Tanzania Commission for Universities

ABSTRACTWe present a case of a 31‐year‐old woman with progressive abdominal distension, bilateral loin pain, and severe anemia requiring multiple blood transfusions. She was referred for a computed tomography (CT) scan of bilateral renal masses before potential surgery. The scan revealed large renal masses with fat attenuation, diagnosed as angiomyolipomas. Additionally, suspicious facial lesions raised concerns for a neurocutaneous disorder, prompting further imaging. A non‐contrasted CT of the head showed multiple calcified subependymal nodules, leading to a delayed diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for early TSC identification due to its multi‐organ involvement. Timely detection is crucial for monitoring progression and reducing long‐term complications. We aim to raise clinicians' awareness of this uncommon late presentation of TSC, its cutaneous markers, and the role of imaging in early detection, even in patients without childhood neurological symptoms. The purpose of this case report is to alert clinicians to this rare late presentation of TSC, raise awareness of the cutaneous markers of TSC, and underscore the role of imaging in the early detection of the disease, particularly in those patients who did not exhibit neurological symptoms during their childhood. Furthermore, this case illustrates the remarkable variability in the manifestation of this disorder, both in terms of the age at which symptoms appear and the severity of the illness.

This paper examines the challenges facing people with disabilities (PWDs) accessing local government empowerment funds in the Rombo District Council. The study employs social models of Disability (SMD) as a theoretical framework to analyse how societal and institutional factors contribute to the challenges faced by PWDs in accessing empowerment funds provided by the local government. Focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews were administered to 24 participants. Data generated from the study were analysed through content analysis. The results revealed that small funds and disbursement delays, Group formation, disorganisation discrimination and stigmatisation, to mention just a few, were challenges faced by PWDs in accessing the funds. The study concludes that PWDs in the Rombo District Council faced numerous challenges in accessing local government empowerment funds. As highlighted by the SMD, institutional, physical or attitudinal barriers in society respectively create disability by limiting opportunities and full participation of impaired people, including access to funds. The paper recommends the review of institutional frameworks to foster more access to funds and inclusion and change attitudes, traditions and culture to eliminate stigma and segregative behaviour. It will expedite the smooth implementation of the national and global goal of facilitating socio-economic inclusion of the marginalised PWDs among that group.

This study investigated stakeholders’ perceptions of the integration of ICT in teaching and learning science subjects in secondary schools. A cross-sectional survey design, using a mixed approach, guided the study. Survey questionnaires and interviews were used for data collection. A total of 221 respondents, including students, teachers, heads of schools and district education officers, were sampled. The SPSS version 24 was used for quantitative data analysis. The qualitative data from the interviews were subjected to thematic analysis. Results indicate that stakeholders had positive perceptions of the benefits of integrating ICT in teaching science subjects. However, their positive perception was hampered by the accessibility of ICT materials, insufficient pedagogical knowledge and limited support from school management. Therefore, it affects the integration of ICT in teaching and learning science subjects. The study recommends government and management support to ensure sufficient ICT materials. Further, teachers should be equipped with sufficient pedagogical knowledge for ICT integration in teaching and learning science subjects.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an important viral disease of cattle and water buffalo affecting all breeds and all ages. Presently, the disease is among the global threats to the cattle industry due to its rapid spread and high morbidity. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Tanga and Pwani region in Tanzania from December 2022 to February 2023 to determine seroprevalence and potential risk factors associated with LSD serostatus. Sera from 200 unvaccinated cattle from 88 herds were tested for the presence of Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) antibodies using capripox double antigen multispecies commercial ELISA kit (ID. vet Innovative Diagnostics-France). Assessment of potential risk factors for LSD serostatus was achieved using a pretested standard questionnaire administered to the herd owner or designated representative. Descriptive statistics and chi-square, were used to analyse data. Anti- LSD antibodies were detected with an overall seroprevalence of 13.5% (CI 9.06-19.03) and 22.73% (CI =14.47- 32.89) at animal and herd levels, respectively. Seropositivity varied significantly between age categories of cattle (χ2=4, p =0.0444), size of the herds (χ2 = 12.65, p =0.0004), grazing system (χ2 =7.3, p= 0.0069), location (χ2= 6.54, p=0.0152), introduction of new animals in the herd (χ2 =9.4, p=0.0021) and breeds of cattle (χ2 =9.4, p=0.0021). Serostatus also varied significantly between herds where breeding bulls are shared and herds where breeding bulls are not shared. This is the first study of its kind in Tanzania to detect LSDV antibodies in unvaccinated cattle using serological technique in Tanzania. This study provides baseline information on LSD for planning further studies that can help in implementation of effective control measures.