Muni Repository (MR)
This repository contains open access publications of Muni University Library.
Objectives:
- To digitally collect, preserve and provide electronic access to scholarly works and research output of Muni University.
- Increase the visibility and impact of our research, making it easy for researchers, students, policymakers and journalists to reference, replicate, and re-use the work.
- Issue permanent, unique and trustworthy identifiers when creating URLs to access the resource without concern that the location of the resource may change.
How to publish in Muni Repository
- Contact the library through email: libsupport@muni.ac.ug
Communities in MR
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
Extracellular hydrolytic enzyme activities and biofilm formation in Candida species isolated from people living with human immunodeficiency virus with oropharyngeal candidiasis at HIV/AIDS clinics in Uganda
(Elsevier, 2024-12-14) Musinguzi, Benson; Akampurira, Andrew; Derick, Hope; Turyamuhika, Laban; Mwesigwa, Alex; Mwebesa, Edson; Mwesigye, Vicent; Kabajulizi, Immaculate; Sekulima, Tahalu; Ocheng, Francis; Itabangi, Herbert; Mboowa, Gerald; Sande, Obondo James; Achan, Beatrice
Background: Commensal oral Candida species can become opportunistic and transition to pathogenic causes of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) in individuals with impaired immunity through ecological cues and the expression of extracellular hydrolytic enzyme activities and biofilm formation.
Objective: We evaluated phospholipase, proteinase, hemolysin, esterase, and coagulase enzymatic activities and biofilm formation in Candida species isolated from people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) with OPC.
Methods: Thirty-five Candida isolates from PLHIV with OPC were retrieved from a sample repository and evaluated for phospholipase activity using the egg yolk agar method, proteinase activity using the bovine serum albumin agar method, hemolysin activity using the blood agar plate method, esterase activity using the Tween 80 opacity test medium method, coagulase activity using the classical tube method, and biofilm formation using the microtiter plate assay method in vitro.
Results: A total of 35 Candida isolates obtained from PLHIV with OPC were included in this study, and phospholipase and proteinase activities were detected in 33/35 (94.3 %) and 31/35 (88.6 %) Candida isolates, respectively. Up to 25/35 (71.4 %) of the Candida isolates exhibited biofilm formation, whereas esterase activity was demonstrated in 23/35 (65.7 %) of the Candida isolates. Fewer isolates (21/35, 60 %) produced hemolysin, and coagulase production was the least common virulence activity detected in 18/35 (51.4 %) of the Candida isolates.
Conclusion: Phospholipase and proteinase activities were the strongest in oropharyngeal Candida species.
Inflation threshold and financial sector development in Uganda
(International Journal of Business and Economic Sciences Applied Research, 2024-07) Akena, Geoffrey Oyoo; Mayanja, John Bbale; Amandu, Yassin Is’haq
Purpose: This paper empirically analyzes the inflation threshold for better financial sector development (FSD) in Uganda using the yearly trend data spanning over the period 1980 to 2020. The basic idea of the study was to affirm whether the 5-percent bank of Uganda (BOU) inflations rates target is correct.
Design/methodology/approach: The analysis incorporates the Autoregressive Distributing Lags (ARDL) model. This is due to the fact that the variables of the study were not all stationary at the same levels but archived strong stationarity after differencing once. To capture the inflation threshold estimation, the Ordinary Least Square model was run with lag value of the dependence variable.
Findings: The research indicates that the critical inflation threshold is 6 percent. Below 6 percent inflation, there is a positive and decreasing impact but a statistically insignificant connection between inflation and FSD. Beyond 6 percent, the relationship becomes negative, and the intensity increases exponentially as the inflation rate increases. Specifically, the study estimates that at a 5% inflation rate, the FSD has the potential to grow by about 1.3 % and should the inflation rate increase from the optimal of 6% to 7%, it drops by the same magnitude.
Research limitations/implications: Data Limitation. The time span of 1980-2020, is because of no data for some variables beyond the chosen time frame. Even if some data were available, some are inconsistence and varies within the available data base set.
Originality/value: The study augment to the development of FSD in Uganda by furnishing the Monetary Authority with evidence that help fix the optimal inflation threshold in the country. Similarly, this research will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on how best to manage the inflation rate in the country.
Distribution of Candida species isolated from people living with human immunodeficiency virus with oropharyngeal and oral candidiasis in Africa in the era of universal test and treat policy: a systematic review and meta‑analysis
(Springer Nature, 2024-11-27) Musinguzi, Benson; Obuku, Ekwaro A.; Mwesigwa, Alex; Migisha, Richard; Kinengyere, Alison Annet; Ndagire, Regina; Baguma, Andrew; Okek, Erick Jacob; Olum, Ronald; Itabangi, Herbert; Mboowa, Gerald; Sande, Obondo James; Achan, Beatrice
Background: The introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the implementation of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) universal test and treat (UTT) policy have led to a decline in the incidence of opportunistic infections. However, oropharyngeal and oral candidiasis remain prevalent and continue to pose challenges among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) in Africa, indicating the need for a better understanding of the distribution of Candida species responsible for these infections. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the distribution of Candida species isolated from PLHIV with oropharyngeal and oral candidiasis in Africa in the era of UTT policy.
Methods: The review followed the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify eligible studies to be included in the meta-analysis and analysed using a random effects model in STATA version 17. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool.
Results: Fourteen studies with 4281 participants were included in the review. Overall, 2095 Candida isolates were reported, 78.7% (1650/2095) of which were C. albicans, 19.6% (410/2095), non-albicans Candida (NAC), and 1.7% (35/2095) could not be identified to the Candida specific species level. The most prevalent NAC species were C. glabrata (26.3%), followed by C. tropicalis (24.9%), C. krusei (15.6%), C. parapsilosis (11%), and C. dubliniensis (6.3%). The pooled prevalence of oropharyngeal and oral candidiasis was 48% (95% CI 34–62%). The prevalence of oropharyngeal candidiasis was higher in the pre-UTT era, at 56% (95% CI 40–72%, p < 0.001), than in the post-UTT era, at 34% (95% CI 10–67%, p < 0.001). The risk of bias assessment revealed that 71.4% (10/14) of the included studies had a low risk of bias and that 28.6% (4/14) had a moderate risk of bias.
Conclusions: While C. albicans remain, the predominant species causing oropharyngeal and oral candidiasis among PLHIV in Africa, NAC species also contribute significantly to the infection burden. Despite ART and UTT policies, oropharyngeal candidiasis remains prevalent, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
Effect of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) among subjects with alcohol use disorder (AUD) in Uganda: A Comparative study of treatment groups
(CARI Journals, 2024-09-26) Kyazze, Richard; Natuhamya, Charles; Mwebesa, Edson; Kiyingi, Frank; Musoke, Miph; Tumwesigye, Nazarius Mbona
Background: Regardless of diverse interventions aimed at achieving recovery and maintaining sobriety, alcohol use disorder, a leading global risk factor for mortality and morbidity, remains prevalent in Uganda. It’s worth noting that even after long stays in treatment facilities, recovering individuals are still prone to relapse. Of importance, however, is the knowledge of the effect of treatment interventions on recovery during and after rehabilitation. Hence, this study seeks to determine the impact of CBT as an intervention among alcohol-dependent individuals and assess its relevancy after rehabilitation.
Methodology: This study enrolled 196 individuals with alcohol dependence from 5 treatment centers in the treated and control groups on a 1:1 enrollment basis. Individuals in the treated group were those in the rehabilitation centres receiving CBT while the control group included individuals in the community who were off CBT treatment. A linear regression model was fit to the data to determine the effect of CBT on the recovery status. Interaction terms between the participants’ treatment group and CBT were included to assess the difference between the two groups.
Findings: CBT enhanced character development (β = 1.37, p < 0.001), healthy living (β = 0.88, p < 0.001), productive engagements (β = 1.12, p < 0.001), and overall recovery status (β = 3.38, p < 0.001). The overall effect of CBT was higher among individuals receiving treatment as compared to their counterparts.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Incorporating aftercare CBT treatment may enhance the recovery status of individuals grappling with alcohol dependence and prevent immediate relapse. Policymakers and licensing agencies of treatment centres should incorporate aftercare treatment for CBT and similar interventions.
Phenotypic and genotypic perspectives on detection methods for bacterial antimicrobial resistance in a One Health context: research progress and prospects
(Springer Nature, 2024-09-20) Yang, Bingbing; Xin, Xiaoqi; Cao, Xiaoqing; Lubanga, Nasifu; Nie, Zhenlin; He, Bangshun
The widespread spread of bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and multidrug-resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to global public health. Traditional methods for detecting bacterial AMR are simple, reproducible, and intuitive, requiring long time incubation and high labor intensity. To quickly identify and detect bacterial AMR is urgent for clinical treatment to reduce mortality rate, and many new methods and technologies were required to be developed. This review summarizes the current phenotypic and genotypic detection methods for bacterial AMR. Phenotypic detection methods mainly include antimicrobial susceptibility tests, while genotypic detection methods have higher sensitivity and specificity and can detect known or even unknown drug resistance genes. However, most of the current tests are either genotypic or phenotypic and rarely combined. Combining the advantages of phenotypic and genotypic methods, combined with the joint application of multiple rapid detection methods may be the trend for future AMR testing. Driven by rapid diagnostic technology, big data analysis, and artificial intelligence, detection methods of bacterial AMR are expected to constantly develop and innovate. Adopting rational detection methods and scientific data analysis can better address the challenges of bacterial AMR and ensure human health and social well-being.