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The absence of efficient on-farm interventions against white spot syndrome viral (WSSV) infections can cause significant economic losses to shrimp farmers. With this exploratory study we aimed to test, both in vitro and in vivo, the efficacy of an organic acid mixture (Aq) against WSSV infections in shrimp. In vitro, using shrimp gut primary cells (SGP), 2% Aq significantly reduced WSSV infection and the amounts of H2O2 released but had no impact on CAT and SOD expression. In vivo, in a shrimp challenge test, 2% Aq significantly downregulated the expression of proteins involved in WSSV virulence, such as the lipopolysaccharide-β-1,3-glucan-binding protein (LGBP) and the TLR signalling pathway (LvECSIT), and increased the expression of HO-1 oxygenase. Additionally, at 2% Aq, the expression of the digestive-related enzyme carboxypeptidase B was upregulated in the gut, alongside a significant decrease in IL-22 expression, a cytokine usually increased during WSSV infection in shrimp. A low mortality rate (7.33%) was recorded in infected shrimp treated with 2% Aq compared to the 96.66% mortality in the absence of Aq. The peritrophic membrane (PM) was proven essential to ensure Aq efficacy, as the infected and treated PM deficient shrimp (PM−) had a mortality rate of 27.8%, compared to only 9.34% mortality in the infected shrimp at 2% Aq and in the presence of PM (PM+). Aq significantly increased the expression of mucin-1, mucin-2, mucin-5AC, mucin-5B, and mucin-19 in both PM+ and PM− shrimp. Conclusively, organic acid in mixtures can protect farmed shrimp against WSSV infection and increase their survivability through a mediated gut health effect which includes resistance to oxidative stress and improved immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in particle size, solubility and chemical structure of different fiber components can cause changes in the bioavailability of some nutrients. Numerous studies have shown a reduction in apparent digestion of proteins in the gastrointestinal tract caused by direct and indirect processes. Endogenous nitrogen losses are due to increased secretion of digestive juices and increased desquamation in the presence of dietary fiber. Food fibers reduce digestion of food and endogenous proteins. Food processing can improve the bioavailability of proteins. Reduction of thermally latent antinutritional factors, such as trypsin inhibitors, phytates and polyphenols, as well as partial denaturation of proteins by heat treatment contributes to their digestibility. Protein quality in processed foods decreases primarily due to reduced lysine bioavailability. Experiments revealed an increase in protein digestibility (PD) in whole wheat flour heated samples in a forced air oven at 150°C over 0-10 minutes: 31.8% at time 0, 43.73% at 5 minutes and 48.43% at 10 minutes of heating. When heating for 15 minutes, digestibility decreased to near the unprocessed sample value (33.8%). PD in wheat samples exposed to microwave for 30, 60 and 90 seconds increased throughout the entire time period, with a maximum of 45.06% when exposed for 90 seconds. PD increased moderately in whole barley flour samples heated at 150°C, from 27.46% for the unprocessed sample to a maximum of 33.47% for the 5 minutes heated sample. PD in barley samples exposed to microwave was higher than in the unprocessed sample, with a maximum of 36.34% for 30 seconds exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereal grains are major sources of dietary fiber (DF), an important component of food and an important contributor to human health. Based on their water solubility DF are classified as soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF). The physical and physiological properties of dietary fibers are of commercial and nutritional importance. Food processing is mostly based on heating. Heat treatment alters the properties of plant cell wall and modifies the composition and solubility of fibers. The experiments had in view the effect of dry heat treatment (in forced air oven, and microwave oven) on the bioavailability of carbohydrates. The research investigated the dynamics of released glucose (RG) from heat treated whole wheat and barley flour, during in vitro gastric and intestinal digestion. RG after 240 minutes of intestinal digestion revealed a higher digestibility of carbohydrates in wheat samples heated at 150°C for 10 and 15 minutes and in barley samples heated for 5 minutes. When the heating time of the barley samples was longer, the digestibility of carbohydrates decreased due to the formation of higher starch resistant to amylase action. Carbohydrates digestibility of wheat samples exposed to microwaves was lower compared with untreated samples. We observed a moderate increase in carbohydrate digestibility in barley samples after microwave exposure for 30 and 60 seconds. The digestibility decreased after 90 seconds of microwave exposure, due to accelerated Maillard reactions and increase in the proportion of resistant starch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamics of released glucose (RG) and refractive index (RI) in the supernatant obtained during in vitro gastric and intestinal digestion of whole barley flour was studied. The in vitro digestion consisted of a two-step enzymatic procedure: (1) initial simulation of gastric digestion using pepsin and (2) simulation of small intestine digestion using multi-enzyme pancreatin. Experiments on 1 g barley flour showed an initial increase in RG concentration up to 0.379 mg / mL at one hour from the onset of gastric digestion, then a decrease in concentration, reaching the lowest value in 2 hours of gastric digestion (0.126 mg/mL). The concentration in reducing sugars increased throughout the intestinal digestion from 0.422 mg/mL up to 2.824 mg/mL, as a result of starch hydrolysis to dextrins, maltose and then to glucose. RI can give information on the amount of glucose released during digestion due to the high positive correlation found between RG and RI (r = 0.761). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) known in USA also as sunchoke, is a perennial plant, well-adapted to humid and cold climats, nonpretencious to soil and with good yield increase. The bulbs are the eatable part that grows in the ground and that has certain similitudes with the potato. The value of Jerusalem artichoke as a technical and medical vegetable is based on the chemical composition of the plant. The bulbs of the Jerusalem artichoke harvested in autumn have been sensorially and chemically analyzed along the deposition during the cold season. Measurements were made on the light brown variety with a slightly elongated shape. The low mass loss during depostion, the high content of reducing sugar (4.7- 6.12%) and total carbohydrates (94.27-96.18%) enable their successful use in the functional food and for the production of alcohol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in some physicochemical properties of milk during acidification. The milk samples were analyzed for titratable acidity expressed as % lactic acid (LA), pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and lactose content. In fresh milk LA and pH exhibit a weak negative correlation (r=-0.3210). When acid production starts, LA increases proportionally, whereas the pH decreases (r=-0.8043). The acidifying process induced concomitantly an increase in EC. The decrease in pH from 6.578±0.088 to 5.732±0.195, and in lactose content from 5.469±0.256g% to 4.97±0.385g% was accompanied by an increase in EC from 5.337±0.434 mS/cm to 5.940±0.493 mS/cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present investigations was to determine the effect of the cold storage period on the content of chlorophylls in the leaves of lettuce and arugula (rucola). The research material consisted in two types of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. capitata; Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa) and arugula (Eruca sativa) purchased from supermarkets in Timisoara. The quantitative determination of chlorophyll pigments in leaves (SPAD) was made by chlorophyll meter (SPAD 502 Konica-Minolta). During the few days cold storage at a temperature of 4°C, the content of chlorophyll in the leaf significantly decreased, compared with that in the control group. After 3 days of cold storage arugula and lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) values of chlorophyll content differ statistically very significantly (p<0.001) from the values found in the control group which for lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa) differs statistically significant (p<0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research had in view to evaluate and compare two instrumental techniques used for the determination of milk lactose. Refractometric and polarimetric measurements were carried out on milk serum obtained after precipitation of casein by two different methods: by acidification of milk to its isoelectric point (E1), and by using copper sulphate and potassium ferrocyanide (E2). The average lactose content measured by refractometry was 5.469±0.256 g% for method E1 and 5.852±0.218 g% for method E2. The obtained average lactose values measured by polarimetry were higher both for E1 (5.613±0.253 g%) and E2 (5.910±0.224 g%) methods, due to the interference with other optically active components. The experimental data revealed a high correlation between the results obtained by refractometry and polarimetry (r=0.8712) when casein precipitation was performed by potentiometric titration until pH=4.6, at 25°C with 2N acetic acid (method E1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of physical factors, such as microwave radiations, is today an alternative in agriculture for stimulation of plant vitality. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the influence of microwaves in the early seedlings stages for 4 Romanian barley genotypes: Cardinal, Sistem, Dana and Maresal. This study was conducted to determine whether there are differentiated responses to microwave irradiation, at different powers and different exposure times, on the dynamics of root growth in some barley cultivars. Root growth measurements were performed after 3, 7 and 14 days of treatment with microwaves. It was observed that genotype, power or exposure time had significant influence both on root growth and on the number of roots of the studied barley genotypes. Microwave treatment caused significant differences in seedlings root growth. The greatest influence on root growth had the time of exposure. The best results in terms of root growth were obtained for the Cardinal and Sistem variety. At these varieties, we observed the best stimulation effect, and the lowest influence of the microwave action. The most affected genotype was Dana, with the lowest stimulation effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the total protein values obtained in heparin plasma of chickens by a spectrophotometric technique (biuret method), and the values obtained on the same day in the same samples by refractometry. The results obtained by refractometry (average value 2.638±0.153g%) were higher than those obtained by the spectrophotometric method (average value 2.441±0.181g%). There was a low correlation (r = 0.6709) between the total protein values, determined with both methods. Protein is the major determinant of plasma refractive index, but glucose contributes too. The refractometric method is not recommended in chickens for the determination of total protein, because avian blood glucose concentration averages about twice than in mammalian blood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionized calcium is the physiologically active fraction of serum calcium and therefore its evaluation is an important clinical parameter both in mammals and birds. In the present study, concentration of total calcium (tCa), ionized calcium (iCa) based on the serum albumin level and on the total protein content, and corrected total calcium (ctCa) based on the serum albumin level were evaluated, and the correlation between these biochemical parameters was investigated in broiler chickens. The average serum iCa was 4.91±0.49g/dL representing 51.76±0.53% from the ctCa. The correlation coefficient between tCa and albumin (r = 0.8608) was greater than that between tCa and total protein (r = 0.7997). Our study illustrated that iCa and ctCa concentrations calculated from tCa and albumin are better indicators of calcium homeostasis than tCa concentrations alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to highlight the effect of Sempervivum tectorum and melatonin administration in rats exposed to aluminium sulphate through drinking water on the erythrocyte catalase activity The researches were carried out on Wistar albinos rats, grouped in 8 lots: a control lot (C) and 7 experimental lots (E1: 10% Sempervivum tectorum aqueous extract, 3 month; E2: melatonin, 10 mg/100 ml water, 3 month; E3: aluminium sulphate, 3 months; E4: aluminium sulphate with 10% Sempervivum tectorum aqueous extract, 3 months; E5: aluminium sulphate with melatonin 3 months; E6: aluminium sulphate 3 months followed by 10% Sempervivum tectorum aqueous extract for a month; E7: aluminium sulphate 3 months, followed by melatonin for a month). Al(3+) level in drinking water was 1000 ppb. It was registered decrease of catalase activity compared to C group in E3, E4 (p<0.01), E5 group (p>0.05) and an insignificant increase in E1, E2, E6, E7 groups. Sempervivum tectorum and melatonin administration led to the increase of catalase activity comparing to the group exposed only to aluminium. The catalase activity increase was significantly higher in case of consecutive administration to aluminium intake. Melatonin effect was more wellmarked as the one induced by Sempervivum tectorum (p>0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal treatment of cereal grains affects carbohydrate and micronutrient content and bioavailability. Water-retention capacity (WRC) is an important index for the effects of fiber in the diet and the metabolic activity of fiber along the gut. This study evaluated the effect of thermal treatment and digestive enzymes on wheat and barley WRC. Ground wheat and barley samples were heated for different time periods at 150°C before in vitro gastric and intestinal digestion. WRC values in heat treated wheat and barley are at higher levels as compared to the values of untreated cereals. WRC in barley ranged from 1.026 g water/g DM (untreated) to 1.36 g water/g DM (heated at 150°C for 15 minute). The increase was much lower in heat treated wheat, from 0.973 g water/g DM up to 1.03 g water/g DM at 5 minutes heating time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the main objective was to determine the influence of agrofield and the climatic conditions from Timisoara on seed production to three cotton genotypes (Gossypium hirsutum sp.): Marismas and Coko genotypes from Greece and Canada genotype from the USA, in the year 2010 of investigation. Bifactorial experience was placed in the field after subdivided parcels methods. The experimental factors established were: Factor A - agrofield (a1 - N0P0K0 ; a2 - N30P 30K30 ; a3 - N60 P30K30 ; a4 - N90 P60K60 ; a5 - N120P60K60; a6 - N30P30K30 plus foliar fertilization); factor B - genotypes (b1 -- Marismas - Greece, b2 - Canada - the USA, b3 - Coko - Greece). An important role for quality and quantity production had the three fertilized macroelements: azoth, phosphorus and potassium. Analysis of vegetation conditions for the cotton was made during the period May - October; active vegetation period between 1st May and the first hoarfrost of autumn (the cotton needed 170-180 days from germinal seeds, to the first hoarfrost falling. The best average production of seeds obtained to Marismas genotype, several 1072 kg/ha, comparative with the others genotypes at which realized the following average production: genotype Canada - 1057 kg/ha and to Coko genotype - 1051 kg/ha. The biggest production of seeds for the three genotypes of cotton Marismas, Canada and Coko obtained on agrofield a4 - N90 P60K60 (1128 kg/ha for Marismas genotype, 1130 kg/ha for Canada genotype and 1136 kg/ha for Coko genotype) comparative to control agrofield (a1 - N0P0K0). Fertilization dose until 90 kg/ha positively influenced the production of cotton seeds, the increases of production statistical being assured of significant and distinct significant on agrofields a4 - N90P60K60 and a 5 - N 120 P 60K 60 . The obtained results were statistically processed the analysis of variance and differences at p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. The foliar fertilization determined distinct significant increases of production, also. The three genotypes of cotton presented a good adaptability to weather conditions of Timisoara, in the year 2010. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present investigations was to determine the influence of agrofield on raw cotton production to three cotton genotypes (Gossypium hirsutum sp.): Marismas and Coko genotypes from Greece and Canada genotype from the USA, in the year 2010 of investigation. Investigations made to Experimental and Didactical Station of Timisoara, the experimental field being placed on a cambic chernozem soil, in climatic conditions of Timisoara in the year 2010. The experimental factors established were: Factor A - agrofield and Factor B - genotype. Factor A with six graduation: a1 - N0P0K0, a2 - N30P 30K30, a3 - N60P30K30, a4 - N90P60K60, a5 - N120P60K60, a6 - N30P30K30 and agrofield fertilization. Factor B with three graduation: b1 -- Canada - the USA; b2 - Marismas- Greece; b3 - Coko- Greece. Production analysis of raw cotton obtained under agrofield influence emphasized differences among genotypes. In the climatic conditions of Timisoara in the year 2010, the average productions of raw cotton were: Grecian genotype Marismas -- 1992 kg/ha, Grecian genotype Coko - 1833 kg/ha and Canada genotype - 1857 kg/ha. The biggest production at Marismas genotype was obtained on agrofield a4 - N90P60K60 (relative 2147 kg/ha cotton production) comparative with agrofield a 1 - N0P0K0. The biggest production for Canada genotype was obtained on the agrofield a4 - N90P60K60 (2047 kg/ha cotton production). The biggest productions at Coko genotype was obtained on the agrofield a4 - N90P60K60 (2033 kg/ha cotton production). The obtained results were statistically processed the analysis of variance and differences at p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. The three cotton genotypes presented a good adaptability to weather conditions from Timisoara in the year 2010. The weather conditions of year 2010 determined low productions of raw cotton to all the cotton genotypes face to the ones of 2008, the entrance in vegetation of plants with a delay of approximate of 14 days, it was the dominant factor. Investigation brought a data base of valorous reference about cotton cropping in Western of Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]