Browsing by Author "Eze, Ejike Daniel"

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    Consumption of Raw Herbal Medicines Is Associated with Major Public Health Risks amongst Ugandans
    (Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2020) Ssempijja, Fred; Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Eze, Ejike Daniel; Tamale, Andrew; Matama, Kevin
    Community consumption of herbal plants in developing countries is a common practice, however, scarcity of information on their physiochemical composition is a major public health concern. In Uganda, Vernonia amygdalina is of interest in rural communities due to its therapeutical action on both bacterial and protozoal parasites, however no studies have been conducted to assess the heavy metal concentrations in traditional plants used in alternative medicine. The aim of the study was to establish concentrations of heavy metals in Vernonia amygdalina, model the estimated daily intake (EDI), and assess both the non-cancer-related health risk using the target hazard quotient (THQ), and the risk related to cancer through the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for the Ugandan population. Methods. Leaves of Vernonia amygdalina were collected from 20 georeferenced villages and processed into powder in the laboratory using standard methods. These were then analyzed in the laboratory using an atomic absorption spectrometer for lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni). Concentrations were compared against the World Health Organization (WHO) limits. The EDI, THQ, and ILCR were modelled and significance was measured at 95% confidence. Results. The study showed that mean ± SEM concentrations of heavy metals were highest in the order of Cr, 121.8 ± 4.291 ppm > Ni, 84.09 ± 2.725 ppm > Zn, 53.87 ± 2.277 ppm > Pb, 40.61 ± 3.891 ppm > Cu, 28.75 ± 2.202 ppm > Fe, 14.15 ± 0.7271 ppm > Co, 7.923 ± 0.7674 ppm > Cd, 0.1163 ± 0.005714 ppm. Concentrations of Pb, Cr, Zn, Co, and Ni were significantly higher than the WHO limits. The EDI was significantly higher in children than in adults, demonstrating an increased risk of toxicity in children. The THQ and ILCR were over 1000 times higher in all Ugandans, demonstrating the undesirable health risks following oral consumption of Vernonia amygdalina due to very high Cr and Ni toxicities, respectively. Conclusion. Consumption of raw Vernonia amygdalina was associated with a high carcinogenic risk, demonstrating a need to enact policies to promote physiochemical screening of herbal medicines used in developing countries against toxic compounds.
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    Covid-19 Pandemic and Behavioural Response to Self-Medication Practice in Western Uganda
    (medRxiv, 2021) Dare, Samuel S.; Eze, Ejike Daniel; Isaac, Echoru; Usman, Ibe Michael; Ssempijja, Fred; Bukenya, Edmund Eriya; Ssebuufu, Robinson
    Self-medication has become is a serious public health problem globally posing great risks, especially with the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 disease in Uganda. This is may be partly because of the absence of a recognized treatment for the disease, however, the prevalence and nature differ from country to country which may influence human behavioural responses. Aim This study aimed to investigated the beharioural response of the community towards selfmedication practices during this COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. Methods A cross sectional household and online survey was conducted during the months of June-to- August. The study was conducted among adult between age 18 above in communities of western Uganda who consented to participate in the study. Study participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique and sampling was done by sending a structured online questionnaire via Google forms and a printed copies questionnaire made available to other participants that did not use the online questionnaire Results The percentage of respondents that know about self-medication is (97%) and those that practice self-medication are approximately (88%). 97% of respondents have heard about self-medication either through health workers, media, family members, friends and/or school while 3% said they have not heard about self-medication. The percentage of respondents who practiced selfmedication during COVID-19 pandemic is 57% while those that did not is 43%. There is statistically difference in the number of those that practice self-medication and those that do not p < 0.005 at 95% confidence interval. Also there was a statistically significant decrease in the number of respondents that practice self-medication during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown compare to the practice before the pandemic lockdown p < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Conclusion Our investigation showed adequate knowledge of self-medication and high level of selfmedication practice with a decrease in self-medication practices during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown compared to the practice before the lockdown.
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    Effect of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Khat (Catha edulis forsk) on Prefrontal Cortex Oxidative Markers and Hematological Profile of Wistar Rats
    (Journal of Scientific Research and Reports, 2021) Adomi Mbina, Solomon; Bello Mada, Sanusi; Eze, Ejike Daniel; Olusoji Ajayi, Clement; Eseoghene Ifie, Josiah; Ibe, Michael Usman
    This study evaluated the effect of ethanol leaf extract of Catha edulis on the prefrontal cortex oxidative markers and hematological profile of Wistar rats. Study Design: The study design was experimental. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Kampala International University, Uganda and Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda. Between January and May, 2021. Methodology: Fresh C. edulis leaves were collected after on-spot identification, and authenticated before being chopped into small pieces and pulverized mechanically. The powdered material was extracted through cold maceration using 70% ethanol for 72 h. The extract was concentrated in vacuo to dryness at 40oC using rotary evaporator. The lethal dose (LD50) of the crude extract was determined using acute toxicity test. The sub-acute toxicity of the crude extract was evaluated by orally administering daily doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg to the male Wistar rats for 28 days. The animals were monitored for mortality, behavioral and physiological signs of toxicity. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) activities and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were estimated using standard methods. The blood samples were analyzed using the automated hematology analyzer: Mindray BC-6000. Shenzhen, China. Results: The median lethal dose (LD50) of the C. edulis leaf extract was greater than 5000mg/kg b w. The SOD and CAT activities of C. edulis treated groups compared to the control group were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced, the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were increased in C. edulis treated groups compared to the control group. There was no significant change in the hematological parameters, however, there were slight variations in the WBC and RBC counts in some C. edulis treated groups. Conclusion: Long term chewing of C. edulis could result in oxidative stress. It is therefore important for chronic C. edulis leaf chewers to take caution.
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    Low Concentrations of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (Yoba®) are Safe in Male Drosophila Melanogaster
    (BMC Research Notes, 2019) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Bukenya, Aisha; Eze, Ejike Daniel; Kasolo, Josephine; Tayebwa, Dickson Stuart; Ssempijja, Fred; Suubo, Joy; Tamale, Andrew; Echoru, Isaac; Onkoba, Sarah Kemuma Onkoba
    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.
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    Lycopene Improves on Basic Hematological and Immunological Parameters in Diabetes Mellitus
    (BMC research notes, 2019) Eze, Ejike Daniel; Afodu, Adam Moyosore; Kasolo, Josephine; Kasozi, Keneth Iceland
    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.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.
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    Safety of Drinking Water from Primary Water Sources and Implications for the General Public in Uganda
    (Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2019) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Namubiru, Sarah; Kamugisha, Roland; Eze, Ejike Daniel; Tayebwa, Dickson Stuart; Ssempijja, Fred; Nshakira, Nathan
    There is scarcity of information about the quality and safety of drinking water in Africa. Without such vital information, sustainable development goal number 6 which promotes availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation remains elusive especially in developing countries. The study aimed at determining concentrations of inorganic compounds, estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR), and identify safe drinking water source sources in Southwestern Uganda. Methods. This was an observational study in which 40 drinking water samples were collected from georeferenced boreholes, springs, open wells, bottled, and taps within Bushenyi district of Southwestern Uganda. Water samples were analyzed for copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) levels using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Water safety measures (EDI, HI, and ILCR) were established for each water source and compared with local and international water permissible standards for each analyte. A spatial map was drawn using qGIS®, and analysis of quantitative data was done using MS Excel 2013 at 95% significance. Results. Heavy metals were present in the following order: 11.276 ppm > 4.4623 ppm > 0.81 ppm > 0.612 ppm > 0.161 ppm for Fe, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cd, respectively, while Cr was not detected. Fe was the primary water heavy metal in the order of open well > borehole > tap > spring > bottled water. This was followed by Zn levels in the order of tap > bottled > spring > borehole > open well. All compounds were within international water safety standards except Pb. Hence, there is need for the government of Uganda to establish water filtration systems, particularly for Pb to improve the quality of water for the general public. The EDI was similar () for water consumed from spring, bottled, and tap sources for Fe and Zn levels. Similarly, no differences were found in the EDI for children and adults . Furthermore, the HI showed an absence of noncarcinogenic risk associated (HI < 1), although the ILCR was higher in adults than children due to high Cd concentrations. The current identified Fe is a major heavy metal in drinking water of Uganda, and boreholes were the major safest sources of drinking water identified in this study.
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    Synergistic action of propolis with levodopa in the management of Parkinsonism in Drosophila melanogaster
    (Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 2020) Ayikobua, Emmanuel Tiyo; Kasolo, Josephine; Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Eze, Ejike Daniel; Safiriyu, Abass; Ninsiima, Herbert Izo; Kiyimba, Kennedy; Namulema, Jackline; Jjesero, Edward; Ssempijja, Fred; Semuyaba, Ibrahim; Kimanje, Kyobe Ronald; Kalange, Muhamudu; Okpanachi, Alfred Omachonu; Nansunga, Miriam
    The Phosphatase and tensin-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1B9) mutant for Drosophila melanogaster is a key tool that has been used in assessing the pathology of Parkinsonism and its possible remedy. This research was targeted toward determining the effects of ethanolic extract of propolis, with levodopa therapy in the management of Parkinsonism. The PINK1B9 flies were divided into groups and fed with the different treatment doses of ethanoic extract of propolis. The treatment groups were subjected to 21 days of administration of propolis and the levodopa at different doses after which percentage climbing index, antioxidant activity and lifespan studies were done.Propolis alone improved motor activity, antioxidant and lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster than in PINK1 flies. Propolis in combination with levodopa significantly (P<0.05) improved physiological parameters at higher than lower concentrations in Parkinsonism Drosophila melanogaster demonstrating its importance in managing side effects associated with levodopa. Propolis is a novel candidate as an alternative and integrative medicinal option to use in the management of Parkinsonism in both animals and humans at higher concentrations.
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    University Lecturers and Students Could Help in Community Education about SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Uganda
    (Health services insights, 2020) Echoru, Isaac; Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Usman, Ibe Michael; Mutuku, Irene Mukenya; Ssebuufu, Robinson; Ajambo, Patricia Decanar; Ssempijja, Fred; Mujinya, Regan; Matama, Kevin; Musoke, Grace Henry; Ayikobua, Emmanuel Tiyo; Ninsiima, Herbert Izo; Dare, Samuel Sunday; Eze, Ejike Daniel; Bukenya, Edmund Eriya; Nambatya, Grace Keyune; MacLeod, Ewan; Welburn, Susan Christina
    The World Health Organization has placed a lot of attention on vulnerable communities of Africa due to their chronically weak health care systems. Recent findings from Uganda show that medical staff members have sufficient knowledge but poor attitudes toward coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and preparedness/practices of lecturers and students in the fight against COVID-19.This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 103 lecturers and students both men and women of age group 18 to 69 years in western Uganda. Data were obtained through a pretested questionnaire availed online.Knowledge on COVID-19 symptoms was highest in this order: fever > dry cough > difficulty breathing > fatigue > headache with no significant differences between lecturers and students. Knowledge of participants on transmission of COVID-19 was highest in the order of cough drops > contaminated surfaces > person-to-person contact > asymptomatic persons > airborne > zoonotic with no significant differences among lecturers and students. Lecturers and students were all willing to continue using personal protective equipment like masks, and personal practices such as covering the mouth while sneezing and coughing, no handshaking, and washing of hands with no significant differences in the responses. The positive attitudes that COVID-19 could kill, anyone can get COVID-19, and willing to abide by the set regulations against the pandemic showed personal concerns and desired efforts against COVID-19.The study identifies lecturers and students as potential stakeholders in the fight against community transmission of COVID-19.