Pre_GI : a global map of ontological links between horizontally transferred genomic islands in bacterial and archaeal genomes

The Predicted Genomic Islands database (Pre_GI) is a comprehensive repository of prokaryotic genomic islands (islands, GIs) freely accessible at http://pregi.bi.up.ac.za/index. php. Pre_GI, Version 2015, catalogues 26 744 islands identified in 2407 bacterial/archaeal chromosomes and plasmids. It provides an easy-to-use interface which allows users the ability to query against the database with a variety of fields, parameters and associations. Pre_GI is constructed to be a web-resource for the analysis of ontological roads between islands and cartographic analysis of the global fluxes of mobile genetic elements through bacterial and archaeal taxonomic borders. Comparison of newly identified islands against Pre_GI presents an alternative avenue to identify their ontology, origin and relative time of acquisition. Pre_GI aims to aid research on horizontal transfer events and materials through providing data and tools for holistic investigation of migration of genes through ecological niches and taxonomic boundaries.A research grant 86941 provided by the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa. Funding for open access charge: A contribution received from the University of Pretoria APC Fund.http://database.oxfordjournals.orghttp://pregi.bi.up.ac.za/index.phpam201

Development of new computational approaches for analysis and visualization of fluxes of genomic islands through bacterial species

Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2015.BiochemistryMScUnrestricte

Studies on the seed-setting and on the germination of the seed of indigenous grasses, with particular reference to methods for overcoming delayed germination

Please read the section 05chapter5 (General summary and conclusions, especially p168-170) of this documentThesis (DSc (Agriculture))--University of Pretoria, 2007.Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Developmentunrestricte

Nowhere to hide : the significant impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) measures on elite and semi-elite South African athletes

OBJECTIVES : To describe the perceptions of South African elite and semi-elite athletes on return to sport (RTS); maintenance of physical conditioning and other activities; sleep; nutrition; mental health; healthcare access; and knowledge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). DESIGN : Cross- sectional study. METHODS : A Google Forms survey was distributed to athletes from 15 sports in the final phase (last week of April 2020) of the level 5 lockdown period. Descriptive statistics were used to describe player demographic data. Chi-squared tests investigated significance ( p < 0.05) between observed and expected values and explored sex differences. Post hoc tests with a Bonferroni adjustment were included where applicable. RESULTS : 67% of the 692 respondents were males. The majority (56%) expected RTS after 1–6 months. Most athletes trained alone (61%; p < 0.0001), daily (61%; p < 0.0001) at moderate intensity (58%; p < 0.0001) and for 30–60 min (72%). During leisure time athletes preferred sedentary above active behaviour ( p < 0.0001). Sleep patterns changed significantly (79%; p < 0.0001). A significant number of athletes consumed excessive amounts of carbohydrates (76%; p < 0.0001; males 73%; females 80%). Many athletes felt depressed (52%), and required motivation to keep active (55%). Most had access to healthcare during lockdown (80%) and knew proceedings when suspecting COVID-19 (92%). CONCLUSIONS : COVID-19 had physical, nutritional and psychological consequences that may impact on the safe RTS and general health of athletes. Lost opportunities and uncertain financial and sporting futures may have significant effects on athletes and the sports industry. Government and sporting federations must support athletes and develop and implement guidelines to reduce the risk in a COVID-19 environment.http://www.elsevier.com/locate/jsam2021-07-01hj2020Sports MedicineStatistic