Anatomical Variations of Human Pulmonary Fissures: A Cadaveric Study Conducted in Western Kenya

Aim and Objective:  This cadaveric study was done to describe the variations in the pattern of pulmonary fissures in Western Kenyan population. Data were sourced from 68 lungs fixed in formalin in gross anatomy laboratory of the Department of Human Anatomy, Uzima University. The fissures were studied and the results compared with the previous studies. Results: In this study 83.82% of lungs had a classical appearance a “textbook” lung: three major fissures that were complete without any accessory fissure. Out of the 31 right lungs examined, the horizontal fissure was absent in 0% lungs, incomplete in 6 lungs (16.13%), and complete in 25 lungs (80.64%). Out of the 37 left lungs, the oblique fissure was incomplete in 4 lungs (10.70%) and complete in 29 lungs (86.30%). The fissure was absent in one of the lungs (2.70%). Four right lung accessory fissures were observed (12.90%). Six left lungs (16.67%) had accessory fissures. Conclusion: Incidence of complete of oblique fissure was greater in our present work when compared our results with other authors. The incomplete oblique fissure and incomplete horizontal fissure in our study varied compared with other studies.  Our study recorded a prevalence of absent oblique fissure in the left lung that was greater in relation to absent horizontal fissure. The superior accessory fissure was higher in our study compared to other studies as well as compared the inferior accessory fissure in our study. The left minor fissure was the most frequently appearing accessory fissure in our study. Anatomists should note that lung fissure anatomy is more variable than orthodoxly presented. Clinicians must be warranted towards the depth and occurrence of these variations. Considering these variants we recommend more explorative research should be done on this topic to cast more light on this

Intussusception: Lab Report and Review of Literature

Objective: Intussusception is the invagination of a proximal portion of the gastrointestinal tract into an adjacent distal portion. This unusual form of bowel obstruction occurs less frequently in adults. We report a case of small bowel intussusception in a 39-year-old African male cadaver in the cadaveric laboratory in the, Department of Human Anatomy at, Uzima University. We have also performed a literature review of this rare condition. Method: Student cadaver groups at Uzima University were assigned with a ratio of 8:1 meaning that eight students received one cadaver to work on. There were a total of nine cadavers. One out of the nine assigned specimens had a lead point in the ileocecal valve resulting in ileocecal intussusception upon dissection. Results: At the ileocecal junction, an intussuscepted distal small bowel was discovered. We concluded it to be an ileocecal intussusception. Conclusion: The rarity of intussusception in adults makes it an exceptional finding in standard anatomy laboratory. Intussusception can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Surgeons should consider intussusception as a severe cause of intestinal obstruction and consequently, anticipate different clinical presentations. Diagnosis of intussusception is difficult to make without surgery, therefore, surgeons need to familiarize themselves with different imaging modalities

Pyramidal Lobe of the Human Thyroid Gland: A Case Report

Background The thyroid gland is amongst the most anatomically variable structures in the human body, with incidence of the pyramidal lobe ranging from 57-65%. While these anatomical variations remain overlooked or misinterpreted by students during routine laboratory dissection, they are of clinical relevance in terms of functional disorders and illnesses associated with thyroid gland. Multiple patterns of the pyramidal lobe have been identified during routine dissections and reported in the literature. The knowledge of these pattern differences is vital for surgical practice and patient management. This is a report on a 42-year-old African male cadaver with a pyramidal lobe noticed during routine dissection in Human Anatomy Laboratory, Department of Human Anatomy of Uzima University. Method: Dissimilarity was encountered during routine cadaveric dissections, overlying neck muscles were exposed, and the tissue was examined. Results: The macroscopic assessment revealed a capsulated glandular tissue with three lobes. Pyramidal lobe was located deep to the strap muscles of the neck at the midline below the Adam’s apple. Conclusion: Pyramidal lobe is considered a normal component of the thyroid gland with variable morphology and position. Its removal during surgery of the thyroid to treat non-malignant disease cases has proven to significantly reduce chances of cancer recurrence

Persistent Sciatic Artery: A Cadaveric Case Study

Objective The persistent sciatic artery associated with birth is a rare anomaly with a high rate of abnormal dilatation, blockage and stenosis prompting in extreme thrombosis, caudal embolisation, or aneurysm rupture. This is a case report on cadaveric specimen (50-year-old) African female cadaver in the Human Anatomy Laboratory, Department of Human Anatomy, Uzima University. Methods: During routine cadaveric dissections by first year medical students a peculiar structure was noted behind the right thigh after exposure of gluteal muscles. Results: The structure, identified as persistent sciatic artery, entered the gluteal region through the greater sciatic foramen and lied superficial to the sciatic nerve. The vessel was large and it passed out of the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen below the pirifomis and descended posterior to the sciatic nerve. Muscular and articular branches branched off from artery through its course. The artery descended behind the thigh and was traversed obliquely by the long head of the biceps femoris muscle posteriorly. The sciatic artery continued as the popliteal artery that lied alongside popliteal vein, which was retraced back from the infrapiriform fossa. The femoral arteries were hypoplastic and had no obvious connections with the sciatic artery. Conclusion: It is a vital practice to recognize the position and tendency of sciatic artery to develop aneurysms and subsequent deep vein thrombosis that may be life threatening. Furthermore, understanding of this principle changes the approach to surgical interventions that are required during the process of bypass grafting

Suppression of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced ornithine decarboxylase activity by resveratrol derivatives

As demonstrated previously, resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) inhibits 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the key rate limiting enzyme in mammalian polyamine synthesis. Using human bladder epithelial carcinoma HTB-24 cells in culture where resveratrol inhibits induction with an IC50 of 8.8 µM, we now report potential metabolites demonstrate greater activity [tetrabutylammonium (E)-4-(3,5-dihydroxystyryl)phenyl sulfate (IC50 1.2 µM), resveratrol tripotassium 3,5,4'-trisulfate (IC50 1.8 µM), resveratrol tripotassium 3,4'-disulfate (IC50 1.8 µM), and resveratrol tripotassium 3,5-disulfate (IC50 2.3 µM)]. Based on RT-PCR studies, ODC inhibition occurs at the transcriptional level, but this was not due to direct inhibition of protein kinase C (e.g., resveratrol IC50, 79 µM; resveratrol tripotassium 3,5-disulfate IC50, 49 µM). Additional work is underway to more fully investigate this potentially important observation. [This work was supported by program project P01 CA48112 awarded by the National Cancer Institute. SL acknowledges Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF), New Delhi for a Research Fellowship]

Communities’ Perceptions of Reintegration of Al-Shabaab Returnees in Mombasa and Kwale Counties, Kenya

This study explores community perceptions of reintegration of returning foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) from Al-Shabaab in coastal Kenya. Drawing from fieldwork accounts collected in Kwale and Mombasa Counties, Kenya, this study nuances and problematizes communities’ perception of reintegration.  The study fits into a growing yet unsettled discourse of what works well in reintegration initiatives for returning foreign terrorist fighters. Governments worldwide are focusing on fighting Islamist terror groups like ISIS and Al-Shabaab in East Africa. But the need to also build other strategic counter-terrorism capabilities has developed, even more so in the rehabilitation and reintegration of returning foreign terrorist fighters. How host communities perceive this shift from a whole-of-government, hard approach, to a whole-of-community, soft approach, will determine how effective this strategy is in the global fight against terrorism. In Kenya, it is estimated that at least 1,000 returnees live in communities along the coastal areas of Kwale and Mombasa. There is a paucity of research focusing on the perceptions of those communities absorbing the returnees in Kenya. This study draws on 31 interviews with government officials, returnees, academic experts, civil society actors, and 104 questionnaire interviews with community members in Kwale and Mombasa. The study’s findings show that while the family and the society at large may be longing to see their loved ones, there are competing dilemmas involved, including stigma and negative labelling. The study also found that there is a lack of structures to ensure proper involvement of host communities in the reintegration of returnees. As such, the process is marred by lack of trust and negative labelling, which affects positive reintegration. The study’s findings are useful for counter-radicalization policy formulation and practical peacebuilding interventions at the community level

Implementation of Inclusive Education Practices for Children with Disabilities and Other Special Needs in Uganda

This study aimed to assess the factors that influence the effective implementation of inclusive education, taking into consideration learners with disabilities and other special needs. The study objectives focused on the following key aspects that directly influence the implementation of inclusive education: inclusive policies, attitudes, perceptions, curriculum issues, and learning environment. The study adopted a case study design and employed qualitative approaches in sampling. Participants of the study (N=103) included special needs teachers (N=73) and learners with disabilities (N=30). Data collection was carried out through interviews. Some of the findings were positive, namely the policies on inclusive education were reported to be clear and well-suited to guiding the implementation practice, although some stakeholders were reported to be less committed. Attitudes towards learners with disabilities and other special needs were reported to be increasingly positive in the last decade. The findings on the perceptions of the ability and capability of learners with disabilities and other special needs to benefit from inclusive education drew a mixed reaction – some respondents reported that there were learners who were able to benefit from inclusive settings, while others were not. On the subject of the curriculum, the results revealed that some learners with disabilities and other special needs were capable of benefiting from the regular curriculum, while others would benefit from a special curriculum. Lastly, with regards to environmental factors, the study revealed that adequate preparations were always made to provide a conducive environment for learning in inclusive education settings. A major recommendation was made to draw the attention of policy makers to support inclusive education, which ought to be treated as a right and not a privilege for learners with disabilities and other special needs

Causal Effect of Financial Market Frictions and Flight to Quality on Cost of Credit in Kenya

Financial market conditions have been declining over the past ten years globally as most developing countries continue to adopt more liberal financial policies, such conditions may amplify adverse shocks to the economy. The Kenyan Banking sector was highly profitable before the implementation of financial market frictions, with industry return on equity’s average of 20%. The ratio of credit supply to gross domestic product was 35%; and the economy grew by 5.6 %. Nonetheless, after its adoption, listed Banks recorded negative Earnings per Share growth of 8.2%, compared to an average positive growth of 14.1%, The Net Interest Margin declined to 8.4% from 9.4%. Studies relating to financial market frictions, flight to quality and Cost of Credit have produced mixed results. It was on this basis that this study sought to establish the effect of financial market frictions and flight to quality on cost of credit in Kenya. The study adopted correlational research design. Secondary data from the Kenyan Market for the period January 2009 to December 2019 was analyzed. Augmented Dickey Fuller and Philips-perron unit-root test was used to test the stationarity of the data. VECM was estimated to establish the speed of adjustment towards the long run equilibrium; Wald statistics was also estimated to establish short run causalities amongst the variables. Based on cointegrating equations, the error correction term indicated a negative sign and was significant at 5% level (C (1) = -0.153042, .0429 < 0.05), an indication that a long run relationship exists amongst the variables. Wald statistics revealed that the estimated coefficients in the VECM were insignificantly different from zero (.8417; .5603; .9188>p=0.05),however, Central Bank rate was found to be different from zero and significant at 5% level (.0163>p=0.05), an indication that there was a short run casualty running from the Central Bank rate to cost of credit. The study therefore recommends that for Micro finance institutions to maximize their profits they should adopt new technologies like Mobile Banking for their credit facilities, this does not require administrative and operation costs, in a bid to cope with the market shocks and frictions. Keywords: Financial Market Frictions, Flight to Quality, Cost of Credit, Kenya DOI: 10.7176/JESD/12-6-07 Publication date:March 31st 202

Role of oligodendrocytes in reversing ethambutol induced optic neuropathy

Ethambutol is one of the first line drugs for treating tuberculosis. Its toxic effects on the optic nerve are majorly classified as reversible. However, worsening of vision and permanent vision loss after ethambutol discontinuation is also documented. To determine the effect of ethambutol toxicity on oligodendrocytes at different periods of treatment. Twenty-five male adult wistar rats of 110-130g average weight were housed in cages, exposed to 12-hour of dark and light cycles. After one week of acclimatization, five animals were randomly selected and sacrificed prior to ethambutol treatment for the control group (week 0). The remaining 20 animals were each orally administered 100mg/kg/day ethambutol. Five animals were randomly picked and sacrificed at the end of first, second, third, and fourth week of ethambutol treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of oligodendrocyte cells obtained at the different stages of ethambutol treatment. Oligodendrocytes are not vulnerable to ethambutol toxicity for at least one month and they play a key role in reversing ethambutol induced neuropathy through myelin sheaths reconstruction. Key Words: Ethambutol, Oligodendrocytes, Optic Nerve, Optic Neuropathy

Using multiplex amplicon pcr technology to efficiently and timely generate rift valley fever virus sequence data for genomic surveillance

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a febrile vector-borne disease endemic in Africa and continues to spread in new territories. It is a climate-sensitive disease mostly triggered by abnormal rainfall patterns. The disease is associated with high mortality and morbidity in both humans and livestock. RVF is caused by the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) of the genus Phlebovirus in the family Phenuiviridae. It is a tripartite RNA virus with three genomic segments: small (S), medium (M) and large (L). Pathogen genomic sequencing is becoming a routine procedure and a powerful tool for understanding the evolutionary dynamics of infectious organisms, including viruses. Inspired by the utility of amplicon-based sequencing demonstrated in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Ebola, Zika and West Nile viruses, we report an RVFV sample preparation based on amplicon multiplex polymerase chain reaction (amPCR) for template enrichment and reduction of background host contamination. The technology can be implemented rapidly to characterize and genotype RVFV during outbreaks in a near-real-time manner. To achieve this, we designed 74 multiplex primer sets covering the entire RVFV genome to specifically amplify the nucleic acid of RVFV in clinical samples from an animal tissue. Using this approach, we demonstrate achieving complete RVFV genome coverage even from samples containing a relatively low viral load. We report the first primer scheme approach of generating multiplex primer sets for a tripartite virus which can be replicated for other segmented viruses