Balanced Composition Research Articles

Роль та місце кардіопротекції з використанням сучасних інфузійних препаратів у періопераційному періоді

Кардіальні ускладнення не тільки є найчастішою причиною післяопераційної летальності, але й істотно збільшують тривалість і вартість лікування, створюють передумови для розвитку поліорганної недостатності. Саме профілактика й своєчасне адекватне лікування кардіальних ускладнень при позасерцевих оперативних втручаннях є важливим тактичним і стратегічним завданням лікаря-анестезіолога. Можливості радикально знизити ризик ускладнень досить обмежені. Лікарські засоби, до складу яких входять амінокислоти L-аргінін та L-карнітин, можуть бути ефективно використані як кардіо- та ендотеліопротективні препарати. Упровадження таких підходів у клінічну практику в найближчому майбутньому буде мати велике значення для підвищення ефективності та безпечності періопераційної інфузійної терапії пацієнтів із супутніми серцево-судинними захворюваннями.

Microbial Growth in Shrimp Ponds as Influenced by Monosilicic and Polysilicic Acids

In order to increase shrimp production and minimize detrimental environmental impacts of aquaculture, the maintenance and regulation of the growth and composition of phytoplankton communities and nutritional balance are critical. Silicon (Si) is an essential nutrient for diatoms and other types of microorganisms, but the information about the Si impact on their growth is extremely scarce. Monosilicic and polysilicic acids were tested in several shrimp cultivation systems in Jiangsu Province, China. In pond waters, the concentrations of monosilicic and polysilicic acids were sharply reduced by 36-95% and 35-75%, accordingly, as compared with those in supply water sources. The microbial cell abundance was strongly dependent on monosilicic acid. In laboratory experiments, monosilicic acid added to pond water or probiotic solutions at 1- and 2-mM Si had a significant positive effect on cell abundance. Over three days, the concentrations of monosilicic acid decreased by 81 to 91% in pond water and by 11 to 24% in probiotic solution. In probiotic solutions, the degree of polymerization of silicic acid was more intensive than that in shrimp pond waters. The data obtained demonstrates the importance of systematic studies related to the functions of Si in shrimp aquaculture.

Temperature acclimation of net photosynthesis and its underlying component processes in four tropical tree species.

The effect of temperature change on leaf physiology has been extensively studied in temperate trees and to some extent in boreal and tropical tree species. While increased temperature typically stimulates leaf CO2 assimilation and tree growth in high-altitude ecosystems, tropical species are often negatively affected. These trees may operate close to their temperature optima and have a limited thermal acclimation capacity due to low seasonal and historical variation in temperature. To test this hypothesis, we studied the extent to which the temperature sensitivities of leaf photosynthesis and respiration acclimate to growth temperature in four common African tropical tree species. Tree seedlings native to different altitudes and therefore adapted to different growth temperatures were cultivated at three different temperatures in climate-controlled chambers. We estimated the acclimation capacity of the temperature sensitivities of light-saturated net photosynthesis, the maximum rates of Rubisco carboxylation (Vcmax) and thylakoid electron transport (J), and dark respiration. Leaf thylakoid membrane lipid composition, nitrogen content and leaf mass per area were also analyzed. Our results showed that photosynthesis in tropical tree species acclimated to higher growth temperatures, but that this was weakest in the species originating from the coolest climate. The temperature optimum of J acclimated significantly in three species and variation in J was linked to changes in the thylakoid membrane lipid composition. For Vcmax, there was only evidence of significant acclimation of optimal temperature in the lowest elevation species. Respiration acclimated to maintain homeostasis at growth temperature in all four species. Our results suggest that the lowest elevation species is better physiologically adapted to acclimate to high growth temperatures than the highest elevation species, indicating a potential shift in competitive balance and tree community composition to the disadvantage of montane tree species in a warmer world.

Artificial Upwelling in Singular and Recurring Mode: Consequences for Net Community Production and Metabolic Balance

Artificial upwelling of nutrient-rich waters and the corresponding boost in primary productivity harbor the potential to enhance marine fishery yields and strengthen the biological pump for sequestration of atmospheric CO2. There is increasing urgency to understand this technology as a “ocean-based solution” for counteracting two major challenges of the 21st century—climate change and overfishing. Yet, little is known about the actual efficacy and/or possible side effects of artificial upwelling. We conducted a large-scale off-shore mesocosm study (∼44 m3) in the oligotrophic waters of the Canary Islands to identify the community-level effects of artificial upwelling on a natural oligotrophic plankton community. Four upwelling intensities were simulated (approx. 1.5/3/5.7/10 μmol L–1 of nitrate plus phosphate and silicate) via two different upwelling modes (a singular deep-water pulse vs. recurring supply every 4 days) for 37 days. Here we present results on the response of net community production (NCP), metabolic balance and phytoplankton community composition (<250 μm). Higher upwelling intensities yielded higher cumulative NCP. Following upwelling onset, the phytoplankton community became dominated by diatoms in all treatments, but other taxa such as Coccolithophores increased later in the experiment. The magnitude of effects on the metabolic balance scaled with the amount of added deep water, leading to (i) a balanced to net-heterotrophic system in the singular and (ii) a net-autotrophic system in the recurring upwelling treatments. Accordingly, the mode in which nutrients are supplied to an oligotrophic system plays a crucial role in the ecosystem response, with recurring upwelling leading to higher long-term positive NCP than singular upwelling. These results highlight the importance of empirically measured local responses to upwelling such as community structure and metabolism, with major implications for the potential employment of artificial upwelling as an ocean-based solution to generate (primary) production.

Yeast Protein as an Easily Accessible Food Source.

In recent years, the awareness and willingness of consumers to consume healthy food has grown significantly. In order to meet these needs, scientists are looking for innovative methods of food production, which is a source of easily digestible protein with a balanced amino acid composition. Yeast protein biomass (single cell protein, SCP) is a bioavailable product which is obtained when primarily using as a culture medium inexpensive various waste substrates including agricultural and industrial wastes. With the growing population, yeast protein seems to be an attractive alternative to traditional protein sources such as plants and meat. Moreover, yeast protein biomass also contains trace minerals and vitamins including B-group. Thus, using yeast in the production of protein provides both valuable nutrients and enhances purification of wastes. In conclusion, nutritional yeast protein biomass may be the best option for human and animal nutrition with a low environmental footprint. The rapidly evolving SCP production technology and discoveries from the world of biotechnology can make a huge difference in the future for the key improvement of hunger problems and the possibility of improving world food security. On the market of growing demand for cheap and environmentally clean SCP protein with practically unlimited scale of production, it may soon become one of the ingredients of our food. The review article presents the possibilities of protein production by yeast groups with the use of various substrates as well as the safety of yeast protein used as food.

Женская интимная гигиена как актуальное дополнение профилактики вульвовагинитов

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) ranks first among gynecological disorders. Establishing intimate health prevents inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive system. Obstetricians and gynecologists are significantly responsible for maintaining intimate health and developing personal hygiene practices. This paper highlights intimate female health. The authors describe personal hygiene practices and intimate ethics in women of reproductive age. These habits are essential for preventing vaginal infections. Patient education contributes to the development of hygiene practices and helps take responsibility for reproductive health. Intimate hygiene maintains the healthy mucosal barrier required for normal reproductive function and prevents vaginal infections. Specific products maintaining normal pH and natural vaginal microflora (e.g., natural lactic acid-based) are recommended for intimate hygiene. Lactic acid favors the growth of Lactobacilli so that its gel can be used to prevent vaginal dysbiosis. The balanced composition provides effective hygiene of the intimate area and prevents vaginal infections. Daily use of gel is the key to intimate female health. KEYWORDS: female health, intimate hygiene, vaginal infections, vaginal microflora, lactic acid, vaginal pH, chlorohexidin, intimate hygiene gel. FOR CITATION: Manukhin I.B., Manukhina E.I., Safaryan I.R., Ovakimyan M.A. Female intimate hygiene is a relevant addition to prevent vulvovaginitis. Russian Journal of Woman and Child Health. 2022;5(1):46–50 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2618-8430-2022-5-1-46-50.

The role of C/N ratio on anaerobic decomposition of industrial tempeh wastewater for optimizing methane production

Considering its high organic contents, A biological process, in particular anaerobically decomposition is considered to be the most suitable treatment for industrial tempeh wastewater. Among the important parameters that determine the success level of the process, C/N ratio was mentioned to play a significant role. Thus, this study was carried out to investigate the effects of different C/N ratios (10; 20; 30 and 40) on the decomposition process to produce methane gas. The experiment was conducted using 1L batch reactors with sludge from active cow manure biogas digester as inoculum. Several parameters such as pH, COD, BOD, VFAs and methane gas were monitored during the process to understand the mechanism. The experimental results confirmed that the C/N ratio significantly affected the anaerobic decomposition of tempeh wastewater, giving the best achievement for C/N = 30, with organic removal as high as 89% (COD) and total methane produced as much as 1240 mL in 14 days of observation. The balanced composition between carbon and nitrogen is important for the anaerobic process, higher organic loading (C/N = 40) will potentially lead to VFAs accumulation, meanwhile higher nitrogen concentration (C/N = 10) will stimulate complex transition, mainly denitrification and free ammonia formation. Both conditions will block the methanogenesis stage, resulting in a nonoptimal decomposition process and minimum methane production.

Breastfeeding: prevalence, health effects, obstacles and ways to encourage it

Background: Breastmilk is the best way to feed infants due to its balanced nutritional composition. Because of its many health benefits, the prevalence of breastfeeding, ways to encourage it and the effects of breastfeeding on mothers and children have been extensively researched. Objectives: This review aims to demonstrate the short-and-long term health consequences of breastfeeding for infants and mothers. Additionally, it will estimate the rate of breastfeeding mothers, identify the causes behind this rate and discuss ways to increase awareness about its importance. Main outcomes: The prevalence of breastfeeding is 40% worldwide and 10.2% in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Women who don’t breastfeed list a lack of information, negative attitudes towards breastfeeding within wider society and a return to work as the main reasons that discourage them from breastfeeding. Breastfeeding reduces mothers’ risk of breast and ovarian carcinoma, diabetes and BMI by 4.3%, 28%, 32% and 1%, respectively. It also decreases the risk of postpartum depression and increases the duration of amenorrhea. Children who are breastfed for longer periods have lower risks of diarrhoea by 31%, pneumonia by 57%, being overweight by 26%, diabetes by 35% and raises intelligence scores by 3.4. Conclusion: This review found evidence that breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, Type 2 diabetes, postpartum depression, being overweight, and improves birth spacing. For infants, breastfeeding lowers infectious morbidity and mortality and enhances growth and development. Professional and public education and fathers’ support are important to encourage the over 50% of women who do not breastfeed their infants. Keywords: breastfeeding, maternal health, infant health, effects.

Sagittal balance and intervertebral disc composition in patients with low back pain.

The aim of this study was to verify the relationship between quantitative T2 relaxation measurements of lumbar intervertebral discs (IVDs) and spinopelvic parameters in patients with chronic low back pain. The study was approved by the Clinical Hospital of the Ribeirao Preto Medical School (USP) Ethics Committee, and written consent was obtained from all patients. A total of 455 IVDs from 91 consecutive patients with chronic low back pain were included in this prospective study. All subjects were assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index and visual analogue scale questionnaires and were confirmed to have no other spine diseases except disc degeneration. Spinopelvic parameters including the pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), global tilt (GT), T1 pelvic angle (TPA), lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis mismatch (PI-LL), and lack of lumbar lordosis (LLL) were measured. The study group was categorized according to the Roussouly classification. Sagittal T2 maps were acquired to extract the IVD relaxation times, and the complete manual segmentation of IVDs at all levels was performed using Display® software. Lumbar IVD T2 relaxation times showed significant correlation with PT (P<0.01), GT (P<0.01), TPA (P<0.01), PI-LL (P=0.01), and LLL (P=0.01). No difference was noted between Roussouly subtypes regarding T2 relaxation times at any disc level. Data from questionnaires showed no correlation with T2 relaxation times. Global tilt and T1 pelvic angle were correlated with IVD composition changes (T2 relaxometry). There was no correlation between clinical symptoms and IVD T2 relaxation times.

Effect of Hibiscus Leaf on Protein Balance, Blood Profile, and Body Composition of Etawah Crossbreed Goats

Effect of Hibiscus Leaf on Protein Balance, Blood Profile, and Body Composition of Etawah Crossbreed Goats

FUNCTIONAL BIOPRODUCT ''FucoSTEM'' - EVALUATION OF THE PRODUCT ON ORGANOLEPTIC, PHYSICOCHEMICAL, BIOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL INDICATORS

The authors present the results of organoleptic, physicochemical, biochemical and microbiological studies of a new lyophilized functional bioproduct ''FucoSTEM''. The product is a nutritious concentrate developed on the basis of buffalo colostrum. The inclusion in the composition of fruit (chokeberry) leads to an increase in the content of total phenolic substances, anthocyanins and high antioxidant activity of the product. The obtained results prove that the new product ''FucoSTEM'' has a balanced composition, preserved quality characteristics, high biological and energy value. It is microbiologically pure and safe to use. These features define it as suitable for use by a wide range of users.

DECONSTRUCTION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THE KACU CONCEPT OF BATIK AS INSPIRATION FOR ARTWORKS

Batik is one of the arts that contains a whole descriptive belief about how Javanese interpret their lives. It is found inclassical batiks, which are still committed to the standard elements from Keraton as a center for preserving Javaneseculture. Through studying classical batik, the writer finds a concept of Kacu ratio used in making batik. For thewriter, the kacu is a local form of genius that belongs to the Javanese community. The consciousness of the emptinesspermeates all material forms that exist in the universe. This belief is also applied to the process of designing batikfabrics. For the Javanese, beauty lies in the balance of macro and microcosmos. The actual balance lies at the pointof paradox. Through this research, similarities in the numbers of the Kacu ratio, which is believed to be the goldenratio of the Javanese people in ancient times were sought. Then the equation would be applied to the artwork. Thisstudy uses a qualitative method with several literature sources to dissect the Kacu concept and apply it to works ofart. The writer uses the Kacu concept to arrange visual objects as a scale and balance composition through a formalistapproach. Finally, the writer presents batik and screen-printing techniques on textile. Therefore, the writer needsto study the Kacu ratio further to understand what this ancient ratio means in the beliefs of the Javanese people.

Comparative analysis of the txm business infographic: the use of visual tools to aid in the design creation process

Infographics were born to represent information, seeking to unite text and images to make information more straightforward to understand its context. Considering everything infographics represent in this informational society, we propose, based on a study of the elements that make up infographics, to validate the infographic referring to the TXM Business Methodology developed from another methodology used for brand creation and management TXM Branding. The primary purpose of creating such an infographic is to make information accessible to visualize the complete methodological process. Thus, the objective of this article is to analyze, based on the literature, the composition of the infographic of the TXM Business methodology in its two versions, allowing us to trace a relationship between them concerning their graphic elements. Therefore, to analyze and compare the two versions of TXM Business infographics, it was necessary to understand infographics and research construction methodologies to subsequently relate these learnings to the infographic and analyze it for future validation. The results point to a balanced composition that highlights the main approaches and information of the Methodology. The final object can be improved by understanding the field of infographics.

Sunflower and its use in waste-free processing technology for the production of therapeutic preventive and baby nutrition

Sunflower proteins, due to their high nutritional and biological value and wide distribution in the Russian Federation, are promising raw material for the production of food protein products for use in therapeutic and preventive and infant nutrition. In this regard, when choosing sunflower varieties, special requirements are put forward to them: a sufficiently high protein content and a high proportion of the kernel in the seeds, a balanced amino acid composition, compliance of safety indicators with the standards of technical regulations. VNIIFАТs conducts long-term research on the development of technology for protein concentrate and sunflower seed isolate. In cooperation with VIR, scientific work devoted to the selection of sunflower varieties that allow to obtain protein products with optimal properties is carried out. Functional properties, nutrient composition and physico-chemical parameters of sunflower protein concentrate have been studied. It is shown that sunflower protein is not inferior in its properties and biological value to soy protein concentrates presented on the Russian market. Therefore, it can be recommended as a protein and functional additive in therapeutic preventive and baby food products.

Impact of dietary supplements based on L-carnitine on free-radical processes in model systems

Introduction. According to the results of numerous studies and meta-analyses, the effectiveness of male infertility therapy with micronutrients-antioxidants in various variants remains low, especially concerning the increase in live-birth rates and the incidence of clinical pregnancy. This may be due to both the empirical nature of such therapy with an imbalance of ejaculate redox systems, and an overdose of individual ingredients of antioxidant complexes.Purpose of the study. To evaluate the antioxidant activity of complex preparation based on L-carnitine for the treatment of male infertility in an experimental model system.Materials and methods. The dietary supplements «AndroDoz®» («Nizhfarm» JSC, Russian Federation) and «Proxeed® plus» (Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals Inc., Italy) were tested. The antioxidant properties of the preparations were determined in vitro by recording chemiluminescence in model systems generating reactive oxygen species using the «LKB-Wallac 1256 chemiluminometer» (Wallac Oy/PerkinElmer®, Finland). Chemiluminescence was evaluated by the light sum and the maximum amplitude of the glow, the antioxidant activity in the biological environment was studied when adding drugs to chicken yolk lipids similar to blood lipoprotein complexes.Results. The introduction of «AndroDoz®» and «Proxeed® plus» into the incubation medium in an amount comparable to the physiological level of L-carnitine in seminal plasma, inhibited the luminescence of the model system. At the same time, if «Proxeed® plus» almost completely inhibited the formation of radicals, then an equivalent dose of «AndroDoz®» reduced the intensity of chemiluminescence by 60%. Approximately in the same proportions, the preparations suppressed the intensity of lipid peroxidation processes in a model system with lipoprotein complexes similar to blood lipids, that is, the antioxidant activity was preserved in the biological environment. A decrease in the value of the chemiluminescence light sum was also found against the background of the use of these dietary supplements, which may indicate their protective effect on biological membranes, including subcellular structures of spermatozoa.Conclusion. The combined dietary supplements used in the study have a high antioxidant potential. The preparation «Proxeed® plus» can completely suppress the processes of lipoperoxidation with the possible development of a deficiency of free radicals that provide vital processes. The preparation «AndroDoz®» has a milder effect on free-radical phenomena probably due to a lower content of active ingredients and a balanced composition, which reduces the risk of complications in the form of an «antioxidant paradox» or reductive stress.

Russian-Ukrainian population of the Russian territories bordering with Ukraine: ethnocultural or transition group?

One of the new directions in ethnosociology is the study of population groups with multiple (often double) ethnic identities, which are growing quantitatively due to the spread of ethnically “mixed” marriages, migrations, etc. Among such “hybrid” ethnic groups, residents with Russian-Ukrainian identity are one of the largest bi-ethnic communities in Russia. In particular, in the Russian regions bordering with Ukraine, residents with dual Russian-Ukrainian identity make up a significant proportion of the population. Accordingly, the studies of 2017–2018 show that in Belgorod region 16 % of residents have Russian-Ukrainian ethnic identities, whereas it is 23 % in the bor-der municipalities. In this paper, the genesis and reproduction potential of a bi-ethnic Russian-Ukrainian popula-tion group at the Russian-Ukrainian borderland is discussed. The first part of the paper comprises an overview of the studies of multiethnic groups, including the Russian-Ukrainian population. The second part is based on em-pirical ethnosociological research conducted by the author and is devoted to finding the answer to the question: “Is the population with the double Russian-Ukrainian identity an independent, permanently existing ethnocultural community or a transitional group that temporarily emerged in the process of assimilation of the Ukrainians in Russia?”. Sociological data indicate that this group of population should be considered as a separate, perma-nently existing ethno-cultural community, and not a temporary, transitional group in the process of assimilation of the Ukrainians in Russia. In favor of the former speaks the fact that the population with the double Russian-Ukrainian identity consists mainly of autochthonous people, with a balanced age composition, who inherited bi-ethnicity by their “mixed” origin, rather than by assimilation. In the respondents in this group, endogenous factors of the formation of ethnic identity are dominant; they feel an inextricable ethnic connection with the population of the neighboring Ukrainian regions. At the same time, members of the Russian-Ukrainian ethnocultural group are predominantly pessimistic about possibility of inheriting their double identity by future generations.

BIOLOGICAL VALUE OF EDIBLE HEN EGGS SOLD ON THE MARKET OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS

The article presents the results of studies on the biological value of chicken eggs of various weight categories, developed at one of the domestic poultry farms in accordance with two regulatory documents. It has been established that eggs from modern poultry crosses have a high biological value, since they do not contain essential amino acids limiting the biological value and a balanced composition of essential amino acids. INAC of food chicken eggs samples differs from the standard by 0.35-0.47 units. The utilitarian coefficient of the amino acid composition is in the range of 0.68–0.77, the indicator of comparable redundancy is quite close to the standard and is 0.1–0.16. Of the studied weight categories, eggs of the highest category have the highest amino acid balance.&#x0D; The high percentage of satisfaction of the daily requirement for essential amino acids (by 40.3–62.7 % with the consumption of 100 g of egg mass), as well as the high balance of the amino acid composition, allow us to conclude that modern chicken eggs sold on the market of the Republic of Belarus, are a valuable food product that provides consumers with all vital essential amino acids.

Investigation of the process of extraction of a highly starchy fraction of rye flour by air classification

The article provides an overview of the current state of the application of solid-phase methods for separating the structure of grain and leguminous raw material into constituent components, as one of the most relevant areas of environmental protection and reducing the amount of wastewater from enterprises processing agricultural raw materials. The main direction of research on the production of protein concentrates from leguminous raw materials (peas, beans, chickpeas, lupine) by the method of air classification is noted. Among grain crops, rye stands out as having a more balanced amino acid composition compared to wheat and the largest starch grains up to 60 microns, which improves the aero-dynamic separation of grain flour into protein and starch fractions. Тherefore, rye flour was the object of research in this work. The research area included the development of a method for determining the starch content in the heavy fraction of rye flour from the yield of its light protein fraction and its starch content using an installation with variable parameters of a two-chamber disperser and a vortex classifier. The results of experiments on the separation of the mass of the initial rye flour into heavy starch and light protein fractions with a given ratio of starch and protein are theoretically justified and experimentally confirmed. The dependences of the starch content in the heavy fraction on the number of cycles of its recycling are established. With variable parameters of grinding rye flour, determined by the speed of the working bodies of the dispersant from 70 to 100 m/s, the time of grinding and recirculation of the heavy fraction of 30 s and the tangential speed of the classifier rotor of 15 m/s, stable results were obtained for the separation of starch and protein. Тhe yield of the heavy fraction of 72 % with a starch content of 85 % and the yield of the light fraction of 28 % with a mass fraction of protein of at least 26 %.

Contribution of Education, Employment, and Ethnicity Level to The Integration of Islam and Christian Religions in Central Lampung Regency

The study explores data on the contribution of education, employment, and ethnicity to the integration of Muslims and Christians in Central Lampung Regency by looking at the sociological dynamics of integration between Muslims and Christians. The integration group is divided into two, majority-minority and balanced group, based on religious affiliation. Data is collected using observation, interviews, and questionnaires consisting of favorable and unfavorable. The data collected is analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative analysis is carried out using one-way analysis of variance using the SPSS computer program while qualitative analysis is carried out using logical thinking including induction, deduction, analogy and comparison. The results of the study indicate that there are differences in integration between villages with a majority-minority and balanced religious composition, that the majority-minority community group has a higher quality of integration than the balanced group. The education variable shows that the level of education has a positive relationship with the level of integration. The higher the education is, the higher the quality of integration is. The job variable has no significant effect, but the overall mean is above the hypothetical mean. Ethnicity variables indicate variations in the quality of integration, in which the Batak and Javanese ethnicities have high integration quality, Palembang ethnicity is moderate, and Lampung ethnicity has low integration quality.

Substrate-Dependent Effect of Vermicompost on Yield and Physiological Indices of Container-Grown Dracocephalum moldavica Plants

The development of sustainable plant production systems involves a search for different alternatives to chemical fertilizers. The aim of the present study is to compare growth and physiological effects of vermicompost on Dracocephalum moldavica plants in controlled conditions, using two types of commercially available substrates. The intention is to determine whether nondestructively measured photosynthesis-related parameters are useful for monitoring the physiological status of plants. The plants were cultivated in two base substrates without or with the addition of mineral fertilizer, as well as an amendment with vermicompost at a 20% or 30% rate in the conditions of an automated greenhouse. The biomass accumulation for control plants of D. moldavica was identical in peat substrate and commercial garden soil. The average growth increase by mineral fertilizer was 25% for D. moldavica plants grown in peat and 15% for plants grown in soil. Substrate amendment with 20% vermicompost resulted in an 114% average increase in biomass for plants grown in peat and a 98% average increase for plants grown in soil, but for plants at 30% the amendment rate increase was 148% and 68%, for peat and soil, respectively. Consequently, the addition of an identical amount of vermicompost resulted in a poorer growth response of plants in commercial garden soil as a substrate in comparison to peat, but an increase in the amendment rate from 20% to 30% resulted in some growth inhibition for these plants. Chlorophyll concentration was positively affected by the vermicompost amendment in a concentration-dependent manner, but this effect during a cultivation period appeared relatively late. Large differences were found between the three groups of fluorescence-derived parameters, with variable levels of predictability with respect to the differences in plant yield due to the pronounced variation in correlation through time. It is concluded that the incorporation of vermicompost for the cultivation of D. moldavica, even in substrate mixes with relatively high and balanced composition of plant-available nutrients, benefits plant growth, physiological status and biomass yield, but it is necessary to explore interactions between vermicompost and other substrates leading to possible changes in quality-related characteristics of vermicompost in substrate mixes.