bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Política lingüística de uso del lenguaje inclusivo de género y las revistas científicas de la Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR)
Authors: Martínez Rocha Eida , Rivera Alfaro Silvia
Published: July 2019

Este artículo presenta un mapeo sobre la implementación de la política lingüística de uso de lenguaje inclusivo de género en las revistas científicas de la Universidad de Costa Rica que se encuentran en el Portal de Revistas. La información analizada se basó en una revisión documental de los sitios web de las publicaciones del Portal de Revistas de la universidad, las respuestas a un cuestionario en línea con una muestra por conglomerado que resulta representativa dentro de los títulos y, por último, en observaciones y comentarios de personas encargadas de procesos editoriales. Uno de los principales hallazgos refiere a que un 66 % de revistas no ha discutido en sus comités editoriales la política de lenguaje inclusivo de género de la Universidad, que data del año 2003, y el restante 34 % que sí lo ha hecho, se encuentra en distintos niveles de proximidad respecto a la implementación de dicha política lingüística. En la discusión se toman en cuenta distintas características de las revistas, el proceso editorial y el contexto para proponer mejoras en la implementación de esta política universitaria.
Costo-efectividad de las intervenciones nutricias y dietéticas en salud
Authors: Orozco-González Claudia , Franco-Jimenez J. Alfonso , Rojo-López Marina
Published: July 2019

Introducción: Las estrategias nutricionales y dietéticas tienen por objetivo mejorar la salud. Los estudios de costos económicos permiten evaluar intervenciones, así como observar los costos y los beneficios. Se han desarrollado estrategias nutricionales cuyo costo sea bajo y cuya efectividad sea alta para disminuir la incidencia de enfermedades, por lo que desempeñan un papel importante en la recuperación y preservación de la salud. Material y métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en las diferentes bases de datos, en la cual se incluyeron artículos costo-efectividad desde el punto de vista institucional, de intervenciones nutricionales y dietéticas desde 1980 a 2018. Los estudios se agruparon de acuerdo al tipo de intervención. Se comparó el objetivo de cada estudio con las diferencias de los estudios de simulación y de los estudios clínico-económicos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 34 artículos. Todos eran ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, tanto en los estudios tomados de la literatura para hacer los estudios de simulación como en los estudios clínico-económico. Conclusiones: No todas las publicaciones reportan las unidades de efectividad en el mismo sistema monetario, ni definen efectividad de la misma manera, sin embargo, las estrategias de intervención nutricionales y dietéticas demuestran ser efectivas al reducir los días de hospitalización y al mejorar los pronósticos vitales y el estado de salud en general de los pacientes, por lo que su costo no solo es amortizable, sino que debería considerarse como parte esencial de las intervenciones sanitarias.
Consumo de frutas y verduras y su relación con la imagen corporal deseada en adolescentes cubanos, 2018
Authors: Ajete Careaga Susan Belkis , Martínez de Armas Leandro
Published: July 2019

Objetivo: relacionar la imagen corporal deseada con la frecuencia de consumo de frutas y verduras en una muestra de adolescentes de San Cristóbal, Artemisa. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional analítico y transversal con 365 adolescentes de 12 a 19 años, seleccionados mediante muestreo aleatorio simple. Se aplicó el test de Siluetas Corporales y Frecuencia Semi-cuantitativa de Consumo para frutas y verduras. Se determinó el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman, con IBM SPSS.21. Se estableció significancia por debajo de 0,05. Resultados: El 52,3% tenía exceso de peso corporal (sobrepeso u obesidad), 31,5% correspondía al género femenino. Las féminas se percibieron con exceso de peso (81,7%) y desearon imágenes de peso adecuado (72,8%). Los varones se percibieron con peso adecuado (50%) y delgadez leve (40,2%), y desearon imágenes dentro de la delgadez (90,2%). El mayor consumo de frutas y verduras se situó de 2 a 3 días a la semana. La correlación entre la imagen corporal deseada y el consumo de frutas y verduras fue significativa para las verduras (rs=-0,533, p=0,013) no así para las frutas (rs=0,186, p=0,420). Conclusiones: Una imagen corporal deseada dentro de categorías de IMC que tienden a la delgadez se asocia moderadamente con un mayor consumo de verduras, no así de frutas, lo cual puede estar influenciado por el bajo consumo en la muestra estudiada.
Notas preliminares como contribución a los estudios culturales sobre la arquitectura contemporánea costarricense
Authors: Altezor Fuentes Carlos
Published: July 2019

Las presentes notas tienen como objetivo exponer de manera breve la situación de la arquitectura costarricense a finales del siglo XX. A su vez, como su evolución ha contribuido de manera significativa al desarrollo de la cultura arquitectónica de nuestro país por medio de su enseñanza en la Escuela de Arquitectura de la Universidad de Costa Rica y los aportes de múltiples profesionales en la disciplina. Finalmente, se destaca el impacto de la literatura sobre arquitectura, patrimonio e identidad costarricense.
Propuesta de Jardín Botánico Integral para La Conservación del Ecosistema de Humedales
Authors: Gutiérrez Vallejo Diana Belén , Hidalgo Molina María Daniela
Published: July 2019

La presente investigación toma como protagonista a la parroquia satelital La Puntilla, en el cantón de Samborondón de la provincia de Guayas y se dispone a estudiar antecedentes pertinentes al caso tales como su origen y crecimiento urbano. Asimismo, este pretende tomar el modelo de desarrollo al cual ha estado sujeto junto con los antecedentes antes mencionados, los cuales desembocan en la identificación de problemas palpables dentro de la realidad urbana y ambiental de la ciudad que afectan de forma crítica su calidad de vida y futuro social. Mediante la investigación de teorías para el entendimiento de la figura de estudio que abarca desde la sostenibilidad de las ciudades hasta la conceptualización de uno de los ecosistemas predominantes en Samborondón (ecosistema de humedales), se logra profundizar aún más en la hipótesis a plantear. Esto, con la ayuda de herramientas metodológicas anexas a laparticipación ciudadana tales como encuestas y entrevistas. Finalmente, los resultados metodológicos y el análisis de sitio respectivo son recursos claves para la materialización de la propuesta de modelo de jardín botánico para la parroquia satelital La Puntilla. Esto bajo el concepto de ecotono urbano que procura conservar el ecosistema de humedales presente en terreno de uso agrícola, potenciando así la sinergia entre la comunidad y su naturaleza circundante.
Applications of Metaheuristics in Insurance
Authors: Kovács László
Published: July 2019

When calculating different profitability measures for a life insurance company, one of the most important parameters to know is the probability of a policy being in force at any given time after the start of risk bearing. These probabilities are given by the survival function. In this paper, we examine data from a Hungarian insurance company, in order to build models for the survival functions of two life insurance products. For survival function estimation based on the unique parameters of a new policy, Cox regression is used. However, not all parameters of a new policy are relevant in estimating the survival function. Therefore, application of model selection algorithms is needed. Furthermore, if the exact effects of the policy parameters for the survival function can be determined, the insurance company can direct its sales team to acquire policies with positive technical results. When traditional model selection techniques proposed by the literature (such as best subset, stepwise and regularization methods) are applied on our data, we find that the effect of the selected predictors for survival cannot be determined, as there is a harmful degree of multicollinearity. In order to tackle this problem, we propose adding the hybrid metaheuristic from Láng et al. (2017) to the Cox regression in order to eliminate multicollinearity from the final model. On the test sets, performance of the models from the metaheuristic rivals those of the traditional algorithms with the use of noticeably less predictors. These predictors are not significantly correlated and are significant for survival, as well. It is shown in the paper that with the application of metaheuristics, we could produce a model with good predicting capabilities and interpretable predictor effects. These predictor effects can be used to direct the sales activities of the insurance company.
Expression of Oryza sativa galactinol synthase gene in maize (Zea may L.)
Authors: Hoi Pham Xuan , Hue Huynh Thi Thu , Hang Pham Thu , Phuong Nguyen Duy
Published: July 2019

Galactinol synthase (GolS) is a key biological catalyst for the synthesis of the raffinose oligosaccharides (RFOs) which play important roles in abiotic stress adaptation of plants, especially drought tolerance. GolS gene has been isolated on a variety of plants in order to create material resources for generating transgenic plants resistant to adverse environmental factors. In our previous research, we have isolated a GolS gene from drought stress cDNA library of Oryza sativa L. Moctuyen (named OsGolS). In this study, the expression vector pCAM-Rd/OsGolS carrying the isolated OsGolS gene under the control of stress-inducible Rd29A promoter was constructed and introduced into Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA4404, which was used for maize transformation.  PCR and Real-time PCR assay indicated that transgene was integrated in the genome of the regenerated Zea mays plants. Reverse transcription-PCR showed that the OsGolS was transcribed into mRNA in Zea mays and was highly expressed. These results provide a basis for the study of the function of OsGolS in drought responses and for the development of drought stress tolerant crops.
The effect of some factors on expression of gene encoding endoglucanase from dna metagenome of Binh Chau hot spring in Escherichia coli
Authors: Thuy Tran Thanh , Nhung Lai Thi Hong , Man Tran Dinh , Xuan Le Thi Thanh , Thoa Nguyen Kim
Published: July 2019

Expression of microbial target genes in Escherichia coli is broadly used due to its advantages namely: well established system, easy to manipulate, a huge biomass, high level productivity, safe and inexpensive to grow. Metagenomic technique has been applying in Vietnam recently for effective mining of uncultured gene resources, especially in endemic mini-ecologies such as hot springs where the cell densities are low. DNA metagenome of Binh Chau hot spring was isolated and sequenced by Illumia HiseqTM. Based on analyses of databases of cellulase-encoded genes, denovogenes 18736 gene sequence for thermal endoglucanase was selected for expression in E. coli. In this paper, some factors for expression of endoglucanase have been investigated. The results show that appropriate gene expression conditions are:  Expression performed in E. coli C43 (DE3) on TB medium at 30oC with 0.25 mM of IPTG as inducer, the culture volume of 20% compared with the bottle volume and the expression time is 42–48 hours. In this condition, the biomass production and soluble enzyme activity can reached up to 5.54–5.58 g /L and  1.92–1.98 U/mL, respectively. Our results show the prospect of exploiting microbial genes without culture.
Study of antihyperglycaemic activity in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice and antioxidant activities of medicinal plant extracts
Authors: Thu Nguyen Thi Xuan , Long Dang Duc , Thuy Thanh Thi Thu
Published: July 2019

Some extracts of medicinal plants have demonstrated potential benefits in treatment of different diseases for centuries such as antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of extracts from several herbal plants, such as Gymnema sylvestre, Stevia rebaudiana, Cinnamomum cassia, Zea may, Ocimum basilicumon blood glucose level in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic miceand to offer scientific proofs for the identified antihyperglycemic effect by investigating on mechanismsof the most effective extract. The results proved that diabetic mice treated with 70% ethanol extracts of Gymnema sylvestre leaves and Stevia rebaudiana leaves showed significant reduction of the blood glucose levels at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight when compared to control (p<0,05). Antihyperglycemic activity of Gymnema sylvestre (57,68%) and Stevia rebaudiana extracts (54,93%) were significantly higher than other extracts. The inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity of Gymnema sylvestreand, Stevia rebaudiana extracts were carried out in vitro. The result demonstrated that these Gymnema sylvestre and Stevia rebaudiana extracts exerted significant inhibition and specific on intestinal α-amylase and α-glucosidases activities. Using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay showed that Gymnema sylvestre and Stevia rebaudiana extracts exhibited relatively low antioxidant activity with the concentration of a sample required for 50% scavenging of the DPPH free radical of 115,88 ± 1,16 µg/ml and 160,27 ± 2,01 µg/mlcompared to vitamin C (49,16 ± 1,26 µg/ml).
Adsorption of arsenic and heavy metals from solutions by modified iron ore sludge
Authors: Bien Nguyen Quoc , Ha Nguyen Thi Hoang
Published: July 2019

Water pollution with arsenic (As) and heavy metals has been a major considering issue because of their negative impact on ecosystems and human health. This study was conducted to evaluate the adsorption behavior of As and heavy metals by iron ore sludge modified by the addition of 10% sodium silicate solution and heating at 400°C (SBC2-400-10S) in both batches and fixed–bed column experiments. The kinetics showed that the removal of As and heavy metals by the adsorbent is a pseudo-second-order reaction. The adsorption data fitted well with Langmuir isotherm and provided Langmuir monolayer capacity (mg/g) of As and heavy metals in the following order: Pb (2.379) > Cd (2.008) > Zn (1.915) > Mn (1.692) > As (0.452). The column adsorption data were fairly well described by Thomas model, with the order of Thomas adsorption capacity following a similar trend as in the batch study. The results of this study indicated that SBC2-400-10S was a potential adsorbent for removal of As and heavy metals from solutions.
Nitrogen and Zinc Interaction Improves Yield and Quality of Submerged Basmati Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: ALI Hakoomat , HASNAIN Zuhair , SHAHZAD Ahmad Naeem , SARWAR Naeem , QURESHI Muhammad K. , KHALIQ Shazia , QAYYUM Muhammad F.
Published: July 2019

Nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) are the two major yield-limiting factors of flooded rice cultivation systems. Both nutrients interact and affect availability of the other in alkaline calcareous soils. In order to evaluate the interactive effects of N and Zn on yield and quality of Basmati rice, a field study was conducted at Sheikhupura (Site I) and Sargodha (Site II), Pakistan. Nitrogen treatments (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg/ha) were kept in main blocks while zinc levels (0, 8, 10, 12 and 14 kg/ha) were kept in sub blocks. The main effects of N and Zn levels were significant for grain yield and yield attributes. N and Zn interaction significantly improved the grain yield, yield components and all kernel quality parameters, except kernel amylose contents. Combined application of 120 kg N/ha and 14 kg Zn/ha produced the maximum grain yields at both sites (6.12 and 5.78 t/ha). This combination also yielded the maximum kernel lengths and widths, water absorption ratio and kernel protein contents. There was a significant positive correlation between grain yield and total dry matter, panicle-bearing tillers, spikelets panicle, grain weight, and harvest index. Application of 160 kg N/ha was detrimental to yield and quality attributes and reduced the agronomic efficiency of N use at both sites. Site comparison showed that soil pH and soil nutrient contents play a significant role in determination of the optimum nitrogen and zinc fertilizer doses for maximum yields.
Cytological Analyses in â€˜Niagara Brancaâ€™ Grape and in Its Somatic Mutant â€˜Niagara Rosadaâ€™
Authors: PIEROZZI Neiva Izabel , MOURA Mara Fernandes
Published: July 2019

An investigation in the microsporogenesis of two cultivars of grapes (Vitis L.), were carried out on â€˜Niagara Brancaâ€™ and on its somatic mutant â€˜Niagara Rosadaâ€™, aiming at ascertaining the normality of the microsporogenesis. Some possible changes have been checked on chromosome number in somatic cells, pollen size and fertility, stomatal size and frequency, which related to the somatic mutant â€˜Niagara Rosadaâ€™, thus increasing the information already obtained regarding â€˜Niagaraâ€™ grapevines. The microsporogenesis occurred normally in both cultivars and cytomixis observed only among pachytene cells. A low percentage of precocious chromosome segregation was noticed in metaphase I and II, as well as a very low percentage of laggard and stickiness chromosomes in anaphase I and II. Less than 1% of tetrads showed microspore alterations. The mean values of the meiotic index and pollen grain fertility were high. However, no association were observed between the occurrences of chromosome abnormalities and the variation in the anther number (five to seven) seen among flower buds. The cultivars showed the same chromosome number, n=19 at diakinesis and 2n=38 in somatic cells, and did not differ in regards to stomatal size and frequency. It seems that the difference between the cultivars lied at gene level. Due to the very low percentage of abnormalities and to high pollen grain fertility, the plants analyzed could be very well employed in breeding programs for the grapevines.
Impact of Climate on Vegetation Change in a Mountain Grassland â€“ Succession and Fluctuation
Authors: PĂCURAR Florin , ROTAR Ioan , REIF Albert , VIDICAN Roxana , STOIAN Vlad , GÄRTNER Stefanie M. , ALLEN Robert B.
Published: July 2019

Traditionally managed Central European mountain grasslands have high nature conservation value because of their high species diversity. Whether these grasslands and their diversity can be preserved will depend on many factors, including how plant species composition responds to changes in climate conditions. To differentiate between fluctuations and directional succession in the herbaceous layer composition of a Romanian Festuca rubra L. and Agrostis capillaris L. grassland in Apuseni and whether any compositional changes can be related to climate. The vegetation of permanent plots was recorded annually between 2004 and 2012. Temperature and precipitation were measured by an automatic weather station at the study site. Cluster analysis, Indicator Species Analysis and the co-dominance ratio between F. rubra L.- A. capillaris were analysed. The compositional data was related to the climate variables. Thresholds of relevant climate variables differentiating between clusters of plots with similar vegetation composition were determined using classification tree methods. The vegetation composition in our plots within the years 2004, 2005 and 2008 were different from each other. From 2004 to 2006 directional succession could be identified; however the major patterns to emerge were fluctuations which occurred over the whole study period. Compositional shifts included A. capillaris L. and F. rubra L exchanging co-dominance with each other. The most important variables differentiating clusters were temperature during the dormant and vegetation periods and water balance during the vegetation period. It can be concluded that compositional shifts among years were largely a consequence of year to year climatic fluctuations; however, there is some evidence for a directional shift during the early years of the study./span>
Assessment of the Potential of 1-Methylcyclopropene Treatments to Maintain Fruit Quality of the Common Fig (Ficus carica L. cv. â€˜Bursa Siyahiâ€™) during Refrigerated Storage
Authors: OZKAYA Okan , ÇÖMLEKÇIOGLU Songül , DEMIRCIOGLU Hatice
Published: July 2019

The fig fruit is a unique, climacteric, highly perishable subject to rapid physiological breakdown. Application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) was tested to delay ripening of black fig (Ficus carica L. cv. ‘Bursa Siyahi’) during storage overtwo growing seasons. Fruits were pre-cooled to 1 °C for 6 hours and afterwards treated with 500 or 1000 nl l-1 of 1-MCP for24 hours. Treated fruits were stored for 10 days at 1 °C, 90-95% RH and then evaluated. 1-MCP treatments showed thatethylene production, respiration rate, weight loss and concentrations of glucose, fructose and total soluble solids (TSS) were negatively correlated to the 1-MCP doses during cold storage (with the exception of TSS in the first year of experiment and respiration rate in the second year of the experiment). In contrast, pulp firmness and colour (ho) during cold storage werepositively correlated to the 1-MCP applied doses. Results of this study showed that although 1-methylcyclopropene applications slowed down fruit softening during the 10 days of storage, 1-methylcyclopropene appeared to have a relatively limited effect on slowing ripening of ‘Bursa Siyahi’ figs.
Phenolics Content, Antioxidant Activity and Color of Green Walnut Extracts for Preparing Walnut Liquor
Authors: COSMULESCU Sina , TRANDAFIR Ion , NOUR Violeta , IONICA Mira , TUTULESCU Felicia
Published: July 2019

Different extracts prepared from green fruits of â€˜Sibisel 44â€™ walnut cultivar were investigated for their total phenolics and flavonoids, antioxidant activity, individual phenolics content and colour component. Extracts were prepared using three variants, to analyze the effect of solvent concentration and sugar addition on properties of green walnuts extracts. The antioxidant activity of alcoholic extracts was investigated by the 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method while total phenolic content was determined by using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Seventeenindividual phenolics were detected and quantified by using HPLC in walnut green fruit extracts. For total phenolics and flavonoids extraction from green walnut fruits 70% ethanol was more efficient. Highest concentration was found in samples with 70% ethanol for gallic, vanillic, chlorogenic, caffeic, syringic, salicylic, ellagic acids, juglone, catechin, epicatechin, myricetin, and quercetin. The use of 40% ethanol led to a significant increase of ferulic acid and rutin content, while the greatest amount of rutin was extracted using 40% ethanol and sugar.
Effects of Dual/Threefold Rootstock Grafting on the Plant Growth, Yield and Quality of Watermelon
Authors: QIN Yaoguo , YANG Cuiqin , XIA Jialong , HE Jing , MA Xiaoli , YANG Chuanyang , ZHENG Yangxia , LIN Xia , HE Zhongqun , HUANG Zhi , YAN Zesheng
Published: July 2019

To test the feasibility of multi-rootstock grafting, bottle gourd and pumpkin were used as rootstocks in a comparative analysis of the effects of single, dual, and threefold rootstock grafting on the plant growth, fruit yield, and quality of watermelon. Results showed that different grafts have significant effects on the abovementioned properties. The appropriate dual/threefold rootstock grafting allowed for higher survival rates. The combined rootstock of bottle gourd and pumpkin can enhance the plant growth potential and lower the incidence of wilt. The single fruit weight of the grafted plants with a combined rootstock from bottle gourd and pumpkin was the median of the weights obtained with the pumpkin rootstock and the bottle gourd rootstock. The plot yield of grafted plants with a pumpkin rootstock was higher than that of the plants with a bottle gourd rootstock. The low soluble solids content of the fruit grafted with a pumpkin rootstock had relatively high acidity, which could be improved by adding bottle gourd to the rootstock. The vitamin C content of the grafted fruit from the combined bottle gourd and pumpkin rootstock was higher than that of plants grafted with either bottle gourd or pumpkin alone. The subsequent analysis showed that the combined rootstock of bottle gourd and pumpkin has significant or extremely significant interaction effects on the stem diameter, number of leaves, single fruit weight, plot yield, and fruit vitamin C content of the grafted watermelon plants, which probably led to the higher related index values of some of grafting combinations.
Morphological and Histo-Anatomical Study of Bryonia alba L. (Cucurbitaceae)
Authors: RUS Lavinia M. , IELCIU Irina I. , PĂLTINEAN Ramona , VLASE Laurian , ŞTEFĂNESCU Cristina , CRIŞAN Gianina C.
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study consisted in the identification of the macroscopic and microscopic characters of the vegetative and reproductive organs of Bryonia alba L., by the analysis of vegetal material, both integral and as powder. Optical microscopy was used to reveal the anatomical structure of the vegetative (root, stem, tendrils, leaves) and reproductive (ovary, male flower petals) organs. Histo-anatomical details were highlighted by coloration with an original combination of reagents for the double coloration of cellulose and lignin. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and stereomicroscopy led to the elucidation of the structure of tector and secretory trichomes on the inferior epidermis of the leaf. Micrographic analysis of the powder obtained from aerial parts revealed segments of each organ (e.g. stomata, trichomes) and confirmed furthermore the results obtained by the histo-anatomical studies. Sections achieved through vegetative organs reveal typical anatomical structures: a transition to the secondary structure for the root, a typical dicotyledonsâ€™ structure with bicollateral vascular bundles for the stem, a bifacial structure of the leaf and stem-like structures for the tendrils and petioles, which prove they are metamorphosis of the stem. Anatomical structure of reproductive organs was performed hereby for the first time and revealed a typical anatomical structure for the 3-lodged ovary and a leaf-like structure of the male flower petal. Some of the results obtained confirm existing data from the scientific literature and additional information have been provided, outlining features that were not previously reported, such as SEM analysis of the leaf trichomes and histo-anatomical structure of the reproductive organs.
Total Polyphenol, Flavonoid and Other Bioactive Materials in Different Asparagus Cultivars
Authors: TAKÁCS-HÁJOS Mária , ZSOMBIK László
Published: July 2019

The favourable active ingredient composition of numerous vegetables is published frequently; however its value is often influenced by the variety and the given production year. In the current experiment the main aim was to determinate the bioactive materials (total polyphenol, flavonoid, vitamin C, sulphate-S, protein, nitrate-ion) of blanched (white) asparagus for three widely known varieties (‘Cumulus’, ‘Vitalin’, ‘Grolim’), grown on mouldy brown sandy soil, in 3 consecutive years (2012- 2014). A significant difference has been found among the varieties in the average of the observed data. ‘Vitalin’ was prominent with its high total polyphenol (35.16 mg/100 g), vitamin C (59.34 mg/100 g) and flavonoid (0.52 mg/100 g) content. High sulphate-S content - which is characteristic for asparagus - has been measured in the case of ‘Cumulus’ (287.77 mg/100 g), together with the highest protein content (2.23%). The vitamin C content of the spears is significantly influenced by the production year, therefore higher temperature fluctuations had a negative effect on it, which resulted in its value reducing to one-tenth of the best years in some cases (89.06 mg/100 g). Additionally, it has been found that white asparagus develops under etiolated circumstances, it is not inclined to nitrate accumulation, which is well represented by the values under 20 mg/kg. Selecting the proper cultivar is important for raw asparagus extract production, which can be produced only of raw materials rich in bioactive materials (including high sulphur content). In this regard ‘Vitalin’ and ‘Cumulus’ seemed to be the most advantageous choices.
New Values of Teucrium species: in Vitro Study of Cytotoxic Activities of Secondary Metabolites
Authors: STANKOVIĆ Milan S. , MITROVIĆ Tatjana Lj. , MATIĆ Ivana Z. , TOPUZOVIĆ Marina D. , STAMENKOVIĆ Slaviša M.
Published: July 2019

The cytotoxicity of seven Teucrium species, a long time ago used as a food spices, for beverages and teas preparing, as well as therapeutics for digestive and respiratory diseases, were examined against human cervix adenocarcinoma HeLa, human melanoma Fem-x, human chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 and human breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-361 cells. MTT assay was used for determination of target cell survival. The most prominent cytotoxic effect was observed against K562 cells, especially by T. scordioides, T. montanum and T. botrys. All Teucrium extracts showed good cytotoxic activity on HeLa cells, but very low cytotoxic effect on MDA-MB-361 cells. In addition, the cytotoxic activities of T. scordioides and T. montanum extract were tested on healthy resting and phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PHA-stimulated PBMC). T. scordioides and T. montanum extracts at concentration of 200 µg/ml reduced the resting PBMC and PHA-stimulated PBMC survival up to 10% and 20%, while the reduction of K562 cell survival at the same concentration of extracts was 94% and 97%, respectively. These results point to selectivity in their antitumor actions. Teucrium species can be regarded as promising candidates for natural plant sources of effective biological compounds as a supplements in the food industry, as well as for therapeutic use.
Effects of Salt and Water Stress on Plant Growth and on Accumulation of Osmolytes and Antioxidant Compounds in Cherry Tomato
Authors: AL HASSAN Mohamad , MARTÍNEZ FUERTES Marina , RAMOS SÁNCHEZ Francisco José , VICENTE Oscar , BOSCAIU Monica
Published: July 2019

The effects of salt and water stress on growth and several stress markers were investigated in cherry tomato plants. Some growth parameters (stem length and number of leaves) and chlorophyll contents were determined every third day during plant growth, and leaf material was collected after 25 and 33 days of treatment. Both stresses inhibited plant growth; chlorophyll levels, however, decreased only in response to high NaCl concentrations. Proline contents largely increased in leaves of stressed plants, reaching levels high enough to play a major role in cellular osmotic adjustment. Despite reports indicating that tomato does not synthesize glycine betaine, the stress-induced accumulation of this osmolyte was detected in cherry tomato, albeit at lower concentration than that of proline. Therefore, it appears that the plants are able to synthesise glycine betaine as a secondary osmolyte under strong stress conditions. Total sugars levels, on the contrary, decreased in stress-treated plants. Both stress treatments caused secondary oxidative stress in the plants, as indicated by a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. Water stress led to an increase in total phenolics and flavonoid contents and a reduction of carotenoid levels in the leaves; flavonoids also increased under high salinity conditions.
The Dynamics and Variability of Radial Growth in Provenance Trials of Norway Spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) Within and Beyond the Hot Margins of its Natural Range
Authors: ȘOFLETEA Neculae , CURTU Alexandru Lucian , DAIA Mihai Liviu , BUDEANU Marius
Published: July 2019

Multi-site field trials provide valuable data for the investigation of possible effects of environmental changes on forest tree species. We analyze the descendants of plus trees from 33 Norway spruce seed sources of Romanian Carpathians, at age 30, in four comparative field trials: two established in the natural range of species and two outside of it. The dynamics and variation of radial growth, earlywood and latewood were analyzed. The influence of populations, site conditions and climatic factors were also quantified. The provenances response in the four comparative trials was asymmetric for mean radial growth, but its dynamics was less favourable outside of the natural range. Analysis of variance showed significant differences (P<0.001) between the testing sites, but non-significant (P<0.05) for the populations. Populations x localities interaction was high (P<0.001) in the first half of the testing period, but decreased over time, becoming not significant at the age of 30. At intra-populational level, the average coefficient of variation for radial growth was higher outside the natural range, whereas the proportion of latewood decreased. The temperature in the first half of the growing season negatively influenced (P<0.001) the radial increment, but in the latewood proportion significat effects (PË‚0.05) were recorded only in trials located outside of the natural range. An increased variability of radial growth and a decrease of latewood proportion are expected in Norway spruce stands located at lower altitudes, towards the limits of the natural range. Our results may contribute to the sustainable management of Norway spruce forests within and outside its natural range.
The Productivity and Quality of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in Romanian Forest Steppe
Authors: STAVARACHE Mihai , SAMUIL Costel , POPOVICI Constantin I. , TARCĂU Doina , VÂNTU Vasile
Published: July 2019

Alternative use of alfalfa, for various purposes, including the production of biofuels or food supplement for human alimentation, is a study topic still in its early stages of research. Studying and understanding the biology of alfalfa and the factors with a major influence on it are very important activities. The productivity and quality of alfalfa are two indicators that help determine, in addition to economic value, the way in which alfalfa can be used. Evolution of alfalfa yield and quality depends on many factors, such as the growth stage of alfalfa plants at harvesting. It was observed over three years of vegetation the influence of alfalfa plant growth stage at harvest on plant height, leaves/stems ratio, production of leaves, stems and whole plant (DM - dry matter) per hectare and on quality indicators (CP - crude protein, NDF - neutral detergent fiber and ADF - acid detergent fiber). The results showed that, with the advancement of phenological phases, from early bud stage to complete flowering, the total biomass output raised from 2.79 MgÂ·ha-1 to 4.60 MgÂ·ha-1, the neutral detergent fiber raised from 48.4-50.6% to 62.0-67.7%, while crude protein content decreased from 21.2-24.0% to 13.3-16.5%. The parameter values were correlated with alfalfa growth stage during the harvesting (significant at the 0.05 and 0.01 probability levels).
Automatic Germination Evaluation and Qualitative Analysis of Essential Oil of Mentha Ã— piperita L. under the Influence of High Frequency Pulsatile Electromagnetic and Ultrasound Pulsatile Fields
Authors: SINGUREANU Valentin , UNGUR Rodica , ONAC Ioan , KOVACS Melinda Haydee , MOLDOVAN Gelu , SINGUREANU Victoria
Published: July 2019

The study illustrates the influence of high frequency pulsatile electromagnetic fields and ultrasound pulsatile fields on Mentha Ã— piperita L. seed germination and the quality of its essential oil. The physiological role of the above mentioned experimental factors was considered to be a catalyticall base point, improving germination percent, SVI (seedling vigor index), GVI (germination velocity index). All the biometric aspects of the germination process (seed area, seed perimeter, seed development on x and y radius, radicele length, hypocotyl length) where determined using open free software, consolidating the general idea that scientific communities can improve and perfect open source projects. High frequency pulsatile electromagnetic fields (91.75%) and ultrasound pulsatile fields (64.75%) experimental variants gave higher germination percent compared to control (47.00%). Following the main terpenes determination, the same experimental variants obtained high accumulations of menthol, eugenol, thymol, eucalyptol, linalool and other components. These aspects can be scientifically sustained by the seedling vigor index marks obtained at high frequency pulsatile electromagnetic fields (1985.47) and ultrasound pulsatile fields (1480.09), creating the general premises for better development stages in the nursery sector. Raised accumulation of main therapeutical terpenes in Mentha Ã— piperita L. must be supervised in further studies, when microscopically imagery of glandular trichomes and their density may lead to more profound conclusions.
Modulation of the UV-B-induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in HaCaT Cell Line with Calluna vulgaris Extract
Authors: VIRAG Piroska , BRIE Ioana C. , BURZ Claudia C. , TATOMIR Corina B. , HODOR Tudor , ORĂȘAN Remus , DECEAN Hana Petra
Published: July 2019

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) production due to ultraviolet B (UV-B) exposure is extremely harmful to the skin. It causes lesions of DNA, proteins and lipids and leads to cellular death. In the present study the UV-B-induced ROS and subsequent apoptosis in the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) were counterbalanced by a plant extract with antioxidant capacity. Some molecules modulated by common heather (Calluna vulgaris) (CV) extract through which this may exert its photoprotective effects were also identified. The ROS were evaluated with CM-H2DCFDA assay, while apoptosis and Bax-α/Bcl-xL molecules with ELISA. The extract was standardized according to its polyphenolic content and the most important biologically active compounds, such as hyperozid, quercetin, isoquercetin, kampferol were evidenced by high-performance liquid chromatography. The UV-B induced ROS production occurred at its highest level at 2 h after the exposure of the HaCaT cells, while apoptosis later, at 4 h. The most significant changes in Bax-α and Bcl-XL proteins induced by UV-B, as well as the highest effect of the extract on apoptosis, were both registered at 4 h. The CV extract decreased concentration- and time-dependently the UV-B-induced ROS production and prevented apoptosis. These effects of CV occurred, at least to a certain extent, due to the modulation of Bax-α/Bcl-XL proteins. These findings suggest that skin cells could be protected from some of the UV-B-induced harmful effects by the administration of the CV extract, which may be further exploited as a potential photoprotective agent.
Effects of Cropping System (Organic and Conventional) on the Fiber Quality Index, Spinning Consistency Index and Multiplicative Analytic Hierarchy Process of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: BILALIS Dimitrios J. , PATSIALI Sotiria , KAKABOUKI Ioanna , TRAVLOS Ilias S. , KARKANIS Anestis
Published: July 2019

Markets for organically produced high quality cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) are projected to increase. Field experiments were conducted in Palamas, Karditsa in Central Greece, to compare the effects of two cropping systems on fiber quality of three cotton cultivars. The experiments, conducted during three years, were laid out in a split plot design with four replicates, two main plots (organic and conventional system) and three sub-plots (cotton cultivars). Findings suggest that fiber quality index (FQI), spinning consistency index (SCI) and multiplicative analytic hierarchy process (MAHP) are three indices that could be integrated in a useful protocol for the evaluation of different cropping systems for cotton cultivation. In particular, our results indicate that in general there was not any superiority of conventional compared to the organic cropping system regarding fiber quality as shown by the above mentioned indices. Regarding the length of the cotton fiber, this was positively correlated with micronair and the uniformity index of the cotton fiber. The organic system resulted to higher values of SCI than the ones of the conventional (1547.9 and 1522.3, respectively). The present 3-years study shows that organic cultivation of cotton can ensure high fiber quality and this was clearly confirmed by means of the several important indices.
Morphological Characteristics, Phenolic and Terpenoid Profiles in Garden Chrysanthemum Grown in Different Nutritional Conditions
Authors: MIRCEA (ARSENE) Cristina Cerasela , CIOANCĂ Oana , DRAGHIA Lucia , HĂNCIANU Monica
Published: July 2019

Chrysanthemum indicum L. (Dendranthema indicum (L.) Des Moul) became useful as herbs and curatives in different parts of the world. In the current study, the chemical profile of outdoor cultivated Chrysanthemum indicum ‘Avalone Red’ was investigated for polyphenolic acid derivatives, flavonoids, alantolactone and ursolic acid using thin layer chromatography(TLC). Total phenolic content was determined through a classical method and semiquantitative analyses of alantolactone were performed through the HPLC method. Morphological and yield parameters and the chemical profile of plants were registered in two different nutritional statuses (local and enriched soil conditions). The results indicate that the studiedcultivar is a potent source of phenolics and that the fertilisation increases the plant biosynthetic capacity for polyphenols (159.74 mg/100 g in leaves and 79.82 mg/100 g in flowers, in unfertilised plants, and 388.54 mg/100 g and 144.86 mg/100 g in leaves and flowers of fertilised plants, respectively, expressed as gallic acid equivalent value). The studied cultivar contains hyperoside (and other derivatives) and four main polyphenol carboxylic acids (including chlorogenic acid). Ursolic acid wasnot detected. The high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses confirmed the presence of alantolactone identified in TLC chromatogram. Moreover, the fertilised plant samples contain only traces of alantolactone compared to the unfertilised plants. Alantolactone is present in a small amount (less than 0.1 mg %) but its presence alerts to the potential allergenic effect of the plant. Besides their ornamental value, chrysanthemums can have a wide array of uses due to their high amounts of bioactive compounds.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Anticancer Properties and Toxicity Evaluation of Leaf Essential Oil of Cupressus sempervirens
Authors: FAYED Sayed A.
Published: July 2019

The essential oil isolated by hydro-distillation from Cupressus sempervirens (Cypress) leaves was analysed by GC-MS and tested for antioxidant and in vitro as well as in vivo anticancer activities. In addition, the toxicity effect of the essential oil was studied using normal Swiss mice. Eighteen components of Cypress essential oil were identified and the main essential oil components were Î±-pinene (29.21%), Î´3-carene (18.92%), Î±-cedrol (12.25%), Î±-terpinolene (7.66%) and limonene (5.50%). Cupressus sempervirens essential oil was able to reduce the stable, purple-colored radical DPPH into yellow-colored DPPH reaching 50% of reduction with IC50 value = 290.09 Î¼g mL-1. The in vitro anticancer activity of the essential oil was studied against two human promyelocytic leukemia cell lines (HL-60 and NB4) and experimental animals model cancer cell line (EACC). Cypress essential oil exerted the highest cytotoxic activity with a LC50 of 333.79 Âµg mL-1 against NB4 followed by HL-60 and EACC cell lines (LC50 of 365.41, and 372.43 Âµg mL-1, respectively). Regarding in vivo anticancer study, pre-initiation treatment with the essential oil was more effective than initiation and post-initiation treatments respectively on the tumor (EACC) transplanted female mice (increase lifespan (%), decrease total EACC number and increase dead cells). In toxicity study, serum urea, transaminases and lactate dehydrogenase were increased. The results obtained from this study showed that the Cypress essential oil possesses antioxidant and anticancer properties, taking into consideration its mild toxicity.
In vitro Synergistic Antimicrobial Activity of Romanian Propolis and Antibiotics against Escherichia coli Isolated from Bovine Mastitis
Authors: NICULAE Mihaela , STAN Laura , PALL Emoke , PAȘTIU Anamaria Ioana , BALACI Iulia Maria , MUSTE Sevastița , SPÎNU Marina
Published: July 2019

The study was aimed to characterize the chemical composition and the antimicrobial activity of Romanian propolis ethanolic extracts (EEP) against antibiotic-sensitive and antibiotic-resistant E. coli strains isolated from bovine mastitis. The preliminary antimicrobial screening was performed by a disk diffusion method, followed by determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) based on broth microdilution assay; further, the synergistic action of propolis with antimicrobial drugs was assessed by a disk diffusion method on agar containing subinhibitory concentrations of propolis. For the chemical characterisation of EEP, the flavonoids (flavones/flavonols, flavanones/dihydroflavonols) and total phenolics were evaluated by spectrophotometric methods. The phenolic compounds of these extracts were also determined using HPLC. The results indicated for Romanian propolis ethanolic extracts the typical poplar composition profile with flavonoids and phenolic acids as main biological active compounds, with chromatographic analysis data confirmed also spectrophotometrically. In addition, positively correlated with the chemical composition, a strong antimicrobial efficacy was exhibited towards E. coli strains, along with interesting synergistic interaction with antibiotics that can be further investigated to obtain propolis-based formulation with antibacterial properties. Subsequent in vitro and in vivo studies evaluating the safety and efficacy are intended to consider propolis in veterinary therapeutic protocols.
Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Jerusalem Artichoke Seedlings to Mixed Salt-Alkali Stress Conditions
Authors: SHAO Shuai , QI Mingming , TAO Shuang , LIN Jixiang , WANG Yingnan , YAN Xiufeng
Published: July 2019

Soil salinization and alkalization frequently co-occur in the grassland, but little information exists concerning the mixed effects of salt-alkaline stress on plant. Jerusalem artichoke is an economically and ecologically important energy crop and also considered as a salt-tolerant species. In this study, we investigated the effects of 12 mixed salt-alkaline conditions on the seedling growth and responses of Jerusalem artichoke to such conditions. The results showed that the seedling growth decreased with the increasing salinity and pH, and the destructive effects were more markedly under the interactions of highest salinity and pH. The Na+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ concentrations were all increased with the increasing salinity and pH, but the K+ kept stable. The Cl- concentration increased when the treatment without alkali salts, and the NO3â€“ and H2PO4- concentrations were decreased with the increasing salinity. Jerusalem artichoke seedlings enhanced organic acids and proline to supply the shortage of inorganic anions and cope with osmotic stress from the high Na+ concentration. Above results show that the toxicity effects of the interactions of salt stress and alkali stress on plant is much greater than that only salt or alkali stress. A better understanding of the seedlings of Jerusalem artichoke under mixed salt-alkali stress conditions should facilitate the effective utilization of this species under such complex environment in Northeast China.