Détection et dénombrement des conformes et streptocoques fécaux dans les eaux de consommation de la ville de Kisangani (République du Zaïre)

Detection and counting of faecal Coli and Streptococcus in consummation's water of the Kisangani town (Republic of Zaire). In order to determine the hygienic quality of the drinking water consumed by the inhabitants of Kisangani, river, well, spring and tapwater were sampled, analysed. The average results obtained for 100 ml quantifies were as follows : 1. River water : 8.1010 total aerobic plate count, 117 E. coli and 82 fecal streptococci. 2. Well water : 1.52.107 total aerobic plate count, 835 E. coli and 478 fecal streptococci. 3. Spring water : 4.8.105 total aerobic plate count, 40 E. coli and 30 fecal streptococci. 4. Tap water : 5.5.10S total aerobic count but no E. coli nor fecal streptococci. The authors conclude that of all the waters analysed only the tap water can be considered fit to drink. Consumption of the others should be forbidden

Epigenetic involvement in etiopathogenesis and implications in treatment of systemic lupus erythematous

Background: Recent researches in the field of genetics have extended our knowledge through the discovery of genetic factors associated with autoimmune diseases (AID). Genetics by itself, however, cannot elucidate all the uncertainties encountered in the etiopathology of AID. On the other hand, incomplete harmony in the prevalence of AID in identical twins suggests that non-genetic factors may play an important role in determining the disease susceptibility. Besides, epigenetics, which is defined by changes in gene expression without a corresponding change in the DNA sequences, has come in to provide new awareness in the disease etiopathology by bridging the genetic and epigenetic factors. The recent advances in the field of epigenetics provide a new insight into the understanding of the disease mechanisms, development, diagnostic and prognostic approaches, as well as the various treatment methods. Purpose: This review paper aims to present an overview of epigenetic modifications involved in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and discuss their important roles in clinical and pharmacological settings, including novel and recent therapeutic applications. Results: Nowadays, it is believed that autoimmune diseases, such as SLE, begin when genetically susceptible factors associate with environmental triggers. The current therapeutic approaches for SLE treatment have been based on treatments with immunosuppressive drugs, which are linked to various side effects. It is difficult to develop highly effective treatments for SLE patients with minimal or no side effects, mainly due to the disease complexity. The breakthrough of pharmacoepigenetics provides a new approach to solve this problem. Epigenetic modifications can influence the efficacy of drugs by changing the gene expression through modifying chromatin remodeling. In this regard, epigenetic studies in SLE are expected to reveal novel disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Conclusions: Accumulating evidence disclosed that epigenetic dysregulations are engaged in SLE pathogenesis and may be exerted as biomarkers to diagnose and as tools to treat these patients. © 2017, Springer International Publishing AG

Epigenetic involvement in etiopathogenesis and implications in treatment of systemic lupus erythematous

Background: Recent researches in the field of genetics have extended our knowledge through the discovery of genetic factors associated with autoimmune diseases (AID). Genetics by itself, however, cannot elucidate all the uncertainties encountered in the etiopathology of AID. On the other hand, incomplete harmony in the prevalence of AID in identical twins suggests that non-genetic factors may play an important role in determining the disease susceptibility. Besides, epigenetics, which is defined by changes in gene expression without a corresponding change in the DNA sequences, has come in to provide new awareness in the disease etiopathology by bridging the genetic and epigenetic factors. The recent advances in the field of epigenetics provide a new insight into the understanding of the disease mechanisms, development, diagnostic and prognostic approaches, as well as the various treatment methods. Purpose: This review paper aims to present an overview of epigenetic modifications involved in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and discuss their important roles in clinical and pharmacological settings, including novel and recent therapeutic applications. Results: Nowadays, it is believed that autoimmune diseases, such as SLE, begin when genetically susceptible factors associate with environmental triggers. The current therapeutic approaches for SLE treatment have been based on treatments with immunosuppressive drugs, which are linked to various side effects. It is difficult to develop highly effective treatments for SLE patients with minimal or no side effects, mainly due to the disease complexity. The breakthrough of pharmacoepigenetics provides a new approach to solve this problem. Epigenetic modifications can influence the efficacy of drugs by changing the gene expression through modifying chromatin remodeling. In this regard, epigenetic studies in SLE are expected to reveal novel disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Conclusions: Accumulating evidence disclosed that epigenetic dysregulations are engaged in SLE pathogenesis and may be exerted as biomarkers to diagnose and as tools to treat these patients. © 2017, Springer International Publishing AG

The Munkoyo Root : Traditional Uses, Biochemistry, Fermentation, and Potential Cultivation

The munkoyo root is a rich source of amylases used in the production of munkoyo and chibwantu beverages that are widely consumed in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The munkoyo plant has several species that grow wildly in the forests and savannas of several southern African countries. Munkoyo is a general term used in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo for a traditionally fermented, cereal-based beverage produced by hydrolysis of gelatinized starch of maize porridge, which is spontaneously fermented by microbes at ambient temperature. The enzymes from the munkoyo root hydrolyze the starch. The munkoyo beverages are consumed by both children and adults (both women and men) in rural and urban areas. Small-scale producers are leading the efforts to commercialize these products in urban areas, which has led to increased demand for the munkoyo root to the point of acute scarcity. This chapter reviews the uses of the munkoyo roots, the production processes of munkoyo and chibwantu beverages, the biochemical aspects of the root and enzymes, the fermentation and microbial composition, and the nutrition and health aspects. This chapter also explores the agronomic potential of the munkoyo plant with a view to commercialize its production thereby ensuring sustainability