Rhizobioaugmentation of Casuarina glauca with N-fixing actinobacteria Frankia decreases enzymatic activities in wastewater irrigated soil: effects of Frankia on C. glauca growth

The use of wastewater for irrigation in agroforestry is cost-effective for water management. It is well established that rhizospheric microorganisms such as N2-fixing bacteria are able to modulate rhizobioaugmention and to boost phyoremediation process. To date, no study has been conducted to evaluate biological effects of rhizobioaugmentation in Casuarina glauca trees induced by their symbiont N-fixing actinobacteria of the genus Frankia. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the main effects of rhizobioaugmentation on the biological activity in the C. glauca’s rhizosphere and on C. glauca growth in soils irrigated with industrial wastewater. Two Frankia strains (BMG5.22 and BMG5.23) were used in a single or dual inoculations of C. glauca seedlings irrigated with industrial wastewater. Soil enzymes activity related to carbon, phosphorus, sulfur and nitrogen cycling were measured. Results revealed that the BMG5.22 Frankia strain increases significantly the size (dry weight) of C. glauca shoots and roots while dual inoculation increased significantly the root length. Surprisingly, β-glucosidase (BG), cellobiohydrolase (CBH), β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAGase), aryl sulfatase (AS), acid phosphatase (AP), alkaline phosphatase (AlP), glycine aminopeptidase (GAP), leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), and peroxidase (PER) activity in the rhizosphere decreased significantly in soils treated with the two strains of symbionts. This suggests no positive correlations between enzymatic activity and C. glauca growth.     

Mowat–Wilson syndrome: the first report of an association with central nervous system tumors

Mowat–Wilson syndrome (MWS) is a rare genetic condition where variable and multiple congenital anomalies including Hirschsprung's disease, intellectual disability, and prominent facial features are present. At molecular level, MWS is characterized by many different described mutations in the zinc finger E-box protein 2 (ZEB2) gene, ultimately leading to loss of gene function. This report is the first to describe the association of MWS with two different asynchronous malignant brain tumors (medulloblastoma and glioblastoma) occurring in a child.     

MDMA alone affects sensorimotor and prepulse inhibition responses in mice and rats: tips in the debate on potential MDMA unsafety in human activity

Forensic Toxicology - MDMA is a psychoactive drug that has been increasingly abused worldwide, due to its entactogenic properties. However, concerns on its safety exist, particularly regarding its...     

Composite microparticles with in vivo reduction of the burst release effect

The aim of this study was to develop microparticles containing nanoparticles (composite microparticles) for prolonged drug delivery with reduced burst effect in vitro and in vivo. Such composite microparticles were prepared with hydrophobic and biodegradable polymers [poly(ε-caprolactone), poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid]. Ibuprofen was chosen as the model drug, and microparticles were prepared by the extraction technique with ethyl acetate as the solvent. Nanoparticles and microparticles and an ibuprofen solution (Pedea^®) were administered subcutaneously at the dose of 1 mg of ibuprofen per kg to overnight-fasted rats (male Wistar). Composite microparticles showed prolonged ibuprofen release and less burst effect when compared to simple microparticles (without nanoparticles inside) or nanoparticles both in vitro (PBS buffer) and in vivo. Moreover, ibuprofen was still detected in the plasma after 96 h with composite microparticles. Consequently, it has been demonstrated that composite microparticles were able to reduce burst release and prolong the release of ibuprofen for a long period of time.     

Correction to: Risk factors for readmission among patients receiving outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy: a retrospective cohort study

International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy - An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.     

Giant pulmonary hydatid cyst in children

BackgroundLungs are the second most common site for hydatid disease after the liver. Giant hydatid cyst (GHC) of the lung is a special clinical entity in children and is related to higher lung tissue elasticity.AimTo compare clinical and imaging features, types of surgical interventions, and postoperative complications in pulmonary GHC and non-giant pulmonary hydatid cysts (NGHC) in children.MethodsA retrospective study was undertaken. The data analyzed were taken from medical records of children with pulmonary hydatid cyst (PHC) hospitalized in a pulmonary department in Tunisia between January 2004 and February 2019. Cysts were divided according to their size into GHC ( ≥10 cm) and NGHC (< 10 cm).ResultsIn the study period, 108 PHC were recorded in 84 children. GHC accounted for 21 (19.4%) and NGHC for 87 (80.6%). The median of age of the children was 11 years (IQR 1–9, IQR 3–14) and the mean age was 11.6 years (10.5 in GHC vs. 11.4 years in NGHC). Hemoptysis was found in 25% of the GHC group vs. 48.4% of the NGHC group (P = 0.27). Cysts were multiple in 23.8% of cases and predominated in the right in 64.3% of cases and in the inferior lobes in 71.4% of the cases. GHCs were less frequently complicated (60% vs. 78.1% in NGHC, P ≤ 0.11), although not significantly. Parenchymal resection was realized in 50% of GHC vs. 18.8% of NGHC (P = 0.006). No significant difference was found in postoperative complications between the two groups and there was no recurrence in either group.ConclusionGHC is a special clinical entity in children. It requires major surgery with parenchymal resection, and therefore early diagnostic and therapeutic management is warranted.