Browsing by Author "Omara, Timothy"
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Item Aflatoxins in Uganda: An Encyclopedic Review of the Etiology, Epidemiology, Detection, Quantification, Exposure Assessment, Reduction, and Control(International Journal of Microbiology, 2020) Omara, Timothy; Nassazi, Winfred; Omute, Tom; Awath, Aburu; Laker, Fortunate; Kalukusu, Raymond; Musau, Bashir; Nakabuye, Brenda Victoria; Kagoya, Sarah; Otim, George; Adupa, EddieUganda is an agrarian country where farming employs more than 60% of the population. Aflatoxins remain a scourge in the country, unprecedentedly reducing the nutritional and economic value of agricultural foods. *is review was sought to synthetize the country’s major findings in relation to the mycotoxins’ etiology, epidemiology, detection, quantification, exposure assessment, control, and reduction in different matrices. Electronic results indicate that aflatoxins in Uganda are produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus and have been reported in maize, sorghum, sesame, beans, sunflower, millet, peanuts, and cassava. *e causes and proliferation of aflatoxigenic contamination of Ugandan foods have been largely due to poor pre-, peri-, and postharvest activities, poor government legislation, lack of awareness, and low levels of education among farmers, entrepreneurs, and consumers on this plague. Little diet diversity has exacerbated the risk of exposure to aflatoxins in Uganda because most of the staple foods are aflatoxin-prone. On the detection and control, these are still marginal, though some devoted scholars have devised and validated a sensitive portable device for on-site aflatoxin detection in maize and shown that starter cultures used for making some cereal-based beverages have the potential to bind aflatoxins. More efforts should be geared towards awareness creation and vaccination against hepatitis B and hepatitis A to reduce the risk of development of liver cancer among the populace.Item Antivenin plants used for treatment of snakebites in Uganda: ethnobotanical reports and pharmacological evidences(Tropical Medicine and Health, 2020) Omara, Timothy; Kagoya, Sarah; Openy, Abraham; Omute, Tom; Ssebulime, Stephen; Kiplagat, Kibet Mohamed; Bongomin, OcidentSnakebite envenomation is a serious public health concern in rural areas of Uganda. Snakebites are poorly documented in Uganda because most occur in rural settings where traditional therapists end up being the first-line defense for treatment. Ethnobotanical surveys in Uganda have reported that some plants are used to antagonize the activity of various snake venoms. This review was sought to identify antivenin plants in Uganda and some pharmacological evidence supporting their use. A literature survey done in multidisciplinary databases revealed that 77 plant species belonging to 65 genera and 42 families are used for the treatment of snakebites in Uganda. The majority of these species belong to family Fabaceae (31%), Euphorbiaceae (14%), Asteraceae (12%), Amaryllidaceae (10%) and Solanaceae (10%). The main growth habit of the species is shrubs (41%), trees (33%) and herbs (18%). Antivenin extracts are usually prepared from roots (54%) and leaves (23%) through decoctions, infusions, powders, and juices, and are administered orally (67%) or applied topically (17%). The most frequently encountered species were Allium cepa, Carica papaya, Securidaca longipedunculata, Harrisonia abyssinica, and Nicotiana tabacum. Species with global reports of tested antivenom activity included Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Basella alba, Capparis tomentosa, Carica papaya, Cassia occidentalis, Jatropa carcus, Vernonia cinereal, Bidens pilosa, Hoslundia opposita, Maytensus senegalensis, Securinega virosa, and Solanum incanum. There is need to identify and evaluate the antivenom compounds in the claimed plants.Item Bioinsecticidal Activity of Eucalyptol and 1R-Alpha-Pinene Rich Acetonic Oils of Eucalyptus saligna on Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, 1855 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)(Journal of Health and Environmental Research, 2018) Omara, Timothy; Kizza Kateeba, Fredrick; Musau, Bashir; Kigenyi, Erisa; Adupa, Eddie; Kagoya, SarahExploration of plants, animals, microbes and their products for green pesticides have been the mainstay of modern agriculturalists. Plant bioactive oils have been utilized in formulation of green pesticides, which are less toxic, least deleterious on biocontrol agents, readily biodegraded and have no or few ecological effects as compared to synthetic equivalents. This study evaluated the bioinsecticidal activity of Eucalyptol and 1R-Alpha-Pinene rich acetonic essential oils of dry leaves of the Sydney Blue gum (Eucalyptus saligna Smith) on common granivorous maize weevil. Fresh leaves of Eucalyptus saligna were harvested and the essential oils extracted from its dry powder by hydrodistillation. The chemical composition of the essential oil was analyzed by tandem GC/MS. Twelve components were identified, and the main components were Eucalyptol (34.36%) and 1R-alpha pinene (17.92%). Acetonic essential oils of 2μL, 4μL, 6μL and 8μL in 1ml acetone were used in contact toxicity, fumigant and repellent bioassays. In contact toxicity, 8μL/ml oil exerted a rapid effect on the weevils giving 100% mortality in the first day of exposure; 6μL/ml achieved 100% mortality 96 hours after treatment. Both fumigant and repellent activities showed a gradual increase in insect mortality and repellency with time of exposure as the concentrations of the essential oils were increased; 100% repellency was achieved at 8μL in the second hour and this remained constant with time. The lowest repellency of 20% was obtained at 2μL. In fumigant toxicity, the highest mortality was 70% recorded at 8μL on the third day of exposure. The results indicated that the acetonic essential oil of dry Eucalyptol and 1R-Alpha-Pinene rich Eucalyptus saligna leaves can be developed into a bioinsecticide for controlling maize weevil as a repellent, toxicant and fumigant candidate.Item Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. (Rutaceae): ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, toxicity, and clinical application(Traditional Medicine Research, 2022) Omara, Timothy; Kiprop, Ambrose K.; Kosgei, Viola J.; Kagoya, SarahClausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. is a plant extensively used in traditional medicine. Here, a synopsis of the research on various aspects of Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. is presented. An electronic literature review revealed that formulations containing Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. are used to manage and treat diabetes, eye problems, malaria, snake envenomation, malignancies, as well as venereal, gastrointestinal, reproductive, respiratory, dermatological, and odonatological ailments. To date, 90 compounds have been isolated and characterized from extracts of Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. Crude extracts and isolated compounds from Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antiproliferative, anti-human immunodeficiency virus-1, antimycobacterial, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic activities. These bioactivities can be attributed to alkaloids, coumarins, limonoids, and phenylpropanoids present in different parts of the plant. Although some studies have indicated moderate toxicity of the extracts, some of the dominant compounds in this species, such as estragole and carbazole alkaloids, are mutagenic or cytotoxic. A clinical trial utilizing a Ghanaian herbal formulation containing Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. was found to be effective in reducing pain associated with osteoarthritis. Research progress to date supports the traditional use of this species in herbal medicine. However, these studies do not explain the relationships between traditional uses, pharmacological activities, and mechanisms of action. Thus, further studies should be designed to understand the biochemical properties and physiological effects of Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. extracts, facilitating the development and utilization of this medicinal resource.Item Lacustrine Cyanobacteria, Algal Blooms and Cyanotoxins in East Africa: Implications for Human and Ecological Health Protection(Phycology, 2023) Omara, Timothy; Nagawa, Christine Betty; Kyarimpa, Christine; Böhmdorfer, Stefan; Lugasi, Solomon Omwoma; Matovu, Henry; Odongo, Silver; Ssebugere, PatrickAdvected cyanobacteria, algal blooms and cyanotoxins have been increasingly detected in freshwater ecosystems. This review gives an insight into the present state of knowledge on the taxonomy, dynamics, toxic effects, human and ecological health implications of cyanobacteria, algal blooms and cyanotoxins in the East African Community lakes. The major toxigenic microalgae in East African lakes include Microcystis, Arthrospira, Dolichospermum, Planktolyngbya and Anabaenopsis species. Anatoxin-a, homoanatoxin-a, microcystins (MCs), cylindrospermopsin and nodularin have been quantified in water from below method detection limits to 81 µg L−1, with peak concentrations characteristically reported for the wet season. In whole fish, gut, liver and muscles, MCs have been found at concentrations of 2.4 to 1479.24 μg kg−1, which can pose human health risks to a daily consumer. While there have been no reported cases of cyanotoxin-related poisoning in humans, MCs and anatoxin-a (up to 0.0514 μg kg−1) have been identified as the proximal cause of indiscriminate fish kills and epornitic mortality of algivorous Phoeniconaias minor (lesser flamingos). With the unequivocal increase in climate change and variability, algal blooms and cyanotoxins will increase in frequency and severity, and this will necessitate swift action towards the mitigation of nutrient-rich pollutants loading into lakes in the region.Item Medicinal Plants Used as Snake Venom Antidotes in East African Community: Review and Assessment of Scientific Evidences(Journal of Medicinal and Chemical Sciences, 2021) Omara, Timothy; Kiwanuka Nakiguli, Caroline; Naiyl, Rania Awad; Atieno Opondo, Florence; Otieno, Sadia Benard; Ndiege, Merab Lilian; Mbabazi, Immaculate; Nassazi, Winfred; Nteziyaremye, Papias; Kagoya, Sarah; Okwir, Augastine; Etimu, EdmondPoisonous snake envenomation is a complex neglected health problem implicated in mortality, disability, psychological morbidity, and socio-economic losses recorded worldwide. An antivenin serum, the only medically recommended treatment for snakebites, has several drawbacks including, hypersensitivity, inability to prevent local tissue damage, are scarce and unaffordable in most snakebite endemic areas. In many rural communities all over the world, plants have been utilized for managing snakebites. This review seeks to identify plants reported as antivenom remedies in the East Africa and the scientific studies thereof which could support their use in the treatment of snake envenomation. A review of scientific articles was undertaken to identify information on traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used to treat snake envenomation in East Africa and their antivenom efficacy. A total of 361 plant species were retrieved to have been reported as traditional therapies for snakebites in East Africa. The review identified distinct cases of doctrine of signatures and zoopharmacognosy in snakes using Opilia amentacea, Hugonia castaneifolia and Microglossa pyrifolia respectively. Evaluations of the antivenom efficacy of 44 species (12.2%) have been done globally, and most species found to be effective in neutralizing the lethal activities of snake venoms. Ethnomedicinal plants play a revered holistic role in East African antisnake venom therapy. Conyza sumatrensis, Hyptis pectinata, Justicia betonica, and Maesa lanceolata used to treat specific snakebites merit further studies.Item Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Management of Cancer in Uganda: A Review of Ethnobotanical Surveys, Phytochemistry, and Anticancer Studies(Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020) Omara, Timothy; Kiprop, Ambrose K.; Ramkat, Rose C.; Cherutoi, Jackson; Kagoya, Sarah; Moraa Nyangena, Decrah; Azeze Tebo, Tsedey; Nteziyaremye, Papias; Nyambura Karanja, Lucy; Jepchirchir, Abigael; Maiyo, Alfayo; Jematia Kiptui, Betty; Mbabazi, Immaculate; Kiwanuka Nakiguli, Caroline; Nakabuye, Brenda Victoria; Chepkemoi Koske, Margaret)e burden of neoplastic diseases is a significant global health challenge accounting for thousands of deaths. In Uganda, about 32,617 cancer cases were reported in 2018, accompanied by 21,829 deaths. In a view to identify some potential anticancer plant candidates for possible drug development, the current study was designed to compile the inventory of plants with reported anticancer activity used in rural Uganda and the evidences supporting their use in cancer therapy. An electronic survey in multidisciplinary databases revealed that 29 plant species belonging to 28 genera distributed among 24 families have been reported to be used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Anticancer plants were majorly from the families Bignoniaceae (7%), Caricaceae (7%), Fabaceae (7%), Moraceae (7%), and Rutaceae (7%). Most species occur in the wild (52%), though some are cultivated (48%). )e growth habit of the plants is as trees (55%) or herbs (45%). Anticancer extracts are usually prepared from leaves (29%), bark (24%), roots (21%), and fruits (13%) through decoctions (53%), as food spices (23%) or pounded to produce ointments that are applied topically (10%). Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman, Opuntia species, Albizia coriaria (Welw. ex Oliver), Daucus carota L., Cyperus alatus (Nees) F. Muell., Markhamia lutea (Benth.) K. Schum., and Oxalis corniculata L. were the most frequently encountered species. As per global reports, Allium sativum L., Annona muricata L., Carica papaya L., Moringa oleifera Lam., Opuntia species, Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman, and Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. are the most studied species, with the latter having vincristine and vinblastine anticancer drugs developed from it. Prostate, cervical, breast, and skin cancers are the top traditionally treated malignancies. )ere is a need to isolate and evaluate the anticancer potential of the bioactive compounds in the unstudied claimed plants, such as Cyperus alatus (Nees) F. Muell., Ficus dawei Hutch., Ficus natalensis Hochst., and Lovoa trichilioides Harms, and elucidate their mechanism of anticancer activity.Item Mobility of Chromium, Copper and Arsenic in Amended Chromated Copper Arsenate Contaminated Soils(Asian Journal of Applied Chemistry Research, 2020) Kiwanuka Nakiguli, Caroline; Ojok, Walter; Omara, Timothy; Wasswa, John; Ntambi, EmmanuelThe use of copper-based preservatives such as chromated copper arsenate (CCA) and creosote to prolong the life of lumber present environmental concerns because they contain heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which are toxic to humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sewage sludge biosolid amendment on the distribution and mobility of chromium, copper and arsenic in chromated copper arsenate contaminated soils subjected to phytoremediation using maize (Zea mays L.). Place and Duration of the Study: Random composite soil samples from Kitetika wood factory, Wakiso, Uganda and sewage sludge biosolid from National Water and Sewerage Corporation plant in Bugolobi, Kampala, Uganda were collected and prepared. Maize grains were obtained from FICA Seeds Limited (Uganda). The pot experiments and analysis of samples were done at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (Mbarara) and Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory, Kampala (Uganda), respectively. Methodology: The fresh CCA contaminated soils and sewage sludge biosolid were analyzed for physicochemical parameters and heavy metals (chromium, copper and arsenic). Sewage sludge biosolid was added to 1 kg of the contaminated soils at 5-25% (w/w) in 2 L plastic containers, watered and maintained at 25 ℃ for 14 days to stabilize. Controls were set up with unamended soils. Thereafter, maize was planted in the potted soils for 40 days. The concentrations of the trace metals in the soils were determined after 20 and 40 days of maize growth by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results: The concentrations of chromium, copper and arsenic in fresh CCA contaminated soils were 365.8 ± 6.18 mg/kg, 109.72 ± 14.04 mg/kg and 28.22 ± 3.8 mg/kg, respectively. Basing on mobility factor, bioavailability of the trace metals followed the chemical sequence copper (8.9%) < chromium (17.1%) < arsenic (30.2%). Conclusion: The maize variety experimented could be used to phytoextract or phytostabilize the trace metals in the CCA contaminated soils without or with 5-25% amendment. Amendment with sewage sludge biosolid improved the phytoremediation potential of maize. Arsenic was the most mobile and bioavailable metal in CCA contaminated soils. Further studies should use other local maize varieties such as Longe series.Item Performance Characteristics of a Cooking Stove Improved with Sawdust as an Insulation Material(Journal of Renewable Energy, 2021) Okino, Jasper; Komakech, Allan John; Wanyama, Joshua; Ssegane, Herbert; Olomo, Elly; Omara, TimothyIn developing countries, energy demand from biomass has increased due to exponential population growth. (is has translated into voluminous quantities of wood being used. (e situation is exacerbated by the popular use of inefficient stoves with low thermal insulation, hence contributing to deforestation. In this study, the performance of a cooking stove improved with sawdust as an insulation material was assessed. An insulated fire stove prototype of 26 cm saucepan diameter was designed, constructed, and cast with sawdust and clay in a ratio of 1 :1 (as the first layer) and sawdust alone as the second layer. (e developed stove was tested using a water boiling test to establish its operating performance. (e thermal efficiency of the stove was assessed using indigenous wood fuels used in rural Uganda (Senna spectabilis, Pinus caribaea, and Eucalyptus grandis). Computational fluid dynamics was used to simulate the temperature and velocity fields within the combustion chamber and for generating temperature contours of the stove. Obtained results indicated that S. spectabilis had the highest thermal efficiency of 35.5 ± 2.5%, followed by E. grandis (25.7 ± 1.7%) and lastly P. caribaea (19.0 ± 1.2%) in the cold start phase when compared with traditional stoves. (e stove remained cold as hot air was restricted to the combustion chamber with decreasing temperature contours toward the outer wall up to the ambient temperature. (e velocity flow remained constant as the chamber was colored green throughout due to the shielding of the stove with sawdust as insulation. (e heat flux generated indicated that a thick layer of 6 cm or more could ensure good insulation, and this could be further reduced by introducing more sawdust. (e designed stove has the potential to reduce biomass consumption and emissions when compared to traditional cookstoves. (e inclusion of a chimney draught in the fire stove prototype could reduce smoke and increase thermal efficiency. Further studies should focus on minimizing the thickness of the clay-sawdust (first) layer and increasing the thickness of the sawdust layer to reduce the weight of the fire stove.Item Physicochemical quality of water from Chuho springs, Kisoro district, Uganda(2021) Nkurunziza, Gerald; Omara, Timothy; Nakiguli, Caroline Kiwanuka; Mukasa, Paul; Byamugisha, Denis; Ntambi, EmmanuelIn the current study, water from Chuho springs used as the main water source in Kisoro municipality, Uganda were assessed for their suitability as drinking water. The temperature, turbidity, conductivity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, total hardness, total alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, phosphates, iron, copper, arsenic, chlorides and the fluoride content of the water samples were determined. Not all the parameters met World Health Organizations’ guidelines for drinking water. Temperature, dissolved oxygen and fluorides were outside the recommended limits of 15 ℃, 10-12 mg/L and 1.5 mg/L, respectively. Further studies should assess the microbiological and sanitary profile of the springs. __________________________________Item Pollution of Mpanga River by Kabundaire Abattoir Effluents, Fort Portal Tourism City, Uganda(Asian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research, 2021) Businge, Fred; Kagoya, Sarah; Omara, Timothy; Angiro, ChristopherAbattoirs are one of the most pronounced but yet ignored sources of highly recalcitrant wastewater that has significant impacts on the environment. The aim of this study was to assess the impacts of Kabundaire abattoir effluents on the quality of water in the receiving Mpanga river, Fort Portal tourism city of Uganda. The study also estimated the amount of water used and wastewater generated in the facility between December 2018 and December 2019, and the number of animals slaughtered per month in the abattoir. Study Design: This research employed a quantitative research design. Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected from six different sites of Mpanga river at intervals of 2 km from Fort Portal town: upstream (Kahungabunyoni and Kagote A), midstream/ effluent discharge point (Kabundaire and Mpanga market) and downstream (Rwabuhinga and Kitumba) along Mpanga river stretch in the morning and evening hours. The analyses were done at National Water & Sewerage Corporation, Fort Portal, Uganda. The sampling and experimental work was done between May 2019 and August 2019. Methodology: The physicochemical properties (pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, total nitrates and total phosphates) and microbiological (Escherichia coli and total coliform) profile of the water samples were determined following standard methods. To quantify the amount of water used and wastewater generated, the number of cattle, goats and sheep slaughtered per day between December 2018 and April 2019 were retrieved from abattoir records and extrapolated. Results: Analytical results indicated that the evaluated water quality parameters were in the range of 6.93 ± 0.02 to 7.90 ± 0.16, 22.0 ± 0.14 ℃ to 23.6 ± 0.26 ℃, 0.01 ± 0.00 mg/L to 0.26 ± 0.02 mg/L, 6.30 ± 0.03 mg/L to 10.00 ± 0.03 mg/L, 4.20 ± 0.05 mg/L to 9.70 ± 0.02 mg/L, 4 × 102 CFU/mL to 48 × 103 CFU/mL, 1.4 × 104 CFU/mL to 6.6 × 106 CFU/mL for pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, total phosphates, total nitrates, Escherichia coli and total coliforms, respectively. Most of the parameters were above permissible limits except pH, temperature and total nitrates. An average of 133 cattle, 78 goats and 33 sheep are slaughtered in Kabundaire abattoir every month. The actual number varies by month, depending on the demand for meat. The amount of water used, and the wastewater generated were estimated at 15,768 m3/year and 18,396 m3/year, respectively. Conclusion: Discharge of effluents from Kabundaire abattoir into Mpanga river negatively affects its water quality. Mpanga river water is not safe for domestic use without further treatment/purification. We recommend that an anaerobic wastewater treatment facility should be installed at Kabundaire abattoir to enhance environmental conservation. Further studies should determine the actual amount of water used and wastewater generated at the facility.Item Pollution Status, Source Apportionment, Ecological and Human Health Risks of Potentially (Eco)toxic Element-Laden Dusts from Urban Roads, Highways and Pedestrian Bridges in Uganda(Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2021) Opolot, Mark; Omara, Timothy; Adaku, Christopher; Ntambi, EmmanuelThe occurrence of potentially (eco)toxic elements (PTEs) in street, indoor and roadside dusts have been associated with potential human health risks. For the first time, the pollution levels of PTEs—copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr)—were investigated in 24 dust samples from eight selected sampling sites on urban roads, highways and pedestrian bridges constructed over River Manafwa, a flood-prone river in Eastern Uganda. Concentration of PTEs in the sample digests were quantified by atomic absorption spectrometry. Multivariate geostatistical (Pearson’s Correlation, Principal Components and Hierarchical Cluster) analyses were used to apportion sources of the contaminants. Contamination, ecological and human health assessment indices and models were employed to establish any potential risks the elements could pose to the environment and humans. The study revealed that there is severe PTE pollution of dusts from roads, highways and pedestrian bridges in Eastern Uganda when compared with their crustal averages, except for Cu, Ni and Cr. The mean concentrations (mg kg1) of Cu (11.4–23.2), Ni (0.20–23.20), Mn (465.0–2630.0), Zn (26.8–199.0), Pb (185.0–244.0), Cd (0.178–1.994) and Cr (5.40–56.60) were highest in samples obtained near high-traffic areas. Source apportionment studies suggested that Cu, Ni, Mn and Cr are from combustion processes and vehicular traffic, whereas Pb, Zn and Cd came from traffic and geogenic contributions. Assessment using the pollution load index indicated that only dust from Zikoye–Bushika road, the junction of Zikoye–Bushika and Bududa–Manafwa roads and Manafwa town were substantially polluted as the indices were greater than 1. Further assessment of pollution degree of the dust samples using index of geo-accumulation revealed that the dusts were practically uncontaminated to medium-to-strongly contaminated. Health risk assessment showed that there are non-carcinogenic health risks that could emanate from direct ingestion of PTEs in dusts by children. This study therefore opens the lead for investigation of the contamination levels and the health risks of PTEs in dusts from industrial areas as well as busy Ugandan cities such as Kampala, Jinja, Mbarara and Gulu.Item The Scourge of Aflatoxins in Kenya: A 60-Year Review (1960 to 2020)(Journal of Food Quality, 2021) Omara, Timothy; Kiprop, Ambrose K.; Wangila, Phanice; Wacoo, Alex Paul; Kagoya, Sarah; Nteziyaremye, Papias; Odero, Mark Peter; Kiwanuka Nakiguli, Caroline; Obakiro, Samuel BakerAflatoxins are endemic in Kenya. +e 2004 outbreak of acute aflatoxicosis in the country was one of the unprecedented epidemics of human aflatoxin poisoning recorded in mycotoxin history. In this study, an elaborate review was performed to synthesize Kenya’s major findings in relation to aflatoxins, their prevalence, detection, quantification, exposure assessment, prevention, and management in various matrices. Data retrieved indicate that the toxins are primarily biosynthesized by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, with the eastern part of the country reportedly more aflatoxin-prone. Aflatoxins have been reported in maize and maize products (Busaa, chan’gaa, githeri, irio, muthokoi, uji, and ugali), peanuts and its products, rice, cassava, sorghum, millet, yams, beers, dried fish, animal feeds, dairy and herbal products, and sometimes in tandem with other mycotoxins. +e highest total aflatoxin concentration of 58,000 μg/kg has been reported in maize. At least 500 acute human illnesses and 200 deaths due to aflatoxins have been reported. +e causes and prevalence of aflatoxins have been grossly ascribed to poor agronomic practices, low education levels, and inadequate statutory regulation and sensitization. Low diet diversity has aggravated exposure to aflatoxins in Kenya because maize as a dietetic staple is aflatoxin-prone. Detection and surveillance are only barely adequate, though some exposure assessments have been conducted. +ere is a need to widen diet diversity as a measure of reducing exposure due to consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated foods.Item Spatio-temporal Variations and Potential Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Water from River Manafwa, Uganda(Letters in Applied NanoBioScience, 2022) Opolot, Mark; Omara, Timothy; Adaku, Christopher; Ntambi, EmmanuelThe epicenter of flash flood inundations and landslides in Uganda have been areas around Mt. Elgon. By implication, it has led into loss of lives, food and water insecurity. This study assessed the seasonal variations in physiochemical parameters and heavy metals (HMs) content of water from River Manafwa (R. Manafwa) which is the major water source used around Mt. Elgon. Potential insidious human health risks associated with consumption and dermal contact with water from the river were assessed using target hazard quotient and incremental lifetime cancer risk methods. Results of atomic absorption spectrometry analysis showed that the concentrations of the HMs in the wet and dry seasons ranged from below detection limit to 1.407 ± 0.001 mg/L, which were below WHO limits. Health risk assessments indicated that there are discernable non-carcinogenic health risks from ingestion of water from R. Manafwa, as the total target hazard quotients were above 1 for some of the samples. Cancer risk values indicated that there are no potential cancer risks from ingestion of water from the river. This study recommends that regulatory authorities should intervene to mitigate pollution of R. Manafwa through strengthening restrictions on sand mining and dumping of wastes into the river.Item Spectroscopic Analysis of Selected Priority Trace Metals in the Extant East African Gilled Lungfish (Protopterus amphibius) in Lira Municipal Lagoon and Its Edibility Health Risk(Science Journal of Analytical Chemistry, 2018) Omara, Timothy; Ogwang, Remish; Ndyamuhaki, Sarah; Kagoya, Sarah; Kigenyi, Erisa; Musau, Bashir; Adupa, EddieThis investigation analyzed the concentrations of three trace metals in gilled lungfish of Lira Municipal lagoon of Lira District and estimated the health risk associated with its consumption. Three fresh lungfish samples from the down, middle and up sluices of the lagoon were caught, eviscerated, washed and sundried. Edible muscles of the samples were oven dried at 105°C, desiccated and pulverized. 2.0 ± 0.1g of the fine fish powders were ashed at 550°C, acid digested, and the filtrates used to prepare 1 litre sample solutions. The sample solutions were analyzed for Lead, Zinc and Cadmium by Atomic absorption spectrometry. Spectroscopic results showed that no Cadmium was detected while the statistical mean concentrations of Zinc and Lead in the fishes from down, middle and up streams in mg/kg were 157.8 ± 0.01, 160.2 ± 0.02, 158.2 ± 0.01 and 6.84 ± 0.01, 1.69 ± 0.03, 5.12 ± 0.01 respectively. The above results showed that the trace metals in the investigated fish samples are deleteriously above the maximum permissible Zinc (0.7mg/kg) and Lead (0.3mg/kg) levels in fish indicated by CODEX STAN 193-1995. The statistical Estimated Daily Intakes were from 26.27 to 26.66 mg/kg/day for Zinc and 0.28 to 1.48 mg/kg/day for Lead. A heightened Health Risk Index value of 88.67 for Zinc was observed in the middle stream lungfish samples while Lead had the lowest Health Risk Index value of 2.00 in the middle stream fish from the lagoon. All the Health Risk Index values were greater than unity except for Chromium that was undetected in the fish muscles thus the lungfish of the lagoon is unsafe for human consumption and continuous consumption will impact human health. The immediate strategy lies in fencing the lagoon area and putting a stringent restriction against fishing from the lagoon.Item Traditional Medicinal Uses, Phytoconstituents, Bioactivities, and Toxicities of Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. (Fabaceae): A Systematic Review(Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021) Baker Obakiro, Samuel; Kiprop, Ambrose; Kigondu, Elizabeth; K’Owino, Isaac; Odero, Mark Peter; Manyim, Scolastica; Omara, Timothy; Namukobe, Jane; Oriko Owor, Richard; Gavamukulya, Yahaya; Bunalema, LydiaMany studies have been undertaken on the medicinal values of Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. (Fabaceae). )e details, however, are highly fragmented in different journals, libraries, and other publication media. )is study was therefore conducted to provide a comprehensive report on its ethnobotany, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemicals, and the available pharmacological evidence supporting its efficacy and safety in traditional medicine. Method. We collected data using a PROSPERO registered systematic review protocol on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and ethnopharmacology of Erythrina abyssinica from 132 reports that were retrieved from electronic databases. Documented local names, morphology, growth habit and habitat, ethnomedicinal and nonmedicinal uses, diseases treated, parts used, method of preparation and administration, extraction and chemical identity of isolated compounds, and efficacy and toxicity of extracts and isolated compounds were captured. Numerical data were summarized into means, percentages, and frequencies and presented as graphs and tables. Results. Erythrina abyssinica is harvested by traditional herbal medicine practitioners in East, Central, and South African communities to prepare herbal remedies for various human and livestock ailments. )ese include bacterial and fungal infections, tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS, diarrhea, cancer, meningitis, inflammatory diseases, urinary tract infections, wounds, diabetes mellitus, and skin and soft tissue injuries. Different extracts and phytochemicals from parts of E. abyssinica have been scientifically proven to possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antiproliferative, antifungal, antimycobacterial, antidiarrheal, anti-HIV 1, antidiabetic, and antiobesity activities. )is versatile pharmacological activity is due to the abundant flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids present in its different parts. Conclusion. Erythrina abyssinica is an important ethnomedicinal plant in Africa harboring useful pharmacologically active phytochemicals against various diseases with significant efficacies and minimal toxicity to mammalian cells. )erefore, this plant should be conserved and its potential to provide novel molecules against diseases be explored further. Clinical trials that evaluate the efficacy and safety of extracts and isolated compounds from E. abyssinica are recommended.