Research Papers and Journal articles

Food safety priority, a critical gap and a window for effective food, nutrition security and sustainable development in Rwanda: A contextual analysis

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Food safety priority, a critical gap and a window for effective food, nutrition security and sustainable development in Rwanda: A contextual analysis Hagenimana, Theoneste Food safety is globally an important issue and a priority for a sustainable food system and health and essential for achieving several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 agenda. The present study aimed at identifying the critical gaps in the role of food safety in achieving agriculture, food and nutrition security along with the implementation of SDGs in Rwanda. The review of the Rwandan context showed that food safety was not considered and integrated within the development programs for agriculture, food and nutrition security. This lack of food safety integration affected the success of these programs and had a potential negative impact on the achievement of the ten SDGs, namely SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 3, SDG 5, SDG 6, SDG 8, SDG 11, SDG 12, SDG13 and SDG 17. With available food safety opportunities in Rwanda, food safety should be a priority because it plays a critical role in implementing effective sustainable development programs. There is a need for food safety strategic integration by an evidence-based food safety decision-making approach through involving all concerned stakeholders. Journal article

MiR-24 Is Required for Hematopoietic Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

MiR-24 Is Required for Hematopoietic Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Roy, Lynn; Bikorimana, Emmanuel; Lapid, Danica; et al. Overexpression of miRNA, miR-24, in mouse hematopoietic progenitors increases mono cytic/ granulocytic differentiation and inhibits B cell development. To determine if endoge nous miR-24 is required for hematopoiesis, we antagonized miR-24 in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and performed in vitro differentiations. Suppression of miR-24 resulted in an inability to produce blood and hematopoietic progenitors (HPCs) from ESCs. The pheno type is not a general defect in mesoderm production since we observe production of na scent mesoderm as well as mesoderm derived cardiac muscle and endothelial cells. Results from blast colony forming cell (BL-CFC) assays demonstrate that miR-24 is not re quired for generation of the hemangioblast, the mesoderm progenitor that gives rise to blood and endothelial cells. However, expression of the transcription factors Runx1 and Scl is greatly reduced, suggesting an impaired ability of the hemangioblast to differentiate. Last ly, we observed that known miR-24 target, Trib3, is upregulated in the miR-24 antagonized embryoid bodies (EBs). Overexpression of Trib3 alone in ESCs was able to decrease HPC production, though not as great as seen with miR-24 knockdown. These results demon strate an essential role for miR-24 in the hematopoietic differentiation of ESCs. Although many miRNAs have been implicated in regulation of hematopoiesis, this is the first miRNA observed to be required for the specification of mammalian blood progenitors from early mesoderm. Journal article

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Knowledge of Risk Factors and Preventive Practices of CKD Among Students at a University in Rwanda

Thu, 02 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Knowledge of Risk Factors and Preventive Practices of CKD Among Students at a University in Rwanda Ngendahayo, Flavien; Mukamana, Donatilla; Ndateba, Innocent; et al. Background Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a global public health burden. Most people miss the early subtle signs that can develop at any age. CKD has severe complications, including End-stage Renal Disease. Objective To assess the knowledge level of CKD risk factors and preventive practices among university students in Rwanda. Methods A cross-sectional study design was used from April to May 2017. A stratified random sampling technique was used to recruit 260 university students. A 36-item questionnaire was self administered. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The mean age was 29 years and over half were female (53.4%). A great number (44%) had a low knowledge level of CKD and its risk factors, a third (34%) had moderate, and only (22%) had a high knowledge level of CKD risk factors. The majority (50.4%) had low level of preventive practices, nearly half (45%) had moderate and only (4.6%) had high level of preventive practice. Conclusion CKD knowledge and preventive practices in this study population were low. Knowledge gained and desire for healthy preventive practices may have been a benefit of the study. CKD educational programs should be further developed to prevent this significant problem affecting the Rwandese community. Journal article

Socio-Demographic Determinants of Diarrhoeal Diseases among Under Five Years Old Children in Rwanda

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Socio-Demographic Determinants of Diarrhoeal Diseases among Under Five Years Old Children in Rwanda Gasurira, Sylvestre; Bikorimana, Emmanuel; Niyitegeka, Charité; Nyandwi, Theogene Background Diarrhoeal disease is a worldwide public health issue and remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity in children under five years old. Low and middle income countries (LMIC) of Africa and part of Asia are more affected by diarrhoeal diseases. Objectives To measure the prevalence of Diarrhoeal Diseases and to assess Socio-demographic determinants among Under Five Years Old Children in Rwanda. Methods A cross-sectional design was used. Secondary data analysis was carried out on a sample of 7474 drawn from Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS). RDHS used multistage sampling technique. Results After running multiple logistic regression, Sociodemographic determinants associated with diarrhoeal included age of children, wealth index category, mother education, husband/partner education, types of place of residence (P-Value<0.05). Conclusion The results of the study showed that diarrhoeal remains an important health issue in Rwanda. Occurrence of diarrhoeal was statistically associated with child age, wealth index, education of parents, types of place of residence. Journal article