Investigating volatile compounds in the vapour phase of (1) a hot water infusion of rhizomes, and of (2) rhizomes of Siphonochilus aethiopicus using head space solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography with time of flight mass spectrometry

Wild ginger, Siphonochilus aethiopicus, is a traditional remedy for the treatment of allergic asthma and other conditions. Preparations include hot infusions of rhizomes and steaming of the rhizomes and inhalation of the vapour. Volatile compounds in the vapour phase (representing the fraction that is inhaled) of both (1) a hot water infusion of fresh and air dried rhizomes and of (2) rhizomes were concentrated by head space solid phase microextraction (H/S-SPME) and analysed by gas chromatography with time of flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOFMS). Eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) was the major compound present in the vapour phase of a hot water infusion of fresh and dried rhizomes, and was also present as one of three major compounds in the vapour phase of fresh rhizomes. The drying of rhizomes caused a significant loss of eucalyptol and other compounds. Eucalyptol reportedly controls airway mucus hypersecretion and asthma. As such the presence of eucalyptol in the vapour phase of hot preparations may contribute to the anecdotal effectiveness of S. aethiopicus as a decongestant and traditional remedy for the treatment of allergic asthma.http://www.elsevier.com/locate/sajb2017-09-30hb2016Chemistr

Defining the South African notion of a people's literature Descriptive and conceptual problems

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:DX188889 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

HIV-associated maternal mortality – primary causes of death at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban

Background. The maternal mortality ratio in poor countries is reported to be 650/100 000 live births. This high maternal mortality may be associated with increasing numbers of HIVrelated deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective. To establish the direct causes of maternal mortality related to the HIV syndrome. Methods. A retrospective analysis was done of 378 maternal deaths at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, between January 1998 and December 2004. Results. The commonest cause of death related to HIV was World Health Organization (WHO) clinical classification stage IV disease, followed by pneumonia (bacterial and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia), pregnancy-related sepsis and pulmonary tuberculosis. Conclusion. HIV/AIDS has a great impact on maternal mortality in South Africa, mainly because of the increasing incidence of this syndrome in women in their early reproductive years. South African Medical Journal Vol. 97 (5) 2007: pp. 363-36

Impact of HIV on women in Kwa-Zulu Natal: review article

KwaZulu-Natal is continuing to experience the increasing rates in the seroprevalence rates of HIV infection amongst antenatal attendees, despite reports of the epidemic levelling off in the country. With the nevirapine programme now being accessible at almost all maternity facilities in the province, the impact of HIV on the mothers is evident, as local audit shows increased mortality and morbidity rates. It is known that the survival of the mother greatly influences that of the infant in the first few years of life, whether the child is HIV infected or not. O & B Forum Vol.14(2) 2004: 4-