Plasmodium is a genus of parasitic protozoa, many of which cause malaria in their host. Five species namely; P. falciparum, P. malarae, P. ovale, P. vivax and P. knowlesi cause human malaria. Malaria due to P. falciparum is one of the most severe public health problems worldwide with an annual estimated 207 million clinical episodes and 627,000 deaths. The use of conventional antimalarial drugs as treatment for malaria is greatly hindered by drug resistance exhibited by the parasite. Conseque...
The aim of the study was to investigate thermal activation of clays from selected regions of Mwea using rice husks (RH), as the only source of energy, to produce low cost pozzolanalime cement. The clays were sampled from Gikiiro and Ugweri regions and coded 2060 and 2062 respectively. The clays were calcined at temperatures between 500 and 800 oC for one and two hours. Further, the raw clays were blended with rice husks at different ratios and fired in a fixed bed kiln (FBK). The resultant as...
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is the third most important food source around the world especially in sub - Sahara Africa. It is preferred due to its agronomical attribute such as ability to grow in poor soils and drought resistance. The consumption of its tubers and leaves has dual antagonistic contribution to mankind. On one hand, this perennial tropical crop contains carbohydrates, vitamins, calcium and iron which are of nutritional benefit while on the other hand, they contain cyanoge...
Recent geophysical surveys have reported presence of iron ore deposits within Meru County. It has been speculated that there could be more deposits within the region. Ground magnetic surveying was used to detect magnetic rocks within host formations in Kindani area of Maua. A fluxgate magnetometer was used to measure the vertical component of the Earth’s magnetic field in some 98 stations, covering an area of about 25 km2. Diurnal and geomagnetic corrections were then done on the data. A co...
ABSTRACT This Research examines the heavy metal distribution of a dumpsite in Uvwie Local Government Area along Warri Port Express-Way of Delta State Nigeria. A total of eight (8) soil samples and (2)-plant sample were collected from the study area and also control site using a systematic sampling technique. Samples were taken to the lab and analyzed to determine the physicochemical parameters and heavy metal content. The dumpsite is contaminated with heavy metals such as iron (ranging from...
Intestinal parasitic infections caused mainly by protozoa and helminths are most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of the world where adequate water and proper sanitation are lacking. Helminthiasis has been listed among the three most prevalent diseases in Tharaka-Nithi County. The residents are mainly small scale nonmechanized farmers hence there is frequent contact with the soil. Chronic parasitic infection among students negatively affects their health, nutrition, cognitive dev...
Kenya is experiencing acute water shortage resulting to water rationing, conflict among water users, increased water prices among others. Therefore, there is need for water conservation. One of the water conservation methods available today is greywater reuse. Greywater is domestic wastewater generated from kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry activities. According to World Health Organization (WHO) each household in capital cities of most countries produces an average greywater flow of 356 litre...
Most of biochemical reactions in the body generates Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which are involved in the pathogenesis of oxidative stress-related disorders like diabetes, nephrotoxicity, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, inflammation and neurological disorders when they attack biochemical molecules like proteins, lipids and nucleic acid. Antioxidants are used to protect the cells or tissues against potential attack by ROS. Natural based antioxidants such as catalase, glutathione, superoxi...
Ilesi market in Kakamega County has been known for pottery for more than five decades in spite of the fact that the clays used have not been scientifically characterized. The potters register significant losses in their production due to swelling during molding, breakages during drying and firing. The objective of this study was to characterize the clays with a view to determining their suitability for pottery. Clay soils from Ilesi deposits in Kakamega County have been physically and chemica...
The practice of skin-lightening has reached epidemic levels in many nations around the globe, and especially in many African countries. In Kenya, the practice is common in major urban centres like Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret and Mombasa. The skin lightening cosmetics occur in various forms including topical creams, soaps and bleaching powders. Ingredients such as hydroquinone (HQ), mercury (Hg), arbutin (ART), kojic acid (KA), ascorbic acid (AA), magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP) are used in sk...
The health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding on survival, growth and development of a child as well as health and well being of a mother are well documented. The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) are among organizations promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Factors influencing breastfeeding have been well researched but there is paucity of data on factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding practices. This study aimed to esta...
East Coast Fever is a disease of cattle which results in high animal mortality with corresponding economic losses to farmers and to the nation. The disease is caused by a protozoan agent whose vector is Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (Brown Ear Tick). The tick feeds dominantly inside the cattle ear. Studies have shown that the adults of R. appendiculatus exhibit „pull-push‟ effect that guides them to their preferred feeding site. This is linked to the presence of ear volatiles which attrac...
Naturally occurring radioactivity has existed in our environment since the creation of the earth. Uranium, thorium and potassium radionuclides are relatively abundant in rocks and soils. Poor agricultural practices such as excessive use of fertilizers also lead to accumulation of radioactive elements in the soil. Due to their radiation, these radionuclides pose exposure risks which could lead to health related problems like cancer to the people exposed. There is therefore a growing concern on...
The emergence of bacterial resistance to existing antibiotics and other drugs is a worldwide problem. New classes of antimicrobial compounds with complete new mode of action are therefore urgently needed to control the rise of the multidrug resistant pathogens. The objective of this study was to prepare, and characterize halfsandwich organometallic compounds of iron containing amine ligands with similar backbones as drug molecules used in the treatment of TB and to test their biological activ...
Nickel doped tin oxide and tin monoselenide thin films were coated using spray pyrolysis. Nickel doped tin oxide Precursor solution was prepared using a 0.05M Tin (II) Chloride (SnCl4.2H2O) and 0.05M Nickel chloride 6-hydrate (NiCl2.6H2O) in de-ionized water and then being added in ethanol in the ratio 1:1 to get equal proportions, followed by about 2-3 drops of hydrochloric acid. Doping tin oxide was done using uniform concentration of (NiCl2.6H2O) of 0-10 %. Precursor solution of tin sele...