NRU :: Browsing by Author "Ninsiima, Herbert Izo"

Browsing by Author "Ninsiima, Herbert Izo"

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An analysis of Heavy Metals Contamination and Estimating the Daily intakes of Vegetables from Uganda
(Toxicology Research and Application, 2021) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Otim, Eric Oloya; Ninsiima, Herbert Izo; Zirintunda, Gerald; Tamale, Andrew; Musoke, Grace Henry; Muyinda, Robert; Ssempijja, Fred
Environmental contamination with elevated levels of copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr6+), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni)—all states of which are found in Uganda—raises health risk to the public. Pb, Cr6+, Cd, and Ni for instance are generally considered nonessential to cellular functions, notwithstanding the importance of the oxidative state of the metals in bioavailability. As such, we aimed in this study (i) to evaluate heavy metal concentrations in four vegetables from a typical open-air market in Uganda, (ii) to assess the safety of consuming these vegetables against the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limits of heavy metals consumption, and (iii) to formulate a model of estimated daily intake (EDI) among consumers in the country.This was a cross-sectional study conducted in five georeferenced markets of Bushenyi district in January 2020. Amaranthus, cabbages, scarlet eggplants, and tomatoes were collected from open markets, processed, and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Modeled EDI, principal component (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) were conducted to identify relationships in the samples.The levels of essential elements in the four vegetables were found to fall from Co > Cu > Fe > Zn. Those of non-essential metals were significantly higher and followed the pattern Cd > Cr > Pb > Ni. The highest EDI values were those of Cu in scarlet eggplants, Zn in amaranthus, Fe in amaranthus, Co in amaranthus, Pb in cabbages, total Cr in scarlet eggplant, Cd in cabbages and tomatoes, and Ni in cabbages. In comparison to international limits, EDIs for Zn, Cu, Co and Fe were low while Ni in cabbages were high. PCA showed high variations in scarlet eggplant and amaranthus. The study vegetables were found to be related with each other, not according to the location of the markets from where they were obtained, but according to their species by CA.The presence of non-essential elements above WHO limits raises policy challenges for the consumption and marketing of vegetables in the study area. Furthermore, low EDIs of essential elements in the vegetables create demand for nutritious foods to promote healthy communities.
Calcium and s100a1 Protein Balance in the Brain– Heart Axis in Diabetic Male Wistar Rats
(Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, 2021) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Nakimbugwe, Dorothy; Ninsiima, Herbert Izo; Kasolo, Josephine; Matama, Kevin; Owembabazi, Elna; Ssempijja, Fred
Calcium deregulation in diabetes mellitus (DM) is central to the brain–heart axis pathology. This has led to the use of medical plants in complementary medicine such as Amaranthus hypochondriacus (GA). The objective of the study was to establish the effects of grain amaranth feed supplementation on calcium, s100al protein and antioxidant levels on the brain–heart axis in diabetic male Wistar rats. The study involved six groups (n=5) with DM being induced in 20 rats. To the diabetic rats, Group I received mixtard®, Group II was positive control, Groups III and IV received GA feed supplementation at 25 and 50%. In the nondiabetic rats (n=10), Group V received 50% grain amaranth while Group VI was the negative control. The brain and heart tissues were harvested after five weeks and processed using standard methods. Grain amaranth feed supplementation led to improved calcium levels in DM as compared to the positive control. This also led to increased s100a1, antioxidant levels in the brain–heart axis during DM. This then protected the tissues against oxidative damage, thus preserving tissue function and structure. Grain amaranth’s actions on calcium signaling subsequently affected s100a1 protein levels, leading to improved tissue function in diabetes.
Community Education Challenges in Young Adults of South Western Uganda
(Open Journal of Epidemiology, 2015) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Echoru, Isaac; Mbiydzenyuy, Elvis Ngala; Kimwise, Aaron; Nansunga, Miriam; Semuyaba, Ibrahim; Kalange, Muhamudu; Ninsiima, Herbert Izo; Muggaga, Kintu; Emorut, Simon Peter
The aim of this study was to identify the major challenges to community education and any health problem in Bushenyi district of South Western Uganda. Data collection was done through questionnaire and participants were randomly selected. This was a cross-sectional study carried out for a period of three months in 2012. A questionnaire was used to collect data and using onsite observations the responses were validated. A total of 260 participants from 65 homesteads were included in the study from 52 households. 144 were females and 116 males, of which 52.4% of the children were female and the rest male. The mean ± SEM age of females and males was 36 ± 8.6 and 29 ± 8.6 years respectively. In all the homesteads, 71% were headed by an adult male and only 29% were found to be headed by an adult female while none was headed by children. Inferential analysis showed (P = 0.02) that there are more females than male in the homesteads. Majority of the homesteads are being taken care of by women instead of men probably as a result of the high mortalities due to HIV/AIDS in the past decade and above all the movement of most men to urban centers in search of better sources of employment to support their families. Among school going age participant’s i.e. children and adolescents, only 59.6% were found to be attending school. There was no statistical significance (P = 0.16) between school attendance and age. Family responsibilities such as cooking for younger siblings by female participants, obligations on open market days are thought to be secondary limiting factors for community development and livelihood amongst young persons; thus a follow up study would be conducted to assess their associations in this community as this would raise major child abuse concerns which would need to be reported to the legal authorities for follow up.
A Descriptive-Multivariate Analysis of Community Knowledge, Confidence, and Trust in COVID-19 Clinical Trials among Healthcare Workers in Uganda
(Vaccines, 2021) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Osuwat, Lawrence Obado; Ninsiima, Herbert Izo; Nalugo, Halima; Kato, Charles Drago; Kiyimba, Kenedy; Matama, Kevin
Misinformation and mistrust often undermines community vaccine uptake, yet information in rural communities, especially of developing countries, is scarce. This study aimed to identify major challenges associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine clinical trials among healthcare workers and staff in Uganda. Methods—a rapid exploratory survey was conducted over 5 weeks among 260 respondents (66% male) from healthcare centers across the country using an online questionnaire. Twenty-seven questions assessed knowledge, confidence, and trust scores on COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials from participants in 46 districts in Uganda. Results—we found low levels of knowledge (i.e., confusing COVID-19 with Ebola) with males being more informed than females (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.7–3.0), and mistrust associated with policy decisions to promote herbal treatments in Uganda and the rushed international clinical trials, highlighting challenges for the upcoming Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccinations. Knowledge, confidence and trust scores were higher among the least educated (certificate vs. bachelor degree holders). We also found a high level of skepticism and possible community resistance to DNA recombinant vaccines, such as the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine. Preference for herbal treatments (38/260; 14.6%, 95% CI: 10.7–19.3) currently being promoted by the Ugandan government raises major policy concerns. High fear and mistrust for COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials was more common among wealthier participants and more affluent regions of the country. Conclusion—our study found that knowledge, confidence, and trust in COVID-19 vaccines was low among healthcare workers in Uganda, especially those with higher wealth and educational status. There is a need to increase transparency and inclusive participation to address these issues before new trials of COVID-19 vaccines are initiated.
Embracing One Health offers practical strategies in management of COVID-19 for Africa
(The Pan African Medical Journal, 2020) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Mujinya, Regan; Bogere, Paul; Ekou, Justine; Zirintunda, Gerald; Ahimbisibwe, Salaviriuse; Matama, Kevin; Ninsiima, Herbert Izo; Ayikobua, Emmanuel Tiyo; Ssimbwa, Godfrey; Musinguzi, Simon Peter; Muyinda, Robert; Ssempijja, Fred; Matovu, Henry; MacLeod, Ewan; Anderson, Neil Euan; Welburn, Susan Christina
The coronavirus, COVID-19 outbreak has now affected over 60% of African countries in less than two months , gaining a foothold through major economic and transport hubs on the African continent including Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya. Travel restrictions imposed against citizens from countries with major outbreaks including China, USA and those in Europe were too late . African Union member states as of early April 2020 are reporting 6,470 cases and 241 deaths from COVID-19 reporting growth as “close to exponential”. Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledges the virus is an existential threat to African countries and that with local transmission now underway many would pass the 10,000-infection mark by the end of April. While the impact of wearing of face masks for control of COVID-19 remains controversial, it is inarguable that respiratory transmission needs to be prevented. Currently, there is a global shortage of masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) and distribution is being rationed in developed countries to retain this for workers in the health system, showing that developing countries in Africa are bound to suffer more should the pandemic be mismanaged at these early stages. In addition, health systems in developing countries, already crippled from years of underinvestment will be compromised unless practical and realistic prevention strategies are put in place. China, Italy, France, UK and USA, all with sophisticated health systems, have found COVID-19 challenging. Infection is increasing across the African subcontinent and health systems will struggle as the pandemic sweeps into and across Africa.
Grain Amaranth Is Associated with Improved Hepatic and Renal Calcium Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus of Male Wistar Rats
(Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Namubiru, Sarah; Safiriyu, Abass Alao; Ninsiima, Herbert Izo; Nakimbugwe, Dorothy; Namayanja, Monica; Valladares, Miriela Betancourt
Dysregulation 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 and Discussion. In blood, renal, and hepatic tissue, calcium and s100a1 levels were low during T2DM and these increased following AG supplementation. This was important for improved metabolic processes, thus leading to the low malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in the tissues. Efficient antioxidant status was important for improved calcium signaling mechanisms, thus leading to improved tissue function and protection demonstrating the importance of AG as an alternative medicinal source through the calcium signaling pathway. Conclusion. Grain amaranth exerts its antidiabetic properties through improved calcium homeostasis in blood, kidney, and liver.
Monosodium Glutamate Maintains Antioxidant Balance in the Neuro-Retinal Axis of Male Wistar Rats
(ResearchSquare, 2021) Nalugo, Halima; Ninsiima, Herbert Izo; Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Nabirumbi, Ritah; Osuwat, Lawrence Obado; Matama, Kevin; Ssempijja, Fred; Batiha, Gaber El-Saber
Information on monosodium glutamate (MSG) safety in the eye-brain axis remains scarce. The objective of the study was to establish changes in calcium (Ca2+) concentrations, catalase activity, Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and identify any major histological changes associated with parenteral and feed supplementation of MSG in male Wistar rats. This is important to guide policy on human consumption of food additives.Thirty adult male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 6) for a period of one month. Group I and IV were treated with MSG 6g/kg and 60 mg/kg subcutaneous, while groups II and III at 5% and 2% MSG feed supplement. Group V was the control group treated with normal saline (no MSG). The eye and brain were analyzed for Ca 2+, catalase, MDA levels and histological analysis was done using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. Calcium levels in the eye was reduced at high (6g/kg/day and 5% s.c) MSG treatments while in the brain these remained constant. Since Ca 2+ plays a crucial role in catalase activity, levels of catalase were not affected in eye-brain axis. MDA levels were elevated at high MSG treatments and no structural changes in the retina of the eye and no damage were found in the brain. MSG maintained catalase levels, Ca 2+ and no structural changes were observed in the eye and brain.
Neuroprotective Potential of Lantana Trifolium Ethanolic Extract against Ethambutol Induced Histological Changes in the Optic Nerve
(Anatomy Journal of Africa, 2017) Owembabazi, Elna; Ninsiima, Herbert Izo; Mario, Edgar Fernandez Diaz; Echoru, Isaac; Lemuel, Ann Monima; Ahimbisibwe, James; Bukenya, Edmund
Ethambutol is an anti-tuberculosis drug important in treatment of multidrug resistant tuberculosis which is on a rise due to emergence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus. However, it has been associated with side effects on optic nerve histology leading to severe neuropathy. The purpose of this study was to establish the protective potential of Lantana trifolium ethanolic extract against ethambutol induced histological changes in the optic nerve. Twenty five male adult wistar rats of 110-130g average weight were used. These were divided into five groups each comprising five animals. Group A received distilled water only. Group B was treated with 100 mg/kg/day of ethambutol. Groups C, D, and E were treated with 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day of Trifolium Extract respectively, one hour before administering 100 mg/kg/day of ethambutol. After five weeks the optic nerves were excised, processed and stained for histological studies. It was observed that Lantana trifolium ethanolic extract had a dose dependent protective potential against ethambutol induced histological changes in the optic nerve. The histology of the optic nerve showed that the numbers of vacuoles were significantly few in group A (2.2±0.37), D (6.2±1.07), and E (5±0.71) when compared against the positive control group (37.4±1.54). Axons were mildly demyelinated in group D and E compared to group B and C. The protective potential of Latana trifolium is possibly present due to its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Studies to determine the exact phytochemical component and mechanism of action responsible for the neuroprotective potential of Latana trifolium should be conducted.
Pandemic Panic and Anxiety in Developing Countries. Embracing One Health Offers Practical Strategies in Management of COVID-19 for Africa
(The Pan African Medical Journal, 2020) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Mujinya, Regan; Bogere, Paul; Ekou, Justine; Zirintunda, Gerald; Ahimbisibwe, Salaviriuse; Ninsiima, Herbert Izo
The coronavirus, COVID-19 outbreak has now affected over 60% of African countries in less than two months [1], gaining a foothold through major economic and transport hubs on the African continent including Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya. Travel restrictions imposed against citizens from countries with major outbreaks including China, USA and those in Europe were too late [2,3]. African Union member states as of early April 2020 are reporting 6,470 cases and 241 deaths from COVID-19 reporting growth as “close to exponential”.
A Study on Visual, Audio and Tactile Reaction Time among Medical Students at Kampala International University in Uganda
(African health sciences, 2018) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Namubiru, Sarah; Safiriyu, Abass Alao; Okpanachi, Alfred O; Ninsiima, Herbert Izo
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.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. 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. The low VRT and ART in Ugandan medical students is indicative of a healthy somatosensory connectivity, thus of academic importance.
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.
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.

Browsing by Author "Ninsiima, Herbert Izo"

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