The developed data collection form which contains questionnaire and the associated data collectio... more The developed data collection form which contains questionnaire and the associated data collection criterion used in the study. (DOCX 17 kb)
Researchers and others involved in the research enterprise from 12 African countries met with tho... more Researchers and others involved in the research enterprise from 12 African countries met with those working in ethics and oversight in the United States as part of an effort to develop research ethics capacity. Drawing on a wealth of experience among participants, discussions at the meeting revealed five categories of issues that warrant careful attention by those engaged in similar efforts as well as international policymakers and those charged with oversight of research. (1) Principal investigators should build ‘true research teams’ where members of the team are meaningfully involved in decisions regarding the protocol and its implementation. (2)There should be explicit discussion about the ‘standard of care’ at the outset of project planning that includes clarification of the terminology that is being used. (3) While internationally collaborative research may involve populations that have inherent vulnerabilities, it is important to recognize the limitations of host country solut...
International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health
The Corona Virus Disease - 19 (COVID-19) pandemic is one of the most devastating events in the hi... more The Corona Virus Disease - 19 (COVID-19) pandemic is one of the most devastating events in the history of human health for the last several decades. Our analysis aimed at a cross-section of events, models and theories surrounding the pandemic. These included mathematical modeling, lockdown diaries, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), religious approaches, and the 5G network theory among others. The Global economies have been checked negatively by the pandemic. The COVID - 19 – pandemic challenge, primed many innovations and adaptations for survival. Use of phones and ICT as well as proper handling of asymptomatic victims was necessary as it resolves the anxiety issue of the infection spread. Leadership from the President to the lowers levels was critical for the management of COVID -19 challenge in Uganda.
Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology
Background: DNA extraction is the process by which the DNA is extracted and purified from the liv... more Background: DNA extraction is the process by which the DNA is extracted and purified from the living or dead cells or tissues. There are many different kits commercially available for DNA extraction, with varying protocols. This study aimed at determining the optimal conditions for the extraction of high yield DNA from banana fruits. Methodology: DNA was extracted from banana fruits by precipitation method. The DNA yield was determined using the Nanodrop DNA quantification technique. Results: The optimal sodium chloride salt concentration for DNA extraction from banana fruits was 4mM and the amount of DNA extracted increased as the temperature decreased. The highest yield was obtained between 4 0C to 0 0C. Conclusion: We report for the first time a protocol with an optimal salt concentration (NaCl, 4mM) for quality DNA yield from banana fruits. A critical consideration is required to establish an optimal range of moderate temperatures and DNA concentrations for better quality and d...
Aims: To determine the effect of the leaf extract of Bidens pilosa on the rate of haemostasis and... more Aims: To determine the effect of the leaf extract of Bidens pilosa on the rate of haemostasis and validate its traditional use application to fresh wounds. Study Design: Experimental Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Biology Department, Faculty of Science and Education, Busitema University and Nagongera Health Center IV laboratory between April and May 2019. Methodology: Different concentrations of the extract were applied to blood samples. Whole venous blood was collected by vein puncture in heparin tubes. The rate of clotting in presence and absence of the extract was determined. The experiment was replicated. Results: Increase in the concentration of the extract decreased the rate of haemostasis. Statistical analysis with a two-way ANOVA was significant, P = 0.02 at a 95% CI. Conclusion: High concentration Bidens pilosa leaf extract decreases the rate of haemostasis but may have other healing activities attributed to its historical and traditional use an...
Despite the public health significance of anaemia in African children, its broader and often prev... more Despite the public health significance of anaemia in African children, its broader and often preventable risk factors remain largely under described. This study investigated, for the first time, the prevalence of childhood anaemia and its risk factors in an urban setting in Uganda. A total of 342 children were enrolled. Venous blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes and analyzed using Symex 500i (Symex Corp. Japan). Stool and urine samples were analyzed according to established standard methods. Anthropometric indicators were calculated according to the CDC/WHO 1978 references. Ethical approval was granted. Categorically, the prevalence of anaemia was; 37.2, 33.3 and 11.8% among children aged 1-5 years, 6-11 years and 12-14 years respectively. Overall anaemia prevalence was 34.4%. The risk of anaemia was higher among males than females [(OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 0.8, 2.1), P = .22]. Malaria was associated with a 1.5 times risk of anaemia though not statistically significant in the mult...
Aims: To determine the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections and the associated risk fact... more Aims: To determine the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections and the associated risk factors in children. Methodology: A total of 200 children aged below one year to 12 years were enrolled. Stool samples were collected and analyzed according to the established standard methods. Results: Of the 200 children enrolled, 73(36.5%); CI = 0.000-0.015, had intestinal protozoan infections. The prevalence of Giardia lamblia was the highest (16%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (13%) compared to Cryptosporidium spp (4%) and Cyclospora spp (3.5%).The highest prevalence was in the age group 1-4 years (26.8%, OR; 2.601, P = .015), mothers with no formal education (44.4%, OR; 3.240, P = .002) and those with primary level education (23.5%, OR; 1.812,P = .027) were significantly associated with intestinal protozoan infections. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of infections between the females (22.3%) and males (16.5%). Conclusion: The overall prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections was 73(36.5%), Giardia lamblia (16%) was the most prevalent intestinal protozoan infection in the study. The intestinal protozoan infections were most prevalent among children aged 1-4 years whose mothers had no formal education. Prevention strategies need to be tailored to the respective levels of education.
Aims: Determine the impact of malaria and gastrointestinal helminthiasis co-infection on anaemia ... more Aims: Determine the impact of malaria and gastrointestinal helminthiasis co-infection on anaemia and severe malaria among children aged 1 – 15 years. Study Design: A cross sectional study was carried out. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in fifteen health centres of Bugesera District – Rwanda, between the months of April and October 2014. Methodology: A total of 465 children were enrolled. Finger prick blood and stool were collected and examined according to the established standard methods. Data were double entered into EPI info software (Center for Disease Control and prevention, USA) and analysed using STATA Version 12. Original Research Article Marcelline et al.; IJTDH, 13(4): 1-7, 2016; Article no.IJTDH.23241 2 Results: The overall prevalence for malaria, helminthiasis and anaemia was 30.8%, 47.5% and 30.1% respectively. The prevalence of malaria and helminthiasis was highest in the age group of 6-10 years. The anaemia prevalence was highest in the age group of 1 – 5 years. The prevalence of malaria and helminthiasis co-infection was 61.5% while the associated anaemia prevalence was 38.5%. Severe malaria was dominant in co-infected children (Chi1= 31.5222, P <0.000). Conclusions: Malaria and helminthiasis co-infection is a better predictor of anaemia than either malaria or helminthiasis. Malaria and helminthiasis co-infection was significantly associated with severe malaria. The impact of malaria and helminthiasis co-infection reported in this study needs further investigation.
Aims: Determine the impact of malaria and gastrointestinal helminthiasis co-infection on anaemia ... more Aims: Determine the impact of malaria and gastrointestinal helminthiasis co-infection on anaemia and severe malaria among children aged 1 – 15 years. Study Design: A cross sectional study was carried out. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in fifteen health centres of Bugesera District – Rwanda, between the months of April and October 2014. Methodology: A total of 465 children were enrolled. Finger prick blood and stool were collected and examined according to the established standard methods. Data were double entered into EPI info software (Center for Disease Control and prevention, USA) and analysed using STATA Version 12. Original Research Article Marcelline et al.; IJTDH, 13(4): 1-7, 2016; Article no.IJTDH.23241 2 Results: The overall prevalence for malaria, helminthiasis and anaemia was 30.8%, 47.5% and 30.1% respectively. The prevalence of malaria and helminthiasis was highest in the age group of 6-10 years. The anaemia prevalence was highest in the age group of 1 – 5 years. The prevalence of malaria and helminthiasis co-infection was 61.5% while the associated anaemia prevalence was 38.5%. Severe malaria was dominant in co-infected children (Chi1= 31.5222, P <0.000). Conclusions: Malaria and helminthiasis co-infection is a better predictor of anaemia than either malaria or helminthiasis. Malaria and helminthiasis co-infection was significantly associated with severe malaria. The impact of malaria and helminthiasis co-infection reported in this study needs further investigation.
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene
Host immunity plays an important role in response to antimalarial therapy but is poorly understoo... more Host immunity plays an important role in response to antimalarial therapy but is poorly understood. To test whether T cell activation is a risk factor for antimalarial treatment failure, we studied CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell activation in 31 human immunodeficiency virus-negative Ugandan patients 5-37 years of age who were treated for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Increased CD4(+) T cell activation, as indicated by co-expression of HLA-DR and CD38, was an independent risk factor for treatment failure (hazard ratio = 2.45, 95% confidence interval = 1.02-5.89, P = 0.05) in multivariate analysis controlling for age, baseline temperature, and pre-treatment parasite density. The results provide insight into the role of cellular immunity in response to antimalarial therapy and underscore the need to investigate the mechanisms behind immune activation.
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 2006
Host immunity plays an important role in response to antimalarial therapy but is poorly understoo... more Host immunity plays an important role in response to antimalarial therapy but is poorly understood. To test whether T cell activation is a risk factor for antimalarial treatment failure, we studied CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell activation in 31 human immunodeficiency virus-negative Ugandan patients 5-37 years of age who were treated for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Increased CD4(+) T cell activation, as indicated by co-expression of HLA-DR and CD38, was an independent risk factor for treatment failure (hazard ratio = 2.45, 95% confidence interval = 1.02-5.89, P = 0.05) in multivariate analysis controlling for age, baseline temperature, and pre-treatment parasite density. The results provide insight into the role of cellular immunity in response to antimalarial therapy and underscore the need to investigate the mechanisms behind immune activation.
Host immunity plays an important role in response to antimalarial therapy but is poorly understoo... more Host immunity plays an important role in response to antimalarial therapy but is poorly understood. To test whether T cell activation is a risk factor for antimalarial treatment failure, we studied CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation in 31 human immunodeficiency virus-negative Ugandan patients 5-37 years of age who were treated for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Increased CD4+ T cell
The developed data collection form which contains questionnaire and the associated data collectio... more The developed data collection form which contains questionnaire and the associated data collection criterion used in the study. (DOCX 17 kb)
Researchers and others involved in the research enterprise from 12 African countries met with tho... more Researchers and others involved in the research enterprise from 12 African countries met with those working in ethics and oversight in the United States as part of an effort to develop research ethics capacity. Drawing on a wealth of experience among participants, discussions at the meeting revealed five categories of issues that warrant careful attention by those engaged in similar efforts as well as international policymakers and those charged with oversight of research. (1) Principal investigators should build ‘true research teams’ where members of the team are meaningfully involved in decisions regarding the protocol and its implementation. (2)There should be explicit discussion about the ‘standard of care’ at the outset of project planning that includes clarification of the terminology that is being used. (3) While internationally collaborative research may involve populations that have inherent vulnerabilities, it is important to recognize the limitations of host country solut...
International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health
The Corona Virus Disease - 19 (COVID-19) pandemic is one of the most devastating events in the hi... more The Corona Virus Disease - 19 (COVID-19) pandemic is one of the most devastating events in the history of human health for the last several decades. Our analysis aimed at a cross-section of events, models and theories surrounding the pandemic. These included mathematical modeling, lockdown diaries, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), religious approaches, and the 5G network theory among others. The Global economies have been checked negatively by the pandemic. The COVID - 19 – pandemic challenge, primed many innovations and adaptations for survival. Use of phones and ICT as well as proper handling of asymptomatic victims was necessary as it resolves the anxiety issue of the infection spread. Leadership from the President to the lowers levels was critical for the management of COVID -19 challenge in Uganda.
Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology
Background: DNA extraction is the process by which the DNA is extracted and purified from the liv... more Background: DNA extraction is the process by which the DNA is extracted and purified from the living or dead cells or tissues. There are many different kits commercially available for DNA extraction, with varying protocols. This study aimed at determining the optimal conditions for the extraction of high yield DNA from banana fruits. Methodology: DNA was extracted from banana fruits by precipitation method. The DNA yield was determined using the Nanodrop DNA quantification technique. Results: The optimal sodium chloride salt concentration for DNA extraction from banana fruits was 4mM and the amount of DNA extracted increased as the temperature decreased. The highest yield was obtained between 4 0C to 0 0C. Conclusion: We report for the first time a protocol with an optimal salt concentration (NaCl, 4mM) for quality DNA yield from banana fruits. A critical consideration is required to establish an optimal range of moderate temperatures and DNA concentrations for better quality and d...
Aims: To determine the effect of the leaf extract of Bidens pilosa on the rate of haemostasis and... more Aims: To determine the effect of the leaf extract of Bidens pilosa on the rate of haemostasis and validate its traditional use application to fresh wounds. Study Design: Experimental Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Biology Department, Faculty of Science and Education, Busitema University and Nagongera Health Center IV laboratory between April and May 2019. Methodology: Different concentrations of the extract were applied to blood samples. Whole venous blood was collected by vein puncture in heparin tubes. The rate of clotting in presence and absence of the extract was determined. The experiment was replicated. Results: Increase in the concentration of the extract decreased the rate of haemostasis. Statistical analysis with a two-way ANOVA was significant, P = 0.02 at a 95% CI. Conclusion: High concentration Bidens pilosa leaf extract decreases the rate of haemostasis but may have other healing activities attributed to its historical and traditional use an...
Despite the public health significance of anaemia in African children, its broader and often prev... more Despite the public health significance of anaemia in African children, its broader and often preventable risk factors remain largely under described. This study investigated, for the first time, the prevalence of childhood anaemia and its risk factors in an urban setting in Uganda. A total of 342 children were enrolled. Venous blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes and analyzed using Symex 500i (Symex Corp. Japan). Stool and urine samples were analyzed according to established standard methods. Anthropometric indicators were calculated according to the CDC/WHO 1978 references. Ethical approval was granted. Categorically, the prevalence of anaemia was; 37.2, 33.3 and 11.8% among children aged 1-5 years, 6-11 years and 12-14 years respectively. Overall anaemia prevalence was 34.4%. The risk of anaemia was higher among males than females [(OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 0.8, 2.1), P = .22]. Malaria was associated with a 1.5 times risk of anaemia though not statistically significant in the mult...
Aims: To determine the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections and the associated risk fact... more Aims: To determine the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections and the associated risk factors in children. Methodology: A total of 200 children aged below one year to 12 years were enrolled. Stool samples were collected and analyzed according to the established standard methods. Results: Of the 200 children enrolled, 73(36.5%); CI = 0.000-0.015, had intestinal protozoan infections. The prevalence of Giardia lamblia was the highest (16%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (13%) compared to Cryptosporidium spp (4%) and Cyclospora spp (3.5%).The highest prevalence was in the age group 1-4 years (26.8%, OR; 2.601, P = .015), mothers with no formal education (44.4%, OR; 3.240, P = .002) and those with primary level education (23.5%, OR; 1.812,P = .027) were significantly associated with intestinal protozoan infections. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of infections between the females (22.3%) and males (16.5%). Conclusion: The overall prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections was 73(36.5%), Giardia lamblia (16%) was the most prevalent intestinal protozoan infection in the study. The intestinal protozoan infections were most prevalent among children aged 1-4 years whose mothers had no formal education. Prevention strategies need to be tailored to the respective levels of education.
Aims: Determine the impact of malaria and gastrointestinal helminthiasis co-infection on anaemia ... more Aims: Determine the impact of malaria and gastrointestinal helminthiasis co-infection on anaemia and severe malaria among children aged 1 – 15 years. Study Design: A cross sectional study was carried out. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in fifteen health centres of Bugesera District – Rwanda, between the months of April and October 2014. Methodology: A total of 465 children were enrolled. Finger prick blood and stool were collected and examined according to the established standard methods. Data were double entered into EPI info software (Center for Disease Control and prevention, USA) and analysed using STATA Version 12. Original Research Article Marcelline et al.; IJTDH, 13(4): 1-7, 2016; Article no.IJTDH.23241 2 Results: The overall prevalence for malaria, helminthiasis and anaemia was 30.8%, 47.5% and 30.1% respectively. The prevalence of malaria and helminthiasis was highest in the age group of 6-10 years. The anaemia prevalence was highest in the age group of 1 – 5 years. The prevalence of malaria and helminthiasis co-infection was 61.5% while the associated anaemia prevalence was 38.5%. Severe malaria was dominant in co-infected children (Chi1= 31.5222, P <0.000). Conclusions: Malaria and helminthiasis co-infection is a better predictor of anaemia than either malaria or helminthiasis. Malaria and helminthiasis co-infection was significantly associated with severe malaria. The impact of malaria and helminthiasis co-infection reported in this study needs further investigation.
Aims: Determine the impact of malaria and gastrointestinal helminthiasis co-infection on anaemia ... more Aims: Determine the impact of malaria and gastrointestinal helminthiasis co-infection on anaemia and severe malaria among children aged 1 – 15 years. Study Design: A cross sectional study was carried out. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in fifteen health centres of Bugesera District – Rwanda, between the months of April and October 2014. Methodology: A total of 465 children were enrolled. Finger prick blood and stool were collected and examined according to the established standard methods. Data were double entered into EPI info software (Center for Disease Control and prevention, USA) and analysed using STATA Version 12. Original Research Article Marcelline et al.; IJTDH, 13(4): 1-7, 2016; Article no.IJTDH.23241 2 Results: The overall prevalence for malaria, helminthiasis and anaemia was 30.8%, 47.5% and 30.1% respectively. The prevalence of malaria and helminthiasis was highest in the age group of 6-10 years. The anaemia prevalence was highest in the age group of 1 – 5 years. The prevalence of malaria and helminthiasis co-infection was 61.5% while the associated anaemia prevalence was 38.5%. Severe malaria was dominant in co-infected children (Chi1= 31.5222, P <0.000). Conclusions: Malaria and helminthiasis co-infection is a better predictor of anaemia than either malaria or helminthiasis. Malaria and helminthiasis co-infection was significantly associated with severe malaria. The impact of malaria and helminthiasis co-infection reported in this study needs further investigation.
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene
Host immunity plays an important role in response to antimalarial therapy but is poorly understoo... more Host immunity plays an important role in response to antimalarial therapy but is poorly understood. To test whether T cell activation is a risk factor for antimalarial treatment failure, we studied CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell activation in 31 human immunodeficiency virus-negative Ugandan patients 5-37 years of age who were treated for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Increased CD4(+) T cell activation, as indicated by co-expression of HLA-DR and CD38, was an independent risk factor for treatment failure (hazard ratio = 2.45, 95% confidence interval = 1.02-5.89, P = 0.05) in multivariate analysis controlling for age, baseline temperature, and pre-treatment parasite density. The results provide insight into the role of cellular immunity in response to antimalarial therapy and underscore the need to investigate the mechanisms behind immune activation.
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 2006
Host immunity plays an important role in response to antimalarial therapy but is poorly understoo... more Host immunity plays an important role in response to antimalarial therapy but is poorly understood. To test whether T cell activation is a risk factor for antimalarial treatment failure, we studied CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell activation in 31 human immunodeficiency virus-negative Ugandan patients 5-37 years of age who were treated for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Increased CD4(+) T cell activation, as indicated by co-expression of HLA-DR and CD38, was an independent risk factor for treatment failure (hazard ratio = 2.45, 95% confidence interval = 1.02-5.89, P = 0.05) in multivariate analysis controlling for age, baseline temperature, and pre-treatment parasite density. The results provide insight into the role of cellular immunity in response to antimalarial therapy and underscore the need to investigate the mechanisms behind immune activation.
Host immunity plays an important role in response to antimalarial therapy but is poorly understoo... more Host immunity plays an important role in response to antimalarial therapy but is poorly understood. To test whether T cell activation is a risk factor for antimalarial treatment failure, we studied CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation in 31 human immunodeficiency virus-negative Ugandan patients 5-37 years of age who were treated for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Increased CD4+ T cell
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