5-Chloro-2-methoxy­anilinium nitrate

The title salt, C7H9ClNO+·NO3 −, exhibits extensive hydrogen bonding between the ammonium functional group and the nitrate anion. A two-dimensional network of bifurcated N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds generates corrugated layers in the bc plane. The organic mol­ecules are stacked in a parallel orientation as a result of π–π inter­actions, with an inter-ring distance of 3.837 Å

NKT Cells in the Induced Sputum of Severe Asthmatics

To determine whether there was a specific inflammatory process in severe asthmatics, the phenotypic characteristics of induced sputum immune cells were analysed among patients with severe asthma. Twenty-two induced sputa (10 severe asthmatics) were studied. Flow cytometric analysis was performed using immune cells of the sputum and monoclonal antibodies to CD3, CD4, CD8, CD56, CD25, and TCRγδ. The number of NKT (CD3(+)CD56(+)) cells was significantly higher in the sputum of severe asthmatics compared with mild asthmatic and healthy control groups (P < .05). CD8(+)CD56(+) cells were the predominant subtype of the increased NKT cells in severe asthmatics. CD3(+)CD56(+)Vα24(+), TCRγδ(+) CD56(+), and CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells were significantly increased in severe asthmatic patients. These results suggest that the immunopathogenesis of severe asthmatics vary between severe and mild asthmatics, and that CD8(+)CD56(+) NKT cells may play an important role in the immunopathogenesis of severe asthma

Management of acute mastoiditis in children. A retrospective study and literature review

Objectives: We aimed to figure out clinical characteristics of pediatric acute mastoiditis and to plan a strategy for the management of these young patients. Methods: In this retrospective study we evaluated the medical records of 32 patients aged less than 16 years old, who were treated in our department for acute mastoiditis between 2000 and 2011. Results: The mean age of the population was 3.7 years. In 6 children (18%) previous pathologic conditions of the ear have been reported. All children had some evidence of post-auricular inflammation. Other symptoms such as auricular protrusion, otorrhea, fever and otalgia have been reported. White blood cell count showed elevated values of leucocytes in 72% of the cases. Anemia was noted in 24 patients with a mean hemoglobin rate of 9 g/dl. Computerized tomographic scan of the petrous temporal bones was required in 27 children. In our series, 19 patients had subperiosteal abscess and 3 children presented involvement of the central nervous system. Upon admission, all the patients were immediately put on intravenous antibiotics. Abscess drainage was indicated in 11 cases. A simple mastoidectomy was performed in 54% of the cases. Most of the children recovered well. Three children suffering from immunodeficiency had a recurrence of acute mastoiditis and required a second surgical treatment. Conclusion: Initial management of acute mastoiditis starts with intravenous antibiotics and computerized tomographic scan of the petrous temporal bones. Surgical approach is required in case of complications or failure of medical treatment. Watchful clinical monitoring is essential in all cases

Tunisian Native Mentha pulegium L. Extracts: Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities

Mint species (Lamiaceae family) have been used as traditional remedies for the treatment of several diseases. In this work, we aimed to characterize the biological activities of the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of Mentha pulegium L. extracts collected from two different regions of Tunisia. The highest amounts of total phenols (74.45 &plusmn; 0.01 mg GAE/g DW), flavonoids (28.87 &plusmn; 0.02 mg RE/g DW), and condensed tannins (4.35 &plusmn; 0.02 mg CE/g DW) were found in the Bizerte locality. Methanolic leaf extracts were subjected to HPLC-UV analysis in order to identify and quantify the phenolic composition. This technique allowed us to identify seven phenolic compounds: two phenolic acids and five flavonoid compounds, such as eriocitrin, hesperidin, narirutin, luteolin, and isorhoifolin, which were found in both extracts with significant differences between samples collected from the different regions (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, our results showed that the methanolic extract from leaves collected from Bizerte had the highest antioxidant activities (DPPH IC50 value of 16.31 &mu;g/mL and 570.08 &mu;mol Fe2+/g, respectively). Both extracts showed high radical-scavenging activity as well as significant antimicrobial activity against eight tested bacteria. The highest antimicrobial activities were observed against Gram-positive bacteria with inhibition zone diameters and MIC values ranging between 19 and 32 mm and 40 and 160 &micro;g/mL, respectively. Interestingly, at 10 &mu;g/mL, the extract had a significant effect on cell proliferation of U87 human glioblastoma cells. These findings open perspectives for the use of Mentha pulegium L. extract in green pharmacy, alternative/complementary medicine, and natural preventive therapies for the development of effective antioxidant, antibacterial, and/or antitumoral drugs