Department of Medical Physiology

Determinants of Aquaculture Productivity Among Small Holder Farmers in Bungoma County, Kenya

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Determinants of Aquaculture Productivity Among Small Holder Farmers in Bungoma County, Kenya Onyango, O. Kennedy; Sulo, Timothy; Mose, Jared The world fish demand is steadily rising as result of low supply thus the need to intensively promote aquaculture. Concerted efforts by the Kenyan government and stakeholders have been in place to promote commercial aquaculture. However, despite the effort there is still a big gap between supply and demand. This was an explanatory study that sought to investigate the determinants of aquaculture productivity among small holder farmers in Bungoma County, Kenya. The study targeted a population of 428 households with ponds in the study area. Using Yamane formular, 207 households were sampled for the study. Sampling of respondents was through purposive, multistage and simple random techniques. A Cobb-Douglas production function was fitted into a stochastic frontier model and analyzed by means of Maximum Likelihood Estimation to determine the efficiency of aquaculture enterprise. Descriptive statistics on the other hand was analyzed through tables and graphs using SPSS. Generally, the study found out that aquaculture in Bungoma is largely semi-intensive in nature. Access to credit, scale of operations, resource support and availability of other sources of household income were found to be significant (p< 0.05) predictors of aquaculture farming. Therefore, there is need to increase credit access for farmers as a way of mitigating for the lack of financial resources for investment.

Histomorphological characteristics of prostate specimens analyzed at a referral hospital in Kenya.

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Histomorphological characteristics of prostate specimens analyzed at a referral hospital in Kenya. Musungu, Vincent; Oyieko, Willis; Marera, Domnic; Magak, Gideon Ng’wena Global shift to high energy foods is important risk factor for new variants of prostate cancer. Some prostate tumors have an indolent course while others have an aggressive course; therefore, knowledge of tumor subtypes can help in clinical decision-making based on the patient profile. Methods: The main aim of the study was to determine the histomorphological characteristics of prostate specimens analyzed at regional referral hospital. The study was a crosssectional retrospective study. The target specimens in this study consisted of prostate specimens that had prostate specific antigen level and were analyzed and reported between 2017 and 2022 at Jaramogi Odinga Oginga teaching and referral hospital, Kisumu Kenya. Results: Prostate color was not reported in eight reports. Of the 72 specimens observed, 50 (69.4%) were reported to be white, 12 (16.7%) were reported to be tan/white, 9 (12.5%) were tan brown, and 1 (1.4%) was tan grey. There was significant variation (p=0.001) in prostate specimen color. Of the 80 specimens, 47 (58.75%) had coarse surface, 16(20.00%) nodulated surfaces and 17 (21.25%) shrunken surfaces. There was variation in prostate surfaces (p<0.00001, X 2=23.275). Majority of specimens 55 (68.8%) measured between 0-29 mm, 12 (15%) measured 30-59 mm, 7 (8.8%) measured 60-89, 3 (3.8%) measured 90-119, 2 (2.5%) measured >150 mm and 1 (1.3%) measured 120-149 mm. There was no significant difference in the prostate biopsy sizes in comparison to the mean (p=0.984, t=0.020, 95% CI). The majority 20 (25%), of specimens had prostate cancer 15 (18.75%) had atypical findings, and 2 (2.5%) had high-grade proliferative intraepithelial neoplasia. The microscopic features of the groups did not differ significantly (F2, 34 = 1.469, p = 0.244). There is positive correlation between Gleason scores and Prostate specific antigen levels (p = 0.004, r = 0.474). Conclusion: There is variation of specimen color in prostate specimen with prostate cancer implying that advanced prostate disease causes changes in prostate color. Atypical prostate findings are common in age 50-59 which may suggest that targeted prevention and intervention should focus on this age group. Higher Gleason scores are likely to be observed in patients with higher PSA levels among patients being evaluated for prostate tumors. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/aja.v12i2.7

Quality of Medical Care at the Emergency Departments of Public Hospitals in Kenya

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Quality of Medical Care at the Emergency Departments of Public Hospitals in Kenya Wanikina, David Muke, Luate Richard, Gideon Ng'wena Magak, Wilson Odero, Charles Ochola Olelo Globally, states are obliged to prioritize quality medical care at emergency departments (EDs). Kenya is not an exception since medical care services are mainly offered in the outpatient departments. However, the quality of care in these outpatient departments has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to investigate quality of care at EDs of public hospital in Kenya, with a focus on Bungoma County. The study evaluated the availability of infrastructure, equipment, supplies and personnel. Besides, the researcher assessed processes, protocols, and outcomes of care at the Eds in Kenya’s public hospitals. A cross-sectional study design was employed, with a sample of 10 ED in-charges and 398 patients. The participants were proportionately recruited from the EDs via probability proportional to size (PPS). Quality of the EDS was measured using the Donabedian model with structure assessed by evaluating availability of infrastructure, equipment, supplies and personnel for emergency care. Process was evaluated by measuring turnaround timelines, assessment of presence and utilization of triage systems, protocols, and guidelines. Outcomes were measured using number of admissions, deaths, left without being seen, unplanned re-attendance, and patient service experience. Data collection was based on WHO observation checklists and with the help of questionnaires. The analysis consisted of descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that infrastructure availability was 42.0% with all EDs lacking resuscitation rooms and high dependency units. Secondly, imaging rooms were in 40% of the hospitals, blood banks in 50%, and running water in 70%. Third, equipment availability was 34.7% with oxygen source, pulse oximeter, point of care ultrasound and trauma cart being available in 10%. Fourth, regular maintenance of equipment was in 52.5% of the EDs. Finally, availability of supplies for resuscitation was 52% with Supplies for airway management being the least (22%). From the study, it was apparent that trained personnel, equipment, supplies and processes such of triage systems. This has contributed to prolonged turnaround time and high re-attendance rates. There is need for provision of adequate infrastructure, equipment, personnel, and systems for emergency care in public hospitals EDs in Bungoma County to improve quality of care. https://journals.eanso.org/index.php/ijar/article/view/983

Immunohistochemical Analysis of Prostein in Needle Core Biopsies of Acinar and Intraductal Prostatic Adenocarcinoma in Western Kenya Population

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Immunohistochemical Analysis of Prostein in Needle Core Biopsies of Acinar and Intraductal Prostatic Adenocarcinoma in Western Kenya Population Tyrus Omondi Swaya, Dedan Opondo, David O Atandi, Benard Guyah, Ng’wena Gideon Magak Prostein is a newly reported prostate cancer biomarker. Nonetheless, no reports on African population are available. The current study aimed to determine the prostein expression in archived prostatic core biopsies in Western Kenya. 10.26502/jcsct.5079164

Expression of IL-6 receptor correlates with Gleason grade for patients with prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma in Kisumu Specialist Hospital in Kisumu County, Western Kenya

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Expression of IL-6 receptor correlates with Gleason grade for patients with prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma in Kisumu Specialist Hospital in Kisumu County, Western Kenya C Mutai, EK Mibei, JM Etabalé, W Oyieko, GN Magak The potential roles of inflammatory makers in prostate cancer are subjects of intense examination and Interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) is key in these processes. Expression of interleukin-6 Receptor (IL-6R) has not been evaluated as a prognostic biomarker in grading of prostate cancer (Pca) in our population, yet inflammation is not uncommon. The current study therefore evaluated their expression in prostatic acinar adeno-carcinoma (PAA) patients of different Gleason grades. The article can be accessed in full via:https://www.ajol.info/index.php/eamj/article/view/230268

Association between prostein immune-histochemical expression and histo-pathological grading of prostate cancer urology clinics in Kisumu city experience

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Association between prostein immune-histochemical expression and histo-pathological grading of prostate cancer urology clinics in Kisumu city experience TO Swaya, D Opondo, B Guyah, D Atandi, MJ Etabalé, SS Syanda, NG Magak The degree of morphological differentiation on histological assessment is a limited prediction of PCa aggressiveness. Prostein is being evaluated as additional biomarker in diagnosis and prognostication of prostate cancer. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/eamj/article/view/230693

Risk Of Transmission Of Hepatitis B And C Virus Through Blood Transfusion Due To Screening Methods At The National Blood Transfusion Centre In Nairobi, Kenya

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Risk Of Transmission Of Hepatitis B And C Virus Through Blood Transfusion Due To Screening Methods At The National Blood Transfusion Centre In Nairobi, Kenya 59. Muasya T Khamadi S, Kakai R, Oluoch J The purpose of this study is to highlight the risk of transmitting HBV and HCV in blood banks in Kenya. This was a center based cross-sectional study. A total of 600 samples for blood donors attending the Regional Blood Transfusion Center in Nairobi, Kenya during the study period with negative HBsAg and HCV antibody test results were used for this study. The sera was screened for both Anti-HBc total (Bio-rad) and HCV Ag by ELISA techniques. HBV DNA and HCV RNA were screened using PCR. Out of the 600 samples 54/600 (9%) were found to be positive for antiHBc. HBV-DNA was detected in 8/600 (1.3%). 12/600 (2%) were found to be positive for HCV Ag and HCV RNA was detected in 3/600 (0.5%) of the samples. There is a relatively high burden of occult HBV and HCV infections in our environment and the use of HBsAg anti HCV alone for screening either in blood transfusion or transplantation services does not eliminate the risk of HBV and HCV transmissions.

May Measurement Month 2018: an analysis of blood pressure screening from Kenya

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

May Measurement Month 2018: an analysis of blood pressure screening from Kenya 36. Elijah N Ogola, Anders Barasa, Yubrine M Gachemba, Felix Barasa, Bernard M Gitura, Wafula Nalwa, Anne Wairagu, Thomas Beaney, Anca Chis Ster, Neil R Poulter Hypertension (HTN) is highly prevalent and the leading cardiovascular risk factor for death globally. A large proportion of individuals with high blood pressure (BP) are unaware leading to under treatment and poor control. To address this, the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) initiated a global mass screening campaign, the May Measurement Month 2017 (MMM17), in which Kenya participated. Following the success of the campaign, its successor MMM18 was launched. Here, we present the Kenyan results for MMM18. Opportunistic screening of consenting adults was done in various sites across Kenya in May 2018, by volunteers trained using ISH material, under the co-ordination of the Kenya Cardiac Society. Blood pressure, pulse rate, weight, and height were measured by standard methods. Deﬁnitions of HTN and statistical methods all adhered to the standard MMM protocol. We screened 49 548 subjects, mean age 39.95 (15.3) years. In total, 49.4% had never had a BP measurement taken. After multiple imputation, 17.1% were hypertensive and of those who were hypertensive, 30.7% were aware, 26.6% were on antihypertensive treatment, and 13.0% had controlled BP. Alcohol use, excess weight, and treatment for HTN were associated with higher BP. The Kenyan MMM18 sites successfully screened more than three times the number screened in 2017, hence improving public awareness. Less than half the population had ever had a BP check. Less than a third of the hypertensives were aware with correspondingly poor treatment and control rates. Opportunistic mass screening is useful in raising public awareness

Acceptability and feasibility of inter-related activities to improve agency among African district health managers: A four-country study

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Acceptability and feasibility of inter-related activities to improve agency among African district health managers: A four-country study District health managers (DHMs) lead and manage Ministry of Health programmes and system performance. We report on the acceptability and feasibility of inter-related activities to increase the agency of DHMs in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda using a cross-sectional rapid appraisal with 372 DHMs employing structured questionnaires. We found differences and similarities between the countries, in particular, who becomes a DHM. The opportunity to provide leadership and effect change and being part of a team were reported as rewarding aspects of DHMs’ work. Demotivating factors included limited resources, bureaucracy, staff shortages, lack of support from leadership and inadequate delegation of authority. District managers ranked the acceptability of the inter-related activities similarly despite differences between contexts. Activities highly ranked by DHMs were to employ someone to support primary care staff to compile and analyse district-level data; to undertake study tours to well-functioning districts; and joining an African Regional DHM Association. DHMs rated these activities as feasible to implement. This study confirms that DHMs are in support of a process to promote bottom-up, data-driven, context-specific actions that can promote self-actualisation, recognises the roles DHMs play, provides opportunities for peer learning and can potentially improve quality of care. https://doi.org/10.1080/17441692.2021.1924220

Phytochemical and Antiepileptic Activity of the Ethanol Leaf Extracts of Culcasia falcifolia in Pentylenetetrazole Induced Seizure in Mice

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Phytochemical and Antiepileptic Activity of the Ethanol Leaf Extracts of Culcasia falcifolia in Pentylenetetrazole Induced Seizure in Mice 18. Gracelyn Portia, A., Mwaniki D. M., Ng’wena A. G. M. and Wanjala P. M m: To investigate the phytochemicals and the anticonvulsant activity of the ethanol leaf extract of Culcasia falcifolia used in the traditional medical treatment of epilepsy. Methodology: The phytochemical screening was carried out using standard protocol while the anticonvulsant activity was studied using Pentylenetetrazole in mice. Result: The preliminary phytochemical screening carried out on the ethanol extract of Culcasia falcifolia revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, polyphenols, and glycosides. In the anticonvulsant activity, there was a significant (*p< 0.05, **p<0.01) increase in the mean latency of tonic convulsion (243.72 ± 6.90*, 402.56 ± 5.52**) and significant (*p< 0.05, Original Research Article Portia et al.; ARRB, 29(1): 1-7, 2018; Article no.ARRB.42844 2 **p<0.01) decrease in the mean duration of tonic convulsion (192.62 ± 7.72*, 158.99 ± 8.66**) in a dose-dependent manner at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg body wt. respectively. The extract at 400 mg/kg body wt. showed 100% protection against mortality. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the ethanol leaf extract of Culcasia falcifolia possesses anticonvulsant activity in PTZ induced seizure in mice. https://journalarrb.com/index.php/ARRB/article/view/26454