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Ethnobotanical Research on the Knowledge of Vernonia amygdalina Leaves in the Treatment of Liver Diseases in South Benin
Adjouavi Yvette Deguenon,
Bernadin Manou Elegbede,
Théodore Soussia,
Kissao Gnandi,
Patrick Aleodjrodo Edorh,
Guillaume Koffivi Ketoh
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2020
Pages:
44-50
Received:
20 May 2020
Accepted:
1 June 2020
Published:
9 June 2020
Abstract: Most of the inhabitants of South Benin use medicinal plants to treat various pathologies. Several research studies have cited Vernonia amygdalina as a hepatoprotective medicinal plant. The objective of this work is to list the medicinal plants made available to the population to treat liver diseases by herbalists and to verify their level of knowledge in relation to the use of Vernonia amygdalina. The methodology consists of conducting a semi-structured survey of herbalists in markets, on sites where medicinal plants are sold and in households. This methodology allowed us to identify 38 species of medicinal plants belonging to 20 families. The best represented species is Bridelia ferruginea (10) of the family Euphobiaceae. The Rubiaceae family is the most represented (16). The organ of the plant most frequently used in recipes is the root (47). Five hundred and fifty-two households (552) responded to our questions. 64% use the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina for nutrition against 36% for therapeutic use. 68% are supplied from distant fields, 13% from urban areas and 19% from market gardening sites. 35% say they have no information about its use in phytotherapy, 21% use it for intestinal ailments, 18% for the treatment of malaria, 13% for oral diseases, 12% for other pathologies. The frequency of use (four times a week) is best represented for nutrition and phytotherapy. In conclusion, Vernonia amygdalina is very little known in phytotherapy despite the various researches carried out on this plant. Researchers must promote medicinal plants that are very easy to grow in order to limit the offer to users of rare plants in danger of extinction.
Abstract: Most of the inhabitants of South Benin use medicinal plants to treat various pathologies. Several research studies have cited Vernonia amygdalina as a hepatoprotective medicinal plant. The objective of this work is to list the medicinal plants made available to the population to treat liver diseases by herbalists and to verify their level of knowle...
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Contaminants of Domestic Rural Spring Water Sources in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, Western Uganda
Solomon Adomi Mbina,
Galimaka Wilson,
Ejike Daniel Eze,
Theophilus Pius,
Ssebuufu Robinson,
Adam Moyosore Afodun,
Iliya Ezekiel
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2020
Pages:
51-60
Received:
28 May 2020
Accepted:
15 June 2020
Published:
4 July 2020
Abstract: Globally, water-borne diseases have continued to challenge the health conditions of both developed and developing countries. In Uganda, most water-borne diseases are known to be the leading causes of serious health burden among the inhabitants. The study objectives were to characterize microscopic isolates using biochemical tests as well as identify the possible sources of contamination of spring water which is the commonest source of water used by rural inhabitants for domestic activities in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, Bushenyi district, Western Uganda. Samples of spring water were collected from all accessible spring water sources in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, Western Uganda. A total of 48 spring water samples were collected using 500 ml sterile glass bottles. The sources of contamination of the spring water samples were determined using a Sanitary Inspection Checklist which was designed using some standard response factors from a collection of standard reference checklists for drinking water quality assessment. Distribution of isolates and indicator pathogens of fecal contamination recovered from positive samples shows 77.8% from Nyakabirizi, 75% from Ishaka and 52.63% from Central divisions. Among the isolates, Pseudomonas spp and Shigella spp appeared more frequent with overall percentage of (52.63%) and (45.83%) whereas, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were found in (31.25%), (12.5%) and (6.25%) respectively. Sanitary inspections showed that springs in Ishaka Division posed a much higher risk (66.7%) of bacterial contamination compared to what was observed in Central (58.3%) and Nyakabirizi (58.3%) Divisions. All the sampled water sources were contaminated hence they posed substantial risk to users in the communities. Regular water examination and quality control including microbial assessment of all water sources should be maintained in the three Divisions of the Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, Western Uganda.
Abstract: Globally, water-borne diseases have continued to challenge the health conditions of both developed and developing countries. In Uganda, most water-borne diseases are known to be the leading causes of serious health burden among the inhabitants. The study objectives were to characterize microscopic isolates using biochemical tests as well as identif...
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Tobacco Cessation – as We Want It: An Interview Study with Young People
Ingrid Edvardsson Aurin,
Katarina Haraldsson,
Lena Lendahls
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2020
Pages:
61-67
Received:
5 June 2020
Accepted:
18 June 2020
Published:
4 July 2020
Abstract: Background: Smoking is still common among teenagers and young adults, and about every third young smoker states that he/she wants to quit smoking. There are no obvious evidence-based methods for tobacco cessation for young adults, and therefore, the same methods are used for adolescents and adults. The aim was to study adolescents’ and young adult’s experiences and views about what support they would like for smoking cessation. Methods: A qualitative study using a descriptive and exploratory design was conducted. Young smokers 16 - 29 years old (n=25) were interviewed in five focus groups in southern Sweden. Data were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. Results: The results illuminate young people’s suggestions to develop a model for tobacco cessation. Four themes emerged; Finding your own motivation – a prerequisite for taking the first step towards giving up smoking. Existing support rejected - existing apps, support by SMS, and self-help brochures did not appeal to the adolescents. Agreement between friends – To sign an agreement between two friends, which included a fee for relapses. Supportive environment - To organize the model with duo groups and give adapted support, and create the opportunity to win simple prizes to celebrate achieved interim goals. Conclusions: The participants suggested that the model for tobacco cessation should contain an agreement between friends, contain professional support, as well as have elements of celebration and competition. The challenge will be to implement this model into environments where they live.
Abstract: Background: Smoking is still common among teenagers and young adults, and about every third young smoker states that he/she wants to quit smoking. There are no obvious evidence-based methods for tobacco cessation for young adults, and therefore, the same methods are used for adolescents and adults. The aim was to study adolescents’ and young adult’...
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Parents’ Practices and Barriers in Reducing Aflatoxins Contamination in Complementary Foods for Children in Central Regions of Tanzania
Selestin Joseph Ngoma,
Bendantukuka Tiisekwa,
Agatha Fabian Ngowi,
Secilia Kapalata Ngwashemi,
Leonard Kamanga Katalambula
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2020
Pages:
68-78
Received:
20 May 2020
Accepted:
15 June 2020
Published:
6 July 2020
Abstract: Contamination of complementary foods by aflatoxin is a serious public health threat that requires attention to ensure that proper actions are taken to limit its health effects. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess parents’ practices and barriers associated with reducing aflatoxins contamination in complementary foods among parents with children aged 6-23 months in central regions of Tanzania. Semi-structured questionnaire (364) respondents and focus group discussion (FGD) with (121) respondents were used to collect data. The information collected included socio-demographic variables, parents’ barriers, and actions to mitigate aflatoxin contamination and its reduction strategies. The results of the fitted model revealed that among proposed predictors of barriers for proper processing of grains/nuts to reduce spoilage/aflatoxin/ mould contamination at home, only a number of children that a participant had was statistically significant. The family with 3-7 children, the estimated odds that the barrier is time consuming rather than costly, was 0.305 times the estimated odds for the family with 1-2 children. This means that parents with 3-7 children were less likely to report that time consumed was the barrier rather than the costs involved in comparison to parents with 1-2 children. On the other hand, the estimated odds for parents with 3-7 children that the barrier reduces food quantity instead of costs, was equal to 2.389 times the estimated odds for parents with 1-2 children. The results of multiple logistic regression model for applying traditional fungicides/pesticides for storing crops showed that respondents aged above 34 years (OR=0.576, 95% CI: 0.342-0.969) were significantly few in applying traditional fungicides/pesticides for storing crops than those respondents aged less or equal to 34 years old. The respondents with no/incomplete primary education (OR=2.872, 95% CI: 1.283-6.427) and primary education (OR=2.256, 95% CI: 1.194-4.264) were significantly more in applying traditional fungicides/pesticides for storing crops than never been to school respondents. FGDs revealed that drying crops before taking them for storage, use of traditional herbs for example ash and mud applied/smeared/sprayed on the grain before and during storage was used to preserve crops/grain against fungi. It was revealed that no any formal or informal education had been provided about fungi contamination, and even control, rather, the respondents were generally preventing (mould) aflatoxins through experience. Therefore, there is a need to educate the community on good agricultural practices for the better food safety and health of the community in general.
Abstract: Contamination of complementary foods by aflatoxin is a serious public health threat that requires attention to ensure that proper actions are taken to limit its health effects. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess parents’ practices and barriers associated with reducing aflatoxins contamination in complementary foods among parents with c...
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New Insight into Partial Denitrification (PD)-based Anammox Process and Potential Engineering Application: A Review
Fahmi Bahtiar,
Xingxing Zhang,
Yuguang Wang,
Chaochao Wang,
Yunkang Xia,
Peng Wu,
Lezhong Xu
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2020
Pages:
79-86
Received:
16 July 2020
Accepted:
29 July 2020
Published:
4 August 2020
Abstract: Recently reported partial denitrification (PD, NO3--N → NO2--N) has attracted extensive attention as a novel promising alternative for anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox)-based process. Flexible and stable nitrite (NO2--N) supply via PD provides substantial electron acceptors for sustainable and economic anammox wastewater treatment with simple control and minimal cost. However, our understanding of researches on PD-based anammox processes applied in biological wastewater treatment is still limited. Given obviously advantages for PD-based anammox (PDA) coupling process held and countless researches have been developed, the major objective of this study was to review the latest advances of which, key influencing factors, principled characteristics and economical analyses. Comprehensive knowledge of PDA engineering application prospects were also helpful to deepen our understanding of its practices, i.e., advanced nitrogen removal from tertiary municipal sewage, post-anammox treatment of nitrogen-rich wastewater and simultaneous nitrogen removal from domestic and nitrate (NO3--N) contained wastewater. Ultimately, future researches trend of PDA was prospected to enlarge its application into full-scale wastewater treatment. In summary, PD-based anammox process held obvious advantages in actual wastewater treatment through efficiently ammonia and nitrate removal, providing a new insight into retrofitting current wastewater treatment plants. Additionally, more attention should be paid to exploring the complicated metabolic network of different types of bacteria in the PD and anammox integration system.
Abstract: Recently reported partial denitrification (PD, NO3--N → NO2--N) has attracted extensive attention as a novel promising alternative for anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox)-based process. Flexible and stable nitrite (NO2--N) supply via PD provides substantial electron acceptors for sustainable and economic anammox wastewater treatment with simple ...
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A Review of Heat Therapy in African Traditional Medicine
Nwokeke Chinyere Celine,
Igwillo Ugochukwu Clifford
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2020
Pages:
87-92
Received:
22 July 2020
Accepted:
3 August 2020
Published:
20 August 2020
Abstract: Heat therapy – also known as thermotherapy or thermal therapy – is the transfer of heat or thermal energy in and out of the human body especially at the joints, using towels, ice packs, wax, hot/warm water, steam, etc within a given temperature range. The objective is the expansion of blood capillaries and increased blood flow to the affected area for healing. The principle is the application of the heat or cold to change the cutaneous, intraarticular or core temperature of soft tissues to improve symptoms of certain conditions. Categories of heat therapy include: diathermia (<41°C), hyperthermia (41°C - 45°C), and thermal ablation (>45°C). Heat therapy is classified on the bases of contact of heat, mode of transfer, type of heat, penetration of heat, and use of heat. Examples include: steam inhalation, hot fomentations, hot foot bath, Seitz bath (hip bath and half-bath), hot and cold contrast bath, and sun therapy. Heat therapy has several benefits in African traditional medicine and has also been used extensively for treating various diseases including: sickle cell disease, primary dysmenorrhea, skeletomuscular pain, trauma, inflammatory and degenerative rheumatic diseases, osteoarthritis, acute and non-specific chronic low back pain, fibromyalgia, cutaneous leishmaniasis, tumours, musculoskeletal injuries, diabetic kidney disease, etc.
Abstract: Heat therapy – also known as thermotherapy or thermal therapy – is the transfer of heat or thermal energy in and out of the human body especially at the joints, using towels, ice packs, wax, hot/warm water, steam, etc within a given temperature range. The objective is the expansion of blood capillaries and increased blood flow to the affected area ...
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Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on Air Quality Index (AQI) During Partial Lockdown in Karachi Pakistan
Akhtar Shareef,
Durdana Rais Hashmi
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2020
Pages:
93-97
Received:
17 July 2020
Accepted:
31 July 2020
Published:
27 August 2020
Abstract: A novel infectious disease (COVID-19) was identified in the late months of 2019, with human to human transmission, and rapidly spread in the world, which now has turned into a global pandemic. The coronavirus (COVID-19) is extremely threatening world public health problem. Up-till now, more than 200 countries and states had been affected by this pandemic. The number of contagions and deaths still increasing day by day. Different steps have been taken worldwide to control COVID-19. Countries all over the world have applied specific type of lockdown in order to control / slow down the intensity of infection and mitigate it. This lockdown due to COVID-19 not only smashed the economic growth but also exert a positive impact on the environment and improves the level of air quality in the city/country. This study was carried out for investigation of air quality before and during the periods of lockdown levied to reduce the spread of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the environment of Karachi city. Concentrations of four pollutant parameters (PM10, SO2, NO2 and CO) were used to calculate the results according to the criteria of Air Quality Index (AQI). We have analyzed data collected from fourteen different monitoring locations along the busy roads in commercial, residential and industrial areas of Karachi during the lockdown period. Data were compared to the five-year monthly mean and to the four-week before the partial lockdown. The results proved that during lockdown air quality is significantly improved. Among the selected pollutants, concentrations of PM10 have observed maximum reduction (50%) in comparison to the before lockdown period. In compare to the last year (i.e. 2019) during the said time period the reduction of PM10 is as high as about 60%. Among other pollutants, SO2, NO2 and CO the level have also reduced about 60-70% during lockdown period. About 40% to 50% improvement in air quality is identified just after four days of commencing lockdown. Overall, the study is assumed to be a useful tool to the regulatory bodies to control the air quality and also explained its relation to health hazards to provide awareness in the society.
Abstract: A novel infectious disease (COVID-19) was identified in the late months of 2019, with human to human transmission, and rapidly spread in the world, which now has turned into a global pandemic. The coronavirus (COVID-19) is extremely threatening world public health problem. Up-till now, more than 200 countries and states had been affected by this pa...
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Determinants of Delay in First Prenatal Consultation at Hospital Environment in Kimpese Health Zone in Democratic Republic of Congo: Cross-sectional Study
Likongo Botawaosenge Ted,
Nkodila Natuhoyila Aliocha,
Lukanu Ngwala Philippe,
Matondo Batumanitu Joel,
Mbungu Mwimba Roger
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2020
Pages:
98-103
Received:
17 July 2020
Accepted:
28 July 2020
Published:
19 September 2020
Abstract: Context and aims: knowledge of determinants of delay in prenatal consultations is essential if we want to reduce maternal and infant mortality. The aims of this study is to determine the factors determining the delay in the first prenatal consultation (PNC 1) in a hospital setting in the Kimpese Health Zone. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study, including recruited women, by random sampling in prenatal consultations in the Kimpese Health zone; between June 1 and August 31, 2017. It consisted in directly collecting, through an interview, information on the socio-demographic and economic characteristics and the first prenatal consultation of the women followed in the health areas of this Health Zone. Results: of the 431 women included in the study, 87.5% had a delay in PNC 1. Their average age of women was 36.4 ± 6.8 years. Having a non-spouse head of household multiplied the risk of PNC 1 delay 1 by 2 (ORa: 1.95 95% CI: 1.01-3.78), having an existing fixed place of PNC 1 increased the risk of delay of PNC by 8 (ORa: 7.69; 95% CI: 2.56-25.00) and the absence of PNC 1 cost coverage increased the risk of CPN delay 1 by 3 (ORa: 3.33; 95% CI: 1.15-9.09). Conclusion: The frequency of PNC 1 delay is high in Kimpese Health Zone. It is associated with the non-spouse head of household, the existing PNC location and the absence of PNC cost coverage.
Abstract: Context and aims: knowledge of determinants of delay in prenatal consultations is essential if we want to reduce maternal and infant mortality. The aims of this study is to determine the factors determining the delay in the first prenatal consultation (PNC 1) in a hospital setting in the Kimpese Health Zone. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional ...
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