Studia Universitatis Babeş-Bolyai Biologia
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Assessing the performance of Alphitobius piceus (Oliver, 1792) as novel feeder insect species for small sized postmetamorphic frogs
No full textOne of the major difficulties of frog farming is providing adequate food in the first few weeks after the metamorphosis. This is a critical time frame, with rapid growth and high mortality. The established feeder insect species used throughout this delicate stage (cricket and mealworm larvae, adult fruit flies) are suitable from a trophic perspective, but present challenges and difficulties that influence the production costs. The aim of this study is to assess the performance of an alternative feeder species – Alphitobius piceus – with a simpler production technology and a lower production cost. Two species of feeder insect were used: the conventionally used Acheta domestica larvae as control species, and Alphitobius piceus larvae as experimental species. As model anuran we used the European common frog, Rana temporaria. The experimental insect species was easily accepted and produced a strong feeding response in the post-metamophic frogs. There were no significant differences between the control and experimental groups in terms of body condition index and mortality, however survival was better in the experimental group. This similarity indicates a high potential of Alphitobius piceus as feeder species for the newly metamorphosed frogs and also a good economic opportunity for frog farms.
Craioveanu et al (PDF)
Article history: Received 2 June 2021; Revised 21 October 2021; Accepted 29 October 2021; Available online 30 December 2021
Macrozoobenthic invertebrate assemblages in rivers Șușița and Sohodol (Gorj County, Romania) and their indicator value for the water quality characterization
No full textThe present research evaluates the macrozoobenthic invertebrate assemblages from two rivers situated in the Jiu River basin. The invertebrates were collected from three sample sites on Sohodol River and five sample sites on Șușița River. The sample sites were situated along the two rivers which flow almost along their entire length through a forested area. In the case of Sohodol River we have encountered anthropic activities related to seasonal tourism, but no localities or industrial activities were observed in the area. The aim of the study was to establish besides the structure of the macrozoobenthic invertebrate assemblages, the water quality using BMWP score and also to evaluate the human impact on the macrozoobenthos in Sohodol River and the differences between the macrozoobenthic assemblages in the two rivers caused by natural or anthropic factors.
Cupsa et al (PDF
In silico modeling and analysis of squalene synthase-like 1 (SSL-1) enzyme from green microalga Botryococcus terribilis AICB 872
No full textThe genus Botryococcus contains a small number of green, colonial algae, with some taxa still uncertain. B. braunii is the most extensively studied species of the genus because of its hydrocarbon oils which can be used as an alternative energy source. Some B. terribilis AICB strains were previously described showing their ability to synthesize C30–C32 botryococcenes similar to those produced by chemical race B of B. braunii strains. The present study aimed to investigate the structural features of SSL-1 enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of presqualene diphosphate from B. terribilis AICB 872, and its functional conservation by means of computational proteomics and molecular biology techniques. Using PCR amplification we obtained a 3811bp contig containing the sequence of SSL-1 gene. The homology modeling analysis revealed the presence of alpha helical structures and a small beta sheet which are forming the SSL-1 catalytic core. Coil structures and both N and C terminus regions of the protein are characterized by highly disordered structural fragments. Finally, our data integrated within the available information in the literature allowed us to presume that the formation of presqualene diphosphate, the first step of hydrocarbon biosynthesis in B. terribilis strain occurs in a similar fashion with that described in B. braunii.
Szoke-Nagy et al (PDF
Evolutionism and creationism in the social mentality – a study case in the Romanian population
No full textDue to the dynamic of our ever-evolving society, basically, population is now divided in two categories: one with conservative values (religion) and the other one focused on exploring the unknown (science). The aim of our study is to analyze the proportion of the two types of perspectives in the Romanian social mentality and to evaluate the participants’ attitude towards science or religion subjects. In the period between November 2016 and March 2017, questionnaires have been distributed to 400 people from Cluj-Napoca (N-W Romania) and Petroșani (S-W Romania). The questionnaire consisted of a field which evaluates personal data and a second part of 21 questions. Some of the most important results of the study included: 56% of those are religious, 71% believe in God, 55% believe that a supernatural force controls the universe, 44% consider it necessary to teach evolution in schools and 57% consider it necessary to teach religion in schools. The percentages for conservative values (religion) is 56% and those who are focused on exploring the unknown (science) is 29%.
Szekely et Stermin (PDF
Assessment of enhanced biodegradation potentials of animal wastes on diesel-contaminated soil
No full textOil spillage is a menace, crippling most oil-producing regions around the globe. The aim of this study was to access the role of poultry litter and cow dung in enhancing biodegradation of diesel-contaminated soil. The treatment sets were split into three levels of diesel pollution (50 mL, 100 mL and 150 mL) amended with poultry litters, cow dung and a mixture of both amendments. The microbiological properties-and the total petroleum hydrocarbon content was analyzed for a period of six months using the pour plate techniques and Gas Chromatography (GC-FID), respectively. Agarose gel electrophoresis was used for plasmid detection. Mean total heterotrophic bacterial counts ranged between 40.5±0.5 x104 cfu-1 and 102.0 ±4.0 x104 cfu-1, for C1 (soil with poultry litter and cow dung with 50mL diesel) and Control 2. The mean total hydrocarbonoclastic bacterial counts ranged from 42.0±2.0 x104 cfu-1 to 66.5±2.5 x104 cfu-1 for B1 (soil with cow dung with 50mL diesel) and C3 (soil with poultry litter and cow dung with 150mL diesel). Bacillus subtilis (25.7%) and Staphylococcus aureus (4.73%) were reported as the isolates with the highest and least percentage frequency of occurrence. The percentage of diesel oil degradation was highest in C1 (98.5%) and lowest in Control 1 (31.6%). Plasmid extraction studies carried revealed that two out of the five hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria had both plasmids and chromosomal genes. The result has indicated the enhanced capacity of mixed amendments relative to individual waste treatment used in this study and should be recommended for bioremediation application.
Akiri-Obaroakpo et al (PDF)
Article history: Received 11 February 2020; Revised 16 November 2020; Accepted 4 December 2020; Available online 20 December 2020
Distribution and characteristic habitat of Convolvulus persicus L. in South-East Romania: threats and protection solutions
No full textConvolvulus persicus is a critically endangered species, endemic to the embryonic shifting dunes of Caspian Sea and Black Sea. The distribution of this species in Romania includes also the sand dunes on the seashores of Sfântu Gheorghe and Sulina. This paper presents new data about the endangered species Convolvulus persicus regarding the distribution and the effective population size in Romania. The conservation status of the embryonic shifting dunes, found in the mentioned sites in 2019, was reviewed, along with the threats for both the habitat and the species. Several protection methods were proposed.
Kiss et Szatmari (PDF
Colonial wintering of Long-eared owl (Asio otus) in Botoșani County (N-E Romania)
No full textThis study explores the phenological aspects and distribution of long-eared owl (Asio otus) colonies in Botoșani county, N-E Romania. The anthropogenic impact was also evaluated and analyzed and the microhabitat where the colonies are located. Data was collected between November 2018 and February 2019. 9 settlements in Botoșani county, including the municipality of Botoșani, were investigated. Data about temperature, the size of the colony, the tree species where the colony is located and anthropogenic impact, were collected. 9 colonies were identified with a total of 340 individuals. Two short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) were identified in one of the colonies. The maximum number (51) of specimens is reached in the months of January and February, and the minimum number (30) in the months of November and December. It has been observed that when the temperatures tend to fall, the size of the colonies register significant growth. The preferred species of trees are gymnosperms (69%), the owls were found on angiosperms as well (31%). The preference for the coniferous species increases along with the drop in temperatures and the increase in rainfall or snowfall, as these types of trees offer better protection against the weather conditions. We noticed that the anthropogenic factor has a significant influence on the colonies of Asio otus, so we wanted to grade it with the help of a scale from 1 to 7. Grade 1 was given in only one locality (Știubieni), grade 2 was registered in 4 points (Dorohoi, Avrămeni, Botoșani, and Roma), grade 3 is found only in Bucecea, Corlăteni registers a grade of 4, while in Dobârceni the registered value is 5, grade 6 is met only in Săveni. Grade 7 represented the stage in which there is a decrease in the population of Asio otus, or the death of individuals for various reasons, a situation that has not been encountered.
Halici et Stermin (PDF
A comparative study of adrenalin and fluocinolon induced oxidative stress in male wistar rats
No full textHormone secretion by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis is modulated by multiple factors which include the circadian rhythm, various types of stressors and glucocorticoids. Treatment with synthetic glucocorticoids as e.g. dexamethasone or dermocorticosteroids and repeated immobilization stress, decreases the total body weight gain of animals by disturbing the HPA axis function and accelerating the catabolism of the organism. Synthetic glucocorticoids are widely used as anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic drugs. Neverteheless, their administration may cause side effects in the normal functioning of several organs. Starting from the above findings and from the important physiological roles of the glucocorticoids in the metabolism, we investigated the reactions of the adrenal and thymus, the evolution of the body and organ weight and the level of the free radicals after adrenaline- and fluocinolon stress. In this study, we used electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy for the direct detection of free radical content in the organs o f stressed Wistar rats. We followed the changes of the blood glucose level, body weight,structural modification and whole redox state of the rats during adrenaline and Fluocinolon-acetonid N treatment, as endogenous and exogenous sources of elevated glucocoticoid levels. We found a relationship between changes of the redox state and modified homeostasis of the organism, as an effect of elevated glucocorticoid levels. The oxidative stress induced by adrenalin treatment seemed to be an inducer rather than the result of the tissue damage.
Kis (PDF)
Article history: Received 12 August 2020; Revised 2 November 2020; Accepted 15 November 2020; Available online 20 December 2020
Diversity of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in oases agro-ecosystem: seasonal dynamics and host plants
No full textDuring the study conducted at the palm grove of Ziban oases from June 2017 until May 2018 and from 48 samples yellow water traps, a total of 969 aphids specimens were captured from 36 spontaneous plants identified at Ain Ben Noui palm grove, Biskra. Over 11 aphid species were identified, which 5 were qualified as accidentals and 3 were respectively accessories and constant species. The most abundant species were Myzus persicae (26.32%) and Aphis gossypii (21.05%). Myzus persicae (Sulzer, 1776) was observed on 9 spontaneous plants, Aphis fabae (Scopoli, 1763) was associated to 12 spontaneous plants, whereas Aphis craccivora (Koch, 1854) was recorded on 6 spontaneous plants. The most important richness of winged aphids in palm grove was recorded during the spring season (April = 65 individuals; March = 58 individuals) where temperature average was between 17.5°C, 25°C and level rains (May=49.53mm; March=11.67mm).
Deghiche-Diab et al (PDF
Current perspectives on the remediation methods of marine plastic pollution: a review
No full textPlastic debris represents a contemporary point of concern for the marine environment, being discharged into the ocean at an alarming scale. However, the quantity of waste that is found in the ocean is unknown. Where does this waste come from, and where does it end up are questions that scientists and researchers are still trying to accurately answer. The majority of plastic products that make their way into the ocean come mainly from human activities. Most of them land on beaches, and eventually find their way into the ocean, being washed away by waves and tides. To assess the impact of these pollutants that are found in the marine environment, it is necessary to determine the concentration of the chemicals accumulating in the biomass, and the effects they cause. There are numerous biological effects which lead to many obvious diseases in marine species. Also, these harmful effects determine changes in community structure, the modification of the habitat and local or complete extinction of many aquatic species. This review aims to lay out the present situation of the marine environment, and the effects of the pollution caused by industrialization and urbanization. Different types of remediation approaches have been discussed, such as physical remediation techniques. Besides that, the role of numerous bacteria and fungi that are capable of breaking down these chemicals that surround us, has been highlighted and point at some of the bioremediation technologies that are currently available.
Lup et al (PDF)
Article history: Received 26 September 2020; Revised 20 November 2020; Accepted 3 December 2020; Available online 20 December 2020.