Elizabeth Oyinkansola Omotola

In this study, the environmental occurrence of selected pharmaceutical compounds widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic (prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone, and azithromycin) was investigated. A solid-phase extraction-liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry method quantified these analytes in surface water samples collected from eight sites within the Orange–Senqu River Basin in the Free State Province, South Africa. Sampling was conducted across summer and winter to evaluate spatial and seasonal variations. Measured concentrations ranged from below the limit of detection ( 0.05), indicating persistent year-round inputs. Ecological risk assessment using risk quotient (RQ) analysis indicated low to moderate ecological risks, with RQ values for azithromycin ranging from 0 to 0.39 depending on the predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) applied. Localised ecological risk hotspots were associated with dexamethasone concentrations near wastewater discharge locations. Human health risk assessment suggested generally low risk through drinking water exposure pathways. Nevertheless, the persistent detection of these pharmaceuticals highlights the need for continuous environmental monitoring and improved wastewater management strategies.

Background: Public health challenges in Africa stem from a complex interplay of individual, environmental, socio-cultural, and health-system factors, requiring integrated, interdisciplinary approaches to enhance healthcare systems. Aim: This study synthesised evidence from interdisciplinary presentations at the 2025 African Voices for Research Virtual Conference to address public health challenges. Setting: The study was based on abstracts presented in sessions of the 2025 African Voices for Research Virtual Conference. Methods: An editorial narrative synthesis of all submitted abstracts was conducted. ChatGPT(OpenAI), supported the identification of patterns and themes, which were validated by the research team. Themes were grouped into broader categories reflecting major public health issues and potential solutions. Results: The study showed how healthcare access, education, environmental justice, gender equity and innovation intersect in advancing Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. Using Social Determinants of Health and One Health perspectives, the findings showed how infrastructural gaps, financial barriers and limited health literacy drive unequal health outcomes. Case studies on maternal health and environmental exposures highlighted the influence of socio-economic inequality and structural violence on population well-being. Gender disparities were prominent, especially among rural women facing political exclusion, violence and restricted access to care. Innovation in healthcare delivery, especially AI-enabled tools and diagnostic platforms such as GeneXpert, was recognised for its potential to strengthen health-system resilience. Conclusion: This study offers an overview of emerging research themes from the conference and provides insight into future research priorities. Contribution: This research highlights how healthcare access, environmental and gender inequities, and technological innovation shape population health across Africa.

Liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) has become a powerful tool for analyzing pharmaceutical compounds (PCs), increasingly recognized as environmental contaminants. Despite its widespread use, detailed methodological guidance on optimizing chromatographic separation remains limited. This study presents a step-by-step guide to the development and validation of an LC-MS method for the detection, separation, and quantification of seven representative PCs: lamivudine, acetaminophen, vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, diclofenac, and ivermectin. Method optimization involved testing two chromatographic columns and systematically adjusting key parameters, including mobile phase composition and gradient elution, pH, flow rate, injection volume, and column temperature. The optimum conditions were achieved using a reverse-phase Shimadzu C18 column (2.1×100 mm, 3 μm particle size) with a mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile, at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min, an injection volume of 1 μL, and a column temperature of 38 °C. Mass spectrometric detection was carried out in positive electrospray ionization mode. The method demonstrated high sensitivity, with limits of detection (mg/L) ranging from 4.4 ×10−5 for lamivudine to 1.22 ×10−4 for vancomycin, and linearity between 0.01–0.10 mg/L. All analytes showed peak resolutions greater than 2.0. The detailed procedure outlined here serves as a practical guide for chromatographic separation and analysis of pharmaceutical contaminants. It can be adapted to monitor other organic compounds in various environmental matrices.

Garcinia species (G. indica, G. cambogia, G. kola and G. mangostana) represent some of the most sought-after herbs globally due to their impressive medicinal qualities, hence the ever-growing interest of researchers into these plants. In this study, an extensive bibliometric analysis of the available research outputs on the widely-known Garcinia species was conducted to appraise the progress made and also highlight the future focus of research on the plants. The published articles (original and conference articles) on the selected species from 1991 to 2021 were retrieved from Scopus® database, scrutinized and further analyzed using the VOS viewer software. Over 2000 research outputs were published posting an annual publication rate of 75 articles, which have altogether garnered almost 37000 citations within the period under review. Of the 85 country affiliations on the publications, 5, which include India, Thailand, Nigeria, Indonesia, and the United States have cumulatively contributed two-thirds of the total outputs. The institutions; the University of Ibadan (97), Prince Songkla University (52) and Mahidol University (50) have the most publications revealing their research focus on herbs. However, in terms of individual influence, Prof E.O. Farombi, of the University of Ibadan, led the pack with an impressive 42 publications (1585 citations) on Garcinia kola followed by Prof Y.W. Chin of the Seoul National University, South Korea with 23 publications (452 citations) on Garcinia mangostana. The versatility in the health applications of these species especially as sources for new therapeutics, nutraceuticals or functional food ingredients, has been the main driver of the research within the past three decades. Recent research undertakings have demonstrated the potential industrial uses of herbs in the clothing and petroleum industries and these may dominate the research emphases in the immediate future.