Showing papers by "University of Nairobi published in 1986"
TL;DR: It is found that both the Luo and Kikuyu women could carry loads of up to 20% of their body weight without increasing their rate of energy consumption and some element of training and/or anatomical change since childhood may allow these women to carry heavy loads economically.
Abstract: When travelling in East Africa one is often surprised at the prodigious loads carried by the women of the area. It is not uncommon to see women of the Luo tribe carrying loads equivalent to 70% of their body mass balanced on the top of their heads (Fig. 1). Women of the Kikuyu tribe carry equally large loads supported by a strap across their foreheads; this frequently results in a permanently grooved skull. Recent experiments on running horses, humans, dogs and rats showed that the energy expended in carrying a load increased in direct proportion to the weight of the load for each animal at each speed, that is, carrying a load equal to 20% of body weight increased the rate of energy consumption by 20% (ref. 1). The purpose of the present study was to determine whether these African women use specialized mechanisms for carrying very large loads cheaply. We found that both the Luo and Kikuyu women could carry loads of up to 20% of their body weight without increasing their rate of energy consumption. For heavier loads there was a proportional increase in energy consumption, that is, a 30% load increased energy consumption by 10%, a 40% load by 20% and so on. We suggest that some element of training and/or anatomical change since childhood may allow these women to carry heavy loads economically.
225 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the observed visits to health care providers are an outcome of patients' health care decision-making process, which is not observable, and the authors first outline this process, and then present patterns of patients" visits to Health care providers in a particular rural area in Kenya.
183 citations
TL;DR: It is tentatively postulated that, whereas some of the administered dose of phenylbutazone may be absorbed quickly, some may become adsorbed on to the feed and subsequently released by fermentative digestion in the large intestine and/or caecum.
Abstract: The disposition of phenylbutazone (4.4 mg/kg), administered intravenously to six Welsh Mountain ponies, was described by a two-compartment open model. Pharmacokinetic parameters were not significantly different after morning dosing in comparison with afternoon dosing. When phenylbutazone (4.4 mg/kg) was administered orally to the same ponies, marked variations in time to peak concentrations were produced with different feeding schedules. When access to hay was permitted before and after dosing, the mean time to peak concentration was 13.2 +/- 1.2 h and double peaks in the plasma concentration-time curve were common. Double peaks were also encountered when phenylbutazone was given to ponies deprived of food prior to, and allowed access to hay after, dosing. In this circumstance, mean times to peak concentration were much shorter (3.8 +/- 1.3 h after morning dosing and 5.3 +/- 1.5 h followed afternoon dosing). Absorption was more regular and double peaks were less apparent when food was withheld both before and after dosing. In order to explain these findings, it is tentatively postulated that, whereas some of the administered dose of phenylbutazone may be absorbed quickly, some may become adsorbed on to the feed and subsequently released by fermentative digestion in the large intestine and/or caecum. The consequences of delayed absorption in fed animals for toxicity and clinical efficacy, and for the use of phenylbutazone in equestrian sports, are considered. Delayed absorption in ponies given access to hay was not accompanied by a significant reduction in total absorption. Bioavailability was estimated to be approximately 69% in fed and 78% in unfed ponies. Estimates of bioavailability gave similar values for morning (72%) and afternoon (71%) dosing.
87 citations
TL;DR: Peptides which are possibly related to the non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic division of the autonomic nervous system have been identified by immunofluorescence in the digestive system of mature sheep.
Abstract: Peptides which are possibly related to the non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic division of the autonomic nervous system have been identified by immunofluorescence in the digestive system of mature sheep. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-, substance P-, and bombesin-like immunoreactivity were localized in neural elements throughout the ovine gastrointestinal tract (g.i.t.). Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-like immunoreactivity (VIP-l.i.) was demonstrable in the submaxillary, parotid and the sublingual salivary glands close to small blood vessels and the acini. VIP-l.i. was also demonstrable in the upper oesophagus in connective tissue near small blood vessels. In the forestomachs, abomasum, and small and large intestines reactive fibres were present in the mucosa, submucosa, smooth muscle layers and the plexuses. The plexuses also contained reactive nerve cell bodies. VIP-reactive fibres were found in the pancreas, the gall bladder and the common bile and pancreatic duct but were not found in the intestinal mesentery, portal vein, and liver tissue. Substance P-like immunoreactivity (SP-l.i.) was demonstrable in nerve fibres in all the layers of the g.i.t. and in nerve cell bodies in the gut plexuses. The pancreas and the gall bladder also contained a few scattered fibres. Additionally, SP-l.i. was present in open-type endocrine cells throughout the mucosa of the small and large intestines but no SP-l.i. was found in the salivary glands or the oesophagus. Bombesin-like immunoreactivity (B-l.i.) was associated with nerve fibres and was demonstrable in the mucosa and myenteric plexuses throughout the g.i.t. B-l.i. in the smooth muscle appeared to be restricted to nerve fibres in the forestomachs, the abomasum, and the upper small intestine. No B-l.i. was found in the salivary glands, oesophagus, liver tissue, pancreas, gall bladder or intestinal mesentery.
52 citations
TL;DR: It is found that through their favourable effects on quality of medical services, the user fees in public clinics would yield welfare gains, however, these gains might involve unacceptable equity trade-offs, and the net welfare effects of user charges on medical services is ambiguous.
49 citations
TL;DR: Antiserum to cattle TMA proved useful in detecting the presence of beef meat in meat products that had undergone commercial sterilisation and in separating fresh and cooked muscle antigens from buffalo.
Abstract: Antisera to thermostable muscle antigens (TMA) from 14 species of bovidae were raised in goats and/or sheep. To achieve species specificity the antisera were absorbed with serum from the other species. While the absorbed antisera to TMA of buffalo, impala, eland, waterbuck, wildebeest and oryx were rendered specific, the antiserum to cattle TMA cross-reacted with buffalo fresh meat antigens (FMA) and cooked meat antigens (CMA) but not with buffalo thermostable muscle antigens. Fresh and cooked muscle antigens from these two species could be differentiated by the antiserum to buffalo TMA. A similar approach was used to differentiate the FMA, CMA, and TMA of kongoni, topi and wildebeest. Antiserum to cattle TMA proved useful in detecting the presence of beef meat in meat products that had undergone commercial sterilisation.
47 citations
TL;DR: The morphology of the gas exchange organs of the African air-breathing catfish (Clarias mossambicus) (Peters) have been examined grossly and by light, electron and scanning microscopes suggested a strong developmental relationship between the gills and the accessory respiratory organs.
Abstract: The morphology of the gas exchange organs of the African air-breathing catfish (Clarias mossambicus) (Peters) have been examined grossly, and by light, electron and scanning microscopes. The respiratory organs in Clarias comprise a gill system and accessory organs which include the labyrinthine organ and the suprabranchial chamber membrane. The similarity in the morphology of the marginal channels and the transverse capillaries (the terminal respiratory components) in the three respiratory organs suggested a strong developmental relationship between the gills and the accessory respiratory organs. Morphometric analysis of the respiratory organs revealed that the mean weight specific surface area of the gills (17.30 mm2/g) exceeded that of the labyrinthine organs (4.65 mm2/g) and the suprabranchial chamber membrane (7.79 mm2/g). However, due to the relatively thick water-blood barrier, the mean harmonic mean thickness of the gills being 1.97 μm compared with a mean value of 0.30 μm in the accessory respiratory organs, the gills contribute only 15% of the total morphometric diffusing capacity of the respiratory organs, the labyrinthine organs contribute 50% and the suprabranchial chamber membrane 35%. The accessory respiratory organs thus contribute 85% of the overall diffusing capacity. This may explain why C. mossambicus is an obligate air-breather, for the gills may not provide enough oxygen even in well-aerated water.
40 citations
TL;DR: Albendazole is likely to play an important role in the control programme in Turkana and be given to two cases because they both still had a large number of demonstrable cysts on ultrasonography at eight weeks.
Abstract: The results of treatment of 12 cases of inoperable hydatid disease in Kenya using albendazole at a dose of 10 mg/kg body-weight for eight weeks are reported. In all the cases there was marked regression and collapse of the cysts but a further four weeks course of treatment at a higher dose of 15 mg/kg was given to two cases because they both still had a large number of demonstrable cysts on ultrasonography at eight weeks. No side effects of the drug were noted. Albendazole is likely to play an important role in the control programme in Turkana.
38 citations
TL;DR: Results suggest that the causes of male and female migration differ fundamentally, and that group fusion occurs primarily in response to the inability of small groups of females to compete successfully with other groups for resources.
Abstract: Three cases of group fusion were observed among vervet monkeys in Amboseli National Park, Kenya, during the 1984 drought. In all cases, group fusion involved the migration of at least two females into a small neighboring group. Following migration, the females' natal groups ceased to exist. Although migrants initially assumed low ranks, none received high rates of aggression, and two rose in rank 6 months after their arrival. Migrant females appeared to employ a number of "strategies," including grooming, allomothering, participation in intergroup encounters, and the formation of coalitions against males and each other to hasten integration. Results suggest that the causes of male and female migration differ fundamentally, and that group fusion occurs primarily in response to the inability of small groups of females to compete successfully with other groups for resources.
33 citations
29 citations
TL;DR: The response of Plasmodium falciparum isolates to dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors (DHFRI) was examined in Malindi, Kenya and cycloguanil (the active metabolite of proguanil) was more active in vitro in the laboratory than pyrimethamine or M-B 35769.
Abstract: The response of Plasmodium falciparum isolates to dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors (DHFRI) was examined in Malindi, Kenya. All 20 infected children treated with pyrimethamine/sulphadoxine responded. In contrast, after treatment with pyrimethamine, parasitaemia in 9 of 14 infections failed to clear or recrudesced during the seven-day follow-up. In a 48-hour in vitro test, five of six isolates resistant to pyrimethamine in vivo had a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) to pyrimethamine ⩾300 nmoles/l compared with ⩽100 nmoles/l for the four sensitive isolates; four isolates did not grow. MIC to M-B 35769, an experimental DHFRI structurally similar to pyrimethamine were the same (six isolates) or 10-fold lower (three isolates). In the laboratory four of five isolates adapted to in vitro culture had the same MICs as in the field while one isolate became less responsive to both drugs. Cycloguanil (the active metabolite of proguanil) was more active in vitro in the laboratory than pyrimethamine or M-B 35769.
TL;DR: Evidence associating histological testicular degenerative changes leading to suppression of spermatogenesis in goats and laboratory animals with trypanosome-induced endocrine dysfunction is presented.
Abstract: Trypanosomiasis induces histological testicular degenerative changes leading to suppression of spermatogenesis in goats and laboratory animals. We present evidence associating these changes with trypanosome-induced endocrine dysfunction. Toggenburg goats were infected with approximately 100,000 trypanosomes. They were bled every 2 days, and the plasma testosterone was analyzed by radioimmunoassay. Testes were perfused with and fixed in Bouin's fixative for histological evaluation. The infected plasma samples showed depressed testosterone levels with episodic peaks reduced in both amplitude and frequency. Histological characteristics of the testicular and epididymal tissues revealed aspermic tubules and epididymides and desquamation of the tubular germinal epithelia. These testicular degenerative changes may be partly due to the depressed plasma testosterone levels.
TL;DR: Hemolymph collected from G. m.
Abstract: Bacillus cereus was more pathogenic than Escherichia coli to Glossina morsitans morsitans (Diptera: Glossinidae) when injected into the hemocoel. Bacteria were phagocytosed by individual hemocytes, and small hemocyte clumps entrapping several bacteria were formed, but typical nodules were not observed. Injection of live E. coli caused no decrease in total hemocyte counts (THCs), while live B. cereus and E. coli endotoxin caused significant drops in THCs resulting from marked hemocyte clumping and lysis. Foreign tissues implanted into Glossina became intensely melanized, but no cellular encapsulation was ever observed. Vaccination of G. m. morsitans with small doses of live E. coli conferred some protective immunity to challenge with subsequent higher doses of the same organism. Hemolymph collected from G. m. morsitans 48 h after injection with live E. coli showed an increase in 2 preexisting proteins with molecular weights of ca. 70,000 and 17,000 daltons. This increase was not observed in the hemolymph of flies inoculated with heat-killed E. coli or B. cereus , or with E. coli endotoxin, live T. b. brucei , or saline.
TL;DR: The Franc Zone, underdevelopment and dependency in Francophone Africa: The Franc Zone: Underdevelopment and Dependency in Francophane Africa as discussed by the authors, Vol. 8, No. 1, pp 205-235.
Abstract: (1986). The Franc Zone, underdevelopment and dependency in Francophone Africa. Third World Quarterly: Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 205-235.
TL;DR: Diaeretiella rapae played a significant role in suppressing populations of B. brassicae and should be taken into consideration in any control programme aimed at protecting brassica crops against aphid pests in Kenya.
Abstract: Diaeretiella rapae (M'cintosh) was the only parasitoid of the cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae L., during studies reported here.Percentage parasitism of B. brassicae ranged from 27.1 to 76.1% in studies carried out around Nairobi area during 1978/79. It was highest during the month of September, when the aphid population density had reached maximum, and lowest in May when aphid numbers were low. High parasitism coincided with a decline in aphid population.Because of these high levels of parasitism and other attributes of the parasitoid, it was concluded that D. rapae played a significant role in suppressing populations of B. brassicae and should be taken into consideration in any control programme aimed at protecting brassica crops against aphid pests in Kenya.
TL;DR: It is concluded that i.v.s.m. injections of cloprostenol at the dosage of 125 mug and above causes luteolysis, induces estrus and establishes fertility in subestrous cattle.
TL;DR: Observations further support the concept that chorionic blood vessels, angioblastic and mesenchymal cells are not derived by delamination from cytotrophoblast.
Abstract: Placentation in the green monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops) from gestational ages of 18-30 days was studied by light and electron microscopy. The placentae show many features in common with that of the rhesus monkey and other related macaques. Implantation is superficial and bidiscoid, and the placenta is classified as villous and hemomonochorial. Epithelial plaque formation and a moderate stromal reaction occur. Plaque cells are large, with massive deposits of glycogen and marginal pleomorphic dense bodies. Observations further support the concept that chorionic blood vessels, angioblastic and mesenchymal cells are not derived by delamination from cytotrophoblast. Capillary formation is by attachment of one or more mesenchymal cells and/or their processes. Embryonic blood was not observed in the villi until after day 22.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The role of mobilization of individuals and community groups and health professionals in prevention of HIV transmission is highlighted and the educational strategy employed to reach the general population and selected groups at risk is traced.
Abstract: This paper highlights the role of mobilization of individuals and community groups and health professionals in prevention of HIV transmission. It traces the educational strategy employed to reach the general population and selected groups at risk. In Kenya, the general awareness about AIDS started to grow in late 1985 and increased in 1986-87. This has resulted in reduction of the incidence of some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The importance of pretesting education material as well as monitoring and evaluation of educational efforts to lay the ground for culturally appropriate and more effective health education messages to combat HIV transmission is presented. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of developing the HIV infection programs with the people and for the people.
TL;DR: In this paper, the physical and chemical properties of a deep red friable clay profile (Nitosol) developed in the Kenya highlands over trachyte were examined and the relative availabilities of these forms is discussed.
Abstract: SUMMARY
The paper examines some of the physical and chemical properties of a deep red friable clay profile (Nitosol) developed in the Kenya highlands over trachyte. This soil is widely planted to coffee. The profile is remarkable for the depth and uniformity of the B horizon and for its stable microaggregation. Despite a clay content of 50–60% throughout the deep solum, the soil feels and handles like a loam.
Work with radioactive phosphorus on samples from the profile and from nearby experimental plots under coffee showed that the activity, and the amounts, of surface phosphate fractions decreased in the order Fe-P, Al-P and Ca-P, but the order of decrease of specific surface activity was Al-P, Fe-P, Ca-P. The relative availabilities of these forms is discussed.
TL;DR: A few samples had lindane, dieldrin, and total DDT residue levels above the respective practical residue limit (PRL) values, but for all pesticides, the mean residue values were below the PRL.
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of nitrogen fertilizers on leaching patterns and input-output budgets of plant nutrients in an acid soil (dystric cambisols) was studied.
Abstract: In a laboratory experiment, the effect of nitrogen fertilizers on the leaching patterns and input-output budgets of plant nutrients in an acid soil (dystric cambisols) was studied. An amount of N corresponding to 80 kg/ha was applied to the top surface of undisturbed soil columns of 30 cm layers with a diameter of 14.4 cm as Ca(NO3)2 or (NH4)2SO4. After establishing steady state flow condition, a flux of 0.5 cm solution/column was applied daily for 60 days. The leachates were collected and analysed every four days. It was found that not only the amount and quality of the applied cation influences the leaching pattern of plant nutrients in an acid soil but also the accompanying anion. To interpret leaching data properly, it was necessary to know the magnitude of N transformed in the different processes. Although the two applied salts influenced plant nutrient transport in different ways, total outputs of cations and anions were somewhat similar though outputs after (NH4)2SO4 were slightly higher than after Ca(NO3)2 addition.
TL;DR: The necessary and sufficient conditions for a set of points to form a rotatable design of order four have been given by Patel and Arapkoske (1985) and.
Abstract: The necessary and sufficient conditions for a set of points to form a rotatable design of order four have been given by Patel and Arapkoske (1985). One such set of 104 points for three factors which satisfies these conditions is given in this paper.
TL;DR: In this article, the rates of water loss and humidity preference of carabids from dry tropical habitats have been studied and compared with corresponding data from temperate and tropical tenebrionids.
Abstract: The rates of water loss and humidity preference of carabids from dry tropical habitats have been studied and compared with corresponding data from temperate carabids and tropical tenebrionids. Within each group of beetles the rate of relative water loss decreases with increasing body size. Carabids from dry tropical areas have rates of water loss which are lower than those of temperate species, but considerably higher than the values for tenebrionids from dry tropical habitats. Small temperate carabids can stay in dry air for only a few hours, whereas large tropical tenebrionids may survive for weeks without becoming critically dehydrated. Given the choice between a dry and a humid atmosphere, well hydrated beetles of all groups will initially choose the dry atmosphere. Most temperate carabids will switch to humid atmosphere after a few hours and tropical carabids after 1–3 days, whereas tropical tenebrionids may remain in dry air for almost 3 weeks. The temperate carabids are very sensitive to dehydration and will shift to a humid atmosphere when dehydrated by only 2–5%. Tropical carabids and tenebrionids will shift first when they are dehydrated by 7–20% of their body weight in a hydrated state, implying that these beetles are considerably less sensitive to water loss than temperate carabids.
TL;DR: In this article, the ARIMA (p, d, q) models were fitted to areal annual rainfall of two homogeneous regions in East Africa with rainfall records extending between the period 1922-80.
Abstract: ARIMA (p, d, q) models were fitted to areal annual rainfall of two homogeneous regions in East Africa with rainfall records extending between the period 1922–80. The areal estimates of the regional rainfall were derived from the time series of the first eigenvector, which was significantly dominant at each of the two regions. The first eigenvector accounted for about 80% of the total rainfall variance in each region. The class of ARIMA (p, d, q) models which best fitted the areal indices of relative wetness/dryness were the A R M A (3, 1) models. Tests of forecasting skill however indicated low skill in the forecasts given by these models. In all cases the models accounted for less than 50% of the total variance. Spectral analysis of the indices time series indicated dominant quasi-periodic fluctuations around 2.2–2.8 years, 3–3.7 years, 5–6 years and 10–13 years. These spectral bands however accounted for very low proportion of the total rainfall variance.
TL;DR: Six of 7 and 3 of 4 goats inoculated with live and heat-killed P. haemolytica (biotype-T) and P. multocida, respectively, had pneumonia at necropsy and Clinically, the pneumonia was only detected in 8 of 9 goats with diseased lungs.
TL;DR: In this paper, a model for the growth of infection is presented, which can be used to study the general phenomenon of growth in various disciplines, such as epidemiology, economics, and management.
TL;DR: It is indicated that despite Kenya having per capita availability of nutrients exceeding that recommended by FAO/WHO; about one-third of Kenya's population is unable to meet its food or nutritional requirements.
TL;DR: It was concluded that the variation in level of oestrous activity was short term and random, although there was an indication that the Merino and Romney Marsh breeds showed a marked increase in ostrous activity following, the introduction of rams.
Abstract: A study was made of the levels of oestrous activity of two indigenous breeds of sheep (Somali and Nandi) and three exotic breeds of sheep (Merino, Karakul and New Zealand Romney Marsh) over a period of 3 years, in an equatorial environment Breed was the only significant source of variation for the length of the oestrous cycle ( P The mean percentage of ewes of the different breeds showing oestrus in 20-day periods were 69·8 (sd 22·57), 49·9 (sd 18·67), 63·4 (sd 25·70), 79·2 (sd 20·30) and 33·2 (sd 23·50) % for the Somali, Nandi, Merino, Karakul and Romney Marsh breeds, respectively Time-series analysis did not detect any evidence of seasonal variation in oestrous activity, although there was an indication that the Merino and Romney Marsh breeds showed a marked increase in oestrous activity following, the introduction of rams It was concluded that the variation in level of oestrous activity was short term and random