Volume 32, No. 2 (2023)
Articles
THE TROPHIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARASITIC ENTOMOPHAGES (HYMENOPTERA: APHIDIIDAE) AND SPECIES OF APHIDS (HOMOPTERA: APHIDIDAE) TO THE WHEAT CROP
PANTELEI VITION(*), TUDOR NASTAS
It was demonstrated that the aphid species Schzarium graminium and Sitobion avenae reached the highest degree of population density in the wheat crop in the first decade of June (18,0 and 16.6% respectively). It was found that aphids and entomophages reached the highest degree of development when the gray crop entered the phenological phase of buttoning. Thus, the population density of aphids was 23,0 % and that of entomophages – 16,0%. 6 species of natural entomophages were highlighted (Aphidina evri Haliday, 1834; Ephedrus sp.; Lysiphlebus sp.; Diaeretiella rapae M. Intosh, 1855; Praon volucre Haliday, 1833; Ephedrus persicae Froggatt, 1904), which can control the population density of of the 3 most widespread species of aphids (Schzarium graminium L.; Sitobion avenae F.; Myzodes persicae Sulz.) in the wheat crop.
HLAB27 PROFILE IN ALGERIAN PATIENTS WITH ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS
NASSIMA FARAH BELDJA(1), NORIA HARIR(1*), KHALIDA ZEMRI(1), SIHEME OUALI(1), FERIEL SELLAM(2), ZOUAOUI NADJI(3), AMEL SEHIMI(4), OUASSINI BENSABER(4)
Our objective was to see if there were any differences between (HLAB27–) and (HLAB27+) individuals with ankylosing spondylitis in Western Algeria.291 patients diagnosed with (AS) at the level of rehabilitation department of (Sidi-bel-Abbes University Hospital ) were enrolled. The studied parameters were: age, gender, disease duration, age onset of disease, morning stiffness, joint and extra-articular injuries, laboratory data, disease activity, and treatments. All data were processed and analyzed via EXCEL and SPSS 22.0 (Statistical Package for the 44 Social Sciences, IBM Corporation; Chicago, IL. August 2013). Most of patients were HLAB27positive (70.79%), the mean age of disease age onset was earlier in the (HLAB27) positive group 29.46±8.99 VS 31.89±10.98 years (p= 0.001) and the morning stifness was higher in the (HLAB27) positive group 26.43 ±28.05 VS 22.00±23.36 Min. Moreover, patients with positive (HLAB27) suffer from uveitis more than patients with negative (HLAB27) 72(35.4%) VS 27(31.8%), the inflammatory parameters was higher in HLAB27 positive group and Smoking was mostly noted in this group of patients (P=0.024). Disease activity indices were significantly greater in group of positive (HLAB27) with (BASDAI) p=0.019, (ASDASCRP) p=0.007. Regarding medical treatment, Sulfasalazine and Humira were the most commonly used drugs for both groups .The presence of the (HLAB27) antigen is linked to an early start of ankylosing spondylitis in Algerian patients, as well as a high incidence of uveitis, inflammatory parameters, and disease activity indices.
THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL CONSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ACCUMULATION OF ENTOMOPHAGES IN BIOCENOSIS FOR BIOLOGICAL PLANT PROTECTION PURPOSES
ALLA GLADCAIA(*), TUDOR NASTAS
Currently, adaptive landscape land use is aimed at achieving a more harmonious interaction between man and nature in the process of agricultural production. The fight against individual harmful species at the population level will sooner or later be replaced by the methodology of interrupting biocenotic processes that reduce productivity (epiphytophagic, epiphytotic) with the help of supporting beneficial processes (entomophagic) from the "natural biomethod" arsenal. A positive example of the implementation of this principle can be the creation of structures for wintering, special micro-reserves (crops of nectarifers) in order to preserve the biodiversity of plant species and invertebrates. Thanks to such biological methods, it becomes possible to reduce the number of chemical treatments and restore the number of natural populations of natural enemies. The aim of our research was to develop a method that includes the elaboration and placement of artificial constructions filled with certain materials in the agrocenosis to attract, monitor and accumulate entomophages for wintering in the agrocenosis for biological plant protection.The object of the study was artificial constructions placed in various agrocenoses.The research was carried out in 2021-2022 on the experimental fields of the Institute of Genetics, Physiology and Plant Protection. Artificial constructions for entomophages were developed and applied for research purposes. The constructions are collapsible, contain various types of filler materials and do not contain synthetic materials.The main factors affecting the number of beneficial insects attracted to wintering with the help of artificial constructions were established: a) the vast majority of entomophages of the genus Chrysopa choose south-facing nest structures for wintering in well-lit places (86%). The height of the traps placement has a multifunctional effect: a) to attract and monitor entomophages of the genus Chrysopa, the height of the constructions should be 2 m above the ground surface; b) to attract representatives of the orders Hymenoptera and Coccinellidae, the height of the artificial constructions should be 1 m above the ground and below. The materials that have demonstrated the best results in attracting entomophages of the genus Chrysopa for wintering are walnut shells and rhubarb stalks
CLINICAL PROFILE AND MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS FOR NORTH AFRICAN WOMEN: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYTICAL STUDY
SIHEME OUALI(1), KHALIDA ZEMRI(1), NORIA HARIR(1*), FERIEL SELLAM(2), ZAHIRA BENAISSA(1), SID TADJ HEBRI(3), OUASSINI BENSABER(4), DOUNIAZAD ELMEHADJI(1), ZOUAOUI NADJI(3), KARIMA KARROUBI(5)
We aimed to describe the medical management , clinical profil and therapeutic characteristics as well as the activity of Rheumatoid Arthritis in women from Western Algeria. For this reason, We performed a retrospective analytical study based on medical records over 257 women in Western Algeria (North Africa) diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the level of internal medicine and rehabilitation departments of Sidi bel Abbes University Hospital. SPSS 22.0 software was used to calculate the various statistical tests presented in this survey. the mean age of diagnosis (Mean±SD) was 52.584±12.3013, ranging from 14 to 80 years old. 73.2% of patients were from urban area. Concerning medical histories 40.1% of patients had high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes (15.2%),the hand joints were the most affected in our study, Disease Activity Index 28 (DAS 28) between 3.2 and 5 was noted in more than half of our population, followed by high activity, Rheumatoid factors and Anti-CCP (anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptides) was positive in 43.97% and 43.58% of patients with a DAS 28 between 3.2(p
BIOLOGICAL PROTECTION OF SOYBEAN CROPS AGAINST THE STINK BUG COMPLEX USING THE ENTOMOPHAGOUS TRICHOGRAMMA EVANESCENS WESTW
LIDIA GAVRILITA(*), TUDOR NASTAS
Soybean crops are attacked by various pests, but the most economically important are the stink bug complex. In 2019, on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, a significant flight of butterflies from the Nymphalidae family, specifically Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui L., 1758), was observed. During the first generation of soybean crop development, the number of V. cardui L. eggs ranged from 61 to 2287 eggs per 200 plants per hectare. The average density per plant ranged from 1.0 to 13.0 eggs. Out of the total number of V. cardui eggs (6105) collected in soybean culture, after two releases of Trichogramma evanescens, the number of parasitized eggs was 4400-72%. The norm for the entomophage pest control release was 100,000 eggs/ha in the first release (05.06.20) and 300,000 eggs/ha of individuals (07.06.20) in the second release. No entomophage was released in the control group. In the years 2020-2022, the Painted Lady butterfly was present in very low numbers, and the egg density was below the economic damage threshold.
VITAMIN D STATUS IN AN INFERTILE POPULATION FROM WESTERN ALGERIA
ANFAL BELKACEM(1), NORIA HARIR(1*), SIHEME OUALI(1), KHALIDA ZEMRI(1), FERIEL SELLAM(2), MALIKA BENDAHMANE(3), FERYEL SENOUSSAOUI(4), BENARIBA SEIF EDDINE(5)
There is evidence that in addition to the classical sex steroid hormones regulating reproduction, vitamin D also modulates reproductive processes in women and men and its deficiency may impair fertility. In order to evaluate the relationship between low vitamin D status and impaired fertility, a prospective epidemiological study of 458 patients was conducted in the region of Oran (western Algeria). The statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 25 and Excel software, a P value < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Our study revealed that just 19.2% of our sample had normal vitamin D status and that there was no significant relationship of vitamin D status with age (P>0.05), however the results were significant with body mass indexes (P (χ²)
FIELD TESTING OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES ON THE ENTOMOPHAGOUS TRICHOGRAMMA EVANESCENS WESTW
LIDIA GAVRILITA(*), TUDOR NASTAS
Field testing of Biologically Active Substances on the behavior of the entomophagous Trichogramma evanescens Westw. was conducted in two variants: In the first variant, where T. evanescens was released in the center of the plot, four plants were treated with a 30% concentration of kairomone extract of the cereal moth (optimal variant) for 5 minutes in the corners of the plot, and the percentage of cereal moth eggs parasitized varied from 18.43 to 31.0. In the second variant, where T. evanescens was released in the corners of the plot, four plants were treated with the kairomone extract of the cereal moth in the middle of the plot, and the percentage of cereal moth eggs parasitized varied from 11.65 to 27.50. In the control plot, plants were not treated with kairomone, but T. evanescens was released in the center of the plot (C1), where cards with moth eggs were fixed. The percentage of cereal moth eggs parasitized varied from 6.10 to 14.50 in the corners of the plot (C2), and the percentage of cereal moth eggs parasitized varied from 7.10 to 11.10.
THE STUDY OF SOME LEUCOCYTE VARIATIONS IN NORMAL AND PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
IONUŢ STOICA(1), DANIELA TIŢĂ(2), MARIA PRISECARU(1*), FLORIAN PRISECARU(3)
100 patients were investigated during the year 2022 with the diagnosis falling under different types of diseases. The cases came from the municipality of Bacău, and the investigation was carried out in the Clinical Laboratory of the Bacău County Emergency Hospital. The following classic working methods and techniques were used: blood smear, May-Grunwald-Giemsa panoptic staining and the leukocyte formula using the SYSMEX XN-3000 hematology analyzer. The main plus or minus variations in the number of leukocytes recorded, associated with some conditions benign (more common) or malignant were: leukopenia, agranulocytosis, lymphocytopenia, leukocytosis, eosinophilia, basophilia, lymphocytosis and monocytosis. Both sexes and all age groups can suffer, within some diseases, more or less significant changes in leukocytes, with different pathological meanings.
STUDY ON THE VARIATION OF FERRITIN CONCENTRATION IN PATIENTS TESTED FOR HEALTH ASSESMENT
TATIANA CIUREA(1), DANIELA TIŢĂ(2*), RAMONA BELOIU(3), MARIA PRISECARU(4), IONUT STOICA(4)
The serum level of ferritin, the protein synthesized in the spleen, bone marrow, liver, correlates with the body’s iron deposits and total iron binding capacity (TIBC). Moreover, the blood concentration of ferritin is more sensitive and specific than sideremia and TIBC. Ferritin is an acute phase reagent, being increased in patients with acute or chronic liver disease, kidney disease, alcoholism, neoplasm, hyperthyroidism, infections and inflammation. The determination and correlation of the values obtained for ferritin with HLG, ESR, sideremia and other acute phase reactants (fibrinogen, C-Reactive Protein), allow the correct establishment of the diagnosis and an adequate treatment.
THE ROLE OF PENTATOMIDAE INSECTS IN THE VEGETABLE AGROECOSYSTEMS OF BACĂU REGION
GABRIEL-ALIN IOSOB(*), TINA OANA CRISTEA, CLAUDIA BĂLĂIŢĂ, DENISA SEVERIN
The Bacau region, known for the diversity of its agricultural landscapes, is essential for vegetable production in Romania. Among the many factors influencing vegetable cultivation, insects contribute significantly to crop health and yield, especially those in the Pentatomidae family. This study investigates the role of Pentatomidae insects in vegetable agroecosystems from the Bacau region. Through systematic field surveys and data analysis conducted during 2021, 2022 and 2023, we examine the population dynamics, species composition, and behavioral patterns of Pentatomidae insects. The study aims to elucidate their impact on vegetable crops, including potential damage, feeding habits, and ecological interactions. In addition, we explore the implications of these findings for sustainable pest management strategies in vegetable agriculture in Bacau. This study increases knowledge about Pentatomidae insects and provides practical guidance for local farmers and researchers.
MORPHOLOGICAL, CYTOLOGICAL, BIOCHEMICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL STUDY OF CEREBROSPINAL FLUID (CSF) IN CHILDREN'S MENINGITIS
IONUŢ STOICA(1), RĂDUCANU DUMITRA(1), DANIELA TIŢĂ(2), MARIA PRISECARU(1*)
18 cases from 2021, 17 cases from 2022 and 15 cases from 2023 were analyzed, in total 50 children, boys and girls. The following were recorded: the child's age, sex, environment of origin, the main biochemical parameters (amount of glucose, proteins, chlorine, number of elements, cytobacteriological parameters (normal or pathological cytology, presence of pathogens-meningococcus, pneumococcus, diplococcus) such as and the macroscopic appearance of the cerebrospinal fluid (color, transparency, appearance). The working methods were the classic ones (macroscopic, microscopic examination, Pandy reaction, culture on agarose gel, smear). In Bacău County, the most frequent meningitis were the bacterial forms that predominated with a percentage of 72% in 2021, while the viral forms predominated in 2022 with a percentage of 65% and in the year 2023 with a percentage of 60%. Bacterial meningitis registered in the 3 years at the level of Bacău County have as pathogens: Koch's bacillus 43%, meningococcus 36%, streptococcus 14%, unspecified etiology 7%. In bacterial forms, regardless of etiology, changes in C.S.F. they are the same. C.S.F. is clear, opalescent or hemorrhagic. Cytology is dominated by polymorphonuclear leukocytesreaching 100%. The biochemical changes are: hyperproteinorachia, up to 0 and hypochloruria. In viral forms, although the etiology is viral, the C.S.F. changes, biochemistry and cytology are similar. Thus, C.S.F. is normal, clear, or slightly opalescent. Predominantly polymorphonuclear.
INFLUENCE OF FECUNDITY OF FEMALE BROWN-MARBLE STINK BUG HALYOMORPHA HALYS STAL (1855) ON THE RATE OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE POPULATION IN GENERAL
IULIANA RUSU(*), TUDOR NASTAS, DINA ELISOVETCAIA
Our research has shown that the invasive species Halyomorphahalys, found in the conditions of the Republic of Moldova in 2019, has already settled in a new area, inhabits both cultivated and ornamental plants and is able to rapidly increase the population density. The fertility of one female is 240 eggs, of which the percentage of sterility ranges from 0,4 to 3, depending on the generation. It was noted that overwintered adults in the spring-summer period show the maximum sexual activity, their fecundity is 65,7%, in the first generation the fecundity of adults was 24,3%, in the second generation – 10,1%. It was established that the period of weak sexual activity of the stink bug (the period of fruit ripening) is a period of its mass harmfulness. Research was carried out within the project of the State Program 20.80009.5107.27 “Elaboration of the alternative methods based on environmentally friendly means and procedures for harmful arthropods control in different agricultural crops”, financed by the National Agency for Research and Development.
STUDY OF BREAST CANCER EVOLUTION IN WOMEN WITH THE HELP SOME TUMOR MARKERS
IONUŢ STOICA(1), DUMITRA RĂDUCANU(1), DANIELA TIŢĂ(2), MARIA PRISECARU(1*)
210 patients hospitalized in the Bacău County Emergency Hospital, Oncology department, were investigated, in which the CA 15-3 marker was determined and 73 patients with the CEA marker. The biological material consisted of peripheral blood collected from these patients. In the test performed with the CA 15-3 marker, 59% of the patients have marker values within normal limits, which means that following the surgical and medical treatment the patients' evolution is good, while 41% of the patients have marker values above the limits admitted, and therefore the evolution of the patients is not favorable, and the treatment must be improved. In the test performed with the CEA marker, 90% of the patients have marker values within the reference limits, so following the applied treatment the patient's evolution is good, while 10% of the patients have marker values outside the reference limits, and therefore the patient's evolution is not favorable, and the treatment must be changed. In the present study, the minimum age at which the form of breast cancer (mammary adenoma) was identified was in a 9-month-old girl.
ENHANCING PEST CONTROL THROUGH BIOLOGICAL METHODS: A CASE STUDY ON CYDIA POMONELLA L. USING PHEROMONAL TRAPS
DENISA SEVERIN(*), GABRIEL-ALIN IOSOB
This paper outlines the shift to forward-looking biological methods of pest control to address environmental concerns arising from chemical use. Biological control relies on the balance of species interactions, which can be disrupted by agro-technical practices or excess chemicals. Pheromones and hormones regulate insect behaviour without toxic effects, contributing to selectivity. Biological control research includes various strategies such as faunal composition studies and pheromone traps targeting specific pests. Pheromone traps, which use species-specific compounds, effectively reduce insect populations while maintaining ecological balance. Recognising pest flight patterns helps both biological and non-biological strategies for optimal interventions. This study evaluates the efficacy of pheromone traps for Cydia pomonella L. through mass male reception, revealing correlations between flight frequency and temperature. Inclement weather delayed pest flight in 2023, while pheromone control substantially reduced attacks, maintaining crop health. This research highlights the success of pheromone traps as a sustainable pest management tool.