Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Five Medicinal Plants on the in vitro Growth of a Multi-resistant Strain of Candida Albicans

This study was conducted to determine the antifungal potential of plants traditionally used in the treatment of infections. Five (5) plants were collected. The anti-candida albicans activity was evaluated by the double dilution method in tilted tubes with the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of the different plants. The results showed that the 70% ethanolic extracts were more active than the aqueous extracts for all plants. The 70% ethanolic extract of T. ivorensis (FMC = 1.56 mg/ml) was the most active on the tested strain. It was followed by T. superba (MFC = 3.125 mg/ml) D. benthamianus (MFC = 50 mg/mL), G. arborea (MFC= 50 mg/mL) and J. secunda (MFC ˃ 50 mg/mL). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of seven major groups of compounds, among which saponins and catechins are the most abundant in the aqueous extracts. Polyphenols, Flavonoids, Polyterpenes and Sterols as well as Tannins are equally present in the alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the different plants at variable levels. These compounds could justify its activity and its traditional use

Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Five Medicinal Plants on the In vitro Growth of a Multi-resistant Strain of Candida albicans

This paper focuses on determining the antifungal potential of plants traditionally used to treat infections. Five (5) plants were collected. The anti-Candida albicans activity was evaluated by the double dilution method in tilted tubes with the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of the different plants. The results showed that 70% ethanolic extracts were more active than the aqueous extracts for all the plants. The 70% ethanolic extract of Terminalia ivorensis (MFC = 1.56 mg/mL) was the most active on the tested strain. This was followed by Terminalia Superba (MFC = 3.125 mg/mL), Distemonanthus benthamianus (MFC = 50 mg/mL), Gmelina arborea (MFC= 50 mg/mL), and Justicia secunda (MFC ˃ 50 mg/mL). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of seven (7) major groups of compounds. Saponosides are present only in the aqueous extracts of plants. Polyphenols, Flavonoids, Polyterpenes, and Sterols as well as Tanins are present in both alcoholic and aqueous extracts. These compounds could justify its activity and its traditional use. The interesting results obtained with the hydroethanolic extract of Terminalia ivorensis incite further research with this extract. A bio-guided study on the fractions from this extract could lead to the discovery of one or more molecules of interest in the fight against pathogenic fungi

EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF CLAY-CEMENT BLOCKS REINFORCED WITH COCONUT FIBERS

This article aims for analyzing under an axial stress, the behavior of earth blocks reinforced by various proportions of coconut fibers. For this fact, compressive and flexural tests were carried out after 28 days of maturation, on dry blocks elaborate with clay stabilized at 8% of cement and containing 0 to 1% of fibers 30 mm length. The experimental results show that the incorporation of fibers in the blocks improves their mechanical characteristics, increases their ductile deformation and delays their cracking. The best mechanical resistances are obtained at 0.8% of fibers because at this content, the distance between fibers is optimal

Profil epidemiologique, clinique et therapeutique des epilepsies a Bouake (Côte d’Ivoire)

Introduction : La prévalence de l‘épilepsie en Afrique sub-saharienne est élevée, variant entre 2,2 et 58‰. En Côte d‘Ivoire, elle est estimée à 8‰.Objectif : Notre travail visait à recueillir des données épidémiologiques, cliniques et thérapeutiques récentes, concernant l‘épilepsie dans notre contexte de travail.Méthodologie : Une enquête observationnelle descriptive réalisée de Mai 2012 à Septembre 2015 au Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Bouaké a permis de retenir 200 dossiers de patients suivis pour épilepsie.Résultats : L‘âge moyen des patients était de 20 ± 16 ans avec des extrêmes de 4 mois et 79 ans. Il s‘agissait de 54,5% d‘hommes et 45,5% de femmes. Les antécédents des patients étaient les antécédents infectieux (13,5%), l‘antécédent familial d‘épilepsie (16%), les traumatismes crâniens (8,5%). La majorité des patients a présenté des crises généralisées (71,5%). L‘électroencéphalogramme (EEG) a été réalisé pour 77,5% des patients et il était anormal dans 78% des cas. Soixante-huit virgule cinq pourcent (68,5%) des patients ont bénéficié d‘une monothérapie. Le phénobarbital a été le traitement de choix (51%), la lamotrigine a été utilisée dans 2,5 % des cas. Il a été noté au bout d‘une année, une rémission complète chez 55% des patients.Conclusion : La série rapportée montre une prévalence hospitalière très élevée de l‘épilepsie, la prédominance des crises   English title: Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic profile of epilepsy in Bouake (Ivory Coast) Background: The prevalence of epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa, is high, ranging from 2.2 to 58 ‰. In Ivory coast, it is estimated at 8‰.Objectives: Our study aimed to collect recent epidemiological data regarding epilepsy in our working context.Method: We carried out a descriptive observational survey, from May 2012 to September 2015 at the University teaching hospital of Bouake. Two hundred patient‘s files have been reviewed.Results: The mean age of the patients was 20 ± 16 years ranging from 4 months to 79 years. There was 54.5% of male. The past medical history of patients related to epilepsy was history of infection (13.5%), family history of epilepsy (16%), head trauma (8.5%). Most patients had generalized seizures (71.5%). The electroencephalogram (EEG) was performed in 77.5% of them and showed abnormalities in 78%. Most of the patients (68.5%) were treated with monotherapy. Phenobarbital was the most used molecule (51%) and lamotrigine was used in 2.5% of cases. After one year, complete remission was noticed in 55% patients.Conclusion: The reported series highlights very high hospital prevalence, the predominance of seizures described as generalized and the use of the latest generation antiepilepptic drugs in the treatment. &nbsp

La Notion Du Pouvoir Dans Les Institutions De Gestion De Conflits Politiques En Côte d’Ivoire: Cas De L’institution Dénommée «Le Médiateur De La République»

The study of conflict management, especially that relating to mediation, occupies an important place in the advent of conflicts in traditional African environment. In the 1990s, it was introduced gradually into the Ivorian institutions to answer socio-political excesses. However, despite its existence, this institution has faced several oppositions in regards to the aim of the study. This paper focuses on identifying the sociological contours that emerge around the dynamics of mediation in relation to power in the recent conciliatory context. On the basis of direct observations of semi-directive interviews, this research examined the report of the executive on the institution in the conciliatory process. The paper analyzes that the dependence of this institution on the executive power leads to dysfunction of the institution as a result of the reconciliation process

Une Infestation a Bilharziose Medullaire Mimant une Tumeur

Un adolescent T.A âgé de 12 ans a présenté un déficit moteur des membres inférieurs d’installation progressive sur deux semaines, associé à des troubles génito-sphinctériens. A noter qu’il s’était baigné à plusieurs reprises en eau douce, suivie d’une hématurie en 2019. A l’examen, il présentait un syndrome de compression médullaire lent avec un niveau sensitif à T8. L’IRM médullaire dorsale montrait deux infiltrations médullaires en regard des vertèbres T8 à T7 et de T5 à T2 simulant une tumeur. La sérologie bilharzienne était positive (titre =320 UI/L). La coprologie parasitaire a mis en évidence la présence d’œufs de Schistosoma mansoni. Nous avons obtenu une récupération de la motricité au bout d’un délai de 6 mois, après traitement.   A 12-year-old T.A adolescent presented with a motor deficit of the lower limbs that gradually developed over two weeks, associated with genito-sphincter disorders. Note that he had bathed several times in fresh water, followed by hematuria in 2019. On examination, he presented with slow spinal cord compression syndrome with a sensory level at T8. The dorsal spinal cord MRI showed two spinal cord infiltrations next to the vertebrae T 8 to T7 and T5 to T2 simulating a tumor. Bilharzial serology was positive (titer = 320 IU/L). Parasitic coprology revealed the presence of Schistosoma mansoni eggs. We obtained recovery of motor skills after a period of 6 months, after treatment

Cabbage and fermented vegetables : From death rate heterogeneity in countries to candidates for mitigation strategies of severe COVID-19

Large differences in COVID-19 death rates exist between countries and between regions of the same country. Some very low death rate countries such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, or the Balkans have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods. Although biases exist when examining ecological studies, fermented vegetables or cabbage have been associated with low death rates in European countries. SARS-CoV-2 binds to its receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). As a result of SARS-CoV-2 binding, ACE2 downregulation enhances the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT(1)R) axis associated with oxidative stress. This leads to insulin resistance as well as lung and endothelial damage, two severe outcomes of COVID-19. The nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is the most potent antioxidant in humans and can block in particular the AT(1)R axis. Cabbage contains precursors of sulforaphane, the most active natural activator of Nrf2. Fermented vegetables contain many lactobacilli, which are also potent Nrf2 activators. Three examples are: kimchi in Korea, westernized foods, and the slum paradox. It is proposed that fermented cabbage is a proof-of-concept of dietary manipulations that may enhance Nrf2-associated antioxidant effects, helpful in mitigating COVID-19 severity.Peer reviewe

Nrf2-interacting nutrients and COVID-19 : time for research to develop adaptation strategies

There are large between- and within-country variations in COVID-19 death rates. Some very low death rate settings such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, the Balkans and Africa have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods whose intake is associated with the activation of the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) anti-oxidant transcription factor. There are many Nrf2-interacting nutrients (berberine, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, quercetin, resveratrol, sulforaphane) that all act similarly to reduce insulin resistance, endothelial damage, lung injury and cytokine storm. They also act on the same mechanisms (mTOR: Mammalian target of rapamycin, PPAR gamma:Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, NF kappa B: Nuclear factor kappa B, ERK: Extracellular signal-regulated kinases and eIF2 alpha:Elongation initiation factor 2 alpha). They may as a result be important in mitigating the severity of COVID-19, acting through the endoplasmic reticulum stress or ACE-Angiotensin-II-AT(1)R axis (AT(1)R) pathway. Many Nrf2-interacting nutrients are also interacting with TRPA1 and/or TRPV1. Interestingly, geographical areas with very low COVID-19 mortality are those with the lowest prevalence of obesity (Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia). It is tempting to propose that Nrf2-interacting foods and nutrients can re-balance insulin resistance and have a significant effect on COVID-19 severity. It is therefore possible that the intake of these foods may restore an optimal natural balance for the Nrf2 pathway and may be of interest in the mitigation of COVID-19 severity

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance

INTRODUCTION Investment in Africa over the past year with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, which, to date, exceeds 100,000 sequences generated to track the pandemic on the continent. These sequences have profoundly affected how public health officials in Africa have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. RATIONALE We demonstrate how the first 100,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Africa have helped monitor the epidemic on the continent, how genomic surveillance expanded over the course of the pandemic, and how we adapted our sequencing methods to deal with an evolving virus. Finally, we also examine how viral lineages have spread across the continent in a phylogeographic framework to gain insights into the underlying temporal and spatial transmission dynamics for several variants of concern (VOCs). RESULTS Our results indicate that the number of countries in Africa that can sequence the virus within their own borders is growing and that this is coupled with a shorter turnaround time from the time of sampling to sequence submission. Ongoing evolution necessitated the continual updating of primer sets, and, as a result, eight primer sets were designed in tandem with viral evolution and used to ensure effective sequencing of the virus. The pandemic unfolded through multiple waves of infection that were each driven by distinct genetic lineages, with B.1-like ancestral strains associated with the first pandemic wave of infections in 2020. Successive waves on the continent were fueled by different VOCs, with Alpha and Beta cocirculating in distinct spatial patterns during the second wave and Delta and Omicron affecting the whole continent during the third and fourth waves, respectively. Phylogeographic reconstruction points toward distinct differences in viral importation and exportation patterns associated with the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants and subvariants, when considering both Africa versus the rest of the world and viral dissemination within the continent. Our epidemiological and phylogenetic inferences therefore underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic on the continent and highlight key insights and challenges, for instance, recognizing the limitations of low testing proportions. We also highlight the early warning capacity that genomic surveillance in Africa has had for the rest of the world with the detection of new lineages and variants, the most recent being the characterization of various Omicron subvariants. CONCLUSION Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve. This is important not only to help combat SARS-CoV-2 on the continent but also because it can be used as a platform to help address the many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats in Africa. In particular, capacity building for local sequencing within countries or within the continent should be prioritized because this is generally associated with shorter turnaround times, providing the most benefit to local public health authorities tasked with pandemic response and mitigation and allowing for the fastest reaction to localized outbreaks. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century

L'évolution des rapports entre le juge et l'arbitre au regard des récentes réformes en droit de l'arbitrage québécois : les compétences exclusives et non exclusives du juge étatique

L'arbitre représente le juge dans la procédure d’arbitrage: il tranche, juge et détient la balance de la justice dans cette procédure. Bien que ses décisions soient des sentences arbitrales, elles n’ont pas la force exécutoire d’un jugement judiciaire qui impliquerait une sanction en cas de non-exécution de celle-ci par la partie contre laquelle elle a été rendue. Ainsi, les thèses selon lesquelles les rapports du juge et de l’arbitre sont conflictuels, selon lesquelles les pouvoirs attribués à l’arbitre pour mener sa mission à terme et le principe d’incompétence du juge étatique dans le déroulement d’un arbitrage interne ou international, deviennent réfutables. Soumises pour contrôle et à l’appui du juge étatique, l’instance arbitrale et la sentence arbitrale s'intègrent dans l'ordre juridictionnel. Elles doivent cohabiter ensemble dans une même atmosphère juridique. Le juge dans cette optique a l’obligation de protéger et de respecter la volonté des parties, tout en veillant au bon déroulement de la procédure arbitrale. Ainsi, au regard, des nouvelles réformes en arbitrage en vigueur au Québec, en France et dans plusieurs autres États, les rapports entre les tribunaux judiciaires et l’arbitrage ont évolué vers l’entente, la collaboration et la complémentarité. De plus, les textes légaux et les règles qui gouvernent la procédure arbitrale sont d’une grande importance dans notre exposé, car elles contribuent à la démonstration de ces nouveaux rapports. Ce sont, en effet le respect des règles et la possibilité pour les parties de les manipuler qui rendent l’arbitrage attrayant. Le présent mémoire vise à démontrer l’évolution des rapports entre le juge et l’arbitre au regard de récentes réformes dans le droit de l’arbitrage québécois parallèlement au droit de l’arbitrage français. Notre stratégie consistera à identifier les pouvoirs attribués au juge étatique et à analyser la place de choix réservée au juge étatique dans cette procédure. Puisqu’il s’avère être un appui précieux à l'arbitrage, il conviendrait de redéfinir sa place dans cette procédure, afin de dissiper toutes les incompréhensions qui ont pu exister.The arbitrator represents the judge in the arbitration proceedings: he decides, judges and holds the balance of justice in the arbitration proceedings. Although its decisions are arbitral awards, they do not have the enforceable force of a judicial judgment that would involve a penalty in the event of non-performance by the party against whom it was issued. Thus, the arguments according to which the reports of the judge and the arbitrator are conflicting, according to which the powers assigned to the arbitrator to complete his mission and the principle of incompetence of the state judge in the conduct of an internal or international arbitration, become refutable. Submitted for review and in support of the State judge, the arbitral body and the arbitral award shall be incorporated into the judicial order. They must live together in the same legal atmosphere. The judge in this regard has the obligation to protect and respect the will of the parties, while ensuring the smooth conduct of the arbitral proceedings. In light of the new arbitration reforms in force in Quebec, France and several other states, the relationship between the courts and arbitration has evolved towards understanding, collaboration and complementarity. In addition, the legal texts and rules governing arbitral proceedings are of great importance in our presentation, as they contribute to the demonstration of these new reports. It is, in fact, the respect of the rules and the possibility for the parties to manipulate them that make the arbitration attractive. The purpose of this brief is to demonstrate the evolution of the relationship between the judge and the arbitrator in light of recent reforms in the law of Quebec arbitration in parallel with the law of French arbitration. Our strategy will be to identify the powers assigned to the state judge and to analyse the place reserved for the state judge in this procedure. Since it proves to be a valuable support for arbitration, it would be appropriate to redefine its place in this procedure, in order to dispel any misunderstandings that may have existed