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In vitro antifungal activities of medicinal plants used for treatment of candidiasis in Pader district, Northern Uganda

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Betty Akwongo, Esezah K. Kakudidi, Anthony M. Nsubuga, Morgan Andama, Mary Namaganda, Patience Tugume, Savina Asiimwe, Godwin Anywar & Esther Katuura 

Abstract

Background

The emergence of multidrug resistant Candida species to available drugs has led to renewed interest in the use of herbal medicines globally. This study scientifically verified antifungal effectiveness of five commonly used plant species in Pader district, against selected pathogenic candida strains.

Methods

Powdered roots of Momordica foetida, Sansevieria dawei and Distimake dissectus; and stem barks of Khaya anthotheca and Mitragyna rubrostipulata were extracted sequentially using petroleum ether and methanol, respectively; and total water extraction at 24.4 °C (maceration), 60 °C (decoction) and boiling water at 87 °C (hot water infusion). Extracts and their combinations, positive controls (amphotericin B, and fluconazole) and negative control (80% dimethyl sulfoxide, verified to be tolerable concentration to the tested Candida species) were screened and verified for their antifungal activity against Candida albicans (ATCC: American Type Culture Collection reference strain 10231, ATCC 90028, 0770a and 0796), C. glabrata (VVc 004, ATCC 2950) and C. tropicalis (ATCC 750 and 0210) using agar well diffusion and broth micro-dilution, respectively.

Results

Aqueous extract (24.4 °C) of M. rubrostipulata (ZOI: 18.00 ± 1.00 to 38.33 ± 0.17; MIC: 3.13 ± 0.00 to 20.83 ± 4.17; MFC: 12.50 ± 0.00 to 200.00 ± 0.00), methanol extract of K. anthotheca (10.11 ± 0.31 to 15.11 ± 0.65; 1.04 ± 0.26 to 12.50 ± 0.00; 12.50 ± 0.00 to 100.00 ± 0.00), and combination of aqueous extract (60 °C) of D. dissectus + methanol extract of K. anthotheca (7.89 ± 0.26 to 19.67 ± 0.37; 0.78 ± 0.00 to 50.00 ± 0.00; 12.50 ± 0.00 to 200.00 ± 0.00) exhibited broad spectrum antifungal activities and were fungistatic against all tested Candida species, which comprised 8 clinical/control and susceptible/resistant strains. None of the conventional drugs used demonstrated broad spectrum antifungal activity across all tested Candida species/strains.

Conclusion

Methanol extract of K. anthotheca, aqueous extract (24.4 °C) of M. rubrostipulata, and combination of aqueous extract (60 °C) of D. dissectus + methanol extract of K. anthotheca could be effective in the treatment of candidiasis. They demonstrated potential broad spectrum antifungal activity against different species and strains of tested Candida than the fluconazole and amphotericin B drugs. Their fungistatic nature showed their ability to inhibit fungal growth. Hence, these extracts/extract combination can offer better treatment option for candidiasis if they are standardized and also their active curative compounds isolated and made into antifungal drugs.

View full article on BMC

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TUM SEED Center: Doctoral Scholarship in Decentralized Energy Governance in the Global South

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A Poster of the TUM SEED Centre Makerere University Living Lab. College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

TUM SEED Center

Announcement of a Doctoral Scholarship
“Decentralized Energy Governance in the Global South”

Call for Applications

The TUM SEED Center is an Excellence Centre for Exchange and Development, funded by DAAD and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development from 2020 to 2029. The TUM SEED Center conducts research and offers higher education at the intersection of Sustainable Energies, Entrepreneurship and Development (SEED) in the Global South. The TUM SEED Center consists of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and ten leading technical universities across the Global South, including Bahir Dar University (Ethiopia), Bandung Institute of Technology (Indonesia), Burkina Institute of Technology (Burkina Faso), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (India), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Kenya), Makerere University (Uganda), Namibia University of Science and Technology (Namibia), Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (Peru), and Stellenbosch University (South Africa). Through its international and interdisciplinary doctoral program, the TUM SEED Center fosters academic exchange and facilitates excellent research.

This announcement invites master’s students from the Global South with excellent academic track record and strong motivation to apply for the doctoral scholarship in “Decentralized Energy Governance in the Global South”. The doctoral scholarship will focus on the regulatory and participatory governance dimensions of decentralized electricity systems and mini-grids, contributing to SDG 7, Clean and Affordable Energy for All by 2030. The selected and awarded doctoral scholar will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Miranda Schreurs from the TUM Department of Governance, School of Social Sciences and Technology and the Munich School of Politics and Public Policy (Hochschule für Politik München an den Technischen Universität München).

The SEED doctoral scholarship includes a monthly stipend of EUR 1,300, international mobility grants, insurance support, family support for a spouse and children, and annual support. The duration of the scholarship program is 4 years, starting from 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2029.

SEED doctoral scholars are expected to:

  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to the work as a doctoral student
  • Participate and contribute to the activities of the TUM SEED Center (e.g. annual symposia)
  • Engage in academic exchange (i.e., visit and collaborate with partner universities)

Application requirements:

  • Master’s degree in public policy, political science, or related fields (with a focus on sustainability)
  • Excellent academic track record
  • Extracurricular skills, social engagement, and strong motivation
  • Nationality from one of the eligible countries in the Global South

Qualified women and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply. A semi-finalist list of candidates will be asked to send samples of their written work and will be invited for an online interview with Prof. Dr. Miranda Schreurs and her team. The Selection Commission of the TUM SEED Center will make the final decision in line with DAAD criteria.

To apply, please upload your CV, a strong letter of motivation highlighting the fit to the TUM SEED Center, a research proposal of a maximum 3 pages, and the usual certificates, including the transcript of records in English through the online form: https://wkf.ms/3YQbhq9 by 10 February 2025.

If you have any questions regarding the announcement feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Miranda Schreurs (Email: miranda.schreurs@hfp.tum.de).

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TUM SEED Center: Two Doctoral Scholarships in Sustainable Entrepreneurship

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Female and Male participants engaged in a practical session during the 8th Training Workshop in Solar Photovoltaic Installation and Maintenance, Biogas Production and Solar Thermal Systems held in May 2022 at the Department of Physics, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

TUM SEED Center

Announcement of Two Doctoral Scholarships
“Sustainable Entrepreneurship”

Call for Applications

The TUM SEED Center is an Excellence Centre for Exchange and Development, funded by DAAD and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development from 2020 to 2029. The TUM SEED Center conducts research and offers higher education at the intersection of Sustainable Energies, Entrepreneurship and Development (SEED) in the Global South. The TUM SEED Center consists of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and ten leading technical universities across the Global South, including Bahir Dar University (Ethiopia), Bandung Institute of Technology (Indonesia), Burkina Institute of Technology (Burkina Faso), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (India), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Kenya), Makerere University (Uganda), Namibia University of Science and Technology (Namibia), Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (Peru), and Stellenbosch University (South Africa). Through its international and interdisciplinary doctoral program, the TUM SEED Center fosters academic exchange and facilitates excellent research.

This announcement invites master’s students from the Global South with excellent academic track records and strong motivation to apply for the two doctoral scholarships in “Sustainable Entrepreneurship”. The doctoral scholarships will focus on scaling and impact of sustainable enterprises in the context of the mini-grid sector, contributing to SDG 7, Clean and Affordable Energy for All by 2030. The selected and awarded doctoral scholars will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Frank-Martin Belz from the TUM School of Management at the Technical University of Munich.

The SEED doctoral scholarship includes a monthly stipend of EUR 1300, international mobility grants, insurance support, family support for a spouse and children, and annual support. The duration of the scholarship program is 4 years, starting from 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2029. SEED doctoral scholars are expected to:

  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to the work as a doctoral student.
  • Participate and contribute to the activities of the TUM SEED Center (e.g. annual symposia)
  • Engage in academic exchange (i.e., visit and collaborate with partner universities)

Application requirements:

  • Master’s degree in management or related fields (with a focus on entrepreneurship)
  • Excellent academic track record
  • Extracurricular skills, social engagement, and strong motivation
  • Nationality from one of the eligible countries in the Global South

Qualified women and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply. Based on the applications, some candidates will be invited for a task assignment regarding research in sustainable entrepreneurship. The final candidates will be invited for an online interview with Prof. Dr. Frank-Martin Belz and his team. The Selection Commission of the TUM SEED Center will make the final decision in line with DAAD criteria.

To apply, please upload your CV, a strong letter of motivation highlighting the fit to the TUM SEED Center, and certificates, including the transcript of records through the online form:
https://wkf.ms/3YQbhq9 by 31 January 2025.

If you have any questions regarding the announcement of the two doctoral scholarships for “Sustainable Entrepreneurship,” feel free to contact Dr. Alessia Argiolas (Email: Alessia.Argiolas@tum.de).

TUM SEED Center, Technical University of Munich, Alte Akademie 14, 85354 Freising, Germany, www.seed.tum.de

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TUM SEED Center: Doctoral Scholarship in Rural Biogas Generation

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Team Green Biogas Members pose for the camera in the Freedom Square on 11th October 2019 during the 4th Annual Entrepreneurship Students' Expo. Their innovation won the Principal’s Award and a cash prize of UGX 1 Million.

TUM SEED Center

Announcement of a Doctoral Scholarship
“Rural Biogas Generation”

Call for Applications

The TUM SEED Center is an Excellence Centre for Exchange and Development, funded by DAAD and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development from 2020 to 2029. The TUM SEED Center conducts research and offers higher education at the intersection of Sustainable Energies, Entrepreneurship and Development (SEED) in the Global South. The TUM SEED Center consists of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and ten leading technical universities across the Global South, including Bahir Dar University (Ethiopia), Bandung Institute of Technology (Indonesia), Burkina Institute of Technology (Burkina Faso), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (India), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Kenya), Makerere University (Uganda), Namibia University of Science and Technology (Namibia), Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (Peru), and Stellenbosch University (South Africa). Through its international and interdisciplinary doctoral program, the TUM SEED Center fosters academic exchange and facilitates excellent research.

This announcement invites master’s students from the Global South with excellent academic track record and strong motivation to apply for the doctoral scholarship in “Rural Biogas Generation”. The doctoral scholarship will focus on waste-to-energy concepts for biogas generation in rural and remote areas, contributing to SDG 7, Clean and Affordable Energy for All by 2030. The selected and awarded doctoral scholar will be supervised by Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Konrad Koch from the Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering at the Technical University of Munich (https://www.cee.ed.tum.de/en/sww).

The SEED doctoral scholarship includes a monthly stipend of EUR 1,300, international mobility grants, insurance support, family support for a spouse and children, and annual support. The duration of the scholarship program is 4 years, starting from 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2029.

SEED doctoral scholars are expected to:

  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to the work as a doctoral student
  • Participate and contribute to the activities of the TUM SEED Center (e.g. annual symposia)
  • Engage in academic exchange (i.e., visit and collaborate with partner universities)
  • Publish at least three peer-reviewed papers in Q1 journals

Application requirements:

  • Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering or related fields
  • Excellent academic track record
  • Extracurricular skills, social engagement, and strong motivation
  • Nationality from one of the eligible countries in the Global South (see DAC list)

Qualified women and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply. To apply, please upload your CV, a strong letter of motivation highlighting the fit to the TUM SEED Center, a research proposal of a maximum 3 pages, and the usual certificates, including the transcript of records in English through the online form: https://wkf.ms/3YQbhq9 by 10 February 2025.

The final candidates will be invited for an online interview with Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Konrad Koch and his team. The Selection Commission of the TUM SEED Center will make the final decision in line with DAAD criteria.

If you have any questions regarding the announcement, please contact Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Konrad Koch (Email: k.koch@tum.de).

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