ABSTRACTS 2011 #2                                   
.

OCHRATOXIN A: A TOXICOLOGIC EVALUATION USING IN VITRO AND IN VIVO BIOASSAYS

Cristina Adriana DEHELEAN, Ersilia ALEXA , Ştefana FEFLEA, Georgeta POP, Camelia PEEV

Abstract. Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a secondary fungal metabolite that enters the food chain by cereals, beer and other products. Its toxicity is an important aim regarding the human pathologies such as nephrotoxicity. This mechanism is intense studied because of the affinity for blood albumins and the renal accumulation by the organic anion transporter. Its serum half-life is different in humans (850 h) and chicken (4.1 h) after oral administration. These data could lead to the idea of analyzing the deep mechanism in contact with blood elements. An important protocol for observation of necrosis/ toxicity and angiogenesis is CAM (chorioallantoic membrane assay) developed on embryonated chicken eggs. This test could be correlated with the red blood cell test (RBC).
In this study the toxicological effect of Ochratoxin A was tested. The Ochratoxin A was disolved in corn oil, in the similar concentration used in test on rats. The lipophilic solvent assures an important penetrability for tested compound on vascular plexus. The evolution of embryo vessels was observed after 15 minutes, 1h and 1 day. Samples were collected for haematoxilin-eosin staining and imunohistochemical evaluation. The same corn oil solution was used for the tests on blood red cells to see the damages.
The OTA was also administered to Sprague Dawley male rats and a detailed blood test was made. The main results indicated that OTA influences the blood vessels and blood quality in vitro and in vivo. The irritation created on blood vessels is moderate comparing to strong irritants but it is significant. It determines moderate changes on blood elements after a period of presence of a few weeks in sytemic ic circulation.

Keywords: Ochratoxin A, HET-CAM bioassay, Irritation score, in vivo toxicity.



Lepidoptera (Insecta: Lepidoptera) IN THE COLLECTION OF DANIEL CZEKELIUS FROM NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF SIBIU, COLLECTED FROM "DUMBRAVA SIBIULUI" FOREST, ROMANIA

Cristina MOISE

Abstract. Currently, fauna and ecological analysis of the landscape in which the reserves and Forest "Dumbrava Sibiu" shows a great scientific interest and practical for biological research in Sibiu. The results can contribute substantially to assessing the state of the world of insects and their evolution in the ecosystem studied, but also to establish their quantitative and qualitative changes over time. In the present work was studied the Lepidoptera collection of Transylvania Dr. Daniel Czekelius, and the paper presents a systematic list of species collected Macrolepidoptere since 1888-1929 in Forest "Dumbrava Sibiu".
This paper can be considered a tribute and memory of Dr.Daniel Czekelius entomologists, who through his collection ha s contributed substantially to the knowledge of this group of insects. The data obtained and to join the collections of personal data between 2000-2011 we intend to achieve a more comprehensive study, which will be subject to further research on the evolution Macrolepidoptera over more than 120 years of research in the area of Forest "Dumbrava Sibiu". For some species have been listed by the IUCN recommended levels of endangerment in 2000 and 2001 Rákosy L.: extinct, taxon vulnerable, near threatened.

Keywords: butterflies, biodiversity, Forest " Dumbrava Sibiului", Dr. Daniel Czekeliu collections.



THE INFLUENCE OF THE TYPE AND CONCENTRATION OF AMENDMENTS ON THE GROWTH DYNAMICS OF Phaseolus vulgaris L.

Camelia NICULA, Anca PETER, Leonard MIHALY-COZMUTA, Anca MIHALY-COZMUTA, Emil INDREA, Virginia DANCIU

Abstract. The experiments were performed to test the influence of amendments on the growth of Phaseolus vulgaris L. plants. The amendments tested were natural bentonite, natural zeolite modified with Ca2+ and natural zeolite modified with NH4+, respectively. The seeds of beans were planted in polluted soil mixed with 5% and respectively 10% content of amendment. Mixes with the two above-mentioned concentrations were prepared with each type of amendment considered. Soil without amendment was used as control-soil. In each of the seven experimental series, 15 seeds were planted. The height of each plant was measured and recorded after a pre-established number of days, up to one calendar month. Data were analyzed using version 16.0 (for Windows) of the SPSS software package.

Keywords: Phaseolus vulgaris L., zeolite, bentonite, growth dynamics, statistical analysis.

 

STUDY THE EFFECT OF BACTERIAL 1-AMINOCYCLOPROPANE-1-CARBOXYLATE
DEAMINASE (ACC deaminase) ON RESISTANCE TO SALT STRESS IN TOMATO PLANT

Maryam SADRNIA, Natalia MAKSIMAVA, Elena KHROMSOVA, Sergei STANISLAVICH, Parviz OWLIA, Mohammad ARJOMANDZADEGAN

Abstract: 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (ACC deaminase) produced by rhizobacteria could be remove the ethylene precursor and stimulate plant growth. Aim of the work was investigation on effect of rhizosphere bacteria Pseudomonas mendocina containing plasmid carrying gene encoding ACC deaminase on resistance of tomato plant to salinity. Amplification of acds gene in selected Pseudomonas was performed; the gene was cloned in Escherichia coli and was cloned subsequently in P. mendocina. Enzyme activity was determined in cloned Escherichia coli and cloned P. mendocina for confirmation of gene expression. Effect of bacterial ACC deaminase on resistance of tomato plants to NaCl was studied in Pot and Greenhouse. In pot experiment, tomato plant treated by cloned P. mendocina was compared with plants treated by P. mendocina (without plasmid) and control group. Salinity were established by adding 172 and 207 mM of NaCl to irrigated water. Greenhouse experiments were conducted in similar groups of bacteria in 207 mM of NaCl. Results obtained from pot experiment revealed that plants treated by cloned P. mendocina in 172 mM of NaCl was showed increasing content of growth than ones treated by P. mendocina and control as 11%, 18.4% growth for the shoot, 16.6%, 3.7% for roots and 9.6%, 27.5% for wet weight after five weeks, respectively. In 207 mM of NaCl, the results were as 14.9 %, 9.7% for shoot, 94.3%, 15.7% for roots and 96.4%, 50.6% for wet weight, respectively. In greenhouse experiment, results in same parameter in 207 mM of NaCl were revealed as 63.7%, 7 times for shoot, 2.8, 14 times for roots and 66.1%, 154 times for wet weight, respectively. We concluded that recombinant P. mendocina producing ACC deaminase by reduction of ethylene content of tomato plant in high salt concentrations could result in improvement of plant resistance to salinity.

Keywords: Pseudomonas mendocina, ACC deaminase, ethylene, salt stress.

 

CONTRIBUTION TO Solanum tuberosum L. TUBERGENESIS, VITROCULTIVATED UNDER ULTRABRIGHT COLOR L.E.D.

Liviu POP, Dorina CACHIŢĂ

Abstract. This experiment had the main purpose to reduce the consumption of electric energy used in biotechnological vitroculture processes, in order to obtain cheaper seedling and keep the environment cleaner. To achieve this goal, we replaced CFLs with ultrabright LEDs, and, as biologic experimental model, we used Solanum tuberosum L. inocula. Within 8 weeks we found that, at the same light intensity, the vitroplantlets grown under white light LEDs are totally similar to those cultivated under CFL white light. We have also found that colored light, generated by LEDs, especially the red and blue ones, determine the tubergenesis at potato vitroplantlets in 6-8 weeks and at a normal sucrose concentration. This technique could be used to produce really fast and at low cost potato seedling and can be extended to any other plant, too.

Keywords: Solanum tuberosum, in vitro, CFL, LED, wave length, tubergenesis.

 

THE ROLE OF NATURAL ZEOLITE AND OF ZEOLITE MODIFIED WITH
AMMNONIUM IONS TO REDUCE THE UPTAKE OF LEAD, ZINC, COPPER AND IRON
IONS IN Hieracium aurantium AND Rumex acetosella GROWN ON TAILING PONDS

Anca PETER, Leonard MIHALY-COZMUTA, Anca MIHALY-COZMUTA, Camelia NICULA

Abstract. The objective of this research is to determine if zeolite modified with ammonium ions has a higher capacity than natural zeolite to protect Hieracium aurantium and Rumex acetosella growing on tailing ponds, by reducing the quantity of metal ions these plants would accumulate in their roots and leaves. The influence of the amount of zeolite in the substrate (5 % and 10 % mass percentage) was also studied. The experiments were carried out in laboratory and the concentration of the ions of heavy metal in roots and leaves, after 38 days of growth was established by Flame Atomic Adsorption Spectroscopy. The pH, conductivity and redox potential for each of the substrate considered were measured. The results were statistically processed using the one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA). FTIR analyses were performed to establish the structural differences between the natural and modified zeolite. Hieracium aurantium and Rumex acetosella accumulate a smaller quantity of metal ions in roots and leaves in the presence of zeolite modified with ammonium ions than in the presence of natural zeolite. Laboratory tests showed that Hieracium aurantium is more tolerant to ions of heavy metals than Rumex acetosella, as demonstrated by their translocation factors. In terms of reducing the uptake of ions of heavy metals, only the zeolite modified with ammonium has a significant protective effect on Hieracium aurantium, while both natural zeolite and zeolite modified demonstrate a significant role for Rumex acetosella, as revealed by statistical tests.

Keywords: natural zeolite, zeolite modified with ammonium ions, Hieracium, Rumex, heavy metal ions.


RESISTACE TO BROW LEAF RUST OF HYBRIDS BETWEE WHEAT AND AMPHIPLOIDS WHEAT-THIOPYRUM

Alexander Lvovivh SECHNYAK, Alexei Anatolievich VASILIEV,Irina Sergeevna TKACHENKO

Abstract. The resistance to a brown leaf rust in 56 chromosomal partial аmphiploids (Triticum aestivum L. × Thinopyrum ponticum (Podp.) Z.-W. Liu and R.-C. Wang), РА 2 (Triticum aestivum L. × Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth and D.R. Devey), H79/9-9 (Triticum aestivum L. × Elymus sp.), Triticum aestivum L. cvs. Albatross odesskiy, Fantaziya odesskaya, Zhatva Altaya and their hybrids, F2 -F4 were studied at artificial infection in field infectious nursery in 2009, 2010 and 2011. The investigated varieties of wheat have shown a high susceptibility to pathogen. Amphiploids РА 1 and РА 2 also are susceptible to pathogen, but in a lesser degree, than the wheat. Good resistance was shown only by amphiploid Н79/9-9, but its hybrid with wheat Albatross Odessa appeared is susceptible to pathogen. The hybrids with amphiploids РА 1 and РА 2 have shown a various degree of resistance to brown leaf rust. Hybrid Zhatva Altaya × РА 2 within three years stably showed 8 point resistance to disease. The reasons for different resistance of amphiploids and its hybrids with wheat are discussed.

Keywords: brown leaf rust, resistance, wide crosses, wheat-alien amphiploids, Thinopyrum ponticum, Thinopyrum intermedium.

 

CAN THE ENVIRONMENT INDUCE INTRA-VARIETY CHANGES OF Helix pomatia CONCHOLOGICAL FEATURES?

Dragoş NICA, Mărioara Nicoleta FILIMON, Aurica Breica BOROZAN, Doru VINTILĂ

Abstract. Inter- and intra-specific genetically and phenotypically determined variations in snail morphological features are well documented. The same may be true even within the same species variety. The snails (Helix pomatia var. Banatica) were collected from two distinct sites, placed 100 km one from another and characterized by different climatic conditions (rainfall level, altitude, annual average temperature, and subtype of temperate climate): Oraviţa and Timişoara area. Using bi - and tridimensional data processing, statistical, and biochemical analyses we assessed the cumulated actions of environmental factors on intra - variety changes of shell morphological features in relation to origin area. Formula proposed for shell tri-dimensional processing (shell volume) provided a reliable and faster method to assess variations among shell height, width, and depth than the multiple analyses of each feature apart. Similarly, aperture bi-dimensional processing (aperture area) successfully replaced the separated statistical analyses of aperture height and depth. Most biometric features, excepting shell thickness, presented a linked and proportional pattern among themselves. In addition, the sense of these relationships (direct or converse proportional) for shell height, width, and depth seemed to vary depending on location. We demonstrated that shell volume and aperture area tend to be larger in areas with higher annual rainfall level, altitude, and mean average temperature. Oppositely, shell thickness displayed a conversed relationship, possibly related to higher calcium content registered for the same population. Overall, our findings suggest that within the same species variety gastropod shells follow a genetic pattern of growing that allow the preservation of their geometric shape irrespective of the environmental conditions.

Keywords: Helix pomatia, shell, biometry, geographical variation.

 

RESEARCHES REGARDING THE INFLUENCE OF THE WEATHER ON THE FLIGHT OF THE WHITE STORKS (Ciconia ciconia) IN THE SPRING MIGRATION ACROSS THE DOAMNEI RIVER HYDROGRAPHICAL BASIN (ARGEŞ COUNTY, ROMANIA) (II).

Adrian MESTECĂNEANU, Florin MESTECĂNEANU

Abstract. In this last part of the series of articles concerning the migration of the white storks (Ciconia ciconia) in the Doamnei River hydrographical basin, the authors make some considerations regarding the overflown areas and habitats, the aerial activity depending on the lapse of time and the intra- and inter-specific bonds. The most individuals were observed in the hilly area, flying principally over the settlements and forests. April was the most intense month regarding the migration, the maximum of the aerial activity being between 16:00 and 17:00 for the observations per hour and between 17:00 and 18:00 for the observed individuals per hour. The birds avoided to fly on bad weather conditions and they preferred to use the soaring and gliding flights. Usually, they did not emit any sound.
Rarely, the storks were temporarily accompanied in flight by other birds (Pernis apivorus, Accipiter nisus and Falco tinnunculus).

Keywords: white stork (Ciconia ciconia), migration, Doamnei River hydrographical basin, Romania.

 

EFFECT OF SEED HARVESTING SEASON AND STERILIZATION TREATMENTS ON GERMINATION AND IN VITRO PROPAGATION OF Albizia lebbeck (L.) BENTH.

Kuldeep YADAV, Narender SINGH

Abstract. This study was undertaken with the objective of standardizing the protocol for the micropropagation of Albizia lebbeck (L.). Seeds were collected from three different colored pods (yellow, dark yellow and brownish yellow) harvested from field grown Albizia tree from November to January and were surface sterilized using different concentration of mercuric chloride (0.05- 0.15 % w/v) for different exposure durations (2, 5 and 8 min). Seeds collected from dark-yellow colored pod showed the highest germination (83.3 %) and short germination time (4.29 days), while those collected from brownish yellow colored pod showed relatively less germination (53.3%) and longer germination time (6.0 days). Success of seed germination increased with maturity up to a certain level after which it declines significantly with increasing harvesting time. A five-minute dip of HgCl2 (0.1%) was found to be the optimum duration for giving the maximum (83.3%) germinated and healthy seedlings. Increasing time and concentration of HgCl2 significantly reduced the contamination, but on the other hand it also effected the germination of seeds. Best shoot regeneration response from in vitro nodal segment was obtained on MS medium supplemented with BAP (2.0 mg/l) + NAA (0.5 mg/l). The highest percentage of callus induction (85%) was also observed in the above same media from in vitro internodal segment. Proliferated micro-shoots showed 60% rooting on half strength medium supplemented with IAA (2.0 mg/l) after 4 weeks of culturing. The well rooted micropropagated plantlets were acclimatized and successfully established in pots containing sterilized soil and sand mixture (1:1) with 60% survival rate under field conditions.

Keywords: Albizia lebbeck, callus, multiple shoots, nodal segment, germination.

Abbreviations: BAP - 6 Benzyl amino purine; 2,4-D - 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid; MS - Murashige and Skoog (1962) basal medium; NAA - a-naphthalene acetic acid; IBA - Indole-3-butyric acid; HgCl2: Mercuric chloride

 

CURRENT POLITICAL COMMITMENTS’ CHALLENGES FOR EX SITU CONSERVATION OF PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

Maria-Mihaela ANTOFIE

Abstract. This article is an overview regarding capacity building needs for supporting political commitments’ implementation and furthermore, the development of new political, technical and scientific measures for ensuring the proper conservation of biodiversity and considering in a cost-effective way ex situ conservation tools and methods. Domesticated and wild species, threatened and not threatened native species belonging to the natural capital, due to anthropic pressure and climate change may be drastically affected for their status of conservation in their ecosystems of origin. Thus, ex situ conservation is important to be taken into consideration for ensuring the proper conservation of native species. Still, ex situ conservation is a tool which is in use for many activities for many years such as: research, trade, industry, medicine, pharmaceuticals and agriculture. Romania needs to further develop its specific legislation framework in specific domains such as trade of exotic and native threatened species as well as for other domains such as zoos and aquaria, seeds exchange between botanical gardens, bioprospecting, wild threatened species rescue, capture and reintroduction, collection, access for benefit sharing. Also for agriculture should be developed ex situ conservation measures closely connected with breeding programmes dedicated to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (i.e. gene banks conservation, breeding programmes, on farm conservation). Only by harmonizing at the legal level, based on science, all these specific domains, extremely sensitive, dealing with ex situ conservation it will be possible in the future to secure food and ecosanogenesis ensuring the appropriate status of in situ conservation of biodiversity as a whole. As it is not possible to apply conservation measures, either in situ either ex situ either both, to all species it is appropriate to further develop strategic tools for prioritizing our efforts in a cost effective manner.

Keywords: agrobiodiversity, ex situ, crops, on farm conservation.

 

THE SEARCHING OF ACTIVE CATALASE PRODUCERS AMONG THE MICROSCOPIC FUNGI

Tamara SÎRBU

Abstract. The screening among 158 fungal strains from different taxonomic groups - 128 new soil strains, from plant roots and 30 NCNM strains was carried out on the criterion of catalase synthesis. It was demonstrated that some new strains were more active than those from NCNM. All tested strains from the Penicillium and Aspergillus (108) genus had catalase activity and 26 representatives of other strains did not. Penicillium funiculosum strain, isolated from selected soils of Moldova, was selected as a potential catalase producer. This strain had a catalase activity of 244 units / ml. The optimal parameters for crop cultivation were: temperature of 280C, the cultivation period - 6 days, the pH value of the nutritional medium – 6.6.

Keywords: strains, taxonomic groups, micromycetes, extracellular catalase.

 

MORPHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE SPECIES Asimina triloba (L.) DUNAL, INTRODUCED AS AN ORNAMENTAL PLANT IN BAIA MARE (MARAMUREŞ COUNTY, ROMANIA)

Beatrice SZILAGYI, Monica MARIAN

Abstract. Tree species Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal, is native to North America. In the area of origin is cultivated, both as food species because the edible fruit, and as ornamental species. Ornamental value derives both from decorative flowers, that open in early spring, and because habitus species. The  species is demanding from slightly acidic soils (pH 5.5 to 7.0) and well drained. Seedlings are susceptible to heatstroke and need areas of the sun, but since the second year, vegetate well in bright light conditions [27]. Optimum climate is temperate to subtropical one. The species exhibits unique quality traits for a temperate fruit that are similar to other fruit in the Annonaceae family, including cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.), sugar apple or sweetsop, (A. squamosa L.), soursop (A. muricata L.), custard apple (A. reticulata L.), and atemoya (A. squamosa X A. cherimola), all of which are tropical [2].
This study follows the behavior of the species, in particular conditions of the Baia Mare and its surroundings. In this area a few individuals were introduced, in  order to  diversigy the  range of  species  of ornamental  plants. In  Baia  Mare,  topoclimate is specifically depression, sheltered by mountains, more atenuated as temperature and winds, than in surrounding areas. As a result of climatic  conditions, chestnut Castanea sativa, grows in  good conditions in Baia Mare. Instead, the area is  heavily polluted, especially at ground level. Pollution by heavy metals is a historical being generated by the mining industry.
The introduction and use of a new plant species into a new area involves: 1. easy to obtain seed; 2.-  maintaining the crown shape habitus and and leaf shape and size, respectively; 3 – determination of optimal physiological parameters. Therefore have been performed, the following experimental determinations: 1. - germination  of seed obtained in the particular conditions of the Baia Mare; 2. - some morphomtric characteristics of leaves, in the juveniles of the 1-2 years; 3. – the dynamic of photosynthesis intensity in these plants, during the day, during summer/autumn months.
The study results are promising for acclimatization of the species Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal in particular conditions of Baia Mare. Morphological and physiological parametres tested are maintaned at similar to those of native  habitat, described in the literature.

Keywords: Asimina triloba, physiological features, photosynthesis intensity, ornamental value.

 

EFFICIENT INITIATION OF IN VITRO CULTURE AT WHEAT

Cristian Felix BLIDAR, Aurel ARDELEAN, Violeta TURCUŞ

Abstract. Wheat is one of the most important crop plant species used for food and feed as well as in the bioethanol industry and therefore it was in the center of biotechnological research and it is still present. The main aim of this article is to investigate the efficiency of the Blidar type filter-paper bridges in initiating the wheat in vitro cultures for liquid culture media, in comparison with the conventional agarized culture media – solid culture media. In these experiments it were used modified Murashige-Skoog culture media (1962) (free of AIA and amino acids) supplemented or not with agar. The agarized culture media is used as a control and the liquid culture media is used for being provided with filter-paper bridges designated to maintaining the inocula at the upper level of the liquid culture media. The inocula consisted in caryopsis of Triticum aestivum L. (hybrid Kiskun Gold - HU 142 238). Based on the results of these experiments it can be underlined that growth increases for the cultivated vitroplants on liquid culture media provided with filter-paper bridges compared with those conventianlly cultivated on an agarized culture media, as following 2.55% for fresh weight and 55.27% for hypocotyls length.

Keywords: in vitro, filter-paper bridge, initiation, wheat, plant biotechnology



Useful links

  • Universiy of Oradea
  • Faculty of Sciences Oradea
  • Herpetological Club Oradea
  • C.N.C.S.I.S.
  • The traditions of higher education in Oradea, metaphorically speaking, go back to time immemorial. This year (2008) there are 228 years since the inauguration of higher education in Oradea and 44 years of continuous higher education in Oradea.
    At the end of the 18th century, "a higher institution for philosophic teaching" is founded in Oradea in 1780, which was to become in 1788 the Faculty of Law, the oldest faculty not only within the Romanian borders but also in a vast region of Eastern Europe.
    In May 1990 a decree of the Romanian Government established the Technical University of Oradea, later called the University of Oradea, and based on impressive traditions of academic life in the town. It was an act of scientific and cultural restoration long expected in the life of the Romanian society, a major gain of the people's Revolution of December 1989, one of the greatest Romanian achievements in Crisana after the Great Union on 1 December 1918. This is how the dream of several generations of scholars came true, clearly expressed by a historian of Oradea: "As regarding the future, the desire of all well-meant Romanians is to establish in Oradea a complete university, the lights of which will shine across the entire western border of Romania".
    Today, the University of Oradea is an integrated institution of higher education of this kind, comprising 18 faculties.
    The mission of the University of Oradea is to train and educate on a large scale both the students and also the high education graduates, as well as to approache certain domains of science and technology at high level.
    The structure of the University contains academic education, postgraduate education and scientific research.
    The University of Oradea expanded itself by developing new faculties and research teams, as well as by developing certain specializations inside the existing faculties.
    Education will always be the best long-term investment, as nothing is as precious as the knowledge gained during academic instruction.