Effect of Salt Stress on Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Savory (Satureja hortensis) 1

Abstract: Soil salinity is one of the most important constraints that limit crop production in arid and semi arid regions. Seed germination is a critical stage in the history of plants and salt tolerance during germination is crucial for the establishment of plants that grow in saline soils. This research was carried out in order to test the effects of different salinity levels on germination and early growth of savory (Satureja hortensis). The experiment was carried out using completely randomized design in four replication in 2011 Zabol University laboratory Iran. Experimental treatment includes 4 levels of NaCl concentration (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM). Result showed that the most percentage and speed of germination, plumule length, radicle length and heaviest wet and dry seedling weight referred to control treatment. In 150 mM and more concentration, germination decreased significantly. This reduction in germination indicates this plant's extreme insensitivity to salinity, so it isn't advisable for cultivating in salinity soil. All the result data analyzed by SAS software and comparison of means had been done with Duncan test in 0.05% probable level

Isolation and identification of Nocardia asteroids complex isolated from thigh abscess in a patient with Behçet\\\'s syndrome: the first report from Iran

Background: Nocardia species are Gram-positive, partially acid fast, non-motile, catalase positive, aerobic and saprophytic actinomycetes found all around the world. They invade the human body from the environment via trauma and respiratory tract and cause cutaneous, pulmonary and systemic diseases. They are able to grow in various media.The organisms opportunistically infect both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. Behcet's disease is an autoimmune disease and immunocompromised patient which may suitable host for Nocardia bacterium. The present study is the first case report of isolation of Nocardia from the thigh abscess in a patient with behcet’s disease from Iran.Case Presentation: A 39-year-old man with Behcet’s disease in August 2011 was admitted to Shariati hospital Tehran, with swelling and pain in the left flank and left thigh. Microscopic identification from direct microbiological slide of thigh abscess discharge demonstrated number of lymphocytes, neutrophils and macrophages foamy and white blood cells together with filamentous bacteria. Further microbiological characterization using phenotypic and antibiogram tests with disk diffusion method, demonstrated that the isolated bacterium is Nocardia asteroides complex. The bacteria were sensitive to ampicillin, vancomycin, ceftriaxone, amikacin and cotrimoxazole but it was resistant to clindamycin, erythromycin, penicillin G, cephalothin and gentamicin. The patient was treated with cotrimoxazole.Conclusion: Because of the high incidence and high mortality of Nocardia infection in immunocompromised cases, rapid detection and timely treatment for these patients is necessary