Assessment of Rational Prescribing in General Outpatient Department of Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Western Uganda

Introduction: Prevention of irrational use of medicines may reduce healthcare costs and potentially save lives. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess rational drug prescribing using World Health Organization (WHO) and International Network of Rational Use of Drugs (INRUD) indicators on prescribing in the General Outpatient Department of Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Ishaka-Bushenyi, Western Uganda. Methodology: The study design was retrospective, descriptive and cross-sectional. A total of 884 prescriptions were selected by systematic sampling using an interval of 27 from 23,868 prescriptions available in the medical records of the General Out-Patient Department (GOPD) of Kampala International University Teaching Hospital (KIUTH) from April, 2016 to March, 2017. The selected samples were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013, to assess for conformity with the prescribing indicators. Results: The results showed that the percentage of recording of diagnosis was 90.72% (index of diagnosis—0.91). The average number of drugs per encounter was 2.6 (index of non-polypharmacy—0.77), and the percentage of drugs prescribed with the generic name was 90.21% (index of generics—0.9). Percentages of encounters with antibiotics and injectable drugs prescribed were 61.88% (index of antibiotics—0.48) and 5.43% (index of injectable drugs—1) respectively. Only 78.96% (index of EMSLU—0.79) of the medicines prescribed were from the Essential Medicines Supplies List of Uganda (EMSLU) or Uganda Clinical Guidelines 2016. The index of rational drug prescribing (IRDP) was found to be 4.85. Conclusion: The findings showed that only the percentage of encounters with injectable drugs was in line with WHO/INRUD prescribing indicators. On the over all, the index of rational drug prescribing (IRDP) was poor (observed 4.85 versus optimum 6). The authors recommended continuous sensitization, counselling and education of prescribers in KIUTH in order to achieve rational prescribing.

Entrepreneurial Orientation and Innovation Ecosystems in the Industrial Sector, Central Region, Kampala, Uganda: A Review

This review explores entrepreneurial orientation and innovation ecosystems in the industrial sector of the Central Region, Kampala, Uganda, through an analysis of ten scholarly articles. The study contextualizes the research within the regional landscape and establishes a theoretical framework through a focused literature review. Key findings highlight the intersection of entrepreneurial activities and innovation dynamics, emphasizing the region’s unique contributions to the broader field. Discussions on discrepancies and unexplored territories within the articles offer insights into limitations and research gaps. The manuscript concludes by identifying future research avenues, providing a roadmap for ongoing inquiry into the entrepreneurial and innovative dimensions of the Central Region’s industrial sector. This synthesis underscores the importance of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset and collaborative innovation strategies for sustainable industrial development in the region.

Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and Molecular Characterization of <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>in Clinical Isolates at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most frequent opportunistic pathogens causing a range of infections and being resistant for beta-lactamases (ESBL) and Carbapenemases. Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns and molecular characterization establishing the phenotypes and genotypes associated with drug resistance, an antibiogram of genotypically positive isolates for resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae in clinical isolates at MRRH. Materials and Methods: A laboratory-based descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted from September 2018 to May 2019 at MRRH. Klebsiella pneumoniae was identified by cultural and biochemical methods. Antibiotic sensitivity test was performed by modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. ESBL production in Klebsiella pneumoniae was tested by double-disc synergy test, Carbapenemase production by MHT, Boronic Acid or EDTA test using Meropenem phenotypically and both resistance confirmed genotypically by Multiplex PCR. Results: Out of 1055 clinical isolates, 298 (28.2%) were found positive for Klebsiella.spp, 175 isolates were subcultured among which 22 (12.57%) were K. pneumoniae based on API 20E. Overall Sensitivity patterns of these Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates to Ceftriaxone, (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate), Gentamicin, Cefepime, Ciprofloxacin, Cefoxitin, Nitrofurantoin, Cefuroxime, piperacillin/tazobactam, Meropenem, Ceftazidime and cefotaxime were 72.7%, 63.7%, 54.5%, 45.5%, 31.8%, 31.8%, 27.3%, 27.3%, 22.7%, 22.7%, 18.2%, 9.1%, 9.1% respectively. ESBL producing K. pneumoniae was found at 68.18% (15/22) phenotypically. Genotypically;the ESBL genes were blaCTX-M (100%), blaSHV (80%) and blaTEM (100;47%);8/15 (73.3%) had CTX-M, SHV, TEM, 4/15 (26.67%) CTX-M, TEM, 3/15 (20.00%) CTX-M and SHV. Carbapenemase producing K. pneumoniae was found at 31.82% (7/22) phenotypically;1/7 (14.28%) by MHT, 4/7 (57.14%) Boronic acid test and 2/7 (28.58%) EDTA test. Genotypically;3/4 [(75%) 42.86%] had OXA-48, 1/4 [(25%) 14.28%] OXA-48 and KPC gene, 1/2 [(50%) 14.28%] KPC and VIM, 1/2 [(50%) 14.28%] KPC and KPC gene [(100%) 14.28%]. Conclusion/Recommendations: DDS to be used for ESBL production, MHT, Boronic Acid test and EDTA tests using Meropenem/or Imipenem for Carbapenemase-production routinely.

Lycopene Ameliorates Diabetic-Induced Changes in Erythrocyte Osmotic Fragility and Lipid Peroxidation in Wistar Rats

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus has remained one of the serious health problems in the world;and oxidative stress has been reported to be a root cause for the progression and development of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. Aim: This study investigated the possible ameliorative effects of lycopene on diabetic-induced changes in erythrocyte osmotic fragility and lipid peroxidation in Wistar rats. Methodology: The animals were made diabetic by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at 60 mg/kg b w. Diabetes was confirmed by the presence of high fasting blood glucose level ≥ 200 after 72 hours. Thereafter, diabetic rats were randomly assigned into six groups (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) comprising five animals each. Group 1 (Diabetic control) and group 2 (Normal control) rats received 0.5 ml of olive oil, groups 3, 4, 5 rats received 10, 20, 40 mg/kg bw of lycopene respectively, while those in group 6 received 2 mg/kg bw of glibenclamide orally once daily for a period of four weeks. At the end of the treatment, all animals were sacrificed;blood samples collected for determination of erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Results: The results obtained showed that there was a significantly (P Conclusion: From the available findings, it can be concluded that administration of lycopene to diabetic rats attenuated diabetic-induced changes in EOF and LPO and these observed effects may be attributed to anti-oxidative property of lycopene.

Analgesic Appraisal of Bidens pilosa (Asteraceae) Leaf Extracts Used in Management of Oral Lesion Pain in HIV/AIDS Patients in Rodents

Oral lesions, diarrhoea, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, tuberculosis and urinary tract infections are some of the opportunistic infections (OIs) which arise when the CD4 cells of the HIV/AIDS patient fall below 200 cells/mm3. HIV/AIDS infection complications include tissue damage from oral lesions accompanied with pains. Pain is a disagreeable sensory and sensitive experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. This condition requires immediate treatment with analgesics and antibiotics. However, the inability of rural dwellers to afford readily available drugs is a consequence for using herbs like Bidens pilosa whose local usefulness in the management of oral lesions of HIV/AIDS has not been proven scientifically. Therefore, the objective of this study was to provide the scientific basis in rats for the traditional healers’ use of Bidens pilosa leaves’ extracts in managing pain associated with oral lesions of HIV/AIDS patients in South Western Uganda. Assessment of the analgesic effects of Bidens pilosa was conducted using acetic acid in mice, formalin-induced pain and tail flick methods in rats. Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Bidens pilosa produced statistically significant dose dependent inhibition of acetic acid induced pain, non dose dependent pain reduction in formalin induced pain, (p < 0.05;student t-test) and non dose dependent tail withdrawal pattern (p < 0.05, Multivariate ANOVA test). Hence, we conclude that extracts of Bidens pilosa have an analgesic basis for their local use in treatment of oral lesions associated pain in HIV/AIDS patients in South-Western Uganda.

Gastroprotective effect of the aqueous leaf extract of Guiera senegalensis in Albino rats

Objective:To evaluate the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Guiera senegalensis(G.senegalensis)on gastric mucosal damage using different ulcer models.Methods:Considering the above claims,the present study was undertaken to validate the gastroprotective potential of the aqueous leaf extract of this plant against ethanol,water immersion and Aspirin induced ulcer models.Results:The leaf extract(50,100 and 200 mg/kg,p.o.)significantly(P<0.05)decreased the ulcer index in all assays used.Conclusions:The results obtained,provide strong evidence of antiulcer activity of the leaf extract of G.senegalensis and support the traditional uses of the plant for the treatment of ulcer.

Effects of intervention measures on irrational antibiotics/antibacterial drug use in developing countries: A systematic review

Irrational antibiotics/antibacterial (AB) drug use is a global problem, especially in developing countries. This results in an increased emergence of resistance to most common bacteria, higher cost of treatment, prolonged hospitalization and adverse drug reactions. Interventions measures have been instituted to avert the problem but it still persists. A systematic review was conducted to determine the effect of different interventions (education, managerial, diagnostic tests, regulatory, economic and multifaceted) on misuse of AB drugs in developing countries. A total of 722 articles were retrieved and 55 were reviewed. About 10.9% of the studies were from Africa, 63.6% from Asia, 9.1% from Latin America, and 16.4% from Southeastern Europe. A total of 52.7% of the studies were from hospital settings, 5.5% from outpatient departments, 21.8% were from public health care facilities, 12.7% from private pharmacies/drug stores, and 7.3% from the communities. Education intervention had 27.3% studies, managerial had 20%, managerial/education had 3.6%, regulatory had 9.1%, education/regulation had 9.1% and diagnostic had 3.6% studies. Multifaceted intervention had 27.3% studies, with 63% improvement in appropriate AB doses prescribed, 2.6% mean number of AB encounter reduction, 23% AB prescription reduction, 18.3% generic AB prescription improvement, 32.1% reduction in AB use, 89% reduction in AB use in acute respiratory infection, 82% in surgery, 62.7% mean reduction in deliveries, 39% in STDs, 36.3% mean reduction in diarrhea, 14.6% mean reduction AB use in malaria, and 6%-11% in the cost of treating bacteria-resistant organisms. Also noted was 6.3% reductions in mean AB encounters after 1 month of intervention, and then increased to 7.7% after 3 months thus lacking sustainability. Multifaceted interventions were effective in reducing irrational AB drug use in the various health facilities and communities as well as reduction in the emergence of resistance to the commonest bacteria in the developing countries though there was lack of sustainability or continuity of rational drug use over the time.

Correlation between Abdominal Ultrasonographic Findings and CD4 Cell Count in Adult Patients with HIV/AIDS in Jos, Nigeria

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV) resulting in progressive destruction of cell mediated immunity. The abdominal manifestations of AIDS are related to the level of CD+4 cells count as well as viral load. Abdominal ultrasound examination is easy to perform, non-invasive, inexpensive, readily available and reproducible investigation which provides valuable information about abdominal findings in AIDS. The objective of the study was to evaluate abdominal ultrasound findings in adult HIV/AIDS patients in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria and correlate these findings with the patients’ CD+4 counts. A cross-sectional study of abdominal ultrasound findings of adult patients with HIV/AIDS was conducted over a period of six months. The abdominal ultrasound findings and CD+4 counts were studied. Two hundred (40%) of the patients had normal abdominal ultrasound, while 60% (300) had various abnormalities. The common abnormalities included increased liver parenchymal echogenicity in 25.0%, hepatomegaly in 23.4%, splenomegaly in 6.6%, increased splenic echogenicity in 6.2% and thickened gallbladder wall in 12.6%, elevated renal parenchymal echogenicity in 6.4%, enlarged kidneys in 2.6%, lymphadenopathy in 6.0%, and ascites in 2.4%. Pelvic abscess was the least pathology in 0.2%. Most of the findings did not correlate with the patients’ CD+4?count except for lymphadenopathy and ascites. Although abdominal ultrasound examination is invaluable in the management of these patients, however, it has not shown to be useful in predicting the patients’ immune status.

Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Enzymes Evaluation in Lactating Female Albino Rats Following Supplementation with Fermented Soya Bean and Vitamin C

In mammals, lactation is the most energetically demanding period of a female’s reproductive life. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of fermented Soya bean and Vitamin C supplement on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in lactating albino rats. Thirty five (35) adult female rats were used for this study. At parturition, the animals were randomly divided into five groups of five (5) rats each. Except group four (4) that was subdivided into three (3) sub groups of five animals each (n = 5). Treatment was carried out as follows: Group I: (Normal control) was given normal feed and distilled water, orally (1 ml/kg), Group II: metoclopramide (5 mg/kg), Group III: 100 mg/kg of Vitamin C. The three (3) sub groups under group four (4) received 10%, 20% and 40% soya bean, respectively, Group V: was co-administered with 20% soya bean supplement and Vitamin C (100 mg/kg). Treatment was done for the period of ten (10) days at 06:00 h daily. Although there was an increase in serum MDA concentrations in all the treated groups compared to the control, lipid peroxidation was however significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the metoclopramide group relative to the soya bean supplemented groups. This study has shown that supplementation with soya bean induces a mild antioxidant effect by increasing serum level of superoxide dismutase. There was however a significant decrease in serum SOD in the 10% SB group compared to the control. There was a significant difference in serum catalase activity in the group treated with METCL (46.20 ± 1.53), SB 10% (44.00 ± 1.14) and SB 20% (45.20 ± 1.28) compared to the control (52.00 ± 0.71) (P < 0.05). Serum level of glutathione peroxidase GPx showed a significant difference in the group treated with VIT C, SB 10% and SB 20% compared to the control (P < 0.05).

Identification and Validation of Social Media Socio-Technical Information Security Factors with Respect to Usable-Security Principles

The goal of this manuscript is to present a research finding, based on a study conducted to identify, examine, and validate Social Media (SM) socio-technical information security factors, in line with usable-security principles. The study followed literature search techniques, as well as theoretical and empirical methods of factor validation. The strategy used in literature search includes Boolean keywords search, and citation guides, using mainly web of science databases. As guided by study objectives, 9 SM socio-technical factors were identified, verified and validated. Both theoretical and empirical validation processes were followed. Thus, a theoretical validity test was conducted on 45 Likert scale items, involving 10 subject experts. From the score ratings of the experts, Content Validity Index (CVI) was calculated to determine the degree to which the identified factors exhibit appropriate items for the construct being measured, and 7 factors attained an adequate level of validity index. However, for reliability test, 32 respondents and 45 Likert scale items were used. Whereby, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α-values) were generated using SPSS. Subsequently, 8 factors attained an adequate level of reliability. Overall, the validated factors include;1) usability—visibility, learnability, and satisfaction;2) education and training—help and documentation;3) SM technology development—error handling, and revocability;4) information security —security, privacy, and expressiveness. In this case, the confirmed factors would add knowledge by providing a theoretical basis for rationalizing information security requirements on SM usage.

Comparative Study of the Effects of Metformin and Garlic Extract on Hippocampal Na⁺/K⁺ATPase, Ca²⁺ATPase and Glutamine Synthetase Activities in Type II Diabetic Wistar Rat

Diabetes mellitus has not ceased to be on rise in spite of the continuous research on its management. Brain dysfunction associated with Diabetes mellitus especially Type II has been the great concern. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of insulin sensitizing drug metformin and ethanolic extract of garlic on membrane bound enzymes Na+/K+ ATPase, Ca2+ ATPase and glutamate-glutamine cycle enzyme, Glutamine Synthetase activities in the hippocampus of streptozotocin-Nicotinamide induced Type II Diabetic rats. Twenty four male wistar rats weighted 120 - 150 g were used and divided into four groups with six rats in each group. Group A was non-diabetic (Control) and Groups B, C and D were diabetic. Group B received no treatment (DNT) while Groups C and D were treated with 1000 mg/kg of ethanolic garlic extract (EGE) and 50 mg/kg of metformin (MET) respectively orally for three weeks. All the groups were fed on standard rat chow with water ad libitum. Blood glucose was monitored weekly. Animals were sacrificed and the brains were removed and hippocampi were carefully excised and homogenate were obtained. Homogenate was analyzed for Na+/K+ ATPase, Ca2+ ATPase and Glutamine Synthetase (GS) activities. MET and EGE significantly reduced the blood glucose levels. There was a significant increase in the activities of hippocampal Na+/K+ ATPase, Ca2+ ATPase and GS in MET and EGE when compared to DNT. The results suggest that both MET and EGE increase the activities of hippocampal Na+/K+ ATPase, Ca2+ ATPase and GS which were reduced by diabetes mellitus, thus garlic and metformin administration exhibiting neuroprotective effect during hippocampal-related disorders associated with diabetes mellitus.

Community Education Challenges in Young Adults of South Western Uganda

The aim of this study was to identify the major challenges to community education and any health problem in Bushenyi district of South Western Uganda. Data collection was done through questionnaire and participants were randomly selected. This was a cross-sectional study carried out for a period of three months in 2012. A questionnaire was used to collect data and using onsite observations the responses were validated. A total of 260 participants from 65 homesteads were included in the study from 52 households. 144 were females and 116 males, of which 52.4% of the children were female and the rest male. The mean ± SEM age of females and males was 36 ± 8.6 and 29 ± 8.6 years respectively. In all the homesteads, 71% were headed by an adult male and only 29% were found to be headed by an adult female while none was headed by children. Inferential analysis showed (P = 0.02) that there are more females than male in the homesteads. Majority of the homesteads are being taken care of by women instead of men probably as a result of the high mortalities due to HIV/AIDS in the past decade and above all the movement of most men to urban centers in search of better sources of employment to support their families. Among school going age participant’s i.e. children and adolescents, only 59.6% were found to be attending school. There was no statistical significance (P = 0.16) between school attendance and age. Family responsibilities such as cooking for younger siblings by female participants, obligations on open market days are thought to be secondary limiting factors for community development and livelihood amongst young persons;thus a follow up study would be conducted to assess their associations in this community as this would raise major child abuse concerns which would need to be reported to the legal authorities for follow up.

Hypoglycemic and High Dosage Effects of <i>Bidens pilosa</i>in Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus

Ethno-pharmaceutical products have received a lot of international attention in the scientific community in the management of diabetes mellitus (DM). In this study we determined the anti-diabetic and high dosage effects of Bidens pliosa in type 1 DM (T1DM). Methodology: Thirty rats were divided into six groups and subgrouped into the extract and non extract treatment groups. The extract treated group was subdivided into three groups which received 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/ kg and 800 mg/kg dosage treatments respectively. The blood glucose levels were monitored using a standard glucometer for one month, and biochemical analysis of the two liver function enzymes;Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were carried out at the Institute of Biomedical Research (IBR-KIU-WC) at the end of week IV. The study revealed that Bidens pilosa maintained hypoglycemia for a period of two weeks and this status was lost in subsequent weeks. T1DM rats treated with a dosage of 200 mg/kg showed a better recovery (355.25 - 164.5 mg/dl) of the glucose levels, followed by those that were being treated at 400 mg/kg. The AST and ALT enzymes in blood varied with a mean ± SEM (33.72 ± 32.32 to -7.23 ± 12.61 IU and 22.98 ± 11.12 to 42 ± 38.2 IU, respectively) in both the glibencimide? and in the 800 mg/ kg treatment groups in the study. High dosages of extract were associated (P = 0.049) with increased systemic enzyme leakage. In conclusion, tissue degeneration caused by high levels of the extract was accompanied by leakage of various enzymes (AST and ALT) into the blood, which could be a major etiological factor for the development of secondary systemic pathologies, thus potentially worsening the effects of an existing T1DM prognosis in human patients. The preliminary results indicate that a dose of Bidens pilosa has an anti-diabetic effect for a limited initial duration before starting to cause systemic toxicological effects. It is highly recommended that further investigation into the cellular mechanisms and consequences of any therapy involving Bidens pilosa be carried out.

Effects of Post-Weaning Consumption of Soy Isoflavones on Prepubertal and Postpubertal Serum Levels of Some Reproductive Hormones of Male Wistar Rats

Chemically, soy contains a group of phytoestrogens called isoflavones, pre-dominantly genistein and daidzein. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of post weaning consumption of dietary soy isoflavones on prepubertal and postpubertal serum levels of some reproductive hormones of male Wistar rats. The study involved investigating the effects of different doses of isoflavones in the diet. Male rats were weaned on either soy isoflavone free diet or on isoflavone containing diets, formulated by adding increasing amounts of Novasoy, a commercially available isoflavone supplement to the isoflavone free diet to give varying concentrations of isoflavones. Three isoflavone containing diets were used and these had 74.5, 235.6 and 1046.6 mg total isoflavones/kg pelleted diet. These diets represented the isoflavone concentration lower, equal to and more than that found in soy-based infant formulas respectively. The results obtained showed that;administration of low doses soy isoflavones (74.5 mg/kg) produced significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum Antimullerian Hormone levels both in prepubertal and post pubertal rats, when compared to the control groups. Administration of moderate doses of isoflavones (235.6 mg/kg) produced significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum levels of Antimullerian Hormone and Inhibin in both prepubertal and post pubertal rats when compared to the control groups. Administration of high doses of isoflavones (1046.6 mg/kg) produced significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum levels of Inhibin in both prepubertal and post pubertal rats when compared to the control groups. From this study, it was concluded that post-weaning consumption soy isoflavones produced significant changes in serum Inhibin and Antimullerian Hormone both in prepubertal and post pubertal male Wistar rats and the changes were dose dependent.

A Study to Investigate Major Community Health Challenges and Their Predisposing Factors in Bushenyi District of South Western Uganda

Poor health care systems have contributed to poor standard of living in Uganda. The aim of the study was to assess major health challenges to community health and identify major predisposing factors. This was a cross sectional study in Kyakagina Village of Bushenyi of South Western Uganda. A total of 39 households which included 102 children (19 years) were included in the study and a semi structured questionnaire was used. It was shown that there were 39 homes and 182 members with more males than females. Age and gender were shown not to be associated (P = 0.157). The majority of participants who boiled water in the community were showed to be of both primary and secondary level of education at 48.7% and 51.3%, respectively, while a significant proportion was found to drink only filtered and sedimented water without treatment at levels of 87.2% and 82.1% who were of only secondary level of education. The adoption of modern contraceptive pills, tube ligation and injections especially amongst the secondary educated level was found to be high, i.e. 94.9%, 87.2%, 82.1%, respectively. Inferential analysis showed that there existed marked differences (P < 0.001) in the health practices between persons of different education levels. Major health challenges identified included malaria, cough and cold, diarrhea which were most prevalent amongst children at 19.6%, 13.7%, and 10.8%, respectively. In conclusion, failure to clear bushes, boil drinking water and cover pit latrines (P = 0.213) were the major risk factors identified independent of age and education status in the various homesteads.

<i>Datura metel</i>Administration Distorts Medial Prefrontal Cortex Histology of Wistar Rats

Datura metel is one of psychoactive substances of great ethno-pharmacological significance often abused because of its unrestricted availability, yet, little is known about its mechanisms of action. This work was therefore aimed at assessing the activity of ethanolic seed extract of D. metel on Nissl substances, astrocytes, axonal and neuronal integrity of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of Wistar rats. Eighteen Wistar rats averaging 175 g were used and randomly assigned to three groups: group A rats (n = 6) were administered extract of 100 mg/kg bw, group B rats (n = 6) received extract of 200 mg/kg bw, and group C-control (n = 6) took distilled water only for 14 days. The results revealed that D. metel is deleterious to the health of Wistar rats at a dose-dependent rate as observed in its actions on the medial prefrontal cortex at 100 mg/kg bw and 200 mg/kg bw. The histological study of the treated Wistar rats exhibited features of disoriented neuronal integrity such as, chromatolysis, reduced protein synthesis due to loss of Nissl substances and nuclei, neuronal loss as well as axonal injuries.

Criteria for Maximizing Jobs in Imperfect Production Centers

The imperfect production center complexity to do with job maximization strategies is shown to have some criteria under which an optimal solution exists. 2010 Subject Classification: 60K25, 97M40,

Phytochemical Screening, Toxicity, Analgesic and Anti-Pyretic Studies of Aqueous Leaf Extract of <i>Plectranthus barbatus</i>[Andrews. Engl.] in Rats

Plectranthus barbatus is a popular tropical perennial plant with a wide variety of traditional medicinal uses in tropical Africa, Hindu, Ayurvedic and traditional medicines of Brazil and China. The whole plant and the leaves have many folkloric uses for diverse ailments including pain, heart disease, convulsions, coughs and colds, asthma, bronchitis and tonsillitis among others. This study investigated the phytochemical components, acute toxicity, analgesic and anti-pyretic activities of the aqueous leaf extract of Plectranthus barbatus locally known as Ekizeera in Uganda. The plant leaves were authenticated, collected and decoction was done according to local method. Phytochemical screening was conducted using methods outlined by Trease and Evans and Harborne to determine the components of the extract. Acute toxicity tests were conducted in rats using modified Lorke’s method to determine the safety of the plant material. Analgesic studies were carried out using both a mechanical method (thermally induced pain by tail-flick) and a chemical method (formalin induced pain) in rats by administering extracts orally at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of body weight. The method of Al-Ghamdi, modified for local laboratory setting by Adzu was adopted and used for anti-pyretic test. Decoction yielded 9.9% extract. Phytochemical screening confirmed presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids and essential oils. Acute toxicity tests revealed no deaths in rats after oral treatment with up to 10,000 mg/kg of extract. Tail-flick test was non-significant (p > 0.05) while formalin-induced pain test demonstrated significant activity (p -tests. Anti-pyretic activity was non-significant (p > 0.05) with student t-test. These results suggest that the aqueous leaf extract of Plectranthus barbatus contains specific phytochemicals, has a potent dose dependent analgesic activity, no anti-pyretic activity and can be regarded as a safe medicinal plant to use traditionally, which might further be developed for conventional medical practice.

Minimization of Electric Power Losses on 132 kV and 220 kV Uganda Electricity Transmission Lines

The classical minimization of power losses in transmission lines is dominated by artificial intelligence techniques, which do not guarantee global optimum amidst local minima. Revolutionary and evolutionary techniques are encumbered with sophisticated transformations, which weaken the techniques. Power loss minimization is crucial to the efficient design and operation of power transmission lines. Minimization of losses is one way to meet steady grid supply, especially at peak demand. Thus, this paper has presented a gradient technique to obtain optimal variables and values from the power loss model, which efficiently minimizes power losses by modifying the traditional power loss model that combines Ohm and Corona losses. Optimality tests showed that the unmodified model does not support the minimization of power losses on transmission lines as the Hessian matrix portrayed the maximization of power losses. However, the modified model is consistent with the gradient method of optimization, which yielded optimum variables and values from the power loss model developed in this study. The unmodified (modified) models for Bujagali-Kawanda 220 kV and Masaka West-Mbarara North 132 kV transmission lines in Uganda showed maximum power losses of 0.406 (0.391) and 0.452 (0.446) kW/km/phase respectively. These results indicate that the modified model is superior to the unmodified model in minimizing power losses in the transmission lines and should be implemented for the efficient design and operation of power transmission lines within and outside Uganda for the same transmission voltages.

Neonatal Umbilical Cord Infections: Incidence, Associated Factors and Cord Care Practices by Nursing Mothers at a Tertiary Hospital in Western Uganda

Background: Umbilical cord infections complicate to neonatal sepsis that significantly contributes to neonatal mortality worldwide. There is paucity of data on the incidence, factors associated with neonatal umbilical cord infections in western Uganda, yet nursing mothers continue to practice potentially dangerous cord care practices. We described the incidence, factors associated with umbilical cord infections and cord care practices by nursing mothers at a tertiary hospital in western Uganda. Methods: This was a hospital based cross sectional study at a tertiary hospital in western Uganda between the months of March and June 2019. Two hundred and forty (240) neonates aged between 2 to 14 days attending the neonatal unit were recruited in the study. Umbilical cord infection was assessed based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) clinical definition: finding of any of discharge, redness and swelling on the umbilical stump. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, maternal and neonatal perinatal factors and cord care practices of the nursing mothers were analysed by bivariate and multivariate logistic regression using STATA 13.0 to determine factors associated with umbilical cord infection. Results: Sixty-five, 65 (27.1%) neonates had at least one sign of cord infection. Majority of the nursing mothers, 168 (70%) do not use the recommended umbilical cord care practices. Among these, 73 (30.4%) do not cleanse the cord while 95 (39.6%) cleanse with application of a dangerous substance. Application of dangerous substance to the cord (aOR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.37 - 6.37, p = 0.006) and maternal secondary education level (aOR = 2.1, CI = 1.01 - 4.18, p = 0.046) were significantly associated with umbilical cord infection. Conclusions: The incidence of neonatal umbilical cord infection is high in this setting. Application of a dangerous substance to the umbilical stump and maternal secondary education level were significantly associated with umbilical cord infection. Clinicians should routinely examine the umbilical stump of every neonate for the signs of infection and encourage mothers to avoid application of dangerous substances to the cord. Maternal education on the recommended cord care practices during antenatal and postnatal period could reduce the incidence of umbilical cord infection among neonates in low resource setting.