Tanacetum vulgare L is a widely distributed plant in Romania, that grows from July to October on the side of roads, railways or on the banks of mountain rivers, both in mountainous and lowland areas. The flowers have an intense yellow color, having the appearance of a pile of tansy, hence its popular name. The medicinal properties, especially the antibacterial and antitumor activities, are the result of the bioactive compounds recovered in the hydroethanolic extracts or volatile oils. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition of hydroethanolic extracts of T. vulgare obtained from different vegetative organs. Thus, a considerable variety of bioactive compounds with pharmacological importance were identified, such as emodin, anthraquinones, velutin, jaceosidin, diosmetin, tetrahydroxyflavone, casticin, medroxyprogesterone. The large variety of bioactive compounds recognized as important pharmacological products represents an important argument for the classification of T. vulgare as a medicinal plant with multiple therapeutic properties.
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) remain a pressing global health issue, contributing significantly to patient morbidity and mortality while imposing severe economic and logistical pressures on healthcare systems. These infections are often caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, complicating both prevention and treatment. Surface disinfectants are critical in mitigating pathogen transmission and curbing antimicrobial resistance within healthcare environments. However, the increasing prevalence of biocide resistance among pathogens necessitates a deeper understanding of the complex mechanisms that counteract the effects of disinfectants. This review explores the various responses of microorganisms to disinfectants and delves into current known bacterial strategies that overcome disinfectants activity. Understanting these microbial responses is essential for the development of more effective disinfection protocols in order to ensure an efficient control of hospital-acquired infections.
Aging is defined as a progressive loss of function, leading to reduced fertility, increased mortality, and disability [1]. Lifespan and healthspan are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, and recent studies have shown that aging can be modulated in model organisms through genetic interventions [3]. In C. elegans, mutations in the daf-2 insulin/IGF-1 receptor and odr-3 G-protein-coupled receptor significantly extend lifespan, with the daf-2; odr-3 double mutant showing synergistic effects beyond single mutants [2][3]. To expand this, we investigated the orthologous genes in Drosophila melanogaster: InR (insulin receptor) and GαO (G-protein alpha O subunit), using both single and double mutants. We found that both InR and G𝛼O mutants extended lifespan compared to wildtype, however, the GαO;InR double mutant showed only a slight increase in lifespan compared to the InR mutant, less pronounced than the synergy observed in C. elegans. These findings suggest that while these genes may have conserved roles in lifespan regulation, their interactions differ between species, indicating species-specific modulation of aging.
Algae biotechnology is an emerging discipline that explores the potential of these marine plants in industrial, environmental, and food applications. Thanks to their rapid growth, high productivity, and richness in bioactive compounds, algae have become a sustainable source for obtaining materials of scientific interest. Algal biomaterials are used in various thanks to their natural, renewable, and biodegradable properties. The first part of this state-of-the-art review addressed marine polysaccharides, which have a complex molecular architecture whose composition defines their physicochemical and biological properties. The second part addressed sulfated polysaccharides, their types, extraction, and main applications. Finally, biosilica was discussed as an algal mineral with unique nanopores and morphologies, useful as an adsorbent and catalytic support. The application of these algal biomaterials encompasses tissue engineering, controlled drug delivery, food, cosmetics, water treatment, and environmental remediation.
Influenza A virus (IAV) is mainly transmitted from one to another host through excretions and secretions in the form of droplets and aerosols. It is also possible that the virus is transmitted indirectly through a contaminated environment. The likelihood of transmission through the environment depends on several factors, including the survival time of the virus in secretions/excretions on contaminated surfaces, including feed. However, the transmission of IAV through feed has not been sufficiently investigated. In this study, the half-life of the IAV virus at the level of nucleic acid in feed was compared under certain conditions. Different concentrations of IAV subtype H3N2 (100 to 106 EID50) were applied to feed samples from a broiler breeding farm, which were then heat treated at -20, 4, 25 and 37°C, for 24, 48 and 72h. The IAV concentration in all samples was measured by determining RNA for the matrix protein by RT-qPCR and the half-life of the virus was calculated. The half-life of the virus in the feed samples was compared with that of the Brain Hart Infusion (BHI) protective medium, used as a control. The half-lives identified for feed and BHI environment were 19 h and 41 h respectively for 37°C, and 56 h for BHI at 25°C. The half-lives for the other temperatures were insignificant for the two matrices. The half-life was longer for the feed compared to the BHI medium at temperatures above 25°C. The viral titre had a sharp drop at temperature of 37°C with a steeper slope in the case of the BHI environment compared to the feed. The evaluation of the infectivity of the virus remaining in the two matrices by inoculating suspensions on embryonated eggs highlighted the fact that the feed does not allow the viability of the virus to be preserved even in the case of testing immediately after inoculation. Therefore, the transmission of IAV subtype H3N2 may not play a significant role in the spread of the virus.
