High quality standards in vegetables is one of the most important expectation of consumers presence of weeds would also reduce the quantity and quality of crops produced. Use of cover crops could be an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical and mechanical methods. To this end for controlling weeds, a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block was conducted at the Research Farm of Mohaghegh Ardabili University with three replications in 2017. Experimental treatments were the first factor, consisting of mono culture and intercropping of rye (Secale cereal L. ), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth. ) and control treatment (no cover crop) and the second factor consisting of one time hand weeding and two times weeding, with 15 days intervals, and without hand weeding, as control. The results showed that the highest dry biomass of cover crops obtained from rye mono culture (530. 59 g. m-2) and the lowest biomass (47. 85 g. m-2) from hairy vetch mono culture. The highest reduction of total weed biomass (83. 24%) obtained from rye with hairy vetch without hand weeding. The highest yield of Iceberg lettuce was obtained from hairy vetch mono culture with one-time hand weeding or from without hand weeding treatment (5025 and 4965 g. m-2, respectively). Also, the highest plant height, number of leaves and diameter of lettuce stem was not statistically significant difference from mono culture and intercropping of cover crops. The results showed that the combination of hand weeding and cover crop residues were more effective in controlling and reducing weed biomass, but the presence of cover crop residues in the shortron also increased the yield of Iceberg lettuce through weed control.

Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder with a relapsingremitting course. Besides, SLE most commonly occurs in child-bearing-age women. Due to protean manifestations, the diagnosis may be challenging; however, a high index of suspicion, i. e. achieved by experience and perceptivity is the key to a correct decision. Here, we present an SLE patient; her initial symptoms resembled a malignant process, but important elements guided us to the underlying autoimmune process. A 34-year-old woman presented with a uterine mass, deep vein thrombosis, and significant thrombocytopenia. Our first impression was malignant processes; however, considering her age with thrombosis and thrombocytopenia as the key components of her presentation, we suspected antiphospholipid syndrome and SLE. Her abdominal mass was a benign leiomyoma. We treated her with glucocorticoids and anticoagulants. Accordingly, after improving cytopenia, we discharged her and the follow-up examination result was satisfactory.

Dear Editor-in-Chief, Mucormycosis (MM) is a rare opportunistic fungal infection mostly seen in immunocompromised patients. The incidence of MM has recently increased during the COVID-19 pandemic (1). Poorly controlled diabetic patients, mostly in developing countries, have been more affected by the SARSCoV-2 infection (2). Sustained hyperglycemic state, stress-or steroid-induced impaired immune responses and long-term admission at the intensive care unit (ICU) have made the COVID-19infected diabetic patients more vulnerable to fungal infections, especially the lethal mucormycosis (2). . .

Interactive effect of plant growth regulators 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) (0, 2, 4 and 8 mM) and 1-Naphtalene acetic acid (NAA) (0, 0.05, 0.25 and 0.5 mM) in Van der Salm (VS) medium was used to optimize in vitro propagation of Rosa hybrida cv. Iceberg. Shoot proliferation and number of new leaves were measured as growth indicators. As the concentration of BAP was raised, growth rate increased with all of the above NAA concentrations. However, the highest number of axillary shoots and new leaves were produced with 4 mM BAP, which was considered the optimal level. A multiplication rate of 10 folds with a maximum number of axillary shoots (10.1) and new leaves per explant (25) were obtained in the medium containing 4 mM BAP plus 0.5 mM NAA. In vitro-derived shoots were used to investigate root initiation and growth by lowering the concentration of VS mineral salts and vitamins. Three strengths of VS (full, 1/2 and 1/4) were compared in semi-solid and liquid medium. The average number of roots (4.35) and root length (0.82 cm) were significantly higher in 1/4 strength VS. The highest percentage of rooting (93.33%) and number of roots (4.45) were significantly higher in semi-solid than liquid medium. The regenerated plantlets were successfully transferred to soil and the survival rates of the rooted plantlets transferred to soil were 70% and 90% in plants treated with semi-sold and liquid media, respectively.

Introduction: Scrofuloderma, a type of secondary cutaneous tuberculosis (TB) commonly arising from the underlying cervical or axillary lymph node foci via contiguity, is frequent in the pediatric population. The origin of scrofuloderma from the underlying sternal tubercular osteomyelitic focus is exceptionally unusual. It can rarely be a part of the convoluted riddle of multifocal TB, particularly in the setting of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Case Presentation: We hereby report a 16-year-old immunocompetent female who presented with chronic, sinus-like lesions with bridging scars on the upper chest, clinically confounded with infected keloid and deep fungal infection. She was later diagnosed with scrofuloderma arising from sternal osteomyelitis compounded with multifocal tuberculosis (sternal, mediastinal, cutaneous, lumbar vertebral) and received antitubercular treatment. Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of harboring clinical scepticism supported by thorough systemic investigations while diagnosing these innocuous mimickers occurring at rare sites, even in immunocompetent individuals.