Science teachers understanding of inquiry-based science teaching (IBST): Case of Rwandan lower secondary school science teachers

This paper aims at finding out Rwandan lower secondary school science teachers’ understanding of inquiry-based science teaching (IBST). A two phases’ sequential explanatory mixed methods was adopted. Data were collected by means of a survey questionnaire administered to a purposeful sample of 200 science teachers followed by illuminating semi-structured interviews with a sub-sample of 10 purposefully selected teachers. Both descriptive statistical and content analyses were used. It was found that participants do not have a common understanding of inquiry. Most teachers associate inquiry teaching with a few of its specific characteristics while others had a very different understanding. The study suggests that a working definition be provided in the curriculum. Since IBST is mainly associated with practical activities in nature, and given many types of practical work, the curriculum should be clear about what practical to be treated in an inquiry approach to avoid a potential confusion among teachers.Keywords: Inquiry, Inquiry-based science teaching (IBST), Science teache

Detection of drug-induced dyslipidaemia in HIV-positive patients treated with protease inhibitors in a South African district – A retrospective study

Purpose: To determine whether protease inhibitors (PIs) cause hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia, and to assess the influence of sex and age on serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG), and the level of adherence to therapeutic laboratory monitoring guidelines in HIV positive patients in the Eastern Health District, South Africa.Methods: This was a retrospective study which compared baseline and follow-up TC and triglycerides serum levels in HIV-infected patients who received treatment, including PIs, between 2008 and 2012 in the Eastern Health District of the Cape Metropole Region (Cape Town, South Africa). Clinical and laboratory data were retrieved from patients’ folders and from a computerized database at National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS). The level of compliance with therapeutic laboratory monitoring protocols by health workers and patients was also assessed.Results: Out of 753 patients (491 females, 262 males), 176 were 0 - 17, 465 were 18 - 44 and 12 were > 44 years old. The proportion of patients who had test results at the various time points ranged from 16.33 to 25.90 %, 17.66 to 24.83 %, 25.10 to 47.41 % and 25.23 to 36.79 % for TC, triglycerides, CD4 count, and viral load (VL) tests, respectively. There was a significant time increase (p = 0.0137) for serum TC from baseline to 3 years. For serum triglycerides, the overall time effect was not significant (p = 0.4132). There was a significant increase from baseline in CD4 and a significant decrease in VL during the study period. Sex and age did not show any relationship with TC and triglyceride serum levels.Conclusion: This study demonstrated hypercholestrolaemia in HIV-infected patients receiving PIs. Age and sex did not have any effect on TC and triglycerides. Compliance with therapeutic laboratory monitoring guidelines was poor.Keywords: Hyperlipidaemia, Protease inhibitors, Therapeutic monitoring, HIV infection, Hypercholesterolaemia, Hypertriglyceridaemi

Effects of aqueous leaf extract of Asystasia gangetica on the blood pressure and heart rate in male spontaneously hypertensive Wistar rats

Background: Asystasia gangentica (A. gangetica) belongs to the family Acanthaceae. It is used to treat hypertension, rheumatism, asthma, diabetes mellitus, and as an anthelmintic in South Africa, India, Cameroun, Nigeria, and Kenya respectively. It has also been reported to inhibit the angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) in-vitro. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the in-vivo effect of aqueous leaf extract (ALE) of A. gangetica on the blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in anaesthetized male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR); and to elucidate possible mechanism(s) by which it acts. Methods: The ALE of A. gangetica (10–400 mg/kg), angiotensin I human acetate salt hydrate (ANG I, 3.1–100 μg/kg) and angiotensin II human (ANG II, 3.1–50 μg/kg) were administered intravenously. The BP and HR were measured via a pressure transducer connecting the femoral artery to a Powerlab and a computer for recording. Results: A. gangetica significantly (p<0.05), and dose-dependently reduced the systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BP. The significant (p<0.05) reductions in HR were not dose-dependent. Both ANG I and ANG II increased the BP dose-dependently. Co-infusion of A. gangetica (200 mg/kg) with either ANG I or ANG II significantly (p<0.05) suppressed the hypertensive effect of both ANG I and ANG II respectively, and was associated with reductions in HR. Conclusions: A. gangetica ALE reduced BP and HR in the SHR. The reduction in BP may be a result of actions of the ALE on the ACE, the ANG II receptors and the heart rate.Web of Scienc

FARM-LEVEL INCENTIVES FOR FERTILIZER USE IN RWANDA'S KIGALI RURAL PROVINCE: A FINANCIAL ANALYSIS

The objective of this study was to evaluate the profitability of the main food crops in the context of the current government policy of promoting the use by farmers of improved inputs. This study tried to estimate the magnitudes of costs associated with the use of chemical fertilizer on climbing beans, maize, sorghum and soybeans grown in the province of Kigali rural and the benefits farmers would get by investing their labor and money in these crops. In less detail, this study analyzed some recent survey data seeking to put crop production in a wider perspective of the household's limitations and/or opportunities when dealing with the issue of improving crop yields on its land. Data analysis was done at the agroecological zone level and considered the three major agroecological zones of the Kigali rural province, namely, plateau de l'Est zone, plateau central zone and bugesera zone. Of the four crops selected in plateau de l'Est zone, the use of fertilizer would generate returns to family labor equal to or greater than the local agricultural labor wage for maize, soybeans and sorghum. The three crops provide also the best returns to the combination of organic and mineral fertilizer but production intensification by fertilizer use would be financially more attractive for soybeans and sorghum production. In plateau central zone the returns to family labor are greater than the agricultural labor wage for one crop, that is, sorghum grown with "DAP + urea" as mineral fertilizer. However, two crops, sorghum and soybeans, would give enough returns to the combination of organic and mineral fertilizer and their intensification by fertilizer use would be financially attractive. Sorghum was the only crop perceived by previous studies as potentially profitable with fertilizer use in Bugesera zone. The remuneration rate, the returns to family labor and the margins generated with the available data do not support that assumption for the use of NPK but they do for the combination "DAP + urea." The latter improves all the three crop budget analysis criteria, compared to the traditional modes of production. Hence, sorghum would be more profitable in Bugesera zone when grown with "DAP + Urea" as chemical fertilizer.Crop Production/Industries,

Challenges in Teaching Physics using Inquiry-Based Teaching and Learning Approach: A Case of Lower Secondary School in Gakenke District, Rwanda

This study was conducted for identifying the challenges confronted by Physics teachers during the implementation of competence-based curriculum (CBC) using inquiry-based teaching and learning (IBTL). It was qualitative by nature and it used a case study design. Semi-structured interview was used to collect data.&nbsp; It involved a sample of three teachers selected purposefully from physics teachers of 50 lower secondary schools of Gakenke District located in Northern Province of Rwanda. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings from the study revealed that the participants of the study met with number of challenges during the implementation of physics competence-based curriculum using IBTL. Those challenges include the lack or insufficiency of teaching-learning materials and infrastructures, shortage of time, poor English language of students, beliefs of students that physics is difficult subject and the lack of teachers’ skills and knowledge to prepare inquiry-based lesson. The participants of the study are recommended to improvise local available teaching materials for effective use of IBTL. Policymakers are recommended to organize regular trainings of teachers at schools levels on how to plan inquiry-based lesson for effective implementation of physics CBC

Potential beneficial effects of Tulbaghia violacea William Henry Harvey (Alliaceae) on cardiovascular system - A review

Tulbaghia violacea William Henry Harvey (Harv. Alliaceae) is a small bulbous herb belonging to the family Alliaceae. It is used in South Africa to treat fever, colds, asthma, paralysis, and hypertension. Meanwhile, cardiovascular disease accounts for about 30 % of total global death, with most of these deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries. Furthermore, people in low-income countries are still largely dependent on plants in their surroundings for both prophylaxis and treatment of diseases, partly due to limited access to and cost of pharmaceuticals, and folkloric evidence of the potency of medicinal plants and/or local belief systems. Therefore, the present review aims to proffer possible ways by which T. violacea may improve cardiovascular outcomes. An extensive and systematic review of the literature was carried out, and relevant findings presented in this review. There is evidence that T. violacea may modulate the renin-angiotensin system, the autonomic nervous system, oxidative stress and haemostasis, with resultant protection of the cardiovascular system in both health and disease.Web of Scienc

Potential Beneficial Effects of Tulbaghia violacea William Henry Harvey (Alliaceae) on Cardiovascular System - A Review

Tulbaghia violacea William Henry Harvey (Harv. Alliaceae) is a small bulbous herb belonging to the family Alliaceae. It is used in South Africa to treat fever, colds, asthma, paralysis, and hypertension. Meanwhile, cardiovascular disease accounts for about 30 % of total global death, with most of these deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries. Furthermore, people in low-income countries are still largely dependent on plants in their surroundings for both prophylaxis and treatment of diseases, partly due to limited access to and cost of pharmaceuticals, and folkloric evidence of the potency of medicinal plants and/or local belief systems. Therefore, the present review aims to proffer possible ways by which T. violacea may improve cardiovascular outcomes. An extensive and systematic review of the literature was carried out, and relevant findings presented in this review. There is evidence that T. violacea may modulate the renin-angiotensin system, the autonomic nervous system, oxidative stress and haemostasis, with resultant protection of the cardiovascular system in both health and disease.Keywords: Tulbaghia violacea, Spontaneously hypertensive rats, Hypertension, Blood pressure, Heart rate, Renin-angiotensin aldosterone syste

Acute pharmacokinetics of first line anti-tuberculosis drugs in patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis and in patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis co-infected with HIV

The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of antituberculosis drugs in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and in patients with PTB and HIV during the first 24 h of treatment. Designed as a case-control study, it compares the pharmacokinetics of first line antituberculous drugs, in HIV-positive (cases) and HIV-negative (control) patients both presenting with pulmonary tuberculosis. Blood samples were collected before and 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 8, 12 and 24 h after administration of drugs. Drugs plasma levels were tested using HPLC assays. Results: Fourteen HIV positive (7 males and 7 females) and 17 HIV negative (9 males and 8 females) enrolled. Rifafour, a combination tablet including rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol was used in HIV positive patients, CD4 counts were significantly lower, renal function mildly decreased in 85% patients and moderately decreased in 7% patients. Liver function was normal in both groups. None of these patients was on other drug therapy. In the HIV positive group isoniazid T1/2 and AUC were decreased and Cl increased whereas Tmax and Cmax were unchanged. Pyrazinamide Tmax and Cmax were significantly decreased in HIV positive patients and no significant changes were noticed in the T1/2, AUC and CL. Conclusion: The study suggest that ethambutol, pyrazinamide and rifampicin pharmacokinetics was not affected by HIV infection and that isoniazid disposition is affected by HIV.Web of Scienc

Comparison of the acute effects of Tulbaghia violacea William Henry Harvey (Alliaceae) on blood pressure and heart rate of ageing male normotensive Wistar kyoto rats and adult male spontaneously hypertensive rats

Purpose: To assess the effect of the crude methanol leaf extracts of Tulbaghia violacea William Henry Harvey (Alliaceae) on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate in ageing normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY), and compare the results obtained with those for adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).Methods: T. violacea (5 – 150 mg/kg) and/or vehicle (dimethylsulfoxide and normal saline) were respectively and randomly administered intravenously to groups of ageing (15 months) WKY and adult (&lt; 5 months) SHR, weighing 380 - 470 and 280 - 320 g, respectively. BP and heart rate (HR) were measured via a pressure transducer connecting the femoral artery and Powerlab equipment.Results: T. violacea significantly and dose-dependently reduced systolic BP, diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and HR in both strains of rats. No statistically significant differences were however observed when the changes in BP and HR in the two rats strains were compared.Conclusion: T. violacea was effective in reducing BP and HR in both age-induced and spontaneously hypertensive rats.Keywords: Age, Wistar Kyoto rats, blood pressure, heart rate, Tulbaghia violace