Using different methods of statistics, this paper aims to highlight the potential link between the antioxidant activity of flavonoids and the corresponding molecular descriptors. By calculating the descriptors (van der Waals surface (A), molar volume (V), partition coefficient (LogP), refractivity (R), polarizability (a), forming heat (Hformation), hydration energy (Ehidr), the dipole moment (mt)), together with antioxidant activities (RSA) calculated or taken from the literature, number of phenolic -OH groups and the presence (2) or absence (1) of C2=C3 double bond) for 29 flavonoid compounds and by intercorrelation between the studied parameters, the link between the number of phenolic groups grafted to the basic structure of flavonoids and their antioxidant activity was confirmed. Simultaneously, by using the chi-squared test and the intercorrelations matrix, a satisfactorily correlation coefficient (r2=0.5678; r=0.7536) between the structure of the flavonoids and their activity was obtained, fact that confirms the correlation of the antioxidant activity with the number of -OH phenolic groups.

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(1) Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are among the most common infections worldwide, many of these being caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG). Increased antimicrobial NG resistance has been reported in recent decades, highlighting the need for new sources of natural compounds with valuable antimicrobial activity. This study aims to determine the effect of propolis extracts on NG strains, including antibiotic-resistant strains. (2) Methods: First void urine samples from presumed positive STI subjects were harvested. DNA was extracted, purified, and amplified via PCR for the simultaneous detection of 6 STIs. The presence of the dcmH, gyrA, and parC genes was checked in the DNA samples from NG-positive patients. The antimicrobial activity of 5 aqueous propolis extracts from central Romania was investigated in vitro against some isolated NG strains. ANOVA tests were employed to assess differences and interactions between the inhibition zone for NG strains and propolis extracts. (3) Results: 7.07% of the patients presented NG infections, some strains being resistant or intermediate-resistant to ciprofloxacin. All propolis samples exhibited an antibacterial effect, including on resistant strains. (4) Conclusions: Statistical analysis demonstrated that the diameter of the inhibition zone was influenced both by the NG strain type and the source of the propolis extracts.

The impact of globalization on beekeeping brings new economic, scientific, ecological and social dimensions to this field The present study aimed to evaluate the chemical compositions of eight propolis extracts from Romania, and their antioxidant action and antimicrobial activity against seven species of bacteria, including pathogenic ones: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. The phenolic compounds, flavonoids and antioxidant activity of propolis extracts were quantified; the presence of flavones and aromatic acids was determined. Quercetin and rutin were identified by HPLC analysis and characterized using molecular descriptors. All propolis samples exhibited antibacterial effects, especially against P. aeruginosa and L. monocytogenes . A two-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate correlations among the diameters of the inhibition zones, the bacteria used and propolis extracts used. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the diameter of the inhibition zone was influenced by the strain type, but no association between the propolis origin and the microbial activity was found.

Water is a social requirement and an important factor in the ecological balance. Water from wells is good for direct consumption if the soil is not contaminated. The quality of drinking water is regulated by Law no. 458/2002 (transposing the Directive 98/83/EC on the quality of drinking water). The aim of this paper was to assess the physicochemical qualities of groundwaters from Brestea village, commune Denta, Timis County. The water samples were taken in 2015 from 10 functional wells. For the source whose physical and chemical parameters have exceeded the limit values, the monthly monitoring of the water quality (microbiological and physico-chemical properties) has been performed for 2 years. At the same time, the pH of the soil near the water sources was also measured. The results highlighted a good connection between the microorganisms from water and the nitrite, nitrate and ammonium content of water. The information can be further used to identify and eliminate the specific pollutants, areas and pollution sources.