[Changes in nepetalactone content and biochemical traits of catnip [nepeta cataria l.] in response to induction of biostimulants compounds]

Background: The use of organic and biological stimulants at different stages of plant growth may increase growth and yield of plants in addition to reducing environmental stresses

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the induction effect of various formulations of chitosan, humic acid, and nicgtric acid on nepetalactone content and biochemical traits in catnip

Methods: This study, which was based on a completely randomized design [CRBD], was conducted in the research greenhouse of Medicinal Plants Research Institute, ACECR. Treatments consisted of: control, citric acid, different concentrations of humic acid, dual combinatorial formulations of chitosan and citric acid, and triple combinatorial formulations of chitosan, citric acid, and humic acid. First, the roots of the transplants were treated before being transferred to the pot. Then, about 20 days after planting, treatments were sprayed on the plants three times - once everylS days

Results: Results showed that the induction of different formulations of humic acid, citric acid, and chitosan had significant effects on plant height [P<0.05], the number of lateral branches, the number of leaves, dry weight of leaves, stems, and shoot, content of soluble sugar, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and nepetalactone [P<0.01]. The highest amounts - in most morpho-physiological traits - were observed 400 ppm chitosan + 800 ppm humic acid + 400 ppm citric acid treatment. The maximum content of nepetalactone was obtained at 200 ppm chitosan + 800 ppm humic acid + 400 ppm citric acid

Conclusion: The use of biostimulants formulation including humic acid, citric acid, and chitosan had a significant positive effect on improving vegetative characteristics and especially on phytochemical traits of catnip [Nepeta cataria L.]

[Comparing carotid intima-media thicknessin women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus]

Background and Aims: Women with history of gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM] are at risk for developing cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Carotid intima-media thickness [CIMT] is noninvasive marker of sub clinical atherosclerosis assessment. The aim of the present study was to assess relationship between GDM and increased CIMT

Methods: Twenty women with previous history of GDM and twenty women without it [as a control group] were included in the study. Two groups were matched based on their age, body mass index [BMI] and parity. CIMT was measured one year after delivery in two groups by B-mode sonography and compared with ultrasonic results of CIMT in mid- and late-gestational periods

Results: CIMT in both groups increased in gestational period and decreased after delivery and this diminution was significant at late-gestational period in both groups and also significant at mid-gestational period in women with history of GDM

Conclusion: CIMT was significantly decreased one year after delivery in women with GDM

Do infants using baby walkers suffer developmental delays in acquisition of motor skills?

Development is a complex process, completed over a specific period of time, through the maturation of the nervous system. It is affected by genetic, ethnic, nutritional, social, and economic factors; one of the environmental factors affecting the acquisition of motor skills in infants is the use of baby walkers. Since this device is very commonly used for infants in our country, we conducted this study to evaluate its effects on the acquisition of motor skills in this age group of children. This longitudinal study was conducted in 2005 on 300 infants referring to the Primary Health Care Centers of Kashan district in 1384; the infants were divided into two groups of 150 babies each, with the case group using baby walkers, while the other 150, the controls, did not. All babies were followed for two years, and the ages for acquisition of motor skills were documented during face-to face or telephone interviews with the parents. Data were analyzed using the T-test and the Chi Square test. Of the study population, 175 babies [58.33%] were male. The mean age of acquisition of motor skills including rolling, crawling, moving on hands and feet, sitting without and with help, standing and walking dependently and independently were found to be delayed in infants using baby walkers, a difference between the two groups of walker users and non- walker users that was statistically significant [P<0.001]. Considering the adverse effects that walkers have on the acquisition of motor skills in infants, as demonstrated by the results of this study, we do not recommend the use of baby walkers in infants

[ comparison of platelet count and volume in normal and preeclamptic pregnancy]

Background: hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are one of the high risk pregnancies. There are considerable evidences about the role of platelet in preeclampsia in pathophysiology. In this study the mean of volume platelet and count in normal pregnant women and preeclamptic women were compared

Materials and methods: in a case - control study 35 normal pregnant women who matched in age, gestational age, and gravity were compared with 35 preeclamptic women to determine the mean volume platelet and count from 2003 to 2005 on pregnant women who admitted at obstetric ward of Taleghani Hospital and outpatient department were entered the study

Results: totaly 70 pregnant women [35 case of preeclamptic women and 35 control groups] , were evaluated. Mean age in normal pregnant women were 27+/- 5.4 years and in preeclamptic group was 27.2 +/- 5.3 years [range:17-38 years]. The Number of gravity of the patients Were between 1 to 8.the mean of gestational age in both group were 32.7 +/- 5.1 weeks[range:20-41 weeks]. In normal group no one has platelet count less than 150.000/[micro]l and in none of them means platelet volume was more than 10fm. In preeclamptic group in 16[45.7%] cases platelet count was less than 150000/[micro]l and in 9 [25.7%] mean platelet volume of >/= 10fl was obtained. In normal pregnant women mean platelet count was 208300/[micro]l+/- 4600 and mean of mean platelet volume was 8.2+/-0.63fl. In preeclamptic women mean platelet count was 154000/[micro]l+/-84000 [P<0.005] and mean of mean platelet volume was 9.2 +/- 0.84 fl. [P<0.0001]

Conclusion: decrease in count and increase in size of platelets probably precede preeclampsia