Vol. 28 No. 1 (2023): Romanian Biotechnological Letters
The journal is dedicated to publishing original research papers, reviews, rapid and short communications. The covered topics and subjects include biotechnology (i.e., green, red, white, blue, bioinformatics) and interdisciplinary research in medicine, neuroscience, agriculture, animal husbandry, ecology and environmental protection.
Full Issue
Articles
-
Occupational health improvement study on lumbar paraspinal muscles via surface electromyography during several tasks – a review
Abstract
The lumbar paraspinal muscles are located next to the vertebrae responsible for lower back motion, and they are a set of muscles with distinct designs and complex features. Lower back muscles are represented by the erector spinae (ES) and multifidus (MF) muscles, which are located between the L3 and L4 vertebrae. Back pain from paraspinal muscular disorders causes muscle atrophy, tension, and poor posture. As a result, it is important to monitor muscle fatigue and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of paraspinal muscles using the EMG approach and imaging techniques. The screening of these paraspinal muscles can evidence changes related to low back pain both before and after exercise; it can be used together with CSA of the paraspinal muscles to assess muscle atrophy caused by disc herniation and spinal stenosis as well as postoperatively. This review will aid researchers in gathering information on numerous elements that influence muscle fatigue and determining the usefulness of studying muscle atrophy in connection to disc herniation and spinal disease using various imaging modalities.
-
A current review for some methodological aspects on using Crocus sativus and Whitania somnifera sp. extracts in the treatment of schizophrenia
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illnes that affects population all around the world which poses a problem for the abilities of the affected person as well as their family members. Aim of the study: This narrative review has as its objective the potential evaluation of treatment with extracts from Crocus sativus and Whitania somnifera on patients with schizophrenia. Results: The plant extracts C. sativus and W. somnifera have a very well developed extraction method and beneficial effects in the case of patients with schizophrenia. Conclusion: Crocus sativus and Whitania somnifera extracts could be used as an adjuvant treatment for positive and negative simptoms in schizophrenia.
-
Investigation of the antitumoral activity of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina platensis) in mice
Abstract
In this study, the anti-tumoral effect of S. platensis was investigated in Balb-c mice with EAT (Ehrlich Acid Tumor). S. platensis was applied in the form of 200 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg concentrate. Blood taken from mice was separated into their serum and TAL (Total Antioxidant Level), TOL (Total Oxidant Level), ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) and AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) parameters were studied. Kidney, stomach, small intestine and large intestine tissues of the sacrificed subjects were removed and evaluated pathologically. As a result, when the biochemical values of S. platensis activity and control groups were compared statistically there was no statistically significant difference, excepting TOL. Also, in the pathological evaluation, the spread of the tumor in organs such as the large intestine and stomach was statistically significantly different.
-
Prevalence of Listeria species in raw vegetables sold in Burdur province
Abstract
In this research, a total of 90 raw vegetables (spinach, broccoli, lettuce, parsley, arugula, purslane, garden cress, scallions, and mushrooms) were used as materials, each of the vegetables included 10 samples obtained from different producers and district bazaars in Burdur province. Listeria spp. was detected in 9 (10%) of a total of 90 vegetable samples. However, none of the 9 isolated Listeria spp. from this study is classified as L. monocytogenes. Antibiotic susceptibility testing by disc diffusion method showed that 100% of the isolates were susceptible to ampicillin and penicillin G while the highest resistance has been found against meropenem and erythromycin (88.88%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (66.66%). In conclusion, raw vegetables are considered to pose a hazard to food safety and public health due to Listeria species contamination.
-
Integration of biotechnology and information technology for healthcare innovation
Abstract
This review explores the integration of biotechnology and information technology in healthcare innovation. The convergence of these fields has revolutionized diagnostics, therapeutics, and patient management. Biotechnology advancements, such as genomics and molecular diagnostics, enable personalized medicine, while information technology facilitates data management and analysis. The integration also extends healthcare access through telemedicine and remote patient monitoring, enhancing healthcare delivery in underserved areas. Challenges include data security and privacy concerns. Looking ahead, the integration of biotechnology and information technology holds immense potential for further healthcare innovation, transforming patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.
-
Phenotypic virulence and antibiotic resistance features of microbial strains isolated from dental-plaque associated oral lesions
Abstract
Due to the high complexity of the oral microbial community and its association with diverse oral pathologies, the investigation of microbial resistance and virulence features is essential for developing effective strategies with preventive or therapeutic value. This study focused on identifying a series of soluble virulence factors and the antibiotic resistance profiles of microbial strains isolated from the oral cavity of patients with dental plaque-associated pathologies, using culture-dependent methods. Our study demonstrates that the analyzed bacterial and fungal strains have the ability to grow competitively and induce tissue lesions, mainly mediated by esculinase and proteases (Gram‑negative bacilli), hemolysins (Actinomyces and aerobic Gram-positive cocci), amylase and DNase (anaerobic Gram‑positive cocci), lipase and DNase (yeasts) as well as exhibit resistance to antibiotics currently used in dentistry, such as beta-lactams, tetracyclines and macrolides.
-
Various facets of low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMNs)
Abstract
Low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms are rare tumors of the appendix that affect women and men equally from the fifth decade of life. They are characterized by the replacement of normal appendiceal mucosal tissue with villous proliferations of mucinous epithelium. The tumor cells secrete mucin, which accumulates in intracytoplasmic vacuoles. Tumor growth occurs by pushing mechanisms without invasion, invasion defining adenocarcinomas. In the early stages, these tumors have low risk of recurrence and are not life-threatening, appendectomy being sufficient for cure. Sometimes, the accumulation of mucin produces ruptures of the appendiceal wall, which may seed tumor content outside the appendix, complicating diagnosis and prognosis, presenting a high risk of recurrence and, in the case of pseudomyxoma peritonei, becoming disabling and life-threatening. For these, treatment becomes more complex, with decreased survival rate.
