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This study investigated the effects of incorporating grape pomace (GP) into fish diets on the growth performance, physiological parameters, and biochemical composition of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). A total of 180 carp, with an average initial weight of 65 g, were reared in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). They were divided into a control group (C), fed with a diet containing 0% GP, and two experimental groups (V1 and V2), fed with diets containing 5% and 10% GP, respectively. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. Results revealed that most growth parameters were not significantly affected by GP inclusion, except for a notable difference in the hepatosomatic index (HSI), indicating an impact on liver size relative to body weight. The biochemical analysis of carp meat showed significant differences in moisture, protein, fat, collagen, and salt content between the control and experimental groups. Furthermore, the oxidative status assessment indicated that GP supplementation modulates oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation pathways in carp, enhancing their antioxidant defenses and overall health. Microbiological examination of the carp intestinal content showed that GP inclusion in fish diets influenced microbial parameters, particularly affecting the abundance of aerobic germs and Enterobacteriaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microgreens represent a healthy alternative in nutrition, due to their high nutritional value and unique sensory characteristics. The light, the temperature or the density influences the photosynthetic and metabolic activity of microgreens, having a beneficial effect on their nutritional quality. In 2023, an experiment was carried out with microgreens from a hemp variety at IULS Iasi. This explored two growing environments, controlled versus uncontrolled (growth chamber versus window) and seven different seeding densities ranging from 40 to 280 microgreens/100 cm². The results revealed that the variant with 280 microgreens/100 cm² in the growth chamber recorded the highest fresh matter of 12.864 g/100 cm², while the variant with 40 microgreens/100 cm² in the growth chamber presented the highest content of chlorophyll pigments (13.1 CCI). The highest value of vitamin C (58.0 mg/100 g product) was found in D160 variant and the highest content in total soluble solids (4.33°Bx) belongs to the D200 variant, both from the growth chamber. Results underline the importance of selecting appropriate growth conditions and seeding densities for optimizing the qualitative and quantitative properties of hemp microgreens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous development of drinking water networks is leading to the production of increasing amounts of waste water and sewage sludge. Secondary-treated sewage sludge is called biosolids and can be used as fertilizers in agriculture due to its rich nutrient content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of biosolids mixed with an eroded soil on the morphology, physiology and synthesis of bioactive compounds in basil. The study was performed in pots under laboratory-controlled conditions. In total, four substrates were tested: S1 biosolids 100%, S2 biosolids 15% + eroded soil 85%, S3 eroded soil 100% and S4 control (commercial growing substrate). At the morphological level, a significant increase in plant height, number of branches, fresh biomass and dry biomass was found in the S2 variant. At the physiological level, photosynthesis and chlorophyll content did not vary significantly, but the quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSII) was significantly higher at S1 and S2. The oxidative status evaluated by determining the activity of SOD, POD and CAT enzymes was better in S2 and S3 compared to S3. Regarding the synthesis of bioactive compounds (rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid and gallic acid), it was stimulated in S1 and S2. In conclusion, biosolids application stimulated the stress response mechanisms in basil plants by increasing the quantum yield chlorophyll fluorescence and catalase activity, alleviating the negative effects of eroded soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zebrafish is now an excellent model in the world of research, with its genome making it a relevant subject of study for research into human diseases in order to understand cellular mechanisms. It is also easy to manipulate, small, transparent, and inexpensive. Nowadays, it is increasingly used to study diabetes and its complications at different levels of the body. In this way, in the present context, we are describing here some zebrafish-induced model of diabetes, focusing on the relevance of their associated neuropsychiatric manifestations, oxidative stress, gut microbiota, neuropathy and other relevant aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato is considered the most important vegetable crop worldwide. Improving the nutritional value of fruits must be based on sustainable production in terms of varieties and fertilization management. This study aimed to improve the nutritional value (total soluble solids, acidity, lycopene, β-carotene, polyphenols, macro and microelements) of two tomato varieties ('Cristal' and 'Siriana') under three fertilization types (NPK chemical fertilizer, chicken manure and biological fertilizer with microorganisms) for the greenhouse. Primary metabolism compounds do not vary significantly according to the type of fertilizer used. The results for the antioxidant compounds showed a better effect of biological fertilization compared to chemical fertilizer and control unfertilized. Thus, the antioxidant activity was improved by 28% compared to chemical fertilization, the lycopene content by 36% and β-carotene by 96%, respectively. The tomato fruits from the local cultivar ('Siriana') are richer in nutritional compounds such as rutin, regardless of the type of fertilization, which denotes a good ability to adapt to crop conditions. Tomato cultivars reacted positively to microbiological fertilization compared to chemical, thus producing nutritious fruits under sustainable management. Tomato fruits were richer in the quality of microelement contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Basil was grown on growth medium, eroded soil, biosolids, eroded soil plus biosolids. • Biosolids increased and eroded soil decreased gas exchange parameters and chlorophyll. • Total phenolics and the antioxidant activity was higher in basil on eroded soil. • Zn bioconcentration and translocation factors suggests that basil is tolerant to Zn. • Biosolids can be used for Zn biofortification of basil crop and products. Abstract A possible solution for improving the fertility of the eroded soils could be the use of biosolids because of their high content of organic matter (OM), micro- and macronutrients. However, limited information is available concerning the mineral nutrition, physiology, and synthesis of secondary compounds in plants in response to eroded soils and biosolids amendments. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess how cultivation of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in different soil types (eroded soil, biosolids, and eroded soil 75% + biosolids 25% v/v) would affect mineral composition of soil and plant tissue, yield, physiology, and synthesis of phenolic compounds in basil plants. Elemental analysis revealed that application of biosolids to the eroded soil increased the content of macro and micronutrients (phosphorus, (P) by 327%, magnesium (Mg) by 17%, copper (Cu) by 83%, zinc (Zn) by 1062%, and molybdenum (Mo) by 64%) in the substrate compared to the unfertilized control (growth medium). Biosolids had positive effects on gas exchange parameters (CO 2 assimilation rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO 2 concentration) as well as chlorophyll fluorescence and chlorophyll content, while the eroded soil decreased these parameters, suggesting a photoinhibition stress effect on the photosystem II. Fresh yield was increased by 206% in plants grown on eroded soil + biosolids and decreased by 43% in those grown on eroded soil in comparison with the control. The synthesis of total phenolics and the antioxidant activity was higher in plants grown on eroded soil. Phenolic profiling of basil leaves revealed 17 compounds. Rosmarinic acid was the main phenolic compound and was higher in plants grown on eroded soil compared with all other treatments. The Zn bioconcentration factor ranged from 1.4 (biosolids) to 14.3 (control), while the Zn translocation factor ranged from 0.43 (eroded soil) to 0.86 (eroded soil + biosolids). This suggests that the investigated basil cultivar is tolerant to Zn, and biosolids fertilization can be used in biofortification of basil crop and products. Application of biosolids to eroded soil improved the mineral content of the substrate and had positive effects on basil yield and physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we aim by using plant biotechnology to study the effect of heavy metals Cd and Pb on the regeneration capacity of Sedum telephium ssp. maximum L. plant species that grows spontaneously in our country and can also be cultivated for ornamental purposes. The results obtained at different concentrations of each metal will be compared to establish, from a morphological point of view, the existence of a dose-response relationship. According to the rules of the USA Energy Department, the hyperaccumulator plants have to fulfill the following characteristics: rapid growth and large biomass; pest and disease resistance; inedible for humans and animals; easy to harvest; very branched root system; accumulation of different types of heavy metals. Following preliminary results (in vitro and ex vitro) we considered that this species fulfils the above conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the experiment was to compare the effect of light emitting diodes - LED and fluorescent lamps (FL)d as sources of light on ,,in vitro" growth and development of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L. cultivar ,,Aromat de Buzau"). Sweet basil is an important medicinal and aromatic plant used in aromatherapy, cosmetics, perfume and food products in fresh or dried form. A major difficulty in the use of Lamiaceae species for pharmaceutical purposes is the individual variability, due to genetic and biochemical heterogeneity. In vitro, micropropagation is an effective mean for rapid multiplication of species in which it is necessary to obtain a high progeny uniformity. Therefore, the interest in using these techniques for rapid and large-scale propagation of medicinal and aromatic plants has been significantly increasing. Basil seedlings were grown under four monochromatic lights irradiated with blue, green, yellow, red LEDs with peak wavelengths of 470, 500, 525 and 660 nm.Basil plants produced greater fresh herbage mass as well as shoot height under fluorescent lamps used as control after 60 days of light treatment. However, the total leaf area of lateral shoots was the largest one under red light. The total phenolic content of basil plants was significantly higher under blue LED illumination as compared to the rest of the treatments. Also, LEDs increased the amount of flavonoids compared to FL light. Our study demonstrates that LEDs did not affect growth characteristics and increased the total phenolic content as compared to conventional fluorescent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being able to quantify the phenotype is very important, especially in relationship with the genetic background or the environment. Our research article tested an experimental setup for its ability to analyse the influence of light quality and nitrogen availability on the phenotype. For this purpose, Arabidopsis thaliana plants were grown in specially designed hydroponic setups placed in custom made light boxes and were analysed using imaging and image analysis techniques. Parameters for growth (projected rosette area, absolute growth rate, relative growth rate) and parameters for general morphology of the plant (compactness, stockiness) were assessed. Plants grown in red light achieved higher projected rosette area, but were more sensitive to changes in nitrogen concentration, while plants grown in blue light developed a smaller surface area, but were less sensitive to changes in nitrogen concentration. Compactness and stockiness were strongly influenced by light quality, having higher values for plants grown in blue light. Nitrogen concentration did not influenced compactness or stockiness parameters. Overall, the experimental setup and the methodology presented were robust and precise enough to produce good quality data and to allow the identification of both obvious and not so obvious effects of environmental factors on plant phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of new waste water treatment facilities in Romania, especially in rural areas, increases the production of sewage sludge. European Commission recommends the reuse of wastes and since sewage sludge is a byproduct of waste water treatment, sustainable approach must be taken into consideration for the proper management and disposal. Sewage sludge contains high amounts of organic matter and nutrients and thus the reuse in agriculture is very important. This can be achieved following secondary treatment of the sewage sludge (biosolids) and depends also on the local conditions. Because the use of sewage sludge in agriculture is limited in Romania in accordance with its potential, the aim of the current paper is to emphasize the benefits of reusing this waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of cultivating aromatic and medicinal plants in ecological settings derives also from the fact that the usage of such species implies direct contact with humans, through consumption or otherwise. Enhanced knowledge of herbs and spices and their ecological cropping is required for a better exploitation of their outstanding properties and which are based on biologically active substances such as alkaloids, phenolic compounds or essential oils. This paper includes the results of the research conducted within UASVM Iasi, Faculty of Agronomy, focused on the influence of ecological foliar fertilizers (Fylo®, Geolino Plants&Flowers®, Cropmax®, Fitokondi®) on the yield and morphological indices on medicinal and aromatic plants: basil, marigold and artichoke. Our results showed positive effects of ecological foliar fertilizers on the investigated plant species, especially on the yield of fresh herbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to assess some morphometric and physiological parameters of a purple leaved Ocimum basilicum L. cultivar plants grown in substrates in which other plants (a green leaved Ocimum basilicum L. and Armoracia rusticana Gaertn. Mey. & Scherb.) were grown. The number of lateral stems and leaves and the mass of plants were positively influenced by cultivation after the other plants. Photosynthesis and transpiration rates of the same plants decreased, however the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm and ɸPSII) did not reveal a major influence on the photosynthetic apparatus. Chlorophyll and total phenolic contents decreased in plants grown after green basil and increased in plants grown after horseradish. The results show that basil can be grown in the same substrate used by the tested species with positive influences on growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to information published in various specialized articles and those taken from traditional beliefs, goji fruit is considered to be an important antioxidant, antidiabetic, and a natural source with excellent effects on the cardiovascular system and in decreasing the level of cholesterol in the human body. The present study was conducted to develop a method of optimizing the content of antioxidants. Therefore, we initiated the in vitro culture of goji plants from meristematic apexes of plants harvested from 30-day-old germinated seeds generated from the substrate septic consisting of peat mixed with perlite. The culture medium used was Murashige & Skoog supplemented with 0.5 mg / l IBA (indolyl butyric acid) and 0.5 mg / l BA (benzyladenine). Plants containers were exposed to light of different colors fluorescent tubes from Osram company and the following lengths wave: white; blue- 473 nm; green- 533 nm; yellow 580 nm; red-680 nm. Chamber growth temperature was 230C ± 20C, between light and 200C ± 20C, during hours of darkness, photoperiod of 16 hours light and 8 hours darkness. At the age of 60 days these vitro seedlings have undergone physiological and biochemical analyzes. Red light, green and yellow stimulates growth length of vitro seedlings and blue light produce small and stocky plants and even growth slowing. Blue light has increased the total content of assimilating pigments and content of antioxidants (phenols, flavonoids) were increased by the yellow and white light. The antioxidant capacity was also higher in vitroplants grown in blue light and lowest in red light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The land and water pollution is very frequently encountered. The Black Smith Institute of New York comes out that there are the most polluted places in the world. Hierarchy criteria for creating the rank with the most polluted places were: the number of the people affected the toxicity of the agents and the evidence regarding the health problems caused by pollution in a certain area. The objective of this work is to identify points of view regarding heavy metal pollution as well as providing details on environmental technologies on the rehabilitation of contaminated sites, like GEOLIFE technology. We offered some examples about plants that could be used as bioindicators for soil pollution and about the consequences of the pollution of marine ecosystems by heavy metals, from the Black Sea Coast. The treatment of the contaminated water with ecological product PETROLSYNTH generates rapid decomposition of the existent contaminants, the removal of the existent materials, the appearance of vegetal algae immediately after the treatment, immediate application of the treatment, low costs in order to apply the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a co-product of the ethanol production industry, on growth and some physiological parameters in common carp. The experiment was carried out on fish with an initial weight of 86 g while the duration was seven weeks. The experimental diets contained DDGS 0% (D0), 25% (D1), and 35% (D2). Through FT-NIR analysis, it was established that DDGS had a protein content of 27.56% and an oil content of 6.75%. No differences were recorded in terms of growth, flesh quality and blood biochemical parameters. The analysis of some parameters of the oxidative status (SOD, GSH, CAT, GPX, MDA, carbonylated proteins) revealed changes depending on the content of DDGS. The analysis of the intestinal microbiota revealed a proliferative effect of DDGS. In conclusion, DDGS can be used in the carp diet, without producing negative changes on growth. At the same time, due to the reduced price compared to that of cereals, the use of DDGS in feed can contribute to reducing costs and ensuring the sustainability of production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tolerance of lead in some varieties of Ocimum basilicum L. has been investigated using seed germination and plant growth bioassays. The aim of this paper is to test the ability of their seeds to germinate and their seedlings to develop in a heavy metal contaminated environment. In the investigated species, seed germination and seedling development were affected by the tested concentrations of lead solutions (100 mg/l, 300 mg/l and 500 mg/l), the critical concentration of lead in the soil being 100 mg/l. The tested lead solutions had inhibitory effect on seedling growth in Ocimum basilicum, as compared to the control. Inhibition was observed on the root and hypocotyl lengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phaseolus coccineus is an important crop due to its high amount of protein and it is largely cultivated worldwide. Little is known about the contents of health related compounds in runner bean flowers, although they are edible, but rarely used. The present paper aims to assess the amounts of total polyphenolics, flavonoids and anthocyanins as well as antioxidant activity in several runner bean cultivars flowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocimum basilicum L. is a largely used plant in alimentation, cosmetics and medicine due to its aromatic and therapeutic properties. The present paper analyses the total phenolic content, flavonoids content and antioxidant activity using the DPPH method for two new Romanian basil cultivars, the green leaved "Aromat de Buzau" and the purple leaved "Violet de Buzau". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper aims to evaluate the marigold inflorescence yield, chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence of Calendula officinalis L. under ecological fertilization with four different foliar fertilizers (Fylo®, Geolino Plants&Flowers®, Cropmax®, Fitokondi®). The flowers yield was increased in all fertilized plants, compared to unfertilized ones, but the content of chlorophyll pigment and chlorphyll fluorescence values were not significantly influenced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sucrose is an easily assimilated macronutrient that provides a rapid source of energy and contributes to mental alertness and cognitive functions. However, excessive consumption of sucrose leads to complications, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Cognitive alterations and Alzheimer's disease onset seem to correlate with pathological glucidic metabolism alterations. Recent studies report that individuals with metabolic weaknesses could be more susceptible to cognitive alterations under episodic environmental stressors. Fipronil, one of the most known GABAergic disruptive phenylpyrazole insecticides, was recently described to induce cognitive impairments in animal models. Here, we have assessed the effects of acute exposure to the fipronil on memory and other behavioral parameters in the Silver crucian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) seedlings and whether these effects may be potentiated by the acute exposure to high concentration of sucrose. Behavioral assessment of the animal models was carried out using the T-maze test, light-dark test, and mirror biting test to evaluate the specific memory, locomotor, and risk assessment behaviors. The T-Maze memory task assessment was largely adapted to the recently developed FMT Y-maze method. Tissue analyses of the body fat and water content were performed to assess the effects of sucrose exposure. Short-term memory impairments as revealed by significantly decreased alternating tetragram sequences were observed only when the animals were co-exposed to fipronil and sucrose. Memory impairments were accompanied by high levels of anxiety and significantly decreased aggressiveness. The implication of GABAergic system alterations in fish may underline working-memory deficits, which rise over the significance threshold under high sucrose exposure, suggestive of increased risk for metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]