Adaptation of Federated Explainable Artificial Intelligence for Efficient and Secure E-Healthcare Systems

Explainable Artificial Intelligence(XAI)has an advanced feature to enhance the decision-making feature and improve the rule-based technique by using more advanced Machine Learning(ML)and Deep Learning(DL)based algorithms.In this paper,we chose e-healthcare systems for efficient decision-making and data classification,especially in data security,data handling,diagnostics,laboratories,and decision-making.Federated Machine Learning(FML)is a new and advanced technology that helps to maintain privacy for Personal Health Records(PHR)and handle a large amount of medical data effectively.In this context,XAI,along with FML,increases efficiency and improves the security of e-healthcare systems.The experiments show efficient system performance by implementing a federated averaging algorithm on an open-source Federated Learning(FL)platform.The experimental evaluation demonstrates the accuracy rate by taking epochs size 5,batch size 16,and the number of clients 5,which shows a higher accuracy rate(19,104).We conclude the paper by discussing the existing gaps and future work in an e-healthcare system.

Hydrogeophysical and Structural Investigations Using VES: A Case Study of Dosso Region in the Southwestern Part of the Meso-Cenozoic Iullemmeden Basin (Southwestern Niger)

A regional study connecting geolelectrical surveys with geology and hydrogeology was carried out in the western part of the Iullemmeden basin, precisely in the Dosso region in Niger. One hundred and four (104) vertical electrical sounds have been realized, among them nineteen representative were thus be used as parametric surveys. The local resistivity values of the geological formations of Quaternary range from 100 Ω⋅m to 1000 Ω⋅m (sands and lateritic sandstones). The Oligo-Miocene formation of the Continental terminal (Ct) shows resistivity values ranging from 1 to 5 Ω⋅m (brackish groundwaters) to 1500 Ω⋅m (clay sandstones) while the Upper Cretaceous formation of the Continental “hamadien” (Ch) indicates values ranging from 20 Ω⋅m (sandy clay) to 5000 Ω⋅m (clayey sandstones). The geological formations of Paleocene have values from 2 Ω⋅m (marls) to 60 Ω⋅m (calcareous marl), while the Precambrian basement exhibits values of granite around 300 Ω⋅m to 60,000 Ω⋅m. The update of the structural settings reveals many faults in the study area which explain both the shape of the basin and the geometry of the aquifers. Tectonics is also consistent with the hydraulic characteristics of aquifers. In addition, brackish groundwaters were identified as perched aquifer groundwaters in different depths in Dosso region. They probably come from the marine brines during the regression of the Paleocene Sea.

Exoscopy of Detrital Zircons from Niamey Neoproterozoic Sandstones (Eastern Edge of the West African Craton, Southwestern Niger): Interpretation of Detrital Sediments Provenance

This study focuses on exoscopic analyses of detrital zircon grains of Archean and Paleoproterozoic age, contained in the sediments from the Niamey Neoproterozoic sandstones (Niamey region), with a view to confirming the sediments sources already proposed (Kénéma-Man domain for Archean-age zircons and Baoulé Mossi domain for Paleoproterozoic-age zircons). Exoscopic analysis reveals that Archean zircon grains are more corroded, with rounded to sub-rounded shapes, while Paleoproterozoic zircon grains are less corroded and mostly angular in shape. The strong corrosion of Archean zircon grains, implying long-distance transport, is consistent with the remoteness of the Kenema-Man domain which are the source these sediments. The fact that the Paleoproterozoic zircon grains show little or no wear implies a proximal source of sediments, corresponding to the Baoulé Mossi domain.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Boscia senegalensis on Hyperglycemia, Hyperlipidemia and Oxidative Stress Induced in Rats

Boscia aqueous extract. senegalensis on hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress induced in rats. The aqueous extract was prepared from B. senegalensis seed powders under the extraction conditions: time (10 min), temperature (55˚C) and the ratio of mass of flour/volume of water (3/10 g/mL). Male wistar rats aged 6 to 8 weeks were acclimated and divided into 8 groups of 5 rats each: two normal control groups which received a normal standard diet (3810 kcal/kg), and six test groups which were subjected to a hyperlipidemic diet (5310 Kcal/kg). All groups of animals were fed in this manner for 8 weeks to induce hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress. After induction the animals were treated either with distilled water for the normal and negative control groups or with atorvastatin for the positive control group or with the extract of B. senegalensis. (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) for the test groups. Fasting blood glucose was taken every 7 days during induction. After sacrifice, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters were measured. The aqueous extract of B. senegalensis significantly decreased (p B. senegalensis at a dose of 500 mg/kg has the capacity to reduce blood sugar, improve the quality of the lipid profile and reduce oxidative stress. Thus, the results reveal that the aqueous extract of B. senegalensis has powerful hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties.

Evaluation of Hepatic Fibrosis and Hepatic Steatosis by Pulse Elastography (FIBROSCAN/CAP) in Asymptomatic Patients about 170 Cases at the Donka CHU National Hospital in Conakry

Introduction: Fibroscan is a recent, non-invasive and non-irradiating diagnostic method. It is based on the principle of ultrasound, which enables liver tissue elasticity to be quantified using a probe, and fibrosis to be assessed. Fibroscan measures both elasticity correlated with hepatic fibrosis and CAP correlated with steatosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate hepatic fibrosis and steatosis using pulse elastometry (Fibroscan/CAP). Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study in which 170 patients were included. It was conducted from October 1 2021 to December 31 2023, i.e. 27 months, in an outpatient clinic in the hepato-gastroenterology department of the Donka national hospital of the CHU Conakry. Results: Of the 170 patients identified, 87 were male (51%) and 83 female (49%), giving a M/F sex ratio of 1.04. The average age of our patients was 40. The 30 - 50 age group was the most affected, with a frequency of 58.23% (n = 99), followed by the 50 age group with a frequency of 29.41% (n = 50). Hepatomegaly, steatotic liver on ultrasonography, transaminase elevation and obesity were the main indications, respectively: (21.76%), (17.65%), (14.71%), and (13.53%). The examinations were requested by hepatogastroenterologists (47.06%), diabetologists (35.88%) and general practitioners (29%). Of the 170 patients, 100 patients (58.82%) had no significant fibrosis F0F1, 39 (22.94%) had moderate fibrosis F2, 20 patients (11.76%) had severe fibrosis F3 and 11 patients (6.47%) had fibrosis F4. Hepatic steatosis: 62 patients (36.47%) had no S0 steatosis;29.41% had S1 steatosis, 20% had S2 steatosis and 24 patients (14.11%) had S3 steatosis. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a normal liver in 67.05% of patients, hepatic steatosis in 29.41% and non-decompensated cirrhosis in 6 cases. Thus, 108 patients had the parameters required to calculate the Fatty Liver Index (FLI), steatosis was present in 20% of our patients, while 29.41% had an undetermined status and 24 14.11% had a normal FLI. Conclusion: Identifying subjects at risk of metabolic steatopathy, diagnosing and managing these patients is a public health issue and one of the future challenges of hepato-gastroenterology. Fibroscan is an increasingly popular screening tool for hepatic fibrosis and steatosis. The fight against obesity must be a priority.

Oesophageal Mycosis: Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects and Risk Factors for Occurrence in the Digestive Endoscopy Unit of the Donka National Hospital, Conakry CHU

Introduction: Oesophageal mycosis (OM) is one of the most common opportunistic infections in patients infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). However, this condition is increasingly observed in immunocompetent subjects. The aim of this study was to determine the endoscopic prevalence, clinical characteristics and risk factors for the occurrence of oesophageal mycosis in our department. Patients and Method: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of all patients who underwent oeso-gastroduodenal fibroscopy during the period from 1st January to 31st December 2022, i.e. one year, at the digestive endoscopy unit of the hepato-gastroenterology department of the Donka CHU national hospital in Conakry. All patients found to have oesophageal mycosis by FOGD were included. The endoscopy was performed using appropriate equipment: A Fujinon 4400 video endoscopy column;Three Fujinon EG 590 video gastroscopes;A hoover;Data were collected using a pre-established survey form and analysed using Epi info software version 6.0.4;Pearson’s Chi2 test as a test of independence and the exact 5% threshold ficher test. Results: Out of 1343 upper gastrointestinal endoscopies performed, 107 cases of oesophageal mycosis were found, representing a prevalence of 7.96%. The mean age was 40 years, with a male predominance of 55.42%. The sex ratio M/F was 1.24. The 45 and over age group was the most affected, with a prevalence of 40.43%, followed by the [35 - 45] age group, with a prevalence of 22.43%. Clinical symptoms were dominated by epigastralgia in 74.76% of cases, followed by odynophagia in 37.38% of cases, nausea and vomiting in 28.03% of cases, and pyrosis in 26.16% of cases. Oesophageal mycosis without oesophagitis was the most common endoscopic finding in 70% of cases. The main associated endoscopic lesions were erythemato-erosive and congestive gastropathy in 28.03% of cases, peptic oesophagitis (9.34%) and gastric ulcer (5.60%). The main risk factors found were positive HIV serology in 39.25% of cases, and diabetes in 24.30% of cases, with a statistically significant relationship of 0.02 and 0.01 respectively. Conclusion: Oesophageal mycosis is the most common opportunistic infection in patients with impaired cellular immunity. The prevalence of oesophageal mycosis in our series was 7.96%. This study enabled us to identify the main risk factors for the occurrence of oesophageal mycosis. Our country needs to step up its programme to combat and prevent immunodeficiency diseases, particularly HIV and diabetes.

Utilizing Bayesian Modeling and MCMC for Accurate Characterization of Naturally Occurring Radionuclides Reference Background Levels in Mining Areas

Statistical biases may be introduced by imprecisely quantifying background radiation reference levels. It is, therefore, imperative to devise a simple, adaptable approach for precisely describing the reference background levels of naturally occurring radionuclides (NOR) in mining sites. As a substitute statistical method, we suggest using Bayesian modeling in this work to examine the spatial distribution of NOR. For naturally occurring gamma-induced radionuclides like 232Th, 40K, and 238U, statistical parameters are inferred using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method. After obtaining an accurate subsample using bootstrapping, we exclude any possible outliers that fall outside of the Highest Density Interval (HDI). We use MCMC to build a Bayesian model with the resampled data and make predictions about the posterior distribution of radionuclides produced by gamma irradiation. This method offers a strong and dependable way to describe NOR reference background values, which is important for managing and evaluating radiation risks in mining contexts.

Hydrolytic and Antimicrobial Activities of Bacteria Isolated from Fermented Peppers Sold in Markets at Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo

Microorganisms are omnipresent in all environments and play mainly the role of transformers, thanks to the multiple enzymes they are able to produce. In order to valorize fermented foods in the Republic of the Congo, this work aimed to characterize and study some properties of microorganisms isolated from samples of peppers sold in three markets of Brazzaville. A numeration of the total aerobic mesophilic flora (TAMF) was made in a solid medium, allowing the evaluation of each sample’s microbial concentration. The microbial mass varied from 2.8 × 105 CFU/g for the Ouénzé sample to 1.8 × 104 CFU/g for the Total sample and 2 × 104 CFU/g for the Moungali market sample. The evaluation of the enzymatic properties of the Bacillus isolates showed that 68.42% were capable of producing cellulases and 78.94% were capable of producing amylases and proteases. Antimicrobial activities revealed that 63.15% of the isolates were able to secrete inhibitory substances against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Molecular analysis by PCR amplification, sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and BLAST bioinformatics analysis provides newly identified bacteria strains with new accession numbers in GenBank: Bacillus thuringiensis MBCBR322 (OP474008), Bacillus megaterium MBCBJ1822 (OP476493), Bacillus thuringiensis MBCBR222 (OP476494), Priestia megaterium MBCBJ2022 (OP476495) and Lactobacillus paraplantarum MBCBR1522 (OP476496). Multiple sequences alignment of identified sequences with their homologs of GenBank has shown high similarities. The phylogenetic inference assay has provided the two groups of strains observed in this study, and the two groups are very coherent with the phylogeny of the reference.

Study on the Treatment of Reusable Care Equipment in Public and Private Dental Practices in the City of Conakry

Introduction: The effective sterilization of reusable instruments in dental care is a crucial issue for public health. The aim of this study was to contribute to improving the processing conditions of reusable care instruments in dental practices in the city of Conakry. Methods: We carried out an observational and cross-sectional study of a descriptive type lasting three months from January to April 2022 in public and private dental practices approved for activities. Results: A total of 48 dental practices were surveyed, including 7 public and 41 private. 91.67% had the trays for instrument sterilization. 77.08% had a sterilization device. The instruments were: cleaned 100%, disinfected 70.83%, sterilized 20.83% and 20.83% reused the instruments without being sterilized. 72.97% sterilized the instruments at the end of the day. 50% of respondents declared that there were six stages of sterilization. According to standard standards, one dental office or 2.70% respected the normal sterilization process and 13.51% respected the duration and temperature. The storage quality was inadequate at 95.83%. 95.83% of dental practices are at high risk of contamination. The difficulties encountered by staff in daily activity during our study were lack of hygienists (87.50%), insufficient material resources (58.33%), and lack of protocol procedure (45.83%). Conclusion: This study allowed us to note shortcomings of dental surgeons in the process of processing reusable care materials.

Assessment of Awareness and Understanding of Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn in the Beninese Population

Background: Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN) arises from blood group incompatibility, especially the RhD antigen. In Benin, systematic ABO RhD blood grouping is poorly understood by many midwives and nurses. Nearly one in ten women risk having children with HDFN. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge of the Beninese population on HDFN. Methods: Data were collected from June 2023 to March 2024. Participants completed a Kobotoolbox questionnaire on WhatsApp, with in-person assistance for illiterate participants. The study involved 521 participants from across Benin. Data were analyzed using SigmaPlot version 14.0. Results: Among the 521 participants, 298 were women (57.20%) aged 18 to 77 years. The majority (40.69%) were aged 26 - 35. Over a third (35.51%) did not know their RhD blood group. Most (59.12%) were unaware of the risks for RhD discordant couples. Among those with a partner, 25.16% were in at-risk couples for HDFN, and over half (59.12%) were unaware of this risk. There was no significant association between being in a high-risk union and knowledge of the risk or education level. Conclusion: Only 40.88% of the Beninese population are aware of HDFN, indicating a low level of knowledge.

Relationship between the Guinea Current and the Coastal Upwelling in Northern of Gulf of Guinea

The variability of ocean circulation and sea surface temperature (SST) in the tropical Atlantic, especially in the Gulf of Guinea (GG), defines this region as exceptionally rich from an oceanographic perspective. The Guinea Current (GC), as the major surface current, plays a significant role in marine productivity and coastal upwelling in the GG. This coastal upwelling is known to influence the climate of the surrounding region, primary productivity and local fisheries. Studies on GC variability and its impact on this coastal upwelling have highlighted that the upwelling downstream of Cape Palmas is influenced by GC detachment, topographic variations and advective processes leading to significant vertical mixing. This study aims to analyze the interannual variability of the GC and its impact on coastal upwelling using the Coastal and Regional Ocean COmmunity model (CROCO). The model’s evaluation is conducted using observational data, specifically Geostrophic and EKman Current Observatory (GEKCO) and Ocean Surface Current Analysis (OSCAR) for currents, and Air-sea Fluxes for the global Tropic ocean-description (TROPFLUX) and Optimum Interpolation-Sea Surface Temperature (OI-SST) for temperature. Thus, the model evaluation indicates that it accurately replicates ocean circulation and SST patterns in the tropical Atlantic and the GG. The joint analysis of upwelling indices (surface and intensity) and the position of the GC core allowed us to conclude that the displacement of the GC core does indeed influence the upwelling indices in the northern part of GG. However, other oceanic and atmospheric mechanisms such as vertical diffusion and horizontal advection as proposed by previous studies may also affect the year-by-year variability of coastal upwelling in the northern GG.

The Dental Absces: Epidemiological, Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects at the Dental Office of the Prefectoral Hospital of Siguiri in 2021 in the Republic of Guinea

Introduction: A dental abscess is a collection of pus located in the tissues surrounding the tooth roots. The aim of this work is to describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of dental abscess in order to contribute to the management of patients suffering from this pathology at the dental office of the Siguiri Prefectural Hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study lasting 2 months carried out on the registers of patients received between October 2017 and October 2020 at the dental office of the Siguiri prefectural hospital. Results: 4690 patient files were identified during the study, of which 546 met our selection criteria, i.e. a frequency of 11.64%. During our study, we found 51.83% female compared to 48.17% male, i.e. a sex ratio of 1.07. 54.21% of our patients resided in rural communes compared to 45.76% for the urban commune. The age group most affected was that of 16 - 25 years old or 33.69%. Swelling, pain and functional discomfort were the reasons for consultation in all patients followed by other associated reasons in 41.21%. The premolar-molar group was the most represented, i.e. 86.70%. 80.04% of our patients presented an acute abscess compared to 19.96% of chronic cases. Antibiotic, analgesic, and mouthwash were prescribed in all patients during the study followed by 96.37% of cases prescription of steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. 93.04% of causal teeth were extracted followed by 6.78% of cases of conservative treatment in our study. In our study, 80.95% of our patients had a good post-therapeutic outcome. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for prevention and early management of dental abscesses.

Effects of Carrot (Daucus carota) Leaves Powder on Reproductive and Growth Characteristics of Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Does

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of carrot leaf powder in the diet on reproductive and growth characteristics in rabbits. Thirty sexually matured rabbits does of 8 months old, 3.00 to 3.20 kg, were divided into three groups of 10 rabbits each, which were comparable in terms of body weight. Throughout the experiment, the rabbits of group 1 (control group) were fed ad libitum with a feed not containing carrot leaf powder (control ration), while those of groups 2 and 3 received the control ration supplemented with carrot leaf powder in concentrations of 0.5% and 1% respectively. Data was collected on feed intake, weight gain, receptivity, fertility, gestation length of does, litter size, weight, viability and sex ratio of the young rabbits till 5 weeks post-partum. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in the fertility rate, gestation duration and sex ratio of the kits with reference to the control. Litter size at birth was not significantly (P > 0.05) influenced in does fed diets containing carrot leaf powder compared to the control. However, the reversed effects were observed at five weeks post-partum. The live weight of weaned kits and weight gain of rabbit does at birth were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in treated rabbits compared to the control. The supplementation of carrot leaf powder in feed can improve production performance in female rabbits, through their antioxidant activities thanks to their various components, thus fighting against oxidative stress effects to which animals are exposed both from endogenous and environmental sources.

Causes and Prognosis of Cases of Acute Obstructive Renal Failure Managed at the Donka National Hemodialysis Center

Introduction: Acute obstructive renal failure (AORF) is a frequent clinical situation, secondary to obstruction of the urinary excretory tract. Whatever the cause, urinary tract obstruction suddenly opposes glomerular filtration and is responsible for tubulointerstitial lesions. It accounts for 10% of acute renal failure (ARF). The aim of this study was to identify the causes and prognosis of cases of acute obstructive renal failure managed at the Centre National d’hémodialyse Donka. Material and Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study lasting 6 months, from September 1, 2022 to February 29, 2023. All patients undergoing haemodialysis for acute obstructive renal failure who agreed to participate in the study and whose medical records were complete were included. Results: During the course of the study, we registered 97 haemodialysis patients, including 20 cases (20.62%) of acute obstructive renal failure. The mean age of the patients was 57.8 ± 10.54 years, with a male predominance of 11 cases (55%) and a sex ratio of 1.22. The reasons for consultation were dominated by physical asthenia 11 cases (55%), lumbar pain 9 cases (50%), vomiting 6 cases (30%) and acute urine retention 6 cases (30%). Arterial hypertension 16 cases (80%) and urinary tract infection 10 cases (50%) were the most common antecedents. The etiologies of RAOI were dominated by lithiasis 10 cases (50%), neoplasia 6 cases (30%) and benign prostatic hypertrophy 3 cases (15%). mean creatinine was 1267.60 ± 710.76 μmol/l with extremes of 243 μmol/l and 2822 μmol/l, mean urea was 39.56 ± 18.36, hyperkalemia in 14 cases (70%) and hyponatremia in 8 cases (40%). After hemodialysis, 9 cases (45%) recovered renal function, 4 cases (20%) became chronic and 7 cases (35%) died. Conclusion: The frequency of AKI remains non-negligible in our department, and early detection and prompt management would considerably reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this pathology.

Seroprevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis B in Blood Donors at the N’Zérékoré Regional Blood Transfusion Centre in Guinea

Blood transfusion saves lives and reduces morbidity and mortality for a large number of diseases and clinical conditions, but it is not without danger. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HIV and hepatitis B in blood donors received at the regional Blood Transfusion Centre of N’Zérékoré (Guinea). This was a 5-year retrospective analytical study. We included records of blood donors aged 18 to 60 years admitted to the N’Zérékoré Regional Blood Transfusion Centre for blood donation from January 2016 to December 2020. We performed a descriptive analysis followed by Chi-2 or Fish-er-exact tests and the Student or Wilcoxon test, followed by multivariate logistic regression. In this study, donor age ranged from 18 - 60 years, with a pre-dominance of donors aged 25 - 34 (44.2%). Male donors were the most represented in our study (79.0% versus 21.0% female). More than half of the donors were blood group O (55.6%). We observed a seroprevalence of 3.6% for HIV, 13.4% for HBsAg and 0.2% for co-infection. In our series, age 25 - 34 (OR = 1.89 and P = 0.001) and 35 - 44 for HIV (OR = 2.01 and P = 0.001), HBsAgserostatus (OR = 3.04 and P = 0.001) and blood donation history (OR of 3.04 and P = 0.001) were factors associated with HIV positivity (P < 0.05). In our study, HIV serostatus (OR = 3.04 and P = 0.001) and blood donation history (OR = 0.01 and P = 0.001) were factors associated with HBsAgseropositivity. We reported a high prevalence of HIV and HBsAg. Sex, serological status and blood donation history were associated factors.

Profiling of the Retrospective Epidemiology of the Human Papillomavirus and Related Cancers in the United Arab Emirates Population

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of infectious cancers, leading to a growing global interest on the profiling of HPV-related cancers. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the retrospective epidemiological profile of HPV-related cancer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The incidence profiling of HPV-related cancers in males and females of UAE of all ages ranged from a minimum of 0.6% to a maximum of 4.5% for testes cancer and colon cancer respectively in males;whilst in females it ranged from a minimum of 1.0% and a maximum of 34% for Hodgkin lymphoma, kidney, bladder, liver and pancreas cancer and breast cancer, respectively. The incidence profiling of HPV-related cancers in males and females of ages 15 - 44 years old ranged from a minimum of 0.1% to a maximum of 11.2% for pancreas cancer, and colon and rectum cancer respectively in males, whilst in females it ranged from a minimum of 0.1% and a maximum of 18% for pancreas and breast cancer, respectively. The mortality profiling of HPV-related cancers in males and females of all ages in the UAE ranged from a minimum of 0.1% for Hodgkin lymphoma and testicular cancer to a maximum of 4.5% for colon and rectum cancer respectively in males, whilst in females it ranged from a minimum of 0.2% and a maximum of 4.5% for pancreas and breast cancer, respectively. The mortality profiling of HPV-related cancers mortality in males and females of ages 15 - 44 years old in the UAE ranged from a minimum of 0.2% to a maximum of 4.3% for testicular cancer and colon cancer respectively in males, whilst in females it ranged from a minimum of 0.2% and a maximum of 7.2% for bladder and breast cancer respectively. In conclusion, the profiling of HPV-related cancers in UAE for both males and females of all ages is similar to that reported for other parts of the world.

Safety and in Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Ficus umbellata (Vahl.) Leaves

Toxicity is the totality of adverse effects, which can be functional and morphological lesions in a living organism, caused by a substance introduced in relatively high single doses or in small, repeated doses. The aim of this study was to assess the OECD-recommended acute oral toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract of Ficus umbellata leaves. Animals were given a single oral dose of 1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/Kg body weight (BW) of the extract. For the anti-inflammatory activity test, rats were given the ethanolic extract of F. umbellata leaves at doses of 100, 300 and 500 mg/Kg or aspirin® at a concentration of 100 mg/Kg PC orally, one hour before injection of 0.05 ml of 1% formalin under the plantar fascia of the rat’s right hind paw. Paw volume measurements were taken one, two and three hours after formalin injection, using an electronic caliper. After 14 days of observation, no deaths were observed in treated rats. The LD50 of ethanolic extract of Ficus umbellata leaf powder is greater than 5000 mg/Kg body weight. This extract has no significant effects on hematological parameters and on the main markers of nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity for a single dose of less than 5000 mg/Kg PC. It reduces formalin-induced edema. Evaluation of the percentage inhibition showed that the extract had greater anti-inflammatory activity at 3 hours after the start of the experiment. However, better inhibition of inflammatory oedema of the paw of rats treated with 500 mg/Kg was observed at 5 hours after the start of the experiment, with a percentage inhibition of 69.23 ± 1.02, compared with the reference group treated with aspirin® 100 mg/Kg, which showed an inhibition of 63.50 ± 0.98. These results show that F. umbellata leaves possess anti-inflammatory activity, which would justify their use in traditional African medicine to prevent or treat inflammation.

Vaccination and Measles Epidemic in the Republic of Congo

Measles is a highly infectious, vaccine-preventable viral disease. Often forgotten, it is potentially fatal. Its main symptoms are: fever, cough, conjunctivitis, rhinitis and skin rash. Serological diagnoses by ELISA test based on the detection of anti-measles virus immunoglobulins M and G (IgM and IgG), are used respectively for the confirmation of suspected cases notified by means of clinical signs of the disease in health structures of the twelve departments of the Republic of Congo involved in the epidemiological surveillance of the disease, and for the evaluation of the immunity conferred by vaccination. During 2021, 459 suspected cases of measles were reported and sampled throughout the country, despite the administration under the Expanded Routine Immunization Program (EPI), of 2 doses of the combined measles-rubella vaccine (RR1 and RR2) in 2020. The notification rate was higher in the south of the country, more precisely in the health structures of the departments of Pointe-Noire (42%) and Brazzaville (11%). During the year 2021, 459 suspected cases of measles were notified and sampled throughout the country with a high notification rate in the south of the country, more precisely in the health structures of the Pointe-Noire departments (42%) and Brazzaville (11%). The samples consisting of human blood (serum) were sent to the National Public Health Laboratory and analyzed by various ELISA tests for the detection of anti-measles immunog-lobulins M and G. The analysis of the results obtained shows that the measles virus circulated in all departments of the country. 154 cases (33.55%) were confirmed positive by IgM ELISA and 98 positive cases (63.63%) were patients vaccinated against measles. Vaccination coverage in RR1 of [50%-95% [(first dose) as well as the lowest RR2 < 50% (second dose) undoubtedly because the COVID-19 pandemic could be the cause of the high frequency of cases positive vaccinated. The non-detection of IgG immunoglobulins in vaccinated patients observed by IgG ELISA tests revealed that 63.26% of vaccinated patients were not immunized against the measles virus. These results confirm those obtained during the Elisa IgM analysis and make it possible to deduce that the quality, the number of doses not properly administered, the individual characteristics of the people as well as the poor conservation of the administered vaccine (non-compliance with the cold chain) would explain the high proportion of positive cases of vaccinated measles observed.

Characteristics of Gold and Its Mineralization Style in the Boulon Djounga Eastern Perimeter of Liptako Mining Company (Central Southwestern Niger)

The Boulon Djounga eastern perimeter is part of the Tiawa operating permit of the Société des Mines du Liptako (SML), located in the central southwestern part of Liptako (Niger). In this study, we used field data, Reverse Circulation (RC) surveys and chemical analyzes of gold to determine the characteristics of gold and its mineralization style. The eastern perimeter of Boulon Djounga is represented by a succession of metabasalts and metasediments both intersected by intrusions of quartz and dolerite dykes, and covered by sandstone and clayey rocks. Gold is present in low contents (0.00 - 0.30 ppm) in the sedimentary cover and in medium (0.30 - 1.00 ppm) or high contents (1.00 - 4.534 ppm) in the metasediments, and in the gray quartz veins and locally in the volcanics. It exists in a disseminated state or in a concentrated state in the surrounding areas in the form of discrete grains associated with sulphurous minerals (pyrite: FeS2, chalcopyrite: CuFeS2 or arsenopyrite: FeAsS). The presence of gold in the quartz veins, and the NE-SW and NW-SE orientations of the ore bodies suggest that the eastern Boulon Djounga gold mineralization would be established during a late magmatic extensive phase.

Clipping Effect on Growth and Plant Water Use Response to Diurnal Variation of Vapor Pressure Deficit in Cenchrus biflorus Roxb

Cenchrus biflorus called Karangiya in the Hausa language is an annual pastoral grass which is a valuable herbaceous fodder in dry land region in the context of climate change. However, little is known about the plant water use under the effects of cut in West Africa Sahel like Niger where the plant is a multipurpose grass species. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of grazing (simulated by shoot cuts) on biomass production. Cenchrus biflorus Roxb was grown on field plots and in pots and subjected to shoot cuts at different levels (3 cm and 5 cm from soil surface). The effect of shoot cuts on drought tolerance was evaluated by assessing the response of transpiration to the diurnal variation of vapor pressure deficit (VPD). Results showed that the biomass production varied in response to shoot cuts depending on the culture system, and the level or frequency of cuts. The mean biomass production increased significantly especially in field plots for 5 cm cuts compared to those at 3 cm and the control treatment. In addition, transpiration was highly increased in response to the VPD increase. Shoot cuts significantly reduced transpiration, whatever the level, largely because they reduced leaf surface. We concluded that moderate grazing (cuts to 5cm) can improve biomass production and allow better adaptation to water deficit as they significantly reduced water loss through transpiration. The study recommends the cropping of the Cenchrus biflorus as climate solution as it performs better under water deficit for improving grazing resilience in Niger.