rss_2.0Sciendo RSS Feed for Acta Biologica Marisiensishttps://sciendo.com/journal/ABMJhttps://www.sciendo.comhttps://sciendo-parsed.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/64706bdf83f1392090d69434/cover-image.jpghttps://sciendo.com/journal/ABMJ140216https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-0010<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The study of non-historical monument gardens aimed to inventory and assess their current state compared to the original. These gardens were researched in detail, following the steps used for historical parks and gardens. Unclassified gardens were categorized using newly established criteria based on collected information. While there’s less data about these gardens compared to historical ones, the primary goal of redevelopment is to recreate their era’s ambiance while preserving existing landscape, dendrological, and architectural values.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-00102023-12-22T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-0008<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Dietary supplements can provide the necessary nutrients for groups of people who need them, but their use comes with a few risks, such as excessive or unwarranted utilization, side effects, unwanted interactions, and the promotion of unhealthy behaviors or neglecting professional health care. This cross-sectional study analyzed 49 TV advertisements on three major news channels in Romania regarding their compliance with European and national laws concerning the advertisement of dietary supplements. A list of criteria was extracted from the current laws in Romania and was used to check the video promotional materials’ compliance systematically. Despite more than half of the commercials complying with the technical criteria, it was found that a concerning amount of advertisements targeted people with various or specific pathologies, while a third of the ads included non-compliant words or representations associated with pathologies and medical professionals or institutions. As a practical implication, the study suggests a need for more consistent and closer surveillance of dietary supplement commercials broadcasted in the Romanian media.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-00082023-12-22T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-0012<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Cyanobacteria are well-distributed, because of their ability to acclimate to various environments. Recently, cyanobacteria have received more research attention due to increasing pollution problems and global warming. They have many potential applications in the biotechnology sectors such as pharmaceuticals, bioplastics production, and cosmetics. Cyanobacteria produce many biologically active compounds that are utilized as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal agents. The bioactive metabolites extracted from cyanobacteria include alkaloids, fatty acids, lipopeptides, and amides. In this minireview, the potential of some biotechnical applications are summarized to provide an account of the recent advancements in cyanobacteria research.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-00122023-12-22T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-0007<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The aim of the present study was to assess the suitability of different Amicon Ultra and Centrifree ultrafiltration devices for the study of the plasma protein binding process in the case of carvedilol, a highly protein-bound and lipophilic beta-blocking agent. Samples at different levels of concentration were prepared in both proteic and non-proteic matrices (human plasma, 5% human serum albumin solution and saline solution) and subjected to the classical ultrafiltration method using the different devices considered. Furthermore, an attempt to apply a previously described modified ultrafiltration method was also made. The analysis and quantification was achieved using a validated LC-MS/MS method. For the Centrifree devices, the determined unbound fractions of carvedilol and the corresponding binding degree were in accordance to literature data, while for the Amicon Ultra devices a great degree of carvedilol adsorbtion to the sample reservoir was observed, the analyte not being detected in the ultrafiltrate samples. Thus, it was further demonstrated that the type of ultrafiltration device used has a significant influence on the outcome of a plasma protein binding study. In the case of carvedilol, the evaluation of the protein binding interaction could be achieved using the Centrifree ultrafiltration devices, but not the Amicon Ultra devices.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-00072023-12-22T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-0013<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>This short overview explores the relationship between oxidative stress and mental disorders, focusing on the association with psychiatric pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, autism, depression, and the impact of sleep deprivation. The mechanisms of mitochondrial disfunction and oxidative stress in these pathologies are described, including the physiological function of limited free radicals in signal transduction, gene transcription, neuronal plasticity and memory. Key free radicals, including hydroxyl and superoxide are highlighted, along with compounds generating free radicals. Moreover, the potential therapeutic implications of dietary supplements (zinc, selenium, magnesium, vitamin C, E, CoQ₁₀) and lifestyle interventions with antioxidant properties are presented, laying the groundwork for future research in the field of mental health.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-00132023-12-22T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-0014<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The Giurgeului Depression has been significantly impacted by human intervention, resulting in numerous scars on the landscape. A comprehensive rehabilitation plan is imperative for the Suseni quarry area to restore its natural features. This initiative, spearheaded by the local council and municipality, collaborates with the Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania’s Department of Horticulture and the Babeș-Bolyai University’s Faculty of Biology and Geology. They’ve launched a research scholarship program for students focused on a research and landscape rehabilitation plan tender within Suseni’s administrative region. Large scars created by human activities, adjacent to a valuable natural environment, significantly alter the natural landscape features and are detrimental to the visual and ecological relationship systems. Those need urgent rehabilitation. Student projects serves as a potential model for transforming natural landscapes affected by human actions. It aims to teach landscape design through experimental approaches, aligning with modern research-driven design methods for strategic planning. Moreover, it seeks to enhance student projects for practical implementation by local authorities, contributing positively to the area’s ecosystem and landscape. Much has already been taken from this landscape, and it is now time to give something back to the area, the local ecosystem, and the landscape.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-00142023-12-22T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-0015<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Liverworts and mosses are terrestrial plants that contain biologically active substances that give them important medicinal qualities. After reviewing the available literature on the pharmacological activity of the most used liverworts and mosses, we present 34 species found in Romania, used for the treatment of common diseases in folk medicine around the world. Their uses in traditional medicine are sometimes confirmed by pharmacological research, especially external ones (as antimicrobial or cytotoxic remedies). The species of liverworts and mosses are mentioned with their distribution in Romanian flora and the habitats where they live.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-00152023-12-22T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-0009<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The aim of this paper is to point out plant species that are of benefit to pollinators, from the territory of the Băiceni (Botoșani county, NE region of Romania). The plant species were analyzed on the basis of the specialized literature as follows: bioform, flowering period, flower grouping, flower color, floral resources, melliferous potential. A number of 106 plant species belonging to 31 botanical families were identified; 41.50% are woody species and 58.50% are herbaceous species. The representative botanical families are: Rosaceae (19.81%), Fabaceae (14.15%) and Asteraceae (14.15%). The majority of the species recorded in the area of study have flowers grouped in inflorescences, blooming in spring and summer and are nectar-polleniferous. The color of the flowers varies from white, yellow, yellow-green to red, blue, purple. These species are an essential resource for pollinators (mainly for the honeybee) and thus contribute to keeping the ecological equilibrium of the ecosystems in the study area and to supporting local beekeeping.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-00092023-12-22T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-0011<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Nowadays’ (Transylvanian) urban landscape as a complex, built and natural, social and economic environment is undergoing a sudden and accelarated transformation. Urbanization is a defining feature of current spatial/urban metamorphosis in Transylvania, too, yet the current model of urban development profoundly alters the natural environment, often reducing biodiversity and ultimately threatening human wellbeing. Present not only in academic theory, but in a broader sense in the daily public debate for the past decades, ecological perspective has become one of the leading design principles in nowadays’ professional practice and theory in urban and spatial planning, a compulsory attribute of the contemporary mindset and (urban) landscape. Proposed research on ecological perspective in current urban (landscape) planning in Transylvania, Romania is focusing specifically on the role ecological perspective can play in understanding, the applying the more general and complex phenomenon of sustainability in the planning and management of landscapes. The idea of sustainability, the ecoregional approach are not only traditional attributes of the historical landscape, but also generators in present day development of cities around Transylvania, Romania. The ecological approach can enhance finding solutions in urgent social and environmental challanges regarding efficient management of resources, sustainable urban and spatial planning.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-00112023-12-22T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-0001<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p><italic>Bunium crassifolium</italic> Batt. (<italic>B. crassifolium</italic>) (Apiaceae) is an extremely rare endemic species from the North East of Algeria. In this study, we extracted the volatile organic compounds (VOC) of <italic>B. crassifolium</italic> Batt. aerial parts using an Agilent G1888 network headspace sampler coupled with an Agilent 7890 GC system. The results revealed the presence of twenty-two (22) compounds, twenty (20) of which were identified as representing 97.48% of the total composition, the major components are: 44.67% of β-Cubebene, 8.82% of β-Caryophyllene, 7.04% of γ-Elemene, 4.70% of δ-Cadinene, 4.11% of γ-Cadinene, 3.77% of Ascaridole and 3.33% of β-Elemene, along with other constituents at a relatively low amount.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-00012023-06-23T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-0006<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Despite the significant gains made in cancer therapy, cancer remains a major cause of global deaths due to rapid drug resistance. Therefore, urgent concerted efforts towards the discovery and development of newer and effective anticancer agents cannot be overemphasized. This study investigated <italic>in vitro</italic> cytotoxicity potential of methanol extracts of the root, stem, and leaves of <italic>Mezoneuron benthamianum</italic>. Leaf, stem and root samples were collected, authenticated, dried, separately pulverized and extracted in methanol. The methanol extracts were analysed for the presence of phytochemicals and cytotoxic potential evaluated by tetrazolium 3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay on selected human cancer cells lines, HeLa (cervical cancer) and HEp-2 (epidermal carcinoma of the larynx), using mammalian Vero cells as a negative control. Data generated was subjected to descriptive statistics. The flavonoids in the plant was between 40 - 67.2% and was significantly higher (<italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.05) compared to alkaloids and saponins. At concentrations of ≥ 50 µg/mL, the extracts exhibited 100% cytotoxicity on the cancer cells. The methanol root and leaf extracts with CC₅₀ of 15.64 and 11.38 µg/mL were more cytotoxic on HeLa and HEp-2, respectively. In comparison to the stem and root extracts, the methanol leaf extract was selectively more toxic to cancer cell lines than Vero cells (CC₅₀ = 28.89 µg/mL). Preliminary investigation reveals that <italic>Mezoneuron benthamianum</italic> contain bioactive compounds that possess promising anticancer potential that could be exploited.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-00062023-06-23T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-0003<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>There have been significant advances in our understanding of how changes in the fluidity and permeability of the cell membrane can affect drug resistance in cancer. Research has shown that cancer cells often have changes in the fluidity and permeability of their cell membrane that contribute to their resistance to drugs used to treat cancer. These changes may be due to changes in the composition and organization of the lipid bilayer that makes up the membrane, as well as changes in the expression or localization of proteins and other molecules embedded in the membrane. The lipid composition in the tumor cell membrane changes with drug resistance, which can affect the fluidity and permeability of the cell membrane. Reversal of drug resistance can be achieved by altering cell membrane fluidity and permeability. In recent years, there have been numerous studies aimed at understanding the mechanisms underlying these changes and identifying strategies to overcome drug resistance in cancer. This research has led to the development of new drugs and drug delivery systems that are designed to target specific changes in the cell membrane of cancer cells and improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Overall, the advances in our understanding of the role of cell membrane fluidity and permeability in drug resistance in cancer have led to the development of new approaches to treat cancer and improve patient outcomes and further research is needed to continue to improve the understanding of these mechanisms and to identify new strategies to overcome drug resistance in cancer. This article highlights the research status and detection methods of cell membrane fluidity and permeability affecting tumor drug resistance.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-00032023-06-23T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-0002<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a disease that is characterized by an increased Gonadotropin-Releasing-Hormone (GnRH) pulsatile frequency, causing an altered LH/FSH ratio. More precisely an increased Luteinizing Hormone (LH) secretion compared to a decreased Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) secretion leads to the development of hyperandrogenism and to a low-level concentration of estrogens and therefore decreased negative estrogenic feedback in the control axis. The purpose of this review is to connect the physiological Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) axis with said pathology and the ensuring discussion about the possible mechanisms of pathogenesis and guidelines for relieving associated symptoms.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-00022023-06-23T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-0004<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The effect of zinc on seed germination in two species of the <italic>Echium</italic> genus (<italic>Echium russicum</italic> J.F. Gmelin and <italic>Echium vulgare</italic> L.) was investigated. Zinc was used as sulphate in three different concentrations: 100 mg∕ l; 200 mg ∕ l și 300 mg ∕ l; the treatment was applied to the seeds before germination, the exposure time being short (4 hours and 8 hours). Seed germination was monitored daily for a period of 14 days. The effect of treatment on seed germination in the test species was assessed by calculating four germination indicators: final germination percentage (FGP), germination index (GI), mean germination time (MGT) and coefficient of rate germination (CRG). The results show the following: the seeds of <italic>Echium russicum</italic> germinate faster than those of <italic>Echium vulgare</italic>; statistically insignificant changes in the indicators associated with germination, except for GI in <italic>Echium vulgare</italic> for the 8 hours exposure time; reduction of germination percentage (in both species) and increase in germination time (more evident in <italic>Echium vulgare</italic>) with increasing exposure time. The test species showed tolerance throughout the germination process to the zinc concentrations used.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-00042023-06-23T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-0005<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p><italic>Vaccinium myrtillus</italic> fruits are a significant source of anthocyanins and have been linked to a number of health advantages. Recent data, however, point towards the possible benefits of topical use for anthocyanins. The purpose of this study was to assess the antioxidant potential of two extracts obtained through maceration. Total anthocyanin content and HPLC-DAD qualitative analysis were completed prior to include the extract in a cream-type topical formulation. The extract with the highest anthocyanin content was incorporated in a basic O/W cream formulation and the antioxidant effect of the cream was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. The extract’s stability seven months later was also assessed. Our findings suggest that, the cream formulation offers antioxidant activity, but the activity declines by 27% when it is stored. Additionally, after seven months of storage, the formulation’s color changed, probably as a result of the anthocyanins’ instability.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2023-00052023-06-23T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2022-0010<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>In this study, we focus on two arthritic diseases that affect a large part of the population, which cause inflammatory disorders of the joints and oxidative stress, which can cause certain degrees of disability. Arthritis is a chronic disease frequently encountered in the world’s population. Osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, are two extensive forms of arthritis associated with pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints and a low standard of life. Many drugs are used in their treatment, associated with some severe side effects and expensive prices. Today there are many studies carried out with extracts from medicinal plants, used in alternative therapy, and effective in these diseases. They are available for clinical use due to the active phytoconstituents that modulate inflammation and are antioxidants. In carrying out this study, electronic databases were screened: Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar, trying to describe these medicinal plants, and elucidate their biological mechanisms of action. The most numerous references were found on the following plants: <italic>Arctium lappa</italic>, <italic>Glycyrrhiza glabra, Nigella sativa, Urtica dioica,</italic> etc. vary parts of plants are used such as different types of seeds, roots, leaves, fruit, bark, flowers, or even the whole plant.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2022-00102022-12-26T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2022-0006<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The current research deals with the morpho-anatomical characteristics of <italic>Cassia occidentalis</italic> (L.) (Coffee senna plant), grown in the steppe climate conditions of the Republic of Moldova. This study was performed according to investigated organ in vegetative periods of 2019-2021 years. Morphological and anatomical indices of organs with diagnostic role in identifying species and those with adaptive potential to the action of unfavorable growth factors, have been elucidated. These indices were evaluated in the light of data already reported by other researchers. This morpho-anatomical research has revealed new aspects to support some anatomical features already outlined, but less confirmed in the studies of the last decades and will serve as landmarks for a real clarity of the integral microstructural picture of the <italic>C. occidentalis</italic> species.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2022-00062022-12-26T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2022-0008<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has identified 16 substances as priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are harmful to humans, including anthracene and phenanthrene. These substances are pervasive pollutants introduced into the environment through anthropogenic and natural processes, causing ecological concerns and necessitating the quest for new strains capable of biodegrading these toxins. A novel strain of the genus <italic>Pseudomonas</italic> was isolated and molecularly identified based on partial 16S rRNA and phylogenetic analysis as <italic>Pseudomonas stutzeri</italic> strain BUK_BTEG1 from petrochemical contaminated soil. One factor at a time (OFAT) in Bushnell-Haas (BH) media was used to optimize the strain’s biodegradation conditions. The isolate could grow up to 600 mgL⁻¹ and 400 mgL⁻¹ of anthracene and phenanthrene as the sole carbon source at an optimum pH of 7.0 and 7.5 respectively, inoculum concentration of 4% (v/v), and temperature of 35°C during 72 hours of incubation. The strain could degrade phenanthrene and anthracene to a maximum of 99 and 72 percent, respectively, under ideal conditions. The breakdown products’ GC-MS analysis revealed the existence of the pathway’s main metabolites, catechol, salicylic acid, and derivatives of phthalic acid. The strain exhibits promising potential for use in the bio-cleansing of environments contaminated by PAHs.metabolites.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2022-00082022-12-26T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2022-0007<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Treatment of St. John’s wort plantlets with 1 µM triacontanol and 2 µM benzyladenine stimulates growth and metabolic processes, being an environmental-friendly approach for optimizing the cultivation of these valuable medicinal plants under controlled conditions. When the two growth regulators (a bioactive cuticular wax constituent and a cytokinin) are applied simultaneously, they act synergistically, enhancing each other’s effect on the biomass accumulation and on certain parameters of the photosynthetic light use efficiency, such as the effective quantum yield of photosystem II and the overall vitality index of the photosynthetic apparatus which performs the conversion of light energy into usable forms for carbon dioxide assimilation. The results concerning the interactions between the two externally applied growth regulators during the early development of St. John’s wort plants may lead to a more efficient cultivation of this herbal medicinal product, including the possibility to modulate the production of pharmacologically active metabolites.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2022-00072022-12-26T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2022-0009<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>A group of free-living bacteria known as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) inhabit the rhizosphere and aid root development. These rhizobacteria bacteria are vital to the growth of plants and can serve as bio-fertilizer and can enhance food security through green agricultural practices. They exhibit special features which make them potential candidates as bio-fertilizer. Isolation and characterization of rhizobacteria is the first step toward their utilization as bio-fertilizers. Ten rhizobacteria from two different rice farms were isolated and characterized for plant growth promoting properties. The isolated rhizobacteria were identified morphologically, microscopically, biochemically, and molecularly. Plant’s growth promoting properties of these rhizobacteria was also analyzed which includes; Indole 3-acetic acid production (IAA), phosphate solubilisation, hydrogen cyanide production (HCN), ammonia production (NH₃), and zinc solubilisation. Out of the ten isolates, three were found to have the best plant growth enhancing properties and were therefore the best candidates as bio-fertilizers. 16SrRNA study and phylogenetic analysis was performed in order to unravel the specie of these three isolates and they were identified as <italic>Bacillus subtilis</italic>, <italic>Bacillus niacini</italic>, and <italic>Bacillus cereus</italic> with accession numbers OM184294, OM1842295 and OM184296 respectively. These isolates have the potential to be used as bio-fertilizer, which would significantly contribute to food security.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/abmj-2022-00092022-12-26T00:00:00.000+00:00en-us-1