Kinetics and mechanism of the reduction of N, N'-salicylideneiminationiron(III) complex ion by L-ascorbic acid in aqueous acid medium

The kinetics and mechanism of the reduction of the iron(III) complex ion, [FeSalen(H2O)2]+, by L-ascorbic acid has been investigated in aqueous perchloric acid medium at 28.5 ± 0.3 oC. The kinetic data was obtained by monitoring the rate of decay of the complex at 515 nm. Under pseudo-first order conditions of concentration of L-ascorbic acid at about 20-fold excess of concentration of complex, the rate of reaction increased with the concentration of ascorbic acid. Least square fits of observed rate against concentration of ascorbic acid were linear showing first order dependence of rate on concentration of the complex. Also, a plot of logkobs against concentration of ascorbic acid gave a slope of 1.05 implying first order dependence on concentration of ascorbic acid. Second order rate constants were within (31.58 ± 0.50) × 10-2 dm3 mol-1 s-1. More information can be found in the full text

Seroprevalence and factors associated with toxoplasmosis among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic at a tertiary teaching hospital in Uganda: a cross-sectional study

Background: Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii and is progressively increasing in pregnancy mainly with age and if left undiagnosed and untreated, can result into several adverse pregnancy outcomes. In Uganda, there is a paucity of information about toxoplasmosis in pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and factors associated with toxoplasmosis among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinic at a Tertiary hospital in Uganda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out from July 2022 to October 2022. 165 pregnant women were consecutively enrolled. Data gathered for analysis were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Blood samples were taken and test of Toxoplasma gondii specific IgG and IGM was done using EUROIMMUN ELISA test kits as instructed by manufacturer. Data was analyzed using STATA version 14.2. A bivariate and multivariate analysis were used to show the association between the dependent and independent variables considering p≤0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Results: The overall seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnancy was 16.4%. Age >35 years old (aOR: 8.36; 95% CI: 1.809-38.71; p=0.007), having contact with cats (aOR: 3.55; 95% CI: 1.258-10.01; p=0.017), drinking untreated water (aOR=4.08; 95% CI:1.237-13.46; p=0.021) and HIV status (aOR=8.91; 95% CI: 1.419-56.03; p=0.020) were independently associated with toxoplasmosis infection. Conclusions: The overall seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnancy was low as compared to the global seroprevalence. There is a need to educate pregnant women about the transmission routes and preventive measures of toxoplasmosis at antenatal care

Use of face masks to limit the spread of the COVID-19 among western Ugandans: Knowledge, attitude and practices

Background The world is grappling with an ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic using preventive measures such as personal hygiene, face masks, restrictions on travel and gatherings in communities, in addition to a race to find a vaccine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the western Uganda community on the proper use of face masks to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Methods A cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire was carried out from 1st July to 10th July 2020 among western Ugandans of the consent age of 18 years and above. Data was analysed using Stata version 14.2. Results Among the respondents (n = 1114), the mean age was 30.7 (SD 11.1), 51% were males, 53.9% married and 43% had attained secondary education. Most participants (60.1%, n = 670) had satisfactory knowledge on the use of face masks and participants at a tertiary education level [AOR 2.6 (95% CI: 1.42–4.67; p = 0.002)] were likely to have satisfactory knowledge than participants who had not education. On attitude, most respondents (69.4%) were confident enough to correctly put on a face mask; 83.4% believed that a face mask can protect against COVID-19 and 75.9% of respondents had never shared their face mask. The majority of respondents (95.2%) agreed to wearing face masks in public places was important to protect themselves against COVID-19; 60.3% reported washing their hands before wearing and after removing the face mask. Unfortunately, 51.5% reported removing the face mask if they needed to talk to someone. Conclusion Despite the satisfactory knowledge, good attitude and practices, there is still much more to be done in terms of knowledge, attitude and practices among participants. Government, non-governmental organizations and civil society should improve sensitization of populations on how to behave with face masks while talking to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 among western Ugandans

Use of face masks to limit the spread of the COVID-19 among western Ugandans: Knowledge, attitude and practices.

BackgroundThe world is grappling with an ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic using preventive measures such as personal hygiene, face masks, restrictions on travel and gatherings in communities, in addition to a race to find a vaccine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the western Uganda community on the proper use of face masks to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.MethodsA cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire was carried out from 1st July to 10th July 2020 among western Ugandans of consent age of 18 years and above. Data was analysed using Stata version 14.2.ResultsAmong the respondents (n = 1114), the mean age was 30.7 (SD 11.1), 51% were males, 53.9% married and 43% had attained secondary education. Most participants (60.1%, n = 670) had satisfactory knowledge on the use of face masks and participants at a tertiary education level [AOR 2.6 (95% CI: 1.42-4.67; p = 0.002)] were likely to have satisfactory knowledge than participants who had not education. On attitude, most respondents (69.4%) were confident enough to correctly put on a face mask; 83.4% believed that a face mask can protect against COVID-19 and 75.9% of respondents had never shared their face mask. The majority of respondents (95.2%) agreed wearing face masks in public places was important to protect themselves against COVID-19; 60.3% reported washing their hands before wearing and after removing the face mask. Unfortunately, 51.5% reported removing the face mask if they needed to talk to someone.ConclusionDespite the satisfactory knowledge, good attitude and practices, there is still much more to be done in terms of knowledge, attitude and practices among participants. Government, non-governmental organizations and civil society should improve sensitization of populations on how to behave with face masks while talking to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 among western Ugandans

Prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus infection and associated factors among women of reproductive age attending a rural teaching hospital in western Uganda

Abstract Background High-risk HPV is considered a major risk factor for the development of cervical cancer, the most common malignancy among women in Uganda. However, there is a paucity of updated epidemiological data on the extent of the burden and factors associated with hr-HPV infection among women of reproductive age. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and genotype distribution of hr-HPV and associated factors among women of reproductive age attending a rural teaching hospital in western Uganda. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study from April to June 2022. A total of 216 women of reproductive age attending the gynecological outpatient clinic were consecutively enrolled. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect participant characteristics, cervical specimens were collected by clinicians, and molecular HPV testing was performed using the Cepheid Xpert HPV DNA test. Descriptive statistics followed by binary logistic regression were conducted using SPSS version 22. Results The prevalence of hr-HPV was 16.67%. Other hr-HPV types other than HPV 16 and 18 were predominant, with a prevalence of 10.6%; HPV 18/45 (2.31%), HPV 16 (0.46%), and 3.24% of the study participants had more than one hr-HPV genotype. On multivariate logistic regression, an HIV-positive status (aOR = 7.06, CI: 2.77–10.65, p = 0.007), having 3 or more sexual partners in life (aOR = 15.67, CI: 3.77–26.14, p = 0.008) and having an ongoing abnormal vaginal discharge (aOR = 5.37, CI: 2.51–11.49, p = 0.002) were found to be independently associated with hr-HPV infection. Conclusions and recommendations The magnitude of hr-HPV is still high compared to the global prevalence. HIV-positive women and those in multiple sexual relationships should be prioritized in cervical cancer screening programs. The presence of abnormal vaginal discharge in gynecology clinics should prompt HPV testing

Predictors of Premature Rupture of Membranes among Pregnant Women in Rural Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Teaching Hospital

Background. Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is a common condition in developed and developing countries and poses a serious threat to the maternal and fetal well-being if not properly managed. This study delineated the prevalence and predictors of PROM in the western part of Uganda so as to guide specific preventive measures. Methods. A cross-sectional study design was conducted in the months of September 2019 to November 2019. A total of 334 pregnant women above 28 weeks of gestation admitted at the maternity ward of KIU-TH were consecutively enrolled. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to obtain the data. Descriptive statistics followed by binary logistic regression were conducted. All data analyses were conducted using STATA 14.2. Results. Of the 334 pregnant women enrolled, the prevalence of PROM was found to be 13.8%. The significant independent predictors associated with lower odds of PROM were no history of urinary tract infection (UTI) in the month preceding enrollment into the study (aOR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.22-0.69, p=0.038) and gestational age of 37 weeks or more (aOR=0.3, 95% CI: 0.14-0.71, p=0.01) while history of 3 or more abortions (aOR=13.1, 95% CI: 1.12-153.62, p=0.05) was associated with higher likelihood of PROM. Conclusions. Majorly urinary tract infections, low gestational age, and abortions influence premature rupture of membranes among women. There is a great need for continuous screening and prompt treatment of pregnant women for UTI especially those with history of 3 or more abortions at less than 34 weeks of gestation

In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Crude Extracts of Artocarpus heterophyllus Seeds against Selected Diarrhoea-Causing Superbug Bacteria

The current upsurge in resistance to conventional antibiotics, as well as high cost of orthodox medical treatment, called for the use of medicinal plants as an alternative therapy. This research was aimed at determining the antibacterial activity of Artocarpus heterophyllus seed extracts (Jackfruit as it is locally called) in the treatment of diarrhoea. Ethanolic and hexanolic seed crude extracts of the plant were screened for antidiarrhoeal activity against bacteria isolated from clinical samples (methicillin-resistant and susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, ciprofloxacin-resistant Salmonella typhimurium, and third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli). Plant phytochemical screening was conducted using standard methods. The antibacterial activity was carried out using the agar well diffusion method and compared to the standard antibiotics ceftriaxone and vancomycin. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by the microbroth dilution method, whereas the minimum bactericidal concentration was determined by plating out from microtitre plates with no visible growth. The results of phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides, saponins, and steroids from the prepared crude extracts. The ethanolic and hexanolic extracts had activity on multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus with the mean and standard error zone of inhibition that ranged from 8.5 ± 0.5 to 16.5 ± 0.25 mm; however, the extracts were found not to have activity on resistant E. coli and Salmonella typhimurium. The ethanolic crude extract had the lowest MIC and MBC values of 31.25 and 125 mg/ml, respectively, compared to the hexane extract which had the MIC and MBC values of 62.50 and 250 mg/ml, respectively. This provides the evidence for its usage as an alternative herbal remedy for the treatment of diarrhoea caused by susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Hepatoprotective potential of Tamarindus indica following prenatal aluminum exposure in Wistar rat pups

Over time, the use of plant-derived agents in the management of various human health conditions has gained a lot of attention. The study assessed the hepatoprotective potential of ethyl acetate fraction Tamarindus indica leaves (EFTI) during prenatal aluminum chloride exposure. Pregnant rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 4); Group I rats were administered 2 ml kg−1 of distilled water (negative control), Group II rats received only 200 mg kg−1 aluminum chloride (positive control), Group III rats were administered 200 mg kg−1 aluminum chloride and 400 mg kg−1 EFTI, Group IV rats were administered 200 mg kg−1 aluminum chloride and 800 mg kg−1 EFTI, Group V rats were administered 200 mg kg−1 aluminum chloride and 300 mg kg−1 Vit E (comparative control). On postnatal day 1, the pups were euthanized, and liver tissues were harvested for the biochemical study (tissue levels of malondialdehyde, caspase-3, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine aminotransferases) and the liver histological examination. The administration of EFTI was marked with significant improvement in the tissue levels of malondialdehyde, caspase-3, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine aminotransferases. There was a marked improvement in histopathological changes associated with prenatal aluminum chloride exposure. In conclusion, the administration of EFTI was protective during prenatal aluminum chloride exposure of the liver in Wistar rats, and is mediated by the anti-lipid peroxidative, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activity of EFTI

Descriptive Analysis of Heavy Metals Content of Beef From Eastern Uganda and Their Safety for Public Consumption

In this study, we initiated an effort to generate information about beef safety in Uganda. Our entry point was to assess by atomic absorption spectrophotometry the levels of essential elements copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), and non-essential elements lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and cadmium (Cd) in 40 beef samples collected from within and around Soroti (Uganda). The information was used to evaluate the safety of consuming such beef against the World Health Organization (WHO) limits. The latter was accomplished by (i) estimating the daily intake (EDI) of each metal in the study area, (ii) modeling the non-cancer health risk using the target hazard quotient (THQ) and (iii) modeling the cancer risk using the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR). The study finds that the mean concentrations (±95% CI) and EDI were in the order of Fe > Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Co > Cu > Cd. Cancer risk was found to be due to Ni > Cr > Cd > Pb and significantly higher in children than adults. The latter particularly demonstrates the importance of Ni poisoning in the study area. Overall, while essential elements in our beef samples were below WHO limits (hence no health risks), non-essential elements had high health and cancer risks due to higher levels of Cr and Ni