Eco-Lodges, a Future for Sustainable Tourism in Kenya

Sustainable tourism has been defined as the form of tourism which meets the needs of tourists, the tourism industry and host communities today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. As the scale of tourism grows through eco-lodge development, the resource use threatens to become unsustainable. With a degraded physical environment, the destination is in danger of losing its original attraction, increasing the levels of cheaper mass tourism and forcing more “nature-based” tourism to move on to new destinations, which are likely to be even more inaccessible and fragile. This study thus, sought to examine eco-lodge development, management principles and sustainable practices thereof in eco-lodges and the role of government in the development of eco-lodges for sustainable tourism. The study was conducted in selected eco-lodges in the Maasai Mara in Kenya. The respondents were 52, comprising of Managers of the selected eco-lodges, employees and selected key informants. Most of the data was collected by way of Questionnaires, personally administered to ensure clarification is offered where necessary. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics (percentages, frequencies and averages) and by data presentation on tables. The findings acknowledged that eco-lodges contribute to overall sustainable tourism development and conservation by raising awareness among local communities, stakeholder groups and government officials, and changing public attitudes toward conservation. Efforts to preserve and enhance the natural environment should therefore be a high priority for the industry and for governments. It noted that with a growing standing in the world economy the tourism industry has “a moral responsibility in making the transition to sustainable development. Establishing partnerships with local communities is being increasingly recognized as necessary for sustainable tourism. Responsible tourism is the job of everyone involved– governments, local authorities, the tourist industry and tourists themselves. Key word: Sustainable touris

Effect of RpoN, RpoS and LuxS Pathways on the Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Sensitivity of Borrelia burgdorferi

Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, is capable of forming biofilm in vivo and in vitro, a structure well known for its resistance to antimicrobial agents. For the formation of biofilm, signaling processes are required to communicate with the surrounding environment such as it was shown for the RpoN—RpoS alternative sigma factor and for the LuxS quorum-sensing pathways. Therefore, in this study, the wild-type B. burgdorferi and different mutant strains lacking RpoN, RpoS, and LuxS genes were studied for their growth characteristic and development of biofilm structures and markers as well as for their antibiotic sensitivity. Our results showed that all three mutants formed small, loosely formed aggregates, which expressed previously identified Borrelia biofilm markers such as alginate, extracellular DNA, and calcium. All three mutants had significantly different sensitivity to doxycyline in the early log phase spirochete cultures; however, in the biofilm rich stationary cultures, only LuxS mutant showed increased sensitivity to doxycyline compared to the wild-type strain. Our findings indicate that all three mutants have some effect on Borrelia biofilm, but the most dramatic effect was found with LuxS mutant, suggesting that the quorum-sensing pathway plays an important role of Borrelia biofilm formation and antibiotic sensitivity

Molecular screening for Plasmodium falciparum resistance markers for artemisinins in Mbita, Kenya

Artemisinins-based combination therapies (ACTs) are being recommended against uncomplicated malaria in endemic areas of Africa. However, in these areas data on their long term usefulness is limited. It has been demonstrated that ACTs resistance may be due to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the chemotherapeutic target, the SERCA-type ATPase protein (PfATPase6). This study analyzed PfATPase6 mutations in asymptomatic infections from samples collected from Mbita, a malaria endemic region in Kenya. Mutations in A623E and S769N residues were screened with gene specific primers followed by sequencing. The study demonstrates that there is no mutation in Mbita, Kenya because neither A623E nor S769N PfATPase6 mutations were detected. Resurgence of infections in this area could be due to re-infections and not drug failure. The study recommends that other sites be assessed for PfATPase 6 mutations to verify the long-term usefulness of ACT and monitor any emergency of resistance.Keywords: ACT (Artemisinins-based Combination Therapy), Molecular, Mutations, PfATPase 6doi: 10.4314/ajcem.v12i3.

Exploring hotel managers perceptions and responses as counter measures for seasonality – a sustainable framework for Kenya’s tourism industry

Conference paper presented at the 1st African Conference on Sustainable Tourism in Strathmore University, Kenya.Seasonality in tourism has continued to be a concern for researchers, managers, policy makers and the hotel industry globally. Kenya is typified by a two-peak seasonality pattern, which is often characterized by the nature of tourist seasons. In terms of measuring seasonality patterns and managers responses, a plethora of previous studies have measured its impacts, scale, duration and recurrence, from the point of view, of either analyzing: tourist traffic in and out of hotels and other enterprises; the number of workers laid-off or employed; the hotels ability to profitably maintain business operations all-year round. Due to the consistency and predictability of seasonality patterns, hotel managers have continuously responded by either coping, challenging or capitulating. Despite the extensive awareness of the problem, very few studies have focused on the effects of managers‟ perceptions or explored non-competitive and sustainable strategic frameworks to be adopted by hotel managers‟. By using a low-cost and differentiated strategic framework, a qualitative research which employed a multiple case study design, was used to shade some light on managers responses, solutions and perceptions. This paper largely relies on a 2013-2014 qualitative research of 17 hotels in the South Coast of Kenya. The results show that there is a potential for a new and sustainable shift of the problem in the future. It recommends that investors as well as hotel managers should be more receptive to creativity and investment in unrivalled products and services through value-innovation

A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Cancer Screening in Patients with Autoimmune Diseases

https://openworks.mdanderson.org/sumexp23/1110/thumbnail.jp

Association of spirochetal infection with Morgellons disease

Morgellons disease (MD) is an emerging multisystem illness characterized by skin lesions with unusual filaments embedded in or projecting from epithelial tissue. Filament formation results from abnormal keratin and collagen expression by epithelial-based keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Recent research comparing MD to bovine digital dermatitis, an animal infectious disease with similar skin features, provided clues that spirochetal infection could play an important role in the human disease as it does in the animal illness. Based on histological staining, immunofluorescent staining, electron microscopic imaging and polymerase chain reaction, we report the detection of Borrelia spirochetes in dermatological tissue of four randomly-selected MD patients. The association of MD with spirochetal infection provides evidence that this infection may be a significant factor in the illness and refutes claims that MD lesions are self-inflicted and that people suffering from this disorder are delusional. Molecular characterization of the Borrelia spirochetes found in MD patients is warranted

High Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant Clostridioides difficile Following Extensive Use of Antimicrobials in Hospitalized Patients in Kenya

Introduction: Clostridioides difficile is a neglected pathogen in many African countries as it is generally not regarded as one of the major contributors toward the diarrheal disease burden in the continent. However, several studies have suggested that C. difficile infection (CDI) may be underreported in many African settings. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CDI in hospitalized patients, evaluate antimicrobial exposure, and detect toxin and antimicrobial resistance profiles of the isolated C. difficile strains. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 333 hospitalized patients with hospital-onset diarrhoea were selected. The stool samples were collected and cultured on cycloserine-cefoxitin egg yolk agar (CCEY). Isolates were presumptively identified by phenotypic characteristics and Gram stain and confirmed by singleplex real-time PCR (qPCR) assays detecting the species-specific tpi gene, toxin A (tcdA) gene, toxin B (tcdB) gene, and the binary toxin (cdtA/cdtB) genes. Confirmed C. difficile isolates were tested against a panel of eight antimicrobials (vancomycin, metronidazole, rifampicin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, clindamycin, erythromycin, and ceftriaxone) using E-test strips. Results: C. difficile was detected in 57 (25%) of diarrheal patients over the age of two, 56 (98.2%) of whom received antimicrobials before the diarrheal episode. Amongst the 71 confirmed isolates, 69 (97.1%) harbored at least one toxin gene. More than half of the toxigenic isolates harbored a truncated tcdA gene. All isolates were sensitive to vancomycin, while three isolates (2.1%) were resistant to metronidazole (MIC \u3e32 mg/L). High levels of resistance were observed to rifampicin (65/71, 91.5%), erythromycin (63/71, 88.7%), ciprofloxacin (59/71, 83.1%), clindamycin (57/71, 80.3%), and ceftriaxone (36/71, 50.7.8%). Among the resistant isolates, 61 (85.9%) were multidrug-resistant. Conclusion: Multidrug-resistant C. difficile strains were a significant cause of healthcare facility-onset C. difficile infections in patients with prior antimicrobial exposure in this Kenyan hospital

Medical survey on Cardiovascular Disorders

Recent studies in India indicate raising trends of cardiovascular disorders like hyper tension, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmia. Even in rural areas continuous monitoring of the cardio vascular disorders situation is required by repeated cross sectional studies in both urban, rural to plan control measures. Aim of the study to make a survey on cardio vascular disorders in local hospitals of aroghya and spandana hosipital in khammam. A cross sectional study was carried out in khammam region in the rural field practice area of Mother Teresa Pharmacy College in Sathupally, India. All adults and olders of both genders were included and screened for cardio vascular disorders by hosipital survey. Conclusion: It was observed that cardiovascular disorders can be treated within time and proper medication. Awareness should be created among the population regarding prevention of cardiovascular disorders. Even though proper medication are there, in some cases like heart attack and congestive heart failure the death rate is very high. This is because the patient is not able to reach the hospitals in time, not changing their life style modifications, continuing their habits like smoking and alcohol consumption and lack of frequent medical checkups. Hence the sincere advise to all the patients those are in the risk of cardiovascular disorders must have to keep the corresponding medicines like nitroglycerine tablets (Isosorbide dinitrate)  with them of their pocket every time, avoiding of their habits of smoking and alcohol consumption, intake of low calorie diet and maintain their regular medical checkups.       Keywords:  Cross sectional study, Cardiovascular Disorders, Smoking and Alcohol consumptio

Characterization of Biofilm Formation by Borrelia burgdorferi In Vitro

Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, has long been known to be capable of forming aggregates and colonies. It was recently demonstrated that Borrelia burgdorferi aggregate formation dramatically changes the in vitro response to hostile environments by this pathogen. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that these aggregates are indeed biofilms, structures whose resistance to unfavorable conditions are well documented. We studied Borrelia burgdorferi for several known hallmark features of biofilm, including structural rearrangements in the aggregates, variations in development on various substrate matrices and secretion of a protective extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix using several modes of microscopic, cell and molecular biology techniques. The atomic force microscopic results provided evidence that multilevel rearrangements take place at different stages of aggregate development, producing a complex, continuously rearranging structure. Our results also demonstrated that Borrelia burgdorferi is capable of developing aggregates on different abiotic and biotic substrates, and is also capable of forming floating aggregates. Analyzing the extracellular substance of the aggregates for potential exopolysaccharides revealed the existence of both sulfated and non-sulfated/carboxylated substrates, predominately composed of an alginate with calcium and extracellular DNA present. In summary, we have found substantial evidence that Borrelia burgdorferi is capable of forming biofilm in vitro. Biofilm formation by Borrelia species might play an important role in their survival in diverse environmental conditions by providing refuge to individual cells

Glioblastomas acquire myeloid-affiliated transcriptional programs via epigenetic immunoediting to elicit immune evasion

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor for which current immunotherapy approaches have been unsuccessful. Here, we explore the mechanisms underlying immune evasion in GBM. By serially transplanting GBM stem cells (GSCs) into immunocompetent hosts, we uncover an acquired capability of GSCs to escape immune clearance by establishing an enhanced immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Mechanistically, this is not elicited via genetic selection of tumor subclones, but through an epigenetic immunoediting process wherein stable transcriptional and epigenetic changes in GSCs are enforced following immune attack. These changes launch a myeloid-affiliated transcriptional program, which leads to increased recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages. Furthermore, we identify similar epigenetic and transcriptional signatures in human mesenchymal subtype GSCs. We conclude that epigenetic immunoediting may drive an acquired immune evasion program in the most aggressive mesenchymal GBM subtype by reshaping the tumor immune microenvironment