homa mahmoodzadeh

Extensive and unlimited use of nanoparticles has attracted the attention of researchers to study their environmental effects. In this study, the effects of nano and bulk nickel oxide treatments on nutrients accumulation and gene expression of fennel were investigated. Nanoparticle sizer was used to measure particle size and zeta potential, XRD for the crystal structure and AFM for particle size. After planting the plants in greenhouse conditions and treatment with nano and bulk NiO, the content of different nutrients in the roots and leaves of the plant and antioxidant enzymes gene expression by Real-Time PCR, were investigated. The results showed that in the control the highest accumulation of elements occurred and tha applied treatments, especially 20 ppm nano,did not prevent the movement of elements to the leaf and at this concentration the displacement of elements except Ca and Na to the leaf was significant. Bulk NiO showed a greater decreasing effect on element uptake. Increased expression of ndhH gene was observed in all nano and bulk concentrations in comparison with the control and the highest increase was related to 800 ppm. In relation to ndhD gene, a decrease in gene expression was observed in different concentrations of nano and bulk NiO compared to the control, which is probably due to the involvement of other detoxification pathways against stress. According to the mentioned cases, it seems that fennel plant is resistant to nano and bulk NiO.

The effect of nanoparticles on living organisms is not well understood yet. The physicochemical properties of nanoparticles enhance the use of nanotechnology in various fields. In this study, the effect of different concentrations of nano and bulk nickel oxide (0, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 ppm) on fennel seed germination and growth was tested in a randomized complete design with four replications. After 14 days of seed treatment, germination factors (germination percent, relative germination percent, mean germination time, germination rate, germination index, and weight germination index) were measured. In general, low nano concentrations and medium bulk concentrations on fennel seed growth showed stimulating effects, while high nano and bulk concentrations showed toxic effects. Therefore, exposure of fennel seeds to low concentrations of NiO nanoparticles and medium concentrations of bulk NiO stimulated seed germination. These concentrations can be used as a new approach to overcome seed germination problems of some plant species, especially medicinal plants such as fennel.

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.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) are one of the most widely used NPs in the world and their interaction with the ecosystem is unavoidable. The aim of this study was to investigate structural and ultrastructural changes in marigold leaves under CeO2 NPs. Seeds were sown in pots under greenhouse conditions and after two weeks, seedlings were exposed to CeO2 NPs (0 and 3200 μg/mL) by leaf spray for five weeks. Then, leaf morphological changes were measured. Also, sampling from the control and NPs treatment leaf were performed to investigate structural and ultrastructural changes. Tissue preparation was performed and samples were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Morphological changes including diminish in the length, width and area of marigold leaf under CeO2 NPs were observed. Also, ultrastructural changes of mesophilic cells of marigold leaf under CeO2 NPs including diminish of chloroplasts number and their swelling, incement of peroxisomes number, disintegration of cell membrane, and accumulation and deposition of NPs in the intercellular spaces, cell wall and membrane, vacuole, peroxisome and chloroplast stroma were observed. In addition, the results of cerium elemental assessment by methods of inductive coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), in line with TEM results, showed the uptake and accumulation of CeO2 NPs in marigold leaves. Ultrastructural damage in TEM results indicated the toxicity of high dosage of CeO2 NPs at the cellular level. Therefore, potential of hazardous impacts of CeO2 NPs on other medicinal plants and environment should be considered.

Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4 NPs) are one of the most widely used magnetic NPs in various industries and their interactions with the environment are predictable. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of Co3O4 NPs on leaf structure and ultrastructure of canola. Seeds were sown in pots under greenhouse conditions and after two weeks, seedlings were treated with Co3O4 NPs (0 and 4000 μg/mL) by leaf spray for five weeks. Then, leaf morphological changes were measured. Also, sampling from control leaf and NPs treatment were performed to investigate structural and ultrastructural changes. Tissue preparation was performed and samples were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Morphological changes including reduction in the length, width and area of leaf of canola treated with Co3O4 NPs were observed. Also, ultrastructural changes of canola leaf mesophilic cells treated with Co3O4 NPs including reduction of chloroplasts number and their swelling, accumulation and deposition of NPs in vacuoles and cell walls, observation of protein bodies, increase in the size of plastoglobules and starch grains in chloroplasts were observed. In addition, the results of cobalt elemental assay by methods of inductive coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), in line with TEM results, showed the uptake and accumulation of Co3O4 NPs in canola leaves. Ultrastructural damage in TEM results indicated the toxicity of high concentration of Co3O4 NPs at the cellular level. Therefore, potential of hazardous effects of Co3O4 NPs on other crops and environment should be considered.

Marigold is widely used as an ornamental-medicinal plant. Interaction between nanoparticles (NPs) and biological systems is one of the most promising areas of research in modern nanoscience and technology. Researchers have reported the uptake of cerium oxide or ceria (CeO2) NPs by plants. The aim of this investigate was to determine the impacts of nanoceria on seed germination, growth and biochemical characteristics of 9-day-old seedling of marigold (Calendula officinalis L.). Seeds were germinated in Petri dishes containing eight various dosages of nanoceria (0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, and 3.2 g/L). After 9 days, early growth and biochemical parameters were measured. Results showed that seed germination, fresh and dry weights of seedling, and lengths of radicle, plumule, and seedling stimulated at 0.05 and/or 0.1 g/L of nanoceria but retarded at higher dosages (after 0.2 or 0.4 g/L) of NPs. The contents of H2O2, malondialdehyde (MDA) and lipoxygenase (LOX) activity incremented after 0.2 g/L of nanoceria. The activities of antioxidant enzymes and protein content were incremented at higher dosages of nanoceria. Also, the activity of phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL), phenol content, and antioxidant capacity stimulated at 0.8 to 3.2 g/L of nanoceria. The proline content improved at 0.2-3.2 g/L of nanoceria. Altogether, the results confirmed the inducive oxidative stress of nanoceria that was accompanied by plant defense system include antioxidant enzymes, phenolic compounds and compatible osmolytes such as proline. These results showed that nanoceria at the low dosages (0.05 and/or 0.1 g/L) caused a positive induction on marigold germination and seedling growth but by increasing in its dosage (more than 0.2 g/L), the results was reversed and showed toxicity that forced the plant to activate its defense systems.

The incessant use of nanoparticles (NPs) may pose serious threats on ecosystem and plants are at maximum risk of their delivery into the environment. The goal of this research was to explore the influence of nano-sized Co3O4 on seed germination, early growth and physio-biochemical parameters of 6-day-old seedling of canola. Seeds were sprouted in Petri plates involving eight various dosages of nano-sized Co3O4 (0-4 g L-1) for 6 days. Germination and early growth parameters (fresh and dry weights of seedling and lengths of radicle and seedling) stimulated at 0.05 and/or 0.1 g L-1 of nano-sized Co3O4 but retarded after 0.1 g L-1 NPs. However, the length of plumule retarded after 0.25 g L-1 NPs. The antioxidant capacity and H2O2 content raised at higher dosages of nano-sized Co3O4. The activity of antioxidant enzymes were enhanced by nano-sized Co3O4 treatment but were repressed at higher dosages. The activity of phenylalanine ammonialyase and phenol content incremented at 0.5 and 1 g L-1 of nano-sized Co3O4 but decremented at higher dosages. The content of malondialdehyde and lipoxygenase activity heightened after 0.1 g L-1 of nano-sized Co3O4. Altogether, the results confirmed the inducive oxidative stress of nano-sized Co3O4 that was accompanied by plant defense system including enzymes, phenolic compounds and compatible osmolytes such as proline. However, high dosages of the NPs caused toxic impacts on physio-biochemical traits of canola seedling as an oilseed crop.

Today, the use of medicinal plants for treating cancer is extremely important. Over the past few years, the anti-cancer properties of Nigella Sativa L. have been proven. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, the cytotoxic effect of a nanoemulsion synthesized using N. Sativa L. tincture, against a cancerous cell line as well as its and free radical scavenging activities.

The size and zeta potential of the nanoemulsion were determined using particle size analyzer and morphological shape of nano emulsion was visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antioxidant activity of nanoemulsions was investigated by the DPPH assay. Cytotoxic effects of the nanoemulsions were assessed by MTT method against A2780 ovarian cancer and umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) as normal cells. To evaluate the probable molecular mechanism of cell death, acridine orange and propidium iodide staining methods were used for identifying apoptotic cells.

The results obtained from this study showed that the synthesized nanoemulsion had a good and dose-dependent radical scavenging capacity in the DPPH assay (IC50 of about 47μg/ml). Also, the nanoemulsion significantly reduced the bioavailability of A2780 cancerous cells (IC50 of 0.72 μg/ml); however, its toxicity against HUVEC cells was much lower (IC50 > 25 μg/ml). The pro-apoptotic effect of the produced nanoemulsion was confirmed by acridine orange and propidium iodide staining.

Nano emulsions synthesized by N. Sativa L. tincture has a relevant potential antioxidant and anticancer effects and therefore they can be considered and studied as anticancer compounds in future experiments.

The castor plant )Ricinus communis L.) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is a very important medicinal plant. Carbon nanotubes act as regulator of germination and growth of plant; and are able to change the morphology and physiology of plant cell.Penetration of carbon nanotubes in plant systems are able to change metabolic acts that lead to increase products . XRD and nanoparticle sizer experiments showed that the major phase is carbon and its size is range of 35-300 nm. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of concentrations of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (0 and 500 µg ml-1 ) alongside the control under laboratory conditions on the characters of histology and ultrastructure. The vegetative growth was done in greenhouse conditions .foliar spray 500 µg ml-1 treatment (MWCNTs and deionezed water for 0 treatment) was done. Duration of experiment was 45 days. after that plant was exited from soil, shoot and root were seprated.process of preparation was done and samples go over on grid for study TEM.The result of ultra strcture studies of root and leaf showed, there is great aggregation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with different length in vacuole and cytoplasm which in leaf cells have aggregation of vacuole and increase of plastogloboly in stroma of chlroplast and transformation of chloroplast from globular to ellipsoid and in root cells lead to destruction of mitochondria crista, vacoule and nucleus membrane and low chromatins, also was observed aggregation of vacuole and many diameter of sclreid and xylem wall.

Cadmium as a heavy metal is also considered as a serious threat for the environment. This element is accumulated in soil through industrial processes as well as phosphate fertilizers and aggregates into the food chain. This study was conducted in order to investigate the different levels of cadmium effects on growth features of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) plants. Root and shoot weight and height, contents of chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid and peroxidase enzyme activity were measured after one month of planting. Generally, an increase in cadmium concentration showed a significant effect on morphological characteristics of root and shoot but revealed no significant effect on chlorophyll a and b as well as on carotenoid contents, though it caused a significant decline in peroxidase activity level specially for concentrations above 90 µM of cadmium treatment.

Myths are reflective of human concerns and needs during ancient times. By reviewing them, it turns out that many human problems today, have a historical background. Among the main themes of ancient mythologies, fertility and reproduction have various representations in ancient civilizations. The purpose of this paper was to review myths and common symbols of fertility and reproduction in ancient civilizations and evaluate the reasons of their continuous importance in different cultures. The data in this review study was obtained by scrutinizing the related literature. The gathered data indicated the multiplicity and variety of fertility symbols in ancient myths. Most ancient fertility symbols were inspired by the nature and some of them like earth and water were common in mythology of different civilizations. Therefore, the symbols consolidate the concept of conformity between human reproductive concerns and the nature’s necessities.

In this study, the effects of different concentrations of bulk and nano-sized Ag on seed germination and seedling growth of canola were investigated in a randomized completely design with four replications. The experimental treatments included four concentrations of bulk AgNO3 (10, 100, 500 and 1000 ppm), four concentrations of nanosized Ag (10, 100, 500 and 1000 ppm), and the control without Ag. Results indicated that among the canola germination indices only mean germination time and germination index were not affected by treatments. The TTC tests showed all root tips were colored red. It is concluded that bulk AgNO3 treatments inhibited germination indices of canola more than nano sized Ag.

The effects of salt stress and auxin on germination factors of three wheat cultivars viz. Sepahan, c-84-8, and c-83-1 were studied under controlled conditions. Germination was assessed using three replicates of 25 seeds in a factorial lay out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) testing combinations of three levels of salinity (0, 4, and 8 dSm-1 NaCl) and three levels of auxin (0, 0.5, and 1 ppm IAA) on seeds of three wheat cultivars in 9 cm diameter Petri dishes. Results showed that increasing concentrations of NaCl reduced germination percentage, radicle length, plumule length, seedling fresh and dry weight, and plumule dry weight. Plumule dry weight increased in seeds only at 4 dSm-1. Auxin increased plumule length, seedling fresh and dry weight, and plumule dry weight, but did not influence seed germination percentage and radicle length. C-84-8 cultivar showed high seed germination percentage, radicle length, and plumule length in comparison to other cultivars while c-83-1 cultivar had high radicle dry weights and Sepahan cultivar produced high seedling fresh and dry weights.

The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) on wheat (Triticumaestivum L.) plants cv. Parsi. The experimental treatments included seven concentrations of nano- TiO2 (10, 100, 1000, 1200, 1500 and 1700 ppm nano-TiO2 and control (without any TiO2). The results showed that among the wheat germination indices, germination rate and weighted germination index were affected by TiO2 nanoparticles treatments. The lowest and the highest germination rate (16.7 vs. 11.1n.day-1) were obtained in control and 1000 and 1200 ppm concentration of nano- TiO2 treatments, respectively. These values for weighted germination index were (2.4 vs. 2.08) in 2000 ppm and control treatments respectively. In addition, plumule and radicle length, seedling fresh weight and seedling vigor index were affected by nano- TiO2 concentrations, significantly. Plumule and radicle lengths at 1200 ppm concentration of nano-TiO2 were higher than untreated control. This study shows that using of TiO2nanoparticles in suitable concentration caused increasing of seed germination of wheat cv. Parsiin comparison to control plants, otherwise low concentrations had inhibitory effects on wheat germination characteristics.

Allelopathic effects of aqueous extract of rhizomes of Cynodon dactylon L. were studied on seed germination and seedling growth of three legume crops (Phaseolus vulgaris L., Pisum sativum L., and Vicia faba L.), three Labiatae species (Thymus vulgaris L., Melissa officinalis L., and Mentha spicata L.), and two species of Poaceae (Avena fatua L., Sorghum halepense L.). Seed germination of all Labiatae species was completely inhibited at treatments more than 2% rhizome extract of Cynodon dactylon but in other species, except Phaseolus vulgaris, complete failure of seed germination was recorded only at treatments more than 6% in Vicia faba and Sorghum halepense and 10% in Pisum sativum and Avena fatua. Seed germination of Phaseolus vulgaris was not completely inhibited but it was low at high concentration of the extract. The extract had strong inhibitory effect on root elongation of seedling in legums and Labiatae to shoot elongation in Poacae. Rhizomes of Cynodon dactylon may be a source of natural herbicide against Sorghum halepense which will help to control invasive plants.