Showing papers by "Makerere University published in 1993"

The impact of HIV/AIDS on the family and other significant relationships: The African clan revisited

Abstract: Although changing in size, structure and function, the African family has persistently maintained its place as the central human social unit Beyond the traditional African family--whether in the nuclear or the extended form--is a network of people, most of whom are connected by kin or blood relationships, termed the clanship system Patterns of family treatment and care are deeply embedded in this wider kinship system The AIDS epidemic has caused adverse psychosocial and economic consequences leading to change in the family structure, and thus disturbed the capacity of the nuclear and extended family to respond to the needs of members afflicted by HIV and AIDS Hence, the clanship system could become the locus of AIDS activity designed to ensure the well-being and continuity of the family where its leadership undertakes to sustain, to reorganize, or to create wholly new families or structures among populations being devastated by AIDS New associations based on common emotional bonds of caring beyond kinship ties will be necessary to support some vulnerable members However, for such to prove durable in the troubled socio-economic context of Sub-Saharan Africa, these will need strong links to or derive their legitimacy from the resilient traditional social network, the African kinship system

The value of figs to chimpanzees

Abstract: Nine Ugandan figs have consistent differences in nutrient concentration between the pulp and seed fractions. Pulp has more water-soluble carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates, calories, and ash, while the seed fraction has more condensed tannins, lipids, and fiber. Because species differ, nutrient concentration in pulp could not be predicted from analysis of whole figs. Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest relied heavily on figs throughout 29 months, feeding relatively intensely at large trees. Fig size varied between species, between individuals of the same species, and between fruiting cycles of the same tree. Larger figs had higher water concentrations but still led to higher rates of nutrient intake per minute for chimpanzees, monkeys, and hornbills. Chimpanzees ate more than 40 cal/min, excluding calories derived from insoluble fiber, when harvesting large figs.

Centers of High Biodiversity in Africa

Abstract: Species diversity is commonly used as a criterion for determining the most important sites for conservation. The simplest method is merely to use species richness, but more sophisticated methods weight species in various ways. Further refinements can be made by combining two or more methods for one or more taxonomic groups. Data for Africa are limited and of variable quality, but “hotspots” can be identified provisionally, the Albertine Rift (where Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zaire meet) coming up most consistently. But the varying resutls produced by different methods almost certainly reflect some real differences, as can be seen both regionally (endemism at the Cape is high for plants but not for other groups) and locally (the species richness of forest trees and forest birds in Uganda are only moderately correlated). Hence, overall conservation policies are likely to be improved by the use of more than one criterion. Resumen: La diversidad de especies es comunmente utilizada como un criterio para determinar los sitios mas importantes para conservacion. El metodo mas simple es utilizar riqueza de especies, pero metodos mas sofitsticados pesan las especies en formas diversas. Esto puede ser refinado aun mas combinando dos o mas metodos para uno o mas grupos taxonomicos. Los datos para Africa son limitados y de calidad variable pero se puede identificar “hotspots” provisionalmente, la Falla Albertina (donde Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda y Zaire se unen) es la que mas sobresale. Los diferentes resultados producidos por distintos metodos reflejan, casi con seguridad, algunas diferencias reales tal como puede ser visto tanto regionalmente (el endemismo en el Cabo es alto para las plantas pero no para otras grupos) como localmente (la riqueza de especies del bosque y de los pajaros del bosque en Uganda estan correlacionadas solo moderadamente). Por lo tanto las medidas de conservacion podrian ser mejoradas por medio del uso de mas de un criterio.

A rapid manual method for CD4+ T-cell quantitation for use in developing countries.

Abstract: Clinicians took blood samples from 294 HIV-1 seropositive patients and 88 HIV-1 seronegative patients at Cornell University Medical College and The New York Hospital in New York City Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes Medical Center in Chicago and Makerere University Medical school in Kampala Uganda to assess a manual methods (Cytosphere) ability to accurately determine the CD4+ T-cell count. The Cytosphere assay uses latex beads coated with CD4 antibody which are combined with anticoagulated whole blood followed by red cell lysis. A hemacytometer then counts the bead-coated cells. The average technologist only needs 1-3 days of training (20 CD4 practice assays/days) in the Cytosphere assay. The minimal equipment required for the assay are a pipette a hemacytometer and a light microscope. The lysing agent inactivates HIV-1. The overall correlation between the standard flow cytometry method and the Cytosphere assay stood at 0.912 and was significant (p < .001). When the researchers stratified the samples based on CD4+ T-cell counts defined by flow cytometry the predictive values of the Cytosphere assay for correctly identifying patients with CD4 T-cell counts greater or less than 200 x 1 million/1 were 96% and 92% respectively. These findings suggested that the Cytosphere assay has the potential to quantify CD4 cells in the limited laboratories in developing countries. Larger longitudinal studies of HIV seropositive people in developing countries are needed to test the reliability and reproducibility of the assay.

Polymorphism and evolution in the butterfly Danaus chrysippus (L.) (Lepidoptera: Danainae)

Abstract: Analysis of the genetic structure of a sample of the polymorphic butterfly Danaus chrysippus from Kampala, Uganda shows that the population is undergoing substantial evolutionary change. Comparison with samples from the same area going back to before 1900, indicate that the frequency of form alcippus has increased from 16 per cent to 71 per cent (1909–91) while f. dorippus has decreased from 14 per cent to 2 per cent, f. aegyptius from 66 per cent to 24 per cent and f. albinus from 4 per cent to 3 per cent. Genotype frequency differences between the sexes at two of the three loci examined suggest that a balanced polymorphism is maintained by opposing selective forces acting on males and females. Non-gametic (genotypic) disequilibrium between two pairs of unlinked loci indicates that natural selection is involved, again with sex differences. It is suggested that the polymorphism originated after hybridization of allopatric races which evolved during the Pleistocene but are now maintained sympatrically. The selective agents have not been identified but mimetic relationships, both Batesian and Mullerian, are almost certainly involved.

Ape food density in the ground layer in Kibale Forest, Uganda

Abstract: Summary We measured stem density and food biomass density of the major species of groundlayer vegetation eaten by chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, Uganda. Measurements were made in eighteen 50 m2 transects in three areas of Parinari excelsa forest characterized as undisturbed, lightly felled, and more heavily felled. Stem densities and food biomass densities of species edible by chimpanzees varied little between the three areas, and were consistently low compared to previous measurements in habitats occupied by gorillas. Logging history did not have an obvious effect. The large variation in food biomass density in the ground layer of African forests is not currently understood. However, it is likely to be an important influence on the distribution of apes and other mammals. Resume Nous avons mesure la densite des pousses et celle de la biomasse alimentaire des principales especes de la vegetation au niveau du sol, mangee par les chimpanzes dans la foret de Kibale, en Ouganda. On a effectue des mesures dans 18 transects de 50 m2, dans 3 zones de foret aParinari excelsa reconnues respectivement comme intactes, legerement eclaircies et fort eclaircies. La densite des pousses et celle de la biomasse alimentaire des especes comestibles pour les chimpanzes variaient peu dans les 3 zones et sont notablement basses, comparees aux mesures anterieures dans les habitats occupes par les gorilles. L'exploitation forestiere passee n'a pas eu d'effet visible. La grande variation de densite de biomasse alimentaire de la vegetation au sol des forets africaines n'est pas encore expliquee. Cependant, il est probable qu'elle soit d'une grande importance pour la distribution des grands singes et des autres mammiferes.

Beta 2-microglobulin, HIV-1 p24 antibody and acid-dissociated HIV-1 p24 antigen levels: predictive markers for vertical transmission of HIV-1 in pregnant Ugandan women

Abstract: This study sought to evaluate the clinical utility of plasma beta2-microglobulin (beta2M) levels acid-dissociated HIV-1 p24 antigen and HIV-1 p24-antibody titers in predicting HIV-1 vertical transmission in 227 HIV-1-infected Ugandan pregnant women. Plasma beta2M levels acid-dissociated HIV-1 p24-antigen positivity and HIV-1 p24-antibody titers were determined using commercial enzyme immunoassays (EIA) in a Ugandan cohort of 52 HIV-1-seropositive transmitting mothers 175 HIV-1-seropositive non-transmitting mothers and 52 seronegative mothers within 6 weeks prior to delivery. Transmitter mothers had significantly higher plasma concentrations of beta2M (1.80 + or - 1.13 mg/1) than non-transmitter seropositive mothers (1.32 + or - 0.81 mg/1; P = 0.0013). Similarly a significantly higher proportion of transmitter mothers had detectable p24 antigen than non-transmitter mothers [6 out of 51 (11.8%) vs. 6 out of 173 (3.5%); P = 0.03]. Compared with the vertical transmission rate of 23% in the seropositive group the positive predictive values of a beta2M level > 1.5 mg/1 or detectable HIV-1 p24 antigen for vertical transmission were 34 and 50% respectively. 5 of 6 (83.3%) seropositive mothers with both a beta2M level > 1.5 mg/1 and detectable p24 antigenemia transmitted HIV-1 infection to their infants compared with 25 of 124 (20.2%) seropositive mothers with values below the cut-off values for both tests (P = 0.00249). However beta2M was not found to be a significant independent predictor of vertical transmission when analyzed in a multivariate model with p24 antigenemia. There was no significant difference in HIV-1 p24-antibody titers in transmitter mothers vs. non-transmitter mothers (P = 0.299). Beta2M levels and acid-dissociated HIV-1 p24-antigen assays may be used to predict which HIV-1 infected pregnant women are at greatest risk for vertical transmission. However only the p24-antigen test was independently predictive of vertical transmission and its clinical utility is limited. (authors)

The Protestant Work Ethic in Great Britain and Uganda

Abstract: This study examined Protestant work ethic (PWE) beliefs in Great Britain and Uganda. University students completed seven PWE scales that had been used in many countries both from the developing and developed world. A two-way (Sex x Nationality) ANOVA showed many highly significant main effects particularly that for nationality, but few significant interactions. Those who endorsed the PWE were generally females more than males and Ugandans more than Britons. Possible experimental artifacts and moderator variables are considered along with the possibility that genuine cultural differences were found. These results are discussed in terms of the relevant literature on cross-culture studies of the PWE.

Effect of maize plants on colonisation of cowpea plants by bean flower thrips, Megalurothrips sjostedti

Abstract: The effect of non-host maize plants on colonisation of cowpea by Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom) (Thysanoptera; Thripidae) was investigated. There were no differences in population density and activity of M. sjostedti on sole cowpea crop and mixed cowpea/maize crop during the colonisation phase (i.e. 10–30 days after emergence of the plants. However, subsequently M. sjostedti numbers were lower in the mixed than in the sole crop, suggesting that maize did not interfere with colonisation of cowpea crop by thrips. In a choice situation, higher numbers of M. sjostedti oriented towards, and settled on, sole cowpea plants than on those mixed with maize. Olfactory tests indicated that fewer thrips oriented towards a cowpea/maize mixed odour source. When equal numbers of thrips were introduced into the centre of sole- and mixed-cropped cowpea plots, the thrips became randomly distributed in each plot. Fewer thrips were recovered from the mixture than from the sole crop. It is concluded that, although non-host plant odours do not reduce thrips colonisation they interfere with host plant utilisation.

Influence of Cowpea/Maize Mixture on Generalists Predators and Their Effect on Population Density of the Legume Flower Thrips, Megalurothrips Sjostedti Trybom (Thysanoptera:Thripidae)

Abstract: The effect of mixed cropping cow pea with maize on general predators' abundance and their influence on population density of Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom) on cowpeas was investigated in the field and in exclusion cages. Populations of predatory ladybird beetles, Orius sp. and earwigs (Dermaptera) were not significantly influenced by mixed cropping. The density of spiders, however, was significantly higher in the cowpea sole crop than in the cowpea/maize mixture. The population density of M. sjostedti was significantly less in the cowpea/maize mixture than in cowpea sole crop, both inside cages, where predators were excluded, and outside. We concluded that this reduced population density was not the result of enhanced predators’ population in the mixture.

Effect of human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection on the outcome of pregnancy in Ugandan women.

Abstract: A longitudinal study of HIV-infected and -uninfected pregnant women is underway in Kampala Uganda. Pregnancy and peripartum information was obtained on 1254 women in the study delivering at Mulago Hospital between January 1989 and February 1991. Complications during pregnancy occurred more often to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive women (51.8%) than HIV seronegative women (35.2% p < 0.001). These complications included fever urinary tract infection and herpes zoster infections. There was a trend toward a higher maternal mortality in seropositive women (5/557) than in the seronegative women (1/697) however this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.117). Death of the fetus or newborn was significantly more likely to occur in the seropositive group (5.6%) than the seronegative group (3.0% p = 0.024). Furthermore birth weights were slightly but significantly lower in infants born to the seropositive women (2907 g vs. 3064 g p < 0.001). There were more infants born to seropositive women before 37 weeks gestation (12.3% vs. 8.4% p = 0.027) and with Apgar scores < 8 (11.6% vs. 7.7% p = 0.022). HIV infection in Ugandan women is significantly associated with increased morbidity and mortality during pregnancy and adversely affects infant outcome. (authors)

Scleroma in Uganda: a review of 85 cases.

Abstract: Biopsy and autopsy protocols revealed that between 1972 and 1981, 85 cases of scleroma were diagnosed in Uganda. The disease was found to affect females more than males, and was found to be more common in the middle aged. Scleroma occurred in the nose in 96% of cases and presented commonly at a late stage. The disease was found commonly among the tribes of south western Uganda and Itesot in the east. Possible factors associated with the distribution of this disease in Uganda are discussed.

Peasant response to economic crisis in Uganda: rice farmers in Busoga

Abstract: This study examines the response of a section of the peasantry in Uganda to economic crisis over the last decade. In Nabweyo, a peasant village in Busiki county, Busoga, farmers have changed from growing cotton for export to producing rice for the domestic market. The switch has been the consequence of changing price structures which have in turn resulted from disruption of the marketing and processing infrastructure of traditional cash crops. The experience of Busiki reflects a more general reaction to political and economic crisis which has transformed peasant processes of production. Rural populations along the whole stretch of the Lake Kyoga basin in both Busoga and Tororo Districts responded to the crisis by increasing small scale commercial farming of rice as a survival strategy. It is argued that in the process rural hierarchies are being reshaped in a manner which may alter the balance of social forces within Uganda as a whole.

The impact of AIDS in a rural Ugandan community

Abstract: Three AIDS-related surveys have been conducted on a community-based cohort in the Kasangati defined area Uganda during 1987 1990 and 1992. The 1987 baseline survey recruited 1990 adults and in addition to assessing levels of knowledge attitudes and practices HIV serology was done on all the study participants. During the 1992 survey the authors objectives were threefold: (i) to assess the attitudes and behaviors relevant to AIDS and to evaluate the magnitude of any changes since 1987; (ii) to assess the socioeconomic impact of AIDS and (iii) to assess the effect of AIDS on the mortality trends in the area. It was found that the percentage of people who have ever used a condom increased from 4% in 1987 to 10% in 1992 but those who used condoms frequently remained the same at 1%. Sexual partner change was measured over a six month period and the percentage of people who had two or more sexual partners in this period was found to be 7% in 1992 compared to 26.4% in 1987. The five-year mortality rate among the persons initially HIV positive was 44.7% compared to 8.7% among those initially seronegative. AIDS has substantially increased the mortality rate in this community leading to reduced incomes for the families of persons dying from the disease increased expenditure on medical treatment and a new breed of orphans. The overall five-year mortality rate was 10.6% (128/1204) but if the persons reported to have died from AIDS are excluded it is only 6.1% (73/1204). (authors)

Tillage systems and soil properties in east Africa

Abstract: This paper defines tillage, indicating that as it is mostly a physical concern of the soil, it has not been studied as much as chemically related soil properties. Tillage in shifting cultivation is also reviewed. Different tillage systems in a number of east African Countries namely Tanzania, Malawi, Botswana, Kenya, Zambia and Uganda are reviewed. The types of tillage in their respective soils are discussed in each Country. Uganda's tillage practices for the main food crop (banana) are discussed, pointing out the crop's rooting system in relation to the heavy, relatively fertile soils, where the bananas are mostly grown. The paper distinguishes between tillage to avoid soil compaction and tillage to reduce soil crusting or hardening and concludes that more research should be carried out on tillage practices relating to heavy soils as it affects the different types of crops, as most of the previous tillage research had been carried out on relatively light soils. Soil crusting or hardening which may involve an understanding of the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil, should also receive more attention.

Education and Training of Archivists at the East African School of Librarianship in the 1990s and Beyond

Abstract: This paper examines and recommends strategies for the education and training of archivists at the East African School of Librarianship (EASL) in the 1990s and beyond. First, it states the objectives of the National Information System (NATIS) in relation to coordinating the development of library and information services, a major component of which is education and training. The author then defines some terms and gives brief notes on education and training programs offered by selected African library schools, with special reference to archives. Finally, the current status of archival education and training at the East African School of Librarianship is discussed. The paper concludes with proposals for the future education and training of archivists at the EASL in the 1990s and beyond.

Rinderpest vaccination responses among calves and adult cattle in Uganda monitored using ELISA assay

Abstract: Responses to the Plowright Rinderpest vaccine by 43 calves and 70 adult cattle in Uganda in 1990, through the production of IgG antibodies, were monitored for 4 weeks using the ELISA assay. 80% of the calves were seronegative before vaccination of which 32% remained seronegative and 68% subsequently seroconverted at 2 weeks postvaccination. 20% of the calves were seropositive before vaccination but registered a decline during the 2nd and 4th weeks postvaccination. 50% of adult Ankole cattle seroconverted after 3 weeks postvaccination, while the other 50% of them, which were seropositive before vaccination, showed a decline in seronegative levels during the first 2 weeks postvaccination, but increased again at the 4th week. 90% of Friesian adult cattle were seronegative before vaccination; however, they all seroconverted within the 2nd week of postvaccination. The other 10% remained seropositive, with a slight decline of antibody levels during the 4 weeks after vaccination.

Mechanisms of interactions involving formation and rupture of S-S bonds in inorganic sulphur OXO-derivative systems

Abstract: Mechanisms of ten redox interactions involving inorganic sulphur oxo-derivative systems thiosulphate (SbSaO3 2-) and polythionate (O3 -Sa(Sb)nSaO3 -) have been investigated where Sa is a sulphur centre directly coordinated by oxygens and one sulphur-b (Sb); Sb is a sulphur atom either directly bonded to Sa or any one of the others catenated to one adjacent to Sa. The degree of lability of the S-S bonds of these systems towards the hydroxyl anion is a function of its concentration and also of other species in the medium. In a weak concentration of hydroxyl anion medium, iodine effects only breakage of the π(Sa-Sb) bond of SbSaO3 2-. One electron from this bond migrates to Sa and another to Sb to give S* bS* aO3 2-. An electron from one anionic oxygen reduces the oxidant. Then one electron from this oxygen pairs with the Sa unpaired electron to form a new π(Sa-O) bond and highly reactive S* bSaO3 - radicals, two of which couple to form the Sb-Sb bond of the tetrathionate anion (O3 -Sa(Sb)2SaO3 -). However, above a minimum OH- concentration for some interactions, the Sa=Sb bond completely breaks to yield SaO3 2- and Sb such that in the presence of iodine, nascent oxygen (O) and H- from OH- oxidizes SaO3 2-/Sb to SaO4 2-/SbO4 2- and reduces iodine respectively. In the absence of an oxidant, OH- reduces two-thirds of Sb to Sb 2- with a concomitant yield of *OH which oxidizes a third of Sb to SbO3 2- leaving SaO3 2- intact. In the absence of an oxidant and where there is a minimum of 3:1 OH-:S4O6 2- ratio, OH- effects production of S* bSaO3-, S* aO3 -, and Sb species by symmetrical and asymmetrical cleavage of S4O6 2-. S* bSaO3 - changes to S* bS* aO3 -, then to S* bS* aO3 2- by acquiring an electron from OH-, and finally to SbSaO3 2-; SaO3 2- forms in a similar manner from S* aO3 -; and SbO3 2- is formed on oxidation of Sb by *OH. However, in the presence of iodine, a strong OH- concentration effects complete rupture of all S-S bonds and oxidation of all sulphurs eventually to SaO4 2-/SbO4 2- via OH- which interacts directly with S* aO3 - while O and H- from it oxidizes Sb and reduces iodine respectively. Further, in the presence of various reductants (e.g. CN-, Aso2 - used in this work), a mild and strong OH- concentration also effects complete rupture of all S-S bonds of S4O6 2- and then leads to products determined by the nature of the reductants.