Preliminary Investigation of Experimental Research on Savory (Satureja hortensis L.) In Vitro Modeling Possibility Using the Calogenesis Technique

Investigating the possibilities for in vitro plant modeling by using the calogenesis technique is one of the ways to exploit cell plasticity – the vegetable type, which plant biotechnology now offers an alternative for obtaining biomass as a source of raw material in various industries. One of the known plants cultivated by humans since ancient time, and recognized in the contemporary period as a dedicated source of plant material for different industries, because it has properties that recommend its use in food, medicine and beekeeping, is savory (Satureja hortensis L.). Our preliminary experimental research aimed at investigating the possibility of in vitro modeling of savory (Satureja hortensis L.) by using the calogenesis technique. This paper presents the experimental results which have been achieved by investigating the possibility of practical achievement, both by establishing aseptic cultures using savory (Satureja hortensis L.) seeds, and also by in vitro modeling of savory (Satureja hortensis L.) explants, considering the leaf, cotyledon, epicotyl, hypocotyl and radicle, in under to obtain callus by the influence of exogenous phytohormones (BA, TDZ and 2,4-D)

The biocompatibility of titanium in a buffer solution: compared effects of a thin film of TiO2 deposited by MOCVD and of collagen deposited from a gel

This study aims at evaluating the biocompatibility of titanium surfaces modified according two different ways: (i) deposition of a bio-inert, thin film of rutile TiO2 by chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD), and (ii) biochemical treatment with collagen gel, in order to obtain a bio-interactive coating. Behind the comparison is the idea that either the bio-inert or the bio-active coating has specific advantages when applied to implant treatment, such as the low price of the collagen treatment for instance. The stability in buffer solution was evaluated by open circuit potential (OCP) for medium time and cyclic voltametry. The OCP stabilized after 5104 min for all the specimens except the collagen treated sample which presented a stable OCP from the first minutes. MOCVD treated samples stabilized to more electropositive values. Numeric results were statistically analysed to obtain the regression equations for long time predictable evolution. The corrosion parameters determined from cyclic curves revealed that the MOCVD treatment is an efficient way to improve corrosion resistance. Human dermal fibroblasts were selected for cell culture tests, taking into account that these cells are present in all bio-interfaces, being the main cellular type of connective tissue. The cells grew on either type of surface without phenotype modification. From the reduction of yellow, water-soluble 3-(4,5-dimethyldiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT cytotoxicity test), MOCVD treated samples offer better viability than mechanically polished Ti and collagen treated samples as well. Cell spreading, as evaluated from microscope images processed by the program Sigma Scan, showed also enhancement upon surface modification. Depending on the experimental conditions, MOCVD deposited TiO2 exhibits different nanostructures that may influence biological behaviour. The results demonstrate the capacity of integration in simulated physiologic liquids for an implant pretreated by either method

Y-chromosome analysis in individuals bearing the Basarab name of the first dynasty of Wallachian Kings

Christina J. Adler, Alan Cooper, Clio S.I. Der Sarkissian and Wolfgang Haak are contributors to the Genographic ConsortiumVlad III The Impaler, also known as Dracula, descended from the dynasty of Basarab, the first rulers of independent Wallachia, in present Romania. Whether this dynasty is of Cuman (an admixed Turkic people that reached Wallachia from the East in the 11th century) or of local Romanian (Vlach) origin is debated among historians. Earlier studies have demonstrated the value of investigating the Y chromosome of men bearing a historical name, in order to identify their genetic origin. We sampled 29 Romanian men carrying the surname Basarab, in addition to four Romanian populations (from counties Dolj, N = 38; Mehedinti, N = 11; Cluj, N = 50; and Brasov, N = 50), and compared the data with the surrounding populations. We typed 131 SNPs and 19 STRs in the non-recombinant part of the Y-chromosome in all the individuals. We computed a PCA to situate the Basarab individuals in the context of Romania and its neighboring populations. Different Ychromosome haplogroups were found within the individuals bearing the Basarab name. All haplogroups are common in Romania and other Central and Eastern European populations. In a PCA, the Basarab group clusters within other Romanian populations. We found several clusters of Basarab individuals having a common ancestor within the period of the last 600 years. The diversity of haplogroups found shows that not all individuals carrying the surname Basarab can be direct biological descendants of the Basarab dynasty. The absence of Eastern Asian lineages in the Basarab men can be interpreted as a lack of evidence for a Cuman origin of the Basarab dynasty, although it cannot be positively ruled out. It can be therefore concluded that the Basarab dynasty was successful in spreading its name beyond the spread of its genes.Begoña Martinez-Cruz, Mihai Ioana, Francesc Calafell, Lara R. Arauna, Paula Sanz, Ramona Ionescu, Sandu Boengiu, Luba Kalaydjieva, Horolma Pamjav, Halyna Makukh, Theo Plantinga, Jos W.M. van der Meer, David Comas, Mihai G. Netea, the Genographic Consortiu

EX VITRO STUDY ON TESTING THE TREATMENT WITH A STIMULATING EFFECT ON THE SEED GERMINATION RATE OF OCIMUM BASILICUM L.

The stimulation of the seed germination rate may be one of the ways to prevent environmental attacks of byotik or abyotik agents on the quality of seedlings. One of the factors involved in stimulating the germination rate of seeds is red light illumination. Currently, the source for generating red light that consumes the smallest amount of energy is atermic laser. Ocimum basilicum L. is one of the plant species that have been used by man since ancient times in culinary, medicinal, decorative and spiritual activities. Therefore, this paper presents experimental data obtained by testing the treatments based on the use of a laser light field, with a stimulating effect on the rate of seed germination on Marseille and Red Rubin basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) varieties. The experimental data obtained recommendes the application of field laser light treatments for 30' in order to stimulate the germination rate of seeds and in order to obtain seedlings for each of the two varieties of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) under study

Gradient changes in bioprosthetic valve thrombosis: duration of anticoagulation and strategies to improve detection

Objective Bioprosthetic valve thrombosis (BPVT) is increasingly recognised as a major cause of prosthetic dysfunction in the first years postimplantation. How early abnormal gradients can be detected prior to diagnosis and how fast they normalise with anticoagulant therapy is unknown. We set forth to (1) evaluate patterns of increase in gradients prior to BPVT diagnosis and (2) characterise time-course of response to anticoagulation.Methods Patients treated with warfarin for BPVT (1999–2019) with clinically significant reduction of mean gradients (≥25%) were identified retrospectively. Recovery was defined as gradient decrease ≥50%, to postimplantation or to normal-range gradients per position, model and size. Time-to-BPVT (implantation—BPVT diagnosis), potential diagnostic delay (first abnormal gradient by position, model and size—BPVT diagnosis) and time-to-recovery (BPVT diagnosis—complete resolution) were recorded.Results 77 patients were identified; 32 (42%) aortic (23 surgical—12 porcine, 11 pericardial; 9 transcatheter); 24 (31%) mitral; 21 (27%) tricuspid. Median time-to-BPVT was 24, 21 and 10 months, respectively. Potential diagnostic delay was median 21 months for aortic, 4 months for mitral, but 0 for tricuspid. Recovery was significantly faster in mitral than aortic (median 2.5 vs 4.8 months, p=0.038) and tricuspid (median 5.9 months, p=0.025) positions. Porcine aortic valves responded faster than pericardial aortic valves (median 2.9 vs 20.3 months, p=0.004).Conclusion Gradients start to increase months before the clinical BPVT diagnosis. Recovery is faster in mitral and surgical aortic porcine valves; a longer warfarin trial seems indicated in tricuspid and surgical aortic pericardial valves

Pediatric Graves' orbitopathy: a multicentre study

PURPOSE: Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is a rare condition in children often considered to be a less severe condition than at an older age. The aim of our study was to analyse if there are any factors that distinguish paediatric from adult GO in order to provide guidelines for assessing and managing paediatric GO. METHODS: Study design is a multicentre retrospective observational case series; 115 paediatric patients diagnosed with GO who visited our university medical centres in the Netherlands and Iran between 2003 and 2019 were submitted for complete ophthalmological examinations, serological testing and/or orbital imaging. Main outcome measures focussed on the natural course and clinical picture as well as medical and surgical treatment in paediatric GO. RESULTS: Clinical findings included proptosis (n = 97; 84.3%), eyelid retraction (n = 77; 67%) and diplopia (n = 13; 11.3%). Ninety-two patients (80%) presented with mild disease, 21 (18.3%) with moderate-severe disease and two (1.7%) with severe GO. Five patients (4.3%) underwent intravenous glucocorticoids and 25 patients underwent orbital decompression surgery. Strabismus surgery due to primary involvement of extraocular muscles was performed in two patients (1.7%). Overall, rehabilitative surgical treatment was planned in 31 patients (26.9%) with inactive disease. Two patients experienced reactivation of the disease. CONCLUSION: Despite the fact that paediatric and adult GO are considered two separate entities, they might be the same disease with two different clinical phenotypes. Paediatric GO population presents with a comparable clinical picture regarding both soft tissue involvement and proptosis, which may require surgical intervention. Proptosis was present in the majority of paediatric GO patients. Orbital decompression was performed in 21.7% of patients