Showing papers by "University of Zimbabwe published in 1999"
TL;DR: Findings suggest that development agencies who focus on women as a priority group have failed to recognize their unique vulnerability to common mental disorders and need to reorient their priorities accordingly.
411 citations
TL;DR: This review deals with aspects of cytochrome P450s of relevance to human physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and medicine, including their role in metabolism of endogenous compounds such as steroids and eicosanoids, and the effect of disease on CYP function, CYPs and cancer.
294 citations
TL;DR: The authors argue that the ideas underpinning this shift, such as a greater interest in local level and community-based natural resource management, the treatment of conservation as simply one of many forms of natural resource use and a belief in the contribution that markets can make to the achievement of conservation goals, are better understood as a new conservation.
Abstract: Over the last decade the concepts, policies and practices of conservation in Africa have begun to shift towards what has been viewed as a community-based approach. This introductory paper to the Policy Arena argues that the ideas underpinning this shift—a greater interest in local level and community-based natural resource management, the treatment of conservation as simply one of many forms of natural resource use and a belief in the contribution that markets can make to the achievement of conservation goals—are better understood as a ‘new conservation’. This new conservation is presently diffusing through Africa both challenging ‘fortress conservation’ and working alongside it. It is no panacea for the problems that conservation faces but it does provide a basis from which more effective policies and institutions can evolve. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
243 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the relationship between human settlement patterns and elephant abundance and found that elephant and human coexistence occurs at various levels of human density, up to a threshold of human densities beyond which elephant populations disappear.
Abstract: The decline in the range and numbers of elephants as a result of expanding human activity in Africa is recognized as one of the continent’s more serious conservation problems. Understanding the relationship between human settlement patterns and elephant abundance is fundamental to predicting the viability of elephant populations. The prevailing model of human-elephant interaction predicts a negative linear relationship between rising human density and declining elephant density at a coarse (national or subcontinental) scale. Using observed elephant densities and human population data, we tested this prediction in a study area of 15,000 km2 in northwestern Zimbabwe. The results did not fit a linear model. Elephant and human coexistence occurs at various levels of human density, up to a threshold of human density beyond which elephant populations disappear. This threshold seems to be related to a particular stage in the process of agriculturally transformed land becoming spatially dominant over the natural woodland that constitutes elephant habitat. Within the contexts of conservation and sustainable development in African savannas, investigating spatial relationships between elephant and human abundance should be a priority topic for future research.
243 citations
TL;DR: It is important that the microbiology and biochemistry of these products, as well as their technologies be studied and documented in order to preserve them for future generations.
225 citations
TL;DR: Field tests and comparisons of the DAS against the standard Eppley precision spectral pyranometer (PSP) have shown a slightly nonlinear correlation and that the accuracy of this measurement system as applied to solar radiation monitoring is fairly good.
Abstract: The hardware design and operation of a battery-powered microcontroller-based data acquisition system (DAS) for unattended remote measurements are presented. The system was designed around the ST62E20 8-bit microcontroller and applied for solar radiation monitoring. The measurement system uses the SolData silicon-cell pyranometer as the solar radiation sensor. The data from the sensor is collected by means of on-chip A/D converter and stored in a serial EEPROM until uploaded to a portable computer. Keeping the DAS in a low-power mode, which is only interrupted when measurements are to be taken or when a computer is connected to retrieve the stored data, minimizes power consumption. An on-chip timer provides an interrupt to awaken the system from its low-power wait mode at 10-min intervals to sample and store the data. At the end of each data collection period, the acquired data will be transmitted to the computer through the RS232 serial port for subsequent analysis. Only unprocessed data is stored in EEPROM. Quality control and data analysis is done off-line in the laboratory to minimize system cost, complexity and system downtime. Field tests and comparisons of this measurement system against the standard Eppley precision spectral pyranometer (PSP) have shown a slightly nonlinear correlation and that the accuracy of this measurement system as applied to solar radiation monitoring is fairly good, typically /spl plusmn/13 W/m/sup 2/.
140 citations
TL;DR: Failing to do jaw-opening exercises was the main cause of relapse, and the 21-30 year age group had the most trauma cases.
Abstract: I have reviewed aetiology, sex, age at time of treatment, clinical features, radiographic findings, anaesthetic techniques, surgical treatment, complications, and results in 32 patients with ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint. Trauma and infection were the commonest causes of ankylosis: 50% and 41%, (n = 13), respectively. The 21-30 year age group had the most trauma cases. Twenty (63%) of the patients presented with bilateral ankylosis. Failing to do jaw-opening exercises was the main cause of relapse.
140 citations
TL;DR: Burn injuries were more frequent and larger with higher mortality in females than in males, and primary excision and grafting reduced hospital stay by 60% compared to delayed skin grafting.
130 citations
TL;DR: Two new esterases (JEA and JEB) and a lipase (JL) were extracted from the seeds of Jatropha curas L and JL is a potentially useful biocatalyst in the hydrolysis of triglycerides in organic solvents.
118 citations
TL;DR: E. bieneusi infection was common in HIV-infected patients with diarrhea in Zimbabwe and may be acquired through person-to-person and fecal-oral transmission.
Abstract: To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and risk factors for infection associated with diarrhea in HIV-infected patients in Harare Zimbabwe a prospective observational study was carried out. Single stool samples were collected from 88 HIV- infected individuals presenting with diarrhea of more than 1 week duration. Stools were examined for intestinal parasites using modified acid fast stain fluorescence-labeled monoclonal antibody for Cryptosporidium parvum as well as a modified trichrome stain and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based protocol for Enterocytozoon bieneusi. C. parvum was detected in 9% (7 out of 82) of samples evaluated but no Cyclospora was detected. E. bieneusi was detected in 18% (10 out of 55) of stools examined by trichrome staining and in 51% (28 out of 55) of stools examined by PCR. Risk factors for E. bieneusi infection were: living in rural areas consumption of non-piped water contact with cow dung and household contact with an individual with diarrhea. E. bieneusi infection was common in HIV-infected patients with diarrhea in Zimbabwe and may be acquired through person-to-person and fecal- oral transmission. (authors modified)
116 citations
TL;DR: No evidence was found that HSV-2 infection was more likely to precede HIV or vice versa and improved interventions targeted to populations in which the incidence of either viral infection is high are needed.
Abstract: Stored sera from a cohort of 2397 male factory workers in Harare, Zimbabwe, were screened for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2)-specific antibodies, to estimate the prevalence and incidence of genital herpes infection and to assess the relation between HSV-2 and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. The prevalence of HSV-2 at enrollment was 39.8%. Correlates of HSV-2 seropositivity were HIV seropositivity, marital status, history of sexually transmitted disease (STD), older age, and higher income. The incidence of HSV-2 seroconversion during follow-up was 6.2/100 person-years. Correlates of HSV-2 seroconversion were enrollment while HIV-positive or seroconversion during follow-up, reported genital ulcer, history of STD, and number of sex partners. No evidence was found that HSV-2 infection was more likely to precede HIV or vice versa. HSV-2 and HIV seropositivity are strong markers for high-risk sexual behavior. Improved interventions targeted to populations in which the incidence of either viral infection is high are needed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the chlorox test, vanillin-HCl, the ferric ammonium citrate and butanol-HCL methods were used to identify those with desirable properties and develop suitable processing methods.
Abstract: Sixteen sorghum varieties widely cultivated in Zimbabwe were examined for levels of phenolic compounds and kernel characteristics, to help identify those with desirable properties and develop suitable processing methods. Assays for polyphenols included the chlorox test, the vanillin- HCl, the ferric ammonium citrate and the butanol-HCl methods. Free phenolic acids were analysed using reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Varieties DC-75, Mutode and Chirmaugute had the highest levels of condensed tannins. The polyphenols in Chibonda were mostly unextractable in methanol. No significant levels of polyphenols were found in 13 varieties. Phenolic acid content was related to pericarp colour. Endosperm texture and pericarp thickness were evaluated using video image analysis. Katandanzara and SV1 had relatively corneous endosperms ( 0.060 mm). Endosperm texture was not correlated with phenolic compounds. A positive correlation, however, was observed between pericarp thickness and polyphenol content (r> 0.64). Zimbabwean sorghums lack ideal agronomic and processing physico-chemical characteristics defined in terms of high polyphenols, plus hard endosperm and thin pericarp. Research is required to develop effective methods to process the available polyphenol-rich sorghums. # 1999 Society of Chemical Industry
TL;DR: A considerable number of iron(III) chelators, designed for purposes other than treating malaria, have antimalarial activity in vitro, apparently through the mechanism of withholding iron from vital metabolic pathways of the intra-erythrocytic parasite.
TL;DR: Pregnancy after perinatal loss is characterized by guarded emotions, anxiety about this pregnancy, marking off the progress of the pregnancy in terms of fetal development and safety, and individual ways of coping to meet the tasks of pregnancy by seeking out or avoiding various behaviors.
Abstract: Objective To describe the experience of a pregnancy after perinatal loss. Design Descriptive, open-ended responses to a self-completed questionnaire. Setting Questionnaires were distributed at a prenatal visit and completed in the office or at home. Participants Seventy-two women who were 17 to 28 weeks pregnant, with a history of one or two perinatal losses. Main Outcome Measures Themes that emerged from the women's responses to the questions. Results Three main dimensions, Past Pregnancy, Current Pregnancy, and Self constituted the overall framework for the themes of pregnancy anxiety, significant points in time, ways of coping, safe passage, social acceptance, binding-in, and grief and loss. Conclusions Pregnancy after perinatal loss is characterized by guarded emotions, anxiety about this pregnancy, marking off the progress of the pregnancy in terms of fetal development and safety, and individual ways of coping to meet the tasks of pregnancy by seeking out or avoiding various behaviors. Women who have experienced perinatal loss would benefit from interventions to help them through these anxiety-filled pregnancies.
TL;DR: U-Pb single-zircon analyses provide direct evidence for an enlarged early Archean craton forming the core to the present Zimbabwe craton as discussed by the authors. But this is considered to underlie most of the current craton.
Abstract: U-Pb single-zircon analyses provide direct evidence for an enlarged early Archean craton forming the core to the present Zimbabwe craton. Virtually identical dates from the south-central Tokwe segment (3455 ± 2 Ma) and Midlands (3456 ± 6 Ma) parts of the craton strongly suggest their synchronous formation, during an event that formed a single early cratonic nucleus which we propose to call the “Sebakwe protocraton.” This is considered to underlie most of the current Zimbabwe craton. Parts of the craton are at least 3565 ± 21 Ma, a rock age reported here that represents the oldest rock dated from Zimbabwe. A ca. 3350 Ma relatively undeformed and unmetamorphosed intrusive granitic phase constrains the timing of the high-grade metamorphism and the stabilization of the protocraton. Comparison with published Re-Os data for the Zimbabwe craton strongly indicates a depleted subcontinental lithospheric mantle underlying the entire Sebakwe protocraton. Subsequent intrusive and volcanic activity from 3.0 to 2.6 Ga represents a second major period of magma genesis and crustal formation within which the predominant rocks of the exposed Zimbabwe craton were generated.
TL;DR: Tentative guidelines for the evaluation of pancytopenic patients in Zimbabwe are formulated, with megaloblastic anemia being the most common cause and aplasia the most frequent cause.
TL;DR: This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of primary health care nurses in the diagnosis and management of epilepsy, as well as the impact of patient‐information pamphlets on drug compliance and clinic attendance of patients with epilepsy.
Abstract: Summary: Purpose: The use of primary health care personnel to identify cases of epilepsy and initiate simple treatment protocols has been advocated as a solution to the numeric inadequacy and uneven distribution of medical manpower available for the management of epilepsy in developing countries. This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of primary health care nurses in the diagnosis and management of epilepsy, as well as the impact of patient-information pamphlets on drug compliance and clinic attendance of patients with epilepsy.
Methods: Primary health care workers from 24 clinics in the Zvimba district in Zimbabwe attended a workshop to improving their knowledge in the diagnosis and management of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Half of these clinics (experimental group) subsequently received patient-information pamphlets for distribution to patients and relatives, whereas the other half (control group) did not. Frequency of clinic attendance, mean seizure frequencies, and mean serum levels of phenobarbitone were compared at baseline and at 6 months after intervention in patients within each group, and at 6 months after intervention between both groups.
Results: Community health worker education led to a 74% increase in patient recruitment as well as a marked improvement in patient drug compliance over the 6-month study period. The use of patient-information pamphlets led to a marked reduction in patient default from clinic follow-up, but did not appear to influence drug compliance or seizure frequency.
Conclusions: The benefits of these simple and inexpensive interventions make a strong case for their widespread implementation for improved epilepsy care not only in Zimbabwe, but also in other developing countries.
TL;DR: Reflexion sur les suites du colonialisme au Zimbabwe, sur le developpement des musees and sites archeologiques dans le cadre de la restauration et de la preservation des valeurs culturelles traditionnelles and sur les conflits dinterets rencontres avec les populations d'origine europeenne.
Abstract: Reflexion sur les suites du colonialisme au Zimbabwe, sur le developpement des musees et sites archeologiques dans le cadre de la restauration et de la preservation des valeurs culturelles traditionnelles et sur les conflits d'interets rencontres avec les populations d'origine europeenne.
TL;DR: An effect of distinctiveness and viewpoint but no interaction between these factors are found, and a model of face representation based on inter-item similarity in which the representations are view specific is discussed.
Abstract: Three experiments are reported in which the effects of viewpoint on the recognition of distinctive and typical faces were explored. Specifically, we investigated whether generalization across views...
TL;DR: Understanding the chicken acute phase response, major acute phase proteins present, and their advantages and shortfalls as markers of inflammation, is paramount to the achievement of these goals.
Abstract: Post-mortem assessment of poultry health requires both identification and classification of the severity and chronicity of lesions. Such assessments are essential for deciding the necessity for treatment or its withdrawal. Poultry meat inspection and routine necropsies are also complicated by subclinical as well as hidden inflammatory processes which result in decreased production. Measurement of changes in the plasma levels of hepatic acute phase proteins in mammalian species is known to give an indication of the stage and severity of inflammatory processes as well as identifying inaccessible lesions. For poultry, several papers have been published on the plasma changes of some acute phase proteins in association with some common poultry diseases and general inflammatory processes. Some have corresponded well with the severity and stages of lesions. It is suggested that measurement of such proteins could be used to complement routine necropsy findings. Understanding the chicken acute phase response, major acute phase proteins present, and their advantages and shortfalls as markers of inflammation, is paramount to the achievement of these goals.
TL;DR: In this paper, a unified account of verb raising and subject inversion in Bantu languages is provided, and it is shown that verb raising to C (similar to V2 in German matrix clauses) occurs only in embedded relative clauses.
Abstract: Verb raising and subject inversion have long been topics of theoretical linguistic interest in Romance and Germanic languages, amongst others. Bantu languages also exhibit verb raising and subject inversion, though there has been no comprehensive investigation of these phenomena, nor an explanation of crosslinguistic differences. This paper provides a unified account of verb raising and subject inversion in Bantu languages. It shows that subject inversion in Bantu matrix clauses resembles that found in Romance languages. In contrast, however, verb raising to C (similar to V2 in German matrix clauses) occurs only in embedded relative clauses, and only in some Bantu languages. A natural explanation for these phenomena comes from the fact that verb raising interacts with the prosodic status of the relative complementizer, and that Bantu matrix clauses are IPs not CPs. The paper points to the importance of competing interactions between different aspects of the grammar (e.g. prosodic words, syntax) and provides support for the notion of extended projections (Grimshaw 1993, 1997).
TL;DR: In this article, the authors measured secondary science teachers' level of commitment to traditional culture in Zimbabwe and how this orientation is related to their beliefs concerning science instructional ideology, and found that science teachers in this study maintain a fairly traditional posture with regard to aspects of traditional authority, religion, view of nature, and social change.
Abstract: This study sought to measure secondary science teachers' level of commitment to traditional culture in Zimbabwe and how this orientation is related to their beliefs concerning science instructional ideology. The study involved 63 in-service science teachers studying for the bachelor of education degree at the University of Zimbabwe. The science teachers in this study maintain a fairly traditional posture with regard to aspects of traditional authority, religion, view of nature, and social change. They show a much stronger shift away from tradition with regard to sex roles, causality, and problem solving. Their scores of commitment to indigenous culture were positively and significantly correlated to traditional noninquiry ideology preference scores but not to inquiry instructional ideology preference scores. Implications of the findings are discussed. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 36: 333–355, 1999
TL;DR: In this paper, four sorghum cultivars were steeped and germinated for a period of 84 h and changes in their proanthocyanidin (PA), total phenol, reducing sugar, amylase enzyme and free α amino nitrogen (FAN) contents determined during malting.
TL;DR: SAA is an acute-phase protein and a more reliable variable for diagnosing lesions in chickens than transferrin, which indicates that other variables, such as breed or breeding conditions, may influence the transferrin level.
Abstract: Summary The concentrations of serum amyloid A protein (SAA) and transferrin in blood samples from broilers in various stages of natural Staphylococcus aureus infection, from healthy counterparts, and from turpentine‐ or saline‐injected pullets were measured using sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), immunoblotting, and densitometry. SAA was not detected in healthy chickens but was detected in turpentine‐injected pullets and in S. aureus‐infected broilers. Relative percentages of transferrin in turpentine‐ and saline‐injected pullets were not different. Broilers with a S. aureus infection had a two‐fold higher transferrin level than did their unaffected counterparts. There was also a difference between the transferrin levels of healthy broilers and healthy pullets, which indicates that other variables, such as breed or breeding conditions, may influence the transferrin level. This preliminary study showed that SAA is an acute‐phase protein and a more reliable variable for ...
TL;DR: Although L. leucocephala was judged not to be superior to the other tree fodders nutritionally with respect to protein and fibre content, its in vitro organic matter degradability (OMD) was higher, as was its 96 h gas production volume.
TL;DR: In this paper, geochronological data from the easternmost Zambezi belt in northeast Zimbabwe, near the junction between that belt and the Mozambique belt, is presented.
TL;DR: An epizootic in free-ranging lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor) in Kenya resulted in more than 18,500 deaths from August through mid-November 1993, attributed to septicemia, complicated in those affected, by mycobacteriosis.
Abstract: An epizootic in free-ranging lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor) in Kenya resulted in more than 18,500 deaths from August through mid-November 1993. Disease was concentrated along the shores of Rift Valley Lakes Bogoria and Nakuru (Kenya) and did not involve any of the other avian or mammalian species frequenting the lakes. Coincidental to the outbreak was a bloom of algae on Lake Bogoria, toxins from which were first suspected to be causative. Discrete necrotic and granulomatous lesions were often noted in spleen and liver, and Mycobacterium avium serovar I was isolated from both organs. Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa also were often recovered in pure culture from liver. Gross and histopathological evaluation of the cases disclosed signs of acute sepsis and also chronic, potentially life-threatening lesions of mycobacteriosis, primarily involving the spleen and liver. Lesions typical for algae toxicosis were not seen in any birds. Deaths were attributed to septicemia, complicated in those...
TL;DR: In this paper, a laboratory study was conducted applying inorganic N fertiliser to soil (NH4NO3 equivalent to 30, 60 and 120 kg N ha-1) together with four cattle manures with different C/N ratios (9−18).
Abstract: Inorganic N fertiliser may be applied to soil in addition to cattle manure by smallholder farmers in developing countries: (a) to complement fertilization; (b) to control a possible immobilisation of N by the manure; and (c) to eliminate the risk of yield depression due to lack of plant available N. The aim of this study was to find out if and how much N was immobilised by cattle manure, if and when remineralisation of N will take place and, if added N has an effect on decomposition of cattle manure in soil. A laboratory study was conducted applying inorganic N fertiliser to soil (NH4NO3 equivalent to 30, 60 and 120 kg N ha-1) together with four cattle manures with different C/N ratios (9–18). CO2–C mineralisation and changes of inorganic N in soil were determined over 60 d. Immobilisation of fertiliser N occurred with manure having the lowest C/N ratio but not with the manures having a higher C/N ratios. Maximum immobilization of fertiliser N (23–36%) occurred within 21 d and thereafter N was mineralised. Carbon dioxide evolution decreased in cattle manure-amended soil at increasing rates of N fertiliser, but decomposition was still higher than from the unamended control. None of the manure treated soils had significantly different contents of inorganic N after 2 months of incubation. It was not possible to use the C/N ratio of aerobically decomposed cattle manure as a tool to predict mineralization or immobilization of N. It was concluded that aerobically decomposed solid cattle manures do not contribute to the N supply of crops in the short term but can immobilize fertiliser N applied at the same time.
TL;DR: The results of a survey of a sample of 95 headteachers showed that the sample experienced relatively high levels of administrative stress compared with previous findings as discussed by the authors, which revealed several demographic characteristics and school variables which influenced the respondents' perceptions of situations which cause stress.
Abstract: A survey of the literature will undoubtedly show that the last two decades have witnessed a proliferation of research studies on occupational stress among educational personnel, and that interest in this area has not abated. Unfortunately, little is known about occupational stress in many developing societies because a preponderance of these studies have been carried out in industrialized and developed societies where conditions may be dissimilar to those obtaining in developing societies. Therefore, the current study sought to contribute to a better understanding of occupational stress in teaching by investigating the sources, incidence and intensity of administrative stress among headteachers in Zimbabwe. The results of a survey of a sample of 95 headteachers showed that the sample experienced relatively high levels of administrative stress compared with previous findings. In addition, the study revealed several demographic characteristics and school variables which influenced the respondents’ perceptions of situations which cause stress. Finally, implications of the study were discussed in terms of policy, preparation of school administrators, school management and future research.
TL;DR: Iron overload is readily identified among urban Africans and is associated with hepatic damage and iron loading of several tissues, which is unrelated to the genetic mutation found in hereditary haemochromatosis.
Abstract: BACKGROUND—In a previously described model, heterozygotes for an African iron loading locus develop iron overload only when dietary iron is high, but homozygotes may do so with normal dietary iron. If an iron loading gene is common, then homozygotes with iron overload will be found even in an urban population where traditional beer, the source of iron, is uncommon.
AIMS—To determine whether iron overload and the C282Y mutation characteristic of hereditary haemochromatosis are readily identifiable in an urban African population.
METHODS—Histological assessment, hepatocellular iron grading, and dry weight non-haem iron concentration were determined in post mortem tissue from liver, spleen, heart, lungs, and skin. DNA of subjects with elevated hepatic iron indexes was analysed for the C282Y mutation. Iron concentrations in other tissues were compared.
RESULTS—A moderate increase (>30 µmol/g) in hepatic iron concentrations was found in 31 subjects (23%; 95% confidence interval 15.9 to 30.1%), and they were considerably elevated (>180 µmol/g) in seven subjects (5.2%; 95% confidence interval 1.5 to 8.9%). Appreciably elevated hepatic iron concentrations were associated with heavy iron deposition in both hepatocytes and macrophages, and either portal fibrosis or cirrhosis. All were negative for the C282Y mutation. Very high concentrations were uncommon in subjects dying in hospital. Concentrations of iron in spleen, heart, lung, and skin were significantly higher in subjects with elevated hepatic iron.
CONCLUSIONS—Iron overload is readily identified among urban Africans and is associated with hepatic damage and iron loading of several tissues. The condition is unrelated to the genetic mutation found in hereditary haemochromatosis.
Keywords: haemosiderosis; cirrhosis; iron; liver; Africa; haemochromatosis