Aims
The study aimed for evaluate the efficacy of Pseudomonas knackmussiiMLR6 on growth promotion, photosynthetic responses, pigment contents and gene expression of the plant model Arabidopsis ...thaliana under NaCl stress.
Methods and Results
The strain MLR6 was isolated from the rhizopshere of the halophyte Salsola tetrandra collected from a natural saline Algerian soil. Results showed the ability of MLR6 to induce plant growth‐promoting traits even under NaCl stress. The inoculation with MLR6 improved the stomatal conductance, the transpiration rate, the total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents under salt stress. It conferred also an increase in fresh/dry weight as well as plant height. MLR6 inoculation further provided a positive effect on cell membrane stability by reducing the electrolyte leakage and priming the ROS accumulation after the salt exposition. Additionally, the expression of NHX1, HKT1, SOS2 and SOS3 as well as SAG13 and PR1 was maintained in MLR6‐bacterized plant at a similar level of controls.
Conclusions
The inoculation of A. thaliana with MLR6 improves plant growth and reduces damages caused by salt stress.
Significance and Impact of the Study
The use of P. knackmussiiMLR6 appears as a promising strategy to improve the sustainable agriculture under saline conditions.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Introduction
Tobacco use among youth is a real public health concern in most developing countries. To provide recent epidemiological data regarding tobacco use among this specific population, a ...national survey was conducted in Tunisia in 2021. We aimed to determine cigarette smoking prevalence in Tunisian adolescents and assess associated factors.
Objectives
We aimed to determine cigarette smoking prevalence in Tunisian adolescents and assess associated factors.
Methods
Data from the Mediterranean school survey on alcohol and other drugs (MedSPAD 2021) were used. Based on three-stage stratification sampling method, first and second grade high school students were enrolled. A self-administered standardized questionnaire was used and weighted prevalence estimates for cigarette smoking “at least once in a lifetime” were studied. Binary logistic regression model was used to assess associated factors and Adjusted Odds Ratios (AORs) were presented. The independent factors included were: sex, area of residence, private or public sector, alcohol and cannabis use, and being exposed to tobacco smoking in family and peer’s environment. Epidata and STATA software were used for data entry and statistical analysis, respectively.
Results
Among 6.201 participants with a mean age of 16.8 years, 60.4% were girls; the prevalence of cigarette smoking was 24,75% 95% CI 23.24,26.32, significantly higher among boys (41.1% versus 14.2%, p<10
-3
). Univariate analysis revealed a significant difference in cigarette smoking by region (p-value< 10
-4
). The highest prevalence of cigarette smoking was observed in the capital city. Cigarettes were perceived as easily accessible by less than a third of the students (38.46% and 20.94% of boys and girls respectively, p=10
-4
). In multivariable analysis, the only independently associated factor to this behaviour was male sex (AOR=1.50.15 – 2.9, p-value=0.03).
Conclusions
Our study revealed a high prevalence of smoking among students with male sex as an associated factor. Developing a healthy school environment and implementing school-based intervention programs are therefore, highly required.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared
Introduction
The emergence of New Psycho-active Substances (NPS) such as Synthetic cannabinoid and cathinone, represents a challenging issue for drug policy globally. In order to set up new adjusted ...measures to limit this phenomenon extension, objective epidemiologic indicators are requested.
Objectives
We aimed to determine the prevalence of Synthetic cannabinoid and cathinone consumption in Tunisian adolescents by gender and regional distribution.
Methods
Data from the Mediterranean school survey on alcohol and other drugs (MedSPAD III-2021) were used. Based on three-stage stratification sampling method, high school teenagers in first and second grades of secondary education, were enrolled. Data collection was performed using a self-administered standardized questionnaire. We examined weighted prevalence estimates of NPS use at least once in a lifetime (Synthetic cannabinoid and cathinone) by gender and regional distribution. Epi data software was used for data entry and all statistical analysis were performed with STATA software.
Results
The survey included 6201 adolescents with a mean age of 16.8 years and a sex ratio female/male of 1.5. Synthetic cannabinoid’s use was reported by 1.9%, 95% CI 1.57-2.39 of students, with statistically significant difference between boys (4.1%) and girls (0.6%), p-value<10
-4
. This consumption was the highest in Tunis the capital city, the center-east and the north-east (2.7%, 2.2% and 2% respectively). As for synthetic cathinone’s use, it was reported by 0.36% 95%CI 0.24-0.56 of our study sample, with statistically significant difference between boys (0.8%) and girls (0.8%), p-value<10
-4
.
Conclusions
Our study highlighted an emerging use of NPS among high school students with significant male predominance. Further research on NPS epidemiology is, hence, needed to reinforce evidence-based management strategies aiming at fighting this phenomenon. Sensitization of decision makers to control accessibility, and increasing awareness among adolescents’ close family / school-staff environment regarding this issue, are strongly recommended.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared
Introduction
Despite its well-known acute and long-term harmful effects on a person’s mental health and well-being, alcohol remains the most commonly used psychoactive substance among adolescents ...after tobacco products in many countries.
Objectives
We aimed at studying the prevalence of alcohol use, and identify associated factors in Tunisian high school adolescents.
Methods
We used national data from the 2021-Mediterranean School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (MedSPAD). Based on a clustered two-stage stratification sampling method, a representative sample of teenagers aged 16 to 18 years, was selected. Data collection was performed using a self-administered standardized questionnaire, assessing socio-demographic characteristics and risky behaviours, and including questions about alcoholic beverages patterns of use. Binary logistic regression model was used to assess associated factors and adjusted Odds Ratios (AORs) were presented with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Cspro software was used for data entry and all statistical analysis were performed with STATA software.
Results
A total of 6201 adolescents with a mean age of 16.8 years and a sex ratio female/male of 1.5 were enrolled.
Lifetime prevalence of alcoholic beverages consumption was 8.0%, 95% CI 7.0, 9,1 (n=6196). The prevalence of alcohol consumption during the previous year and month were 5.1 % and 1.7% respectively. Cocktails and beer were the most frequently consumed beverages.
Prevalence of alcohol use was significantly associated with tobacco, cannabis and e-cigarettes use (AOR 9.5, 6.0 and 1.9 respectively; p≤10
-3
), a higher frequency of nights spent away from home, school absenteeism for non-medical reasons and enrolment in the private sector.
Alcohol intoxication was reported by 2.9% of respondents during their lifetime.
Early onset was reported by 17.2% of respondents for alcohol use and 10.1% for alcohol intoxication.
Conclusions
Although the prevalence of alcohol use was relatively low among Tunisian adolescents compared to European adolescents, early onset- indicating an increased risk of developing an alcohol use disorder- warrant the implementation of primary prevention interventions through mental health promotion and life skill trainings to halt these trends and avert the raising burden of morbidity and mortality attributable to alcohol use.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared
Introduction
Cannabis use is wrongly deemed “safe” by teenagers worldwide, despite its increased tetrahydrocannabinoids content and its psychosocial and cognitive harmful effectts.
Objectives
We ...aimed to estimate the prevalence of cannabis use, identify associated factors among Tunisian adolescents and assess the risk of problem cannabis use among users.
Methods
The 2021-Mediterranean School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (MedSPAD) is a national survey, targeting Tunisian high school adolescents aged 16 to 18 years.
Based on a self-administered questionnaire, adolescents were asked about their engagement in several risky behaviours including cannabis use. The 6-item Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) was intended for users to assess the risk of problem cannabis use.
Binary logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated to cannabis use and Adjusted Odds Ratios (AORs) were presented with correspondent 95% confidence intervals (CI). Cspro and STATA software were used for data entry and analysis respectively.
Results
Among 6201 participants (girls: 60.4%), lifetime prevalence of cannabis use was 7.9% ,95% CI 7.0, 8.9 significantly higher among boys (16.1 % Vs. 2.5 % in girls, p<10
-4
). Early onset (at 13 or younger) was reported by 8.6% of users.
Multivariate analysis showed that cannabis use was more prevalent in Tunis district(p=0.04), and significantly associated to alcohol, tobacco and electronic-cigarettes use (AOR of 6.2, 4.2 and 2.6 respectively, p<10
-3
). Absenteeism for non-medical reasons and nights spent away from home were also independent factors significantly associated with cannabis use (p<10
-3
).
The CAST indicated a high risk of cannabis-use-related problems in 67.2% of respondents (n=223).
Conclusions
Cannabis use is increasingly common in Tunisian adolescents. Moreover, the alarming risk of problem cannabis use warrant the urgent need for school-based interventions and screening programs to prevent and control cannabis use especially among vulnerable subgroups.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared
Introduction
Non-Medical Use of Anxiolytics (NMUA) and sedatives is a focus of scientific interest worldwide. In Tunisia, no national epidemiological data related to this issue, are published.
...Objectives
We aimed to determine the prevalence of NMUA in Tunisian adolescents and assess specificities from a gender scope.
Methods
Data from the 2021-Mediterranean school Survey on Alcohol and other Drugs (MedSPAD) were used. Based on random sampling method (three-stage stratification), high school teenagers in first and second year of secondary education, were enrolled. Data were collected using a self-administered standardized questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, and specific questions related to NMUA (among adolescents and close environment), perceived accessibility and initiation age. We studied weighted prevalence estimates of NMUA at least once in a lifetime, presented with 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Epi data software was used for data entry and statistical analysis was performed with STATA software.
Results
The survey included 6.201 adolescents with a mean age of 16.8 years and sex ratio F/M equal to 1.5. Only half of surveyed adolescents, perceived accessibility to NMUA as “impossible” and almost 20% had at least one family member or friend using a nonmedical prescription of anxiolytics. The overall prevalence of NMUA was (8.4%; 95% CI 7.6-9.2), significantly higher among girls (9.8% Vs 6.1%, p-value<10
-4
). Initiation age was over 13 years for almost 70% of consumers.
Conclusions
Our study highlighted high prevalence of NMUA, mainly among girls. Although COVID mental health impact might have a role in explaining our findings; however, decisions makers should be aware of non-medically prescribed anxiolytics accessibility especially among this vulnerable population. Audit prescription monitoring programs should be reinforced, and multisectoral collaboration should be reinforced to promote adolescents mental well being and avoid falling into addiction trap.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared
The effect of plant growth-promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and exogenous application of compatible solutes on seed germination and root concentrations of sodium and potassium of two wheat varieties ...(Triticum durum L.) were evaluated under saline stress. In this experiment, Azotobacter vinelandii strain DSM85, glycine betaine and proline were used. Inoculated seeds for each variety were placed on Whatman paper in 9 cm Petri dishes containing 15 mL of distilled water or NaCl solutions at various concentrations (control, 100, 200, 300 mM) supplemented with or without glycine betaine (GB) or proline at 5 mM. The results indicated that addition of proline (5 mM) stimulated the production of indol acetic acid and the growth of A. vinelandii at 200 and 300 mM NaCl, respectively. The germination rate index and the germination final percentage decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing salinity level. The germination was significantly diminished at 300 mM with significant variation among varieties and Waha variety had higher germination percentage than Bousselam variety. Inoculation of seeds by A. vinelandii and exogenous application of proline had significantly positive effect on the germination at this concentration of NaCl. The rate of accumulation of Na+ in roots was important at 100 mM and increased at 200 mM. The concentration of K+ decreased when salinity increased. The effect of inoculation or inoculation with proline decreased the accumulation of Na' and reduced the loss of K+ under salt stress. From the present study we can conclude that the use of A. vinelandii strain DSM85 and external application of low concentrations of proline on seeds might be considered as a strategy for the protection of plants under saline stress.
The use of microbial technology in agriculture is expanding quickly with the identification of new bacterial strains which are more effective in promoting the growth of plants. The rhizobacteria that ...promote the growth of plants can have a positive effect on the productivity of crops especially when subjected to salt stress. A nitrogen-fixing bacterium was isolated from the wheat rhizosphere of an arid region. The strain was identified on the basis of tests API20E and 16S rRNA sequencing, as Pantoea agglomerans lma2. This strain degraded several carbon sources: sugars (fructose, ribose, dextrin, salicin...), lipids (lecithin, tributyrin and tween 80), proteins (gelatin, casein), grew on KCN and could grow from pH 4 to 8 and had an optimum at pH 7. The growth temperature showed a maximum at 30 degrees C and the bacteria could tolerate from 4 to 41 degrees C and the growth rate was higher when the NaCl concentration was between 100 and 300 mM. The performance of activities enhancing the growth of plants of P. agglomerans lma2 was significantly better in the presence of salt. Rates of Indole Acetic Acid (IAA), siderophores production and solubilization of phosphate increased between 100 and 400 mM NaCl compared to the control without salt. The maximum values were saved to 300 mM for the production of siderophores (18.32%) and solubilization of phosphate (1061.49 microg mL(-1)) and 100 mM for the production of IAA (161 microg mL(-1)). A significant correlation existed between these three activities. These results showed that P. agglomerans lma2 with its Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and halophilic properties could constitute a good fertilizer in arid and saline zone.
