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Nutrition may affect animal health due to the strong link between them. Also, diets improve the healing process in various disease states. Cancer is a disease, where the harmful consequences of tumors severely impair the body. The information regarding the evolution of this disease is extrapolated from human to animal because there are few specific studies regarding nutritional needs in animals with cancer. Thus, this paper aims to review the literature regarding the immunomodulatory effects of vitamins in mammal cancer. An adequate understanding of the metabolism and requirements of nutrients for mammals is essential to ensuring their optimal growth, development, and health, regardless of their food sources. According to these: 1) Some species are highly dependent on vitamin D from food, so special attention must be paid to this aspect. Calcitriol/VDR signaling can activate pro-apoptotic proteins and suppress antiapoptotic ones. 2) Nitric oxide (NO) production is modulated by vitamin E through inhibiting transcription nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) activation. 3) Thiamine supplementation could be responsible for the stimulation of tumor cell proliferation, survival, and resistance to chemotherapy. 4) Also, it was found that the treatment with NO-Cbl in dogs is a viable anti-cancer therapy that capitalizes on the tumor-specific properties of the vitamin B12 receptor. Therefore, diets should contain the appropriate class of compounds in adequate proportions. Also, the limitations of this paper are that some vitamins are intensively studied and at the same time regarding others, there is a lack of information, especially in animals. Therefore, some subsections are longer and more heavily debated than others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intricate relationship between the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome and the progression of chronic non-communicable diseases underscores the significance of developing strategies to modulate the GI microbiota for promoting human health. The administration of probiotics and prebiotics represents a good strategy that enhances the population of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal lumen post-consumption, which has a positive impact on human health. In addition, dietary fibers serve as a significant energy source for bacteria inhabiting the cecum and colon. Research articles and reviews sourced from various global databases were systematically analyzed using specific phrases and keywords to investigate these relationships. There is a clear association between dietary fiber intake and improved colon function, gut motility, and reduced colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. Moreover, the state of health is reflected in the reciprocal and bidirectional relationships among food, dietary antioxidants, inflammation, and body composition. They are known for their antioxidant properties and their ability to inhibit angiogenesis, metastasis, and cell proliferation. Additionally, they promote cell survival, modulate immune and inflammatory responses, and inactivate pro-carcinogens. These actions collectively contribute to their role in cancer prevention. In different investigations, antioxidant supplements containing vitamins have been shown to lower the risk of specific cancer types. In contrast, some evidence suggests that taking antioxidant supplements can increase the risk of developing cancer. Ultimately, collaborative efforts among immunologists, clinicians, nutritionists, and dietitians are imperative for designing well-structured nutritional trials to corroborate the clinical efficacy of dietary therapy in managing inflammation and preventing carcinogenesis. This review seeks to explore the interrelationships among dietary antioxidants, dietary fiber, and the gut microbiome, with a particular focus on their potential implications in inflammation and cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present review deals with two main ingredients of energy/power drinks: B vitamins and glucuronolactone and their possible effect on the immune system. There is a strong relationship between the recommended daily dose of selected B vitamins and a functional immune system. Regarding specific B vitamins: (1) Riboflavin is necessary for the optimization of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the fight against bacterial infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. (2) Niacin administered within normal doses to obese rats can change the phenotype of skeletal fibers, and thereby affect muscle metabolism. This metabolic phenotype induced by niacin treatment is also confirmed by stimulation of the expression of genes involved in the metabolism of free fatty acids (FFAs) and oxidative phosphorylation at this level. (3) Vitamin B5 effects depend primarily on the dose, thus large doses can cause diarrhea or functional disorders of the digestive tract whereas normal levels are effective in wound healing, liver detoxification, and joint health support. (4) High vitamin B6 concentrations (>2000 mg per day) have been shown to exert a significant negative impact on the dorsal root ganglia. Whereas, at doses of approximately 70 ng/mL, sensory symptoms were reported in 80% of cases. (5) Chronic increases in vitamin B12 have been associated with the increased incidence of solid cancers. Additionally, glucuronolactone, whose effects are not well known, represents a controversial compound. (6) Supplementing with D-glucarates, such as glucuronolactone, may help the body's natural defense system function better to inhibit different tumor promoters and carcinogens and their consequences. Cumulatively, the present review aims to evaluate the relationship between the selected B vitamins group, glucuronolactone, and the immune system and their associations to bioavailability, doses, and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digestive system of fish is different from one species to another, depending on the type of food ingested. Danube salmon Hucho hucho (Linnaeus, 1758) is a critically endangered species of the Salmonidae family with the threat of extinction looming large, therefore conservation efforts are urgently needed. This study presents a detailed microscopic analysis of the Zeissl membrane in Danube salmon, through histological means. The biological material analyzed consisted of six fish raised in a specialized breeding farm for restocking purposes. Samples were collected from the gastrointestinal tract and processed using histological paraffin embedding. The Zeissl membrane was present in all studied segments, but its structure and development varied. It comprised the stratum compactum (SC) and stratum granulosum (SG). The SC formed a continuous membrane with unequal thickness in most of the studied segments, except for the cardia area of the stomach, where it appeared discontinuously, and the duodenum, where it only appeared between the apertures of the pyloric caeca. Aside from its role in limiting gastrointestinal distension, it may have other implications for the morphophysiology of the Danube salmon digestive tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal pollution is a global environmental issue threatening food security and the environment. It is caused by the rapid growth of agriculture and industry. The development of new industries and the increasing number of people have also contributed to the rise in these conditions. Heavy metals that contaminate soils are mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr), these toxic substances are retained by the soil and act as a filter for their properties. The aim of this paper was to review the impact of heavy metals on soil, as well as the methods to combat their toxicity in agricultural ones. In order to achieve this goal, data belonging to national and international databases were used (Science Direct, NCBI). The finding of different strategies to combat pollution, particularly on the soil represented the goals for the majority of the studies. As such, bioremediation is a promising choice to reduce heavy metal concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an algorithm that calculates the nominal torque for friction grip joints, followed by its implementation in a Microsoft Excel worksheet that is automated by a macro written in Visual Basic. The algorithm outputs not only the optimum nominal torque (the value for which the margin of safety is maximum) but also the interval of acceptable values so that the user can easily choose the torque according to his preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to provide an interactive in-house tool to quickly asses the stress in the critical points of the aeronautical structures. The software compares the results between the stress values obtained from the experimental tests using the resistive electrical tensometry technique (RET) and the stress values calculated with FEM software. RET refers to the stress and strains measured by strain gauges applied to the critical points of the structures. The finite element analysis was carriedout with MSC. PATRAN/NASTRAN using shell and solid elements in order to identify the critical points based on the stress and strain results. The validation of the results obtained by the finite element modelling has been made experimentally using the resistive electrical tensometry method. The results from these two methods have been compared with the in-house software developed in Visual Basic with Excel interface. The program evaluates the relative error between the experimental and calculated data at critical points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the space sector the most decisive elements are: mass reduction, cost saving and minimum lead time; here, structural optimization and additive layer manufacturing (ALM) fit best. The design must be driven by stiffness, because an important requirement for spacecraft (S/C) structures is to reduce the dynamic coupling between the S/C and the launch vehicle. The objective is to create an end-to-end process, from the input given by the customer to the manufacturing of an aluminum part as light as possible but at the same time considerably stiffer while taking the full advantage of the design flexibility given by ALM. To design and optimize the parts, a specialized inhouse tool was used, guaranteeing a load-sufficient material distribution. Using topological optimization, the iterations between the design and the stress departments were diminished, thus greatly reducing the lead time. In order to improve and lighten the obtained structure a design with internal cavities and hollow beams was considered. This implied developing of a procedure for powder evacuation through iterations with the manufacturer while optimizing the design for ALM. The resulted part can be then manufactured via ALM with no need of further design adjustments. To achieve a high-quality part with maximum efficiency, it is essential to have a loop between the design team and the manufacturer. Topological optimization and ALM work hand in hand if used properly. The team achieved a more efficient structure using topology optimization and ALM, than using conventional design and manufacturing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the development of numerical experiences using finite element commercial codes, based on experimental mechanical tests performed on ablative composite materials. The studied ablative materials were obtained using liquid phenolic resin matrix nanofilled with silicon carbide nanoparticles (added in different weight contents values: 0, 1 and 2 wt.% relative to the resin) that was impregnated into ablative preforms. The results of the numerical simulations are in accordance with the experimental data obtained for the tested specimens, showing that finite element analysis is a promising tool for development of a realistic simulation for advanced materials used in aerospace applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past few years, Red Bull rapidly became a popular energy drink and this increase in popularity is the result of targeted advertising. The effects of short term consumption of Red Bull are known and they are beneficial, however the effects of chronic consumption may lead to serious health conditions. The purpose of the study presented in this work is to investigate if long term consumption of Red Bull affects the physiological and functional integrity of the skeletal muscles. The study was conducted on 28 albino male Wistar rats, weighing 182.11±4.7 g, divided into four groups. The Control (C) group received a standard diet and tap water. The Red Bull/Ethanol (RB+E) group were orally administrated 1.5 ml/100 g b.wt. of Red Bull and 0.6 ml/100 g b.wt. of ethanol daily, for 30 days. The same concentrations were administered to the groups that received the individual drinks. In the last six days of the experiment the animals were tested for physical performance using a weight-loaded forced swim test. After 30 days of treatment, immediately after exhaustion, the animals were killed under anesthesia and samples from the gastrocnemius muscle were harvested for biochemical parameters analysis and enzymatic activity assays. A significant decrease in glucose and glycogen concentration was registered in E and RB+E groups. Total protein concentration as well as AST and LDH activities remained unchanged in all groups. According to these results we can say that long term consumption of Red Bull energy drink, especially when combined with alcohol, may lead to significant changes in biochemical parameters strictly related to the carbohydrate metabolism. Red Bull and ethanol did not affect the physiological integrity of the skeletal muscle, although a transition probably occurred from type 2 (glycolytic, fast twitch) to type 1 (oxidative, slow-twitch) muscle fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worldwide consumption of energy drinks has grown globally during the last few decades among athletes and youth, because of their stimulant properties. Although these beverages are consumed in order to improve concentration, physical and cognitive performance, there is insufficient evidence or studies to confirm these claims. The aim of our study was to investigate if acute administration of Red Bull energy drink influences certain biochemical parameters of the blood as well as blood pressure and heart rate, under physical activity in trained and untrained healthy males. Thirteen healthy voluntary males between the ages 20-25 years participated in this study. They were organized in two groups: trained and untrained. Blood samples were drawn and certain hemodynamic parameters were measured before and after physical activity/Red Bull administration. Anthropometrical measurements were also determined. A significant increase of blood pressure and heart rate were noticed after Red Bull administration in all subjects, while the glucose concentration decreased. The concentration of total protein increased significantly after Red Bull administration, as did the activities of serum LDH, AST and ALT. These results indicate that acute consumption of energy drinks can affect biochemical blood parameters as well as the hemodynamic parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy drinks are commercial drinks conceived in order to improve physical and intellectual performance. Short term effects of energy drinks are known and do not seem to affect the state of health, but long term effects are less known and raise serious health questions. In this work we investigated if Red Bull affects morphologic and some of the biochemical parameters of the blood. Twenty adult Wistar rats, weighing 186.6±3.15 g were organized into two groups. The Control (C) group received a standard diet and tap water. The animals in the energy drink (ED) group were orally administrated 1.5 ml/100 g b.wt. of Red Bull daily, for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks of treatment, the rats were killed by exsanguination and blood samples were collected for morphologic and biochemical parameter analysis. A significant reduction in red blood cell count was noticed in the ED group, while the hemoglobin concentration and the hematocrit slightly increased in the experimental group, as compared to the control. The concentrations of glucose and total cholesterol increased significantly after Red Bull administration, as did the activities of serum LDH, AST and ALT. These results indicate that a long-term consumption of energy drinks can affect certain morphological and biochemical blood parameters. Furthermore, these drinks may be risk factors for the development of a metabolic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis is a condition resulting in an increased risk of skeletal fractures due to a reduction of bone-mass and micro-architectural deterioration of the tissue. Aside from postmenopausal osteoporosis, the most common secondary cause of this disease is that due to the long-term use of oral glucocorticoids. The present study was designed to illustrate the benefit of physical activity, an inexpensive and accessible treatment, in the amelioration of osteoporosis symptoms. Adult female Wistar rats received a daily dose of methylprednisone for 30 days. One of the glucocorticoidtreated groups, and one of the control groups, were subjected to physical training (1 hour swimming) on a daily base. Haematological parameters related to bone marrow function, Ca and P content in serum and cortical thigh-bone were assessed. The results confirmed the beneficial role of physical exercise in preventing the onset of osteoporosis, and/or in ameliorating its symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]