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This study aimed to determine the influence of fodder type administered in two consecutive years (2022 and 2023) to sheep mothers in the lactating period on the growth performances of suckling lambs, to improve growth rate up to weaning. The lambs from Țigaie breed - rusty variety (209 lambs born in 2022 and 219 lambs born in 2023) were used in the experiment from lambing up to weaning. The fodder administered to the ewes-mothers had provided a nutritional value of 198 g DP and 12.75 MJ NEM (net energy milk) in 2022, the fodder consisting of concentrates (grain corn 50%; grain barley 50%) and hill hay, while the fodder administered in 2023 is consisting of alfalfa semi-silage, hill hay and concentrates (50% grain corn; 50% grain barley) and had provided 198 g DP and 14.75 MJ NEM. The alfalfa semi-silage had significantly influenced (p<0.001) the growth performances of lambs in 2023 compared to those born in 2022 regarding weaning weight (19.98 kg vs. 16.82 kg), total weight gain (15.71 kg vs 12.84 kg) and average daily gain (224.44 g vs. 183.49 g). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complicated wounds often require specialized medical treatments, and hydrogels have emerged as a popular choice for wound dressings in such cases due to their unique properties and the ability to incorporate and release therapeutic agents. Our focus was to develop and characterize a new optimized formula for biohybrid hydrogel membranes, which combine natural and synthetic polymers, bioactive natural compounds, like collagen and hyaluronic acid, and pharmacologically active substances (doxycycline or npAg). Dynamic (oscillatory) rheometry confirmed the strong gel-like properties of the obtained hydrogel membranes. Samples containing low-dose DOXY showed a swelling index of 285.68 ± 6.99%, a degradation rate of 71.6 ± 0.91% at 20 h, and achieved a cumulative drug release of approximately 90% at pH 7.4 and 80% at pH 8.3 within 12 h. The addition of npAg influenced the physical properties of the hydrogel membranes. Furthermore, the samples containing DOXY demonstrated exceptional antimicrobial efficacy against seven selected bacterial strains commonly associated with wound infections and complications. Biocompatibility assessments revealed that the samples exhibited over 80% cell viability. However, the addition of smaller-sized nanoparticles led to decreased cellular viability. The obtained biohybrid hydrogel membranes show favorable properties that render them suitable for application as wound dressings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article evaluates the decline in wool production in Romania and discusses the wool production and quality parameters of local sheep breeds and hybrids. The study reveals a wide variability in productivity levels and wool fineness among the breeds analyzed. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding genetic and environmental factors that affect wool quality and quantity, and proposes measures to improve wool production in Romania. It also discusses the importance of efficient selection and husbandry measures to minimize genetic defects in wool and provides classification criteria for different sheep breeds based on wool quality parameters. The document concludes with recommendations for improving wool valorization at the national level. [Extracted from the article]

Healthcare professionals face an ongoing challenge in managing both acute and chronic wounds, given the potential impact on patients' quality of life and the limited availability of expensive treatment options. Hydrogel wound dressings offer a promising solution for effective wound care due to their affordability, ease of use, and ability to incorporate bioactive substances that enhance the wound healing process. Our study aimed to develop and evaluate hybrid hydrogel membranes enriched with bioactive components such as collagen and hyaluronic acid. We utilized both natural and synthetic polymers and employed a scalable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly production process. We conducted extensive testing, including an in vitro assessment of moisture content, moisture uptake, swelling rate, gel fraction, biodegradation, water vapor transmission rate, protein denaturation, and protein adsorption. We evaluated the biocompatibility of the hydrogel membranes through cellular assays and performed instrumental tests using scanning electron microscopy and rheological analysis. Our findings demonstrate that the biohybrid hydrogel membranes exhibit cumulative properties with a favorable swelling ratio, optimal permeation properties, and good biocompatibility, all achieved with minimal concentrations of bioactive agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro tumor spheroids have proven to be useful 3D tumor culture models for drug testing, and determining the molecular mechanism of tumor progression and cellular interactions. Therefore, there is a continuous search for their industrial scalability and routine preparation. Considering that hydrogels are promising systems that can favor the formation of tumor spheroids, our study aimed to investigate and develop less expensive and easy-to-use amorphous and crosslinked hydrogels, based on natural compounds such as sodium alginate (NaAlg), aloe vera (AV) gel powder, and chitosan (CS) for tumor spheroid formation. The ability of the developed hydrogels to be a potential spheroid-forming system was evaluated using MDA-MB-231 and U87MG cancer cells. Spheroid abilities were influenced by pH, viscosity, and crosslinking of the hydrogel. Addition of either AV or chitosan to sodium alginate increased the viscosity at pH 5, resulting in amorphous hydrogels with a strong gel texture, as shown by rheologic analysis. Only the chitosan-based gel allowed formation of spheroids at pH 5. Among the variants of AV-based amorphous hydrogels tested, only hydrogels at pH 12 and with low viscosity promoted the formation of spheroids. The crosslinked NaAlg/AV, NaAlg/AV/glucose, and NaAlg/CS hydrogel variants favored more efficient spheroid formation. Additional studies would be needed to use AV in other physical forms and other formulations of hydrogels, as the current study is an initiation, in evaluating the potential use of AV gel in tumor spheroid formation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selective and rapid detection of tumor cells is of critical consequence for the theragnostic field of tumorigenesis; conventional methods, such as histopathological diagnostic methods, often require a long analysis time, excessive analytical costs, complex operations, qualified personnel and deliver many false-positive results. We are considering a new approach of an electrochemical biosensor based on graphene, which is evidenced to be a revolutionary nanomaterial enabling the specific and selective capture of tumor cells. In this paper, we report a biosensor fabricated by growing vertically aligned graphene nanosheets on the conductive surface of interdigitated electrodes which is functionalized with anti-EpCAM antibodies. The dielectric signature of the three types of tumor cells is determined by correlating the values from the Nyquist and Bode diagram: charge transfer resistance, electrical double layer capacity, Debye length, characteristic relaxation times of mobile charges, diffusion/adsorption coefficients, and variation in the electrical permittivity complex and of the phase shift with frequency. These characteristics are strongly dependent on the type of membrane molecules and the electromagnetic resonance frequency. We were able to use the fabricated sensor to differentiate between three types of tumor cell lines, HT-29, SW403 and MCF-7, by dielectric signature. The proposed evaluation method showed the permittivity at 1 MHz to be 3.63 nF for SW403 cells, 4.97 nF for HT 29 cells and 6.9 nF for MCF-7 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study and discovery of bioactive compounds and new formulations as potential tools for promoting the repair of dermoepidermal tissue in wound healing is of continuing interest. We have developed a new formulation of amorphous hydrogel based on sodium alginate (NaAlg); type I collagen, isolated by the authors from silver carp tails (COL); glycerol (Gli); Aloe vera gel powder (AV); and silver nanoparticles obtained by green synthesis with aqueous Cinnamomum verum extract (AgNPs@CIN) and vitamin C, respectively. The gel texture of the amorphous hydrogels was achieved by the addition of Aloe vera, demonstrated by a rheological analysis. The evaluations of the cytotoxicity and cell proliferation capacity of the experimental amorphous hydrogels were performed against human foreskin fibroblast Hs27 cells (CRL-1634-ATCC). The developed gel formulations did not show a cytotoxic effect. The hydrogel variant containing AgNPs@CIN in a concentration of 8 µg Ag/gel formulation and hydrogel variant with vitamin C had proliferative activity. In addition, the antibacterial activity of the hydrogels was evaluated against S. aureus ATCC 6538, Ps. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and E. coli ATCC 25922. The results demonstrated that the gel variant based on AgNPs@CIN in a concentration of 95 µg Ag/gel formulation and the hydrogel based on vitamin C show antibacterial activity. Therefore, the developed hydrogels with AgNPs@CIN and vitamin C could be promising alternatives in wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was carried out on a population of Polwarth sheep, intensely inbred belonging to the Research and Development Institute for Sheep and Goats Breeding, Palas - Constanta. Morpho-productive indices, reproduction indices, current number compared to the one acquired in 1995, inbreeding depression, intergenerational depression, inbreeding population, body weight differentiation and quantity of wool in the year of acquisition compared to 2020 were determined. From the presented data it results that the reproduction of the sheep was not affected instead in rams the body weight and the amount of wool decreased. Surprisingly, instead of shrinking and disappearing over time, the herd has increased and continues to grow, contrary to what is known to date from the effect of intense inbreeding on a breed of sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatty acids (FAs) have been shown to exhibit a pro-inflammatory response in various cell types, but astrocytes have been mostly overlooked. FAs, both saturated and unsaturated, have previously been shown to induce pro-inflammatory responses in astrocytes at high concentrations of hundreds of µg/mL. SSO (Sulfo-N-succinimidyl Oleate sodium), an inhibitor of FA translocase CD36, has been shown to prevent inflammation in the mouse brain by acting on local microglia and infiltrating monocytes. Our hypothesis was that SSO treatment would also impact astrocyte pro-inflammatory response to FA. In order to verify our assumption, we evaluated the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in normal human astrocyte cell culture pre-treated (or not) with SSO, and then exposed to low concentrations of both saturated (palmitic acid) and unsaturated (oleic acid) FAs. As a positive control for astrocyte inflammation, we used fibrillary amyloid. Neither Aβ 1–42 nor FAs induced CD36 protein expression in human astrocytes in cell culture At low concentrations, both types of FAs induced IL-8 protein secretion, and this effect was specifically inhibited by SSO pre-treatment. In conclusion, low concentrations of oleic acid are able to induce an early increase in IL-8 expression in normal human astrocytes, which is specifically downregulated by SSO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, natural product's research gained momentum, fueled by technological advancement and open availability of research data. To date, sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L. [ Elaeagnaceae ]) plant parts, especially berries, are well characterized and repeatedly tested for antioxidant activity and regenerative properties, in various cell types and tissues. However, fatty acids (FA) have been less investigated in term of biological effects, although, they are important bioactive components of the sea buckthorn fruit and oil. The aim of our work was to determine whether sea buckthorn seed oil is a suitable source of FA with regenerative properties on normal skin cells. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry (LC-MS), we purified and characterized four fractions enriched in saturated (palmitic) and non-saturated (linoleic, alfa-linolenic, oleic) FA, which were tested for cytotoxicity, cytokine and growth factor production, and regenerative effect on normal keratinocytes and skin fibroblasts. Evidence is presented that the palmitic acid enriched fraction was a suitable sea buckthorn seed oil derived product with cell proliferation properties on both skin cell types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the increasing prevalence of life-threatening bacterial, fungal and viral infections and the ability of these human pathogens to develop resistance to current treatment strategies, there is a great need to find and develop new compunds to combat them. These molecules must have low toxicity, specific activity and high bioavailability. The most suitable compounds for this task are usually derived from natural sources (animal, plant or even microbial). In this review article, the latest and most promising natural compounds used to combat bacteria, filamentous fungi and viruses are presented and evaluated. These include plant extracts, essential oils, small antimicrobial peptides of animal origin, bacteriocins and various groups of plant compounds (triterpenoids; alkaloids; phenols; flavonoids) with antimicrobial and antiviral activity. Data are presented on the inhibitory activity of each natural antimicrobial substance and on the putative mechanism of action against bacterial and fungal strains. The results show that among the bioactive compounds studied, triterpenoids have significant inhibitory activity against coronaviruses, but flavonoids have also been shown to inhibit SARS-COV-2. The last chapter is devoted to nanocarriers used to improve stability, bioavailability, cellular uptake/internalization, pharmacokinetic profile and reduce toxicity of natural compunds. There are a number of nanocarriers such as liposomes, drug delivery microemulsion systems, nanocapsules, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, etc. However, some of the recent studies have focused on the incorporation of natural substances with antimicrobial/antiviral activity into polymeric nanoparticles, niosomes and silver nanoparticles (which have been shown to have intrinsic antimicrobial activity). The natural antimicrobials isolated from animals and microorganisms have been shown to have good inhibitory effect on a range of pathogens, however the plants remain the most prolific source. Even if the majority of the studies for the biological activity evaluation are in silico or in vitro , their internalization in the optimum nanocarriers represents the future of "green therapeutics" as shown by some of the recent work in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Neuroregeneration is a relatively recent concept that includes neurogenesis, neuroplasticity, and neurorestoration - implantation of viable cells as a therapeutical approach. Discussion Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity are impaired in brains of patients suffering from Alzheimer's Disease or Parkinson's Disease and correlate with low endogenous protection, as a result of a diminished growth factors expression. However, we hypothesize that the brain possesses, at least in early and medium stages of disease, a "neuroregenerative reserve", that could be exploited by growth factors or stem cells-neurorestoration therapies. Summary In this paper we review the current data regarding all three aspects of neuroregeneration in Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease.

The research work aims to optimize the technology of fattening the kids and improving the quality of the carcasses by using the crossbreeding of Carpathian breed with Boer breed. It was made the fattening in intensive system, using two feeding systems: an uniform system of 92 days (with combined fodders) which assured 15.88% PBD and 89 % UN and a differentiated system with 15 days of accommodation, which assured 12.6%PBD and 91% UN, 62 days of effective fattening which assured 15.88%PBD and 89% UN and 15 days of finishing, which assured 12%PBD and 94% UN. The weight in the end of fattening was bigger at the F1 half-breed of Boer x Carpathian comparatively to the kids of Carpathian breed, and there were no differences significant between the feeding systems. The kids of Carpathian breed had the final weight of 30.736 ± 1.0370 kg (lot 1) and 30.857 ± 0.6760 kg (lot 2), the kids of F1 Boer X Carpathian 34.536 ± 1.0460 kg (lot 3) and 34.100 ± 1.1210 kg (lot 4). It is noticed higher daily increasing rates at the F1 half-breed of Boer x Carpathian comparatively to the increasing rates of the kids of Carpathian breed. The daily gain of the kids Carpathian breed was 140 ± 0.0080 g (lot 1) and 134 ± 0.0100 g (lot 2) and at the F1 halfbreed of Boer x Carpathian was 154 ± 0.0060 g (lot 3) and 155 ± 0.0080 g (lot 4), not being differences significant between the feeding systems. The results of experimental slaughtering emphasize bigger carcasses and higher output at the F1 half-breed of Boer x Carpathian. The kids of Carpathian breed had carcasses of 14.20 ± 0.9150 kg and 14.05 ± 0.8975 kg, and F1 half-breed kids 16.25 ± 1.8750 kg and 16.48±1.8950 kg, the value of the slaughtering output was of 46.20 ± 2.9620 % and 45.50 ± 2.9510% at the kids of Carpathian breed, and at the F1 kids of Boer x Carpathian 47.10 ± 2.9741% and 48.30 ± 2.9787%. All the obtained data show that the improving effect of the meat production at the kids of Carpathian breed by crossbreeding with Boer breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aims to present the superiority of the hybrid lambs for meat regarding the slaughtering output, the tissue structure and the quality of the carcasses, comparatively to their with contemporaries from the parental breeds. The research was made on lambs fattened until the living weight 40 kg/head from the breeds of Palas Merino, Palas Meat Breed and F1 hybrids of Palas Meat Breed x Palas Merino and F1 Suffolk x Palas Merino. The highest slaughtering output was that of the F1 hybrids Suffolk x Palas Merino, out of them R1 having the value of 51,21 % and R2 of 55,94 % besides 44,25 % and respectively 49,54 % at the contemporaries of Palas Merino. Also, these hybrids had also the best carcasses, being categorized by conformation in U class (very good carcasses) and by fattening degree in the 3rd class 3 (medium fat carcasses). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Having in view the sustainable development context, the textile sector represents a strong pillar of the Romanian manufacturing industry, which is able to contribute to the valorisation of natural indigenous raw materials. The paper presents the results obtained through developing/ implementing a research project financed by the National Sectorial Program, coordinated by the Romanian Ministry of Research and Innovation, aiming to establish strategic solutions for capitalization of Romanian coarse wool fibres. There are emphasized the results obtained by the collaboration of three important actors from research activity and economic environment: the National Research and Development Institute for Textiles and Leather -INCDTP Bucharest, the only one R&D Institute in Romania, SC MINET SA Company, Râmnicu Vâlcea county - a representative wool manufacturing company for nonwoven materials and the Research Institute for Sheep and Goats Breeding, Palas, Constanta county, partners in the consortium coordinated by the National Research and Development Institute in Constructions, INCERC Bucharest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CD36 is a transmembrane protein involved in fatty acid translocation, scavenging for oxidized fatty acids acting as a receptor for adhesion molecules. It is expressed on macrophages, as well as other types of cells, such as endothelial and adipose cells. CD36 participates in muscle lipid uptake, adipose energy storage, and gut fat absorption. Recently, several preclinical and clinical studies demonstrated that upregulation of CD36 is a prerequisite for tumor metastasis. Cancer metastasis-related research emerged much later and has been less investigated, though it is equally or even more important. CD36 protein expression can be modified by epigenetic changes and post-transcriptional interference from non-coding RNAs. Some data indicate modulation of CD36 expression in specific cell types by epigenetic changes via DNA methylation patterns or histone tails, or through miRNA interference, but this is largely unexplored. The few papers addressing this topic refer mostly to lipid metabolism-related pathologies, whereas in cancer research, data are even more scarce. The aim of this review was to summarize major epigenetic and post-transcriptional mechanisms that impact CD36 expression in relation to various pathologies while highlighting the areas in need of further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoangiogenesis plays an important role in cutaneous lymphoma pathogenesis. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is characterized by the presence of malignant T-cell clones in the skin. Vascular microenvironment of lymphomas accelerates neoangiogenesis through several factors released by tumoral cells: VEGF family, bFGF and PIGF. Tumor stroma (fibroblasts, inflammatory and immune cells) also plays a crucial role, by providing additional angiogenic factors. The angiogenic process through the VEGF-VEGFR axis can promote survival, proliferation and metastasis via autocrine mechanisms in cutaneous lymphomas. Microvascular density (MVD) measures the neo-vascularization of cutaneous lymphoma, generated by the response of tumor cells, proangiogenic stromal cells, and benign T/B lymphocytes within the tumor inflammatory infiltrate. Pro-angiogenic proteins have been found to indicate the evolution and prognosis in patients with CTCL. In conclusion, anti-angiogenic therapeutic protocols can target tumor vasculature or malignant tumor cells directly or through a large number of combinations with other drugs. The integration of proteomics into clinical practice based on high-throughput technologies leads to the development of personalized medicine, adapting the specific biomarkers to the application of cancer-type specific individual drug targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Glioma biology is a major focus in tumour research, primarily due to the aggressiveness and high mortality rate of its most aggressive form, glioblastoma. Progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind poor prognosis of glioblastoma, regardless of treatment approaches, has changed the classification of brain tumours after nearly 100 years of relying on anatomopathological criteria. Expanding knowledge in genetic, epigenetic and translational medicine is also beginning to contribute to further elucidating molecular dysregulation in glioma. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their main representatives, large intergenic non‐coding RNAs (lincRNAs), have recently been under scrutiny in glioma research, revealing novel mechanisms of pathogenesis and reinforcing others. Among those confirmed was the reactivation of events significant for foetal brain development and neuronal commitment. Novel mechanisms of tumour suppression and activation of stem‐like behaviour in tumour cells have also been examined. Interestingly, these processes involve lncRNAs that are present both during normal brain development and in brain malignancies and their reactivation might be explained by epigenetic mechanisms, which we discuss in detail in the present review. In addition, the review discusses the lncRNAs‐induced changes, as well as epigenetic changes that are consequential for tumour formation, affecting, in turn, the expression of various types of lncRNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent, low-grade inflammation is now considered a hallmark feature of chronic kidney disease (CKD), being involved in the development of all-cause mortality of these patients. Although substantial improvements have been made in clinical care, CKD remains a major public health burden, affecting 10-15% of the population, and its prevalence is constantly growing. Due to its insidious nature, CKD is rarely diagnosed in early stages, and once developed, its progression is unfortunately irreversible. There are many factors that contribute to the setting of the inflammatory status in CKD, including increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and acidosis, chronic and recurrent infections, altered metabolism of adipose tissue, and last but not least, gut microbiota dysbiosis, an underestimated source of microinflammation. In this scenario, a huge step forward was made by the increasing progression of omics approaches, specially designed for identification of biomarkers useful for early diagnostic and follow-up. Recent omics advances could provide novel insights in deciphering the disease pathophysiology; thus, identification of circulating biomarker panels using state-of-the-art proteomic technologies could improve CKD early diagnosis, monitoring, and prognostics. This review aims to summarize the recent knowledge regarding the relationship between inflammation and CKD, highlighting the current proteomic approaches, as well as the inflammasomes and gut microbiota dysbiosis involvement in the setting of CKD, culminating with the troubling bidirectional connection between CKD and renal malignancy, raised on the background of an inflammatory condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keratoconus is a progressive corneal ectasia that may lead to severe visual impairment due to the irregular astigmatism caused by corneal thinning. In addition to its association with atopy, eye rubbing, or genetic component, late reports suggest the involvement of inflammation in the pathogenesis of the disease. Our aim was to determine the concentration of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, RANTES, IFN gamma, and TNF alpha in the tear film of patients with keratoconus and their first degree family members. We analyzed forty-eight participants in an observational cross-sectional study. The diagnosis of keratoconus had to be confirmed in addition to a minimum of 47 D corneal refractive power by corneal topography readings provided by a Placido-based topography system and analysis of the pattern: irregular astigmatism with an asymmetric “bow-tie.” As for the other groups, the most important diagnosis criteria were a normal topographic pattern with a regular astigmatism. 17 keratoconus patients, 16 relatives, and 15 controls were recruited after clinical assessment as part of the research. The cytokine’s mean values were similar in the keratoconus group and the relatives’ samples but significantly higher compared to the controls. Important differences were found in IL-4 levels between keratoconus patients and relatives and between relatives and controls (mean difference of 302.42, p<0.0016 and 219.16, p<0.033, Tukey’s HSD procedure). In the keratoconus group, using the CORR procedure, we found statistically strong correlations of IL-6 lacrimal concentrations with the disease stage (r=0.56, p<0.01), keratometry (r=0.55, p<0.02), pachymetry (r=−0.64, p<0.048), and corneal hysteresis (r=−0.53, p<0.02). Cytokine overexpression may be relevant for the inflammatory etiology of keratoconus. In conclusion, in the case of some first degree family members, the elevated tear biomarkers may represent a supplementary risk factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caveolin-1 (CAV1) is the scaffold protein of caveolae, which are minute invaginations of the cell membrane that are involved in endocytosis, cell signaling, and endothelial-mediated inflammation. CAV1 has also been reported to have a dual role as either a tumor suppressor or tumor promoter, depending on the type of cancer. Inflammation is an important player in tumor progression, but the role of caveolin-1 in generating an inflammatory milieu remains poorly characterized. We used a caveolin-1-knockout (CAV1-/-) mouse model to assess the inflammatory status via the quantification of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, as well as the ability of circulating lymphocytes to respond to nonspecific stimuli by producing cytokines. Here, we report that the CAV1-/- mice were characterized by a low-grade systemic proinflammatory status, with a moderate increase in the IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-12p70 levels. CAV1-/- circulating lymphocytes were more prone to cytokine production upon nonspecific stimulation than the wild-type lymphocytes. These results show that CAV1 involvement in cell homeostasis is more complex than previously revealed, as it plays a role in the inflammatory process. These findings indicate that the CAV1-/- mouse model could prove to be a useful tool for inflammation-related studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metastasis requires cellular changes related to cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix adhesion, immune surveillance, activation of growth and survival signalling pathways, and epigenetic modifications. In addition to tumour cells, tumour stroma is also modified in relationship to the primary tumour as well as to distant metastatic sites (forming a metastatic niche). A common denominator of most stromal partners in tumour progression is CD36, a scavenger receptor for fatty acid uptake that modulates cell-to-extracellular matrix attachment, stromal cell fate (for adipocytes, endothelial cells), TGFβ activation, and immune signalling. CD36 has been repeatedly proposed as a prognostic marker in various cancers, mostly of epithelial origin (breast, prostate, ovary, and colon) and also for hepatic carcinoma and gliomas. Data gathered in preclinical models of various cancers have shown that blocking CD36 might prove beneficial in stopping metastasis spread. However, targeting the receptor in clinical trials with thrombospondin mimetic peptides has proven ineffective, and monoclonal antibodies are not yet available for patient use. This review presents data to support CD36 as a potential prognostic biomarker in cancer, its current stage towards achieving bona fide biomarker status, and knowledge gaps that must be filled before further advancement towards clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the increase the interest for the lamb meat on international and national level we aimed to optimize the technology of fattening the lambs and to obtain the improvement of the carcasses through the use of crossbreeding the local sheep breeds with sheep breeds for meat. It was done the intensively fattening of 100 days. The weigh increasing rates were bigger at the lots of half-bred lambs, being big differences between the half-bred lambs and the lambs from the witness lots formed from lambs of maternal breeds: F1 half-bred lambs (Meat Breed of Palas x Palas Merino Breed) made a daily average increasing rate of 234.11± 9.9735g, the lambs from Merinos de Palas breed 190.05 ±9.0261g, the lambs of Meat Breed of Palas 219.40±8.7212g the F1 half-bred lambs (Meat Breed of Palas x Ţigaie) 193.50±7.5896 g, lambs of Ţigaie Breed 130.71 ± 2.1045 g, halfbred lambs of F1 (Suffolk x Merinos) 200.60±4.1035g, lambs of Merinos Breed 167.31±2.1735 at first sheep breeder, half-bred lambs of F1 (Charollais Breed x Merinos Breed) 238.12±3.1735g lambs of Merinos Breed 185.23±2.1525, at the second sheep breeder. At the slaughtering of control there were obtained bigger values of the output at the half-bred lambs. At the appreciation of the carcasses through EUROP grid the half-bred lambs had the carcasses classified in U class, and the carcasses of the parental breeds (Tigaie and Merinos) in R class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the Research and Development Institute for Sheep and Goats Breeding-Palas it was aimed the improvement of the meat production at the sheep breeds, by obtaining half-bred sheep from the maternal breeds of Palas Merino and Ţigaie crossbred with paternal breeds specialized for meat: Meat Breed of Palas, Suffolk, Charollais. The male half-bred lambs F1 and the lambs from maternal breeds were subject to control fattening for 80 days using granulated mixed fodder. The half-bred lambs F1 (Meat breed of-Palas X Palas MerinoBreed) had an average daily weight gain of 260.13 g, lambs of Meat breed of Palas lambs a daily gain of 247.42 g and the lambs of Palas Merino Breed 205.39 g, resulting an increase of 26.65%. The male half-bred lambs F1 (Meat breed of Palas X Ţigaie Breed) had an average daily weight gain of 193.50 g, comparatively to the Ţigaie lambs that had 130.71 g, at the half-bred lambs it is obtained higher daily weight gain with 48.04%. The half-bred male lambs F1(Suffolk X Merinos) make an average daily increasing rate of 229.35 g, besides 190.25 g Merinos contemporaries, the half-bred sheep make an increase higher with 9.1 g, bigger with 20.55%. The average daily increasing rate of the half-bred lambs F1 (Charollais X Merinos) was of 190.50 g, and at the lambs from Merinos breed, from the witness lot, 160.41 g, the half-bred sheep make an increasing rate with 29.6 g higher, with 18.45%. The half-bred sheep F1 (Meat breed of Palas X Palas MerinoBreed) had at the slaughtering output 1, 48.12% and at the output 2, of 54.74 %. The F1 half-bred lambs (Meat breed of Palas X Ţigaie Breed) had at the output 1 the value of 47.54 and at the output 2, of 53.98%. The lambs of Ţigaie had at output 1, 44.25% and at output 2, 49.54%. The F1 half-bred lambs (Suffolk Breed X Merino Breed) had at output 1, 51.21% and at output 2, 55.94%. The half-bred male lambs of F1 (Charollais x Merinos) had the output 1, of 47.14%, and at output 2, of 54.74%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work aims to respond to the needs of the farmers to optimize their technologies to exploit sheep/goats, in order to increase the productive parameters of the farms, raising the economic efficiency and obtaining competitive products as those made by the farmers from the European Union's countries. It was elaborated a capacity of 150 heads sheep/goats - queen with a free system of maintenance, shelter to which installation for mechanizing the works in sheep/goats breeding and exploitation were installed, in order to raise work productivity, to decrease the costs of production, assuring certain optimal conditions of microclimate, environment protection and assuring the food safety and security of citizens. Before giving the fodders, they had been processed by chopping, grinding, mixing and preparing, operations which determine the raise of alimentary value and palatability of fibrous and gross fodders (fodders from the secondary production, obtained from the cereal crops), the made productive increasing rate was 20-25%, so the expenses beeing justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the raise of interest for goat milk we have been concerned with the increase of milk production from the goats of Carpathian breed (ecotype of Dobrogea) by crosbreeding with Saanen beed and Anglo-Nubian breed. By crossbreeding with milk breeds it was obtained a substantial improvement of the milk production at the obtained half-bred (F1 Saanen x Carpathian and Anglo- Nubian x Carpathian). The milk production and the lactation period increased at the two lots of half-bred, producing a raise of the total quantity of milk, from 235.21± 6.7 liters, in 214 days of lactation, as it was the average production at the effective of goats of Carpathian breed, at a total average milk production of 286.27 ± 5.2 liters, în 229 days of lactation, at F1 half-breds of Saanen x Carpathian and 297.32± 6.2 liters in 231 days of lactation at the half-breds of Anglo-Nubian x Carpathian. The quality indicators of the milk at goats had a trend of raise to the end of the lactation period at all lots, the average values on the whole lactation period of the main components of the milk, fat and protein at the half-bred goat were bigger comparatively to those from Carpathian breed, with 8.49% at fat and 8.72% at protein at F1goats of Saanen x Carpathian and 6.79% at fat and 6.97% at protein at the F1 goats of Anglo-Nubian x Carpathian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the raise of interest for the lamb meat we planned to optimize the technology of fattening the lambs and to obtain the improvement of the carcasses the use of crossbreeding the local breeds with sheep breeds that are specialized for the meat production. There was done the fattening in system of 100 days, structured in 3 stages: accommodation, effective fattening and finishing. At the fattening of lambs in intensive system in the beginning of the experiment the lots had similar average body weights, and in the end of fattening there are emphasized big differences between the lots of half-breeds: Texel x Merino half-bred lambs had the weight of 39.90±0.69 kg, the lambs of Merino breed 34.35 ±0.56 kg, Blackface x Ţzgaie 40.02 ± 0.86 kg, half-bred lambs of Palas Meat-Breed X Tzgaie 38.08 ± 0.59 kg, lambs of Tzgaie breed 32.24 ± 0.56 kg, half-bred lambs of Suffolk x Tzurcana 37.92 ± 0.55 kg, lambs of Tzurcana 33.12±2.01kg. At the control slaughtering there were obtained bigger values of the slaughter output and the commercial output at the half-bred lams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Malignant gliomas are aggressive brain tumors with limited therapeutic options, possibly because of highly tumorigenic subpopulations of glioma stem cells. These cells require specific microenvironments to maintain their “stemness,” described as perivascular and hypoxic niches. Each of those niches induces particular signatures in glioma stem cells (e.g., activation of Notch signaling, secretion of VEGF, bFGF, SDF1 for the vascular niche, activation of HIF2α, and metabolic reprogramming for hypoxic niche). Recently, accumulated knowledge on tumor-associated macrophages, possibly delineating a third niche, has underlined the role of immune cells in glioma progression, via specific chemoattractant factors and cytokines, such as macrophage-colony stimulation factor (M-CSF). The local or myeloid origin of this new component of glioma stem cells niche is yet to be determined. Such niches are being increasingly recognized as key regulators involved in multiple stages of disease progression, therapy resistance, immune-escaping, and distant metastasis, thereby substantially impacting the future development of frontline interventions in clinical oncology. This review focuses on the microenvironment impact on the glioma stem cell biology, emphasizing GSCs cross talk with hypoxic, perivascular, and immune niches and their potential use as targeted therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The rapid progress of proteomics over the past years has allowed the discovery of a large number of potential biomarker candidates to improve early tumor diagnosis and therapeutic response, thus being further integrated into clinical environment. High grade gliomas represent one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant types of human brain cancer, with approximately 9-12 months median survival rate for patients with grade IV glioma (glioblastoma). Using state-of- the-art proteomics technologies, we have investigated the proteome profile for glioblastoma patients in order to identify a novel protein biomarker panel that could discriminate glioblastoma patients from controls and increase diagnostic accuracy. Results In this study, SELDI-ToF MS technology was used to screen potential protein patterns in glioblastoma patients serum; furthermore, LC-MS∕MS technology was applied to identify the candidate biomarkers peaks. Through these proteomic approaches, three proteins S100A8, S100A9 and CXCL4 were selected as putative biomarkers and confirmed by ELISA. Next step was to validate the above mentioned molecules as biomarkers through identification of protein expression by Western blot in tumoral versus peritumoral tissue. Conclusions Proteomic technologies have been used to investigate the protein profile of glioblastoma patients and established several potential diagnostic biomarkers. While it is unlikely for a single biomarker to be highly effective for glioblastoma diagnostic, our data proposed an alternative and efficient approach by using a novel combination of multiple biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been pointed to as an active player in neurodegenerative disorders, albeit the actual succession of pathogenic events remains to be elucidated. Amyloid-β (Aβ) is an important pathogenic player in Alzheimer's disease, and it is cleared from the brain partly by transportation across the BBB. In this work we asked the question whether Aβ-induced alteration of tight junction (TJ) protein expression is a result of the complex in situ microenvironment of the BBB or if it can be replicated in an externalized environment, such as an in vitro epithelial barrier, where barrier property changes can be investigated without confounding factors. Therefore, we treated barrier forming MDCKI and II epithelial cells with Aβ42 and investigated TJ occludin and claudin-2 protein levels and cellular distribution through western blot and immunofluorescence. To assess barrier function, we measured transepithelial resistance (TEER) and studied cell polarity through atomic force microscopy (AFM). We found that Aβ42 cell treatment increased occludin expression and decreased claudin-2 expression. With TEER, an increase in paracellular resistance was noted, which started at 10 hours and peaked at 20 hours of Aβ42 treatment. AFM analysis demonstrated an associated morphological alteration of the cell monolayer. In conclusion, we demonstrated that Aβ42 is able to modify TJ protein expression and to functionally alter barrier properties in vitro and that this effect is not conditioned by other pathogenic Alzheimer's disease events taking place in the complex brain microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The expression of an array of signaling molecules, along with the assessment of real-time cell proliferation, has been performed in U87 glioma cell line and in patients' glioblastoma established cell cultures in order to provide a better understanding of cellular and molecular events involved in glioblastoma pathogenesis. Experimental therapy was performed using a phosphatidylinositol-3'-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor. Patients and methods: xMAP technology was employed to assess expression levels of several signal transduction molecules and real-time xCELLigence platform for cell behavior. Results: PI3K inhibition induced the most significant effects on global signaling pathways in patient-derived cell cultures, especially on members of the mitogen-activated protein-kinase family, P70S6 serine-threonine kinase, and cAMP response element-binding protein expression and further prevented tumor cell proliferation. Conclusion: The PI3K pathway might be a prime target for glioblastoma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the increasing interest in the world for the kid meat we intend to optimize the technology of fattening the lambs and to obtain the improvement of the carcasses through the use of the industrial crossbreeding of the Carpathian breed with Boer breed. It was done the fattening in intensive system of 100 days, structured in 3 stages: accommodation, proper fattening and finishing; or semi-intensive fattening of 200 days structured in 3 stages: 1st stage - Stable-staying, divided into two periods, accommodation and growing and fattening; 2nd stage - Grazing, divided into accommodation and growing and fattening; 3rd stage - Stable - staying divided into accommodation and finishing. At the fattening of kids in semi-intensive system in the beginning of the experiment the two lots had similar average body weights but in the end of the fattening it is emphasized a difference of the body weight which is bigger with 15% at the lot of Boer x Carpathian crossbred kids besides the lot of Carpathian kids, obtaining bigger dimensions of the carcasses at Boer x Carpathian kids. There were obtained higher values of the slaughtering output at the Boer x Carpathian crossbred kids, besides of those of kids of Carpathian breed. By cutting the carcasses from the goat youth fattened in semi-intensive system, on graze and in stable, at the experimental lots, with Boer x Carpathians crossbreds registered higher slaughtering and commercial outputs comparative to those made by Carpathian kids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precocious use of sheep and goat male and female youth at reproduction is a method of intensifying the reproduction through which increases the meat production by achieving a higher number of products and also obtaining one more lactation per exploited sheep or goat, reducing the non-productive period of the females; also, by the precocious introduction to reproduction of the young sheep and goats at the age of 7-10 months the non-productive expenses are avoided by maintaining them in the effective for one year more, because even at the age of 20-22 months, when they are normally used for reproduction, they do not have appropriate reproductive qualities. The researches were made on effectives of sheep and goats (on sheep of Merinos de Palas breed, Palas milk breed, Palas meat breed, prolific population of Palas, Ţurcană breed and on goats of Carpathian breed). At the female lambs which were precociously introduced at reproduction, at the age of 7-10 months, the non-returns had values of 81,25-89,47%, the fecundity of 81,25-89,47%, prolificacy of 105,26-115,38%, and at the young female kids the non-returns had values of 79,92- 83,33%, the fecundity of 76,92-83,33%, the prolificacy of 120,0-130,0%. The reproduction indicators of the sheep and goats which were mounted or artificially inseminated with sperm from the males with the age of 7-10 months were: at the young rams, the fecundity was 55,55-91,30% and prolificacy of 100,0-122,22%, and at the young male goats the fecundity was 71,42-91,30% and prolificacy of 107,69-122,22%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroinflammation is a constant event in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the current knowledge is insufficient to state whether inflammation is a cause, a promoter, or simply a secondary phenomenon in this inexorably progressive ailment. In the current paper, we review research data showing that inflammation is not a prerequisite for onset of dementia, and, although it may worsen the course of the disease, recent evidence shows that chronic inhibition of inflammatory pathways is not necessarily beneficial for patients. Prospective clinical trials with anti-inflammatory drugs failed to stop disease progression, measurements of inflammatory markers in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients yielded contradictory results, and recent bench research proved undoubtedly that neuroinflammation has a protective side as well. Knockout animal models for TNFRs or ILRs do not seem to prevent the pathology or the cognitive decline, but quite the contrary. In AD, the therapeutic intervention on inflammatory pathways still has a research future, but its targets probably need reevaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular dementia is, in its current conceptual form, a distinct type of dementia with a spectrum of specific clinical and pathophysiological features. However, in a very large majority of cases, these alterations occur in an already aged brain, characterized by a milieu of cellular and molecular events common for different neurodegenerative diseases. The cell signaling defects and molecular dyshomeostasis might lead to neuronal malfunction prior to the death of neurons and the alteration of neuronal networks. In the present paper, we explore some of the molecular mechanisms underlying brain malfunction triggered by cerebrovascular disease and risk factors. We suggest that, in the age of genetic investigation and molecular diagnosis, the concept of vascular dementia needs a new approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neuroregeneration is a relatively recent concept that includes neurogenesis, neuroplasticity, and neurorestoration - implantation of viable cells as a therapeutical approach. Discussion: Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity are impaired in brains of patients suffering from Alzheimer's Disease or Parkinson's Disease and correlate with low endogenous protection, as a result of a diminished growth factors expression. However, we hypothesize that the brain possesses, at least in early and medium stages of disease, a "neuroregenerative reserve", that could be exploited by growth factors or stem cells-neurorestoration therapies. Summary: In this paper we review the current data regarding all three aspects of neuroregeneration in Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioma is the most common primary intracranial tumor and has the greatest prevalence of all brain tumors. Treatment resistance and tumor recurrence in GBM are mostly explained by considerable alterations within the tumor microenvironment, as well as extraordinary cellular and molecular heterogeneity. Soluble factors, extracellular matrix components, tissue-resident cell types, resident or newly recruited immune cells together make up the GBM microenvironment. Regardless of many immune cells, a profound state of tumor immunosuppression is supported and developed, posing a considerable hurdle to cancer cells' immune-mediated destruction. Several studies have suggested that various GBM subtypes present different modifications in their microenvironment, although the importance of the microenvironment in treatment response has yet to be determined. Understanding the microenvironment and how it changes after therapies is critical because it can influence the remaining invasive GSCs and lead to recurrence. This review article sheds light on the various components of the GBM microenvironment and their roles in tumoral development, as well as immune-related biological processes that support the interconnection/interrelationship between different cell types. Also, we summarize the current understanding of the modulation of soluble factors and highlight the dysregulated inflammatory chemokine/specific receptors cascades/networks and their significance in tumorigenesis, cancer-related inflammation, and metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]