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The aerial part and root extracts of Crucianella angustifolia grown in Tunisia were prepared using aqueous and organic solvents to determine the phenolic contents. Besides, the antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging and reduction power tests. The a-glucosidase inhibition activity was assessed using p-nitrophenyl-a-D-glucopyranoside. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was evaluated on a set of medically important bacterial strains, the fungus Candida albicans and the virus Coxsackivirus B3. The results showed that methanolic and aqueous extractions yielded the highest quantities of polyphenols, flavonoids and flavonols. The obtained extracts exhibited a pronounced antioxidant activity. All methanolic extracts showed the greatest anti-a-glucosidase activity. The methanolic extract exhibited the highest antibacterial effect, while petroleum ether extract was the most effective against C. albicans. The various extracts turned out to be non-toxic on Hep-2 cell line with a CC50>1000 µg/ml for all of them. Petroleum ether extract of aerial part was the most effective against virus with an IC50 equal to 5.92 µg/ml. The unraveled biological activities of C. angustifolia are likely to be attributed to the phenolic constituents contained in the plant. Further studies are needed to depict the components and mechanisms underlying the observed biological effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf and seed extracts of Datura metel, a species known as a folkloric medicinal plant in Tunisia, were prepared with different solvents: PE, CH2Cl2, ACOEt and MeOH. Both the leaves and seed samples contained alkaloids, tannins, saponins, Iridoids, and flavonoids. Extracts were tested in vitro for antimicrobial activity against 9 fungi and 11 bacteria. Results have shown that different extracts have various levels of inhibition against all tested bacterial species (with MIC varied from 0.625 to 10 mg/mL). Differences in antibacterial activities between seed and leaf extracts were also observed. The highest inhibition potentials were shown for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis strains. Most fungi are quite resistant to PE and CH2Cl2 extracts at concentrations lower than 500 µg/mL, while the ACOEt and MeOH extracts demonstrated the greatest antifungal potential. The MIC against Aspergillus fumigatus, was found to be the lowest (62.5 µg/mL). The most promising results were shown against Candida albicans, which was totally inhibited by 250 µg/mL of both ACOEt and MeOH extracts. Findings from this study highlight not only the rich antibacterial potentials of D. metel, but also its very effective antidermatophytic and anticandidose activities, thus recommending the use of this plant against certain skin diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors report the recent discovery in Tunisia of a new non-chlorophyll spermaphyte within the Cuscutaceae. The fields dodder or the devil's hair (Cuscuta campestris) originating from North America was observed, for the first time in 2010, in the north-west of Tunisia (in the [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study was designed to isolate Shigella spp. strains from food and stool samples by a combination of PCR and culture methods and characterize their serotypes, antibiotic resistance profiles, virulence genes and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns to investigate possible clonal relationships amongst strains circulating. Methods and Results: Six Shigella spp. strains were isolated from 280 food samples against 16 Shigella isolates from 236 stool samples of symptomatic patients and asymptomatic food handlers during the period from January 2007 to December 2009 in Public Health Regional Laboratory of Nabeul. The detection of ipaH, ipaBCD, ial, ShET-1 and ShET-2 was performed by a PCR technique with specific primers. Conclusions: The use of PCR technique improved the rate of detecting Shigella in stool samples from 6·7 to 14% and in food samples from 2·1 to 8·6%. Percentage of Shigella isolates and ipaH-specific PCR demonstrated a marked pattern of seasonality, increasing in summer and fall seasons for human and food isolates. Amongst the environmental strains, 50% of isolates were invasive. However, for the 16 clinical strains isolated, nine were found to be positive for both ial and ipaBCD gene and 11 were found to produce ShET-1 and/or ShET-2. XbaI PFGE analysis revealed the presence of a predominant clone amongst Shigella sonnei strains recovered from different sources circulating in Nabeul, Tunisia, throughout the years 2007-2009. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study demonstrated the existence of Shigella in food samples and dispersion of different virulence genes amongst these isolates, which appear to constitute an environmental source of epidemic spread. The clonal relationships amongst strains isolated from food elements and human stools indicate the incrimination of different kinds of foods as vehicle of transmission of Shigella, which are usually escaped from detection by traditional culture methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antiviral activities of extracts from Daucus maritimus seeds were investigated against the reverse transcriptase of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 and a panel of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases of dengue virus, West Nile virus (WNV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). The extracts showed moderate to potent inhibition rates against the four viral polymerases. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited a potent inhibitory effect against WNV's RdRp, with an IC50 value of 8 µg mL−1. The F2 fraction exhibited potent inhibitory activity against WNV and HCV's RdRps, with IC50 values 1 and 5 µg mL−1, respectively. The P2 fraction also showed potent inhibitory effects on WNV and HCV's RdRps, with IC50 values 2.7 and 4 µg mL−1, respectively. The results suggest that these extracts are candidates for the development of new anti-WNV RpDp and anti-HCV RpDp agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Inflammations and immune-related diseases including rheumatoid arthritis are widespread in the entire globe. The treatment of these illnesses is mainly based on the use of synthetic and biotechnological drugs, in recent years. Tunisian traditional medicine is a potential source of new remedies namely Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae): en- demic in southern Tunisia and used in folk medicine to treat many inflammation disorders. Our goal was to assess the in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Tunisian Citrullus colocynthis immature fruit and seed organic extracts (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone and finely methanol extract). Material and Methods: Yields of prepared organic extracts are gravimetrically determined. For the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, we have used respectively, the acetic acid writhing test in mice and the carrageenan-induced paw edema assay in rats. Results and Discussion: All extracts displayed an important analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities at different doses without inducing any side effects. This study has demonstrated the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Citrullus colocynthis immature fruit and seed extracts. Experiment results provide scientific insight into the ancient practice of utilizing Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. as analgesic and as anti-inflammatory agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Ethyl acetate, chloroform, butanol, and methanol extracts from the aerial part of Peganum harmala were tested for antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiviral activities. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using the solid medium technique. Oxacillin, amoxicillin, ticarcillin, cefotaxim, and amphotericin were used as control agents. The antiviral activity was evaluated against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) strain AD-169 (ATCC Ref. VR 538) and Coxsackie B virus type 3 (CoxB-3) using a cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction assay. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using two tests: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging and ammonium thiocyanate methods. Among tested extracts; the chloroform extract displayed a higher antibacterial activity against Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria. The butanol extract demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity. The methanol extract showed significant antiviral activity against CoxB-3 virus. The chloroform extract may be an important source of bactericidal compounds against Gram-positive bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of enteroviruses, in particular type B coxsackieviruses (CV-B), in type 1 diabetes (T1D) pathogenesis is supported by epidemiological, clinical and experimental observations. The investigation of T1D pathogenesis benefits from the contribution of animal models called spontaneously diabetic. Among these animals the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse and the bio-breeding diabetes-prone (BBDP) rat present a genetic susceptibility manifested by the expression of an autoimmune diabetes similar to the pathology observed in human beings. Other models whose genetic predisposition is less known are of considerable contribution as well. Numerous major observations relative to several aspects of T1D pathogenesis in the context of CV-B infections, such as susceptibility, diabetogenicity, pancreatotropism, mechanisms of β cells destruction and others, have been deduced thanks to investigations with animal models. Despite their limits, these models are necessary in improving our knowledge of the role of enteroviruses, like CV-B4, in the pathogenesis of T1D, and the recent advances ensuing from their contribution may have important therapeutic and preventive spin-offs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifteen species of Tunisian traditional medicinal plants, belonging to 10 families, were selected for this study. They were Inula viscosa (L.) Ait and Reichardia tingitana (L.) Roth ssp. discolor (Pom.) Batt. (Asteraceae), Mesembryanthemum cristallinum L. and M. nodiflorum L. (Aizoaceae), Arthrocnemum indicum (Willd.) Moq., Atriplex inflata Muell., A. parvifolia Lowe var. ifiniensis (Caball) Maire, and Salicornia fruticosa L. (Chenopodiaceae), Cistus monspeliensis L. (Cistaceae), Juniperus phoenicea L. (Cupressaceae), Erica multiflora L. (Ericaceae), Frankenia pulverulenta L. (Frankeniaceae), Hypericum crispum L. (Hypericaceae), Plantago coronopus L. ssp. eu-coronopus Pilger var. vulgaris G.G. (Plantaginaceae) and Zygophyllum album L. (Zygophyllaceae). Fifty extracts prepared from those plants were screened in order to assay their antiviral activity against Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), using neutral red incorporation. Extracts from eight plants among these 15 showed some degree of antiviral activity, while the methanolic extract of E. multiflora was highly active with EC50 of 132.6 µg mL-1. These results corroborate that medicinal plants from Tunisia can be a rich source of potential antiviral compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To describe a case of Behcet's uveitis associated with Kaposi's sarcoma occurring simultaneously in a patient and to review the literature on iatrogenic Kaposi's sarcoma. METHODS: We describe the case of a 44-year-old Moroccan man, who developed a Kaposi's sarcoma 8 months after immunosuppressive therapy for ocular Behçet's disease. He was treated with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide (Exdoxan, Baxter) pulse for 6 months followed by oral azathioprine (Imurel, Glaxo Smith Kline). Literature searches were performed on iatrogenic Kaposi's sarcoma and other cases of such association and the potential pathogenic mechanisms involved. RESULTS: Iatrogenic Kaposi's sarcoma is widely reported to develop after renal transplantation during immunosuppressive therapy. Less commonly, Kaposi's sarcoma occurs in patients receiving long-term corticosteroids or immunosuppressive therapy for rheumatic diseases. It is considered to be induced by activation of latent human herpes virus 8. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of iatrogenic Kaposi's sarcoma in a patient with ocular Behçet's disease. Interferon-alpha is of value for patients with both conditions. CONCLUSION: This case report underscores the relationship between environmental and infectious factors, drug-induced immunosuppression, and the development of Kaposi's sarcoma. Copyright © 2007 by Elsevier Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition and the in vitro antifungal and antioxidant activity of the essential oil and the methanolic leaf extracts of Teucrium sauvagei Le Houerou, an endemic medicinal plant growing in Tunisia, have been studied. More than 35 constituents having an abundance ≥0.2% were identified in the oil. β-Eudesmol, T-cadinol, α-thujene, γ-cadinene, and sabinene were the prevalent constituents. Results of the antifungal activity tests indicated that the methanolic extract inhibited the in vitro growth of seven dermatophytes, whereas the essential oil showed average inhibition against only three dermatophytes. In vitro antioxidant properties of the essential oil and the methanolic extract were determined by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)) assays and compared to those of the synthetic antioxidant Trolox. Due to their antifungal and antioxidant properties, the essential oil and the methanolic extract of T. sauvagei may be of use as natural preservative ingredients in food and/or pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parallel genetic algorithms techniques have been used in a variety of computer engineering and science areas. This paper presents a parallel genetic algorithm to solve the site layout problem with unequal-size and constrained facilities. The problem involves coordinating the use of limited space to accommodate temporary facilities subject to geometric constraints. The problem is characterised by affinity weights used to model transportation costs between facilities, and by geometric constraints between relative positions of facilities on site. The algorithm is parallelised based on a message passing SPMD architecture using parallel search and chromosomes migration. The algorithm is tested on a variety of layout problems to illustrate its performance. In specific, in the case of: (1) loosely versus tightly constrained layouts with equal levels of interaction between facilities, (2) loosely versus tightly packed layouts with variable levels of interactions between facilities, and (3) loosely versus tightly constrained layouts. Favorable results are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibodies against initial polypeptides have been detected in sera of patients infected with an Echo virus 33. The technique is an IF test using infected cells in which the virus multiplication cycle is blocked at 2 hrs p.i. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Association of pernicious anemia and systemic lupus erythematosus is rare, although both diseases are autoimmune origin. We describe the case of a 40-year old man with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed pernicious anemia. The cobalamin deficiency was revealed by macrocytic pancytopenia. After 1 month of vitamin B12 treatment, hemoglobin and white blood cell count remain normal but thrombocytopenia persists and was considered as immunologic from SLE origin requiring corticosteroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activities of two flavonoids isolated from Retama raetam flowers using the disc diffusion and micro-dilution broth methods. The cytotoxic activity was tested against Hep-2 cells using the MTT assay. The compounds licoflavone C (1) and derrone (2) were active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli (7.81–15.62 µg/mL) and showed important antifungal activity. Strong antifungal activity against Candida species (7.81 µg/mL) was for example found with compound 2. The tested compounds also showed strong cytotoxicity against Hep-2 cells. These two compounds may be interesting antimicrobial agents to be used against infectious diseases caused by many pathogens.

L�infection a cryptocoque est une complication redoutable chez les patients traites par immunosuppresseurs et dont l�evolution peut etre rapidement fatal en cas de retard diagnostic. Nous rapportons le cas d�une patiente agee de 70 ans, ayant des antecedents de pemphigus vulgaire traite par prednisone et azathioprime et admise dans le service de medecine Interne pour des nodules sous cutanes atypiques. Le diagnostic retenu etait celui d�une cryptococcose disseminee. L�evolution etait rapidement fatale malgre le traitement antifongique.

We report an unusual case of 70 years old, immunocompetent woman who was diagnosed with vertebral cryptococcosis. The diagnosis was made on the basis of radiological and histological findings. The outcome was favorable under antifungal treatment.

Abstract Introduction The occurrence of systemic lupus erythematosus has been only rarely reported in patients with sickle-cell disease. Case presentation We describe the case of a 23-year-old North-African woman with sickle-cell disease and systemic lupus erythematosus, and discuss the pointers to the diagnosis of this combination of conditions and also present a review of literature. The diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus was delayed because our patient’s symptoms were initially attributed to sickle-cell disease. Conclusions Physicians should be alerted to the possible association of sickle-cell disease and systemic lupus erythematosus so as not to delay correct diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment.

Abstract Background Viral myocarditis is a major cause of sudden unexpected death in children and young adults. Until recently, coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) has been the most commonly implicated virus in myocarditis. At present, no standard diagnosis is generally accepted due to the insensitivity of traditional diagnostic tests. This has prompted health professionals to seek new diagnostic approaches, which resulted in the emergence of new molecular pathological tests and a more detailed immunohistochemical and histopathological analysis. When supplemented with immunohistochemistry and molecular pathology, conventional histopathology may provide important clues regarding myocarditis underlying etiology. Methods This study is based on post-mortem samples from sudden unexpected death victims and controls who were investigated prospectively. Immunohistochemical investigations for the detection of the enteroviral capsid protein VP1 and the characterization and quantification of myocardial inflammatory reactions as well as molecular pathological methods for enteroviral genome detection were performed. Results Overall, 48 sudden unexpected death victims were enrolled. As for controls, 37 cases of unnatural traffic accident victims were studied. Enterovirus was detected in 6 sudden unexpected death cases (12.5 %). The control samples were completely enterovirus negative. Furthermore, the enteroviral capsid protein VP1 in the myocardium was detected in enterovirus-positive cases revealed by means of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Unlike control samples, immunohistochemical investigations showed a significant presence of T and B lymphocytes in sudden unexpected death victims. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate clearly a higher prevalence of viral myocarditis in cases of sudden unexpected death compared to control subjects, suggesting that coxsackie B enterovirus may contribute to myocarditis pathogenesis significantly.

Abstract Background In 1957, Tunisia introduced 117 species of Eucalyptus; they have been used as fire wood, for the production of mine wood and to fight erosion. Actually, Eucalyptus essential oil is traditionally used to treat respiratory tract disorders such as pharyngitis, bronchitis, and sinusitis. A few investigations were reported on the biological activities of Eucalyptus oils worldwide. In Tunisia, our previous works conducted in 2010 and 2011 had been the first reports to study the antibacterial activities against reference strains. At that time it was not possible to evaluate their antimicrobial activities against clinical bacterial strains and other pathogens such as virus and fungi. Methods The essential oils of eight Eucalyptus species harvested from the Jbel Abderrahman, Korbous (North East Tunisia) and Souinet arboreta (North of Tunisia) were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities by disc diffusion and microbroth dilution methods against seven bacterial isolates: Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes. In addition, the bactericidal, fungicidal and the antiviral activities of the tested oils were carried out. Results Twenty five components were identified by GC/FID and GC/MS. These components were used to correlate with the biological activities of the tested oils. The chemical principal component analysis identified three groups, each of them constituted a chemotype. According to the values of zone diameter and percentage of the inhibition (zdi, % I, respectively), four groups and subgroups of bacterial strains and three groups of fungal strains were characterized by their sensitivity levels to Eucalyptus oils. The cytotoxic effect and the antiviral activity varied significantly within Eucalyptus species oils. Conclusions E. odorata showed the strongest activity against S. aureus, H. influenzae, S. agalactiae, S. pyogenes, S. pneumoniae and against all the tested fungal strains. In addition, E. odorata oil showed the most cytotoxic effect. However, the best antiviral activity appeared with E. bicostata. Virus pretreatment with E. bicostata essential oil showed better antiviral activity (IC50 = 0.7 mg/ml, SI = 22.8) than cell-pretreatment (IC50 = 4.8 mg/ml, SI = 3.33). The essential oil of E. astringens showed antiviral activity only when incubated with virus prior to cell infection. This activity was dose-dependent and the antiviral activity diminished with the decreasing essential oil concentration.

Abstract Background Rotavirus infection is the most common cause of severe, dehydrating, gastroenteritis among children worldwide. In developing countries, approximately 1440 children die from rotavirus infections each day, with an estimated 527,000 annually. In infants, rotavirus is estimated to cause more than 2 million hospitalizations every year depending on the income level of the country. The purpose of this study was to estimate the proportion of rotavirus gastroenteritis and identify the distribution of circulating G and P genotype rotavirus strains among children consulting several dispensaries in the region of Monastir (outpatients departments) or admitted to Monastir University Hospital (inpatients department) with acute gastroenteritis. Methods This study was undertaken during a 3-year period from April 2007 to April 2010 in Tunisian children under 13 suffering from acute gastroenteritis. Group A rotaviruses were detected in stools by ELISA and genotyped using multiplex reverse transcription PCRs with type-specific primers on the basis of their outer capsid proteins. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS software, version 19. Results Of the 435 stool samples from children with acute gastroenteritis, 27.6% were positive for rotavirus A. The predominant G type was G1 (37.5%), followed by G3 (25%), G2 (17.5%), G4 (12.5%), G9 (2.5%) and three mixed-G infections G3G4 (2.5%) were identified. Only P[8] (80.8%), P[4] (16.7%) and P[9] (0.8%) genotypes were found. The predominant single G/P combination was G1P[8] (37.5%), followed by G3P[8] (25%), G2P[4] (16.7%), G4P[8] (12.5%), G9P[8] (1.7%) and one case of the unusual combination G9P[9] (0.8%). The G-mixed types G3G4 combined with P[8] (2.5%). Infants less than 3 months of age were most frequently affected. The prevalence of rotavirus infection peaked in the winter season, when temperatures were low, and decreased in summer. Conclusions Rotavirus gastroenteritis is a common disease associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. Epidemiological knowledge of rotavirus is critical for the development of effective preventive measures, including vaccines. These data will help to make informed decisions as to whether rotavirus vaccine should be considered for inclusion in Tunisia's National Immunisation Programme.

Abstract Background In many parts of the world, health problems and diseases have often been caused by discharging untreated or inadequately treated wastewater. In this study, we aimed to control physico-chemical parameters in wastewater samples. Also, microbiological analyses were done to reveal Salmonella strains and each Escherichia coli (E.coli) pathotype. Findings Sixty wastewater samples were collected from fifteen different regions of Tunisia. All physico-chemical parameters (pH, residual free chlorine, total suspended solids, biological oxygen demand, and chemical oxygen demand) were evaluated. For microbiological analyses, samples were filtered to concentrate bacteria. DNA was extracted by boiling and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using different pairs of primers. The mean pH values recorded for the sampling point were above the WHO pH tolerance limit. The total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations varied between 240 mg/L and 733 mg/L in entrance points and between 13 mg/L and 76 mg/L in exit points. In entrance points, the studied wastewater has an average COD concentration that varied between 795 mg/mL to 1420 mg/mL. Whereas, BOD concentration of the wastewater ranged between 270 mg/L to 610 mg/L. In exit points, COD concentration varied between 59 mg/L and 141 mg/L, whereas BOD concentration ranged from 15 mg/L to 87 mg/L. The bacteriological control of wastewaters showed that, in entrance points, Escherichia coli (E.coli) was detected at the rate of 76.6%. Three E.coli pathotypes were found: ETEC (53.3%), EAEC (16.6%) and EIEC (6.6%). Concerning the ETEC isolated strains, 8 of 16 (50%) have only the heat-labile toxin gene, 5 of 16 (31.2%) present only the heat-stable toxin gene and 3 of 16 (18.7%) of strains possess both heat-labile toxin gene and heat-stable toxin gene. In exist point, the same pathotypes were found but all detected ETEC strains present only the "est" gene. Concerning Salmonella isolated strains; percentages of 66.6% and 20% were found in entrance and exit points respectively. Conclusions Wastewaters contain a large amount of pathogenic bacteria that present a real impact on human health. Assessment wastewater treatment stations have to consider in account enterobacterial pathogens as potential pathogens that should be correctly controlled.

Abstract: Marrubium deserti de Noé is used in traditional medicine, for example as a remedy for asthma and diabetes, and was also found to have antibacterial properties. It is of particular interest in Tunisia and this is why we continued research on this plant. We here report on an investigation of its antioxidant and antiviral activities of petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform, butanol and methanol extracts. Total phenolic content of the extracts was determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu colorimetric method. The antioxidant activity was evaluated with the DPPH assay, the ABTS test and ammonium thiocyanate method. The antiviral activity was evaluated against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) strain AD-169 (ATCC Ref. VR 538) and Coxsackie B virus type 3 (CoxB-3) using a cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction assay. With regards to IC50 values (50% inhibitory concentration) of scavenging abilities of the DPPH radical, methanol extract exhibited important antioxidant activities with IC50 of 0.150mg/ml. The ethyl acetate extract showed the highest antioxidant activity using the linoleic acid emulsion system (79.23%). The butanol, methanol and ethyl acetate extracts showed significant antiviral activity against Coxsackie B3 virus. In conclusion, these results can be considered very promising and justify further research, amongst others on the identification of antioxidant and antiviral components in the active extracts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Idiosyncratic drug-induced thrombocytopenia is a relatively rare and potentially serious side-effect in its moderate and profound forms (platelet count less than 100×109 L). It may be of central or peripheral mechanism, with consumption or immunological destruction. The main incriminated molecules are heparins, quinidine, sulfonamides and gold salts. Hemorrhagic manifestations are the rule and their severity is related to the level of thrombocytopenia and the involved molecule. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is more often associated with thrombotic events. Diagnosis relies on medical history and clinical criteria, which also establish the level of imputability. The role of serological tests is not yet clear but seems to be particularly interesting in difficult diagnostic situations and in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. The treatment is based on the discontinuation of the incriminated drug and on supportive measures that depend on the severity of the clinical features. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]