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A collection of conference, workshop, seminar, proceedings, and lecture series showcasing diverse topics and cutting-edge research from faculty and staff of Daystar University.
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Recent Submissions

Coenzyme Q10 Nullified Khat-induced Hepatotoxicity, Nephrotoxicity and Inflammation in a Mouse Model
(Elsevier, 2020) Nyabuga, Nyariki James; Okanya, Patrick; Amwayi, Peris W.; Ngalla, Jillani; Orina, Isaac Alfred
Ethnopharmacological relevance: The consumption of khat (Catha Edulis, Forsk) is on the rise despite the much publicized associated deleterious health effects. How chemicals present in khat, affect various physiological and biochemical processes requires further scrutiny. A clear understanding of these processes will provide an avenue for countering khat-driven negative effects using appropriate pharmacological and/or nutritional interventions. Aim of the study: The current study investigated the effect of khat on vital physiological and biochemical processes such as oxidative stress, inflammation and immune responses and the role of Coenzyme-Q10 (CoQ10), a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, in modulating any negative effects due to khat exposure. Methodology: Three (3) weeks old forty (40) Swiss albino mice were randomly assigned into four treatment groups (n ¼ 10). The first group was the control that was not administered with khat or CoQ10. The second group received 200 mg/kg body weight (b/w) of CoQ10, while the third group received 1500 mg/kg b/w of khat extract and finally the forth group was co-treated with 200 mg/kg b/w of CoQ10 and 1500 mg/kg b/w of khat extract. The experiment was conducted for 90 days after which samples were collected for physiological and biochemical analyses. Results: The effects of khat and CoQ10 on the weights of brain, liver, kidney and spleen was determined. Administration of khat decreased the levels of RBCs and its subtypes (MCV, MCH, RDW-SD and RDW-CV), a clear indicator of khat-induced normochromic microcytic anemia. White blood cells (lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils and eosinophil) which are vital in responding to infections were markedly elevated by khat. Moreover, these results provide evidence for khat-induced liver and kidney injury as shown by increased biomarkers; AST, ALT, GGT and creatinine respectively. Standard histopathological analysis confirmed this finding for khat-driven liver and kidney injury. Further studies showed evidence for khat-induced inflammation and oxidative stress as depicted by increased levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha and elevation of GSH in the brain, liver and spleen. Remarkably, this is the first study to demonstrate the potential of CoQ10 in ameliorating khat-induced negative effects as outlined. CoQ10 supplementation restored the khat-induced reduction in RBC subtypes, andwas protective against liver and kidney injury as shown by the appropriate biomarkers and standard histopathology analysis. The other significant finding was the CoQ10-driven normalization of GSH and TNF-α levels, indicating a protective effect from khat-driven oxidative stress and inflammation respectively.Conclusion: From this study, we conclude that CoQ10 may be useful in nullifying khat-driven deleterious events among chronic khat users.
Ndeto, M. P., Wekesa, D. W., Njoka, F. & Kinyua, R. (2023). Aeolian dust distribution, elemental concentration, characteristics and its effects on the conversion efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2023.03.065
(Elsevier, 2023-05) Ndeto, Martin Paul; Wekesa, David Wafula; Njoka, Francis; Kinyua, Robert
Exposure of PV modules to ambient environmental conditions like dust deposits, has some deleterious effects on peak power (Pmax) and overall conversion efficiency (η). This study investigates the effect of module height, tilt, and orientation on the rate of dust deposition on the surfaces of PV modules. Consequently, the effect of different dust categories on Pmax and η are investigated. North facing module surfaces are observed to exhibit higher deposition rates in southerly winds. A significant decrease in conversion efficiency of 1.30%, 1.74%, 4.05%, 2.74% and 1.38% after a fortnight are observed in modules installed in five randomly selected study sites. A higher decrease in efficiency on average after a fortnight is observed in sites having traces of anthropogenic particles on dust samples collected from the PV surfaces with minimal effects observed in sites having biogenic and geogenic particles. Abundance of anthropogenic dust particles coupled with mild tilt and leeward orientation led to a higher maximum power and efficiency degradation rate
Coenzyme Q10 Ameliorates Potassium Cyanide-Induced Toxicosis in a Mouse Model
(Elsevier, 2021) Nyabuga, Nyariki James; Gitonga, Francis; Kipchumba, Biwott; Wairimu, Gitau Grace; Okanya, Patrick Wafula; Amway, Peris W.; Orina, Isaac Alfred
Potassium cyanide (KCN) is one of the most lethal and feared poison; which devastates cellular respiration resulting in death due to hypoxia. Several antidotes exist, but most face major limitations of safety and efficacy. Moreover, there is a need for new strategies to minimize post-exposure pathological sequel, which includes harmful oxidant and inflammatory changes. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a powerful antioxidant, which has shown efficacy against chemical-induced toxicity. In the present study, the potential protective effect of CoQ10 against KCN-induced toxicosis was evaluated. Female Swiss white mice (3–4 weeks old) were divided into three treatment groups. The first group was used as the control, the second group was supplemented with 200 mg/kg of CoQ10 for one month before administration with 8 mg/kg of KCN. For this group, co-administration of CoQ10 and KCN was continued to the end of the experiment. The third group was administered 8 mg/kg of KCN. The experiment was terminated after 42 days post-treatment to enable investigations into the effect of KCN and CoQ10 on various physiological, biochemical, and cellular processes. The results of this study showed that KCN severely impaired the health of mice, more so, the neurological integrity. KCN-driven depletion of cellular glutathione (GSH) was noted in the liver and brain. This constitutes a characteristic impairment of the antioxidant capacity due to the induction of severe oxidative stress. CoQ10 significantly reinforced the neurological integrity and restored cellular glutathione (reduced form) in both the liver and brain, a clear indication of reduced oxidative stress. Remarkably, KCN-induced anemia, leukocytosis, and suppression of platelets were reversed by CoQ10 supplementation. Moreover, histopathological analysis revealed that CoQ10 supplementation blocked KCNdriven liver, kidney, and brain inflammation, and characteristic hypoxia-induced lesions. These findings open possibilities for further scrutiny and development of adjunct therapy utilizing CoQ10 to treat KCN poisoning.
Coenzyme Q10 Prevented Full Blown Splenomegaly and Decreased Melarsoprol-Induced Reactive Encephalopathy in Mice Infected with Trypanosoma Brucei Rhodesiense
(Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine., 2014) Nyabuga, Nyariki James; Kibuthu, Thuita John; Kemunto, Nyambati Grace; Orina, Isaac Alfred
Objective: To establish the modulatory effects of coenzyme Q10 on experimental trypanosome infections in mice and evaluate the risk of occurrence and severity of melarsoprol-induced post treatment reactive encephalopathy (PTRE). Methods: Female Swiss white mice were orally administered with 200 mg/kg of coenzyme Q10 after which they were intraperitoneally inoculated with Trypanasoma brucei rhodesiense (T. b. rhodesiense). The resultant infection was allowed to develop and simulate all phases of human African trypanosomiasis and PTRE. Parasitaemia development, packed cell volume, haematological and pathological changes were determined. Results: A histological study in the brain tissue of T. b. rhodesiense infected mice demonstrated neuroinflammatory pathology which was highly amplified in the PTRE-induced groups. A prominent reduction in the severity of the neuroinflammatory response was detected when coenzyme-Q10 was administered. Furthermore, the mean tissue weight of spleen to body ratio in coenzyme Q10 supplemented group was significantly (P<0.05) different compared to unsupplemented groups, and clearly indicated that coenzyme Q10 prevented full blown splenomegaly pathogenesis by T. b. rhodesiense. A significant (P<0.05) increase in hemoglobin levels and red blood cells was observed in coenzyme Q10 mice compared to those infected and un-supplemented with coenzyme Q10. Conclusions: The capacity of coenzyme Q10 to alter the pathogenesis of T. b. rhodesiense infection in mice and following treatment with melarsoprol, may find application by rendering humans and animals less susceptible to deleterious effects of trypanosome infection such as splenomegaly and melarsoprol-induced PTRE and neurotoxicity.
Determining the Human Resource Factors Influencing Strikes among Healthcare Workers in Public Hospitals in Nairobi County, Kenya.
(Journal of Health, Applied Sciences and Management, 2024) Lifuleze, Cyrus Memo; Muhonja, Faith Hope; Muchiri, Joseph
In Kenya, the Central Association of Trade Unions (COTU-K) has revealed that there has been an increase in labor cases and strikes. A majority of these cases involve the Union representatives and the public authorities. These strikes cause huge moral discussions, due to their capacity to hurt patients likedeterioration of health, an increase in mortality cases, or a complete shutdown of healthcare facilities. This research aimed to investigate thehuman resource factors influencing strikes among Healthcare workers in public hospitals in Nairobi County, Kenya, and their effects on service delivery. The study adopted the descriptive research design, targeting healthcare workers at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, Kenyatta National Teaching and Referral Hospital, Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Mbagathi Hospital, and Ngara Health Center. 400 participants were selected using Mugenda’s (2003) formula. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and processed using the SPSS program, version 26.0, with the level of significance set at 0.05. Chi-square test statistics were employed and analyzed data presented both descriptively, and inferentially using tables.The study found that human resource factors which included staffing level of hospitals (pvalue<0.001, (𝒳2 (2, 𝑁 = 346) = 35.031, p − value < 0.001) with OR = 4.875 and CI = (2.804, 8.475), overworking of HCWs/Heavy workloads (𝒳2 (3, 𝑁 = 346) = 31.244, pvalue<0.001) with OR = 0.344 and CI = (0.144, 0.824) and longer shifts (𝒳2 (3, 𝑁 = 346) = 36.614, p-value<0.001) with OR = 0.669 and CI = (0.240, 1.864) had a significant effect on strikes by healthcare workers. The study further found that strikes affect service delivery in aspects such as putting patients at risk, a drop-in outpatient, evacuation of in-patients, jeopardizing of quality of services, destruction of hospital equipment, and in some cases, a complete shutdown of the hospital. The study recommends that the government should buffer the Health workforce through recruitment, training, and development to cater tothe shortages. Human resource departments should develop rotational duty Rota’s, and assign manageable workloads to avoid longer shifts and burnout of the health workers.