Orapuh Journal

Assessment of the photoprotective and antimicrobial activity of two dermatological creams based on Mathesia and oil of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae) on Albinos

2024-06-23T01:44:27+00:00

Introduction

The fragility and sensitivity of the skin in people with albinism (PWA) have necessitated extensive research across molecular genetics, dermatology, and cosmetology. These efforts aim to address the increased susceptibility of albino skin to sun damage and dermatological conditions.

Purpose

This study investigates the dermatological efficacy of two galenic formulations, one based on Mathesia and the other on Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae) oil, assessing their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective properties for the skin of PWA.

Methods

Using freeze-drying techniques for Mathesia and slight modifications of Sahouli et al.'s method for extracting Curcuma longa L. oil, we developed two creams. Their macroscopic properties, pH levels, and tyrosine concentrations were analyzed. UV-visible spectrophotometry determined their sun protection factor (SPF). An antibiogram test assessed their antimicrobial activity, and a clinical test evaluated their efficacy on PWA with and without skin conditions.

Results

The study revealed that both creams had good texture and appropriate pH levels. However, neither cream provided sufficient photoprotection for the sensitive skin of PWA. The Mathesia-based cream demonstrated a higher antimicrobial efficacy compared to the turmeric oil-based and neutral creams. Clinical tests showed 75% of participants had very satisfactory results, with the turmeric oil-based cream showing the most significant overall efficacy.

Conclusion

The creams exhibited beneficial antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties but were inadequate for UV protection of albino skin. Future research should focus on increasing active ingredient concentrations or exploring alternative plants to enhance tyrosine content and SPF values, potentially offering better protection and therapeutic effects for PWA.

Food wastage in some public markets in Kinshasa City (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and consequences for the urban environment and public health

2024-07-21T02:23:59+00:00

Introduction

Food wastage is a significant global issue with adverse economic, social, environmental, and public health implications.

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the extent and impact of food wastage in various public markets within Kinshasa City. It seeks to understand the underlying causes and patterns of food wastage, the demographic characteristics of those involved, and the disposal methods employed. Additionally, the study explores the consequences of food wastage on the urban environment and public health. By providing a comprehensive analysis, this research intends to offer insights and recommendations for developing effective strategies to mitigate food wastage and its adverse effects on the city and its inhabitants.

Methods

The study utilized a combination of surveys, direct observations, and interviews to gather data on food wastage in Kinshasa. A sample of 100 individuals (representing 28.57% of the total market population) was randomly surveyed, and direct observations were made to assess the quantities of food wasted and the disposal methods used. Interviews were conducted to gather additional insights into practices and attitudes toward food wastage. The participants were characterized by low or medium education levels and were predominantly women and young single mothers.

Results

The study revealed that women constitute the majority of respondents in Kinshasa. Regarding food waste, the survey indicated that 40% of vegetables are wasted, followed by 30% of fruits, 20% of spices, and 10% of cereals. As for waste disposal, the survey revealed that none of the waste is directed to landfill sites as in other markets. Instead, 60% is thrown into the street, 30% into rivers, and a small percentage is either incinerated or used for composting.

Conclusion

Poor management of food waste increases health risks by attracting pests and causing environmental contamination, which can degrade water and soil quality. Addressing this issue requires implementing awareness campaigns to educate vendors and consumers about the impacts of food waste. Improving food handling practices, enhancing waste management infrastructure, supporting surplus food redistribution, and developing effective policies to reduce food waste are crucial actions to protect public health and promote a healthier urban environment in Kinshasa. These strategies are essential for ensuring food security and sustainability in the city, emphasizing the importance of sustainable consumption patterns and local product valorization through processing, preservation, and composting initiatives within a circular economy framework.

Incidence and traditional management of snakebites in the Bofidji-Bolenge Grouping, Wangata Commune, Mbandaka City, Democratic Republic of the Congo

2024-07-28T02:28:44+00:00

Introduction

Snakebitesrepresent a significant public health problem, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to medical facilities and antivenoms is limited.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and traditional management of snakebites in the Bofidji-Bolenge Grouping, Wangata Commune, Mbandaka City, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Methods

The study area includes sites such as Mbandaka ea Mbula, Lokekya, Bopenzola, and Ikengo. The survey, conducted from January 2019 to December 2020, focused on mainland populations. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys of households and qualitative interviews with local residents, including doctors, herbalists, traditional healers, snakebite victims, their caregivers, and land chiefs. Questionnaires were administered to gather comprehensive data on snakebite occurrences and their management within the community.

Results

Epidemiologicalinvestigations recorded 1,569 pathological cases, with 780 men (49.71%) and 789 women (50.29%) affected. Pregnant women were particularly impacted, comprising 15.36% of cases. Men with pregnant partners at the time of the bite represented 12.94%. Men and women, in general, accounted for 11.92% and 11.66% of cases, respectively. Children were also affected, with boys at 7.52% and girls at 4.33%. The highest annual prevalence was at the Lokekya site (4.31%). The study identified 37 medicinal plants used in traditional treatments for snakebites and envenomations.

Conclusion

The study underscores the pivotal role of traditional medicine in addressing public health challenges, particularly in managing snake bites through indigenous plant treatments and the expertise of traditional healers. To improve snakebite management in the DRC, it is recommended to conduct phytochemical analyses of the 37 identified medicinal plants to verify their active compounds.

Investigation of the occurrence of mycotoxins in staple foods consumed in Kinshasa (DRC) by an LC-MS/MS-based multimycotoxin analytical approach

2024-07-28T02:28:44+00:00

Introduction

Mycotoxins are harmful contaminants for human and animal health; their presence also impacts crop production and economies worldwide. They are frequently present in various African staple foods.

Purpose

In this study, a multi-mycotoxin analysis approach was implemented to reveal mycotoxin contamination of important staple foods in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo).

Methods

A multi-mycotoxin analysis approach based on liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with electrospray interface operated in positive mode (ESI+) and quadrupole mass analyzer was used. Twenty-five mycotoxins were investigated in 18 samples of staple foods collected in different markets in Kinshasa city, including maize flour (n=8), cassava flour (n=5), and peanut paste (n=5).

Results

Twenty mycotoxins were present in these samples at quantifiable levels. The maize flour samples were the most contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) (87.5%), total aflatoxin (AFT) (100%), fumonisin B1 (FB1) (87.5%), deoxynivalenol (DON) (75%), and nivalenol (NIV) (75%). Emerging mycotoxins such as beauvericin (BEA), enniatin B (ENN B), alternariol (AOH), and alternariol mono-methyl ether (AME) were more frequent in maize flour. The study found that 25% of maize flour and 20% of peanut paste samples exceeded the European Commission’s regulatory limits for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and total aflatoxins (AFT). Additionally, ochratoxin A (OTA) was detected in one maize sample at a concentration above the regulatory limit. This could expose consumers to their genotoxic, teratogenic, and immunosuppressive effects. As for OTA, there are fears of its harmful effects, including nephrotoxicity and mutagenicity. The aflatoxin/fumonisin (AF/F) combination was more frequently observed (50% of all samples) than AF/DON, DON/F, and AF/OTA combinations.

Conclusion

Data from this exploratory study highlight a possible health risk for the population of Kinshasa through the consumption of maize flour, as well as the need for continuous monitoring of mycotoxins in this staple food that is increasingly being consumed across the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Reasons for late attendance of pregnant women at the antenatal care at the Révélation Health Center, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

2024-08-03T02:32:36+00:00

Introduction

Pregnancy is a physiological phenomenon, but it carries increased health risks for both the woman and the unborn child, in terms of morbidity and mortality. The objectives of pregnancy monitoring are to promote normal pregnancies and to identify and prevent possible complications.

Purpose

This study aimes to identify the reasons for late attendance at Antenatal Care (ANC) by pregnant women at the Révélation Health Center, Commune of Kisenso, City of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Methods

This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, and analytical study conducted at the Révélation Health Center, located in the Commune of Kisenso, City of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The sample size was 35 pregnant women selected according to inclusion criteria, who provided data through a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 software.

Results

Analysis revealed that late attendance at prenatal consultations was motivated by the absence of complications during pregnancy (51.4%), financial difficulties (45.7%), professional occupation (28.6%), negligence (25.7%), and lack of decision-making power due to cultural practices (37.1%).

Conclusion

Strengthening awareness among women and their husbands about the importance of early and regular ANC is crucial. Effective measures to increase attendance and reduce delays include community education and involvement.

A journey without a roadmap: A hermeneutic phenomenology of parenting children with autism spectrum disorder

2024-08-11T02:40:09+00:00

Introduction

Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often face heightened levels of stress and health challenges compared to parents of neurotypical children.

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the experiences of parents of children with ASD in Dagupan City, The Philippines.

Methods

Thestudy used a hermeneutic phenomenology approach to deeply examine the experiences of parents of autistic children, using the themes of the poem, “A Journey Without a Road Map.” A total of 11 parents participated in the study, which was conducted using face-to-face interviews following a specific interview protocol. The researchers also observed the participants' body movements, gestures, and facial expressions to study underlying emotions.

Results

Four major themes from “A Journey Without a Road Map” emerged from this study, representing the systematic progression of the experiences of parents of ASD children from diagnosis to daily living. The themes are blessing and burden, traveling on a rocky road, keeping on course in uncharted territory, and pleasures in the blind journey. The researchers made extrapolations by interpreting the parents' expressions through thorough observation of their body movements, gestures, and facial expressions. Researchers had direct encounters with some parents of ASD over time, and the challenges they face daily are undeniable. They experience situations that require extra strength, devotion, and commitment, and face circumstances that test their ability to adapt and live like every other parent.

Conclusion

There is a need for the government or other concerned institutions to sensitize the general public about autism spectrum disorder, sustain this initiative, and establish a functional network of support groups for parents with autistic children. In addition, the process of gradually integrating ASD children into the society by ensuring they are trained and supported to perform certain jobs has proven to be effective in alleviating the burdens and distress of the parents.

Pre-fattening of fish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) (Siluriformes, Clariidae) on local feed in an above-ground tank culture system in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

2024-08-16T02:46:56+00:00

Introduction

Fish farming plays a major role in combating poverty and malnutrition by supplying poor populations with fish. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Clarias gariepinus farming dates back to colonial times but remains underdeveloped due to difficulties in producing juveniles in captivity and the availability of good-quality local feed. This situation does not contribute effectively to the availability of animal proteins from fish.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth of fry of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822, in a soilless rearing system to promote home fish production in the city of Kinshasa.

Methods

Rearing activities took place over 54 days between August and September 2021. The physicochemical parameters (pH, conductivity, turbidity, and temperature) of the water and the growth of the fry were monitored every ten days. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) Clarias gariepinus fry, with mean weights ranging from 1.00±0.35 g to 1.20±0.61 g and mean sizes ranging from 49.27±5.15 mm to 65.09±6.98 mm, were tested in an experimental setup using out-of-water tanks. The fry were divided into three batches and fed three times a day (8:00, 12:00, and 15:00) with three types of feed ration. Several zootechnical parameters were assessed to determine the growth of the reared fry.

Results

The pH, temperature, conductivity, and turbidity values recorded in the water of the tanks remained within the range required for the growth of Clarias gariepinus fry. The fry were well maintained in the experimental structures throughout the study period. The survival rate was between 86% (B1 and B3) and 88% (B2). Feed B1, composed largely of fish meal, had a greater influence on the weight (8.44±0.64 g) and linear growth (124.56±8.4 mm) of the fry than the control feed B3 (mean final weight = 5.35±0.7 g and mean final size = 105.75±5.13 mm) and feed B2 (mean final weight = 4.97±0.46 g and mean final size = 109.04±8.2 mm). Feed B1 also had a significant effect on the individual daily growth of fry (0.124 g/d) compared with feeds B2 (0.063 g/d) and B3 (0.069 g/d). The weight-total length relationship of the fry from the three batches confirms that the fish rearing system (concrete tanks) used in this study allowed the maintenance and development of the fry without negatively influencing the growth pattern of this fish species.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the importance and effectiveness of the soilless culture system and the use of local feed for rearing Clarias gariepinus in the city of Kinshasa. The results of this study are of great importance for the development of fish farming in the Democratic Republic of Congo, using locally available feeds to increase the quantity of fish consumed in the country.

Construction of the identity and empowerment of the midwife during the practice of maternal health care in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

2024-08-22T02:52:43+00:00

Introduction

The professional identity of midwives develops and consolidates through various personal and professional experiences in the practice of care. However, the autonomous practice of midwifery, within a multidisciplinary approach, remains a significant obstacle to this construction.

Purpose

This study aims to understand how midwives construct their professional identity and autonomy in their practice.

Method

This is a qualitative study using grounded theory. Data were collected from seven midwives at the N'Djili General Reference Hospital through semi-structured interviews. The questions addressed professional identity. The analysis was conducted using open, axial, and selective coding, allowing the discovery of themes, categories, and concepts using an analysis grid.

Results

The construction of professional identity is associated with initial training, the specific care practices of midwives (roles), the support from health structures, and the support of the midwifery association. This process occurs through the practices of identity care, the precision of the midwife's field of activities, the publication of professional guidelines, and the dissemination of regulations specifying the scope of action of midwives.

Conclusion

The midwifery profession has experienced significant evolution in its skills in recent years, an evolution perfectly integrated from academic training. It is, therefore, necessary to inform learners in training about ways to achieve professional autonomy in a clinical environment. Practicing midwives should strive to create autonomy within a professional group, practice and demand to perform autonomous acts, and provide independent care in maternity wards, birthing centers, medically assisted procreation centers, family planning centers, or in private practice when they are independent.

Building an AI-era healthcare business

2024-08-23T02:53:05+00:00

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into healthcare is revolutionising the industry, providing novel opportunities for businesses to innovate and enhance patient care. This review utilised 35 peer-reviewed, relevant, and current papers written in English, with full texts available from a pool of 365 articles retrieved from PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. This comprehensive review ensures that the included articles are highly relevant, credible, and offer valuable insights into building a healthcare business in the AI era. The article serves as a comprehensive guide for building a successful AI-driven healthcare business, detailing key technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. It explores market opportunities, strategic planning, implementation, and future trends. By addressing market needs, navigating challenges, and staying ahead of innovations, businesses can harness AI to transform healthcare delivery. The paper also covers regulatory and ethical considerations, technical and operational challenges, risk management, and strategies for scaling AI solutions. The goal is to provide a structured approach to leveraging AI in healthcare, ensuring improved patient outcomes and operational efficiency.