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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanotubes act as regulators of plant germination and growth and are able to change the morphology and physiology of plant cells. The castor plant (Ricinus communis L.) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is a very important medicinal plant. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 10 different concentrations of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 75, 100, 125, 250 and 500 μg · ml−1) alongside the control under laboratory conditions on the germination and growth of castor seedlings. The results demonstrated that the maximum percentage of germination (96.7%) and relative germination percentage (100%) were found in the concentrations of 50 and 100 μg · ml−1, respectively, and the highest germination rate (53.3%) and the mean germination time (4.6 days) was seen in the concentration of 75 μg · ml−1. However, no statistically significant differences were found between the different concentrations in any of the germination factors. In the concentration of 100 μg · ml−1, there was a significant increase in the seedling vigor index I (400) when compared with the concentrations of 5 and 10 μg · ml−1. The maximum seedling vigor index II (11.3) was found in the concentration of 100 μg · ml−1 and was significantly different from the control and all applied concentrations. The length of radicle in the 100 and 125 μg · ml−1 had a significant increase when compared with the control and the concentrations of 10 and 50 μg · ml−1. The maximum seedling length (4.6 cm) was seen in the concentration of 100 μg · ml−1 where there was a significant increase with 10 μg · ml−1. Moreover, in the 100 μg · ml−1 concentration, the largest number of rootlets (8.6) was seen and when compared with the control and concentrations of 5, 10 and 50 μg · ml−1, there was a statistically significant increase. The maximum wet weight (0.3 g) and dry weight (0.1 g) of seedlings were obtained in the concentration of 100 μg · ml−1 and when compared with the control, there was a significant increase. It was found that in all factors related to the growth of seedlings, the concentrations of 10 and 50 MWCNTs had an inhibitory effect on the response index. The MWCNTs concentration of 100 μg · ml−1 was considered as the optimum concentration in the growth stage of castor seedlings.

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 nanosized 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 nanosized 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 nanosized 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Periódico Tchê Química is the property of Grupo Tche Quimica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective(s): 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. Materials and Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different concentrations of nanoparticles impose impact different effects on germination and plant growth. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 11 different concentrations of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on germination and seedling growth characteristics of Vitex plant (Vitex agnus-castus L.). This experiment was conducted in the laboratory of the Islamic Azad University of Tehran in 2018 as a completely randomized design with 4 replications. The measured traits included germination percentage, relative germination percentage, germination rate, mean germination time, germination index, weighted germination index, vigor seedling index, fresh and dry weight of seedling and root and shoot length. XRD measurements showed that the titanium dioxide nanoparticles used in the anatase form were present. The results showed that the highest germination percentage (80%), relative germination percentage (115%), germination rate (22.37), germination index (190), weighted germination index (2.30), vigor seedling index (541) and fresh weight (0.52) were observed through application of 200 µg.ml-1 titanium nitric oxide. Higher concentrations of nano titanium dioxide had no positive effect on germination indices. The response index also showed that nano-titanium dioxide at all concentrations had a stimulatory effect on mean germination time, root length, shoot length and dry weight but only at 200 mg.l-1 treatment had a stimulatory effect on germination percentage and germination rate. The results of this study indicated that the treatment of 200 µg.ml-1 titanium dioxide nanoparticles had the most positive effect on germination and seedling growth factors of Vitex plantlets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapidly increasing multifarious use of metallic nanoparticles in technology has necessitated evaluation of their impact on environmental, biotic and human health. The present study investigated the effects of different concentrations of bulk and nanosized CuO on seed germination and seedling growth of Ricinus communis in a randomized completely design with four replications. The experimental treatments included four concentrations of bulk CuO (10, 50, 100 and 500 ppm), four concentrations of nanosized CuO (10, 50, 100 and 500 ppm), and the control without CuO. The results indicate that only the weighted germination index and seedling dry biomass of Ricinus communis were significantly affected by the treatments. Other germination characteristics, plumule and radicle length, and seedling fresh weight were not significantly affected by bulk and nanosized CuO concentrations. It can be concluded that bulk and nanosized CuO in this cocentrations not toxic for germination and growth of Ricinus communis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher plants strongly interact with their atmospheric and terrestrial environments and are expected to be affected as a results of their exposure to nanoparticles. In this study, the effects of different concentrations of nanized CuO on seed germination , seedling growth and photosynthetic pigments of chicory were investigated in a randomized completely design with four replications.The experimental treatments included four concentrations of nanized CuO (10, 50 ,100 and 500ppm ) and control without any Cu. Results indicated that among the chicory germination indices, only germination percentage and weighted germination index was affected by nano CuO treatments. All of nano CuO treatments increased chlorophyll and carotenoids contents but had no significant difference. It is concluded that treatment with nano CuO treatments have no effects on germination indices and photosynthetic pigments of chicory in comparison to the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, regeneration of Valeriana officinalis via shoot apex was studied. Shoot apex explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of NAA and BAP. The highest callus induction percentage was obtained in the medium containing 0.5 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l NAA. Multiple shoot were induced from the shoot apex explant of V. officinalis by culturing them in MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The explants also induced root formation in MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/l of NAA. The highest fresh and dry weight of callus was observed when 0.5 mg/l BAP was combined with 0.5 mg/l NAA. The addition of BAP up to 1 mg/l to the medium containing different concentrations of NAA lead to the production of callus which is compact rather than friable. This result suggests that this methodology can be applied for rapid propagation of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of different concentrations of nano and bulk titanium oxide on germination characteristics and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in Avena Sativa L. The titanium oxide nanoparticles diameter was determined about 40 nm using AFM, DLS, XRD analysis. In this study, based on a completely randomized design, seeds were placed in Petri dishes containing different concentrations of nano and bulk titanium oxide (50, 150, 250, 350 ppm). Three replications were considered for each concentration and the germination factors and antioxidant enzyme activity in the treated plant were compared with the control. The average data were compared using one-way ANOVA analysis and DUNCAN tests. According to the results, the following parameters of seedling vigor index, root length, dry weight, wet weight, guaiacol peroxidase enzyme, and polyphenol oxidase were statistically significant. The highest germination percentage, relative germination percentage, germination rate, weight germination index and shoot length were observed at 250 ppm bulk titanium oxide. In addition, the highest average germination time, seedling vigor index, optimum seedling index, and root length were observed in 50 ppm bulk titanium oxide treatment and the highest shoot length was observed in 250 ppm nano-titanium oxide treatment. In the enzyme activity, the highest activity of guaiacol peroxidase enzyme was observed in 150 ppm bulk titanium oxide treatment and the highest Polyphenol oxidase enzyme activity was observed in bulk titanium oxide 350 ppm treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interaction of nanoparticles (NPs) as a significant threat to ecosystems with biological processes of plants is very important. Here, the effects of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) NPs on some physio-biochemical characteristics of Brassica napus L. were investigated. The two-weeks seedlings were sprayed with different concentrations of Co3O4 NPs (0, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg L-1). The results showed that this treatment significantly affected the fresh and dry weights, area, relative water content (RWC) and relative chlorophyll value (SPAD) of leaves. The highest reduction of growth and biomass indexes occurred at 4000 mg L-1 NPs. The content of H2O2 and electrolyte leakage (EL) increased respectively, after 100 and 250 mg L-1 of Co3O4 NPs and showed a maximum level at 4000 mg L-1. The activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased after 100 mg L-1 of Co3O4 NPs. However, tyrosine ammonia lyase (TAL) activity enhanced after 500 mg L-1. The catalase (CAT) activity and protein content decreased after 1000 mg L-1 of Co3O4 NPs. Application of concentrations higher than 500 mg L-1 of Co3O4 NPs induced polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity but reduced glutathione reductase (GR). The activities of guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) increased at 250-1000 mg L-1 of Co3O4 NPs and then decreased. These results suggested that low concentrations of Co3O4 NPs induced a positive effect on growth parameters but high levels caused extensive oxidative damage and mediated defense responses by organization of phenolic compounds and antioxidative system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present research, structure and ultrastructure of shoot apical meristem of canola (Brassica napus cv. Symbol) under salinity conditions were investigated. The experiments were conducted in five groups (0, 3, 6, 9, 12 dS m(-1)) under greenhouse conditions. Sampling of apical meristem and TEM tissue preparation procedure were carried out. Semithin and ultrathin sections were prepared and viewed in light and electron microscopy, respectively. The results included reduction of meristem size, disorders in meristem structure. Also formation of autophagic vacuoles was observed that is probably one of the plant responses to salt stress for more water storage in these vacuoles and decreasing of cell water requirements.