Acute Toxicity and Anthelmintic Effects of Gomphrena serrata L. (Amaranthaceae) Extracts on Adult Worms and Eggs of Haemonchus contortus

Gomphrena serrata L. (Amaranthaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used traditionally in rural areas to treat many diseases, including gastrointestinal helminthiasis of small ruminants. This work aims to estimate the plant extracts phytochemical potential and study the activities of the aqueous decoction (GS_AD), aqueous macerate (GS_AM), and hydroalcoholic macerate (GS_HEM) of Gomphrena serrata extracts on two developmental stages (eggs and adult worms) of Haemonchus contortus. Phytochemical screening was carried out. The acute toxicity test was performed according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) test guideline 423. The Haemonchus contortus eggs hatching inhibition test was performed left to incubate for 48 hours in the presence of the different plant extracts at increasing concentrations of 0.125;0.25;0.5;0.625;1;2;3 mg/mL. For the motility inhibition test on adult worms, the worms were contacted with the extracts at concentrations of 0.75;1;1.25;1.5;2;3;4 mg/mL and left to incubate for 24 hours. Albendazole and levamisole were used as standard. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, reducing compounds, coumarins and derivatives, anthocyanins, steroids, triterpenes, and flavonoids. An acute toxicity study showed that the oral LD50 value of G. serrata was estimated to be 5000 mg/kg. All extracts showed an effect on both stages of parasite development. The hatching inhibition rate was 100% from 3 mg/mL for all three extracts. The rate of inhibition of motility was 100% from 4 mg/mL for each extract. HEM is more efficient on eggs and Haemonchus contortus adult worms than other extracts with IC50 of 0.457 mg/mL and LC50 of 1.329 mg/mL, respectively. These results suggest that Gomphrena serrata, a plant used by farmers, has anthelmintic properties.

Application of Plant-Based Coagulants and Their Mechanisms in Water Treatment:A Review

This review describes the mechanisms of natural coagulants.It provides a good understanding of the two key processes of coagulation-flocculation:adsorption and charge neutralization,as well as adsorption and bridging.Various factors have influence the coagulation/flocculation process,including the effect of pH,coagulant dosage,coagulant type,temperature,initial turbidity,coagulation speed,flocculation speed,coagulation and flocculation time,settling time,colloidal particles,zeta potential,the effects of humic acids,and extraction density are explained.The bio-coagulants derived from plants are outlined.The impact of organic coagulants on water quality,focusing on their effects on the physicochemical parameters of water,heavy metals removal,and bacteriological water quality,is examined.The methods of extraction and purification of plant-based coagulants,highlighting techniques such as solvent extraction and ultrasonic extraction,are discussed.It also examines the parameters that influence these processes.The methods and principles of purification of coagulating agents,including dialysis,freeze-drying,ion exchange,electrophoresis,filtration,and centrifugation,are listed.Finally,it evaluates the sustainability of natural coagulants,focusing on the environmental,technical,and economic aspects of their use.At the end of this review,the readers should have a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms,selection,extraction,purification,and sustainability of plant-based natural coagulants in water treatment.

Acute Oral Toxicity and Vasorelaxant Effects of Hydroethanolic Extract from Lannea microcarpa Engl. & K. Krause (Anacardiaceae) Trunk Barks in Mice Aortas: Possible Involvement of Intracellular Ca 2+ Mobilization

Lannea microcrapa Engl. & K. Krause (Anacardiaceae) is a fruit and medicinal plant widely used in Burkina Faso. This plant is traditionally used in the treatment of hypertension. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the vasorelaxant effects of the hydroethanolic extract from Lannea microcarpa trunk barks (HE_ELM) on the aorta isolated from NMRI mice. Phytochemical screening by HPTLC, assay of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, assessment of antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and LPO), and myography of HE_ELM (1 - 2000 μg/mL) on mice thoracic aortas in the presence and absence of endothelium were carried out. Endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independant vasodilation were assessed by cumulative addition of Ach (1 nM - 10 μM) on aortic rings precontracted with the thromboxane analogue A2 agonist, 9,11-dideoxy9α,11α-methanoepoxy PGF2α (U46619). L-NAME was used to verify the involvement of NO production in the relaxation mechanism of the extract. Acute oral toxicity of HE_ELM was also evaluated. A phytochemical study revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, sterols and triterpenes, saponosides, and high levels of total phenolics and flavonoids. These compounds are thought to be responsible for the extract’s antioxidant and vasorelaxant properties. HE_ELM demonstrated significant antioxidant potential and induced aortic relaxation. Indeed, pharmacological parameters gave EC50 values ranging from 596.45 ± 95.82 μg/mL to 749.48 ± 133.40 μg/mL and Emax values from 85.51% ± 9.59% to 96.81% ± 8.60% for the three conditions of vasodilation of the extract (p > 0.05). A complete antagonism of the contractile effect of U46619 was noted with 1 mg/mL HE_ELM. These results suggest that HE_ELM induces aortic relaxation through a concentration-dependent, endothelium-independent mechanism, possibly involving intracellular calcium mobilization of vascular cells. Acute oral toxicity tests of HE_ELM (2000 mg/kg) showed no mortality or adverse effects, suggesting the extract’s safety and potential as a therapeutic agent for hypertension. This discovery scientifically validates the use of the plant in alternative medicine to treat hypertension.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of the Aqueous Extracts of the Leaves of Opilia amentacea (Opiliaceae)

Opilia amentacea (Opiliaceae) is a woody plant with multiple medicinal claimed effects. The present study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the decoction and macerate extracts from the leaves of Opilia amentacea. Moreover, acute toxicity and phytochemical analysis were performed. The acute toxicity was evaluated on NMRI mice at 2000 mg/kg bw. The anti-inflammatory activity was studied using the carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema and the lipoxygenase inhibition assay. The radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) assays were used to measure the antioxidant capacity of the extracts. Qualitative and quantitative methods served for identifying and quantifying the extract’s phytoconstituents. The decoction demonstrated low acute toxicity;the lethal dose was therefore estimated to be superior to 2000 mg/kg bw. The extracts significantly reduced the mouse paw’s thickness at 600 mg/kg bw. The extracts developed weak radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects. However, the macerate showed a high ability (664.90 ± 0.71 mol Ascorbic Acid Equivalent/g dry extract) to reduce the ferric ions. Saponins, sterols, triterpenes, and flavonoids were qualitatively detected in the two extracts. Total phenolics (TP) and total flavonoids (TF) were found abundant in the extracts, especially the decoction (TP content (TPC) = 94.03 ± 2.66 mg GAE/g;TF content (TFC) = 35.05 ± 0.32 mg QE/g). Strong positive correlations existed between ferric-reducing capacity and TPC (r = 0.959) for the macerate, while TFC was mainly involved in the DPPH radical scavenging of the two extracts. Instead, most correlations were negative between the polyphenol compounds and the anti-inflammatory assays. The results indicate potent in vivo anti-inflammatory and in vitro antioxidant effects of the aqueous extracts from the leaves of Opilia amentacea. Further studies are needed to find the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects mechanism.

Phytochemical Analysis and Contractile Effects of Aqueous and Hydroethanolic Extracts of Anastatica hierochuntica L. (Brassicaceae) on the Isolated Uterus of Mice

Background: Anastatica hierochuntica L. (Brassicaceae) has been claimed to treat various conditions, including complicated childbirth. The principal objective of this research was to provide scientific evidence on the contractile effect of the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of the whole plant from A. hierochuntica during labor. Method: Qualitative and quantitative methods helped identify and quantify the phytoconstituents in both extracts. The antioxidant activity was studied using four standard methods (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and LPO). Results: The inhibitory power of the extracts on pro-inflammatory enzymes such as 15-lipoxygenase and phospholipase A2 was determined. The contractile effects of the extracts were evaluated using isolated pregnant mice uteri. Steroids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, and reduced compounds were identified in both extracts. The hydroethanolic extract exhibited higher content of hydrolyzable tannins (15.07 ± 0.24 mg tannic acid equivalent/g) than the aqueous decoction (11.8 ± 0.69 mg TAE/g). The extracts demonstrated the ability to scavenge DPPH and ABTS radicals, reduce ferric ions, and inhibit especially lipid peroxidation. No significant difference was noted in the phospholipase inhibition between the extracts and betamethasone. The hydroethanolic extract displayed the most significant anti-lipoxygenase activity with an IC50 value of 55.82 ± 1.15 μg/mL. The lethal dose (LD50) of extracts was estimated to be superior to 2000 mg/kg body weight (bw). The ability of the samples to produce one cm amplitude of contraction at 50% effective concentrations (EC50) was 5.33 × 10−8 ± 0.32 mg/mL for oxytocin, 1.51 ± 0.08 mg/mL for aqueous extract and 3.57 ± 0.61 mg/mL for hydroethanolic extract. Conclusion: These findings could provide evidence for using Anastatica hierochuntica to facilitate childbirth.

Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities, Safety of Use and Spasmolytic Effects of Aqueous Decoction Extract of Diospyros mespiliformis Leaves Hochst. ex A. DC. (Ebenaceae) on the Isolated Duodenum of Rat

Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A. DC. (Ebenaceae) is a multi-use plant, including for therapeutic purposes. It is used in alternative medicine in Burkina Faso to treat conjunctivitis, menorrhagia, dysentery, and diarrhea. The aim of our study was to evaluate the chemical profile, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, safety of use and spasmolytic effects of the aqueous decoction of Diospyros mespiliformis leaves. Phytochemical screening by HPTLC and assay of compounds of interest were carried out. Four methods were used to assess antioxidant activity. Inhibitory activity against 15-lipoxygenase and phospholipase A2 was assessed. Acute oral toxicity of the extract was tested on female mice (NMRI). Following these tests, the extract contained bioactive compounds of interest such as flavonoids, tannins, sterols, triterpenes, and saponosides. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the aqueous decoctate were 70.59 ± 3.20 mg EAT/g and 31.57 ± 0.78 mg EQ/g respectively. The extract was less active than Trolox with inhibitory concentrations of 50% (IC50) for the ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and LPO tests of 7.53 ± 0.08 μg/mL, 29.47 ± 0.06 μg/mL, 1128.83 ± 4.82 mol EAA/g, and 32.30 ± 1.60 μg/mL respectively. The extract has an anti-inflammatory effect with inhibition of phospholipase A2 compared to betamethasone. In addition, the aqueous extract produced an antispasmodic effect with Emax of 70% and 80% respectively during contractions induced by BaCl2 and ACh. Finally, this study provided basic scientific data and could justify the use of D. mespiliformis leaves in the treatment of diarrhea.

Anti-Fibrotic Effects of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br Roots Barks against Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats

Background: Liver diseases including chronic hepatitis, steatosis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer are now a public health problem. In 2002, cirrhosis accounted for 27.63% of hepatobiliary diseases in Burkina Faso. In Africa and more particularly in Burkina Faso, the majority of the population (about 80%) uses medicinal plants for their primary health care. Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br (Apocynaceae) is a medicinal plant used in Burkina Faso in the treatment of liver problems. This work aims to evaluate the anti-fibrotic properties of Calotropis procera roots barks. Methods: The anti-fibrotic activity of the ethanolic extract of Calotropis procera roots barks was evaluated using diethylnitrosamine (DEN) to induce liver fibrosis in male Wistar rats. Serum biomarkers, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Total protein, Albumin, Υ-Glutamyl transferase (GGT) were evaluated and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide dismutase and catalase) as well as the level of malonedialdehyde (MDA) and that of nitric oxide (NO) were determined in the liver homogenate. Results: The treatment of rats suffering from hepatic fibrosis with the ethanolic extract leads to a significant restoration of the biomarkers of the hepatic function in particular, AST, ALP, GGT, Albumin. The extract also causes a reduction in oxidative stress in the liver through a significant increase in the activity rate of the antioxidant enzymes Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase accompanied by a significant drop in the rate of MDA and NO suggesting the anti-oxidant effect of extract. Conclusion: The results of the study show that the ethanolic extract of the roots barks of Calotropis procera has anti-fibrotic properties.

Activity and Selectivity of Bimetallic Catalysts Based on SBA-15 for Nitrate Reduction in Water

Nitrate from the application of nitrogen-based fertilizers in intensive agriculture is a notorious waste product, though it lacks cost-effective solutions for its removal from potential drinking water resources. Catalytic reduction appears to be a promising technique for converting nitrates to benign nitrogen gas. Mesoporous silica SBA-15 is a frequently used catalyst support that has large surface areas and highly ordered nanopores. In this work, mesoporous silica SBA-15 bimetallic catalysts for nitrate reduction were investigated. The catalyst was optimized for the selection of promoter metal (Sn and Cu), noble metal (Pd and Pt) and loading ratios of these metals at different temperatures and reduction conditions. The catalysts prepared were characterized by FT-IR, N2 physisorption, XRD, SEM, and ICP. All catalysts showed the presence of cylindrical mesoporous channels and uniform pore structures that remained even after metals loading. In the presence of a CO2 buffer, the catalysts 4Pd-1Cu/SBA-15 and 1Pt-1Cu/SBA-15 reduced at 100?C under H2 and 1Pd-1Cu/SBA-15 reduced at 200°C under H2 demonstrated very high nitrate conversion. Furthermore, the forementioned Pd catalysts had higher N2 selectivity (88% - 87%) compared to Pt catalyst (80%). Nitrate conversion by the 4Pd-1Cu/SBA-15 catalyst was significantly decreased to 81% in the absence of CO2.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities with gastroprotective effect of semi-purified fractions and isolation of pure compounds from Mediterranean gorgonian Eunicella singularis

Objective: To explore anti-inflammatory activities of organic extract and its semi-purified fractions(ethanol, acetone, methanol/dichloromethane) from the Mediterranean gorgonian Eunicella singularis. Methods: The anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities were evaluated, using the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model and the acetic acid writhing test in mice. The gastroprotective activity was determined using HCl/Et OH induced gastric ulcers in rats. The purification and structure elucidation of compound(s) from the more effective fraction were determined by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods and in comparison with data reported in the literature. Results: The fraction F-Et OH showed an important antiinflammatory activity associated with significant analgesic and gastroprotective properties. The purification and structure elucidation of compound(s) from this fraction lead to the identification of one diterpenoid and four sterols. Conclusions: These results suggested that components from the active fraction can be used to treat various anti-inflammatory diseases.

The IKK-related kinases： from innate immunity to oncogenesis

Over the past four years, the field of the innate immune response has been highly influenced by the discovery of the IKB kinase （IKK）-related kinases, TANK Binding Kinase I （TBK1） and IKKi, which regulate the activity of interferon regulatory factor （IRF）-3/IRF-7 and NF-κB transcription factors. More recently, additional essential components of the signaling pathways that activate these IKK homologues have been discovered. These include the RNA helicases RIGi and MDA5, and the downstream mitochondrial effector known as CARDIF/MAVS/VISA/IPS-1. In addition to their essential functions in controlling the innate immune response, recent studies have highlighted a role of these kinases in cell proliferation and oncogenesis. The canonical IKKs are well recognized to be a bridge linking chronic inflammation to cancer. New findings now suggest that the IKK-related kinases TBK1 and IKKi also participate in signaling pathways that impact on cell transformation and tumor progression. This review will therefore summarize and discuss the role of TBK1 and IKKi in cellular transformation and oncogenesis by focusing on their regulation and substrate specificity.

Simultaneous Determination by HPLC-UV Vis of Tartrazine and Sunset Yellow in Soft Drinks Sold in Benin

The use of dyes such as tartrazine (E102) and sunset yellow (E102) in food, beverages and health products for technological and commercial purposes is common. The adverse effects caused by these dyes, such as allergies and hyperactivity disorder have been reported, especially in children. In the present study, a chromatographic method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of tartrazine and sunset yellow. The chromatographic separation was performed on a Lichrocart® C18 column (125 × 4.6 mm;5 μm) with a security Guard-C18 column (4 × 2.0 mm, 5 μm;Phenomenex, Torrance, CA, USA) maintained at 30°C. The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of acetonitrile/ammonium acetate buffer pH 6.8 in gradient mode with a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The injection volume was 10 μL. The detection wavelength was set at 455 nm. The parameters of specificity, linearity, precision, repeatability, accuracy and sensitivity were examined for validation. The developed method is linear in the range of 1 μg/mL to 100 μg/mL with a R2> 0.998. The intra-day and inter-day precisions (RSD) were less than 0.6% and 3.1% respectively. The detection limit was 0.03 μg/mL and the quantification limit was 0.1 μg/mL. The retention time of tartrazine was 2.86 min, while sunset yellow was detected at 5.67 min. A simple, rapid, accurate and robust HPLC/UV-Visible method was developed and validated for simultaneous identification and quantification of tartrazine and sunset yellow. This developed method was successfully applied for the simultaneous determination of tartrazine and sunset yellow in soft drinks sold in Benin.

Anthelmintic activity of Saba senegalensis(A.DC.) Pichon (Apocynaceae) extract against adult worms and eggs of Haemonchus contortus

Objective: To evaluate the anthelmintic property of Saba senegalensis(A.DC) Pichon(Apocynaceae)(S. senegalensis) on Haemonchus contortus that is traditionally used in Burkina Faso for its gastrointestinal parasites treatment.Methods: The lyophilized aqueous decoction of leaves of S. senegalensis at concentrations of 0.10, 1.00, 3.00, 10.00 and 15.00 mg/m L was used on eggs and adult worms of Haemonchus contortus collected from gastrointestinal tract of small ruminant.Results: The LC_(50) on adult worms was 6.79 mg/m L and 3.25 mg/m L for the leaves of S. senegalensis and the levamisole(reference drug), respectively. Inhibition of hatching assay showed a concentration-dependent manner with an inhibition of 93.63% at the concentration of 15.00 mg/m L of S. senegalensis.Conclusions: These results indicate that the aqueous extract of S. senegalensis possesses an anthelmintic property and may justify its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal parasites.

Fighting Poor Quality Medicines: Development, Transfer and Validation of Generic HPLC Methods for Analyzing Two WHO Recommended Antimalarial Tablets

As serious but neglected public health problems, poor quality medicines, i.e. for antimalarial medicines, urged to be fought. One of the approaches is to consider the analytical chemistry and separative techniques. In this study, a generic liquid chromatographic method was firstly developed for the purpose of screening 8 antimalarial active ingredients, namely amodiaquine (AQ), piperaquine (PPQ), sulfalene (SL), pyrimethamine (PM), lumefantrine (LF), artesunate (AS), artemether (AM) and dihydroartemisinine (DHA) by applying DoE/DS optimization strategy. Since the method was not totally satisfying in terms of peak separation, further experiments were undergone applying the same development strategy while splitting the 8 ingredients into five groups. Excellent prediction was observed prior to correlation between retention times of predicted and observed separation conditions. Then, a successful geometric transfer was realized to reduce the analysis time focusing on the simultaneous quantification of two WHO’s recommended ACTs in anti-malarial fixed-dose combination (AM-LF and AS-AQ) in tablets. The optimal separation was achieved using an isocratic elution of methanol-ammonium formate buffer (pH 2.8;10 mM) (82.5:17.5, v/v) at 0.6 ml/min through a C18 column (100 mm × 3.5 mm, 3.5 μm) thermostated at 25℃. After a successful validation stage based on the total error approach, the method was applied to determine the content of AM/LF or AS/AQ in seven brands of antimalarial tablets currently marketed in West, Central and East Africa. Satisfying results were obtained compared to the claimed contents.

Correlation between Asymptomatic Bacteriuria and HIV-1 Viral Load Level and CD4 Count in Pregnant Women on Antiretroviral Therapy in N’djamena (Chad)

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the “Centre de l’Appui Psycho-Médico-Social (APMS)” which is a centre for Psychological and Medical Support in N'Djamena (Chad) from January to March 2014. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and viral load level and CD4 count in seventy-six (76) HIV-1 infected pregnant women on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Urine culture and bacteria identification were performed by using a chromogenic culture medium (UriselectR4). T CD4+ lymphocytes count and viral load measurement were done respectively on PIMATM test and Abbott m2000 RealTime HIV-1. In this study, 25 (32.9%) pregnant women were carrying ASB and major bacteria;Escherichia coli and Streptococcus agalactiae known to cause neonatal meningitis to newborns were identified. Bacteria were isolated mainly in women with CD4 lymphocytes 3log (70%) (19/25). Besides the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV, which remains a goal, it is important to prevent also the transmission of other microorganisms causing neonatal infections. Our findings support the needs to do bacteriological analysis of urine in every HIV-infected pregnant woman at least in late pregnancy.

Quality Control of Paracetamol Generic Tablets Marketed in Benin and Search of Its Two Impurities P-Aminophenol and P-Nitrophenol by HPLC-UV/Visible

In this work, we evaluated the quality of paracetamol generic tablets while seeking its two main impurities namely 4-para-aminophenol (4-AP) and 4-para-nitrophenol (4-NP) which have nephrotoxic and teratogenic properties. Ninety-four (94) samples were collected at various levels of the medicine supply chain and illegal markets in Benin for quality control tests such as visual inspection, pharmacotechnical tests as mass variation, disintegration test, dissolution test, followed by HPLC UV-Vis identification and assay of paracetamol, 4-AP and 4-NP. The analytes were separated on C18 Lichrocart column (250 mm × 4.0 mm i.d, 5 μm);the mobile phase was MeOH:10 mM ammonium acetate buffer pH 6.8 (35:65) pumped at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. The detection was done at 245 nm. Analysis of our results shows that 77.7% of the samples did not comply with the visual inspection test requirements, 2.1% did not pass the mass variation test, 24.3% of the sample batches didn’t comply with the disintegration test requirements. In addition none of these uncomply batches passed the dissolution test, even if the identification test indicated that all samples contained paracetamol. None contained 4-NP (acceptance limit < 0.05% m/m;BP), while 3 of 94 samples contained 4-AP but within acceptance limit (4-AP < 0.1% m/m;BP). As for the paracetamol assay, 80.9% complied with the specifications of the pharmacopoeias taken as reference (90% - 110%;USP). Further, broader studies should be conducted according to the same rules of good practice for a more comprehensive analysis of the situation. Generally the quality control of paracetamol in most African countries, particularly in Benin, is based on pharmacotechnical tests and paracetamol assay. This work, in addition to the usual tests, showed the importance to search for paracetamol and other drugs’ impurities during their routine quality control.

Analysis of Adverse Reactions Related to Drugs and Vaccines Received at the National Centre for Pharmacovigilance from 2009 to 2016 in Togo

Objectives: To assess the received suspected adverse events occurring upon treatment with drugs and vaccines, at National Centre for Pharmacovigilance, in Togo, from 2009 to 2016. Methods: A crossover study was conducted in order to collect data about patients, drugs, suspected adverse events and notifiers. Suspected adverse events were classified using Med DRA 19.1. Notification’s circumstances were classified into Public Health Programs’ campaigns and routine practice. Data were collated into Excel spreadsheet and processed with SPSS software. Key Findings: Regional distribution is irregular. Of the 322 collected report forms, paramedics have notified 60.8% of the cases. Adult patients were the most represented (70.2%). Public Health Programs campaigns provided 72.6% versus 27.4% for routine practice including Neglected Tropical Diseases (41.4%), immunization (27.7%), tuberculosis (25.9%) and 4.5% for HIV. Skin disorders were the most prevalent suspected adverse events (147 sheets;45.7%) followed by general disorders and administration site disorders (29.8%) and gastro-intestinal disorders (12.7%). General anti-infective drugs for systemic use, antiparasites, and insecticides were the most reported class of medications (161 sheets;44.7%). Conclusions: A thorough follow-up of pharmacovigilance launched activities is needed to build a sustainable adverse effect’s surveillance system and routine practice has to be strengthened.

New Method for Injectable Quinine Quality Assurance Control Using a Multi-Spectral Microscope

Africa is the world region that is most affected by malaria. Among the therapies used, injectable quinine is considered to be one of the effective antimalarial drug, however non-quality assured antimalarials clearly have a strong market penetration across Africa. To overcome this problem, it becomes more and more necessary to set up quantitative and qualitative analysis system for antimalarial quality control. The objective of the present investigation is an attempt to use customized multispectral microscope equipped with UV-Visible lasers for injectable quinine quality assurance control routinely. For that, we have established the calibration curve of quinine solution concentration as a function of area under light intensity histogram crossing the solution. From this calibration curve, we can check the conformity of any injectable quinine according to the pharmacopoeia involved. The proposed technique is a promising alternative for drug quality control routinely.

HIV-1 Viral Load and CD4 Assessment in HIV-1 Infected Pregnant Women Supported as Part of PMTCT in N’Djamena, Chad

In Sub-Saharan Africa, HIV affects lots of women of childbearing age;without prevention they can transmit the virus to their child. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the center of Psycho Medico-Social Support (APMS) in N’Djamena, Chad from January 2014 to March 2015. Our sampling concerned HIV-1 infected pregnant women followed up for PMTCT and their newborn. CD4+ lymphocytes and HIV-1 viral load were tested respectively with PIMATM and Abbott m2000 Real Time in mothers. Early infant diagnosis of HIV-1 was done in Children using PCR tool (Abbott m2000 Real Time). Pregnant women included in the study had a median age of 25 years (IQR, 22 - 30 years). Most of them (75.6%) (34/45), were under combination ART (TDF + 3TC or FTC + EFV). The median duration on ART was 4 month (IQR [3 - 5 months]). Nevirapine syrup was administrated to newborns as prophylaxis at least for the first six weeks of life until EID was done. At ART initiation, mothers’ LTCD4+ median was 249 cells/mm3 (IQR: 95 - 674 cells/mm3). After a median duration of 4 months on ART, LTCD4+ median was 530 cells/mm3 (IQR [263 - 1220 cells/mm3]). Viral load assessment in mothers showed that 15.5% (7/45) were undetectable, 75.6% (34/45) were detectable with a VL < 3log copies/ml and 8.8% (4/45) at virologic failure (VL > 3log copies/ ml). Four (11.4%) of 35 children included were tested positive at EID for HIV-1. Antiretroviral treatment management in pregnant women can improve their health and reduce the risk of MTCT. Availability of virologic monitoring in routine is essential for pregnant women in resources limited setting for preventing HIV transmission to their new-born and keep them alive.

Modeling of Copper Adsorption by <i>Moringa oleifera</i>Seed Powders

In this work, an inexpensive and environmentally friendly natural adsorbent obtained from shelled (GD) and unshelled (GND) Moringa oleifera seeds was used for copper adsorption from aqueous solutions. A series of experiments were performed to assess the parameters influencing the adsorption phenomenon such as pH, adsorbent mass, adsorption equilibrium time and temperature. The kinetic results of adsorption described a pseudo-second order model. The adsorption isotherms are satisfactorily described by the Langmuir mathematical model. The thermodynamic data revealed a spontaneous and endothermic adsorption phenomenon. The level of copper in surface water before and after addition of moringa powders was carried out to verify the effectiveness of the adsorbent. A maximum adsorption rate of 51.28% and 61.96% was obtained with GD and GND powders respectively. Moringa oleifera seed powders are an effective alternative for the removal of copper from surface water.

Retention Factors for Trace Metal Elements in Solid Phase and Applicable Adsorption Models: Case of <i>Moringa oleifera</i>

Moringa oleifera is an edible plant cultivated throughout the tropical belt. It belongs to the family Moringaceae and is one of its 14 known species. This paper presents a synthesis of the main factors responsible for the retention of trace metal elements (TMEs) by Moringa oleifera seed powder, a natural adsorbent. The five main factors studied are metal concentration, solution pH, adsorbent particle size, adsorbent dose and adsorbent/adsorbate contact time. Through these factors, we present the optimal conditions for removal of these TMEs, as well as adsorption isotherm models appropriate for the conditions of retention of these metal cations by the adsorbent. The times of 20 min (GD) and 50 min (GND) are the equilibrium times obtained in our study. An optimal adsorbent mass (GD and GND powders) of 4.5 g was found. 20% to 97% abatement is observed for average pH values between 6 and 8. The coefficients of determination (R2) obtained (0.972, 0.963, 0.991 and 0.799) during the isotherm experiments carried out at 20°C, 30°C, 40°C and 50°C are close to 1. Also, the separation factor (RL), an essential characteristic of the Langmuir isotherm whose values are between 0 and 1, attest to the applicability of the Langmuir isotherm model to fit the experimental data of copper adsorption by Moringa powders. In this paper, we are particularly interested in the following TMEs (Mn, Ni, Cr, Cu, Cd, Co, Pb, Fe, Zn, Ag).