Experimental control tests of Pistia stratiotes L., an invasive aquatic plant of lentic habitats (Fez, Morocco)

Invasive alien aquatic plants are endangering local ecosystems in Morocco and require early and cost-effective interventions. Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L., Araceae) has progressively invaded the Wadi Al Jawahir (Fez, Morocco) over the last decade even with all the control measures implemented. This work aimed to test in mesocosms during 7 weeks, under controlled temperature, relative humidity, lighting, and photoperiod, the effect of three control methods of P. stratiotes: 0.14% liming, drainage and surface aeration at 370 L·h − 1. Plant biometric and functional parameters and the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of the growing waters were used to evaluate the effect of these control methods on the development of Pistia. The three methods tested limit both sexual reproduction of this plant species by preventing its flowering, and its vegetative propagation through decreasing biomass accumulation. Under favourable conditions (polluted eutrophic waters), P. stratiotes plants reached the flowering stage, and showed a very highly significant growth compared to the seedling stage, with an average height of 19.9 ± 8.97 cm, vs. 7.06±1.21 cm and 6.32±2.41 cm under surface aeration and drainage circumstances in the same order. P. stratiotes also showed biomass reduction with rates of 100%, 71.49%, and 44.5% respectively in application of liming, drainage and surface aeration. These experimental reduction rates suggest possibilities for future pilot-scale application of the proposed control methods as alternatives and/or in combination with existing ones

QUALITY OF LIFE AND ITS GENERATING FACTORS IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED AT THE REGIONAL HOSPITAL IDRISSI KÉNITRA MOROCCO

To assess the quality of life of patients with chronic end-stage renal failure under hemodialysis, and to determine its main generators in hemodialysis patients. This is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study carried out at the regional hospital of Kénitra (Morocco) in the level of the hemodialysis unit during a period of 3 months with 70 hemodialysis patients diagnosed and treated for chronic renal failure. Data were collected using a questionnaire comprising the socio-demographic, clinical, and nutritional characteristics of Hemodialysis patients and a KDQOL scale (Kidney Disease Quality Of Life) that assesses the quality of life. The scores of the KDQOL-36 were used to assess family, social support, and social support from caregivers. The average age was 51.66± 15.96 years with 57.1% of patients who are female. The components of the quality of life studied show an alteration in the quality of life with a decrease in the scores of the “component of physical health” dimensions with a score of 27.64 ± 29.13,“Component of mental health” with a score of 37.81 ± 22.99, “effects of kidney disease on daily life” with a score of 48.41 ± 21.22 and “burdens of kidney disease” with a score of 28.47 ± 21.50. While the dimension “Symptoms / problems of kidney disease” remains close to normal with a score of 64.61 ± 17.98. Our results showed that certain dimensions of the quality of life correlate with age, sex, family situation, level of education, the presence of a transplant plan, the presence of comorbidities and the duration of hemodialysis. Our study also found a correlation between family social support and quality of life in its “Burdens of Kidney Disease”, “Effects of Kidney Disease on Daily Living”, and the overall quality of life score. On the other hand, there is no significant relationship with support from caregivers. The quality of life of hemodialysis patients is deteriorating. It is influenced by several parameters including family and caregiver social support. The involvement of the family and the health care team in the psychological support process is paramount