Natural and anthropogenic changes threatening the ecological and limnological integrity of Lake Baringo, Kenya: A Review

Lakes are characterized by dynamic responses to ecological and limnologic disturbances that occur within a constrained timeframe. Some endorheic lakes in the Kenyan Rift valley are presently regarded as environmental hotspots because of complex changes that are revealed through multiple proxies; changing lake levels and surface area, turbidity and sedimentation, proliferation of macrophytes and loss of aquatic biodiversity. Lake Baringo is characterized by widespread catchment degradation accompanied by high levels of turbidity during erratic and decline of native fishery based on Oreochromis niloticus baringoensis. A careful analysis implicates potential natural factors such as catchment topography and increasing anthropogenic pressure as the main causes of lake ecosystem degradation. This paper recommends several strategies for restoration of Lake Baringo based on an integrated multi-faceted approach which combines catchment rehabilitation, pollution control and provision of alternative livelihoods such as agriculture to the riparian communities.

Antimicrobial Compounds Biosynthesis and Biocontrol Mechanisms of Lysobacter enzymogenes

Biocontrol of plant pathogens is considered an environmentally friendly strategy and it is preferred over the use of chemicals which cause environmental pollution. Lysobacter enzymogenes is a bacterium that has been identified as an agriculturally important biocontrol agent. L. enzymogenes possess antagonistic activity against numerous phytopathogens such as fungi, oomycetes, bacteria and nematodes. Its antagonistic activity is conferred by its ability to produce bioactive secondary metabolites such as the Heat-Stable Anti-Fungal Factor (HSAF), Heat-Stable Degrading Metabolite (HSDM) and WAP-8294A2. It can also produce abundant lytic enzymes such as; chitinases, proteases, glucanases and cellulases that can degrade fungal cell walls and therefore inhibit their growth. To design effective biocontrol strategies employing L. enzymogenes, it is important to understand its antagonistic mechanisms. This review crystalizes information on the biosynthesis mechanisms and biocontrol mechanisms of various antimicrobial compounds produced by L. enzymogenes, this information is essential in designing biocontrol strategies against phytopathogens. Further, this review highlights the uncharacterized HSDM and proposes the need for its future characterization, determination of its biosynthetic gene cluster and characterization of its antagonistic mechanisms against various phytopathogens. Also, the mechanism of clp regulation of lytic enzymes biosynthesis needs to be further studied.

Population characteristics of Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) in light of varying water quality conditions of adjoined Lakes Naivasha and Oloidien in Kenya

Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.) is a recent re-introduction in Lake Naivasha and is one of the fish species that has crossed into Lake Oloidien. This study assessed and compared the population characteristic of O. niloticus under different physicochemical conditions of water in L. Naivasha (main) and L. Oloidien. Samples of water for selected water quality parameters and fisheries data from catch survey were collected between 2017 and 2018. Results indicate the highest conductivity levels recorded in 2018 as 2916 ±11.30 µScm-1 and 282.33 ± 4.33 µScm-1 for L. Oloidien and L. Naivasha respectively. Mean total lengths of O. niloticus were 19.1± 1.8 cm and 23.6 ± 2.9 cm for L. Oloidien and L. Naivasha respectively. Mean weight of O. niloticus was 129.3 ± 37.8 g in L. Oloidien and 260.9 ± 81.0 g in L. Naivasha. Length-weight relationship analysis showed a negative allometric growth (b = 2.526) and (b = 2.983; p > 0.05) in lakes Oloidien and Naivasha respectively. The relative condition factor (Kn) values were slightly lower in O. niloticus from L. Oloidien compared to the main Lake. Differences between the two lakes in the population characteristics of O. niloticus may be attributed to the observed differences in the habitat conditions, including the conductivity and pH levels.

Genetic Polymorphism of Il-16 and Risks of Coronary Artery Disease in Sudan

The inflammatory process in the atherosclerotic artery may lead to increased blood levels of inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study is to understand the role of inflammatory markers in the development of coronary artery disease. Therefore, a case-control study was conducted amongst coronary artery disease patients who attended the Sudan Heart Institute and healthy controls. Questionnaires were designed to determine the lifestyle and environmental factors for 200 participants (100 cases, 100 controls). Blood samples were collected to measure lipids profiles using enzymatic colorimetric and DNA extraction using the G-spin Kits. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used for IL-6 and IL-16 genotyping. A total of 64% patients were males, 41% were at 51-61 years, and physical activity was common in 60% of the patients. The risk factors for coronary artery disease were hypertension 62%, angina 62%, cigarette smoking 38%, diabetes 33%, tobacco user 31%, drinking alcohol 24% and stroke 2%. Most patients had a family history of stroke 93%, hypertension 36%, diabetes 34%, angina 9%, and heart attack 4%. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein were significantly different (P>0.05) between cases and controls, and they were significantly associated with IL-16 genotype. All risk factors for coronary artery diseases were strongly associated with IL-6 genotype (P-value < 0.05, OR >1). Whereas, IL-16 homozygous TT genotype was significantly associated with gender and physical activity. Lifestyle, family history, and IL-16 (TT) genotype are risk factors for coronary artery disease in Sudanese patients.

Welcome to PASJ: A New Frontier in Pan-African Scientific Studies

On behalf of the editorial board of Pan African Science Journal (PASJ), I take this opportunity to introduce to you Pan African Science Journal (PASJ) which is a new journal with focus on physical and life sciences. The PASJ publishes on a bi-monthly basis. We publish editorial notes, review articles, full research articles, letters to and case studies on all aspects of physical and life sciences under the topics of Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Public Health, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Botany, Zoology, Environmental Ecology and Fisheries & Aquatic Ecology. PASJ editorial team consists of young and vibrant scientists and academicians from various parts of the world whose scientific specializations covers all the designated journal topics. The highly qualified and dedicated expert editorial team will endeavor to professionally guide the entire PASJ publication process. PASJ comes as a unique international journal whose major focus is to promote African scientific works and publication standards through contribution to the dissemination of scientific knowledge and opinion that emanate from Africa and beyond. PASJ’s main aim is to upscale the quality of scientific output, specifically by Africans/within Africa, through playing a pivotal role in affordably, effectively and efficiently publishing of high-quality scientific work, while adhering to and upholding all the internationally binding scientific publication ethics and standards. It aims at bridging the wide gap that exists in scientific publication output between the researchers/academicians from developed and developing countries such as African nations. The inauguration of PASJ comes at a time when the contribution of science to solving major global problems such as climate change, food insecurity, environmental pollution and emerging infectious diseases such as the COVID 19 is key. I hope that we will support each other in this journey to progress and ensure that the PASJ professionally drives its mandate and continue to achieve the purpose for its formation to ensure that it becomes a reputable Journal of choice in Africa and beyond. Thank you, and we welcome you as we engage and corporate in this new and exciting journey.

Understanding selected growth aspects in Redbelly Tilapia, Coptodon zilli (Gervais) and Largemouth Bass, Micropterus salmoides (Lacepède) in Lake Naivasha, Kenya; Fisheries Management Perspective

Coptodon zilli and Micropterus salmoides were introduced into Lake Naivasha in 1929 and 1959 respectively. The reasons for the introduction were to boost the fisheries and for recreational fishing respectively. However, the numbers of the two fish species in the lake have been declining over the years. It is therefore necessary to assess various aspects of their growth such as length-weight relationship, condition factor, sex ratio and length at first maturity to inform management and policy making for enhanced recovery and establishment of their populations. Length-weight relationship, condition factor, sex ratio and length at first maturity of the fish were studied from October 2016 to November 2018. A total of 303 fish samples; 193 C. zilli and 110 M. salmoides were studied. Results showed that C. zilli and M. salmoides had an allometry coefficient value of 2.9 and 3.1 and condition factor (K) value of 1.77 and 1.39 respectively. The sex ratios (male: female) of C. zilli and M. salmoides were 1.1:1 and 1.3: 1 respectively. The shortest total length for mature C. zilli and M. salmoides recorded were 12 cm and 26.5 cm while 21.8 cm and 51 cm were for the longest respectively. The fish growth pattern therefore failed to obey the cube law of b=3 thus exhibiting allometric growth. The two fish species were found to be in good condition with K factor above 1. It can therefore be concluded that the fish are generally in a good condition though the early maturity especially for C. zilli could be a sign of pressure either from environmental factors or human induced. Domination of the species by males, although a common feature in African lakes, is a case for concern since it presents uncertainty on the future of the fisheries. Restocking of Lake Naivasha with the two fish species should be considered and proper fishing practices enforced

Co-Pathogenesis of Human Herpesvirus with HIV In Africa

Human Herpesviruses (HHV’s) are ubiquitous in human populations globally, and they cause significant morbidity and mortality. HHV’s establish a latent infection that is accompanied by periodic virus reactivation as a result of HIV infections. Further, HIV/AIDS infection in sub-Saharan Africa is perceived to be a significant health concern as it accounts for up to 70% of infectious diseases in the region. Until now, the role played by HHVs is increasingly being recognized. The co-infection of HIV with HHV’s changes severity or the natural course of HIV infection which defines the AIDS conditions in HIV infected individuals. Presently, treatment of HIV/AIDS by antiviral drugs targets the clinical manifestations of both HIV and HHVs at their productive stage and boost the immunity of HIV infected individuals, but they are ineffective at eliminating these viruses (HHVs and HIV) from the infected persons. This review focuses on outlining the epidemiology, distribution and role played by HHV’s in the pathogenesis of HIV infection in African countries. Additionally, this information is significant in crystallizing and providing an update on recent advancements on HHV’s and HIV infections in Africa and possible future directions in this field of research.