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In any region of the globe, the cultivation of industrial crops, including hemp, imposes certain conditions related to relief, climate, hydrology, or soil. The interrelations between these factors lead to differentiations regarding the establishment of cultivation zones and implicitly in terms of productivity. This study aimed to identify suitable areas for hemp cultivation and generate favorability maps in western Romania, based on GIS and MCDA techniques. Ten factors, significantly important for hemp cultivation, related to relief, climatic conditions, soil, and human intervention were considered. Following spatial analyses using the Weighted Overlay Analysis (WOA) method, the territory was classified into four zones: Zone I, with highly suitable lands (26%), located in the western half, overlapping with plain areas and river valleys; Zone II, with moderately suitable lands (28%), located in regions of high plains and hilly areas; Zone III, with marginal lands (3%), located in some depression areas, hilly areas, or at the contact with pre-mountainous areas; Zone IV, with unsuitable lands for hemp cultivation, in mountainous areas, under restrictive environmental conditions. The obtained results can be used in land management strategies or by farmers for estimating available land resources.

This study compares three Romanian Hyssopus officinalis species—H. officinalis f. ruber (HOR), H. officinalis f. albus (HOA), and H. officinalis f. cyaneus (HOC)—evaluating their chemical composition and biological activities, specifically protein denaturation, haemolysis inhibition, and antibacterial effects. Chemical profiles were determined using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The species were cultivated at two distinct locations: the Didactic and Experimental Station DESUSVT and the Agricultural Research and Development Station Lovrin (ARDSL). This study investigates the correlation between chemical composition, biological activities, and local climate data at each site. The results show significant variations in chemical profiles, with species and cultivation location influencing the biological activities. H. officinalis f. albus (HOA) exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria. The molecular docking analysis highlighted key compounds, such as cyclohexene,4-isopropenyl-1-methoxymethoxymethyl and elemol, with binding solid affinities to microbial and inflammatory proteins. This study provides valuable insights into the chemical and biological properties of Hyssopus officinalis, emphasising its potential in combating microbial infections, protein denaturation, and haemolysis inhibition.

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate from a nutritional, phytochemical, and rheological point of view different varieties/lines of oats cultivated in Romania. In this sense, the proximate composition (proteins, lipids, mineral substances, starch, and carbohydrates), the total polyphenols content (TPC) of individual polyphenols and macro and microelements of 20 oat varieties/lines were determined. In order to evaluate the potential for use in the flour industry (pasta, bread, and biscuits)., a variety of oats with optimal nutritional properties and active principles was used to obtain oat/wheat composite flours in different proportions (10–30% oat flour) and subjected to rheological analysis using the Chopin Mixolab test (Chopin Technologies, Paris, France) The results showed a protein content between 14.36–17.08%, lipid content between 6.01–9.03%, starch between 44.13–52.95%, total mineral substances between 0.93–1.65%, carbohydrates between 65.16–69.32% and energy value between 389.81–409.86 kcal/100 g. The TPC content varied between 614.76–1244.58 µgGAE/g, and the average values of individual polyphenols were between 1.87 μg/g (rosmarinic acid) and 28.18 μg/g (gallic acid). Regarding the macroelements content, potassium (K) was the major element (203.19 μg/g), followed by calcium (Ca) (181.71 μg/g) and magnesium (Mg) (105.79 μg/g). The level of microelements varied between 3.02 μg/g for nickel (Ni) and 60.25 μg/g for iron (Fe). Multivariate data analysis PCA was used to correlate the obtained data. The rheological analysis using the MIXOLAB system proved that, from the point of view of technological properties, composite flours from a mixture of 10–30% oat and wheat flour are the best for obtaining biscuit dough, compared to pasta or pan bread. Following the study and based on nutritional, phytochemical and rheological results, line 2511 was selected as optimal for use in obtaining hypoglycemic flour foods for people with diabetes.

The increased consumer demand for safe foods has led to the development of new preservation techniques (e [...]

Abstract Satureja hortensis is one of the representative plants from the Lamiaceae family, and its essential oil has been used in various applicative fields, from the food industry to aromatherapy. The changes that occur in heated samples at different temperatures (160, 175, 190 ºC) over different periods (0.5 and 2.5 h) in Satureja hortensis essential oil composition and chemical properties were evaluated. The results showed that the major chemical composition constituents of the investigated essential oil are γ-terpinene + α-terpinolene and carvacrol + p-cymene and the thermal behavior is dependent on the content. This composition drastically changes through the heating of the samples and causes significant changes in thermal behavior. The present study demonstrated that the concentration of carvacrol in S. hortensis essential oil is increasing after heating treatment, and the sample heated at 190 ºC for 2.5 h contained more than 91% carvacrol. This simple treatment is a rapid way to obtain carvacrol from the essential oil that has high potential as a natural preservative suitable for the food industry and alternative and complementary medicine.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is the main food staple for millions of people in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Asia. Sorghum is relatively drought tolerant and cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions under rain-fed production. However, severe drought stress often leads to crop loss and declined productivity. The development and deployment of high-yielding and drought-adapted genotypes is a cost-effective strategy for sustainable sorghum production globally. The objective of this study was to determine drought tolerance and genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) effects on grain yields of a population of African sorghum genotypes to identify high-yielding and drought-adapted genotypes for direct production and also for use in breeding programs. Two hundred and twenty-five sorghum genotypes were evaluated under non-stressed (NS), pre-anthesis drought stress (PreADS), and post-anthesis drought stress (PoADS) conditions under field and greenhouse environments using a 15 × 15 alpha lattice design in two replicates. The three water regimes and two environments resulted in six testing environments. Data were collected on grain yield and drought tolerance parameters, and additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis were computed. The mean grain yield under NS, PreADS, and PoADS were 3.70, 1.76, and 2.58 t/ha, in that order. The best genotypes adapted to non-stressed environments were G09, and G109, whereas G114 and G56 were suitable for non-stressed and stressed conditions. G72 and G75 displayed the best performance in PreADS conditions only, whereas genotypes G210 and G12 were identified as high performers under PoADS only. The AMMI analysis revealed that genotype (G), environment (E), and GEI were significant (p < 0.05), which accounted for 38.7, 44.6, and 16.6% of the total explained variation in grain yield. AMMI 4 was the best-fitting model for grain yield. Based on AMMI 4 and the Best Linear Unbiased Estimates (BLUPs) calculations, genotypes G119 and G127 with a grain yield of 5.6 t/ha and 6.3 t/ha were selected as being suitable for non-stressed conditions. Genotypes G8 and G71 with BLUPs of 2.5 t/ha and 2.6 t/ha were best-suited for pre-anthesis drought stress conditions, whereas genotypes G115 and G120 with BLUPs of 4.2 t/ha and 4.3 t/ha are recommended for post-anthesis drought-prone environments, respectively. The identified sorghum genotypes are recommended for production in dry agro-ecologies of sub-Saharan Africa characterized by pre-and-post anthesis drought stress. In addition, the identified genotypes are valuable genetic resources to develop novel drought-tolerance material.

This paper aims to evaluate the influence of preparation and extraction methods on the phytochemical profile and microbiological activity of 12 medicinal plants from the west side of Romania. First, the proximate composition (humidity, proteins, lipids, and ash) and elemental composition of the raw material were evaluated. Two levels of plant shredding were used: coarse shredding (CS) and fine grinding of plants to obtain powder (FG), and three extraction methods: conventional solvent extraction (CES), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave extraction (MWE). The phytochemical profile investigated referred to antioxidant activity (AA), total polyphenol content (TPC), and flavonoid content (TFC), using spectrophotometric methods, and individual polyphenols detected using the LC/MS method. The preparation/extraction method for each medicinal plant was optimized using statistical analysis. The optimized extracts for each medicinal plant were tested to evaluate the antimicrobial potential against 9 standard strains. The results showed that the sample preparation method before extraction (shredding or grinding) influences the content of phytocompounds by increasing them in powder form. The use of green technologies, especially MWE, leads to the highest content of TPC, TFC, and AA. The TPC value ranged between 4.83–19.2 mgGAE/g DM in the samples CS and between 19.00–52.85 mgGAE/g DM in the samples FG. The highest antioxidant value was found in the Origanum vulgare extract, both in the case of the crushed sample (22.66 mM Fe2+/100 g) and the powder sample (81.36 mM Fe2+/100 g), followed by Melissa officinalis, The TFC values varied in the range of 1.02–3.46 mgQE/g DM when CES was used, between 2.36–12.09 mgQE/g DM for UAE, and between 1.22–9.63 mgQE/g DM in the case of the MWE procedure. The antimicrobial activity highlighted the effectiveness of the extracts, especially on the strains of H. influenzae, C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, S. aureus, and S. flexneri. Reduced antimicrobial activity was recorded for the strains of S. pyogenes and P. aeruginosa. The best antimicrobial activity was registered by Thymus serpyllum, with an inhibition rate of 132.93% against E. coli and 78.40% against C. albicans.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of some thymus populations collected from five different locations in Western Romania. The chemical compositions of the essential oils (EOs) were studied through GC–MS, and the biological activities were evaluated using the microdilution method. The EO yield ranged between 0.44% and 0.81%. Overall, 60 chemical compounds were identified belonging to three chemotypes: thymol (three populations), geraniol (one population) and carvacrol (one population). Thymus vulgaris L. is distinguished by a high content of thymol, while species of spontaneous flora (Th. odoratissimus and Th. pulegioides) contain, in addition to thymol, appreciable amounts of carvacrol and geraniol. The antimicrobial activity of each the five oils was tested on Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 19615), Esherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Shigella flexneri (ATCC 12022), Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC 14028), Haemophilus influenzae type B (ATCC 10211), Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) and Candida parapsilopsis (ATCC 22019). The EOs showed biological activity on Gram-positive/Gram-negative/fungal pathogens, the most sensitive strains proving to be S. pyogenes, S. flexneri, S. typhimurium and C. parapsilopsis with an MIC starting at 2 µL EO/100 µL. The species sensitive to the action of Thymus sp. from culture or spontaneous flora are generally the same, but it should be noted that T. odoratissimus has a positive inhibition rate higher than other investigated EOs, regardless of the administered oil concentration. To date, there is no research work presenting the chemical and antimicrobial profiling of T. odoratissimus and the correlations between the antimicrobial potential and chemical composition of wild and cultivated populations of thyme (Thymus sp.) growing in Western Romania.

Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) is a plant used in the textile industry and green building material industry, as well as for the phytoremediation of soil, medical treatments, and supplementary food products. The synergistic effect of terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids in hemp extracts may mediate the biogenic synthesis of metal nanoparticles. In this study, the chemical composition of aqueous leaf extracts of three varieties of Romanian hemp (two monoecious, and one dioecious) have been determined by Fourier-Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), high-performance liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-MS). Then, their capability to mediate the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their pottential antibacterial applications were evaluated. The average antioxidant capacity of the extracts had 18.4 ± 3.9% inhibition determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and 78.2 ± 4.1% determined by 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS™) assays. The total polyphenolic content of the extracts was 1642 ± 32 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) L−1. After this, these extracts were reacted with an aqueous solution of AgNO3 resulting in AgNPs, which were characterized by UV−VIS spectroscopy, FT-IR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The results demonstrated obtaining spherical, stable AgNPs with a diameter of less than 69 nm and an absorbance peak at 435 nm. The mixture of extracts and AgNPs showed a superior antioxidant capacity of 2.3 ± 0.4% inhibition determined by the DPPH• assay, 88.5 ± 0.9% inhibition as determined by the ABTS•+ assay, and a good antibacterial activity against several human pathogens: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Introduction Lupinus spp. are herbaceous perennial flowering plants included in the Fabaceae family. Among the approximately 200 species belonging to this genre, Lupinus albus L., also known as white lupin, Lupinus angustifolius L., and narrow-leafed lupin or blue lupin, represent two of the most studied species due to their intense culinary use and potential biological activity. The intention of the study was to characterize total phenolic content, perform FTIR analysis, and antiproliferative effects against A375 human melanoma cells extracts obtained from germinated and ungerminated seeds from Lupinus albus L. and Lupinus angustifolius L. Material and methods Total phenolic content was assessed using the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method. FTIR spectra were carried out by a Shimadzu Prestige-21 spectrometer in the range 400–4000 cm-1, using KBr pellets and resolution of 4 cm-1. Antiproliferative capacity was screened by employing the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and scratch assay methods. Results The study showed increased values corresponding to total phenolic content for the germinated extracts. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of genistein and main cinnamic acids derivatives (ferulic, caffeic, rosmarinic, and coumaric acids). All tested extracts showed weak antiproliferative potential against A375 human melanoma cells. Conclusions Germination increased the amount of bioactive compounds in the seeds of the two studied species of lupin. FTIR analyses provided an important fingerprint of the chemical composition.

This study was conducted to identify the volatile compounds of Mentha × smithiana essential oil (MSEO) and evaluate its antioxidant and antibacterial potential. The essential oil (EO) content was assessed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Carvone (55.71%), limonene (18.83%), trans-carveol (3.54%), cis-carveol (2.72%), beta-bourbonene (1.94%), and caryophyllene oxide (1.59%) were the main identified compounds. The MSEO displayed broad-spectrum antibacterial effects and was also found to be the most effective antifungal agent against Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis. The antioxidant activity of MSEO was tested against cold-pressed sunflower oil by peroxide, thiobarbituric acid, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), and β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching methods. The EO showed strong antioxidant effects as reflected by IC50 values of 0.83 ± 0.01 mg/mL and relative antioxidative activity of 87.32 ± 0.03% in DPPH and β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching assays, respectively. Moreover, in the first 8 days of the incubation period, the inhibition of primary and secondary oxidation compounds induced by the MSEO (0.3 mg/mL) was significantly stronger (p < 0.05) than that of butylated hydroxyanisole. In silico molecular docking studies were conducted to highlight the underlying antimicrobial mechanism as well as the in vitro antioxidant potential. Recorded data showed that the antimicrobial activity of MSEO compounds could be exerted through the D-Alanine-d-alanine ligase (DDl) inhibition and may be attributed to a cumulative effect. The most active compounds are minor components of the MSEO. Docking results also revealed that several mint EO components could exert their in vitro antioxidant activity by employing xanthine oxidase inhibition. Consequently, MSEO could be a new natural source of antioxidants and antiseptics, with potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries as an alternative to the utilization of synthetic additives.

This study was designed to evaluate, for the first time, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Nepeta × faassenii essential oil (NEO). Twenty-six compounds were identified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis, of which 4a alpha,7alpha,7a alpha-nepetalactone (34.12%), elemol (23.23%), spiro(5,6)dodecane (13.73%), and 3,4 alpha-dihydro-4a alpha, 7 alpha, 7a alpha-nepetalactone (7.93%) were the major compounds. The NEO exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial effects, and possesses potent antifungal activity on Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis. NEO’s antioxidant activity was evaluated against cold-pressed sunflowers oil by peroxide, thiobarbituric acid, 1,1-diphenyl- 2-picrylhydrazyl radical, and β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching methods. The NEO showed strong scavenging (IC50: 0.032 ± 0.005 mg/mL) and relative antioxidative activity (RAA%: 92.31 ± 0.17%) in 1,1-diphenyl- 2-picrylhydrazyl radical and β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching assays, respectively. Moreover, during 24 days of the incubation period, the oil inhibits the primary lipid oxidation significantly better (p < 0.05) than butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). In the case of secondary lipid oxidation, the oil performed significantly better (p < 0.001) than BHA from day 8 to day 12 of the incubation period. The biological activities recorded suggest that NEO may represent an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent with applications in medicine or the food industry.

The current study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and the synergistic potential of two essential oils (EOs), as obtained from Salvia officinalis L. (SEO), and Thymus vulgaris L. (TEO). The antifungal potential was tested in vitro against Fusarium graminearum (Fg 06_17), the herbicidal effect was studied using weed seeds of Amaranthus retroflexus (ARET), Chenopodium album (CALB), Echinochloa crus-galli (EGAL), but also wheat seeds (WS) of the Lovrin variety and tomato seeds Saint-Pierre of the variety. The GC-MS profile highlights that the mains compounds identified in SEO were: caryophyllene (25.364%), camphene (14.139%), eucalyptol (13.902%), and β-pinene (11.230%), while in TEO, the predominant phytochemicals were: γ-terpinene (68.415%) and p-thymol (24.721%). The results indicated that the tested EOs alone as well as in combination have allelopathic effect against investigated seeds, while the synergistic effect of TEO and SEO in terms of fungal growth was demonstrated at a level of 0.06%. Thyme and sage EOs exhibited in vitro anti-proliferative activity on two melanoma cell lines, namely A375 human melanoma and B164A5 mouse melanoma alone, as well as in combination. SEO was most effective in terms of decreasing the cell viability of murine and human melanoma cell lines when compared to TEO.

BackgroundThe second victim phenomenon refers to the emotional trauma healthcare professionals experience following adverse events (AEs) in patient care, which can compromise their ability to provide safe care. This issue has significant implications for patient safety, with AEs leading to substantial human and economic costs.AnalysisCurrent evidence indicates that AEs often result from systemic failures, profoundly affecting healthcare workers. While patient safety initiatives are in place, the psychological impact on healthcare professionals remains inadequately addressed. The European Researchers’ Network Working on Second Victims (ERNST) emphasizes the need to support these professionals through peer support programs, systemic changes, and a shift toward a just culture in healthcare settings.Policy OptionsKey options include implementing peer support programs, revising the legal framework to decriminalize honest errors, and promoting just culture principles. These initiatives aim to mitigate the second victim phenomenon, enhance patient safety, and reduce healthcare costs.ConclusionAddressing the second victim phenomenon is essential for ensuring patient safety. By implementing supportive policies and fostering a just culture, healthcare systems can better manage the repercussions of AEs and support the wellbeing of healthcare professionals.

Medicinal plants are a category of plant species that accumulate, in certain parts of the plant, various active principles useful in treating various conditions. Medicinal plants in various forms have served health since the beginning of the world. With the development of the chemical industry, some popular remedies have been given a different form, have been modernized. Most of the time, the effect of using medicinal plants is slow, requiring longer, but less risky and cheaper treatment. The effect of medicinal plants is more complex, acting on several organs or systems concurrently. Medicinal plants have fewer and much lower side effects. [Pop G. 2001, Fraternale D. 2006,Lawrence B.M.]. Therapeutic essential oils are very concentrated natural substances; they are volatile, biologically active and very effective from a therapeutic point of view. Essential oils are obtained from plants by a method of distillation in most cases, under special conditions of pressure and temperature. Following this process, the plants release some volatile biologically active components from their flowers, leaves, branches, roots, bark or seeds. [Baratta M.T1998, , Burt S.2004, Dean S. G. 1987]. Most essential oils contain components with antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Monarda didyma is an herbaceous plant, whose healing properties were known in Antiquity. The flower is often used as a medicine, as well as added to food in the form of spices. Monarda didyma came to our country in the 19th century and, for a long time, it had a decorative purpose. Today, the plant is widely used for treating various conditions, for strengthening the immune system, and for solving cosmetic problems. It is a very useful plant. [Rus C.F. 2013, Bojor O. 2009]. The name of this genre was given by the 18th-century physicist and Swedish physician, Karl Linné, in honour of the Spanish researcher and doctor Nicholas Monardes of the 16th century, who published a 1574 paper on new plants of America. [Yvone Y. 2012] Genus: Monarda, Family: Lamiaceae (alt. Labiatae), Subfamily: Nepetoideae, Tribe: Mentheae, Subtribe: Menthinae. The plant contains biologically active compounds and auxiliary components. Bioactive elements are turpentines - substances in the composition of essential oil [Bojor O. 2005, Suhaj M. 2006]. Some varieties of Monarda didyma contain characteristic substances that mimic the taste and smell of peppermint and lemon. It has been scientifically proven that prolonged use of Monarda didyma -based drugs is not dependent. The comprehensive treatment of a number of diseases with this plant and antibiotics accelerates recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cavernomas are one of the four types of vascular malformations which develop in the central nervous system. From an imaging point of view, they are low flow small vessel malformations that cannot be seen on conventional angiography and are rarely visible on CT. They can be seen on MRI because of the para-magnetic haemoglobin break-down products within them. Case presentation: A 35 years old male presented at the emergency room following a tonic-clonic seizure, without urine emission. After a clinical exam, it was decided to perform a cerebral MRI with contrast substance and angiographic sequence. Clinical and imagistic results showed a superficial left temporal cavernoma, which showed signs of recent bleeding. After the surgery, the patient has no neurological deficits and is discharged afebrile and without any other symptoms. At 6 weeks after the surgery, the patients returned for neurosurgical reevaluation in perfect neurological condition, without motor deficit or intracranial hypertension. Conclusions: Cavernomas are angiographic cryptic vascular lesions that need an MRI investigation in order to appreciate them correctly.

Cerebral activity is extremely complex and requires a super diagnosis investigation - there is no limit to this super investigation, especially in the case of expansive tumor or non-tumoral le-sions. Modernization of the diagnosis in these lesions has gained Science Fiction aspects. Adapting to those changes, operatory blocks and neurosurgeons all around the world have been improved to the same extent in order to obtain the most perfect results with keeping the quality of life. The modern slogan of neurosurgery is “MAXIMAL SAFE RESACTION". Continu-ing on this theme we can state that the equipment of the surgical apparatus is very special and extremely expensive. Complex but in accordance with one of the most exquisite agglomeration of atoms in the entire known Universe, the human brain!

The paper presents a summary of the steps of the 6 Sigma methodology applied in the gluing section within an automotive company form Sibiu, Romania. We describe the synthesis of each step of the DMAIC model, a well-known model in the application of the 6 Sigma methodology. In the last chapter, we outline some general conclusions regarding the use of the 6 Sigma methodology presenting the benefits both within the automotive organization from Sibiu and its general use by industrial organizations.

This paper presents a general model and the results that allow the construction of a virtual research center. After detailing the processes and the procedures within research centers, it has been developed a model using IDEF0 methodology. This was achieved by abstracting the initial model. The resulting model is based on a theoretical vision of ideal processes that can be developed through a virtual research center. The resulting virtual research center may be implemented and developed in the industrial sector.