Accumulation of heavy metal in Platanus orientalis, Robinia pseudoacacia and Fraxinus rotundifolia

Plants are capable of reducing environmental pollutions through uptaking contaminants in their tissues. In the study site, twenty one-year-old leaves and shoots as well as twenty soil samples were sampled and analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP). We investigated the uptaking ability of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) by the leaves and shoots of Platanus orientalis, Robinia pseudoacacia and Fraxinus rotundifolia in Karaj city, the western Tehran, Iran. We also evaluated the total metal accumulation capacity by using metal accumulation index (MAI). Results indicated that there was no significant difference in uptaking contents of Cd and Pb in the leaves among the trees. However accumulation of Cd in shoots of F. rotundifolia and R. pseudoacacia was significantly higher than that of P. orientalis. The accumulation of Pb in shoots of R. pseudoacacia was significantly higher than the other species. The amount of Pb in the soil of the study area was significantly higher than Cd. Concentrations of Cd and Pb in leaves of the three species are in the ranges of 2.4 2.7 mg Kg-1 and 7.1 14.4 mg Kg-1 , respectively. R. pseudoacacia had the highest MAI value for leaves (2.21) and F. rotundifolia had the highest MAI value for shoots (2.4).     

Morpho-physiological Response of Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.) to Particle Size and Rates of Zinc Fertilizer

A field study was conducted during 2015–2017 in order to evaluate effects of the foliar application of different sources and concentrations of zinc oxide (ZnO) on the yield and morpho-physiological characteristics of saffron. Experimental treatment included the foliar application of nano ZnO at a concentration of (3, 6, and 9 g L^?1), foliar application of normal ZnO at a concentration of (3, 6, and 9 g L^?1) and the control. Both types of ZnO had positive effects on the saffron yield and number of flowers, but the highest yield and flower number were obtained by the foliar application of 9 g L^?1 normal ZnO followed by 6 g L^?1 nano ZnO. Increasing concentrations of both fertilizers up to 3 g L^?1 had no significant effect on crocin, but the crocin content significantly decreased at higher concentrations. Effects of experimental treatments were significant on all morpho-physiological traits. The maximum chlorophyll a (1.74 mg.g^?1) was observed in normal ZnO at a concentration of 9 g L^?1 followed by nano ZnO at a concentration of 3 g L^?1. The increasing application of different types of fertilizers linearly increased the Peroxidase activity, but the highest activity of Catalase in normal ZnO and nano ZnO was measured after the foliar application at concentrations of 3 and 6 g L^?1, respectively.     

Serum biochemistry and hematology values and hemoglobin electrophoresis in Persian squirrels (Sciurus anomalus)

BACKGROUND: Serum biochemical and hematologic parameters are important in the management of game species in Iran, such as Persian squirrels. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish baseline serum chemistry and hematology values in Persian squirrels (Sciurus anomalus) and describe blood cell morphology and the electrophoretic pattern of hemoglobin. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 30 Persian squirrels (Sciurus anomalus) maintained in captivity in the Tehran Zoo. Blood was placed into EDTA and serum clot tubes and analyzed using standard manual hematology and biochemical techniques. Hemoglobin electrophoresis was done on cellulose acetate paper strips. RESULTS: Minimum, maximum, and median values were obtained for 11 hematologic and 12 serum chemistry parameters. Hypersegmented neutrophils were observed frequently. We did not find basophils or band neutrophils. Hemoglobin electophoresis resulted in a band slightly anodal to that of human hemoglobin A. CONCLUSION: Biochemical and hematologic values in Persian squirrels were comparable to those of related species, and may be used as a standard profile for healthy Persian squirrels kept in captivity.     

Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of microorganisms involved in the pathogenesis of surgical site infection (SSI); A 1 year of surveillance

The aim of this study is to identify the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of pathogens involved in the process of surgical site infection, in surgical wards. Changes made in the pattern of antibiotic use will result in different microorganism susceptibility patterns, which needs correct determination for precise empiric antibiotic therapy. One thousand patients (62% men and 38% women, 18- 74-years-old, with mean age 43 +/- 8)) who underwent surgical treatment, in Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medicine, Isfahan, Iran, were studied from 2005 to 2006. Surgical wound infections, based on the reported criteria, were aspirated for culturing within 1 plus gram staining of prepared smears. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) were determined for samples and all derived data were compared by SPSS 13 and WHO net 5 software. The prevalence of SSI was 13.3% with 150 positive cultures, totally. Of 150 bacteria, isolated from surgical site infections Staphylococcus aureus had most frequency (43%). Resistance of isolated organisms was 41.7% in amikacin, 65 and 78.6% in ceftazidime, 85.7% in ceftriaxone, 61.5% in ciprofloxacin, 78.8% in gentamicine, 6.4% in imipenem, 13% in meropenem and 70.6% in trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, respectively. 78.9% of Staphylococcus aureus isolates were MRSA and vancomycine was the most effective antibiotic without any resistance. Among 10 isolates of coagulase negative Staphylococcus, no vancomycine resistance was seen, but in contrast all cases were resistant to oxacillin. The most common gram negative organism was Klebsiella (18 isolates) in which 100 and 80% were sensitive to imipenem and meropenem, respectively. Seventeen cases were E. coli, in which the most sensitivity was to meropenem (80%) and imipenem (77.8%). Thirteen cases of Pseudomonas were detected, in which 16.7% were resistant to imipenem and 8.3% to meropenem. Our results demonstrated that the total antibiotic resistance is increasing among SSIs, with an up sloping pattern, which will contact with a constant empiric antibiotic therapy. So, precise up to date antibiogram tantalize us toward balancing the rate of total antibiotic resistance to SSIs.     

Impact of bovine somatotropin administration beginning at day 70 of lactation on serum metabolites, milk constituents, and production in cows previously exposed to exogenous somatotropin.

Metabolic and production responses are reported for 72 cows treated with bovine somatotropin (BST) for 30 days starting at day 70 of lactation. Of these 72 cows, 48 had been exposed in the preceding lactation to long-term treatment with BST at 3 dosages and 24 (controls) had not been given BST. Approximately half of the cows in each group were parity-2 cows, the rest were older. Comparisons between groups were made separately for parity-2, and older cows. Analyses, using pretreatment values of each variable as a covariate, indicated that older cows, but not parity-2 cows, significantly (P less than 0.05) increased milk production during treatment. Parity-2 cows, however, had a significantly higher milk fat percentage than controls following treatment. Cows treated with 51.6 or 86 mg BST/d in both parity groups had significantly higher serum-free fatty acids than controls. Estimated net energy balances were significantly lower for older treated cows, but did not significantly differ from controls for parity-2 treated cows. Older cows in the 86 mg of BST/d group tended to have higher concentrations of blood glucose than did older control-group cows. Treatment with BST did not significantly increase serum ketone concentrations in any group of animals, and none of the cows developed clinical ketosis during this period. Estimated net energy balance (ENEB) during treatment was a significant (P less than 0.05) covariate for free fatty acid concentrations in older cows and for milk fat percentage in parity-2 cows. Covariate adjusted analyses, using ENEB during treatment as a covariate, indicated that lipolytic stimuli already acting may be enhanced by treatment with BST, but a negative energy balance was not a necessary precondition for free fatty acid concentrations to increase following somatotropin treatment. Similarly, milk fat percentages for parity-2 treated cows were significantly (P less than 0.05) higher during treatment than controls when ENEB during treatment was used as a covariate. Increased milk fat concentrations in parity-2 treated cows were not associated with significant increases in the ratio of C18:C4-10 milk fatty acids, indicating that increased milk fat resulted from either an increase in incorporation of C18 fatty acids into milk fat coupled with an increase in de novo mammary synthesis of C4-10 milk fatty acids or an increase in C12-16 fatty acids that may arise either from increased tissue mobilization, from diet, or from de novo mammary synthesis.     

Effects of ammonia on growth and molting of Litopenaeus vannamei postlarvae reared under two salinity levels

ABSTRACT

Litopenaeus vannamei postlarvae were exposed to 0, 6, 13, and 19 mg/L total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) treatments. After 45 days, shrimp weight and length were lowest under TAN concentrations of 13 and 19 mg/L (P ≤ 0.05). Maximum weight gain was observed in control and 6 mg/L treatments. Mortality was highest (80.55 ± 4.80%) under 19 mg/L reared in 35 ppt salinity. Average intermolt periods of PLs exposed to 0, 6, 13, and 19 mg/L TAN were 11.5 ± 0.7, 10.8 ± 1.3, 9.4 ± 1.0, and 8.7 ± 0.6 days under 35 ppt and 11.1 ± 0.5, 10.7 ± 0.6, 10.1 ± 0.5, and 9.5 ± 0.2 days under 45 ppt salinity. Although TAN increased postlarvae molting frequency, its negative effects on the shrimp growth and survival of PLs was directly linked to its concentration and exposure duration. Higher salinity reduces the effects of ammonia and increases the survival.     

Pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure in broiler chickens reared at high altitude is affected by dietary source of n‐6 and n‐3 fatty acids

The present study evaluated the development of pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure in broiler chickens reared at high altitude (2100 m) as affected by dietary intake of n‐3 and n‐6 fatty acid sources. Flax oil and soy oil were used as sources of n‐3 and n‐6 fatty acids, respectively, either with or without α‐tocopheryl acetate. A total of 192 day‐old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used in a completely randomized design using isoenergetic and isonitrogenous experimental diets. Results showed that dietary flax oil significantly (p < 0.05) improved feed conversion ratio during 21–42 days of age. However, body weight gain did not significantly differ among the experimental groups in entire trial. Birds received flax oil had significantly higher serum concentration of nitric oxide (NO) but they had lower serum concentration of malondialdehyde when compared with their counterparts fed with soy oil. Liver and abdominal fat weights were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by substitution of soy oil for flax oil. The right‐to‐total ventricle weight ratio (RV/TV) and mortality from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in birds that received flax oil. In conclusion, n‐3 fatty acids could significantly reduce RV:TV and PAH mortality in birds by increasing circulatory level of NO and suppressing hepatic lipogenesis.     

Goal programming approach for sustainable forest management （case study in Iranian Caspian forests）

We used a goal programming technique to determine the optimal harvest volume for the Iranian Caspian forest. We collected data including volume, growth, wood price at forest roadside, and variable harvesting costs. The allometric method was used to quantify seques- trated carbon. Regression analysis was used to derive growth models. Expected mean price was estimated using wood price and variable harvesting costs. Questionnaire was used to determine the constraints and the equation coefficients of the goal programming model. The optimal volume was determined using the goal programming method according to multipurpose forest management. LINGO software was used for analysis. Results indicated that the optimum volumes of species were 250.25 m3.ha-1 for beech, 59 m3.ha-1 for hornbeam, 73 m3.ha-1 for oak, 41 m3.ha-1 for alder, and 32 m3.ha-1 for other species. The total optimum volume is 455.25 m3.ha-1.     

Comparison of lidocaine, lidocaine/epinephrine or bupivacaine for thoracolumbar paravertebral anaesthesia in fat-tailed sheep

ObjectiveTo evaluate the speed of onset and duration of loss of sensation in the flank following paravertebral administration of lidocaine (with or without epinephrine) or bupivacaine.Study designBlinded, randomized experimental study.AnimalsNine healthy fat-tailed male lambs (mean weight ± SD, 22.9 ± 3 kg). Each animal was used twice.MethodsAnimals were allocated randomly to receive two of three treatments: lidocaine 2% (LID, n = 6), lidocaine with epinephrine 5 μg mL^?1 (LIDEP, n = 6) or bupivacaine 0.5% (BUP, n = 6). The sheep received a total volume of 9 mL (3 mL for each paravertebral nerve) of anaesthetic. Onset and duration of loss of sensation on the flank were evaluated using nociceptive stimuli (superficial and deep pin-prick and clamping with a haemostat). Values for heart (HR) and respiratory (f_R) rates, rectal and skin temperatures were recorded before and at predetermined intervals after paravertebral injection. Parameters were compared using anova followed by Duncan’s test where relevant.ResultsMean ± SD times to onset of loss of flank sensation following paravertebral administration of LID, LIDEP or BUP were 1.8 ± 1.2, 2.0 ± 0.9 and 3.6 ± 1.3 minutes, respectively. Durations of action in minutes were 65 ± 18, 95 ± 46 and 303 ± 98, respectively. Onset and duration of effects after BUP treatment were significantly longer than after LID or LIDEP (p < 0.05), but did not differ significantly between LID and LIDEP. No clinical signs of local anaesthetic toxicity were noticed and HR and f_R remained stable with all protocols.Conclusions and clinical relevanceParavertebral administration of bupivacaine produces a longer duration of anaesthesia when compared to lidocaine with or without epinephrine and is indicated when prolonged flank surgery is to be performed.     

Characterization,pathogenicity and host range studies of Paecilomyces formosus associated with dieback of Christ's thorn trees (Paliurus spina-christi Mill.) in Iran

Christ's thorn (Paliurus spina-christi Mill.) tree is an important and valuable forestry species and has significant potential in afforestation and reforestation systems. In recent years, dieback symptoms were observed on Paliurus spina-christi trees in Gilan-e Gharb region of Kermanshah province, west Iran. During 2020 to 2021, Christ's thorn trees that exhibit branch dieback symptoms were sampled for fungal isolations. The pathogenicity tests, biochemical assay of growth, acid production on creatine sucrose agar (CREA) medium and morphological and molecular investigations (ITS and β-tubulin regions) identified Paecilomyces formosus as a dieback causal agent. This is the first report of P. formosus pathogenicity on Paliurus spina-christi trees. Furthermore, disease severity was assayed on 11 tree species under three different temperatures 15, 25 and 35°C. Disease severity caused by all isolates on detached branches was greater at 35°C than at 15 and 25°C. This study presents the host range of this pathogen and showed that these potential hosts are prone to this pathogen under high temperatures, which forest trees experienced in recent decades.