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- ItemIn vitro Antibacterial Efficacy of Bidens pilosa, Ageratum conyzoides and Ocimum suave Extracts against HIV/AIDS Patients’ Oral Bacteria in South-Western Uganda(Scientific Research Publishing Inc., 2017-09-29) Joseph Obiezu, Chukwujekwu Ezeonwumelu; Muhammad, Ntale; Steve, Okwudili Ogbonnia; Ezera, Agwu; Julius, Kihdze Tanayen; Keneth Iceland, Kasozi; Okonkwo, Chukwudi Onyeka; Anthonia, Shodunke; Ambrose, Amamchukwu Akunne; Onokiojare, Ephraim Dafiewhare; Jennifer, Chibuogwu Ebosie; Frederick, ByarugabaThe objective of the study was to determine the antibacterial efficacy of Bidens pilosa Aqueous (BPA), Bidens pilosa Ethanolic (BPE), Ageratum conyzoides Aqueous (ACA), Ageratum conyzoides Ethanolic (ACE), Ocimum suave Aqueous (OSA) and Ocimum suave Ethanolic (OSE) extracts on HIV/AIDS patients’ oral bacteria. Healthy green leaves of the plants were collected in Ishaka Uganda, processed and portions separately extracted with hot distilled water and cold ethanol. The susceptibility, MIC and MBC of each extract were determined using standard protocols. The bacteria had significant (p < 0.05) respective total susceptibilities of 35 [28.7%] to BPA; 42 [34.4%] to BPE; 61 [50.0%] to ACA; 45 [36.9%] to ACE; 38 [31.1%] to OSA; 32 [26.3%] to OSE; 105 (86.0%)] to ceftriaxone. BPE, ACA, OSA, OSE and ceftriaxone had significant MIC with [F(1, 13); P = 0.00 and BPA with F(1, 13); P = 0.03]. BPE, ACA, ACE, OSA and ceftriaxone had significant MBC with [F(1, 13); P = 0.00 and BPA with F(1, 13); P = 0.01] on the test bacteria (MANOVA). These tested medicinal plants’ extracts and ceftriaxone had significant activity against oral bacteria with ACA having the best activity when compared with the control. However, the plants’ extracts were resisted by some of the bacteria. These findings validate the claims of efficacy of Bidens pilosa , Ageratum conyzoides and Ocimum suave on oral lesions of HIV/AIDS patients made by traditional healers and local people in South-Western Uganda. We recommend a detailed study of structural identities and activities of the active antibacterial principle(s) in these plants for possible new drug entities and verification of the interactive effects of the principle(s) with ARVs and cotrimoxazole used daily by HIV/AIDS patients.
- ItemLow Concentrations of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) are Safe in Male Drosophila Melanogaster.(Kabale University, 2018) Keneth Iceland, Kasozi; Namubiru, Sarah; Kiconco, Oliver; Kinyi, Hellen Wambui; Ssempijja, Fred; Chukwujekwu Ezeonwumelu, Joseph Obiezu; Ninsiima, Herbert Izo; Okpanachi, Alfred OmachonuObjective: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been marred by a lot of controversy on its safety. In a majority of experimental studies, administration of the compound has been parenteral, and yet little is known about MSG safety consumed as a food supplement. In this study, we assessed the effects of low concentrations of MSG on the activity of hydrogen scavenging, catalase activity and climbing as well as lifespan in male Drosophila melanogaster over a 30 days period since this has been sparsely studied. Results: No significant differences were associated with MSG at 5%, 1%, 0.2%, 0.04% on hydrogen peroxide scavenging,negative geotaxis and lifespan in W1118 male D. melanogaster. Significant differences were found in 5% MSG on catalase activity, showing that high MSG concentrations would affect tissue health in male D. melanogaster. MSG consumed as a food supplement would be safe at concentrations below 5% MSG. Keywords: Drosophila Melanogaster, MSG Safety, MSG Toxicity, Catalase Activity.
- ItemBirthing experience and quality of life after vacuum delivery and second-stage caesarean section: a prospective cohort study in Uganda(Tropical Medicine and International Health, 2018) Barbara, Nolens; Thomas, van den Akker; John, Lule; Sulphine, Twinomuhangi; Roosmalen, Jos van; Josaphat, Byamugishaobjective To assess perceptions of women undergoing vacuum extraction or second-stage caesarean section (SSCS) in a tertiary referral hospital in sub-Saharan Africa. methods Prospective cohort study, with six-month follow-up, of women who gave birth to a term singleton in cephalic presentation by vacuum extraction (n = 289) or SSCS (n = 357) between 25 November 2014, to 8 July 2015, in Mulago Hospital, Uganda. Excluded were women who had failed vacuum extraction, severe birth complications and those whose babies had died. Outcome measures were birthing experience satisfaction, physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) of the SF-12 quality-of-life questionnaire, pain scores and dyspareunia. results One day after vacuum extraction, 63.7% (181/284) of women were feeling well vs. 48.1% (167/347) after SSCS (OR 1.89; 95%CI 1.37–2.61) and mean pain sores were 2.70 vs. 3.87 (P < 0.001). In both groups, >90% of women were satisfied with their birthing experience. At six weeks, in vacuum extraction vs. SSCS, mean pain sores were 0.40 vs. 0.89 (P < 0.001); mean PCS was 48.67 vs. 44.03 (P < 0.001); mean MCS was 52.80 vs. 51.23 (P = 0.203); 40% (70/175) vs. 28.3% (70/247) of women had resumed sexual intercourse (OR 1.69; 95%CI 1.12–2.54) and 21.4% (15/70) vs. 28.6% (20/70) had dyspareunia (OR 0.68; 95%CI 0.32–1.47). No differences were found at six months after birth. conclusion One day and six weeks after birth, outcomes were better in women who had vacuum extraction. At six months, outcomes were similar. To promote quick recovery, vacuum extraction should be the first intervention considered in the second stage of labour.
- ItemA study on Visual, Audio and Tactile Reaction Time Among Medical Students at Kampala International University in Uganda.(Kabale University, 2018) Keneth Iceland, Kasozi; Mbiydzneyuy, Ngala Elvis; Namubiru, Sarah; Safiriyu, Abass Alao; Sulaiman, Sheu Oluwadare; Okpanachi, Alfred O.; Ninsiima, Herbert IzoBackground: Reaction time (RT) is an indicator of neural activity, however, its variation due to visual (VRT), audio (ART) and tactile (TRT) in African medical students has not been investigated. The aim of the study was to determine relationships between VRT, ART and TRT amongst medical students in Uganda. Materials and methods: This was a cross sectional study, the body mass index (BMI) and RT (i.e. VRT, ART and TRT) were determined using weighing scale with standiometer and the catch a ruler experiment respectively. A questionnaire was administered to collect information on participant’s lifestyle patterns and analysis was done using SPSS Version 20. Results: The mean (± SEM) VRT, ART and TRT in the study were found to be 0.148 ± 0.002s, 0.141 ± 0.002s and 0.139 ± 0.003s respectively. A strong correlation between TRT and ART was found to exist in the youthful Ugandan medical student’s population. Furthermore, significant differences in ART and VRT were observed with sex, although these were absent amongst preclinical and clinical students, showing the importance of sex in RT. Conclusion: The low VRT and ART in Ugandan medical students is indicative of a healthy somatosensory connectivity, thus of academic importance. Keywords: Reaction Time, Cognitive Performance, Neural Health, Medical Education.
- ItemGrain Amaranth Is Associated with Improved Hepatic and Renal Calcium Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus of Male Wistar Rats(Kabale University, 2018) Keneth Iceland, Kasozi; Namubiru, Sarah; Safiriyu, Abass Alao; Ninsiima, Herbert Izo; Nakimbugwe, Dorothy; Namayanja, Monica; Valladares, Miriela BetancourtDysregulation of calcium signaling is a hallmark of diabetes mellitus (DM) and grain amaranth (AG) has antidiabetic properties. Information on the mechanism of action of AG on blood, renal, and hepatic tissues is sparse, although it continues to be an important alternative medicinal plant in several developing countries. The objective of the study was to determine key changes in calcium levels and s100a1 protein levels and antioxidant and histopathologic changes in blood, renal, and hepatic tissues of male diabetic Wistar rats. Materials and Methods. This was an experimental study in which 30 male Wistar rats were kept for 5 weeks (6 groups, N =5). Groups 1-IV had T2DM induced using Nicotinamide and Streptozotocin: Group I, Mixtard ; group II, positive control; group III, 25% AG; group IV, 50% AG. Furthermore, group V consisted of normal rats given 50% GA and group VI was negative control. Blood, renal, and hepatic tissues were collected and analyzed for calcium, s100a1 protein levels, and antioxidant and histopathological changes. Results andDiscussion. Inblood, renal, andhepatic tissue, calciumand s100a1 levelswere low during T2DMand these increased following AG supplementation.This was important for improved metabolic processes, thus leading to the lowmalondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in the tissues. Efficient antioxidant status was important for improved calciumsignaling mechanisms, thus leading to improved tissue function and protection demonstrating the importance of AG as an alternativemedicinal source through the calciumsignaling pathway. Conclusion. Grain amaranth exerts its antidiabetic properties through improved calcium homeostasis in blood, kidney, and liver.
- ItemProspective cohort study comparing outcomes between vacuum extraction and second-stage cesarean delivery at a Ugandan tertiary referral hospital(John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2018-04-20) Barbara, Nolens; Flavia, Namiiro; John, Lule; Thomas, van den Akker; Roosmalen, Jos van; Josaphat, ByamugishaObjective: To compare maternal and perinatal outcomes between vacuum extraction and second-stage cesarean delivery (SSCD). Methods: The present observational cohort study was conducted among women with term vertex singleton pregnancies who underwent vacuum extraction or SSCD at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, between November 25, 2014, and July 8, 2015. Severe maternal outcomes (mortality, uterine rupture, hysterectomy, re-laparotomy) and perinatal outcomes (mortality, trauma, low Apgar score, convulsions) were compared between initial delivery mode. Results: Among 13 152 deliveries, 358 women who underwent vacuum extraction and 425 women who underwent SSCD were enrolled in the study. No maternal deaths occurred after vacuum extraction versus five deaths from complications of SSCD. Vacuum extraction was associated with less severe maternal outcomes compared with SSCD (3 [0.8%] vs 18 [4.2%]; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07–0.84). Fetal death during the decision-to-delivery interval was also less common in the vacuum extraction group (3 [0.9%] vs 18 [4.4%]; aOR 0.24, 95% CI 0.07–0.84); however, the perinatal mortality rate did not differ between the vacuum extraction and SSCD groups (29 [8.4%] vs 45 [11.0%], respectively; aOR 0.83, 95% CI 0.49–1.41). One infant in each group exhibited neurodevelopmental anomalies at 6 months. Conclusion: Vacuum extraction had better maternal outcomes and equivalent perinatal outcomes compared with SSCD. These findings encourage re-introduction of vacuum extraction.
- ItemAnalgesic Appraisal of Bidens pilosa (Asteraceae) Leaf Extracts Used in Management of Oral Lesion Pain in HIV/AIDS Patients in Rodents(Scientific Research Publishing Inc., 2018-06-29) Joseph Obiezu, Chukwujekwu Ezeonwumelu; Muhammad, Ntale; Steve, Okwudili Ogbonnia; Ezera, Agwu; Julius, Kihdze Tanayen; Ahmed, Adebowale Adedeji; Okonkwo, Chukwudi Onyeka; Ambrose, Amamchukwu Akunne; Jennifer, Chibuogwu Ebosie; Frederick, ByarugabaOral lesions, diarrhoea, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, tuberculosis and urinary tract infections are some of the opportunistic infections (OIs) which arise when the CD4 cells of the HIV/AIDS patient fall below 200 cells/mm3. HIV/AIDS infection complications include tissue damage from oral lesions accompanied with pains. Pain is a disagreeable sensory and sensitive experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. This condition requires immediate treatment with analgesics and antibiotics. However, the inability of rural dwellers to afford readily available drugs is a consequence for using herbs like Bidens pilosa whose local usefulness in the management of oral lesions of HIV/AIDS has not been proven scientifically. Therefore, the objective of this study was to provide the scientific basis in rats for the traditional healers’ use of Bidens pilosa leaves’ extracts in managing pain associated with oral lesions of HIV/AIDS patients in South Western Uganda. Assessment of the analgesic effects of Bidens pilosa was conducted using acetic acid in mice, formalin-induced pain and tail flick methods in rats. Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Bidens pilosa produced statistically significant dose dependent inhibition of acetic acid induced pain, non dose dependent pain reduction in formalin induced pain, (p < 0.05; student t-test) and non dose dependent tail withdrawal pattern (p < 0.05, Multivariate ANOVA test). Hence, we conclude that extracts of Bidens pilosa have an analgesic basis for their local use in treatment of oral lesions associated pain in HIV/AIDS patients in South-Western Uganda.
- ItemContamination Potentials of Household Water Handling and Storage Practices in Kirundo Subcounty, Kisoro District, Uganda(Hindawi Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2019) Alexander, Agensi; Julius, Tibyangye; Andrew, Tamale; Ezera, Agwu; Christine, AmongiWaterborne diseases constitute a major public health burden in developing and underdeveloped countries. Consumption of contaminated water causes health risk to the public, and the situation is alarming in rural areas. *e objective of this study was to assess the contamination potentials of different house water handling and storage practices in the Kirundo subcounty, Kisoro District, Uganda. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional and descriptive study in which 344 water samples were collected randomly and analysed for bacteriological contamination, total coliforms (TCs) and Escherichia coli per 100 ml, using the Most Probable Number (MPN) technique and reported in terms of CFU/100 ml. Results. *e 43.2% samples from unprotected water sources had total coliforms and 34.1% had Escherichia coli. In analysed household drinking water, 25% had total coliforms and 8.7% had Escherichia coli. Most drinking water sources were found to have coliform counts above the recommended national and international guidelines. *ere was a statistically significant difference among water sources with respect to total coliforms and Escherichia coli (p < 0.05). Conclusion. *e overall results indicated that there is a strong linkage between microbiological water quality and water source sanitation; hence, the protected water source was safer than unprotected water sources. For the unprotected water sources, protection strategies as well as monitoring are recommended for this community.
- ItemCarpolobia lutea methanol root extract reinstates androgenesis and testicular function in cadmium- challenged rats(Journal of Physiology and Pathophysiology, 2019) Ejike, Daniel Eze; Okpa, Precious Nwaka; Igbokwe, Ugochukwu Vincent; Moses, Dele Adams; Karimah, Mohammed Rabiu; Ayikobua, Emmanuel TiyoCadmium produces a wide range of biological dysfunctions in human and laboratory animals where it chiefly affects the testes, whereas, Carpolobia lutea has been known to have antioxidant benefits. This study was intended to investigate the effects of Carpolobia lutea root extracts on testicular hormone function in cadmium-challenged male rats. 48 male Wistar rats (170-190 g) were divided into six groups, each containing eight rats. Experimental animals in control (Group 1) were given 0.2ml/kg body weight (BW) of 10% tween 80; Group two were administered 1mg/kg BW of cadmium (i.p); Group 3 were given 1mg/kg BW of cadmium (i.p) + 100mg/kg BW extract; Group four took 1mg/kg BW of cadmium (i.p) + 200mg/kg BW extract while Group five and six got 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg BW extract respectively. The administration of vehicle and extract was conducted orally for six weeks. Testicular activity of 17 beta- hydrosteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) and serum testosterone, luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormone (LH, FSH) levels were evaluated. Findings indicated that cadmium statistically (p<0.05) lowered testicular 17β-HSD activity and serum testosterone, LH and FSH levels when compared with those of the control group animals. However, Carpolobia lutea and its co-administration notably (p<0.05) elevated the activity of testicular 17β-HSD and levels of serum testosterone, LH and FSH. The study suggests that Carpolobia lutea extract plays a protective function in ameliorating testicular damage caused by cadmium in rats. This is probably due to the extract’s potential in the management of testicular dysfunction and fecundity in animals.
- ItemSuperbugs-related prolonged admissions in three tertiary hospitals, Kano State, Nigeria(The Pan African Medical Journal., 2019) Alkali, Bashir; Garba, Iliyasu; Adamu, Almustapha Aliero; Abdurrazak, Kibiya; Muhammad, Hassan Abubakar; Ibrahim, Ntulume; Faruku, Sarkinfada; Ezera, AgwuIntroduction: Superbugs are pathogenic microorganism and especially a bacterium that has developed resistance to the medications normally used against it. As the superbug family increases, the need for appropriate diagnostic, treatment, prevention and control strategies cannot be over emphasized. Therefore, this work determined the distribution of superbug bacteria among patients on prolonged hospital admissions in three tertiary hospitals of Kano state, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was undertaken among 401 patients from medical, surgery, orthopedic and burn Centre wards in a three tertiary hospitals in Kano state. A sample collected comprises wound/pus, urine, urine catheter and nasal intubation and were analysed using standard microbiological methods for Acinetobacter spp and other related nosocomial bacterial pathogens. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: One hundred and thirty eight (138) isolates were recovered, from the studied participants. More than 80% of the nosocomial infections (Nis) were caused by Gram-negative bacteria, predominantly Escherichia coli, Klebseilla spp, Proteus spp, Pseudomona spp, and Acinetobacter spp. In-vitro antibiotic susceptibility test revealed that Acinetobacter were 100% resistant to Amoxicillin, Co-trimoxazole, Perfloxacin and Imipenem. Conclusion: The results of this study reported higher antibiotic resistant among Acinetobacter spp isolated from three studied hospitals. The healthcare manage of the these hospitals and ministry health need to take measures against this resistant bacteria (Acinetobacter spp) especially on prescribing antibiotics that showed 100% resistant from these studied hospitals.
- ItemDeterminants of Enrolment and Renewing of Community-Based Health Insurance in Households With Under-5 Children in Rural South-Western Uganda(International Journal of Health Policy and Management, 2019) Emmanuel, Nshakira-Rukundo; Essa, Mussa Chanie; Nathan, Nshakira; Nicolas, Gerber; Joachim, von BraunAbstract Background: The desire for universal health coverage in developing countries has brought attention to community-based health insurance (CBHI) schemes in developing countries. The government of Uganda is currently debating policy for the national health insurance programme, targeting the integration of existing CBHI schemes into a larger national risk pool. However, while enrolment has been largely studied in other countries, it remains a generally under-covered issue from a Ugandan perspective. Using a large CBHI scheme, this study, therefore, aims at shedding more light on the determinants of households’ decisions to enrol and renew membership in these schemes. Methods: We collected household data from 464 households in 14 villages served by a large CBHI scheme in south-western Uganda. We then estimated logistic and zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) regressions to understand the determinants of enrolment and renewing membership in CBHI, respectively. Results: Results revealed that household’s socioeconomic status, husband’s employment in rural casual work (odds ratio [OR]: 2.581, CI: 1.104-6.032) and knowledge of health insurance premiums (OR: 17.072, CI: 7.027-41.477) were significant predictors of enrolment. Social capital and connectivity, assessed by the number of voluntary groups a household belonged to, was also positively associated with CBHI participation (OR: 5.664, CI: 2.927-10.963). More positive perceptions on insurance (OR: 2.991, CI: 1.273-7.029), access to information were also associated with enrolment and renewing among others. Burial group size and number of burial groups in a village, were all significantly associated with increased the likelihood of renewing CBHI. Conclusion: While socioeconomic factors remain important predictors of participation in insurance, mechanisms to promote inclusion should be devised. Improving the participation of communities can enhance trust in insurance and eventual coverage. Moreover, for households already insured, access to correct information and strengthening their social network information pathways enhances their chances of renewing.
- ItemUse of assisted vaginal birth to reduce unnecessary caesarean sections and improve maternal and perinatal outcomes(Elsevier Ltd., 2019) Barbara, Nolens; Capelle, Manuela; Roosmalen, Jos van; Mola, Glen; Josaphat, Byamugisha; John, Lule; Arfang, Faye; Thomas, van den Akker
- ItemLycopene improves on basic hematological and immunological parameters in diabetes mellitus(BMC Research Notes, 2019) Ejike, Daniel Eze; Adam, Moyosore Afodun; Josephine, Kasolo; Keneth Iceland, KasoziObjective: Diabetes is associated with an upset of hematological and immunological parameters in humans, how- ever information on the effects of Lycopene is scarce. The aim of the study was to gain information on basic changes in hematological parameters as markers for safety since anemia as a complication in diabetic chemotherapy has been reported. Results: Lycopene had anti-anemic effects and improved on the immune status of diabetic rats and these obser- vations were dose independent. There was a decrease in neutrophil, low neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and platelet counts and stable albumin, globulin levels. Lycopene could exert its protective effects through a balance of basic hematological physiological variables.
- ItemWomen’s recommendations: vacuum extraction or caesarean section for prolonged second stage of labour, a prospective cohort study in Uganda(John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2019) Barbara, Nolens; Thomas, van den Akker; John, Lule; Sulphine, Twinomuhangi; Roosmalen, Jos van; Josaphat, Byamugishaobjectives To investigate what women who have experienced vacuum extraction or second stage caesarean section (CS) would recommend as mode of birth in case of prolonged second stage of labour. methods A prospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital in Uganda. Between November 2014 and July 2015, women with a term singleton in vertex presentation who had undergone vacuum extraction or second stage CS were included. The first day and 6 months after birth women were asked what they would recommend to a friend: vacuum extraction or CS and why. Outcome measures were: proportions of women choosing vacuum extraction vs. CS and reasons for choosing this mode of birth. results The first day after birth, 293/318 (92.1%) women who had undergone vacuum extraction and 176/409 (43.0%) women who had undergone CS recommended vacuum extraction. Of women who had given birth by CS in a previous pregnancy and had vacuum extraction this time, 31/32 (96.9%) recommended vacuum extraction. Six months after birth findings were comparable. Less pain, shorter recovery period, avoiding surgery and the presumed relative safety of vacuum extraction to the mother were the main reasons for preferring vacuum extraction. Main reasons to opt for CS were having experienced CS without problems, CS presumed as being safer for the neonate, CS being the only option the woman was aware of, as well as the concern that vacuum extraction would fail. conclusions Most women would recommend vacuum extraction over CS in case of prolonged second stage of labour.
- ItemCarpolobia lutea methanol root extract reinstates androgenesis and testicular function in cadmiumchallenged rats(Academic Journals, 2019) Ejike, Daniel Eze; Precious Nwaka, Okpa; Ugochukwu Vincent, Igbokwe; Moses, Dele Adams; Mohammed Rabiu, Karimah; Emmanuel Tiyo, AyikobuaCadmium produces a wide range of biological dysfunctions in human and laboratory animals where it chiefly affects the testes, whereas, Carpolobia lutea has been known to have antioxidant benefits. This study was intended to investigate the effects of Carpolobia lutea root extracts on testicular hormone function in cadmium-challenged male rats. 48 male Wistar rats (170-190 g) were divided into six groups, each containing eight rats. Experimental animals in control (Group 1) were given 0.2ml/kg body weight (BW) of 10% tween 80; Group two were administered 1mg/kg BW of cadmium (i.p); Group 3 were given 1mg/kg BW of cadmium (i.p) + 100mg/kg BW extract; Group four took 1mg/kg BW of cadmium (i.p) + 200mg/kg BW extract while Group five and six got 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg BW extract respectively. The administration of vehicle and extract was conducted orally for six weeks. Testicular activity of 17 betahydrosteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) and serum testosterone, luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormone (LH, FSH) levels were evaluated. Findings indicated that cadmium statistically (p<0.05) lowered testicular 17β-HSD activity and serum testosterone, LH and FSH levels when compared with those of the control group animals. However, Carpolobia lutea and its co-administration notably (p<0.05) elevated the activity of testicular 17β-HSD and levels of serum testosterone, LH and FSH. The study suggests that Carpolobia lutea extract plays a protective function in ameliorating testicular damage caused by cadmium in rats. This is probably due to the extract’s potential in the management of testicular dysfunction and fecundity in animals.
- ItemInorganic Pollutants in Edible Grasshoppers (Ruspolia nitidula) of Uganda and their Major Public Health Implications.(Kabale University, 2019) Keneth Iceland, Kasozi; Namazi, Catherine; Basemera, Elizabeth; Atuheire, Collins; Odwee, Ambrose; Majalija, Samuel; Kateregga, John N.Background: Inorganic contamination of food products is associated with adverse health effects, however, information on grasshoppers in Africa is sparse. The objective of the study was to determine antioxidant, heavy metal and food safety status of edible grasshoppers of Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in central and southwestern Uganda, in which a questionnaire was administered to grasshopper harvesters. Grasshopper samples were collected from each harvesting point and analyzed in the laboratory for antioxidant and heavy metal content i.e. Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn) and Cadmium (Cd) using atomic absorbance spectrometric (AAS) method on the heads and abdomen of the insects. Results: Major antioxidants were Catalase > Glutathione > Glutathione peroxidase. In addition concentrations of heavy metals were in the order of Pb > Cr > Zn > Cd in the heads and abdomens of the grasshoppers. Pb concentrations were found to be higher in the heads than the abdomens and the carcinogenic potential of the grasshoppers was over 10 times over the recommended levels. Grasshoppers were found not to be safe especially in children due to their small body weight in comparison to adults. Conclusion: Pb poisoning in the Ugandan children would be propagated through contaminated grasshoppers. Keywords: Ecotoxicology, Food Safety, Metals, Insects, Nutritional Toxicology, Pb poisoning, Uganda.
- ItemLow concentrations of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ( Yoba®) are safe in male Drosophila melanogaster(BMC Res Notes, 2019) Keneth Iceland, Kasozi; Aisha, Bukenya; Ejike, Daniel Eze; Josephine, Kasolo; Dickson Stuart, Tayebwa; Fred, Ssempijja; Joy, Suubo; Andrew, Tamale; Isaac, Echoru; Ibrahim, Ntulume; Sarah, Kemuma Onkoba; Lisa Nkatha, Micheni; Emmanuel Tiyo, Ayikobua; Oscar Hilary, Asiimwe; Muhamudu, KalangeObjective: The purpose of the study was to generate information on the safety of probiotics, thus the study objectives were to evaluate the effects of Yoba ® on basic physiochemical properties. The study assessed male w1118 Drosophila melanogaster which were provided food supplemented with Yoba ® at 1%, 3%, 6%, and 12% on motor function, total protein, catalase activity, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and lifespan. Results: Yoba® at high concentration (≥ 6%) increased locomotor activity in Drosophila melanogaster, however, total protein, catalase, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity were significantly higher at 1% Yoba ® compared to 3%, 6%, and 12% Yoba ®. Yoba consumed at 1% was associated with greater physiological benefits in Drosophila melanogaster. Findings in the study offer a rationale for the consumption of Yoba ® at 1% in humans as is currently being promoted by the Yoba for Life consortium, however, high concentrations of Yoba ® would disrupt physiological function as shown by this study.
- ItemCarpolobia lutea methanol root extract reinstates androgenesis and testicular function in cadmiumchallenged rats(Academic Journals, 2019) Ejike, Daniel Eze; Okpa Precious, Nwaka; Ugochukwu Vincent, Igbokwe; Moses, Dele Adams; Mohammed Rabiu, Karimah; Emmanuel Tiyo, AyikobuaCadmium produces a wide range of biological dysfunctions in human and laboratory animals where it chiefly affects the testes, whereas, Carpolobia lutea has been known to have antioxidant benefits. This study was intended to investigate the effects of Carpolobia lutea root extracts on testicular hormone function in cadmium-challenged male rats. 48 male Wistar rats (170-190 g) were divided into six groups, each containing eight rats. Experimental animals in control (Group 1) were given 0.2ml/kg body weight (BW) of 10% tween 80; Group two were administered 1mg/kg BW of cadmium (i.p); Group 3 were given 1mg/kg BW of cadmium (i.p) + 100mg/kg BW extract; Group four took 1mg/kg BW of cadmium (i.p) + 200mg/kg BW extract while Group five and six got 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg BW extract respectively. The administration of vehicle and extract was conducted orally for six weeks. Testicular activity of 17 betahydrosteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) and serum testosterone, luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormone (LH, FSH) levels were evaluated. Findings indicated that cadmium statistically (p<0.05) lowered testicular 17β-HSD activity and serum testosterone, LH and FSH levels when compared with those of the control group animals. However, Carpolobia lutea and its co-administration notably (p<0.05) elevated the activity of testicular 17β-HSD and levels of serum testosterone, LH and FSH. The study suggests that Carpolobia lutea extract plays a protective function in ameliorating testicular damage caused by cadmium in rats. This is probably due to the extract’s potential in the management of testicular dysfunction and fecundity in animals.
- ItemLycopene improves on basic hematological and immunological parameters in diabetes mellitus(BMC, 2019) Ejike, Daniel Eze; Adam Moyosore, Afodun; Josephine, Kasolo; Keneth Iceland, KasoziObjective: Diabetes is associated with an upset of hematological and immunological parameters in humans, however information on the effects of Lycopene is scarce. The aim of the study was to gain information on basic changes in hematological parameters as markers for safety since anemia as a complication in diabetic chemotherapy has been reported. Results: Lycopene had anti-anemic effects and improved on the immune status of diabetic rats and these observations were dose independent. There was a decrease in neutrophil, low neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and platelet counts and stable albumin, globulin levels. Lycopene could exert its protective effects through a balance of basic hematological physiological variables.
- ItemPrevalence of Bacterial Urinary Tract Infections and Associated Factors among Patients Attending Hospitals in Bushenyi District, Uganda(Hindawi International Journal of Microbiology, 2019) Martin, Odoki; Adamu, Almustapha Aliero; Julius, Tibyangye; Josephat, Nyabayo Maniga; Eddie, Wampande; Charles, Drago Kato; Ezera, Agwu; Joel, BaziraUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the major causes of morbidity and comorbidities in patients with underlying conditions, and it accounts for the majority of the reasons for hospital visit globally. Sound knowledge of factors associated with UTI may allow timely intervention that can easily bring the disease under control. (is study was designed to determine the prevalence of UTI by isolating and characterizing the different bacterial etiological agents and to evaluate the factors associated with UTI. In this crosssectional study, a total of 267, clean catch midstream urine (MSU) samples were collected aseptically and analyzed using standard microbiology methods. Data for the factors associated with UTI were obtained by use of questionnaires and standard laboratory tests for selected underlying conditions. (e study revealed 86/267 (32.2%) UTI prevalence among patients attending hospitals in Bushenyi District, Uganda. Escherichia coli was the most prevalent bacterial uropathogen with 36/86 (41.9%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus 27/86 (31.4%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 10/86 (11.6%), Klebsiella oxytoca 6/86 (7.0%), Proteus mirabilis 3/86 (3.5%), Enterococcus faecalis 3/86 (3.5%), and Proteus vulgaris 1/86 (1.2%). (is study has demonstrated that age ≤19 years, female gender, married individuals, genitourinary tract abnormalities, diabetes, hospitalization, indwelling catheter <6 days, and indwelling catheter >6 days had statistically significant relationships (p < 0.05) with UTI. Screening for UTI in hospitalized patients, female gender, married individuals, genitourinary tract abnormalities, indwelling catheter, and diabetics should be adopted.