Physical, chemical and microbiological changes during natural fermentation of \"gowé\", a sprouted or non sprouted sorghum beverage from West-Africa

Gowé is a traditional Beninese fermented beverage prepared from sprouted and non- prouted cereals. Due to urbanization, a new technique without any malting step has appeared in Southern Benin and is now widely used. The two techniques were compared using sorghum as the raw material. The physical, chemical and microbiological changes that occurred during a 72 h fermentation period were studied in both techniques. The dominant microflora was a mixed population of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. The lactic acid bacteria population was higher in the traditional product at the start of fermentation (6.1 log cfu/g wet basis versus 4.5 in the modified process) because of the malting step. It then increased to 9.3 log cfu/g after 48 h fermentation. Enterobacteriaceae counts increased slightly during the first stage of fermentation but fell below the detectable level after 24 h in the traditional raw gowé and after 48 h in the modified raw gowé. The pH decreased from 6.3 to 3.4 in the traditional process and from 6.6 to 3.8 in the modified process, while the titratable acidity increased from 0.4 to 6.4% (w/w, lactic acid) and from 0.4 to 4.2%, respectively. Total soluble and reducing sugar content first increased, and then decreased with a concomitant increase in organic acids. The major organic acids were lactic acid and acetic acid. The fermentation process was thus more intense and faster in the traditional process, giving a significantly lower level of crude fat.African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (6), pp. 487-496, 200

Évaluation Comparative De La Qualité Nutritionnelle Et Sanitaire Du Lait De Différentes Races De Vaches De Quelques Zones D’élevage Du Bénin

In this study, a comparative assessment of the nutritional quality and the safety of milk from cow breeds Girolando, Borgou, Borgou-Gir, and Lagunaire produced in Benin was carried out in the public breeding centers of Kpinnou, Bétécoucou, Okparaand in private farms in Adjohoun, respectively. Milk from the breed Borgou-Gir had the highest concentrations of macronutrients (protein and lactose) and minerals (magnesium: 197.556 ± 0.001 ppm, calcium: 2056.32 ± 0.000 ppm, and zinc: 5.522 ± 0.000 ppm). Analyzed milk samples were free of tuberculosis and brucellosis germs, and no mastitis prevalence was detected in milking cows. However, some milk samples had lead levels exceeding the maximum limit of 0.02 ppm prescribed by the Codex Alimentarius standard. In addition, milk from the breeds Borgou and Borgou-Gir contained pesticide residue levels, namely chlorpyrifos (0.12 ± 0.020 ppm) and cypermethrin (0.03 ± 0.020 ppm) higher than the Codex Alimentarius standard (0.01 ppm). Milk samples from Adjohoun and Kpinnou had an aflatoxin M1 level of 0.3 ± 0.000 ppb and 0,010 ppb ± 0.24, respectively and were not in agreement with the Codex Alimentarius standard (0, 05 ppb). Although rich in nutrients, analyzed cow’s milk may present health risks to consumers due to chemical contaminants

Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Personalized Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Emerging Role of Gamma-Glutamyltransferase

Background. The objectives were (i) to evaluate the impact of acute pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and anti-TB therapy on the relationship between AST, ALT, and GGT levels in absence of conditions related to hepatotoxicity; (ii) to evaluate the rate and the time of alterations of AST, ALT, and GGT. Design and Methods. A prospective followup of 40 adults (21 males; mean age of 34.7 ± 5.8 years) with active PTB on initial phase and continuation phase anti-TB. Results. Only 3% (n = 1) developed a transient and benign ADR at day 30 without interruption of anti-TB treatment. Within normal ranges, GGT decreased significantly from day 0 to day 60, while AST and ALT increased significantly and respectively. During day 0–day 60, there was a significant, negative, and independent association between GGT and AST. Conclusion. The initial two months led to significant improvement of oxidative stress. Values of oxidative markers in normal ranges might predict low rate of ADR

Etude De L’efficacité Du Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) De Anacardium Occidentale L. Extrait À Froid Sur Le Contrôle De Anopheles Gambiae S.L Résistant Aux Pyréthrinoïdes

In order to combat the vectors of malaria, it is necessary to know their behavior with regard to the insecticide products envisaged. The present study is aimed at the CNSL efficiency test extracted from the seed hull of Anacardium occidentale L. for the control of pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles gambiae s.l. Sensitivity tests were carried out on the larvae of stages 2, 3 and 4 of An. gambiae of the wild and Kis-kdr strains carrying the Kdr gene. The "Kisumu" strain devoid of resistance gene served as a control. The mortalities were read after 24 hours of exposure. LD50 and DL90 were determined using the log-probit method of dose determination corresponding to a proportion. The high LD50 determined is 0.0042 mg / ml and corresponds to the LD50 of the larvae of stage 2 of the wild strain. The low LD50 is determined on stage 2 larvae "Kisumu". The high DL90 is determined on stage 4 larvae of the wild strain. The low LD90 determined corresponds to stage 2 larvae "Kisumu". The comparison of the LD between the different strains shows a low sensitivity to CNSL of the larvae of resistant strains compared to the control strain, indicating the influence of the resistance factor kdr on the CNSL efficiency. However, the low-dose CNSL larvicidal activity on the larvae of the kdr-carrying strains provides an alternative advantage in the management of vector resistance to pyrethroid

Etude De L’efficacité De L’huile De Thevetia Neriifolia Pour Le Contrôle De Anopheles Gambiae S.L Résistant Aux Pyréthrinoïdes

Effective control of pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors requires new alternative measures. The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of Thevetia oil extracted from seed kernels to control malaria transmission by An. gambiae s.l. Sensitivity tests were carried out on larvae of Stages 3 and 4 of An. gambiae s.s of wild-type and pyrethroid-resistant Kis-kdr. The susceptible reference strain "Kisumu" served as a control. Mortality was read 24 hours and 48 hours after exposure. LD50 and 90 for 24 hours and 48 hours were determined using the log-probit method of determining the dose corresponding to a proportion. The high LD50s determined in 24 hours and 48 hours correspond to doses that kill 50% of Stage 3 larvae in wild populations in 24 hours and 48 hours. Low LD50s refer to stage 4 "Kisumu" larvae. The strong DL90 in 24 hours and 48 hours correspond respectively to stage 3 larvae of the Kis-kdr and wild-type strains. The comparison of the LD between the different strains shows the influence of the resistance on the sensitivity of the larvae of the strains resistant to the oil tested. However, the larvicidal effect of Thevetia oil on the larvae of resistant strains may elicit formulations for alternative measures in vector resistance management to pyrethroids

Influence des bulles gazeuses et des préparations fermentatives complexes sur la viscosité des mélasses de betterave à sucre

La mélasse est le coproduit de la fabrication du sucre de canne ou de betterave et dont la composition varie en fonction des conditions climatiques de production de la matière première et du processus de fabrication mis en place par la sucrerie. Elle se présente sous la forme d’un liquide épais, homogène, de couleur marron. Sa forte viscosité limite sa fluidité et son transport dans les tuyauteries et l’abaissement de cette viscosité par réchauffage engendre des coûts élevés d’énergie. L’objectif de cette étude est la mise en oeuvre d’une méthodologie efficace permettant de diminuer la viscosité de la mélasse par l’usage des solutions liquéfiantes (ferments) sans toutefois augmenter la température. Cette diminution évitera à l’usine de dépenser énormément d’énergie pour baisser sa viscosité et faciliter sa fluidité dans les tuyauteries. Les travaux ont été réalisés en utilisant cinq (5) différentes préparations fermentatives liquides de masse volumique 1,2 g/ cm³ fabriquées dans une firme Danoise Novo-Nordisk et qui sont destinées à la transformation des produits céréaliers pour la production des boissons. Il s’agit notamment de : Ultraflo-L, Cereflo- 200L, Thermamyl-120L, Fungamyl-800L et Ceremix- 6 XL. A travers cette recherche, il a été utilisé une mélasse, de pureté 55% laquelle, dans 100 kg de matière sèche retient 55 kg de saccharose et 45 kg de matières organiques et non organiques. Cette mélasse a été ensuite intensivement mélangée à l’aide d’un malaxeur mécanique, et périodiquement par intervalle d’un quart d’heure, des échantillons ont été prélevés et dont la masse volumique a été mesurée. Il ressort des expériences que les masses volumiques de ces échantillons diminuent respectivement en passant de 1,360 à 1,320 ; 1,250 et 1,200 g/ cm³. A la température constante de 60 °C, maintenue à l’aide d’un ultra thermostat, la viscosité des échantillons a été mesurée. Les résultats obtenus ont montré que les viscosités finales de la mélasse de concentration 60% ont varié dans l’amplitude 10,5 à 15,3 m.Pa.s. Pour une thermo stabilité de la mêlasse avec un pH neutre des préparations fermentatives comme l’ultraflo- L et le cereflo -200L permettent de diminuer la viscosité de la mêlasse de 20-35%.© 2016 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Mots clés: Mélasses, betterave, viscosité, température, fermentsEnglish Title: Influence of gaz bubbles and complex fermentative preparation on the viscosity of the sugar beet molassesEnglish AbstractMolasses is the product of the manufacture of sugar cane or beet whose composition changes depending on the climatic conditions of de production of the raw materials and of the process of manufacture set up by the sugar refinery. It comes as a thick, homogenous, and brown liquid. Its fluidity is limited by its strong viscosity,  hence the high cost of energy needed for its conveyance in the pipes, caused by the diminution of that viscosity through reheating. The aim of this study is the implementation of an efficient methodology allowing to lowering the viscosity of the molasses by the use of liquefying solutions without, however, increasing the temperature. This diminution will enable the factory not to use a lot of energy to lower the viscosity so as to ease fluidity in the pipes. The works have been carried out by using five (5) different liquid fermentative preparations of 1.2 g/cm³ relative density made in a Danish Novo-Nordisk firm intended to the transformation of cereal products for the production of drinks. It is basically about: Ultraflo-L; Cereflo- 200L; Thermamyl- 120L; Ffungamyl-800L and Ceremix-6XL. In carrying out this scientific research, we have used the molasses of beet, of 55% purity, which in 100 g of dried matters retain 55 kg of sucrose and 45 kg of organic and inorganic matters. This molasses has been then intensively mixed with a mechanic mixer, and periodically, at 15mn intervals, samples have been taken the relative density of which has been measured. It follows from our experiences that the relative densities of theses samples diminishes respectively , passing from 1.360 to 1.320; 1.250 and 1.200 g/cm³. Densities of these samples taken respectively reduce from 1,360; 1,320; 1,250; 1,200 g/cm3. At constant temperature of 60 °C, Kept by an Ultra thermostat, the viscosity of samples have been measured. The results have shown that final viscosities of molasses of 60% concentration have varied from 10.5 to 15.3 m. Pa in terms of amplitude. Thus, the thermo stability of the molasses with a neutral pH and a weak dose of fermentative preparations, like the Ultraflo-L and Cereflo-200L, allow the reduction of the viscosity of molasses to 20-35%.© 2016 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Molasses, beet, viscosity, temperature, ferment

Effet de la Poudre de Piper guineense Schumach & Thonn., 1827 (Piperaceae) sur les Paramètres Semenciers et la Mortalité de Sitophilus oryzae L., 1763 (Coleoptera Curculionidae) dans les Stocks des Semences de Riz

Rice is one of the highly strategic food crops in Africa, particularly in Benin. However, constraints such as storage compels producers to use chemical pesticides that are very dangerous and harmful to the health and well-being of consumers. This study, conducted at AfricaRice's entomology laboratory, therefore aimsto assessthe persistence of Piper guineense powder for the control of S. oryzae in rice stock. Thus, 100 g samples of seeds of two rice varieties were treated with seven treatments: 0.25g; 0.5g; 0.75g; 1g; 1.4g; 1.85g and 2.5g and in 4 repetitions and then infested with 20 adults of adult S. oryzae and arranged in a complete random block system. Neem oil (0.5 ml) and the untreated sample were checks. The results obtained show that after three months of storage, the different treatments with P. guineense powder and neem oil had an insecticidal effect on S. oryzae regardless of the rice variety. Indeed, the optimal dose that ensures the 3-month efficacity of the biopesticide on the NERICA 1 variety is 1.85g per 100g of rice and 1.4g per 100g of rice on the WAB 56-104 variety. The dose of neem oil showed a three-month duration of action on all rice varieties. The germination rate of the stored seeds is not influenced by the powder of the spice. This work enabled to identify the optimal doses and persistence of P. guineense powder according to each rice variety, with a view to better management of S. oryzae.Le riz, est l’une des cultures vivrières hautement stratégique en Afrique et notamment au Bénin. Cependant, les contraintes du stockage obligent les producteurs à l’utilisation des pesticides chimiques qui sont très nocifs pour la santé des consommateurs. L’étude menée au laboratoire d’entomologie d’AfricaRice, vise à évaluer l’efficacité de la poudre de Piper guineense (PPg) contre S. oryzae dans les stocks de semences de riz. Ainsi, des échantillons de 100g des semences de 2 variétés de riz ont été traités avec 7 traitements : 0,25g; 0,5g; 0,75g; 1g; 1,4g; 1,85g et 2,5g et en 4 répétitions, puis infestés avec 20 individus adultes S. oryzae. L’huile de neem (HN) (0,5ml) et l’échantillon non traité ont été les témoins. Les résultats montrent qu’après 3 mois de conservation, les différents traitements à la PPg ainsi que celui à l’HN ont eu un effet insecticide sur S. oryzae quelle que soit la variété de riz. En effet, la dose optimale qui assure 3 mois d’efficacité du biopesticide sur la variété NERICA 1 est de 1,85g pour 100g de riz et de 1,4g pour 100g de riz sur la variété WAB 56-104. L’HN a montré une durée de persistance de 3 mois sur toutes les variétés de riz. Le taux de germination des semences stockées, n’est pas influencé par la poudre de l’épice. Ce travail a permis de mettre en évidence les doses optimales et l’efficacité de la PPg selon chaque variété de riz, en vue d’une meilleure gestion de S. oryzae

Procédé Amélioré De Conservation Et De Stabilisation Du Fromage Peuhl Par L’effet Combiné Du Traitement Thermique Et Du Conditionnement Sous Vide

This study focused on improving the conservation of traditional Fulani cheese (Wagashi) from Benin by using the combined effect of thermic dehydration and vacuum packaging. In order to increase the shelf life and cheese stability, some experiments were undertaken using heat treatment at 60 °C for 4 hours and vacuum packaging. The treated cheeses had a water content ranging from 32 to 35% and showed a reduced microbial load (102 CFU/g for the total aerobic mesophyl germs and 101 CFU/g for lactobacilli, yeasts and moulds. The cheeses nutritional and sensory quality was also preserved after treatment. Microbiological and physicochemical analyses carried out periodically on processed and stored cheeses in vacuum packaging showed these cheeses are stable for about 60 days, both under refrigeration (4-5 °C) and ambient temperature (28-32 °C). These results were confirmed by sensory analyses. However, over a two month’s period, the panelists preferred white cheeses than red colored cheeses stored under vacuum. The economic analysis performed on the mini-factory basis with a cheese processing capacity of 12000 liters milk per year, showed that heat treated cheese stored in vacuum packaging costs 55.35 FCFA a piece of 50 g (net weight) with a selling price of 150 FCFA giving a net profit of 63.1% and break-even point by 54.15 kg of cheese production

Action leveraging evidence to reduce perinatal mortality and morbidity (ALERT): study protocol for a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised trial in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda

Background: Insufficient reductions in maternal and neonatal deaths and stillbirths in the past decade are a deterrence to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 3. The majority of deaths occur during the intrapartum and immediate postnatal period. Overcoming the knowledge-do-gap to ensure implementation of known evidence-based interventions during this period has the potential to avert at least 2.5 million deaths in mothers and their offspring annually. This paper describes a study protocol for implementing and evaluating a multi-faceted health care system intervention to strengthen the implementation of evidence-based interventions and responsive care during this crucial period. Methods: This is a cluster randomised stepped-wedge trial with a nested realist process evaluation across 16 hospitals in Benin, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda. The ALERT intervention will include four main components: i) end-user participation through narratives of women, families and midwifery providers to ensure co-design of the intervention; ii) competency-based training; iii) quality improvement supported by data from a clinical perinatal e-registry and iv) empowerment and leadership mentoring of maternity unit leaders complemented by district based bi-annual coordination and accountability meetings. The trial\u27s primary outcome is in-facility perinatal (stillbirths and early neonatal) mortality, in which we expect a 25% reduction. A perinatal e-registry will be implemented to monitor the trial. Our nested realist process evaluation will help to understand what works, for whom, and under which conditions. We will apply a gender lens to explore constraints to the provision of evidence-based care by health workers providing maternity services. An economic evaluation will assess the scalability and cost-effectiveness of ALERT intervention. Discussion: There is evidence that each of the ALERT intervention components improves health providers\u27 practices and has modest to moderate effects. We aim to test if the innovative packaging, including addressing specific health systems constraints in these settings, will have a synergistic effect and produce more considerable perinatal mortality reductions

Effects of Ketamine and Ketamine Metabolites on Evoked Striatal Dopamine Release, Dopamine Receptors, and Monoamine Transporters

Following administration at subanesthetic doses, (R,S)-ketamine (ketamine) induces rapid and robust relief from symptoms of depression in treatment-refractory depressed patients. Previous studies suggest that ketamine’s antidepressant properties involve enhancement of dopamine (DA) neurotransmission. Ketamine is rapidly metabolized to (2S,6S)- and (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK), which have antidepressant actions independent of N-methyl-d-aspartate glutamate receptor inhibition. These antidepressant actions of (2S,6S;2R,6R)-HNK, or other metabolites, as well as ketamine’s side effects, including abuse potential, may be related to direct effects on components of the dopaminergic (DAergic) system. Here, brain and blood distribution/clearance and pharmacodynamic analyses at DA receptors (D1–D5) and the DA, norepinephrine, and serotonin transporters were assessed for ketamine and its major metabolites (norketamine, dehydronorketamine, and HNKs). Additionally, we measured electrically evoked mesolimbic DA release and decay using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry following acute administration of subanesthetic doses of ketamine (2, 10, and 50 mg/kg, i.p.). Following ketamine injection, ketamine, norketamine, and multiple hydroxynorketamines were detected in the plasma and brain of mice. Dehydronorketamine was detectable in plasma, but concentrations were below detectable limits in the brain. Ketamine did not alter the magnitude or kinetics of evoked DA release in the nucleus accumbens in anesthetized mice. Neither ketamine’s enantiomers nor its metabolites had affinity for DA receptors or the DA, noradrenaline, and serotonin transporters (up to 10 μM). These results suggest that neither the side effects nor antidepressant actions of ketamine or ketamine metabolites are associated with direct effects on mesolimbic DAergic neurotransmission. Previously observed in vivo changes in DAergic neurotransmission following ketamine administration are likely indirect