Tea is a widely consumed beverage and has many important physiological properties and potential health benefits. In this study, a novel method based on supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry...Tea is a widely consumed beverage and has many important physiological properties and potential health benefits. In this study, a novel method based on supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (SFC-MS) was developed to simultaneously determine 11 amino acids in different types of tea (green teas, Oolong tea, black tea and Pu-erh tea). The separation conditions for the analysis of the selected amino acids including the column type, temperature and backpressure as well as the type of additive, were carefully optimized. The best separation of the 11 amino acids was obtained by adding water (5%, v/v) and trifluoroacetic acid (0.4%, v/v) to the organic modifier (methanol). Finally, the developed SFC-MS method was fully validated and successfully applied to the determination of these amino acids in six different tea samples. Good linearity (r ≥ 0.993), precision (RSDs≤ 2.99%), accuracy (91.95%-107.09%) as well as good sample stability were observed. The limits of detection ranged from 1.42 to 14.69 ng/mL, while the limits of quantification were between 4.53 and 47.0 ng/mL. The results indicate that the contents of the 11 amino acids in the six different tea samples are greatly influenced by the degree of fermentation. The proposed SFC-MS method shows a great potential for further investigation of tea varieties.展开更多
Climate change induces profound changes in mountain territories that affect the activities pursued there.Tourism is one activity that is strongly impacted by these changes.Most research on tourism in mountain regions ...Climate change induces profound changes in mountain territories that affect the activities pursued there.Tourism is one activity that is strongly impacted by these changes.Most research on tourism in mountain regions has focused on winter sports tourism,but glacier tourism,a summer activity,is also severely affected by climate change-induced phenomena,including glacier retreat and other geomorphological processes.Given that Alpine glacier tourism has been pursued since the 18th century and glaciers have been changing throughout this period,this article aims to examine the adaptations implemented by glacier tourism operators since the activity’s beginnings.Through analysis of historical documents,glaciological surveys and semi-structured interviews,this paper reveals how tourism activities around the Mer de Glace(the largest French glacier)have been impacted by glacier fluctuations since the first visit to the area in 1741.The study reveals that these developments have mainly been driven by glacier retreat and associated paraglacial dynamics.More recently,the shortening of the period of snow cover on the glacier has also impacted tourism activities.Most of the adaptation strategies implemented by tourism operators during the period in question are found to be reactive,consisting in the installation of safety equipment,the renovation of access points or the building of new structures to allow tourist activities to continue despite the consequences of glacier retreat.Other strategies,such as the adoption of new activities by workers previously specialised in another,are identified that could be considered transformative strategies,although these were only adopted by workers when their activity was no longer feasible.The analysis of materials from 1741 to the present also reveals that the recent impacts of climate change on glacier tourism are much more significant and diverse than those produced by past fluctuations.Therefore,it is important that stakeholders take suitable measures to ensure the sustainable future of the Mer de Glace and other glacier tourism destinations.展开更多
In this paper, we report the results of quality control based in pbysicochemical characteriza- tion and impurities determination of three samples of fluconazole drug substances marketed in Morocco. These samples were ...In this paper, we report the results of quality control based in pbysicochemical characteriza- tion and impurities determination of three samples of fluconazole drug substances marketed in Morocco. These samples were supplied by different pharmaceuticals companies. The sample A, as the discovered product, was supplied by Pfizer, while samples B and C （generics）, were manufactured by two different Indian industries. Solid-state characterization of the three samples was realized with different physicochemical methods as： X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier-transformation infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry. High performance liquid chromatography was used to quantify the impurities in the different samples. The results from the physicochemical methods cited above, showed difference in polymorph structure of the three drug substances. Sample A consisted in pure polymorph II1, sample B consisted in pure polymorph I1, sample C consisted in a mixture of fluconazole Form Ili, form II and the monohydrate. This result was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry. Also it was demonstrated that solvents used during the re-crystallization step were among the origins of these differences in the structure form. On the other hand, the result of the stability study under humidity and temperature showed that fluconazole polymorphic transformation could be owed to the no compliance with the conditions of storage. The HPLC analysis of these compounds showed the presence of specific展开更多
One of the most important tools used to evaluate kidney function in the context of chronic kidney disease or other renal function related pathologies is the exploration of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Iohexol is ...One of the most important tools used to evaluate kidney function in the context of chronic kidney disease or other renal function related pathologies is the exploration of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Iohexol is up to this moment a good candidate molecule for the GFR assessment since it exhibits minimum protein binding rates and minimum extra-renal clearance, being neither secreted nor reabsorbed at the tubular level. This study proposes and evaluates a new LC-MS/MS method for the iohexol determination from capillary blood, prelevated using volumetric absorbative microsampling (VAMS) systems. As an alternative to VAMS, a brand new HemaPEN■ device for micro-prelevation was also tested. A new high throughput sample preparation protocol adapted for iohexol quantification from whole blood VAMS samples was developed. The medium term stability study of iohexol in dried whole blood VAMS samples that was conducted showed a good stability of this molecule for up to 12 days. By collecting only 10 mL of blood, iohexol can be analyzed from dried whole blood VAMS samples for concentration ranges between 1 and 250 mg/mL. Due to the analyte stability in VAMS for up to 12 days, this approach might be successfully applied for GFR assessment for clinical cases allowing minimum invasiveness and even delayed analysis.展开更多
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the sickle cell trait carriage is estimated at 25%. Routine neonatal screening is not a common practice, leading to a very late diagnosis. In this study, the screening of pregn...In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the sickle cell trait carriage is estimated at 25%. Routine neonatal screening is not a common practice, leading to a very late diagnosis. In this study, the screening of pregnant women was assessed as well as their attitudes. This is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted in 245 pregnant women, sampled by convenience in four hospitals in Kisangani city (Democratic Republic of Congo) and screened using the sickle SCAN® test, from February 1 to July 31, 2019. The sensitivity and specificity of the latter were determined using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry as the gold standard. The attitudes of 240 pregnant women without previous screening history were assessed upon the announcement of the results. The sensitivity of screening for hemoglobin (Hb) AA and Hb AS was 96.69% and 98.39%, respectively;while the specificities were 99.43% and 96.32%, respectively. The Kappa coefficient (<i>κ</i>) was excellent. Concerning attitudes, Hb SS pregnant women and 55.17% of AS pregnant women worried when the results relating to their hemoglobin status were announced. The sickle SCAN® test was found reliable for sickle cell disease screening in Kisangani. The announcement of the results, mainly positive, raises worry among pregnant woman. Therefore, we recommend the involvement of a clinician psychologist for pre-screening counselling and for results announcement, as well as early newborns and unmarried teenage girls screening.展开更多
In order to combat the counterfeiting of drugs, adapted HPLC analytical USP methods were applied to evaluate the quality of the amoxicillin (with or without potassium clavulanate) powder for suspension sold in some Co...In order to combat the counterfeiting of drugs, adapted HPLC analytical USP methods were applied to evaluate the quality of the amoxicillin (with or without potassium clavulanate) powder for suspension sold in some Congolese markets. The adaptation has been done by modifying the column dimensions and adjusting the flow rate. According to the intended deployment of these methods in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 3 factors (analyst, day and equipment) were involved in the validation step while applying the classic total error measurement approach with an accuracy profile as decision tool. Since adequate results were obtained in terms of selectivity, precision, trueness and accuracy (tolerance limits of life expectancy: ?6.0% and 3.8%) for levels of interest concentration, the methods have been considered for routine use on several samples from different provenances and collected in 4 major DRC cities. Out of 278 samples collected, 200 were eligible for analysis from which 28% were found under standards with several figures: pH failure, out of specification for amoxicillin content, absence of potassium clavulanate, physical modifications of the powders. As evidenced by these findings, medicines of low-quality continue to be a major public health problem requiring appropriate action to effectively address this problem.展开更多
In the framework of fighting against the poor quality medicines sold in developing countries using classical analytical methods easily accessible in those countries, four UV-Visible spectrophotometric methods for one ...In the framework of fighting against the poor quality medicines sold in developing countries using classical analytical methods easily accessible in those countries, four UV-Visible spectrophotometric methods for one antimalarial (quinine) and two antibiotics (amoxicillin and metronidazole) have been developed and validated according to the total error strategy using the accuracy profiles as a decision tool. The dosing range was 2 - 10 μg/mL (for quinine sulfate in tablet), 4 - 12 μg/mL (for quinine bichlorhydrate in oral drop-metronidazole benzaote in oral suspension) and 15 - 35 μg/mL (for amoxicillin trihydrate in capsule). The validated methods were then applied in determining the content of some analogous medicines sold in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thus, the proposed UV-Visible spectrophotometric methods are simple and suitable to quantify quinine, amoxicillin and metronidazole in different pharmaceutical forms.展开更多
Falsified antibacterial agents continue to pose serious public health problems around the world. They are notably responsible for resistance emergence in the treatment of infectious diseases that can lead to death. Th...Falsified antibacterial agents continue to pose serious public health problems around the world. They are notably responsible for resistance emergence in the treatment of infectious diseases that can lead to death. The aim of this study was to summarize the literature on the methods developed and validated to detect poor quality antibacterial agents in order to assess the impact of these available methods in the fighting against Counterfeit/substandard medicines. Thus, studies published in the time from January 2000 to July 2017, were accessible via Google Scholar and Pubmed and allowed to analyze 41 papers. The majority (30) of developed and validated methods concerned LC methods, 9 regarded UV/V is spectrophotometry and two studies simultaneously developed both methods. Antibacterial agents belonging to beta-lactams group were the most concerned by the methods developed and validated (39%), followed by quinolones (18%) and macrolides (12%). Regarding active ingredients, amoxicillin (12%) was the most concerned by the development and validation methods. In spite of several available methods to detect substandard drugs, antibacterial agents for which methods were developed and validated were the most concerned by worldwide detected non-conformities. The fight against this scourge should not be only limited by their detection, but it also requires an effective involvement of different actors notably: health authorities, international organizations, pharmaceutical industries etc.展开更多
Objective: This study aims to evaluate the vasodilatory effect of Chenopodium ambrosioides on the isolated rat aorta, and to explore its mechanism of action.Methods: The vasorelaxant effect and the mode of action of v...Objective: This study aims to evaluate the vasodilatory effect of Chenopodium ambrosioides on the isolated rat aorta, and to explore its mechanism of action.Methods: The vasorelaxant effect and the mode of action of various extracts from the leaves of C. ambrosioides were evaluated on thoracic aortic rings isolated from Wistar rats. In addition, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions were analyzed, using thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography techniques, for their polyphenolic content.Results: The various active extracts of C. ambrosioides at four concentrations(10^(-3), 10^(-2), 10^(-1) and 1 mg/mL) relaxed the contraction elicited by phenylephrine, in a concentration-dependent manner.This effect seems to be endothelium-dependent, since the vasodilatory effect was entirely absent in denuded aortic rings. The vasorelaxant effect of the methanol fraction(MF) of C. ambrosioides at 1 mg/mL was also inhibited by atropine and tetraethylammonium. This effect remained unchanged by Nx-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride and glibenclamide. The preliminary phytochemical analysis showed that the leaves of C. ambrosioides are rich in phenolic and flavonoid derivatives.Conclusion: These results suggest that the MF of C. ambrosioides produces an endothelium-dependent relaxation of the isolated rat aorta, which is thought to be mediated mainly through stimulation of the muscarinic receptors, and probably involving the opening of Ca^(2+)-activated potassium channels.展开更多
Methanolic extracts from the leaves of <em>Manihot esculenta </em>(Two cultivars) and <em>Manihot glaziovii</em>, consumed as traditional vegetables in DR. Congo was chemically characterized by...Methanolic extracts from the leaves of <em>Manihot esculenta </em>(Two cultivars) and <em>Manihot glaziovii</em>, consumed as traditional vegetables in DR. Congo was chemically characterized by Thin layer Chromatography and High Performance Liquid Chromatography. <em>In vitro</em> biochemical activities of extracts against Radical Oxidative Species (ROS) production were assessed in cellular models, on enzymes, Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP) involved in inflammation. The microscopic analysis of the powder of leaves showed that each species displays specific and discriminating botanical microscopic features. Varieties of<em> M. esculenta</em> had a chemical fingerprint different from <em>M. glaziovii</em>. The majority of compounds were polyphenols, represented mainly by rutin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, amentoflavone, phenolic acids such as gallic acid. All extracts exhibited high cellular antioxidant activity in the range of 0.1 to 10 μg<span style="white-space:nowrap;">·</span>mL<sup>-1</sup> using lucigenin with neutrophils, but a moderate cellular antioxidant activity ranging between 10 and 100 μg<span style="white-space:nowrap;">·</span>mL<sup>-1</sup> with DCFDA on HL60 monocytes. Extracts from <em>Manihot</em> leaves showed a pronounced inhibitory effect on the production of extracellular ROS, on HRP and myeloperoxidase activity. Cellular antioxidant activities, the inhibitory effect on HRP of extracts from <em>M. glaziovii</em>, <em>M. esculenta</em> cultivar <em>Mwambu </em>were significantly higher, but their inhibitory effect on the activity of MPO was lower than those of <em>M. esculenta</em> cultivar TEM 419. The biological activities of <em>Manihot esculenta</em> and <em>Manihot glaziovii </em>were well correlated to their phytochemicals that could justify their traditional use as vegetables, potential functional foods or nutraceutical resources and medicines.展开更多
In recent times, the overall interest over Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC) is truly growing within various domains but especially for pharmaceutical analysis. However, in the best of our knowledge modern SFC ...In recent times, the overall interest over Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC) is truly growing within various domains but especially for pharmaceutical analysis. However, in the best of our knowledge modern SFC is not yet applied for drug quality control in the daily routine framework. Among the numerous reported SFC methods, none of them could be found to fully satisfy to all steps of the analytical method lifecycle. Thereby, the present contribution aims to provide an overview of the current and past achievements related to SFC techniques, with a targeted attention to this lifecycle and its successive steps. The included discussions were therefore structured accordingly and emphasizing the analytical method lifecycle in accord with the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH). Recent and important scientific outputs in the field of analytical SFC, as well as instrumental evolution, qualification strategies, method development methodologies and discussions on the topic of method validation are reviewed.展开更多
The aim of this study was to characterize the polyphenolic composition by determination of chemical fingerprints of Methanolic extracts of Ocimum canum Sims, Ocimum basilicum L. and Ocimum gratissimum L. from Democrat...The aim of this study was to characterize the polyphenolic composition by determination of chemical fingerprints of Methanolic extracts of Ocimum canum Sims, Ocimum basilicum L. and Ocimum gratissimum L. from Democratic Republic of Congo and to compare their antisickling activity of that of rosmarinic acid, the major compound to those of methanolic extracts. Phytochemical analysis performed by TLC and HPLC analysis, showed that rosmarinic acid is the most abundant phenolic acid in these Ocimum species according to the following order O. basilicum L., O. gratissimum L. and O. canum Sims. Methanolic extracts of these three species and pure rosmarinic acid showed significant antisickling activities with minimal concentration of normalization values of 0.18 ± 0.03, 0.23 ± 0.04, 0.26 ± 0.04 and 0.31 ± 0.05 mg/mL for rosmarinic acid, O. basilicum L., O. gratissimum L. and O. canum Sims methanolic extracts respectively. The antisickling activity order is the same as that of the rosmarinic acid content, indicating that this polyphenolic acid would be among the main active molecules in these extracts.展开更多
Nowadays, the circulation of poor quality medicines is becoming an alarming worldwide phenomenon with serious public health and socio-economic concerns. The situation is particularly critical in developing countries w...Nowadays, the circulation of poor quality medicines is becoming an alarming worldwide phenomenon with serious public health and socio-economic concerns. The situation is particularly critical in developing countries where drug quality assurance and regulatory systems for drug manufacturing, importation, distribution and sales are weak. A sustained vigilance on poor quality medicines that regroup counterfeit/falsified, substandard and degraded medicines is therefore required to ensure patient safety and genuine medicines integrity. A case situation is illustrated including a strategic approach and analytical tools that were found useful to detect poor quality medicines, identify unknown components, and timely alerts for appropriate measures against the spread of those harmful products. Several suspected medicines randomly sampled in several strategic Rwandan areas were firstly check-controlled by means of visual inspection and then applying several analytical techniques from simple to more complex ones. The following medicines were studied: quinine sulfate tablets, artemisinin-based combination tablets, and artesunate powders for injection. Taking into account the pharmaceutical forms and the chemical characteristics, the following tests were applied: uniformity of mass, friability, disintegration, fluorescence, identification and assay. They were followed by more complex analytical techniques that allowed more comprehension of abnormal findings among which the presence of a wrong active pharmaceutical ingredient in quinine sulfate tablets which is mainly discussed in this paper to illustrate a strategic approach and various analytical tools that can be used in detecting and identifying unknown component in poor quality medicines.展开更多
Panda oleosa Pierre (POP), a tropical plant tree, has been used in traditional medicine in Kisangani city and around to treat various diseases including diabetes and HIV/AIDs. This study aims to evaluate the chemical ...Panda oleosa Pierre (POP), a tropical plant tree, has been used in traditional medicine in Kisangani city and around to treat various diseases including diabetes and HIV/AIDs. This study aims to evaluate the chemical composition of POP extracts while setting up chromatographic fingerprints for their quality control, and the anti-hyperglycemic potential of trunk bark aqueous extracts of POP. Common chemical reactions were used for identification of main secondary metabolic groups. Thin layer chromatography was used to set up several chromatographic fingerprints of water and alcoholic extracts while evaluating chemical composition. Oral glucose tolerance test served to induce hyperglycemia in a rabbit model. The extracts were given as 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg body weight, 30 minutes before loading animals with glucose 4 g/kg. Blood samples were collected at various times: just before extracts (T-30), before (T0) and after glucose load (T30, T60, T120, and T180). Blood glucose levels were measured with One Touch Glucometer. The identification tests revealed the presence of saponins (3.58%), tannins (5%);alkaloids, quinones, flavonoids, and terpenes sterols could not be formerly detected by the reagents used. Interesting chromatographic spots were observed whose behaviors are of catechic tannin proanthocyanes. The extract significantly reduced glucose levels in dose dependent manner as compared to control and glibenclamide reference groups. The average of mean percentage of reduction in glucose level at T120 with the extract 100 mg/kg was close to that of glibenclamide 0.25 mg/kg (49% and 40.2%). These findings back the traditional use of the plant to treat diabetic patients and constitute a foundation for an extensive study to find a new antidiabetic phythomedicine.展开更多
Liquid chromatographic methods in isocratic mode for the analysis of poor quality medicines are privileged due to their simplicity and facility in methods development. They are generally fast;do not need to be re-equi...Liquid chromatographic methods in isocratic mode for the analysis of poor quality medicines are privileged due to their simplicity and facility in methods development. They are generally fast;do not need to be re-equilibrated between sample injections;have larger flexibility with acceptable changes on different column dimensions;and are applicable to LC systems equipped with simple or high developed pumps. In this study, we focused on developing simple isocratic methods using classical mobile phase composed by methanol and ammonium formate buffer for the analysis of most common antimalarial medicines marketed in malaria endemic countries and susceptible of being counterfeit/falsified, substandard and degraded. The selected medicines were quinine and related cinchona alkaloids in tablets and injectable forms;artemether/lumefantrine tablets;and artemisinin compounds (arteether, artemether, and artesunate) in injectable forms. The current methods were developed thanks to simple methodological approach consisting in sequential isocratic runs through adjustment or adaptation of existing methods to obtain optimal analytical conditions without complex design of experiments that might be long and costly. Then, the new methods presented shorter analysis time;allowed increase of sample analysis throughput;and obviously consumed little mobile phase solvents on classical analytical columns: 50 - 250 mm of length (L), 4.6 mm of internal diameter (I.D.), and 3.5 - 5.0 μm of particle size (dp).展开更多
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...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.展开更多
Autoimmune diseases,cancers,and viral infections pose significant global health threats,characterized by chronic pathology,unregulated cellular proliferation,and rapid transmission,respec-tively,requiring urgent early...Autoimmune diseases,cancers,and viral infections pose significant global health threats,characterized by chronic pathology,unregulated cellular proliferation,and rapid transmission,respec-tively,requiring urgent early warning and treatment strategies.Antibodies,primarily classified into auto-antibodies and therapeutic antibodies based on their clinical roles,provide essential information and show considerable value in the precise diagnosis and treatment of these serious diseases.Among the technol-ogies utilized in bioanalysis,electrochemical biosensors,with their unique advantages of rapid response,high sensitivity,miniaturization,cost-effectiveness and user-friendly operation,have been developed as a trending technology for precise diagnostic and therapeutic drug monitoring.This review systematically summarizes the relationships and roles of clinically relevant antibodies in autoimmune diseases,cancers,and viral infections,while detailing the composition,strategies,development,and application trends of relevant electrochemical biosensors.Furthermore,it highlights the remaining challenges and opportu-nities for the advancement and prospects of electrochemical sensors in the context of clinically relevant antibodies.展开更多
Due to low immobilized ligand density,limited binding capacity,and severe interference from serum proteins,developing ideal peptide-based biomaterials for precise recognition and in vivo analysis of biopharmaceuticals...Due to low immobilized ligand density,limited binding capacity,and severe interference from serum proteins,developing ideal peptide-based biomaterials for precise recognition and in vivo analysis of biopharmaceuticals remains a huge challenge.In this study,mimotope peptide modified pompon mum-like biomimetic magnetic microparticles(MMPs,3.8μm)that mimic the specific functionalities of CD20 on malignant B cells were developed for the first time.Benefit from the numerous ligand binding sites(Ni^(2+))on the pompon mum-like MMPs,these novel materials achieved≥10 times higher peptide ligand densities(>2300 mg/g)and antibody binding capacities(1380 mg/g)compared to previous reported biomaterials.Leveraging the high specificity of the mimotope peptide,rituximab can be precisely recognized and enriched from cell culture media or serum samples.We also established an LC-MS/MS method using the MMPs for tracking rituximab biotransformation in patient serum.Intriguingly,deamidation of Asn55 and Asn33,as well as oxidation of Met81 and Met34 were observed at the key complementarity determining regions of rituximab,which could potentially influence antibody function and require careful monitoring.Overall,these versatile biomimetic MMPs demonstrate superior recognition and enrichment capabilities for target antibodies,offering interesting possibilities for biotransformation analysis of biopharmaceuticals in patient serum.展开更多
基金the financial support from China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2018M643205)
文摘Tea is a widely consumed beverage and has many important physiological properties and potential health benefits. In this study, a novel method based on supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (SFC-MS) was developed to simultaneously determine 11 amino acids in different types of tea (green teas, Oolong tea, black tea and Pu-erh tea). The separation conditions for the analysis of the selected amino acids including the column type, temperature and backpressure as well as the type of additive, were carefully optimized. The best separation of the 11 amino acids was obtained by adding water (5%, v/v) and trifluoroacetic acid (0.4%, v/v) to the organic modifier (methanol). Finally, the developed SFC-MS method was fully validated and successfully applied to the determination of these amino acids in six different tea samples. Good linearity (r ≥ 0.993), precision (RSDs≤ 2.99%), accuracy (91.95%-107.09%) as well as good sample stability were observed. The limits of detection ranged from 1.42 to 14.69 ng/mL, while the limits of quantification were between 4.53 and 47.0 ng/mL. The results indicate that the contents of the 11 amino acids in the six different tea samples are greatly influenced by the degree of fermentation. The proposed SFC-MS method shows a great potential for further investigation of tea varieties.
基金funded by the Labex ITEM-ANR:10-LABX-0050the ALCOTRA n342 AdaPT Mont Blanc project funded by the Interreg V-A Italy-France 2014-2020 program
文摘Climate change induces profound changes in mountain territories that affect the activities pursued there.Tourism is one activity that is strongly impacted by these changes.Most research on tourism in mountain regions has focused on winter sports tourism,but glacier tourism,a summer activity,is also severely affected by climate change-induced phenomena,including glacier retreat and other geomorphological processes.Given that Alpine glacier tourism has been pursued since the 18th century and glaciers have been changing throughout this period,this article aims to examine the adaptations implemented by glacier tourism operators since the activity’s beginnings.Through analysis of historical documents,glaciological surveys and semi-structured interviews,this paper reveals how tourism activities around the Mer de Glace(the largest French glacier)have been impacted by glacier fluctuations since the first visit to the area in 1741.The study reveals that these developments have mainly been driven by glacier retreat and associated paraglacial dynamics.More recently,the shortening of the period of snow cover on the glacier has also impacted tourism activities.Most of the adaptation strategies implemented by tourism operators during the period in question are found to be reactive,consisting in the installation of safety equipment,the renovation of access points or the building of new structures to allow tourist activities to continue despite the consequences of glacier retreat.Other strategies,such as the adoption of new activities by workers previously specialised in another,are identified that could be considered transformative strategies,although these were only adopted by workers when their activity was no longer feasible.The analysis of materials from 1741 to the present also reveals that the recent impacts of climate change on glacier tourism are much more significant and diverse than those produced by past fluctuations.Therefore,it is important that stakeholders take suitable measures to ensure the sustainable future of the Mer de Glace and other glacier tourism destinations.
文摘In this paper, we report the results of quality control based in pbysicochemical characteriza- tion and impurities determination of three samples of fluconazole drug substances marketed in Morocco. These samples were supplied by different pharmaceuticals companies. The sample A, as the discovered product, was supplied by Pfizer, while samples B and C （generics）, were manufactured by two different Indian industries. Solid-state characterization of the three samples was realized with different physicochemical methods as： X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier-transformation infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry. High performance liquid chromatography was used to quantify the impurities in the different samples. The results from the physicochemical methods cited above, showed difference in polymorph structure of the three drug substances. Sample A consisted in pure polymorph II1, sample B consisted in pure polymorph I1, sample C consisted in a mixture of fluconazole Form Ili, form II and the monohydrate. This result was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry. Also it was demonstrated that solvents used during the re-crystallization step were among the origins of these differences in the structure form. On the other hand, the result of the stability study under humidity and temperature showed that fluconazole polymorphic transformation could be owed to the no compliance with the conditions of storage. The HPLC analysis of these compounds showed the presence of specific
文摘One of the most important tools used to evaluate kidney function in the context of chronic kidney disease or other renal function related pathologies is the exploration of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Iohexol is up to this moment a good candidate molecule for the GFR assessment since it exhibits minimum protein binding rates and minimum extra-renal clearance, being neither secreted nor reabsorbed at the tubular level. This study proposes and evaluates a new LC-MS/MS method for the iohexol determination from capillary blood, prelevated using volumetric absorbative microsampling (VAMS) systems. As an alternative to VAMS, a brand new HemaPEN■ device for micro-prelevation was also tested. A new high throughput sample preparation protocol adapted for iohexol quantification from whole blood VAMS samples was developed. The medium term stability study of iohexol in dried whole blood VAMS samples that was conducted showed a good stability of this molecule for up to 12 days. By collecting only 10 mL of blood, iohexol can be analyzed from dried whole blood VAMS samples for concentration ranges between 1 and 250 mg/mL. Due to the analyte stability in VAMS for up to 12 days, this approach might be successfully applied for GFR assessment for clinical cases allowing minimum invasiveness and even delayed analysis.
文摘In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the sickle cell trait carriage is estimated at 25%. Routine neonatal screening is not a common practice, leading to a very late diagnosis. In this study, the screening of pregnant women was assessed as well as their attitudes. This is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted in 245 pregnant women, sampled by convenience in four hospitals in Kisangani city (Democratic Republic of Congo) and screened using the sickle SCAN® test, from February 1 to July 31, 2019. The sensitivity and specificity of the latter were determined using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry as the gold standard. The attitudes of 240 pregnant women without previous screening history were assessed upon the announcement of the results. The sensitivity of screening for hemoglobin (Hb) AA and Hb AS was 96.69% and 98.39%, respectively;while the specificities were 99.43% and 96.32%, respectively. The Kappa coefficient (<i>κ</i>) was excellent. Concerning attitudes, Hb SS pregnant women and 55.17% of AS pregnant women worried when the results relating to their hemoglobin status were announced. The sickle SCAN® test was found reliable for sickle cell disease screening in Kisangani. The announcement of the results, mainly positive, raises worry among pregnant woman. Therefore, we recommend the involvement of a clinician psychologist for pre-screening counselling and for results announcement, as well as early newborns and unmarried teenage girls screening.
文摘In order to combat the counterfeiting of drugs, adapted HPLC analytical USP methods were applied to evaluate the quality of the amoxicillin (with or without potassium clavulanate) powder for suspension sold in some Congolese markets. The adaptation has been done by modifying the column dimensions and adjusting the flow rate. According to the intended deployment of these methods in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 3 factors (analyst, day and equipment) were involved in the validation step while applying the classic total error measurement approach with an accuracy profile as decision tool. Since adequate results were obtained in terms of selectivity, precision, trueness and accuracy (tolerance limits of life expectancy: ?6.0% and 3.8%) for levels of interest concentration, the methods have been considered for routine use on several samples from different provenances and collected in 4 major DRC cities. Out of 278 samples collected, 200 were eligible for analysis from which 28% were found under standards with several figures: pH failure, out of specification for amoxicillin content, absence of potassium clavulanate, physical modifications of the powders. As evidenced by these findings, medicines of low-quality continue to be a major public health problem requiring appropriate action to effectively address this problem.
文摘In the framework of fighting against the poor quality medicines sold in developing countries using classical analytical methods easily accessible in those countries, four UV-Visible spectrophotometric methods for one antimalarial (quinine) and two antibiotics (amoxicillin and metronidazole) have been developed and validated according to the total error strategy using the accuracy profiles as a decision tool. The dosing range was 2 - 10 μg/mL (for quinine sulfate in tablet), 4 - 12 μg/mL (for quinine bichlorhydrate in oral drop-metronidazole benzaote in oral suspension) and 15 - 35 μg/mL (for amoxicillin trihydrate in capsule). The validated methods were then applied in determining the content of some analogous medicines sold in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thus, the proposed UV-Visible spectrophotometric methods are simple and suitable to quantify quinine, amoxicillin and metronidazole in different pharmaceutical forms.
文摘Falsified antibacterial agents continue to pose serious public health problems around the world. They are notably responsible for resistance emergence in the treatment of infectious diseases that can lead to death. The aim of this study was to summarize the literature on the methods developed and validated to detect poor quality antibacterial agents in order to assess the impact of these available methods in the fighting against Counterfeit/substandard medicines. Thus, studies published in the time from January 2000 to July 2017, were accessible via Google Scholar and Pubmed and allowed to analyze 41 papers. The majority (30) of developed and validated methods concerned LC methods, 9 regarded UV/V is spectrophotometry and two studies simultaneously developed both methods. Antibacterial agents belonging to beta-lactams group were the most concerned by the methods developed and validated (39%), followed by quinolones (18%) and macrolides (12%). Regarding active ingredients, amoxicillin (12%) was the most concerned by the development and validation methods. In spite of several available methods to detect substandard drugs, antibacterial agents for which methods were developed and validated were the most concerned by worldwide detected non-conformities. The fight against this scourge should not be only limited by their detection, but it also requires an effective involvement of different actors notably: health authorities, international organizations, pharmaceutical industries etc.
基金sponsored by funding from CNRST, Morocco (Project URAC-40)from Belgium (Program 3, CUD Project)
文摘Objective: This study aims to evaluate the vasodilatory effect of Chenopodium ambrosioides on the isolated rat aorta, and to explore its mechanism of action.Methods: The vasorelaxant effect and the mode of action of various extracts from the leaves of C. ambrosioides were evaluated on thoracic aortic rings isolated from Wistar rats. In addition, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions were analyzed, using thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography techniques, for their polyphenolic content.Results: The various active extracts of C. ambrosioides at four concentrations(10^(-3), 10^(-2), 10^(-1) and 1 mg/mL) relaxed the contraction elicited by phenylephrine, in a concentration-dependent manner.This effect seems to be endothelium-dependent, since the vasodilatory effect was entirely absent in denuded aortic rings. The vasorelaxant effect of the methanol fraction(MF) of C. ambrosioides at 1 mg/mL was also inhibited by atropine and tetraethylammonium. This effect remained unchanged by Nx-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride and glibenclamide. The preliminary phytochemical analysis showed that the leaves of C. ambrosioides are rich in phenolic and flavonoid derivatives.Conclusion: These results suggest that the MF of C. ambrosioides produces an endothelium-dependent relaxation of the isolated rat aorta, which is thought to be mediated mainly through stimulation of the muscarinic receptors, and probably involving the opening of Ca^(2+)-activated potassium channels.
文摘Methanolic extracts from the leaves of <em>Manihot esculenta </em>(Two cultivars) and <em>Manihot glaziovii</em>, consumed as traditional vegetables in DR. Congo was chemically characterized by Thin layer Chromatography and High Performance Liquid Chromatography. <em>In vitro</em> biochemical activities of extracts against Radical Oxidative Species (ROS) production were assessed in cellular models, on enzymes, Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP) involved in inflammation. The microscopic analysis of the powder of leaves showed that each species displays specific and discriminating botanical microscopic features. Varieties of<em> M. esculenta</em> had a chemical fingerprint different from <em>M. glaziovii</em>. The majority of compounds were polyphenols, represented mainly by rutin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, amentoflavone, phenolic acids such as gallic acid. All extracts exhibited high cellular antioxidant activity in the range of 0.1 to 10 μg<span style="white-space:nowrap;">·</span>mL<sup>-1</sup> using lucigenin with neutrophils, but a moderate cellular antioxidant activity ranging between 10 and 100 μg<span style="white-space:nowrap;">·</span>mL<sup>-1</sup> with DCFDA on HL60 monocytes. Extracts from <em>Manihot</em> leaves showed a pronounced inhibitory effect on the production of extracellular ROS, on HRP and myeloperoxidase activity. Cellular antioxidant activities, the inhibitory effect on HRP of extracts from <em>M. glaziovii</em>, <em>M. esculenta</em> cultivar <em>Mwambu </em>were significantly higher, but their inhibitory effect on the activity of MPO was lower than those of <em>M. esculenta</em> cultivar TEM 419. The biological activities of <em>Manihot esculenta</em> and <em>Manihot glaziovii </em>were well correlated to their phytochemicals that could justify their traditional use as vegetables, potential functional foods or nutraceutical resources and medicines.
文摘In recent times, the overall interest over Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC) is truly growing within various domains but especially for pharmaceutical analysis. However, in the best of our knowledge modern SFC is not yet applied for drug quality control in the daily routine framework. Among the numerous reported SFC methods, none of them could be found to fully satisfy to all steps of the analytical method lifecycle. Thereby, the present contribution aims to provide an overview of the current and past achievements related to SFC techniques, with a targeted attention to this lifecycle and its successive steps. The included discussions were therefore structured accordingly and emphasizing the analytical method lifecycle in accord with the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH). Recent and important scientific outputs in the field of analytical SFC, as well as instrumental evolution, qualification strategies, method development methodologies and discussions on the topic of method validation are reviewed.
文摘The aim of this study was to characterize the polyphenolic composition by determination of chemical fingerprints of Methanolic extracts of Ocimum canum Sims, Ocimum basilicum L. and Ocimum gratissimum L. from Democratic Republic of Congo and to compare their antisickling activity of that of rosmarinic acid, the major compound to those of methanolic extracts. Phytochemical analysis performed by TLC and HPLC analysis, showed that rosmarinic acid is the most abundant phenolic acid in these Ocimum species according to the following order O. basilicum L., O. gratissimum L. and O. canum Sims. Methanolic extracts of these three species and pure rosmarinic acid showed significant antisickling activities with minimal concentration of normalization values of 0.18 ± 0.03, 0.23 ± 0.04, 0.26 ± 0.04 and 0.31 ± 0.05 mg/mL for rosmarinic acid, O. basilicum L., O. gratissimum L. and O. canum Sims methanolic extracts respectively. The antisickling activity order is the same as that of the rosmarinic acid content, indicating that this polyphenolic acid would be among the main active molecules in these extracts.
文摘Nowadays, the circulation of poor quality medicines is becoming an alarming worldwide phenomenon with serious public health and socio-economic concerns. The situation is particularly critical in developing countries where drug quality assurance and regulatory systems for drug manufacturing, importation, distribution and sales are weak. A sustained vigilance on poor quality medicines that regroup counterfeit/falsified, substandard and degraded medicines is therefore required to ensure patient safety and genuine medicines integrity. A case situation is illustrated including a strategic approach and analytical tools that were found useful to detect poor quality medicines, identify unknown components, and timely alerts for appropriate measures against the spread of those harmful products. Several suspected medicines randomly sampled in several strategic Rwandan areas were firstly check-controlled by means of visual inspection and then applying several analytical techniques from simple to more complex ones. The following medicines were studied: quinine sulfate tablets, artemisinin-based combination tablets, and artesunate powders for injection. Taking into account the pharmaceutical forms and the chemical characteristics, the following tests were applied: uniformity of mass, friability, disintegration, fluorescence, identification and assay. They were followed by more complex analytical techniques that allowed more comprehension of abnormal findings among which the presence of a wrong active pharmaceutical ingredient in quinine sulfate tablets which is mainly discussed in this paper to illustrate a strategic approach and various analytical tools that can be used in detecting and identifying unknown component in poor quality medicines.
文摘Panda oleosa Pierre (POP), a tropical plant tree, has been used in traditional medicine in Kisangani city and around to treat various diseases including diabetes and HIV/AIDs. This study aims to evaluate the chemical composition of POP extracts while setting up chromatographic fingerprints for their quality control, and the anti-hyperglycemic potential of trunk bark aqueous extracts of POP. Common chemical reactions were used for identification of main secondary metabolic groups. Thin layer chromatography was used to set up several chromatographic fingerprints of water and alcoholic extracts while evaluating chemical composition. Oral glucose tolerance test served to induce hyperglycemia in a rabbit model. The extracts were given as 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg body weight, 30 minutes before loading animals with glucose 4 g/kg. Blood samples were collected at various times: just before extracts (T-30), before (T0) and after glucose load (T30, T60, T120, and T180). Blood glucose levels were measured with One Touch Glucometer. The identification tests revealed the presence of saponins (3.58%), tannins (5%);alkaloids, quinones, flavonoids, and terpenes sterols could not be formerly detected by the reagents used. Interesting chromatographic spots were observed whose behaviors are of catechic tannin proanthocyanes. The extract significantly reduced glucose levels in dose dependent manner as compared to control and glibenclamide reference groups. The average of mean percentage of reduction in glucose level at T120 with the extract 100 mg/kg was close to that of glibenclamide 0.25 mg/kg (49% and 40.2%). These findings back the traditional use of the plant to treat diabetic patients and constitute a foundation for an extensive study to find a new antidiabetic phythomedicine.
文摘Liquid chromatographic methods in isocratic mode for the analysis of poor quality medicines are privileged due to their simplicity and facility in methods development. They are generally fast;do not need to be re-equilibrated between sample injections;have larger flexibility with acceptable changes on different column dimensions;and are applicable to LC systems equipped with simple or high developed pumps. In this study, we focused on developing simple isocratic methods using classical mobile phase composed by methanol and ammonium formate buffer for the analysis of most common antimalarial medicines marketed in malaria endemic countries and susceptible of being counterfeit/falsified, substandard and degraded. The selected medicines were quinine and related cinchona alkaloids in tablets and injectable forms;artemether/lumefantrine tablets;and artemisinin compounds (arteether, artemether, and artesunate) in injectable forms. The current methods were developed thanks to simple methodological approach consisting in sequential isocratic runs through adjustment or adaptation of existing methods to obtain optimal analytical conditions without complex design of experiments that might be long and costly. Then, the new methods presented shorter analysis time;allowed increase of sample analysis throughput;and obviously consumed little mobile phase solvents on classical analytical columns: 50 - 250 mm of length (L), 4.6 mm of internal diameter (I.D.), and 3.5 - 5.0 μm of particle size (dp).
文摘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.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foun-dation of China(82373829,82473879,82273893)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,China(2024A1515011713,2022A1515011576)+3 种基金the High-End Foreign Experts Project,China(G2021199005L)the Science and Tech-nology Program of Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration,China(2023TDZ11,2022ZDB04)the Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou,China(2024A04J9919)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,China(21623407,21623343).
文摘Autoimmune diseases,cancers,and viral infections pose significant global health threats,characterized by chronic pathology,unregulated cellular proliferation,and rapid transmission,respec-tively,requiring urgent early warning and treatment strategies.Antibodies,primarily classified into auto-antibodies and therapeutic antibodies based on their clinical roles,provide essential information and show considerable value in the precise diagnosis and treatment of these serious diseases.Among the technol-ogies utilized in bioanalysis,electrochemical biosensors,with their unique advantages of rapid response,high sensitivity,miniaturization,cost-effectiveness and user-friendly operation,have been developed as a trending technology for precise diagnostic and therapeutic drug monitoring.This review systematically summarizes the relationships and roles of clinically relevant antibodies in autoimmune diseases,cancers,and viral infections,while detailing the composition,strategies,development,and application trends of relevant electrochemical biosensors.Furthermore,it highlights the remaining challenges and opportu-nities for the advancement and prospects of electrochemical sensors in the context of clinically relevant antibodies.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82173773,82273893,82373829)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,China(2021A0505030039,2021A0505020014)+1 种基金the High-End Foreign Experts Project,China(G2021199005L)the Science and Technology Program of Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration,China(2023TDZ11)。
文摘Due to low immobilized ligand density,limited binding capacity,and severe interference from serum proteins,developing ideal peptide-based biomaterials for precise recognition and in vivo analysis of biopharmaceuticals remains a huge challenge.In this study,mimotope peptide modified pompon mum-like biomimetic magnetic microparticles(MMPs,3.8μm)that mimic the specific functionalities of CD20 on malignant B cells were developed for the first time.Benefit from the numerous ligand binding sites(Ni^(2+))on the pompon mum-like MMPs,these novel materials achieved≥10 times higher peptide ligand densities(>2300 mg/g)and antibody binding capacities(1380 mg/g)compared to previous reported biomaterials.Leveraging the high specificity of the mimotope peptide,rituximab can be precisely recognized and enriched from cell culture media or serum samples.We also established an LC-MS/MS method using the MMPs for tracking rituximab biotransformation in patient serum.Intriguingly,deamidation of Asn55 and Asn33,as well as oxidation of Met81 and Met34 were observed at the key complementarity determining regions of rituximab,which could potentially influence antibody function and require careful monitoring.Overall,these versatile biomimetic MMPs demonstrate superior recognition and enrichment capabilities for target antibodies,offering interesting possibilities for biotransformation analysis of biopharmaceuticals in patient serum.
