The Oxidative Stress Markers' Protective Influence of Sea Buckthorn and Grape Extracts in Atorvastatin-Treated Hyperlipidemic Rats.

Free radicals and reactive oxygen species initiate when the oxidative stress arises. (1) Background: The effect of natural molecules on oxidative stress in hyperlipidemic rats, taking statins, was observed. (2) Methods: One hundred and twelve white Wistar rats, males and females, were divided into seven: Group I received 20 mg of atorvastatin while groups II and III received a combination of 20 mg of atorvastatin and 100 mg of Sea buckthorn and grape extract. Groups IV and V received 100 mg of Sea buckthorn and grape extract, while groups VI and VII received only high-fat diet (HFD) and normal rodents' fodder. After two and six months, rats were euthanized, and blood was gathered to measure the main paraclinical values and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Also, the liver and kidney were stored for the organs' cytoarchitecture. For statistics, two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), was performed. (3) Results: HFD produced hyperlipidemia, accompanied by augmented serum and hepatic oxidative stress markers, in addition to a reduction in antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione levels. Polyphenolic substances proven efficient against HFD caused oxidative stress. (4) Conclusions: Atorvastatin heightened the histological injuries caused by the fatty diet, but these were diminished by taking atorvastatin in combination with 100 mg/kg of plant extracts.

Effect of Sempervivum tectorum Extract on Some Biomarkers of Reproductive Function and Levels of Some Trace Elements in Male Rats Exposed to Aluminum.

Aluminum, a contentious trace element found in the environment, has been demonstrated to have harmful effects on both humans and animals. In contrast, Sempervivum tectorum, an evergreen plant, has been found to offer numerous beneficial effects for both humans and animals. Therefore, this study aims to assess the protective effect of S. tectorum on certain reproductive biomarkers in male rats exposed to aluminum. Thirty-five Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: NTC (no-treatment control) received distilled water; NC (negative control) received drinking water containing 1 mg/L aluminum sulfate (AS); E1 received 1 mg/L AS along with an 8% S. tectorum extract; PC (positive control) received only 8% S. tectorum extract; E2 received 1 mg/L AS for three months followed by 8% extract for one month. The study analyzed testosterone, LH, FSH, body weight, and the histological structure of the testis, epididymis, and prostate, as well as the levels of zinc, manganese, copper, and iron in these organs. Significant decreases in body weight, testis, and epididymis size were observed in the aluminum-exposed groups compared to the control, whereas these decreases were not significant in the S. tectorum-treated groups compared to the control. Aluminum exposure led to significant decreases in testosterone and LH levels, with FSH levels showing a nonsignificant decrease in males, which were mitigated significantly by the administration of the plant extract. Histological analysis revealed alterations in the testis, epididymis, and prostate of the AS-exposed groups, including necrosis of seminiferous tubule epithelium and Leydig cells in the testis, and basal epithelial necrosis in the epididymis and prostate. Aluminum levels increased in all organs studied, while levels of zinc, copper, iron, and manganese decreased, showing a negative and significant correlation with aluminum levels. The aqueous extract of S. tectorum demonstrated a protective effect on certain studied biomarkers in male rats affected by aluminum exposure.

Citizen science through a recreational underwater diving project supports the collection of large-scale marine litter data: The Oceania case study.

In recent years, a growing body of literature on seafloor macro-litter has been produced worldwide. However, the spatial coverage of these studies is still limited and highly unbalanced, resulting in considerable knowledge gaps in some regions. To address this lack of information in Oceania, we extracted data from the Citizen Science project Dive Against Debris® to characterize marine debris collected by volunteer scuba divers on the coastal seafloor. Overall, the average litter density was 58.22 items/100m2, with plastics accounting for approximately 50 % of the total abundance and Single Use Plastics accounting for nearly 17 %. Notably, 36 % of the total litter abundance consisted of lost Fishing Gear including fishing lines, sinkers, baits and hooks as the most abundant debris items. To reduce lost fishing gear, clean-up initiatives by divers along with management actions such as education programs for fishermen, gear restrictions and the identification of designated fishing sites are recommended.

Pimpinella anisum L. Essential Oil a Valuable Antibacterial and Antifungal Alternative.

Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) essential oils are intensely investigated worldwide for the beneficial properties, due to the specific bioactive compound's structure. (1) Background: This study characterized the structure of the Pimpinella anisum essential oil and evaluated its antimicrobial properties. (2) Methods: An evaluation of the antibacterial and antifungal activity targeted strains of Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 19615), and levure Candida albicans (ATCC 10231). Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used for structure identification, and the optical density mass loss was applied for the analysis of different dilutions of aniseed essential oils antimicrobial activity. (3) Results: A total of 13 compounds were identified, of which trans-anethole was in the highest proportion (72.49%), followed by limonene (10.01%), anisole (5%), and α-pinene (3.26%). The results obtained and statistically analyzed, utilizing one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni's multiple comparison test, indicated the antimicrobial activity (p < 0.001) of anise essential oil. (4) Conclusion: Anise essential oil is a promising phyto-remedy with important antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Inhibition high percentages were found for the p. aeruginosa and S. aureus strains, but also excellent antifungal activity against C. albicans was ascertained.

The antioxidant effect of Aronia melanocarpa extract in rats oxidative stress induced by cisplatin administration.

BACKGROUND: The reactive oxygen species generated by numerous xenobiotic substances has as consequences the impairment of different organs normal function. Many plants pose antioxidant activity to counteract oxidative stress, among them being the chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa). The purpose of present study was to determine if the use of A. melanocarpa extract can counteract the oxidative stress induced by cisplatin administration in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was made on forty Wistar rats divided in four groups as follows: C (control): receiving i.p. 1 mL of saline solution; E1: receiving cisplatin 20 mg/kg bw, i.p.; E2: receiving cisplatin 20 mg/kg bw, i.p and A. melanocarpa berry 6 % aqueous extract as drinking water, and CB (control blank): i.p 1 mL saline solution and A. melanocarpa 6 % aqueous extract for four weeks. RESULTS: Administration of Cisplatin was followed by the increase of serum superoxide dismutase (+21.18 %, P < 0.05), catalase (+25.44 %, P < 0.001), glutathione peroxidase (+17.88 %, P < 0.05) and thiobarbituric reactive substances (+28.17 %, P < 0.01) but significantly decreased glutathione reductase (-22.35 %, P < 0.001) level comparative to control, pointing out that administration of cisplatin induced oxidative stress in rats. In groups that received A. melanocarpa extract as drinking water, we noted that the levels of the oxidative stress biomarkers tended to be restored almost to normal levels, which could be a possible good antioxidant used in condition to cisplatin use. Also, we noted a significant (P < 0.001) decrease of total antioxidant capacity in liver and kidney of rats exposed to cisplatin, recovered in those that received chokeberry. Studied trace elements important for the stress oxidative enzymes (Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn) were decreased in cisplatin exposed groups compared to control and mainly all were almost to normal level in groups receiving A. melanocarpa. CONCLUSION: A. melanocarpa extract due to its antioxidants content could offer protection against free radicals produced as a consequence of cisplatin use.

The Behavior of Some Bacterial Strains Isolated from Fallow Deer Compared to Antimicrobial Substances in Western Romania.

(1) Background: The resistance levels of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus spp., etc., isolated from the nasal cavity and the rectum of Dama dama deer from three hunting grounds in Western Romania were assessed. (2) Methods: The analysis was completed using the diffusimetric method, compliant with CLSI reference standards, and with Vitek-2 (BioMérieux, France), on 240 samples. (3) Results: The results were statistically analyzed (by one-way ANOVA) revealing that in four of the ten E. coli strains isolated from animals, 87.5% (p < 0.001) resistance was found. E. coli strains were resistant to cephalexin (100%); seven strains were resistant to cephalothin and ampicillin; six were resistant to cefquinome and cefoperazone; five were resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid; and four were resistant to ceftiofur. However, E. coli was sensitive to amikacin (100%). The most efficient structures were beta-lactams, amikacin, and imipenem, to which all 47 strains studied (100%) were sensitive, followed by nitrofurantoin, to which 45 strains (95.7%) were sensitive, neomycin, to which 44 strains (93.6%) were sensitive, ceftiofur, to which 43 strains (91.5%) were sensitive, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and marbofloxacin, to which 42 strains (89.4%) were sensitive. (4) Conclusions: In wild animal populations, where a human presence is frequently reported, including a constant presence of domestic animals, despite the perceived low risk of emerging resistance to antimicrobials, resistance is likely to develop frequently.

Use of Eisenia fetida as a Biological Risk Marker in a Qualitative Eco Assessment Test of a Romanian Watercourse.

The qualitative trials were conducted by exposing earthworms to diverse contaminants sources using standard earthworms' avoidance tests (considered useful ab initio indicators). For two years, we observed the Jiu River pollution points. We observed soil traits in 15 sampling points from two neighboring Romanian counties where Jiu River flows, by evaluating the risk of pollution on Eisenia fetida earthworms. The ISO: 11268-2:2015 acute static test was used, following the ethological and bodily features of E. fetida earthworms for 14 days, and then the results obtained for clean soils vs. those presumed polluted were statistically analyzed. Results disclosed statistically significant values (p < 0.05) for the two-way ANOVA and Tukey multiple comparisons tests used for the soil samples thought to be polluted. The mortality percentages by location/replica/year/county find out a high statistical correlation documenting observations related to soil samples gathered from 10 m (p < 0.01) and 30 m (p < 0.001). Compared with the control, the statistical analysis of Relative Growth Rate (RGR) (p < 0.05) and Specific Growth Rate (SGR) (p < 0.01) confirmed that, in the case of soil samples collected from 10 and 30 m from the Jiu River's axis, the earthworms did not gain weight, qualitatively attesting the pollution suspicion/presence of chemical factors potentially pernicious for earthworms.

The Role of Methyl-(Z)-11-tetradecenoate Acid from the Bacterial Membrane Lipid Composition in Escherichia coli Antibiotic Resistance.

Background: The bacterial membrane plays a critical role in the survival of bacteria and the effectiveness of antimicrobial peptides in protecting the host. The lipid constituents of the bacterial membrane are not evenly distributed, and they could be affected by clustering anionic lipids with cationic peptides with multiple positive charges. That could be harmful to bacteria because it prevents lipids from interacting with other molecular components of the cell membrane, disrupts existing natural domains, or creates phase boundary defects between the clustered lipids and the bulk of the membrane. This preliminary quantitative study is aimed at assembling a correlation between antibiotic resistance and bacterial lipid composition in E. coli, based on the function and arrangement of the bilipid coating of the bacterial cell, intimately associated with the path of antimicrobials through membranes. Methods: Fifteen multiresistant E. coli samples are collected from swine with enterocolitis tested for resistance levels using the disc diffusimetric method (Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion). Pathogen identification completed using the API 20E multitest system revealed the E. coli presence in 11 samples. In these samples, bacterial membrane detection of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) operating a 240 MS Ion Trap (Varian) GC/MS (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA) was performed, using the MIDI Sherlock recognition software model. Results: Interpreting the descriptive statistical method, the correlation matrix, and regression curves and after ANOVA analysis, we ascertained that the studied E. coli population statistically confirmed different degrees of resistance in most of the samples analyzed in this test. Conclusions: In one case, the methyl-(Z)-11-tetradecenoate acid was observed to have a relationship with the susceptibility evaluation by using the disc diffusimetric method, which has revealed the lowest rate of antimicrobial resistance, so it has importance in further resistance evaluation studies.

Pathology and Prevalence of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria: A Study of 398 Pet Reptiles.

Reptiles are potential reservoirs of bacteria that could be transmitted, thus becoming a zoonotic hazard. (1) Background: This three-year investigation surveyed the pathological status of 398 pet reptiles: chelonians, snakes (venomous/non-venomous), and lizards. The main pathological entities found were related to the skin, the sensory organs, the digestive system, the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, the urinary system, the genitalia, the osteo−muscular tract, surgical issues, tumors, and intoxications. (2) Methods: In 25 individuals treated with antibiotics, no clinical healing was recorded, for this reason, an antimicrobial resistance profile analysis of the 43 samples gathered was processed. An antibiogram was performed using the VITEK®2 ID-GP (bio-Mérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France) automated platform, with 22 bacterial strains being isolated. (3) Results: The statistics (ANOVA) revealed that the most common disease category was diseases of the digestive system, followed by diseases of the skin, respiratory system, nervous system, and reproductive system. A significant correlation (p < 0.01) between disease incidence and reptile species was reported, with correlations found between all species and diseases diagnosed. The most common bacteria isolated were Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomas (Xanthomonas) maltophilia, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Salmonella spp., but Beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter spp., and Proteus spp. were also identified. (4) Conclusions: These microorganisms revealed degrees of resistance against penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, lincosamides, aminoglycosides, and tetracyclines. The animals can be categorized according to their sensitivity to diseases in the following order (most sensitive to least sensitive): chelonians, venomous snakes, non-venomous snakes, and lizards.

Quercetin Beneficial Role in the Homeostatic Variation of Certain Trace Elements in Dyslipidemic Mice.

Background: Quercetin's role in the homeostasis of certain trace elements in dyslipidemia induced in mice was assessed. Methods: Forty BALB/c mice were allocated into 4 groups as follows: control; HFD, received fat diet; HFD + Q group, received HFD +500 mg/L quercetin; and blank control (Q)-normal food + 500 mg/L quercetin in drinking water. Results: By analyzing the values of total proteins, albumins, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and the levels of several trace elements in blood and organs, we perceived a statistically significant increase ( ∗∗ , p < 0.01) of TP, ALB, TC, TGE, and LDL-c. A nonsignificant decrease was ascertained to HDL-c value in the HFD and quercetin groups (p > 0.05). In the HFD group, all analyzed elements in the kidney and spleen increased, also Cu, Li, Mg, Mn, Pb, and of B, Ba, Cr, Cd, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the heart increased, but furthermore, Ag, B, Ba, Cd, Cr, Fe, Ni, and Zn in blood, Ag and Zn in the liver, and Cd in the spleen decreased. In the HFD group who received quercetin, elements (except B) were decreased in kidney and liver, also increased Ag, Ba, Cr, Fe, Li, Ni, Zn in blood, but similarly, Ag, B, Ba, Cd, Cu, Mn, and Pb declined in the spleen and heart. Conclusions: Results proved the quercetin beneficial role.

Comparative Evaluation of qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS Genes in Enterobacteriaceae Ciprofloxacin-Resistant Cases, in Swine Units and a Hospital from Western Romania.

Excessive use of antimicrobials and inadequate infection control practices has turned antimicrobial resistance (AMR) into a global, public health peril. We studied the expression of qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS plasmid in ciprofloxacin (CIP)-resistant strains of Escherichia coli in swine and humans from Romania, using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST) for human subjects (H) on 147 samples and 53 swine (S) was ascertained as well as the isolation of bacterial DNA (E. coli) as follows: bacteriolysis, DNA-binding, rinsing, elution, amplification, and nucleic acids' migration and U.V. visualization stages. From 24 samples of E. coli resistant to CIP collected from H subjects and 15 from S, for PCR analysis, 15 H and 12 S were used, with DNA purity of 1.8. The statistically analyzed results using the Crosstabs function (IBM SPSS Statistics-Ver. 2.1.), revealed the qnrS (417 bp) gene in 13 human subjects (52.0%), as well as in all swine samples studied. The qnrB (526 bp) gene was exposed in 9 of the human patients (36.0%) and in all swine isolates, and the qnrA (516 bp) gene was observed only in 3 of the isolates obtained from human subjects (12.0%) and was not discovered in pigs (p > 0.05). The presence of plasmids qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS in the human samples and of qnrB and qnrS in swine, facilitates the survival of pathogens despite the CIP action. The long-term use of CIP could cause a boost in the prevalence of qnr resistance genes, and resistance in the pigs destined for slaughter, a perturbing fact for public health and the human consumer.

Sea Buckthorn and Grape Antioxidant Effects in Hyperlipidemic Rats: Relationship with the Atorvastatin Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Medications to reduce oxidative stress are preventing cellular damage associated with hyperlipidemia. In this regard, statins (e.g., atorvastatin) act primarily by decrease in low-density lipoprotein-c but, in the last decade, hepatotoxicity, associated with liver injuries in the next months after treatments' initiation, was reported. In this case, associated phytotherapy can be a solution. PURPOSE: To investigate the antioxidant potential and response to free radicals, in the case of hyperlipidemic rats treated with atorvastatin. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) and a grape extract (antioxivita) efficiency in the oxidative stress were investigated, also being ascertained the rats' organs cytoarchitecture. METHODS: Eighty-four hyperlipidemic Wistar rats were divided into seven groups and orally treated as follows: ATS, atorvastatin (20 mg/kg·bw); ATS + Hr, atorvastatin + H. rhamnoides; ATS + Aox, atorvastatin + grape extract; Hr, H. rhamnoides; and Aox, grape extract (both as 100 mg/kg·bw). HFD and Control received high fat diet and normal fodder only. After two and six months, respectively, rats were euthanized and the heart, liver, and kidneys were gathered. The tissue samples were prepared by homogenization of 0.5 g tissue, in ethanol, kept for 48 hours at 4°C-10°C and then filtered, in order to assess organs' cytoarchitecture and the TAC's values (by using cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay). The test tubes were incubated, at room temperature, for 30 minutes, and then analyzed using a spectrophotometer at 450-650 nm. RESULTS: The statistics (ANOVA) revealed that sea buckthorn diminished notably (p < 0.001) the oxidative stress in the heart, liver, and kidney. After six months, the TAC's reduced levels for the heart were significant (p < 0.001) in ATS + Aox. In the case of histology, the liver's cytoarchitecture in ATS revealed abnormal cytoarchitecture. In ATS + Hr, ATS + Aox, Hr, and Aox, cell regeneration improved in different stages, especially for ATS + Hr and ATS + Aox, in comparison with HFD, which exhibited fat degeneration. Kidney's cytoarchitecture revealed cellular healing, especially in ATS + Hr and ATS + Aox.

Occurrence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Salmonella spp. in Raw and Ready-To-Eat Foods and Campylobacter spp. in Retail Raw Chicken Meat in Transylvania, Romania.

The survey was undertaken to investigate the presence and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Salmonella spp. in raw and ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, and Campylobacter spp. in the retail raw chicken meat collected in two counties of Transylvania, Romania. A total of 13.1% (51/388) of the examined food samples were found to be Salmonella positive, with a distribution of 14.7% (48/326) in the raw food (i.e., pork, chicken carcass, and shell egg) and 4.8% (3/62) in the RTE samples (i.e., sausages, but not ham and salami), respectively. These differences were statistically significant (p = 0.034). The isolates were serotyped as Salmonella Infantis (n = 19), Salmonella Typhimurium (n = 11) Salmonella Rissen (n = 8), Salmonella Derby (n = 3), Salmonella Enteritidis (n = 3), Salmonella Bredeney (n = 2), Salmonella Brandenburg (n = 1), Salmonella Gloucester (n = 1), Salmonella Goldcoast (n = 1), Salmonella Kottbus (n = 1), and Salmonella Ruzizi (n = 1). Campylobacter strains were present in 29.4% (10/34) of the investigated chicken samples, and the identified species were Campylobacter coli (70%) and C. jejuni (30%). From the 14 tested antimicrobials, the Salmonella isolates were resistant against azithromycin (88.2%), tetracycline (54.9%), sulfamethoxazole (54.9%), ciprofloxacin (45.1%), nalidixic acid (43.1%), ampicillin (35.3%), chloramphenicol (33.3%), tigecycline (25.5%), cefotaxime (13.7%), colistin (13.7%), trimethoprim (7.8%), and gentamicin (2%), resulting in the expression of 21 multidrug-resistant (MDR) profiles. Of 10 Campylobacter isolates, 80% were resistant to ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid, 40% to tetracycline, and 10% to streptomycin and erythromycin, respectively. Our findings indicate that Romanian isolates of Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp., contaminating animal-origin foods, can exhibit MDR patterns, representing a public health risk.

Homeostatic changes of some trace elements in geriatric rats in the condition of oxidative stress induced by aluminum and the beneficial role of resveratrol.

BACKGROUND: Elderly individuals are exposed to trace element imbalances due to the reduced capacity of their organism to utilize minerals in a direct relationship with many circumstances. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: The aim of this study was to assess the protective role of resveratrol upon the homeostatic changes of some trace elements in geriatric rats in the condition of oxidative stress induced by aluminum exposure. Forty Wistar rats, 18-20 months old, were divided randomly into four groups (n = 10): control (C) - receiving 1 ml of physiologically saline (P.S.) via intraperitoneal (i.p) administration, E1 - 1 ml of P.S. and 1000 ppb aluminum sulphate (AS) in drinking water ad libitum, E2 - 20 mg/kg-1 resveratrol, i.p. and 1000 ppb AS in drinking water, E3 - 20 mg/kg-1 resveratrol i.p. The groups C and E3 received distilled water as drinking water ad libitum. The i.p administrations were once a week for four weeks period. The levels of oxidative stress marker's were analyzed (glutathione, glutathione' peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) of the proteins' (total protein, albumin, and hemoglobin) in serum and also the levels of the main trace elements (copper, zinc, iron, selenium, manganese and magnesium) in blood, liver, kidney and spleen. RESULTS: Significant decrease (p < 0.05) of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), catalase (CAT), increase significant (p < 0.05) of glutathione reductase (GSH-r), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in E1 groups, compared with control, E2, and E3 groups was ascertained. There were also observed significant (p < 0.05) decreases in Cu, Zn, Fe and Mg, not significant (p > 0.05) increase of Se and Mn in blood, significant (p < 0.01) increase of Cu, Zn, Mg, Se, Mn in kidney and liver and Fe, in spleen of geriatric rats from E1 group compared to the control group. Insignificant differences (p > 0.05) were recorded in groups which received resveratrol (E2 and E3) compared to the control group, but significant differences (p < 0.05), especially in blood and liver samples, compared to E1. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that resveratrol can prevent the homeostatic imbalance of trace elements in geriatric rats in the condition of oxidative stress induced by aluminum exposure.

Ferrous iron- and ammonium-rich diffuse vents support habitat-specific communities in a shallow hydrothermal field off the Basiluzzo Islet (Aeolian Volcanic Archipelago).

Ammonium- and Fe(II)-rich fluid flows, known from deep-sea hydrothermal systems, have been extensively studied in the last decades and are considered as sites with high microbial diversity and activity. Their shallow-submarine counterparts, despite their easier accessibility, have so far been under-investigated, and as a consequence, much less is known about microbial communities inhabiting these ecosystems. A field of shallow expulsion of hydrothermal fluids has been discovered at depths of 170-400 meters off the base of the Basiluzzo Islet (Aeolian Volcanic Archipelago, Southern Tyrrhenian Sea). This area consists predominantly of both actively diffusing and inactive 1-3 meters-high structures in the form of vertical pinnacles, steeples and mounds covered by a thick orange to brown crust deposits hosting rich benthic fauna. Integrated morphological, mineralogical, and geochemical analyses revealed that, above all, these crusts are formed by ferrihydrite-type Fe3+ oxyhydroxides. Two cruises in 2013 allowed us to monitor and sampled this novel ecosystem, certainly interesting in terms of shallow-water iron-rich site. The main objective of this work was to characterize the composition of extant communities of iron microbial mats in relation to the environmental setting and the observed patterns of macrofaunal colonization. We demonstrated that iron-rich deposits contain complex and stratified microbial communities with a high proportion of prokaryotes akin to ammonium- and iron-oxidizing chemoautotrophs, belonging to Thaumarchaeota, Nitrospira, and Zetaproteobacteria. Colonizers of iron-rich mounds, while composed of the common macrobenthic grazers, predators, filter-feeders, and tube-dwellers with no representatives of vent endemic fauna, differed from the surrounding populations. Thus, it is very likely that reduced electron donors (Fe2+ and NH4+ ) are important energy sources in supporting primary production in microbial mats, which form a habitat-specific trophic base of the whole Basiluzzo hydrothermal ecosystem, including macrobenthic fauna.

Relationships between otolith size and fish length in some mesopelagic teleosts (Myctophidae, Paralepididae, Phosichthyidae and Stomiidae).

Length-mass relationships and linear regressions are given for otolith size (length and height) and standard length (LS ) of certain mesopelagic fishes (Myctophidae, Paralepididae, Phosichthyidae and Stomiidae) living in the central Mediterranean Sea. The length-mass relationship showed isometric growth in six species, whereas linear regressions of LS and otolith size fit the data well for all species. These equations represent a useful tool for dietary studies on Mediterranean marine predators.

Screening for anthelmintic resistance in equid strongyles (Nematoda) in Romania.

Resistance to anthelmintic medication of equid strongyles is a worldwide phenomenon and for this reason systematic investigations of resistant parasite populations are necessary. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the presence and distribution of equid strongyles resistant to the anthelmintics used in Romania, as well as the pre-treatment and post-treatment prevalence of species of strongylid nematodes. The Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test was performed between 2010 and 2013 on a total number of 588 horses and 23 donkeys from 26 locations (subgroups). Animals of the first group (I) consisting of subgroups no. 1-11 were treated with Albendazole (ABZ), those of the second group (II) consisting of subgroups no. 12-23 with Fenbendazole (FBZ), while Ivermectin (IVM) was used on animals of the third group (III) consisting of subgroups no. 24-26. Resistant strongyles have been found in 82% (average lower limit of the 95% confidence interval, LCL95%, was 65) of the total equids from the group treated with ABZ. In the group of horses treated with FBZ, resistant strongyles were identified in 75% of the subgroups (LCL95% = 44). No resistant strongyles have been identified in IVM-treated horse groups (LCL95% = 98). The pre-treatment prevalence of the species of the Strongylinae Müller, 1780 was 22%, whereas that with nematodes of the subfamily Cyathostominae Molin, 1861 78%. Post-treatment reduction of strongyline nematodes was observed (5%), which demonstrates the sensitivity of large strongyles to common anthelmintics. The post-treatment prevalence of cyathostomes was of 95%, which proves their resistance, especially to ABZ- and FBZ-based anthelmintics.

Phytotherapeutic activity of Euphorbia cyparissias extracts on Ixodidae (Acari) female ticks.

BACKGROUND: Given its numerous biologically active components, Euphorbiaceae has been found to be a large plant family and polyvalent with quite interesting therapeutic activity that can be studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ixodicidal activity of Euphorbia cyparissias extracts was studied in vitro and in vivo. Tested concentrations were 10, 5, 2, 1, 0.5 and 0.25%. RESULTS: For the in vitro study, conducted on field-collected female specimens of Dermacentor marginatus and Haemaphysalis punctata, the efficacy results showed that the ticks died after exposure in the case of 10, 5, and 2% tincture concentrations. The effects appeared after 30 minutes and became more visible 120 minutes after each exposure. The statistical differences regarding the used concentrations were found to be: F = 6.51, df = 5, P < 0.001. The in vivo study of the efficacy of E. cyparissias concentrations was performed on 35 naturally infested sheep and on 30 bovines parasitized with Ixodes ricinus, sprayed with tincture and glycerinate dilutions (bovines) on days 0 and 7. The results revealed detrimental effects on the survivability of female ticks, the most prominent being the reduction of their movement capacity. In sheep in vivo efficiency observed within 24 hrs varied, between 1 and 23% for D. marginatus and between 7 and 27% for H. punctata and respectively between 2 and 53% after 24 hrs, for I. ricinus, comparable effects being also found 72 hrs after the second administration of Euphorbia extracts. CONCLUSION: Extracts from E. cyparissias may be used, with results, as an ecologic alternative tick control management method, being a cheap solution, with a sizeable role in reducing the use of synthetic and/or other harming and resistance source ixodicidal conditionings.

Effect of Euphorbia cyparissias ointments on acanthosis.

BACKGROUND: A pharmaco-chemical investigation of the Euphorbia cyparissias plant was justified by its known multiple therapeutic valences. Numerous components from extracts and latex of Euphorbiacae were identified, revealing a large plant family with a polyvalent therapeutic activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of the study was to assess the skin tolerance level to irritation on different testing concentrations, of Euphorbia cyparissias extracts and ointments. Study was accomplished in rats and dogs, with the identification of all possible skin injuries and histological changes, after a simple patch test methodology. RESULTS: Ointment dermatological testing on rats, proved to be bearable on epilated skin at concentrations of 1, 2 and 5%. Ointments and mother tincture with higher concentrations (10% and 20%), led to irritation and cutis damages, and this was revealed through histology. CONCLUSION: Ointment tested on dog's skin was tolerable for epilated skin to concentrations of 1, 2 and/or 5%, additional testing on human volunteers confirmed the same situation.

Femoroacetabular impingement: biomechanical and dynamic considerations.

Femoroacetabular impingement (F.A.I.) is a pathologic process caused by an abnormal shape of the acetabulum, of the femoral head, or both. F.A.I., often referred to as idiopathic, may be secondary to slipped capital femoral epiphysis, congenital hypoplasia of the femur, Legg-Calvé Perthes disease, post-traumatic mal-union and protrusio acetabuli. From 2009 to 2012 we studied 21 patients (14 males), with a mean age of 52 (33 y - 75 y), affected by idiopathic F.A.I. Every patient underwent pelvic and hip joint X-rays and CT scan with 3D reconstructions, in order to evaluate the morphology of the pelvis and the hip joint and the torsion of the lower limbs (Femoroacetabular ante-retroversion). Our results show an average femoral ante-version angle of 12,4° (15°-20° physiological range) in patients affected by CAM impingement and an average acetabular ante-version angle of 13,5° (15°-20° physiological range) for those with PINCER impingement. These values, in patients affected by F.A.I., are probably related to morphologic and biomechanical features that may lead to the onset of idiopathic femoroacetabular impingement. In the literature, other studies partially support our findings, suggesting a more critical approach to a patient with idiopathic F.A.I. extending evaluations to nearby articulations.