampling in this study, Gaborone South recorded the highest number 19 (33.3%) of L. monocytogenes isolates while Gaborone West recorded the least, 7 (12.3%). The findings in this study reveal the presence of L. monocytogenes serotypes 1/2a and 1/2b in ready to eat food and highlight the need for education and training programmes in food safety in Gaborone, Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/996 Files in this item: 1
Morobe_AJB_2009.pdf (86.64Kb)
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