Neurological and neuropsychiatric manifestations of porphyria.

Porphyrias are inherited disorders of the heme biosynthetic pathway, usually characterized by dermatological changes due to the accumulation of byproducts in the pathway. Select porphyrias also affect the nervous system, namely hereditary coproporphyria, acute intermittent porphyria and variegate porphyria. Complications include paralysis, hyponatremia which can risk central pontine myelinolysis, seizures and coma. Neurological complications usually result from severe episodes of acute attacks. Acute attacks may also elicit neuropsychiatric symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, anxiety and psychosis. However, these manifestations are generally self-limiting. Due to the generally low incidence of porphyria and full knowledge the associated neurological and psychiatric manifestations, we review the relevant porphyrias along with their clinical manifestations, evaluation, and management to raise its awareness in the clinical picture and to prevent misdiagnosis. Porphyria should be considered within the differential diagnosis for unexplained neurological symptoms.

Synergistic Effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (GB03) and Water Retaining Agent on Drought Tolerance of Perennial Ryegrass.

Water retaining agent (WRA) is widely used for soil erosion control and agricultural water saving. Here, we evaluated the effects of the combination of beneficial soil bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain GB03 and WRA (the compound is super absorbent hydrogels) on drought tolerance of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Seedlings were subjected to natural drought for maximum 20 days by stopping watering and then rewatered for seven days. Plant survival rate, biomass, photosynthesis, water status and leaf cell membrane integrity were measured. The results showed that under severe drought stress (20-day natural drought), compared to control, GB03, WRA and GB03+WRA all significantly improved shoot fresh weight, dry weight, relative water content (RWC) and chlorophyll content and decreased leaf relative electric conductivity (REC) and leaf malondialdehyde (MDA) content; GB03+WRA significantly enhanced chlorophyll content compared to control and other two treatments. Seven days after rewatering, GB03, WRA and GB03+WRA all significantly enhanced plant survival rate, biomass, RWC and maintained chlorophyll content compared to control; GB03+WRA significantly enhanced plant survival rate, biomass and chlorophyll content compared to control and other two treatments. The results established that GB03 together with water retaining agent promotes ryegrass growth under drought conditions by improving survival rate and maintaining chlorophyll content.