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Sodium alginate (ALG) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) are two polysaccharides that have a wide range of applications, which could lead to accidental pollution of the environment, making the assessment of their potential ecotoxicity imperative. The present study assesses the effects of ALG and CMC on the growth response of common duckweed (Lemna minor L.). The results emphasize that both polysaccharides can be classified as practically nontoxic based on their EC50 values, with ALG having a relatively higher toxicity compared to CMC. It was also observed that high doses of 1, 5 and 10 mg mL-1 of the two polysaccharides produced growth inhibitory effects against common duckweed. The toxicity of biopolymers against common duckweed, measured as EC50 values, seems to be correlated to the hydrophobicity of the monomers building the polymer. The EC50 values increase linearly with increasing water solubility (log S) values and decrease linearly with the lipophilicity (log P) values.

Allergies are exacerbated immune responses of the body to certain structures, called allergens, which under normal conditions do not elicit any response from the body. Cross-reactivity is a phenomenon that reveals the phylogenetic relationship between allergens and is important to consider when starting a diagnostic investigation in order to determine the best route of immunotherapy. The most commonly used methods to asset allergies are: skin prick test, component-resolved diagnosis, immunoglobulin E measurement assay, basophil activation test and challenge tests. Immunotherapy, unlike pharmacotherapy, induces tolerance to certain allergens, even after the completion of treatments, altering the natural course of the pathology. In terms of allergy diagnosis, the main problem is outlined around the quality of allergen extracts. Besides the fact that allergen extracts may have other immunogenic components that are not directly related to the targeted allergy, there are also panallergens in nature that can introduce errors in the diagnosis of some allergies. So the main efforts in this direction are done for the development of purified allergen extracts. In this review we have classified and described allergies based on the causative agent into: pollen allergy, food allergy, dust mite allergy, fungal allergy, insect allergy, pet dander allergy and drug allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, air pollution is one of the main environmental problems, and urbanization is considered one of the most dangerous changes that an ecosystem can undergo. Biological monitoring of urban habitats is needed to determine both atmospheric pollutants and their effects on organisms. Biomonitoring is a common and feasible method for air quality assessment in different environments. Plants are organisms constantly exposed to air, thus they are the primary receptors of all particles and pollutants in the atmosphere. In monitoring plants in urban environments, it is essential to identify and evaluate the right parameters to give us a complete and detailed picture of their state of health and evolution. This review paper aims to mention the parameters that respond as bioindicators in the monitoring of plant organisms to reveal relevant data regarding the environmental quality of their habitat, considering both invasive and non-invasive methods. Biomonitoring techniques using nondestructive methods are becoming increasingly important due to their advantages over chemicalanalytical methods. In vivo methods, which are based on both imaging and spectroscopic approaches, are recently increasingly optimized due to the advantages they offer in the field. In order to achieve the most exhaustive classification of plant parameters, various evaluable plant characteristics, morphological, morphometric, biochemical, and physiological aspects were considered, thus providing a solid basis for data analysis and interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First-order sinking cave streams experience considerable hydrological variability, including spates and periods of base-flow during dry seasons. Early-summer flooding on a first-order stream sinking in Ciur-Ponor Cave (Romania) represented a suitable opportunity to test the response of the macroinvertebrate community and of basal food resources quantity and diversity to such a disturbance event. The invertebrate community and basal resources (i.e., woody debris, leaves, fine particulate organic matter and epilithon) were collected from three sampling sites, before and after the flood. The sampling strategy followed an up-downstream gradient of both species diversity and quantity of allochtonous organic matter decrease as the stream flows through the cave. From each sampling site, ten replicates of both the benthic community and basal resources (detritus and epilithon) were taken. Outside the cave, the spate reduced the invertebrate community density, instant secondary production, complexity and stability (measured as eco-exergy and specific eco-exergy). The epigean section of the stream is populated mainly by taxa characteristic of karst headwaters prone to floods that usually recolonize the streambed rapidly from adjacent habitats. This effect was corroborated with a subsequent increase of both the mass of fine particulate organic matter and of invertebrate density within the cave, following the aftermath of the flood. In the river stretch situated close to the entrance (100 m), where the flood carried both live and dead organic matter, the stability index showed that the complexity of the community was not severely disturbed, despite the high influx of surface-dwelling taxa and temporary increase in species richness. Further downstream, in the third sampling site (400 m from entrance), all measured endpoints indicated a change in community stability, suggesting that local spates can act as rejuvenating drivers in shaping the invertebrate community structure and functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the values of some gravimetric parameters on aboveground parts of wheat. The research was conducted on the Ciprian cultivar. The experimental field was located at the Didactic Station from BUASMV Timisoara. Here the soil can be characterized as a slightly gleized cambic chernozem. The application of fertilizing substances is important due to the fact that it determines qualitative and quantitative changes in crops. Nitrogen is the most used fertilizer globally, due to the fact that it is essential in growth and development. A higher grain yield is assured after the application of ammonium nitrate. For this experiment, five experimental N doses were used: 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ammonium nitrate ha-1, respectively. The research was realized on the aerial parts of wheat plants. The investigated indices included fresh and dry weights, but also ash content and initial water quantity. The results were analyzed and processed with PAST Software v3. Values lower than 0.05 were considered significant. All the investigated parameters presented the lowest values for N 0 probes and the highest values for N 200 probes, in both periods. Levene's test showed that the values of all parameters for periods 1 and 2 were heterogeneous. Welch F test showed that the data are significantly different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

85 fungi in outdoor air in the present study is reported. Over 44 taxa of anamorphic fungal spores were observed. The results of this study will contribute with information about existing mycoflora in atmosphere since knowing the local aeroallergens facilitates the diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In urban conditions, we investigated several leaf traits (leaf area, specific leaf area, fractal dimension and specific leaf weight) on Taraxacum officinale, Tilia tomentosa, Aesculus hippocastanum and Ambrosia artemisiifolia. The analyzed organs were mature leaves, on the first indications of senescence. This study used an exact, inexpensive and efficient in terms of costs alternative methods for determining the leaf parameters. On the other hand, this paper presents an application of the leaf area and fractal dimension in the analysis of leaf shape. Our results show that leaf area and fractal dimension are sensitive parameters that can be effectively used in biomonitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomonitoring results showed that a total of 23 pollen types were located in the air of the study area. The analysis of the airborne pollen content concerned 20 taxa, whose pollen has allergenic properties and occurs in large quantities in the air of Timisoara: Alnus, Taxaceae/Cupressaceae, Salix, Populus, Ulmus, Fraxinus, Juglans, Quercus, Tilia, Pinaceae, Corylus, Carpinus, Betula, Poaceae, Rumex, Plantago, Urticaceae, Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae, Ambrosia and Artemisia. Analysis of the pollen count in Timisoara was performed on the basis of the data collected in the year 2009. Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Urticaceae and Poaceae reached the highest atmospheric pollen concentrations in Timisoara. Multiple regression analysis was found to be a very valuable tool for identifying the weather variables most closely associated with atmospheric pollen seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambrosia artemisiifolia (ragweed) is an invasive weed with pollen representing one of the most potent seasonal aeroallergenes. Romania is considered a ragweed infested country, based on field observations performed in different regions, pollen counts done in the West region and some clinical reports from allergists in the West and South parts. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the situation of allergies induced by Ambrosia artemisiifolia from the perspective of allergists practice in Romania and to draw some conclusions regarding consequences and possible measures to reduce this burden. The study was based on a questionnaire addressed to allergists attending the national annual allergology conference in 2013. The answers showed that part of the allergists are aware of the importance of allergies induced by Ambrosia pollen. We concluded that research projects in this field, application of eradication measures and public information are important for increase awareness of people about health impact of Ambrosia pollen in Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the authors presents the results of their research made in south west of Romania to evidence the level of foodstuffs and feedstuffs contamination with Fusarium sp. and zearalenone. The authors considers that this type of studies is very important because the foodstuffs and feedstuffs that were infected with different fungi could be contaminated with mycotoxins and these products could produce different affections to the people and to the animals. This is the reason because the contaminated food and feed must be eliminated of the people and animal consumption, if exceeds the maximum levels imposed by legislation. The results are synoptically presented in tables, comparatively with other author's results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the first aerobiological monitoring results for Fagales in the city of Timişoara (Romania) using a volumetric spore-trap (Lanzoni VPPS 2000) which is now the most commonly used aerobiologic measurement instrument in Europe. The aim of this study was to determine characteristics of Fagales pollen occurrence in outdoor environment of Timişoara by measuring daily pollen concentrations. The concept of the atmospheric pollen season was used. Sampling was carried out during 8 years, starting in 2000 until 2007. Fagales allergenic pollen appear in the area of Timişoara only from the end of January to the end of May. The data showed that during the early spring the atmospheric pollen season for these allergenic species is highly variable. There were considerable variations in start date, atmospheric pollen season, peak concentration, date of peak. The concentration of airborne Fagales pollen in Timişoara and the correlations with some meteorological parameters have been examined. Daily pollen concentrations presented negative correlation with daily average relative humidity, and slightly positive with wind speed using Spearman's correlation coefficients. Fagales pollen concentrations represent important values in the atmosphere of Timişoara, which means they may to cause pollinosis in its population. The best-represented pollen type through the entire period was Betula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins are considered to be natural substances produced by fungi, infecting cereals and other agricultural products. The study was conducted on 20 male Sprague-Dowley rats which received feed with known concentration of DON. The animals were divided in 4 groups: Group I - control group, group II - 3 mg//Kgc DON, group III - 5 mg/Kgc DON, group IV - 9 mg/Kgc DON. The blood samples were taken and the main components of bloods were analyzed: erythrocytes, platelets, leucocytes, Ht. (hematocrit), Hb. (concentration hemoglobin). Variations of blood parameters give information regarding the influence of DON on functionality of cardiovascular and excretory system. Administration of DON contaminated feeds determined at Sprague-Dowley rats a decrease of erythrocytes and platelets with each increasing dose (p < 0.05), a decrease of hematocrit and concentration of hemoglobin and no significant changes (p > 0.05) were observed regarding the number of leucocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our study was to determine the concentrations of Cladosporium, Alternaria and Stemphylium conidia in four urban areas in Romania: Brasov, Bucharest, Craiova and Timisoara. The sites differed in habitat characteristics, such as vegetation and microclimate. Airborne spores sampling was carried out in these cities by employing volumetric sampling. The samplings with the Lanzoni sampler were conducted in 2005. Spores were identified at the genus level only. Alternaria and Cladosporium have been identified as the most abundant and frequent aeroallergens in our cities. The totals of airborne spores recorded in this study show a considerable variation. The higher fungal spore concentrations occur in Bucharest and Craiova. The recorded levels of airborne spores in Bucharest and Craiova were close the concentrations that are accepted as threshold levels for provocation of clinical responses. The diurnal periodicity of aerial conidia showed a peak around midday and low counts in the dark. The present study will contribute to our knowledge of airborne spores in Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to compare the airborne concentrations of pollen produced by vernal flowering trees taxa (Alnus, Betula, Carpinus, Corylus, Fraxinus, Platanus, Populus, Quercus, Taxaceae/Cupressaceae) in the cities of Timisoara (Romania), Szeged (Hungary), Novi Sad (Serbia) and Ljubljana (Slovenia) during the years 2006-2008. Annual variations in the concentration of pollen in the atmosphere were analysed by the volumetric method. In these cities, the period with the greatest diversity of pollen types is spring. These trees are found in mixed forests and are used in urban landscaping and home gardens. Inter-annual differences can be seen in the seasonal behaviour of the pollen in Novi Sad, 2008 being the year in which the highest levels of airborne pollen were reached. During the 3-year period, pollen of the representatives of the family Betulaceae accounted for a significant proportion of total pollen, predominated by Betula pollen and a considerably lower proportion of Alnus, Carpinus and Corylus airpollen. Taxaceae/Cupressaceae pollen appears in the atmospheric pollen spectra of all localities in high concentrations. These pollen grains are the main source of allergens in springtime. Results of the study reveal important differences between the cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present analysis was to describe the dynamics of the Chenopodiaceae / Amaranthaceae pollen in the atmosphere of Timisoara, by taking into consideration the data collected through volumetric method (identification, quantification). Chenopodiaceae / Amaranthaceae has a long pollen season with low concentrations in the air plankton. The period of Chenopodiaceae / Amaranthaceae flowering starts in June and continues until the half of October under climatic conditions from the Western Plain of Romania. The pollen belonging to Chenopodiaceae / Amaranthaceae was sampled during a 5-year (2000-2004) atmospheric pollen monitoring programme in Timisoara. Romania, using a VPPS 2000 Lanzoni trap. Chenopodiaceae / Amaranthaceae air pollen constitutes between 2.20% and 5.52% of the annual total pollen grains. The highest annual level was attained in 2002 with 1108 PG. Pollen seasons were defined as the periods in which 90% of the total catch occured. The highest concentration of Chenopodiaceae / Amaranthaceae pollen, equal to 50 PG/m³/24h was identified in 2003. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen allergy is characterized by seasonal allergic manifestations affecting patients during the plant pollen season. To evaluate the pollen allergenic risk of a given area it is necessary to have both a deep knowledge of the local vegetation and of the floral phenology and influence of weather variations. Pollen belonging to Rumex was sampled during a 5-year (2000-2004) atmospheric pollen-monitoring programme in Timişoara, România, using a VPPS 2000 Lanzoni trap. Annual variations in the concentration of pollen in the atmosphere were analysed by the volumetric method. Rumex airpollen constitutes between 1.55% and 7.72% of the annual total of pollen grains. The highest annual level was attained in 2000 with 966 PG. During the studied period, inter-annual variations, concerning the total annual pollen counts and the beginning, peak and ending dates of the APS, were reported. The length of pollen seasons was calculated by the 95% method and 90% method. Results of this study demonstrate that Rumex seasons occurred at regular intervals between May and July each year; however, individual daily and seasonal Rumex counts were heterogeneous. The highest concentration of Rumex pollen, equal to 35 pollen grains/m³/24 h was noted in 2000. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen belonging to Pinaceae was sampled during a 5-year (2000-2004) atmospheric pollen-monitoring programme in Timişoara, Romania, using a VPPS 2000 Lanzoni trap. Measurements were performed mainly by the volumetric method in order to establish the spatial distribution of pollen in aeroplankton. During the studied period, interannual variations, concerning the total annual pollen counts and the beginning, peak and ending dates of the APS, were reported. The duration of season, peak days and concentration of pollen grains in peak days differed moderately. Pinaceae pollen constitutes between 1.7% and 4% of the annual total of pollen grains. The mean annual concentration for 5 years of study was 452.8 PG. The highest annual level was attained in 2001. The highest concentration of Pinaceae pollen, equal to 42 pollen grains/m3/24 h was noted in 2002. Pollen seasons were defined as the periods in which 90% of the total catch occurred. Pinaceae have a relatively short pollen season with low pollen concentrations in the air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]