Browsing Research articles (Dept of Biological Sciences) by Subject "Botswana"
Now showing items 1-6 of 6
-
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) -
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) -
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) -
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) -
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) -
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)
Now showing items 1-6 of 6