{ OBJECTIVES To compare sociodemographic profiles, child care, child feeding practices and growth indices of children born to HIV-1 seropositive and seronegative mothers. METHODS: A cohort study of 234 children (seropositive and seronegative) born to HIV-1 seropositive mothers and 139 children born to seronegative mothers in Pumwani Maternity Hospital which serves a low-income population in Nairobi, Kenya from December 1991 and January 1994. RESULTS: With few exceptions, at the time of their birth children in all three cohorts had parents with similar characteristics, lived in similar housing in similar geographical areas, had their mothers as their primary care givers, had similar feeding practices and similar growth status and patterns. However, the HIV-1 seropositive mothers were slightly younger (23.8 years vs. 25.0 years, P < 0.01), if married they were less likely to be their husband's first wife (79% vs. 91%

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PIP: This research report studies several biochemical and histochemical aspects of cervical carcinoma and explores their use in follow-up of patients undergoing radiotherapy. Material came from 19 patients with invasive cervical carcinoma admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital. A control group consisted of 20 women matched for age who attended clinics at the hospital but were not suffering from any malignant disease; control tissue for histological examination was obtained from 3 women who had undergone hysterectomy for uterine fibroids. Biochemical assays for alkaline and acid phosphatases in patients with cervical carcinoma show an increase in alkaline phosphatase in carcinomatous tissue (35.7 umoles/hr/mg) as opposed to normal tissue (7.2). Acid phosphatase values were only moderately raised. Assays of the same enzymes in blood showed a less marked difference between patients and controls (ranges of 7.5-20.8 and 3-14, respectively). When examined histochemically, increased alkaline phosphatase activity was observed in connective tissue, epithelium of the glands and blood capillaries of tumor tissue. 1 section containing normal tissue bordering carcinomatous tissue demonstrated normal alkaline phosphatase activity in the normal tissue and increased activity in the tumor tissue. In summary, there is increased enzyme activity around the tumor areas, but values for serum levels show an overlap of normal and abnormal cases and are therefore not predictive. Results demonstrate a clear difference in activities of these enzymes in carcinomatous tissue and normal tissue, which may be of value in follow-up care.

Nine patients with acute liver failure due to Plasmodium falciparum liver injury admitted to the Rajgarhia Liver Unit of the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences during 1982-84 are presented. The liver was palpable in all the patients, and eight had splenomegaly. Investigations revealed mild to moderate abnormality in liver function tests. All were negative for the markers of acute infection due to hepatitis A and B viruses. Blood film examination showed P. falciparum alone in seven and along with P. vivax in the remaining two patients. Liver histology, which was identical in all eight patients where liver biopsy was done, showed centrizonal necrosis and hyperplastic Kupffer cells loaded with malarial pigment. All the patients recovered with specific anti-malarial and supportive treatment. Our observations suggest that malaria due to P. falciparum may present as jaundice and encephalopathy which stimulates acute hepatic failure due to fulminant hepatitis.

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A cross sectional study of 115 patients admitted at the Department of Orthopedics, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya was carried out to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from infected wounds. The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus was 33.0 %. The drugs tested and their corresponding sensitivity was amoxycillin (13.2 %), co-amoxyclav (39.5 %), oxacillin (55.3 %), erythromycin (44.7 %), gentamicin (60.5 %), ciprofloxacin (62.2 %), minocycline (86.8 %), cefuroxime (57.9 %), and clidamycin (84.2 %). These results show the sensitivity profile of Staphylococcus aureus and can be used to choose suitable drugs in the management of wounds for hospitalized patients.

A cross sectional study of 115 patients admitted at the Department of Orthopedics, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya was carried out to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from infected wounds. The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus was 33.0 %. The drugs tested and their corresponding sensitivity was amoxycillin (13.2 %), co-amoxyclav (39.5 %), oxacillin (55.3 %), erythromycin (44.7 %), gentamicin (60.5 %), ciprofloxacin (62.2 %), minocycline (86.8 %), cefuroxime (57.9 %), and clidamycin (84.2 %). These results show the sensitivity profile of Staphylococcus aureus and can be used to choose suitable drugs in the management of wounds for hospitalized patients.

Kenya has been faced with challenges of planning, development and management of its urban residential neighbourhoods. Any residential neighbourhood should have a well-defined spatial and social entity so as to give meaning to urban environment. In Nairobi, for instance, the largest part of urban land is zoned for residential areas, giving the city its image and identity. Of the total residential land in Nairobi, 5 percent comprises of informal settlements accommodating about 70 percent of Nairobi’s over 3 million population. The rest of the land, representing 95 percent is home to about 30 percent of the urban population, is developed with housing of different design and categories. The rot in Nairobi as in other towns in Kenya is clearly a case of ineptitude and negligence of local authorities entrusted with responsibilities of ensuring order. Due to the failure by the local authorities and other relevant government agencies, residents have taken it upon themselves to participate in the neighbourhood planning, development and management. The change of land uses is also causing the city to sprawl and expand in its periphery leading to the emergence of more suburban residential areas. The paper adopted a case study methodological approach by focusing on selected residential neighbourhood within the City of Nairobi to undertake an in-depth analysis. The main objective of this paper is to assess the response and nature of participation of neighbourhood residents in the activities that are geared towards improving the quality of the neighbourhoods. The issues of revitalization of decayed neighbourhoods are highlighted. The findings form a sound basis for policy intervention by examining the different intervention strategies.

This paper presents results from a trial in Swara Farm, Njoro, Kenya, in which a field was sown with Sorghum almum on a volcanic ash soil. Immediately after sowing, 14 strips measuring 156 m x 9 m were marked out and alternate strips were oversown with inoculated seed of lucerne cv. Hairy Peruvian. During the first year of the trial no differences were noticed in the growth of S. almum, but during the second year it grew better when associated with lucerne. After two years the field was ploughed and sown with wheat. The strips were harvested separately with a combine harvester. Mean yields after S. almum were 2,708 kg/ha and after the S.almum/lucerne mixture were 3,244 kg/ha

This paper presents results from a trial in Swara Farm, Njoro, Kenya, in which a field was sown with Sorghum almum on a volcanic ash soil. Immediately after sowing, 14 strips measuring 156 m x 9 m were marked out and alternate strips were oversown with inoculated seed of lucerne cv. Hairy Peruvian. During the first year of the trial no differences were noticed in the growth of S. almum, but during the second year it grew better when associated with lucerne. After two years the field was ploughed and sown with wheat. The strips were harvested separately with a combine harvester. Mean yields after S. almum were 2,708 kg/ha and after the S.almum/lucerne mixture were 3,244 kg/ha.

Maize grain yield is constrained by inadequate supply of nitrogen caused by insufficient application of fertilizers that are found to be costly and unaffordable in smallholder farming. Therefore there is need to search for locally available and potentially low-cost N sources. Beneficial residual effect from mucuna biomass application during subsequent cropping seasons of maize, hence fertilizer saving, is considered one of the possible solutions. However, there are residual aspects of herbaceous legume green manure application that are not clear and warrant further investigation: The application rate of green manure biomass required to make substantial residual effect on yield of maize produced in subsequent cropping seasons is unknown. The effect of mucuna green manure application rate on seasonal persistence of the residual influence is not adequately described. Consequently, on-farm research was carried out in southwest Kenya in the period 2002-2005. The objective was to determine residual effect of mucuna green manure application rate on maize grain yield during the subsequent first and second cropping seasons after incorporation. Treatments investigated were: mucuna green manure applied at rates of 0, 30, 60, 120, 240 and 480 kg N haG1; and inorganic fertilizer-urea at 30, 60 and 120 kg N haG1. At tissue N concentration of 1.6 to 2 % for mucuna, the application rates worked to 1.5, 3, 6, 12 and 24 t DM haG1 equivalent of its green manure biomass. Randomized complete block design with three replications was used and maize variety H614 planted. Data was collected on maize grain yield at harvest. Genstat discovery edition 2 was used in data analysis. Results obtained showed that mucuna green manure and inorganic fertilizer-urea N do not have residual effect on maize grain yield during the first and second subsequent planting seasons, regardless of the rate applied. These being wide range of mucuna application rates, 1.5 to 24 t DM haG1, would suggest that change in tissue N concentration of the herbaceous legume, while other factors remain similar, would have little if any dramatic alteration on the observed residual response trend.

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We surveyed the phytoseid mites in four different geographical zones of Kenya: Zone I, upper highland and tropical alpine (2400-4400m): Zone II, lower highland (1800-2400m); zone III, midland (800-1800m); Zone IV, tropical, hot and humid( 0-800m ). A total of 107 species was found. In the sub family, amblyseeinae there were 14 species in the genus Neoseilus , one in Aspereroseius Chant, one in Paraphytoseius Swirski &Schechter, five in typhlodromips De Leon, five in Transeius Chant & McMurty, one in Graminaseius Chant &McMurty, 11 in Amblyseius Berlese, one in Arrenoseius Wanstein, two in Typhlodromalus muma, seven in Ueckemannseius Chant &McMurty, one in Ambylodromalus Chant &Mcmurty,, 20 in Euseius Wanstein, one in Iphiseius Berlese, one in Phytoseilus Evans and one in Gynaseius Ehara & Imano. In the subfamily Phytoseiinae Berlese there were four species in the genus Phytoseiius Ribaga. In the subfamily Typhlodrominae Wanstein, there were four species in the genus Kuzinellus Wainstein and 27 in Typhlodromus Scheuten

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important food legume among the pulses. It is a cheap source of protein, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, bean production is constrained by bacterial diseases, of which common bacterial blight (Xanthomonas axonopodis p.v. phaseoli) is prevalent in Africa. The objective of this study was to transfer resistance to common bacterial blight and determine its inheritance in yellow beans. Sources of resistance were CIAT lines, Wilk 2 and VAX 6, which were crossed with susceptible Lusaka yellow and Pembla. The parents, F1, F2 and backcross progenies were inoculated with X. axonopodis and the resulting blight severity determined. Quantitative traits, including days to flowering, number of pods, and seed yield were also determined. The F1 and backcrosses to the resistant parents were all resistant, while the F2 and backcrosses to the susceptible parents segregated in 3:1 and 1:1 ratios, respectively. Additive genetic effects were observed in quantitative traits like days to flowering, plant height, days to maturity and yield. Therefore, resistance to common bacterial blight is controlled by a single dominant gene. The resistant parents Wilk 2 and VAX 6 could be used to improve bean varieties that are susceptible to common bacterial blight

A cross sectional study of 115 patients admitted at the Department of Orthopedics, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya was carried out to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from infected wounds. The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus was 33.0 %. The drugs tested and their corresponding sensitivity was amoxycillin (13.2 %), co-amoxyclav (39.5 %), oxacillin (55.3 %), erythromycin (44.7 %), gentamicin (60.5 %), ciprofloxacin (62.2 %), minocycline (86.8 %), cefuroxime (57.9 %), and clidamycin (84.2 %). These results show the sensitivity profile of Staphylococcus aureus and can be used to choose suitable drugs in the management of wounds for hospitalized patients.

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Isolated mouse interstitial cells were incubated with different concentrations of khat (Catha edulis) extract (0.06 mg/ml, 0.6 mg/ml. 6 mg/ml. 30 mg/ml and 60 mg/ml) and cell viability as well as testosterone concentration measured at 30 min intervals over a 3 h incubation period. High concentrations of khat extract (30 mg/ml and 60 mg/ml) significantly inhibited testosterone production while low concentrations (0.06 mg/ml. 0.6 mg/ml and 6 mg/ml) significantly stimulated (P < 0.05) testosterone production by mouse interstitial cells. Similarly, at concentrations of 30 mg/ml and 60 mg/ml, there was a significant decrease in interstitial cell viability, whereas at 0.06 mg/ml, 0.6 mg/ml and 6 mg/ml there was no significant decrease. There was only a weak correlation (r= 0.39) between testosterone production and viable interstitial cells. We postulate that khat extract at high concentrations may cause reproductive function impairment in the user but at low concentrations. may enhance testosterone production with accompanying effects on reproductive functions in male mice. @2006 Publishedby Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Kel'lVords: In dtro; Khat; Testosterone; Interstitial cells; Mouse

Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat causes quantitative and qualitative reduction in yield.
Cultivar resistance is the most effective method of managing the disease. This study
evaluated the resistance of wheat germplasm currently available in Kenya to Fusarium head
blight and deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination. Nine wheat varieties and four CIMMYT
lines were evaluated for susceptibility to FHB under two diverse agro-ecologies in Nakuru
and Narok Counties, Kenya during the 2013 cropping season and in the greenhouse …

Common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L., is valued as a major source of affordable protein and minerals, and a source of income and employment for rural communities. It is an important staple in the diet of people of all income categories, with consumption levels in eastern and southern Africa exceeding 50kg per person per year, reaching 66 kg per person in parts of Kisii. Productivity of common bean in Kenya is severely constrained by abiotic and biotic stresses, especially diseases such as angular leaf spot, anthracnose, rust, common bacterial blight, bean common mosaic virus (BCMV), Fusarium wilt and root rots. This study was undertaken to evaluate 27 newly identified bean varieties with high iron and zinc concentration for resistance to the major diseases under field conditions. Eight varieties (RWR 10, K 132, MCM 2001, G5686, PVA 8, Soya Fupi, Nguaku Nguaku and Nain De Kyondo) showed high (grade 1 to 3) to moderate (grade 5) levels of resistance to anthracnose, bean rust, common bacterial blight, bean common mosaic virus and root rot. Variety Kiangara had good levels of resistance to all the diseases. These results indicate that some of the newly identified nutrient-rich bean varieties possess good levels of resistance to diseases and their adoption would, therefore, increase bean production and improve human health.

ABSTRACT: Several strategies are employed in management of insect pests. Among these, chemical control is a priority to most farming communities where pest incidences occur while other existing options such as biological control are rarely considered. In coffee farming agro ecosystems, there are indigenous biological control agents such as the predacious phytoseiid mites, Euseius kenyae (Swirski and Ragusa) that have the potential to manage secondary pests like coffee thrips, Diarthrothrips coffeae Williams. This study was conducted to assess the population dynamics of E. kenyae and D. coffeae as well as theirinteractions under coffee agro ecosystems where various soil fertilizer sources and selective insecticides were applied as treatments. The populations of both E. kenyae and D. coffeae fluctuated during the three years study period. The E. kenyae suppressed the population of D. coffeae under various treated coffee blocks. There was negative correlation between E. kenyae and D. coffeae in year 2006 and 2008 where the increasing population of E. kenyae decreased that of D. coffeae. In year 2007, positive correlation between E. kenyae and D. coffeae was observed in some of the treatments where increased population of D. coffeae caused an increased population of E. kenyae. Euseius kenyae managed to contain the D. coffeae population to below economical injury levels (1-2 thrips per leaf) during the three years under the various coffee agro ecosystems. The use of chlorpyrifos never affected E. kenyae. Their survival and increased in number under chlorpyrifos treated coffee blocks indicated the development of resistance by the population of E. kenyae, hence the possibility of using them as a component in an Integrated Pest Management strategy in coffee.

Five plaster of Paris casting bandages including Nairobi Enterprises, Salvagyps, Helm, Plasrun-gyps and Veronese, available on the Kenyan market were evaluated based on their resistance to abrasion. The mean loss in mass per square area for Nairobi Enterprises and Salvagyps was significantly lower (p

The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of chloroquine in pregnant women with Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia at therapeutic doses of 25 mg/kg body weight divided over 3 days. METHODS: Three-hundred pregnant women in Kilifi Hospital at the coast of Kenya were screened for malaria parasitemia using Giemsa stained thick blood smears. In vivo and in vitro parasite sensitivity to chloroquine was determined. RESULTS: P. falciparum infections were present in 65 (22%) of 300 pregnant women. The in vivo tests showed that 46% of all the P. falciparum infections were resistant to chloroquine predominantly at RI and RII levels. The in vitro tests showed a resistance rate of 35%. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of pregnant women with malaria do not respond to chloroquine therapy and alternative drugs are required

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of chloroquine in pregnant women with Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia at therapeutic doses of 25 mg/kg body weight divided over 3 days. <br>METHODS: Three-hundred pregnant women in Kilifi Hospital at the coast of Kenya were screened for malaria parasitemia using Giemsa stained thick blood smears. In vivo and in vitro parasite sensitivity to chloroquine was determined. <br>RESULTS: P. falciparum infections were present in 65 (22%) of 300 pregnant women. The in vivo tests showed that 46% of all the P. falciparum infections were resistant to chloroquine predominantly at RI and RII levels. The in vitro tests showed a resistance rate of 35%. <br>CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of pregnant women with malaria do not respond to chloroquine therapy and alternative drugs are required.

Natural infection with Haemonchus contortus was monitored in 300 kids using worm egg counts per gram (EPG) from the age of 2 months to one year. Some kids had low counts 201 ñ 118.2 while others had high count 601.9 ñ 199.9 EGP. Eleven goats from thelow counts group A and nineteen from the low count group B were cleared of worm infestation using Invermectin under complement. The two groups were then artificially infected with 500 larvae per kid from same (H. contortus) isolate. Individual goats within the groups had low EPG throughout the study indicating resistance to the challenge. Goats in group A had significantly lower EPG (725 ñ 212.5) than group B (1643.2 ñ 463.4) P(t=1.80.05) throughout the period. This could reflect a few group B goats with very high EPG rather than general difference between the groups. The indication by individual goats of greater resistance to (H. cortortus) than others provided an important direction for future research.

FASEB J. 2001 Aug;15(10):1795-7.
Resistance to HIV-1 infection among African sex workers is associated with global hyporesponsiveness in interleukin 4 production.
Trivedi HN, Plummer FA, Anzala AO, Njagi E, Bwayo JJ, Ngugi EN, Embree JE, Hayglass KT.
Source
Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada R3E 0W3.
PMID:
11481233
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Free full text

{ OBJECTIVE: To establish a cohort of high-risk individuals suitable for HIV-prevention trials, and to measure changes in sexual behaviour and sexually transmitted disease (STD) incidence after a behavioural intervention. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study in trucking company depots in Mombasa, Kenya. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 556 male HIV-seronegative employees of trucking companies. INTERVENTIONS: HIV serological testing, individual counselling, condom promotion, STD diagnosis and management. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sexual risk behaviour and symptomatic STD incidence. RESULTS: Using time-trend modelling, significant declines in self-reported high-risk sexual behaviour were demonstrated during a 1-year follow-up. The percentage of men reporting any extramarital sex during the 3-month period prior to a follow-up visit decreased from 49% durig the first quarter of follow-up to 36% during the last quarter (P < 0.001). The decline in reported female sex worker contact was from 12% to 6% (P = 0.001). Approximately 30% of men reported consistent condom use during extramarital sex and this percentage remained unchanged during the study period. The incidence of STD declined from 34 per 100 person years (PY) during the first quarter to 10 per 100 PY during the last quarter (P = 0.001). Significant reductions in gonorrhoea (15 to five cases per 100 PY

In an effort to identify an immunological basis for natural resistance to HIV-1 infection, we have examined serum antibody responses to HLA class I antigens in female prostitutes of the Nairobi Sex Workers Study. Anti-HLA antibodies are known to block HIV infectivity in vitro and can be protective against SIV challenge in macaques immunized with purified class I HLA. Thus, it was postulated that broadly cross-reactive alloantibodies recognizing common HLA alleles in the client population might contribute to the prevention of heterosexual transmission of HIV. In fact, 12% of the women were found to have serum IgG antibodies against class I alloantigens. However, this alloantibody did not correlate with the HIV status of the women and was found in a similar proportion of HIV-positive and HIV-resistant women. The observed levels of alloantibody did not increase with HIV infection in susceptible individuals, suggesting that potential antigenic mimicry between HIV and host HLA class I antigens does not significantly increase levels of anti-class I antibodies. The lack of correlation between serum anti-allo-class I HLA antibodies and the risk of sexual transmission indicates that this humoral immune response is unlikely to be the natural mechanism behind the HIV-resistance phenotype of persistently HIV-seronegative women. This result, however, does not preclude the further investigation of alloimmunization as an artificial HIV immunization strategy.

Lancet. 1996 Nov 16;348(9038):1347-51.
Resistance to HIV-1 infection among persistently seronegative prostitutes in Nairobi, Kenya.
Fowke KR, Nagelkerke NJ, Kimani J, Simonsen JN, Anzala AO, Bwayo JJ, MacDonald KS, Ngugi EN, Plummer FA.
Source
Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
There is indirect evidence that HIV-1 exposure does not inevitably lead to persistent infection. Heterogeneity in susceptibility to infection could be due to protective immunity. The objective of this study was to find out whether in highly HIV-1-exposed populations some individuals are resistant to infection.
METHODS:
We did an observational cohort study of incident HIV-1 infection-among 424 initially HIV-1-seronegative prostitutes in Nairobi, Kenya, between 1985 and 1994. 239 women seroconverted to HIV-1 during the study period. Exponential, Weibull, and mixture survival models were used to examine the effect of the duration of follow-up on incidence of HIV-1 infection. The influence of the duration of exposure to HIV-1 through prostitution on seroconversion risk was examined by Cox proportional hazards modelling, with control for other known or suspected risk factors for incident HIV-1 infection. HIV-1 PCR with env, nef, and vif gene primers was done on 43 persistently seronegative prostitutes who remained seronegative after 3 or more years of follow-up.
FINDINGS:
Modelling of the time to HIV-1 seroconversion showed that the incidence of HIV-1 seroconversion decreased with increasing duration of exposure, which indicates that there is heterogeneity in HIV-1 susceptibility or acquired immunity to HIV-1. Each weighted year of exposure through prostitution resulted in a 1.2-fold reduction in HIV-1 seroconversion risk (hazard ratio 0.83 [95% CI 0.79-0.88], p < 0.0001). Analyses of epidemiological and laboratory data, show that persistent seronegativity is not explained by seronegative HIV-1 infection or by differences in risk factors for HIV-1 infection such as safer sexual behaviours or the incidence of other sexually transmitted infections. Interpretation: We conclude that a small proportion of highly exposed individuals, who may have natural protective immunity to HIV-1, are resistant to HIV-1.
PIP:
A cohort study conducted in 1985-94 among 424 prostitutes from Nairobi, Kenya, who were initially human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 seronegative, tended to provide support for the observation that some individuals in highly exposed populations may be resistant to infection. During the 10-year study period, 239 of these women seroconverted. The overall HIV-1 incidence was 42/100 person-years. After the first 2 years of follow up, in which the majority of seroconversions occurred, HIV-1 prevalence reached a plateau and then began a steep decline. To determine whether the risk of HIV-1 infection declined over time as a result of the selection of resistance, incidence rates among women with less than 3 years' versus more than 3 years' duration of prostitution were compared for 1989-93. An increasing protective effect for each seronegative year of exposure was observed. The estimated cumulative protective effect for women practicing prostitution from 1984-93 and remaining seronegative, compared to women who entered prostitution in 1994, was over 100-fold. To rule out the possibility that the decrease in seroconversion with duration of exposure reflected differences in sexual behavior or immunity to sexually transmitted diseases that facilitate HIV transmission, Cox proportional hazards modelling was performed. The weighted duration of prostitution was independently associated with a decreased risk of seroconversion. Each weighted year of exposure resulted in a 1.2-fold decrease in risk. Women who seroconverted were more likely to report 1 or more regular partners and to use condoms with these partners than their counterparts who remained seronegative. Elucidation of the protective mechanisms and the factors mediating the development of immunity against HIV-1 could be important to HIV-1 vaccine research.
Comment inThe following popper user interface control may not be accessible. Tab to the next button to revert the control to an accessible version.
Destroy user interface controlLoss to follow-up effect in investigations of HIV-1 incidence. [Lancet. 1997]
PMID:
8918278
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Isolated mouse interstitial cells were incubated with different concentrations of khat (Catha edulis) extract (0.06 mg/ml, 0.6 mg/ml. 6 mg/ml. 30 mg/ml and 60 mg/ml) and cell viability as well as testosterone concentration measured at 30 min intervals over a 3 h incubation period. High concentrations of khat extract (30 mg/ml and 60 mg/ml) significantly inhibited testosterone production while low concentrations (0.06 mg/ml. 0.6 mg/ml and 6 mg/ml) significantly stimulated (P < 0.05) testosterone production by mouse interstitial cells. Similarly, at concentrations of 30 mg/ml and 60 mg/ml, there was a significant decrease in interstitial cell viability, whereas at 0.06 mg/ml, 0.6 mg/ml and 6 mg/ml there was no significant decrease. There was only a weak correlation (r= 0.39) between testosterone production and viable interstitial cells. We postulate that khat extract at high concentrations may cause reproductive function impairment in the user but at low concentrations. may enhance testosterone production with accompanying effects on reproductive functions in male mice. @2006 Publishedby Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Kel'lVords: In dtro; Khat; Testosterone; Interstitial cells; Mouse

Isolated mouse interstitial cells were incubated with different concentrations of khat (Catha edulis) extract (0.06 mg/ml, 0.6 mg/ml. 6 mg/ml. 30 mg/ml and 60 mg/ml) and cell viability as well as testosterone concentration measured at 30 min intervals over a 3 h incubation period. High concentrations of khat extract (30 mg/ml and 60 mg/ml) significantly inhibited testosterone production while low concentrations (0.06 mg/ml. 0.6 mg/ml and 6 mg/ml) significantly stimulated (P < 0.05) testosterone production by mouse interstitial cells. Similarly, at concentrations of 30 mg/ml and 60 mg/ml, there was a significant decrease in interstitial cell viability, whereas at 0.06 mg/ml, 0.6 mg/ml and 6 mg/ml there was no significant decrease. There was only a weak correlation (r= 0.39) between testosterone production and viable interstitial cells. We postulate that khat extract at high concentrations may cause reproductive function impairment in the user but at low concentrations. may enhance testosterone production with accompanying effects on reproductive functions in male mice. @2006 Publishedby Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Kel'lVords: In dtro; Khat; Testosterone; Interstitial cells; Mouse

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AfricaAdapt is is an independent bilingual network (French/English) focused exclusively on Africa. The Network’s aim is to facilitate the flow of climate change adaptation knowledge for sustainable livelihoods between researchers, policy makers, civil society organizations and communities who are vulnerable to climate variability and change across the continent. In many cases, the abundance of resources has led to confusion and misinformation surrounding climate change issues. This resource guide provides selected resource materials and links that specifically target non-climate experts.

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Measurements have been made on respiration of three resting unstressed adult giraffe under normal conditions. Tracheal dimensions and body dimensions have also been measured in a large number of giraffe and other mammals. The results indicate that contrary to statements in the literature the giraffe does not have an abnormally large dead space, though the trachea is abnormally long and narrow. The respiratory measurements indicate that the giraffe breathes as predicted by published scaling equations, and at rest shows no abnormalities of rate or depth. The respiratory evaporative water loss is very small. Body temperature is labile with a range of at least 3.3 degrees C, and oxygen consumption, respiratory frequency, minute volume and respiratory evaporative water loss are all strongly correlated with body temperature.

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Inhalation of airborne nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) in workplaces causes a variety of respiratory ailments which
adversely affects the productivity of employees. A study was therefore conducted on production workers (N=233) from
six different types industrial plants, to investigate the influence of Ni and Cr exposure on their respiratory systems.
Breathing zone air and urinary samples were collected, and analyzed for total Ni and Cr using atomic absorption
spectroscopy. The medical history of the workers was obtained using questionnaires. Their lung functions were further
examined using a spirometer. Mean (± standard deviation) breathing zone air of 23.4 ± 11.6 μg/m3 Cr and 10.3 ± 4.3 μg/
m3 Ni was highest among the tanners and welders, respectively. The mean level of 35.2 ± 12.1 Cr and 28.4 ± 7.8 Ni in
μg/g creatinine were also highest in the urine of corresponding workers. A significant (P<0.01) correlation of r=0.86 Cr
and r=0.89 Ni was observed between airborne and urinary levels in all production workers. Approximately 26.6% of the
workers had respiratory diseases that were associated with wheezing, shortness of breath, sneezing attacks among
other related symptoms. Most of these workers were welders, tanners and, to lesser extent, paint manufacturers. The
breathing zone air of the afflicted workers had significantly (P<0.05) high mean levels of 6.4 ± 4.4 μg/m3 Ni and 9.6 ±
5.3 μg/m3 Cr than those who were not affected (3.9 ± 3.2 μg/m3 Ni and 4.4 ± 3.8 μg/m3 Cr). A high proportion of the
workers had reduced ventilatory function measurements. We recommend comprehensive assessment of Cr and Ni in
related industries with significant exposures. Designing and developing of training programs and educative manuals
on safety and health procedures, and regular medical surveillance is also recommended.

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The swamp worm Alma emini subsists in the highly productive waterlogged swamps around the East African Lake Victoria. The soil consists of putrefying plant matter from which gases like methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulphide are formed and profusely discharged. The interstitial spaces in the soil are generally anoxic and the soil is highly reducing. To survive in such an inimical habitat, Alma has evolved a remarkably unique respiratory strategy. The posterodorsal part of the body, which is well supplied with blood, is regularly converted into a ‘lung’ across which gases are exchanged at the surface or under water. Air and/or water may be entrapped in the ‘lung’ and carried for use (as a source of oxygen and/or a depository of carbon dioxide) during the ensuing underground sojourn. By evolving a unique respiratory potential, Alma emini has been able to flourish in a highly dynamic and virtually anoxic habitat while essentially having a capacity for aerobic biochemistry. Putative indications of cellular adaptations against hydrogen sulphide toxicity were observed, especially in the cells that line the ‘lung’. A. emini presents a good example of nature's tenacious and innovative designs for surviving in severe environments.

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Sex Transm Infect. 2002 Apr;78 Suppl 1:i114-20.
Response of a sexually transmitted infection epidemic to a treatment and prevention programme in Nairobi, Kenya.
Moses S, Ngugi EN, Costigan A, Kariuki C, Maclean I, Brunham RC, Plummer FA.
Source
Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. smoses@cc.umanitoba.ca
Abstract
Although it seems possible in a developing country context such as Kenya, given appropriate inputs and a sound approach, to shift a sexually transmitted disease (STI) epidemic from phase II to III, it is not entirely clear how to go beyond this stage, to low levels of endemicity or even elimination. Perhaps the most important challenge now is to expand STI treatment and community STI/HIV prevention programmes to a much larger scale. Although successful programmes have been implemented in many areas of sub-Saharan Africa on a small scale, a significant impact in reducing the STI/HIV burden will not occur until programme reach is expanded to district, provincial, and national levels.
PMID:
12083429
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID:
PMC1765810
Free PMC Article

The agronomic effectiveness of minjingu rock phosphate O,trtp) was compared with that of highly soluble phosphate triple superphosphate (TSp), in pot studies with field bean (p. t,ulgaris L.) in a greenhouse at the field station of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nairobi, Kenya. MRp finely ground with 30 Grade Yo P and TSP with 99.6 Grade yo p fertilizer at rates 0, 30, 45 and 60mg P pot-r were applied on 2kg soil pot-r. The soil used in the study was an acid humic andosol from fields with moribund tea bushes, tea bushes planted in lg5g and,lgTgand newly cleared forest in Kaga4 Kenya' Shoot and root dry matter felds, dry seed feld responses and their response estimates were determined and showed positive significance in most cases when TSp fert,izer was applied on the soils except that from moribund tea field. The relative agronomic effectiveness (efficiency) of MRP on biomass and also seed leld of beans was found to be significantly inferior to TSP in most of the soils except that from moribund tea field where both sources were found to be ineffective' This study confirms that inspite of its high reactivity, MRp is stilr agronomicary ineffective as nutrient source ofphosphorous for growingp. wrgarisin acid so,s. Key Words; Andosol(s), phosphorus, source, leld

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This study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the effect of ecologically sound approaches for nematode management on non-target organisms, free-living nematodes. The materials tested were sugarcane bagasse, molasses, tea and flower composts, neem (Achook), a biological agent (Paecilomyces lilacinus) and fenamiphos (Nemacur). The treatments were administered before planting carnation var. White Natila in flower beds that were naturally infested with nematodes. Application of bagasse, molasses, tea and flower composts resulted in increased abundance of free-living nematodes compared to the control where nothing was applied. Bacterial feeders, fungal feeders, and predators comprised 73, 14 and 13%, respectively of the free-living nematodes recovered. Members of the genus Rhabditis were the most abundant (10%) among the bacteriovores while Mononchus (10%) and Aphelenchoides (14%) dominated among the predators and fungivorous trophic groups, respectively. The highest numbers of free-living nematodes were recorded at 90 Days after Planting (DAP) in plots treated with bagasse and molasses but the numbers declined at 180 DAP. A steady increase in numbers of free-living nematodes was observed in plots treated with tea and flower composts up to 180 DAP. Significant reductions in abundance of free-living nematodes were recorded in plots treated with fenamiphos and neem. This study has established that application of organic substrates serve as a stimulus to processes leading to build-up of free-living nematodes. The organic substrates can strongly be recommended for use in sustainable carnation production systems.

Kent papers in POlitics and International Relations, Series 4, No. 4.

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} Hepatocellular carcinoma results when cancerous cells are localized in the liver. It is distributed globally with high prevalence in sub-Saharan African, southern Asia, China and Japan. Diagnosis is experimental and in many cases inaccurate due to unreliability of markers. Prognosis is poor and the cost of treatment prohibitive. Conventional radiation and chemotherapy lead to loss of hair, fertility and general weakening of the body`s immune system increasing a patient`s risk to infection. These observations underscore the need for improved, or additional methods of cancer diagnosis and management. We investigated the effect of polysaccharide rich Pleurotus pulmonarius fruit body extracts on progression of chemically induced hepatocellular carcinoma in CBA mice. Addition of Pleurotus pulmonarius extracts in diet delayed progression of carcinogenesis suggesting   that these extracts may be useful as   adjuvants to conventional cancer therapies.   Key words: carcinogenesis; mice; mushroom extracts; pleurotus pulmunarius   Corresponding author: Ms Carolyne Wasonga, Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi,  Kenya. E-mail: carox27@yahoo.ca     Charles O.A. Omwandho, Susanne E. Gruessner, John Falconer, Hans-R Tinneberg, Timothy K. Roberts. IS OVINE PLACENTAL IGG TOXIC TO HUMAN PERIPHERAL BLOOD NATURAL KILLER CELLS?

A cross sectional study of 115 patients admitted at the Department of Orthopedics, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya was carried out to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from infected wounds. The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus was 33.0 %. The drugs tested and their corresponding sensitivity was amoxycillin (13.2 %), co-amoxyclav (39.5 %), oxacillin (55.3 %), erythromycin (44.7 %), gentamicin (60.5 %), ciprofloxacin (62.2 %), minocycline (86.8 %), cefuroxime (57.9 %), and clidamycin (84.2 %). These results show the sensitivity profile of Staphylococcus aureus and can be used to choose suitable drugs in the management of wounds for hospitalized patients.

A cross sectional study of 115 patients admitted at the Department of Orthopedics, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya was carried out to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from infected wounds. The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus was 33.0 %. The drugs tested and their corresponding sensitivity was amoxycillin (13.2 %), co-amoxyclav (39.5 %), oxacillin (55.3 %), erythromycin (44.7 %), gentamicin (60.5 %), ciprofloxacin (62.2 %), minocycline (86.8 %), cefuroxime (57.9 %), and clidamycin (84.2 %). These results show the sensitivity profile of Staphylococcus aureus and can be used to choose suitable drugs in the management of wounds for hospitalized patients.

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Malaria infection reduces the binding capacity of benzodiazepine receptors in mice. We studied the efficacy of diazepam terminating seizures in children with falciparum malaria. Diazepam stopped seizures in fewer patients with malaria parasitaemia (chi(2)=3.93, P=0.047) and those with clinical diagnosis of malaria (chi(2)=9.84, P=0.002) compared to those without. However malaria was not identified as an independent risk factor for diazepam's failure to stop seizures in children.

To evaluate responses to medical therapy in ulcerative colitis, rectal biopsies of patients with active untreated disease, individuals with positive and negative sigmoidoscopic findings treated with salicylazosulfapyridine, prednisone and 6-mercaptopurine, alone and in combinations and noncolitis controls were compared histologically. Predominant histological observations were analyzed statistically. There were fewer crypt abscesses but more mucosal edema after all forms of therapy. Quantitative histopathological analysis failed to demonstrate that the response to one drug was significantly different from another.

To evaluate responses to medical therapy in ulcerative colitis, rectal biopsies of patients with active untreated disease, individuals with positive and negative sigmoidoscopic findings treated with salicylazosulfapyridine, prednisone and 6-mercaptopurine, alone and in combinations and noncolitis controls were compared histologically. Predominant histological observations were analyzed statistically. There were fewer crypt abscesses but more mucosal edema after all forms of therapy. Quantitative histopathological analysis failed to demonstrate that the response to one drug was significantly different from another.

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Stool incontinence can be as a result of congenital or acquired anal sphincter problems. It is a devastating state for a patient not to be able to control stools resulting into continued feacal soiling. It reduces an individual to a dejected and depressed person who becomes a social misfit. Hence any procedure that can alleviate this state is normally highly appreciated. Various techniques have been quoted in literature and use of gracilis muscle to form a neosphincter is one of them. Dynamic graciloplasty, is a technique whereby electrodes have been implanted into gracilis muscle and is connected to an implantable pulse generator which provides progressive levels of stimulation to convert the fast twitch, fatigue prone muscle fibres to a slow twitch, fatigue resistant firbres over eight week training period (1,2,3). This has shown improved efficacy over the static graciloplasty (3). In this case report, five patients with stool incontinence from different aetiologies are presented, all having been managed by static graciloplasty and intense physiotherapy with good outcomes reported.

Grassland degradation and the concomitant loss of soil organic carbon is widespread in tropical arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Afforestation of degraded grassland, sometimes by using invasive alien trees, has been put forward as a legitimate climate change mitigation strategy. However, even in cases where tree encroachment of degraded grasslands leads to increased soil organic carbon, it may come at a high cost since the restoration of grassland-characteristic biodiversity and ecosystem services will be blocked. We assessed how invasion by Prosopis juliflora and restoration of degraded grasslands in a semi-arid region in Baringo, Kenya affected soil organic carbon, biodiversity and fodder availability. Thirty years of grassland restoration replenished soil organic carbon to 1 m depth at a rate of 1.4% per year and restored herbaceous biomass to levels of pristine grasslands, while plant biodiversity remained low. Invasion of degraded grasslands by P. juliflora increased soil organic carbon primarily in the upper 30 cm and suppressed herbaceous vegetation. We argue that, in contrast to encroachment by invasive alien trees, restoration of grasslands in tropical semi-arid regions can both serve as a measure for climate change mitigation and help restore key ecosystem services important for pastoralists and agro-pastoralist communities.

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This thesis is a study on the Dorfman-Sterrett group-screening designs assuming equal a-prior probabilities of items being defective. Based on a clear theoretical framework, we have studied both restricted and unrestricted Dorfman-Sterrett procedure without and without errors in decision, deriving expressions for expected number of tests (and cost functions), which are used to compare the performance of this procedures with the Dorfman procedure. \lVehave give an alternative approach to determining the expected number of tests in an unrestricted Dorfman-Sterrett design. The restricted Dorfman-Sterrett procedure without errors in decision has also be examined, giving conditions under which the restricted procedure converges to the unrestricted procedure. vVe have shown that for most prevalence rates, the two-stage Dorfman-Sterrett procedure performs just as well as the unrestricted procedure. We have in this thesis also examined the Restricted Dorfman-Sterrett procedure with error in decision. Expressions for the expected number of runs and cost functions have been derived. The results, based on the expected proportional red uct.ion in testing over individual testing, indicate that the single-step Dorfman-Sterrett procedure performs better than the Dorfman procedure for all the prevalence rates less than 30%. The result.s also indicate the t.here is little. if any, difference in performance between the single-step and the two-step Dorfman-Sterrett procedures. For the multi-step Modified Dorfman-Sterrett procedures without errors in decision we have derived the expected number. of runs and compared this results with the expected number of runs for the Dorfman procedure and the multi-step DorfmanSterrett procedure. In. addition, cost functions and expected number of tests for the multi-step Modified Dorfman-Sterrett procedures with errors in decision have also been derived. The results indicate that the modified procedure perform slightly better than Dorfman procedure fer most prevalence rates but is less efficient than the Dorfman-Sterrett procedure. The expressions for expected number of runs and the expected number of incorrect decisions in screening with errors are derived using vVatsons testing of hypothesis approach. Under the testing of hypothesis approach group factors are tested using orthogonal fractional factorial designs of the type giveil in Plackett and Burman (1946). We have also derived expressions for expected number of runs for both the restricted and the unrestricted Modified Dorfman-Sterrett procedures. The results indicate that the Modified Dorfman-Sterrett procedure performs better than the Dorfman procedure for prevalence rates less than 30%. There is also a greater saving for larger prevalence rates. There is a saving of 3~2%in using the Modified procedure instead of the Dorfman procedure when p = 0.29 compared with a s~,ving of 0.18% for p = 0.001. The results however indicate that Sterrett's procedure is more efficient than t.he Modified procedures for prevalence rates less than 30%. These figures seem to disprove the a.ssertion by Huang et al (1089) that a modified Dorfman-Sterrett procedure is more efficient than Sterrett's procedure when the a-priori probability of an item being defective, P. is somewha.t higher (though still quite low) .