nahid masoudian

Drought stress is one of the limiting factors for plant growth. To evaluate the effect of drought stress (0, 150, 250 g/L of Polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG)) on the physiological characteristics of two wheat cultivars (‘Gonbad’ and ‘N8720’), a hydroponic experiment was conducted. A factorial experiment was used and arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications at the Pasteur Institute of Iran (North Research Center). The experimental results showed that the main effect of cultivars was significant for all studied traits except nitrogen and phosphorus in the stems (p ≤ 0.01). The main effect of drought stress, as well as the interaction effect of drought stress and cultivars were significant for all studied traits (p ≤ 0.01). The highest content of elements in root and shoot and the chlorophyll content was observed in N8720 cultivar under control treatment. Moreover, in N8720 cultivar, the amount of glycine betaine increased due to drought stress, reaching its maximum at 250 g/L PEG. The results of correlation analysis showed that there is a positive and significant correlation between all traits (p ≤ 0.01). The result of experiment showed that N8720 cultivar exhibited superior characteristics in terms of all studied traits.

The present research aimed to investigate the effects of altitude on some physiological characteristics of Artemisia aucheri Boiss. Plant samples were taken from 15 areas in the Lakh Kuhik mountains. After determining the maps of work units, samples were taken systematically in each unit. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS. The highest and the lowest chlorophyll content were recorded at an altitude below 1200 m and above 1256 m, respectively. Dry and fresh weights were measured with a precision balance. The results indicated a direct relationship between the increase in plant Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ contents and altitude. However, there was no significant relationship between altitude and plant P3-. Extraction was performed using a rotary evaporator (rotovap). Physiological and antioxidant traits and chlorophyll content of the samples were determined using the standard method (i.e., by a spectrophotometer). Results indicated that altitude had significant effects on physiological traits as the highest antioxidant activity was observed in regions with mid-latitude regions (i.e., 1228 m). Overall, it can be concluded that antioxidant content was lower at higher altitudes, and the best quality could be obtained from higher altitude plants (i.e., 1256 m). Similarly, fresh and dry weights were higher at higher altitudes because cytokinin levels in plants increased with reductions in auxin levels. In the next step, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b were assayed separately. The results revealed that the chlorophyll content declined at high altitudes due to the presence of shortwave radiation.

Due to the increased resistance of bacteria to chemical drugs and the low side effects of medicinal plants, using these plants has been considered in disease treatment. Ferula asafoetida L., as one of the medicinal and native plants of southern Khorasan province (Iran), is used in traditional medicine to treat many diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of hydroalcoholic extract of different parts of Ferula asafoetida L. in three regions of South Khorasan Province.The required chemicals were purchased from Merck and Sigma companies. The microbes were obtained from the Birjand University of Medical Sciences and the Iranian Scientific and Industrial Research Organization. The antimicrobial activity of hydroalcoholic extracts was evaluated by dilution in agar. For this purpose, the plant was collected from three areas: Sarbisheh, Ghayen, and Nehbandan. After identification, drying, and pulverizing, the extracts were prepared by soaking. Some of the extracts showed an inhibitory effect on gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis), but none inhibited the growth of Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, hydroalcoholic extracts of different parts of Ferula asafoetida L. of Sarbisheh had no inhibition effect on the growth of Candida albicans. The results revealed that the hydroalcoholic extracts of the plant could be used as a suitable substitute for chemical drugs to treat diseases.

Astrocytes are the most important and abundant cells helping neurons. They are involved in the neural survival, ionic, and osmotic homeostasis, as well as in the formation of synapses and growth of the axons and dendrites. Activating markers of the cell cycle increased in Alzheimer’s disease. Cyclin dependent kinase 1(Cdk1) and cyclin E2 (CE2) are among the cell cycle markers. Besides, methamphetamine in non-toxic dose reduces the automatic division capacity and leads to cell differentiation. In this study, the human astrocytes exposed to amyloid beta (Aβ) and treated with low doses of methamphetamine (METH) and the cell cycle arrest and expression of the Cdk1 and CE2 were assessed in all groups. Five groups were used: 1- The cells expose to Aβ, 2- The cells exposed to METH, 3- The cells exposed to Aβ and then METH, 4- the cells exposed to METH and then Aβ, 5- The control group. Each group was repeated three times. Cdk1 gene expression decreased in group 3, treatment group, but increased in group 4, prevention group. The CE2 gene expression decreased in both groups. Furthermore, the cell cycle arrest in G1, G2, and S were assessed. In the Group 3, treatment group, G2 decreased; but in group 4, prevention group, it increased. Changes in the cell cycle are the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. The low dose of METH can reduce cell cycle activating markers as well as reducing cell division and leading the cells to death.

Change in astrocytes is one of the first pathological symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Understanding the signaling pathways in astrocytes can be a great help in treating of AD. This study aimed to investigate signaling pathway relations between low dose of methamphetamine (METH), the apoptosis, cell cycle, and glutamine (Gln) pathways in the activated astrocyte.

In this experimental study, the activated astrocyte cells were exposed to a low dose of METH (12.5 µM) which was determined by Thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. The groups were: group 1 cells with Aβ, group 2 cells with METH, group 3 cells with METH after 24 hours of adding Aβ (Aβ+METH, treated group), group 4 cells with Aβ after 24 hours of adding METH (METH+Aβ, prevention group), and group 5 as the control. The Gln was assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and also the apoptosis, and cell cycle and BAX, BCL-X expression was evaluated.

The amount of Gln was increased, and the value of late and early apoptosis was reduced in the treatment groups, and necrosis is decreased in the prevention group (group 4 compared to group 1). Moreover, it was revealed through cell cycle analysis that G2 in group 4 was reduced compared to group 1 and the expression of BAX, BAX/ BCL-X, and BCL-X in group 3 and group 4, was decreased and increased, respectively compared to group 1.

These findings suggest that perhaps a non-toxic dosage of METH (low dose) can reduce the amount of apoptosis and BAX expression and increase the expression of BCL-X. Furthermore, the cells are arrested in the G2 phase and can raise the amount of extracellular glutamine, which has a protective role in neuron cells. These findings may provide a new perspective to design a new drug with less toxic results.

Glioblastoma is one of the most dangerous types of brain cancer, with a high rate of therapy resistance. Apoptosis, angiogenesis, autophagy, NF-κB, and Wnt pathways are just a few of the molecular and cellular processes that play a role in Glioblastoma development. The effectiveness of curcumin and Nano-micell curcumin with Erlotinib to suppress Glioblastoma in vitro was investigated in this study.The suppression is carried out by affecting NF-κB and Wnt signaling pathways, angiogenesis inhibition, and autophagy and apoptosis induction. Curcumin and Nano-micelle Curcumin (50 μM) was investigated alone and with Erlotinib (50 μM) in the U87 glioblastoma cells. The expression of Wnt and NF-κB signaling pathways, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and autophagy-related genes and proteins were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Compared with the control group, all treatments declined the U87 glioblastoma cells viability. Furthermore, Angiogenesis-associated proteins, i.e., Cox-2, VEGF, HIF-1α & bFGF, were remarkably decreased. Each treatment regulated autophagy and apoptosis-associated proteins, i.e., Bax, Beclin 1, caspase 8, Bcl-2, LC3-II, and LC3-I. Total NF κB (p65) and phospho NF. κB (p65) declined by each treatment at protein levels. Expressions of VEGF, cyclin D1, Twist, ZEB, and Wnt pathway-associated genes were also decreased. In general, our findings demonstrated that curcumin and Nano-micelle Curcumin, either alone or in conjunction with Erlotinib, had anti-Glioblastoma effects via modulating a number of processes including apoptosis, autophagy, angiogenesis, Wnt, and NF. κB signaling pathways.

Tomato is one of the important plants in the world as a food, medicine etc. it is sensitive to abiotic stresses and its crop is affected by them. Moreover, Ascorbic acid (AsA) is one of the universal of plant defence mechanism against the stresses specially salinity and drought to scavenger’s reactive oxygen species. According to global warming and scarcity of water resources, subsequently drying and salinization of soils; we need to investigation of AsA effects in tomato under salinity stress. In this context, effects of ascorbic acid and salinity stress on some of physiological parameters, key enzymes including SOD, APX and expression of LeNHX1 and SIERF16 genes that involved in antioxidant system were studied in Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. plants in hydroponic conditions. Our results showed that the Ascorbic acid treatments were increased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and improved physiological parameters such as lipid peroxidation and Na+/K+ contents of tomato under salt stress via increases of LeNHX1 and SIERF16 genes expression.

Salinity stresses act as inhibitor factors of plant growth. They can change the physiological characteristics and limit the production of crops. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is a stable free radical which use as a signalling molecule in plants and participates in various plant’s physiological, biochemical and molecular processes and also in plant’s responses to environmental stresses. We investigated the effect of SNP on physiological parameters such as photosynthetic and non-enzymatic pigments, biochemical like APX and SOD enzymes and HKT1.2 and SLWRKY 8 genes expression as a molecular section on tomato under salt stress. In this study, SNP was used as nitric oxide (NO) donor. Tomato seedlings roots were subjected to various levels of salinity including 0, 40, 80 and 120 mM and SNP (0, 50 and 100 mM) for 20 days. The SNP had protective effects on photosynthetic parameters by increase in non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants. It had also decrease and additive effect in HKT1.2 and SLWRKY 8 genes expression respectively.

Salt stress is a serious problem facing plant growth and development. Selenium (Se) could improve plant growth and reduced stress. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine whether the Se application could alleviate salinity stress negative effects on Melissa officinalis L. Different salinity levels in this research were control (0), 50, 100 and 200 mM. Simultaneously, sodium selenate (Se) (0 and 50 mg L-1) was applied. Salinity showed adverse effects on different plant growth parameters as well as pigment content. Se at 50 mg L-1 increased the vegetative growth of M. officinalis plants under different salinity levels. Salt induced oxidative stress conditions by increasing malondialdehyde and proline content, and Se foliar spraying enhanced antioxidative enzyme activity such as superoxide dismutase and catalase. Compared with the control group, selenium accumulation in shoot and root significantly increased with Se levels increment. Selenium application increased N, Ca, K, and Mn accumulation. The foliar spray of Se increased Rosmarinic acid compared to salt and non-salt treated plants. It is concluded that the application of Se can mitigate salt stress damages on M. officinalis plants and enhanced mineral uptake.

Lead is a toxic heavy-metal pollutant which is hazardous to human health and the environment. Sodium nitroprusside is commonly used as a nitric oxide donor in plants. Nitric oxide is a bioactive molecule playing an important role in response to stress in plants. Weight, chlorophyll content, and the activity of catalase (EC 1.11.1. 6) and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1. 7) antioxidant enzymes of canola (Brassica napus L.) Hyola 401 in lead stress were investigated. This study tested the hypothesis that sodium nitroprusside plays an ameliorating role under lead-toxicity in canola. For seven days, thirteen-day plants were exposed to two levels of sodium nitroprusside (0 and 100 µM) and three levels of lead (0, 100, and 200 µM). Dry and fresh weight and chlorophyll content were decreased in lead stress, while sodium nitroprusside treatment increased weight and chlorophyll b in the same conditions. Lead stress increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and sodium nitroprusside treatment reduced their activity. The results showed that the use of sodium nitroprusside reduces lead toxicity.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicom L.) a main agricultural crops that is important in most countries including Iran. In this study, we investigated the SlNCED1 gene expression of biosynthetic Abscisic acid pathway by Real Time qRT-PCR and measured some of the physiological characteristics under cold stress. After fruiting, plants were placed under 2° and 4° C temperatures for 12 and 24 hours. Then, the fruits were collected for gene expression and measuring non-enzymatic antioxidant by DPPH and total phenols by Folin Ciocalteo. Results showed that the fruits at 4° C for 24 and 12 hours had more gene expression compared to other treatments. Also, non-enzymatic and total phenols had increased significantly at 2° C for 12 hours. Generally, since tomato Red Cloud cultivar belongs to tropical region, at temperatures below 12° C it is influenced by cold stress and, subsequently, it makes changes in gene expression and antioxidants to protect itself against stress.

Nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) is the most common orofacial birth defect, often attributed to ethnic and environmental differences. Up to now, linkage analyses and genome-wide association studies have identified several genomic susceptibility regions for NSCL/P. The WNT genes including WNT3 are strong candidates for NSCL/P, since they are involved in regulating mid-face development and upper lip fusion. This study tested association of the WNT3 polymorphisms, rs3809857 G/T and rs9890413 G/A, with the risk of NSCL/P in a population of Iranian infants.
The allelic and genotypic frequencies for each participant were determined in 113 unrelated Iranian subjects with NSCL/P and 220 control subjects using PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
The WNT3 rs3809857 GT genotype was significantly lower (p=0.039, OR=0.55, 95% CI=0.30-0.97) in the NSCL/P (21.2%) than the control group (30.42%). For the WNT3 rs9890413 G/A polymorphism, neither genotype nor allele frequencies were significantly different between the case and control groups.
Our results indicated that the WNT3 rs3809857 GT genotype may have a protective effect against NSCL/P in Iranian population.

Proteomics is considered a new era in neurophysiological/ neuropathological research including brain tumors. Gliomas which are derived from glial cells are the most common type of brain tumor in humans.
In the present study the total protein content of healthy cells of the brain and brain tumor cells was extracted, purified and quantified by Bradford assay. Two-dimensional electrophoresis were used for protein separation followed by statistical analysis. Primary protein detection was performed based on the differences in isoelectric pH, molecular weight of proteins and protein data banks, which was further confirmed by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry (MS).
Our results showed elevated levels of beta-actin protein expression in glioma brain tumor cells. It is important to know when a cell is transformed and when it becomes malignant. Here we evaluated the beta-actin expression in malignant cells.
Since structural changes are highly involved in tumor cell malignancy, beta-actin elevations can contribute in glioma tumor cell invasiveness.

Lead Stress is one of the most important environmental stresses that limit plant growth. Nitric oxide (NO) in signal transduction and biological and abiotic stress response is involved. In this study, the effect of nitric oxide of lead stress on proline, soluble sugars and activities of antioxidant enzymes in 401 Hyola canola plants in hydroponic culture using Hoagland solution was investigated in roots and shoots. Statistical analysis using SPSS and the comparisons were performed using Duncan. Three levels of lead by Pb(NO3)2 [0, 100 and 200 µM] and two levels of NO by sodium nitroprusside [0 and 100 µM] took place. Lead to mild stress, root proline increased significantly and NO increases the plant adaptation to the environment. Soluble sugars in roots and shoots were not significantly increased. Peroxidase enzyme activity was significantly reduced in all treatments, roots and shoots. CAT activity in shoots under stress conditions lead to significantly reduced but Root catalase activity did not change significantly. Peroxidase and catalase enzyme activity loss can be caused by the activity of NO as an antioxidant.

Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is believed to be increased in metastatic urothelial cancer of the bladder. However, the changes depend on the stage and grade of the upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). This study aimed to compare low-range and high-range serum CRP and haptoglobin in new cases of UTUC.

Blood was collected from newly diagnosed patients with UTUC (n=43 patients; 39 male/4 female) and normal individuals (n=26; 24 male and 2 female) with no sign of infection or cancer. All the patients showed clinical symptoms of bladder cancer. Serum CRP and haptoglobin were estimated based on conventional methods.

Haematuria and polyuria were common symptoms in 65.12% of the patients suffering from UTUC. The serum level of HAPT in control and UTUC patients was 126±13 and 181±14.5 mg/dl respectively. No significant difference was observed in HAPT level in patients and controls. The HAPT was in the high-range level in 27% of controls and 30% of the patients.The average serum CRP level in patients and controls was 11.87±3.5 mg/l and 11.45±4.2 mg/l, respectively. Serum CRP was above 3.5 mg/l (>3.5 mg/l) in 46% of patients (20/43). The CRP level was significantly higher (P=0.023) in patients having CRP above 3.5 mg/l compared to respective controls.The UTUC patients were separated into two groups based on low-range (<3.5mg/l) and high-range CRP (>3.5 mg/l).Serum CRP was <3.5 mg/l in 69% of the controls, whereas 31% of controls had CRP >3.5 mg/l. However, 46% of UTUC patients had serum CRP > 3.5 mg/l and 54% of UTUC patients had serum CRP < 3.5 mg/l.

Although there was no difference in haptoglobin levels in patients and controls, but serum CRP was significantly increased in patients and it was associated with clinical symptoms of UTUC, suggesting that serum CRP can be considered as a complementary test for detection of low-grade UTUC.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are new group of regulatory RNAs with approximately 22 nucleotides in length. The miRNAs have important role in human cancers and apparently function as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors. In this study, serum level of miR-21 was determined in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and its correlation with tumor staging was assessed in the patients, for the first time, in Iran.
The study was conducted on 40 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and 40 control subjects who had referred to cancer institute due to gastrointestinal irritation but were diagnosed as healthy on noncancerous. Serum levels of miR‑21 were measured using a quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. The correlation of miR‑21 serum level with tumor staging was assessed in the patients.
Serum level of miR‑21 was approximately 3.5 fold higher in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma than control subjects (PDiscussion & Given the importance of miR‑21 in the progression of gastric adenocarcinoma and its correlation with clinicopathological factors, the serum level of miR-21 can be served as a new noninvasive diagnostic biomarker for gastric adenocarcinoma.

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) particles have shown to be heterogeneous structures with distinctive electrical charges. Alteration in the fatty acids content of the LDL particles is known to affect their structural features, electrical charges, and ultimately physiologic properties and, in this way, may play a role in the pathology of coronary artery disease (CAD). On the basis of evidences, in the present study, the relationship of fatty acids content of LDL particles and their electrical charge was assessed in patients with CAD in comparison with control subjects.

In the current case- control study, from subjects who referred to the Mostafa Khomeini Hospital in Ilam during a time period from December 2013 to October 2014, 40 CAD patients and 40 control subjects were selected based on the clinical and angiographic parameters. The fatty acids content and electrical charges of LDL particles were measured by using a gas chromatography system, equipped with a flame ionization detector GC-FID, Acme 6000 M (Young Lin Co., Korea) as well as a Zetasizer (Malvern Instruments Ltd., UK), respectively.

In the present study, CAD patients and control subjects were matched for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). The electrical charge amounts of LDL particles in the patients group was significantly lower than those in the control subjects (P= 0.0001). There was an inverse correlation between the electrical charge amounts of the LDL particles and the saturated fatty acids as well as linoleic acid contents of them in CAD patients group. However, we found a direct correlation between the unsaturated fatty acids (monounsaturated fatty acids and some of the polyunsaturated ones) content of the LDL particles and their electrical charge amounts (P= 0.02).

Results of the present study demonstrated that the increased saturated fatty acids as well as the linoleic acid contents of the LDL particles are associated with decreased electrical charge amounts of these particles and this situation may engage in pathogenesis of CAD.

Many factors are involved in learning and memory processes including brain nuclei, neurotransmitter systems, and the activity of ion channels. Studies showed inconsistent effects of calcium channel blockers on learning process, especially memory consolidation; however, little is known about their effect on memory acquisition and retrieval. Accordingly, the present study aimed to determine the effects of verapamil calcium channel antagonist as a representative of the phenylalkylamine group on different stages of memory and learning processes including acquisition, consolidation and retrieval in mice. In this experimental study, 150 male albino mice with a mean weight of 30 g were used. The mice were trained in a passive avoidance-learning task (1 mA shock for 2 seconds for evaluation of memory acquisition and consolidation and 3 seconds for evaluation of memory retrieval). The effect of verapamil (1, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) on memory consolidation and the most effective dose of consolidation phase on memory acquisition and retrieval was assessed. For the evaluation of memory consolidation, the animals received the drug intraperitoneally immediately after training, while for evaluation of memory acquisition and retrieval, the drug was injected one hour before training. Memory retrieval test was performed 48 hours after training (the length of time it took the animal to enter the dark part of the device). The results showed that verapamil injection exerted no effect on memory acquisition and consolidation; nevertheless, it was capable to disrupt memory retrieval in 10 and 20 mg doses. These results indicate that as a phenylalkylamine calcium channel antagonist, high doses of verapamil can impair memory.

Echinacea purpurea is an herbaceous perennial plant as members of the Asteraceae family. It is one the important medicinal plant in pharmacy industrial. Active substances of Echinaceae are amplifier of body''s immune system and antivirus. Echinacea is not native to Iran. The phytochemical traits of medicinal plants depend on ecological conditions involving growing areas, climate conditions; various grow stages and genetic modifications. The aim of this study was the evaluation of cichoric acid of E. purpurea extract in different ecological conditions in Semnan, Iran. Dormancy in seeds was broken by treating them with strafication in 4 °C for 48 h, was grown in nursery beds for autumn and early winter and transfered to four areas with different ecological conditions in late winter. Chashm, Ahuvan, Semnan and Foladmahale were chosen for this experiment. The spacing of plantlet was about 25 × 45 cm in the field. After 2- 3 months, aerial parts of the plants collected in all areas and extract samples were prepared and characterized using high- performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The components of a basic HPLC system were shown significant values of the cichoric acid in plants under four habitats. The level of cichoric acid in one condition was more than standards level that reported in another references. In addition, ecological diversities have significant impacts the quantity of cichoric acid in E. purpurea.

Gabapentin (GBP) is one of the new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) applied extensively in neurology and psychiatry. The advantage of new AEDs includes newer mechanism of action, broad spectrum of anti-seizure effects, lesser drug interactions and fewer side effects. GBP is a cyclized analogue of GABA but it does not interact with GABA receptors, nor does it inhibit GABA uptake or prevent the degeneration of GABA. Restricted studies have been performed on acute and chronic effects of GBP on passive avoidance (PA) learning and little is known about its chronic phase. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate acute and chronic effects of GBP on passive avoidance learning in 100 mice (w=30 gr). Ten mg/kg GBP were injected interaperitoneally for assessment of memory in three steps (acquisition, consolidation and retrieval). Shuttle box trial was used for PA task assessment. Retrieval memory was tested 24h after injection, and the results indicated increased Step Through Latency (STL), showing the enhancement of memory. Moreover, in acute phase of PA, GBP enhanced acquisition and retrieval of memory. In chronic phase of PA, GBP showed no effect on memory. The present study suggests that GBP exerted no destructive effects on cognition; however, it improved emotional cognitive performance in mice in PA tasks.

Boraginaceae family is known as a medicinal plant classified in dicotyledons. It is originated from Asia (Middle East). The aim of this study was to evaluate ingredient between 4 species of Boraginaceae family based on physiological & phytochemical traits as well as seed fatty acid contents. 4 species (E. russicum, E. italicum, E. amoenum, and B. officinalis) were evaluated carefully. All seeds were cultivated in identical conditions in a greenhouse in Tehran to assesse parameters such as tannins, phenols, anthocyanin, total protein, seed oil contents, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and Catalase (CAT) activity. Analysis of oil from seeds of EchiumL. determined 7 different fatty acids including Linolenic acid (35.1%), Linoleic acid (16.8%), Oleic acid (16.6%) and Arachidonic acid (15.5%) as major fatty acids, while stearic acid (4.42%), Palmitic acid (6.22%), Gama-Linolenic acid (6.04%) were the minor fatty acids extracted from seeds. Low protein content was observed in E. russicum(70 mg/g) and maximum level of protein was in B. officinalis(91mg/g). E. amoenum had maximum phenols (38mg/g) whereas E. russicum had minimum (26 mg/g). For total phenol, B. officinalis had maxium phenols (8.1mg/g) whereas E. italicum had minimum (3.9mg/g). Anthocyanins: E. russicum had maximum anthocyanins (65 mg/g) whereas B. officinalis had minimum (41 mg/g). In conclusion, it can be said that different species had different amounts of secondary metabolites so that no regular relation would be detected among plant species that we studied

In current research two strains of Nostocaceae (Anabaena sp.FS76 and Nostoc sp. FS77) collected from paddy fields of Golestan province were studied morphologically and ultrastraucturally using optical, phase contrast, fluerosence and TEM electron microscopy. Results showed that, in comparison between strains, Anabaena sp.FS76 showed considerable fluctuations in dimensions and shapes of cells in 3th day, it seems that spatial form of this specimen changes in this day. Compression of the aggregations in liquid culture medium, decreased sharp in 8th day and stay to the similar form until the end of duration. The specimen had interesting color changes from light brown to green-brown. Generally, the length of vegetative cells and spores is more than their diameter. Vegetative cells in Anabaena sp.FS76 showed interesting shape and size variations. Vegetative cell length was more than diameter from the first to 10th day but in 10th day to end of duration this turned to the opposite and kept permanently. It seems that shapes of the thylakoides in ultrastructure analysis was not so changeable during the days and kept the relatively dense to linear configuration. In Nostoc sp.FS77, carboxysome and phosphate granules showed more various shapes in comparison with Anabaena sp. FS76.

The weed phytosociology in Damghan fields، have been studied using the method of Braun- Blanquet. 198 releves have been taken from 28 fields and 19 releves have been deleted due to fimilarity with the others، and phytosociological data analysis on 149. Remained releves were been done according to the C. A. H (Classification Ascendante Hierarchique) and A. F. C. (Analyse Factorielle des Correspondance) methodes. 22 associations and subassociations have been defined. Weeds are mainly therophyte (47/5%) and hemicryptophyte (32/8%). Geophytes are less frequent (9/83%). Cosmopolitan elements are 39/3%، Irano-Turanian 22/9% and the rest are pluriregional.