Application of plant biostimulants as new approach to improve the biological responses of medicinal plants- a critical review

The aim of this review was to represent a category of applied plant biostimulants and to highlight the effect of their application on morphological and phytochemical properties of medicinal plants in in vivo and in vitro conditions and their mechanism of action. Plant biostimulants, safe for both human beings and the environment, are substances or materials, except for nutrients and pesticides, which have the ability to beneficially modify plant growth and have been accepted over the past decade. Plant biostimulants have natural and synthetic origin. The natural biostimulants contain amino acids, bacteria, seaweed, yeast, chitosan, phytohormones, and also plant growth regulators [synthetic hormones], phenolic compounds, inorganic salts, essential elements, and other different substances are some examples of synthetic biostimulants. The plant biostimulants through different mechanisms of action [such as nitrogen assimilation] are sustainable management practice for production of medicinal plants, increasing biomass production, and enhancing secondary metabolites synthesis and it is investigated and shown in many studies in recent years. Furthermore, there are many reports on positive effects of biostimulants and elicitors application on medicinal plants in in vitro culture condition. Some products of companies active in the formulation of biostimulants in Iran are mentioned in this review. In conclusion, yield response in medicinal plants to biostimulants application showed that each medicinal plant responds in a different way based on the chemical composition and components of biostimulants, the timing and rate of application

Physico-chemical properties of seeds in valuable medicinal species of the genus salvia l.

The seeds of some medicinal plants and their compounds have long been valued for their numerous health benefits. To investigate some physical and chemical properties of Salvia spp. Some physico-chemical properties in five species of Salvia seeds [consisted of S. officinalis L., S. macrosiphon L., S. hypoleuca L., S. sclarea L. and S. nemorosa L.] were measured at 8.73 +/- 0.09% moisture content [d.b.] in four categories of large, medium, small size and ungraded lots with replication. The largest major diameter [L[1]] value was recorded in S. hypoleuca L. The highest intermediate [L[2]] and minor diameters [L[3]], seed weight, volume, surface area, sphericity, arithmetic, geometric and square mean diameters, equivalent diameter and mucilage content were obtained in S. officinalis L. seeds. Also, the most percentage of oils content was observed in S. sclarea seeds. Maximum kurtosis index was obtained in S. officinalis L. for major and minor diameter, surface area, sphericity, arithmetic, geometric and square mean diameters and equinalant diameter, in S. hypoleuca L. for intermediate diameter and seed volume, and in S. nemorosa L. for seed weight. The highest skewness index was observed in S. hypoleuca L. for minor diameter, seed volume, surface area, arithmetic and square mean diameter and equivalent diameter, in S. nemorosa L. for major diameter and seed weight, in S. officinalis L. for intermediate diameter and sphericity, and in S. sclarea L. for geometric mean diameter. Conclusion: The maximum content of mucilage and oils were found in S. officinalis and S. sclarea, respectively. The mucilage content was significantly correlated to minor diameter and sphericity, while there was not significant correlation between content of seed oils and measured parameters

Phytochemical, agronomical and morphological responses of pot marigold [Calendula officinalis L.] to foliar application of bio-stimulators [bioactive amino acid compounds]

Bio-stimulators as biological substances stimulate metabolism and metabolic processes, which can be increase plants yield and secondary metabolites content. The aim is to introduce bio-stimulators as bioactive amino acid compounds to increase yield and help to sustainable agriculture. This experiment was conducted at ACECR on the base of randomized complete blocks design with three replications in 2011. The treatments were commercial formulations of Aminolforte, Kadostim, Fosnutren, Humiforte [each of them 0.75 and 1.5 L.ha[-1]], chemical fertilizer NPK [70 kg.ha[-1]], and control treatment [no foliar application]. The treatments had significant effect on the studied parameters except SPAD value. Humiforte 1.5 L.ha[-1] caused increase in plant dry weight to 37.46%, capitula dry weight to 36.92%, leaf area to 34.44%, relative water content to 32.03%, harvest index to 20.40%, capitula number/plant to 40.64%, total carbohydrates of capitula to 18.43%, total flavonoids of leaves to 19.35%, and total flavonoids yield of leaves to 38.3% compared to control. The highest amount of total flavonoids in capitula [0.25%, with increase to 32% compared to control] was related to Aminolforte 1.5 L.ha[-1]. Kadostim 1.5 L.ha[-1] increased plant height to 36.83%, leaves number to 26.65% and total flavonoids yield of capitula to 38.82%, total carbohydrates of leaves to 13.52%. Content of N, P and K increased with foliar application of bioactive amino acid compounds. Humiforte and Kadostim 1.5 L.ha[-1] were the best treatments in regard to existence of amino acid compounds and macro-nutrients of N, P and K in their formulations

[ study of the effect of progressive resistance training on functional balance of 8-12 years old children with Down syndrome]

Rehabilitation interventions have significant role in reducing the disabilities of Down syndrome. Due to great role of balance in the function of individuals particularly in Activity of Daily Living and the effect of strength on balance, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Progressive Resistive Exercise on functional balance in children with Down syndrome. Fifteen girls children aged between 8 and 12 years, with Down syndrome participated in this study by available sampling method. The subjects participated three times per week in a six-week progressive strengthening program. During intervention, 3 of them excluded. Balance were measured by Berg Balance Scale and right/left hip abductor and flexor, knee extensor and flexor muscles isometric strengths were measured by Nickolas hand-held dynamometer. Paired-sampled T-Test was used for data analysis. The results of this study showed that the mean of functional balance and muscles isometric strengths were significantly increased after intervention [P<0.001]. It seems that the results of this study confirm the effect of progressive resistance training on progressing functional balance, and 8-12 years old children with Down syndrome can benefit from these exercises

An investigation on As, Cd, Mo and Cu contents of soils surrounding the Meyduk tailings dam

The contents of As, Cd, Cu and Mo were determined in soil surrounding Meyduk tailings dam based on 21 surface soil samples. Assessment of toxic element pollution in studied soil samples needs knowledge of pre-anthropogenic metal concentration to act as a reference against which measured values could be compared. Estimating the background values was executed by sampling rocks adjacent to soil sampling stations. Various indices including enrichment factor [EF], pollution load index [PLI], modified contamination degree [mCd] and geoaccumulation index [I geo] were used for determining the contamination level of soil in the vicinity of tailings impoundment under the effect of the tailings dust. Anthropogenic pollution was diagnosed from natural one by sequential extraction done by Tessier et al method and calculating pollution intensity index [l poli]. The results indicate a significant upward enrichment in northeastern and southwestern surface soil around the tailings dam for Cd and Cu. The dominant wind direction demonstrated that only the contamination of southwestern soil around the tailings dam would be attributed to tailings dust while the dispersive dusts scattered after the mine explosions generally affected the northeastern part

Estimation of the preservation value of environmental resources, [case study: miankaleh international wetland]

According to importance of Environmental resource in preservation of natural ecosystems and human life, restriction on destruction is necessary. Miankaleh wetland in Mazandaran province is the settlement of animal and herbaceous rare species. This research will discuss determination of preservation value in Miankaleh international wetland and measure of individual's willingness to pay [WTP] for Preservation benefits based on contingent valuation [CV] and questionnaire dichotomous choice. For measuring the individual's WTP, Logit model was used. The estimation parameters are based on methods of maximum likelihood. Results show that 68.3% individuals have willing to pay for preservation of the Miankaleh wetland. According to the results, by increasing one unit in Bid, probability of acceptance is decreased equal to 0.924 percentages for preservation of Miankale Wetland. The annual mean of WTP for Preservation of this wetland is US $ 0.74 per household and US $ 2271.74 per hectare. Most important effective variables are bid quantity, individual income, sex, education and jobs for preservation of this wetland. It can be concluded that by application ofthe results ofthis study, a suitable price policy can be taken for preservation of Miankaleh. The effective role of environmental resources on sustainable development trend has turned the focus of economists on the non market aspects of these resources. Due to the indirect role of environmental resources on supplying enormous benefits for society, it is needed to fully understand the function and services which have been provided by them. During last decades, several studies have been performed to evaluate natural resources values [Hadker and et al. 1997; Muramira, 2000; Lehtonen and et al. 2003; Amirnejad and et al. 2006; Shrestha and et al. 2007; Amimejad, 2007; Amimejad and Khalilian, 2006; Asgari and Mehregan, 200]. In this regard, wetlands are considered as the most beneficial ecosystems in which have been dramatically damaged during the time. There are several national and international wetlands in Iran in which Miankaleh is on of the most important one and is considered as a wild life sanctuary and was listed as a preserved area in 1969. Furthermore, regarding its ecological characteristics, this wetland has been chosen as a maternity site by many endangered animal and herbaceous species, specifically aquatic migrant birds. In fact, Miankaleh wetland and the Anzli wetland are two international wetlands in northern part of Iran. This wetland is benefiting from some specific natural characteristics and hence considering as one of the major fauna and flora habitat in Iran and even in the world. Meiankaleh as a preserved area is consist of both terrestrial and aquatic environment in total area of about 67349 ha, located in the far east of Mazandaran province and partially in wets of Golestan province. Contingent Valuation Method [CVM] is widely used for evaluation of environmental services and benefits. Such a method, determine the factor of willingness to pay [WTP] in form of virtual accessories [Lee and Han, 2002]. CVM is based on referring to the public in order to determine the economical value of environmental services, hence, this method is known as preference method

prevalence of M. tuberculosis infection and disease in HIV positive individuals in Shiraz, Southern Iran

The emergence of HIV infection and its close association with TB poses an even greater challenge to the health systems and when co-infection is present, it is the most potent risk factor for progression of the disease to an active TB. This study was performed to determine the HIV-seropositive individuals with Mycobacterial infection referring to Center for Counseling and Behavioral Modification in Shiraz, southern Iran. From January 2004 to December 2006, 459 HIV-positive individuals who referred to Center for Counseling and Behavioral Modification in Shiraz, Southern Iran were enrolled. HIV antibody tests included ELISA and western blot tests, and the tests used for M. tuberculosis infection were PPD skin test, chest x-ray, Ziehl-Neelsen technique, culture in Lowenstein-Jensen medium and pathological examination. 28.5% of HIV-positive individuals had a positive PPD skin test, among whom 89.3% showed a latent tuberculosis infection and 10.7% active tuberculosis. 7.9% of HIV positive patients had active tuberculosis including pulmonary [75.8%] and extrapulmonary types [24.2%]. Among the latter cases, 62.5% had TB lymphadenitis, 25% pericarditis and 12.5% TB pleuritis. 40% of those with pulmonary tuberculosis and 50% with exptrapulmonary TB had a positive PPD skin test. As tuberculosis is a common opportunistic infection in HIV-positive patients in Iran with a higher prevalence of extrapulmonary type and the complex clinical presentation of disease, HIV-positive patients should be regularly screened for tuberculosis. Early recognition of latent tuberculosis infection and adequate chemoprophylaxis seem to be essential too

Economic growth and air pollution in iran during development programs

Given the importance of environment and sustainable development, environmental issues are very important. Investigating environment quality and economic growth relation plays an important role in optimizing economic development perspective in the country. For this purpose, this study surveys the aforementioned relationship in the various Country Development Programs. Variables of the model are carbon dioxide emissions per capita [as an indicator of pollution], Iran GDP per capita, the number of cars produced and imported, the degree of openness of an economy [ratio of total exports and imports to GDP], the country population, and the dummy variables of development programs. The results of this study showed that in the variables classes, the Chi-squafe test represent that the emissions of carbon dioxide and air pollution have significant relationship. The estimated logarithmic Grossman and Krueger model showed that the domestic gross incomes, the number of vehicles, and the rate of population have direct relationship with carbon dioxide gas emissions. The highest correlation is related to gross domestic income. So that one percent increase in gross income, these gas emissions 5.539 percent will increase. The relationship between the degree of openness of economy and these gas emissions was negative, with one percent increase in this index; these gas emissions 0.3372 percent will be reduced. Finally, results showed that the third Development Program compared with the other programs was successful in controlling pollution. It indicated less annual increase in carbon dioxide emissions and pollution that is caused by the implementation of programs like Comprehensive Program of Pollution Reduction in the eight largest cities. Therefore, this study suggests that these programs should be continued with emphasis on the control of all effective variables

Coagulation factors in severe preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is an idiopathic multisystem disorder specific to human pregnancy and the puerperium and hematological abnormalities may develop in preeclamptic women. This study was designed to determine coagulation parameters in patients with severe preeclampsia in Shiraz, southern Iran. From 2002 to 2005, coagulation indices including platelet count, prothrombin time [PT], activated partial thromboplastin time [aPPT], plasma fibrinogen, and fibrin degradation products [FDP] were measured within 24 hours of admission for fifty women with severe preeclampsia and fifty normal pregnant women. The patients with coagulopathies were excluded. Abnormal coagulation indices were compared between the two groups. The mean value of platelet counts were significantly lower while the mean values of aPPT and FDP were higher in the preeclamptic patients. However, the mean values of plasma fibrinogen and PT did not show any statistical difference between these two groups. Fifty percent of the patients with severe preeclampsia showed thrombocytopenia, 10% prolonged PT, 30% prolonged PTT, 28% hypofibrinogenemia, and 32% elevated FDP. Prolonged aPTT was seen in 6% of patients with platelet counts of more than 150 103/mm[3] at the admission time. However, these patients showed evidence of coagulopathies and needed to receive blood or blood products later in their hospital course. In case an abnormal platelet count or aPTT is detected in a patient with severe preeclampsia, a coagulopathic disorder should be clinically suspected

[Comparing the effects of three heparinization methods of hemodialysis set on the amount of clot formation during hemodialysis]

Nowadays, the most important aspect of hemodialysis is the technical method of anticoagulation of extracorporeal circuit. This quasi-experimental study was performed to compare three methods of heparinization in the extracorporeal circulation.Twenty-seven hemodialysis patients referring to Rafsanjan Hemodialysis Center with the weight range of 50-90 kg and normal Clotting Time and Partial Thromboplastine Time were selected and underwent three methods of anticoagulation rotatively. In the first method, only a single bolus injection of heparin [5000 IU] at the beginning of hemodialysis was applied. In the second method a primary bolus of heparin [2000 IU] followed by heparin infusion [1000 IU/hour] from the beginning of second hour to the end of third hour was used. In the third method, a single bolus injection at the beginning of hemodialysis and another injection [2500 IU] at the end of the second hour were applied. The amount of clot formation was evaluated at the end of the hemodialysis session by visual inspection. The amount of clot formation in the first method [%92.6] was significantly more than those in the second and third methods [P<0.05]. Although the first method is currently being used in some hemodialysis centers, it is not safe and accurate in comparison to the other two methods