Study on the biological activities and chemicals compositions of Vitex doniana leaves extracts: Étude sur les activités biologiques et les compositions chimiques des extraits de feuilles de Vitex doniana

Context and objective. Little is known about the antioxidant property of Congolese plants. The present study aimed to realize a phytochemical screening and to assess antioxidant property of fresh leaves of Vitex doniana, used in the treatment of various diseases. Methods. The essential oil was obtained by distilled method. The extracts (methanol, water and essential oil) were screened for the presence of phenolic compounds by RP-HPLC and GC/MS. Results. Several phenolic compounds were identified such usrutin (11943 µg/ml), quercetin (1831 µg/ml), gallic acid (471.4 µg/ml), and homoorientin (384.1 µg/ml). The major compounds found in the essential oil were margaric acid (25.88%), Myristic alcohol (18.42%), asaron (7.81%), scytalon (3.32%), hyperforin (2.55%), linalool (1.91%). The antimicrobial properties evaluated on Water extract (WE) and methanol water extract (MWE) showed that MWE has better activities on Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger, Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Bacillus subtillis, Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion. These results confirm the antioxidant potential of these extracts and likely the therapeutic effects. Therefore, V. doniania should be considered as a promising source of useful drugs. Contexte et objectif. Bien que beaucoup de plantes soient bien connues avoir des propriétés antioxydantes, l’analyse ces propriétés des extraits de feuilles congolaises reste fragmentaire. L’objectif de la présente étude était de faire les analyses phytochimiques et d’évaluer des propriétés antioxydantes des extraits de feuilles de Vitex doniana, utilisées dans le traitement de diverses maladies. Méthodes. L’huile essentielle a été obtenue par la distillation. Les extraits aqueux, eau – méthanol et d’huile essentielle ont été étudiés. Les composés phytochimiques antioxydants ont été déterminés, par HPLC. Les propriétés antimicrobiennes étaient évaluées sur l’extrait d’eau (WE) et l’extrait Méthanol/ eau (70%) (MWE). Résultats. Les composés phénoliques ci-après ont été identifiés : la rutine (11943 µg/ml), la quercetine (1831 µg/ml), l’acide gallique (471,4 µg/ml) et l’homoorientine (384,1 µg/ml). Les principaux composés trouvés dans l’huile essentielle par GC/MS étaient l’acide margarique (25,88%), l’alcool myristique (18,42%), l’asaron (7,81%), le scytalon (3,32%), l’hyperforine (2,55%), le linalol (1,91%). Les analyses ont montré que l’extrait (Méthanol/eau) a les meilleures activités sur les germes suivants : Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger,  Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Bacillus subtillis, Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion. Ces résultats prouvent le potentiel antioxydant des extraits des feuilles de Vitex doniana, affirmant ainsi les propriétés thérapeutiques de cette plante utilisée par des tradipraticiens. Les feuilles de cette plante peuvent ainsi être recommandées pour une possible utilisation dans la biotechnologie

The Use Of Agricultural Waste In Solving Of Environmental Problems In Democratic Republic Of The Congo

The presence of chromium in wastewaters produced from mining industries in Democratic Republic of the Congo is harmful for the environment. As a promising and polishing method for heavy metals removal from wastewaters, adsorption has been used with agricultural waste as low adsorbent. In this study, the use of sugar beet pulp has been investigated for the removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous in batch adsorption mode. Adsorption experiments were conducted to obtain the optimal conditions combinations for the highest percent removal. Four parameters were studied such as contact time (30–180min), initial chromium concentration (10-50mg/L), pH (2-9) and solid to liquid ratio (0.25 g/100 mL-3 g/100 mL). However, the agitation rate was equal to 100 rpm and the room temperature was considered. The highest percent removals of 90.53% for 10 ppm concentration and 76.34% for 50 ppm concentration were achieved at the following conditions: pH 2, contact time 90 min, S/L ratios of 2 g/100 mL and 3 g/100 mL respectively. Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms were used for the mathematical description of adsorption equilibrium. Freundlich isotherm fitted well the equilibrium data. The maximum capacity (Qmax) from the Langmuir isotherm was found to be 11.299 mg/g. These results indicated that sugar beet pulp can be used as low cost adsorbent for the removal of chromium from mining industries wastewater to avoid environmental problem

Factors and impacts of informal settlements residents' sanitation practices on access and sustainability of sanitation services in the policy context of Free Basic Sanitation

Through the Free Basic Sanitation (FBSan) service policy, many informal settlements in South Africa have been provided with basic sanitation facilities. However, access to these facilities remains challenging for many residents. These challenges have compelled residents to adopt a range of alternative sanitation practices. Through interviews, observation and focus group discussions in five informal settlements in the Western Cape, South Africa, 383 randomly selected respondents identified factors that shape their sanitation practices and how these practices impact on access to, and sustainability of sanitation services in the policy context of the FBSan. Residents' sanitation practices include the use of buckets, porta-potties, plastic bags, and existing facilities within and outside their settlements for either defecating or discharging the bucket contents and open defecation. These sanitation practices are informed by factors including safety concerns, poor conditions of the facilities, lack of privacy and choice. These findings suggest that the provision of facilities through the FBSan policy should consider the multiple and varied needs of residents, practices and conditions of their settlements prior to the selection and deployment of facilities to informal settlements in South Africa

Challenges and solutions for the eradication of sanitation backlogs in the policy context of Free Basic Sanitation

Despite the constitutional obligation for municipalities to provide Free Basic Sanitation (FBSan) services to all, many people living in informal settlements in South Africa are still lacking access to adequate sanitation facilities. This study used qualitative methods to examine challenges and identify solutions for the eradication of sanitation backlogs in informal settlement of South Africa in the policy context of the FBSan. Findings suggest that the disconnection between the policy and its application in practice has created a deep divide between the service providers and consumers as recipients of the services. Consumers’ perceptions and expectations are a major barrier to the acceptance of the sanitation services provided by municipalities, often resulting in violent protests. Service providers face challenges when addressing the disjuncture between what people aspire to and what is possible in providing sanitation services. These findings infer that consumers’ needs, sanitation practices and settlement conditions should be thoroughly examined prior to the selection and deployment of sanitation facilities in informal settlements. Consumers should be engaged and involved in the choice of sanitation technologies and facilities. Such engagement should evolve around various sanitation technologies and facilities applicable to the nature and context of informal settlements, so as to address negative perceptions, attitudes and behavior concerning services provided by municipalities. Addressing challenges related to the eradication of the sanitation backlogs in the policy context of FBSan services needs to be grounded in the clarification of sanitation policy, a deep understanding of consumers’ needs, challenges and practices as well as settlements conditions, coupled with meaningful consumers’ participation at various stages of the decision-making process and coordination amongst institutions involved. Municipalities need to engage all stakeholders (mainly consumers) in order to ensure that the selected infrastructure and service level deployed are consensual. Unless subjective clauses of the FBSan policy are clarified, monitoring, enforcement and accountability mechanisms established and implemented and, consumers are engaged in the decision making processes, the eradication of sanitation backlogs in informal settlements as currently planned may not materialize

Utilisation des anti-infectieux chez la femme enceinte et issues indésirables de grossesse (avortement spontané, malformations congénitales et faible poids à la naissance)

Les infections en général sont très fréquentes durant la grossesse. A titre exemple, la prévalence des infections urinaires gravidiques se situe entre 2 à 10 %. Une femme enceinte ayant une bactériurie asymptomatique présente 20 à 30 fois plus de risque de développer une pyélonéphrite, 50% plus de risque d’avoir un bébé ayant un faible poids à la naissance et deux fois plus de risque d’avoir un bébé prématuré. Il est donc indispensable de traiter les infections maternelles gravidiques. Bien que les antibiotiques soient parmi les médicaments les plus utilisés pendant la grossesse (20 à 49%), les évidences concernant leur innocuité demeurent limitées. Par conséquent, le choix des antibiotiques qui devraient être prescrits au premier trimestre de la grossesse s’avère parfois difficile à cause du fait que l’organogenèse se produit durant cette période de la gestation. Nous nous sommes donc intéressés à évaluer le risque d’avortement spontané et de malformations congénitales majeures associé à l’utilisation des antibiotiques chez la femme enceinte. On estime que 8 à 14% des cas de faible poids à la naissance dans les régions impaludées seraient dus à la malaria. Étant donné le rôle croissant de certains antibiotiques, notamment l’azithromycine et la combinaison sulfaméthoxazole-triméthoprime, dans le traitement préventif de la malaria durant la grossesse, nous avons donc aussi étudié l’association entre l’utilisation des antipaludiques y compris le recours à ces antibiotiques et la survenue de petit poids à la naissance dans les régions touchées par la malaria. Un devis cas-témoin niché à l’intérieur de la CGQ a été utilisé pour évaluer le risque d’avortement spontané associé à l’utilisation des antibiotiques. En revanche, pour établir le lien avec le risque de malformations congénitales majeures, nous avons eu recours à un devis de cohorte. Pour synthétiser les données sur l’efficacité des antipaludiques utilisés pour la prévention de la malaria gestationnelle, une méta-analyse a été réalisée. Les résultats démontrent que l’utilisation de l’amoxicilline, des céphalosporines ainsi que de la nitrofurantoïne en début de grossesse n’est pas associée à une augmentation du risque d’avortement spontané ou de malformations congénitales majeures. En revanche, nous avons observé une augmentation statistiquement significative de 65% et de 70% du risque d’avortement spontané respectivement après une exposition à l’azithromycine et à la métronidazole. L’utilisation de la combinaison sulfaméthoxazole-triméthoprime, la clarithromycine, des quinolones et des tétracyclines augmente significativement de plus de deux fois le risque d’avortement spontané. L’exposition à la doxycycline est associée à une augmentation de plus de deux fois du risque de malformations congénitales du système cardiovasculaire et de plus de plus de trois fois du risque de communication interauriculaire et/ou interventriculaire. L’utilisation de la clindamycine augmente significativement, de 67%, le risque de malformations congénitales du système musculosquelettique et de 81% le risque de communication inter auriculaire ou interventriculaire. L’utilisation des antipaludiques est associée à une diminution de 27%, du risque de faible poids à la naissance mais ces résultats pourraient être surestimés. L’utilisation de trois doses comparativement à deux doses de sulfadoxine-pyriméthamine est associée à une réduction du risque de faible poids à la naissance de 25% dans les régions où la prévalence des marqueurs moléculaires à ce médicament ne dépasse pas 50 %. En conclusion, les céphalosporines, l’amoxicilline ainsi que la nitrofurantoïne devraient être privilégiés par les professionnels de la santé pour le traitement des infections survenant en début de grossesse. L’utilisation de trois doses comparativement à deux doses de sulfadoxine-pyriméthamine devrait être recommandée pour le traitement préventif de la malaria gestationnelle dans les régions où la prévalence des marqueurs moléculaires à ce médicament ne dépasse pas 50%.Infections during pregnancy are frequent. For example, the prevalence of urinary tract infections is between 2% and 10%. A pregnant woman with asymptomatic bacteriuria is 20-30 times more likely to develop pyelonephritis, 50% more likely to have a baby with a low birth weight, and twice as likely to have a premature baby. It is therefore essential to treat pregnant maternal infections. Though antibiotics are among the most used drugs during pregnancy (20%-49%), evidence regarding its fetal safety remains limited. As such, the choice of antibiotics that should be prescribed during the first trimester of pregnancy could be a difficult task. Therefore, our aim was to assess the risk of spontaneous abortion and major congenital malformations associated with antibiotics use during pregnancy. Furthermore, it is estimated that 8-14% of low birth weight occurring in endemics regions is due to malaria. Hence, the growing role of some antibiotics such as azithromycin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in the prevention of malaria during pregnancy emerged as a potential avenue of exploration. Within the QPC, a nested case control study was conducted to evaluate the link between gestational exposure to antibiotics and the risk of spontaneous abortion. To assess the association with major congenital malformations, a cohort study was used. A meta-analysis was carried out to synthesize data on the efficacy of antimalarial drugs to reduce the risk of low birth weight Our results indicate that amoxicillin, cephalosporins and nitrofurantoin use during pregnancy were not associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion or major congenital malformations. In contrast, we observed a 65% and 70% increased risk of spontaneous abortion following clarithromycin and metronidazole use respectively. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, quinolones and tetracyclines exposure was also linked to more than two fold increased risk of spontaneous abortion. Doxycycline use was associated with more than a twofold increased risk of circulatory system malformation and more than a threefold increased risk of ventricular/atrial septal defect. Clindamycin exposure was associated with a 67% increased risk of musculoskeletal system malformations and 81% increased risk of ventricular/atrial septal defect This thesis also demonstrates that antimalarial were associated with a 27% reduction of the risk of low birth weight. However, this finding could be overestimate. Three doses compared to two doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine was associated with a 25% reduction of the risk of low birth weight in regions where the prevalence of molecular markers of this drug did not exceed 50%. In conclusion, health professionals should give priority to safer antibiotics such as cephalosporins, amoxicillin and nitrofurantoin for the treatment of maternal infections occurring in early pregnancy (first trimester) when possible. The use of three doses compared to two doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine should be recommended by health professionals for malaria prevention during pregnancy in areas where the prevalence of molecular markers for this drug does not exceed 50%

Techno-economic impact of single feeder: multiple microgrids on power utility companies.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Abstract available in the PDFList of Figures on page numbers ix-xi

Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of Three Malian Medicinal Plant Parts

This study evaluates the levels of total polyphenolic compounds in three Malian medicinal plants and determines their antioxidant potential. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of polyphenolics contained in plants extracts were carried out by RP-C18 RP–HPLC using UV detector. The antioxidant activity was determined by three tests. They are phosphomolybdenum, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS [2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic)] tests. The total phenolic and the total flavonoid contents varied from 200 to 7600 mg 100 g−1 dry weight (dw), expressed as gallic acid equivalents and from 680 to 12 300 mg 100 g−1 dw expressed as catechin equivalents, respectively. The total anthocyanin concentrations expressed as cyanin-3-glycoside equivalent varied from 1670 to 28 388 mg 100 g−1 dw. The antioxidant capacity was measured by determining concentration of a polyphenolic (in mg ml−1) required to quench the free radicals by 50% (IC50) and expressed as vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity. The IC50 values were ranked between 2.68 and 8.80 μg ml−1 of a solution of 50% (v/v) methanol in water. The uses of plants are rationalized on the basis of their antioxidant capacity

Une torsion de rate baladeuse révélée par un syndrome subocclusif intestinal : observation clinique: Wandering spleen torsion revealed by an acute abdomen: a case report

Wandering spleen is a rare condition brought about through laxity or absence of intraperitoneal ligaments. At 5 years old, a child was admitted in emergency for three-day history of abdominal colic, fever, bloated abdominal without stop of stool or gas. Clinical examen and sonography show ectopic spleen. Chirurgical intervention revealed wandering spleen torsion treated by splenectomy. Authors reported a rare case of spleen malformation complicated by torsion revealed by bowel subocclusion with complete resolution of symptoms after splenectomy. La rate baladeuse est une malformation rare due à une hyperlaxité ou à une agénésie des ligaments suspenseurs de la rate, relevant d'une anomalie congénitale ou acquise. A 5 ans, une fillette était admise pour une courte histoire de coliques abdominales, fièvre, ballonnement abdominal sans arrêt des matières et gaz. L’examen clinique et l’échographie abdominale ont montré une rate ectopique (flanc droit). L’intervention chirurgicale réalisée a montré une torsion splénique sur rate baladeuse traitée par une splénectomie. Les auteurs présentent ce cas inhabituel de malformation splénique compliquée de torsion revélée par un syndrome subocclusif intestinal opéré d’évolution favorable

Identification of adapted varieties of groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) in SEKE BANZA area, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

The present study aimed at identifying the most effective and adapted groundnut varieties to the climatic conditions of SEKE BANZA area, province of Bas Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC.). Twenty four varieties from IITA /DRC were tested in experimental site of INERA GIMBI. Randomised block design with four replications was used to evaluate grain yields (t/ha), height of plant at the end of flowering(cm), number of days for plant flowering, number of maturity days, stem diameter at the first internodes (mm), Rosette incidence disease(%), Cercospora leaf spots incidence disease (%), Rosette severity (1-5), Cercospora severity (1-5). Compared to controls, ten varieties revealed more effective. Evaluated parameters during season A were higher than during season B. Varieties not released have to be listed on national catalogue before their popularization. In SEKE BANZA area, diseases attack level is low mostly in season A. Number of days for plant maturity was correlated to number of days of plant flowering.Keywords: Arachis hypogaea L., illness, effective variety, yield

Chemical Composition and, Cellular Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Desmodium adscendens Leaves

Desmodium adscendens plant is widely used as juice or tea in various parts of the world against a wide range of diseases. This study determines the quality and the quantity of polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins in D. adscendens leaves by UV-spectrophotometry and RP-HPLC methods. In addition, the antioxidant capacity of these phenolic compounds is evaluated by ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic)), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl), and Cellular tests. D. adscendens leaves are mainly composite of flavonoid compounds with 12.8 mg of catechin equivalent (CE)/g dw. The amounts of total polyphenol compounds are 11.1 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dw. The quantity of total anthocyanin and total tannin compounds is not considerable 0.0182 mg CgE/g dw and 0.39 mg CE/g dw, respectively. A direct correlation between phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity is observed (R2 = 0.96). The RP-HPLC analyses reveal that the main phenolic compound identified in the methanol-water extract is quercetrin dihydrat (2.11 mg/mL). According to the results, it is observed that D. adscendens leaves possess a considerable scavenging antioxidant and antiradical capacity, therefore these antioxidant properties might increase the therapeutic value of this medicinal plant