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Background: The intestinal phase is the early invasion stage of Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis), in which muscle larvae invade intestine epithelial cells and then develop into adult worms to breed newborn larvae. Thus, intestinal infective larvae are first exposed to the immune system of the host, and antigens from the worms may be the earliest marker in the diagnosis of trichinellosis and may contribute to vaccine development to prevent Trichinella infections in pigs. Methods: A cDNA library of intestinal infective larvae of T. spiralis at 6 hours post infection (p.i.) was constructed and immunoscreened using serum collected from pigs that were infected with T. spiralis at 26 days p.i. T. spiralis cystatin-like protein (Ts-CLP) gene encoding a 45.9 kDa protein was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The rabbit antisera were generated and used to determine the location of Ts-CLP in the parasite. Transcription levels of Ts-CLP in different developmental stages of T. spiralis were observed by RT-PCR. The potential application of recombinant Ts-CLP in diagnosis against T. spiralis infection was tested by ELISA. The immune protection of recombinant Ts-CLP protein against T. spiralis infection was evaluated in mice. Results: Thirty-three positive clones were selected from cDNA library, among which 20 clones encoded the same novel cystatin-like protein (Ts-CLP). Immunolocalisation and real-time quantitative PCR revealed that native Ts-CLP was localised primarily to ß-stichocytes and that the Ts-clp gene was transcribed and expressed in all developmental stages of T. spiralis. The recombinant protein rTs-CLP was recognised by pig antiserum as early as 15 days p.i., and could induce protective immunity in mice, with a 61.21% reduction in the number of muscle larvae. Conclusions: These data preliminarily suggested that Ts-CLP may play an important role in the early infection of T. spiralis and that recombinant Ts-CLP protein is a candidate antigen for diagnosis and vaccine development in Trichinella infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which examined European mustelids infected with Trichinella. The study investigated 32 specimens from nine species of mustelids found in the Danube Delta in Romania. The results revealed that the transmission of Trichinella occurs among domesticated swine, rats and wild mammals that feed by scavenging or predation.

The suitable management of residual usage period for building cranes is impossible without fatigue failure analysis and fatigue assessment of their steel structures. The present paper presents a methodology for calculation of residual usage period of building crane steel structures. The proposed method includes determination of weak points of crane steel structure, working cycle analysis, stress history analysis and calculation of the real stress history parameter for a selected weak point (element), on the basis of which is calculated residual usage period for building crane according to the new European standard EN 13001. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper inhere presents the use of data from measurements regarding partial discharges in insulation and dissolved gasses in insulating oil as diagnostic indicators for condition assessment of power transformers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The safety regulations regarding the safe use of electricity in underground coal mines illustrate big disproportions between the requirements that have to be met by the explosion proof electrical power equipment and the different kinds of cables, used r in underground mines' electrical power supplying systems. The present paper presents some new solutions for increasing the level of safety of electricity use in underground coal mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A FT-IR study of the Borrelia afzelii species is reported for the first time. The FT-IR spectrum was obtained in the wavelength interval between 450-4000 cm-1, and the assignation of the absorption bands and the structural interpretation was performed. These spectral domains contain information about DNA, RNA, polysaccharides, proteins, phospholipids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the study which examined the prevalence and distribution of Eimeria parasite species in broiler chicken farms in Romania. In the study, four Eimeria species were identified, namely, E. acervulina, E. tenella, E. maxima, and E. praecox. The study was conducted using single polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used as a tool for identifying spectral markers representing differences between Escherichia coli and Borrelia Burgdorferi sensu stricto. In order to prescribe an effective treatment it is important to identify the pathogenic agent as fast as possible. Among the existing methods based on the vibrational spectroscopy that can provide a real time detection of microorganisms, there is also the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We obtained main differences in spectral range 3250-3650 cm-1 (region dominated by hydroxy or amino groups), 1500-1200 cm-1 (mixed region) and 1200-900 cm-1 (polysaccharide region). Our results suggest that FT-IR spectroscopy can be used for the detection of the biochemical differeces between Escherichia coli and Borrelia Burgdorferi sensu stricto [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most epidemiological studies on tick-borne pathogens involve collection of ticks from the environment. An efficient collection method is essential for large sample pools. Our main aim was to evaluate the efficacy of a new method, where traditional flagging was enhanced by the use of CO2 dispersed into the white flannel. The CO2 was spread through a rubber hose network inserted into the flag blanket. The research was conducted in spring, in March-April 2011 in two locations from Cluj County, Romania. Methods: The research was conducted in March-April 2011 in two locations from Cluj County, Romania. The flag to be tested contained a fine silicone rubber hose network which dispersed the CO2 in the shaft. On each collection site n=30 samplings were performed. Each sampling consisted in the simultaneous use of both flags (with and without CO2) by two persons. The CO2 concentration level on the flag canvas surface was measured. The efficacy of the method was determined by counting comparatively the total number of ticks and separate developmental stage count. Results: Using the CO2 improved flag, 2411 (59%) Ixodes ricinus and 100 (53.8%) Dermacentor marginatus ticks were captured, while the CO2-free flag accounted for the collection of 1670 I. ricinus (41%) and 86 (46.2%) D. marginatu sticks. The addition of CO2prompted a concentration difference on the surface of the flag ranging between 756.5 and 1135.0 ppm with a mean value of 848.9 ppm. Conclusion: The study showed that the CO2enhanced sweep flag increased the ability of I. ricinus (p<0001) but not of D. marginatus to be attracted to the flag blanket. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annals of 'Constantin Brancusi' University of Targu-Jiu. Engineering Series / Analele Universităţii Constantin Brâncuşi din Târgu-Jiu. Seria Inginerie is the property of Universitatea Constantin Brancusi din Targu-Jiu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Annals of 'Constantin Brancusi' University of Targu-Jiu. Engineering Series / Analele Universităţii Constantin Brâncuşi din Târgu-Jiu. Seria Inginerie is the property of Universitatea Constantin Brancusi din Targu-Jiu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Annals of 'Constantin Brancusi' University of Targu-Jiu. Engineering Series / Analele Universităţii Constantin Brâncuşi din Târgu-Jiu. Seria Inginerie is the property of Universitatea Constantin Brancusi din Targu-Jiu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Annals of 'Constantin Brancusi' University of Targu-Jiu. Engineering Series / Analele Universităţii Constantin Brâncuşi din Târgu-Jiu. Seria Inginerie is the property of Universitatea Constantin Brancusi din Targu-Jiu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In industrial applications and beyond, temperature measurement is one of the most common situations. In this paper we present the development of a data acquisition system for temperature monitoring and control in two chambers, a system built around a core type PIC16F877 microcontroller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annals of 'Constantin Brancusi' University of Targu-Jiu. Engineering Series / Analele Universităţii Constantin Brâncuşi din Târgu-Jiu. Seria Inginerie is the property of Universitatea Constantin Brancusi din Targu-Jiu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In industrial applications (and not only), a very important role is played by microcontrollers which, more performat each day, gather a part of calculus technique necessary for control and acquisition, simplifying in this way the control devices for the technological processes they serve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annals of 'Constantin Brancusi' University of Targu-Jiu. Engineering Series / Analele Universităţii Constantin Brâncuşi din Târgu-Jiu. Seria Inginerie is the property of Universitatea Constantin Brancusi din Targu-Jiu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts isolated from bovine faeces were submitted to high dry, wet temperatures and thermophilic, mesophilic methanic fermentation in order to check their viability and resistance. The study showed that high dry temperatures destroy completely Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts after 45mn of exposure at 45 and 50°C, 35mn at 55°C, 25 mn at 60°C, 15mn at 65°C, 5mn at 70°C, 3mn at 74 and 80°C, 2mn at 85, 90 and 95°C. The high wet temperatures killed cryptosporidia oocysts after 60mn of incubation at 50°C, 30mn at 55°C and 5mn at 60 and 65°C. However, the thermophilic methanic fermentation was effective against Cryptosporidia oocysts after 40 and 20mn at 50 and 55°C respectively and the mesophilic after 8 days at 35°C. No alteration of morphology oocysts was observed even when the latest was exposed to higher temperatures (90 and 95°C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purposes of this study were to demonstrate the presence of IgG type antibodies against Neospora caninum and to establish the prevalence of the disease in bovines raised in extensive system from a village in Cluj county. 119 samples have been collected in the direction of detecting antibodies anti-N. caninum using an ELISA method with a commercial kit (HerdChek Neospora, Idexx Laboratories, Switzerland). The bovines were divided it two age groups: group one: under 5 years old (31 animals) and group two: equal and over 5 years old (88 animals). From all 119 tested sera a number of 23 were positive, reaching a prevalence of 19.3%. The prevalence of infected animals belonging to the first group was 16.1% (5/31) and from the other group 20.9% (18/88). ELISA technique has a very high specificity and the prevalence obtained in this study (19.3%) shows that the infection with N. caninum is present in our county even in extensive systems and it's a very important cause of abortion in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichinellosis is a food-borne parasitic zoonosis with a yearly incidence of about 10,000 clinical cases worldwide. It is one of the most serious zoonotic diseases in Romania with more than 28,000 human cases reported over the last 25 years. Trichinella species and genotypes are present on all continents, from the tropical regions to the cold ones. Up to date, there have been identified four Trichinella species in Europe: T. spiralis, T. nativa, T. britovi and T. pseudospiralis. In order to identify a genetic variability in ecologically distinct species of Trichinella, which may lead to a potential geographical disposition of Trichinella isolates, we test the variability of nine nuclear microsatellite loci, in a small population of Trichinella isolates of Romania. As a result, we obtained a positive amplification for most of the microsatellites studied for Trichinella strains belonging to different species (T.spiralis, T.britovi). We noticed a size-difference between the amplicons generated by the DNA of various Trichinella species (T.spiralis vs T.britovi).We identify a genetic variability inside the same Trichinella population (T.spiralis), differentiating 3 strains (7.97, 7.42,7.29) by 2 microsatellites (TP43, TP32). For a more detailed analysis of the differences obtained in this study, we plan to use the fluorescently (6-FAM) marked primers, for sequencing and genotyping of the amplification products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to use crude T. gondii tachyzoite antigen in an indirect ELISA and to compare it with indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) considered as a "gold standard". Sheep serum samples with known (49 negative and 45 positive) and unknown (94) status were tested. It was tried two types of microtiter plates and different antigen, sera and bloking dilution. The sensitivity, specificity positive and negative predictive value, accuracy and efficiency of test were evaluated. The chosen dilutions after CBT were 1:1000 for antigen and 1:400 for controls/sera samples on PolySorp 96-well microtiter plate (Nunc). 3% BSA had the best results in bloking phase of assay. The ELISA agreement with IFAT was relatively very good (k=0.81). The sensitivity and specificity of ELISA were 95.75%, respectively 85.11%. The accuracy of test was 81% and the efficiency 91.35%. ELISA using a crude tachyzoite antigen can be used for detecting anti-T. gondii antibodies in sheep sera, and consequently in the epidemiological studies and its uses instead of a commercial kit reduce the cost of the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major parasitic zoonosis, hydatidosis is a public health problem, with the trend of recurrence and mortality at all negligible, causing great suffering to patients. Purpose of the study: to establish how the molecules used to chimio-prevent of hydatidosis influence plasma levels of enzymes. Materials and methods: there have been taken in the study 30 animals (lambs aged 12 months), which were infested with oncospheres of E. granulosus. To determine plasma levels of enzymes is harvested from blood samples on days 0, 30 and 60 of the experiment. Results and discussions: The plasma ASAT was approximately constant at all lots of lambs. In determining the plasma ALAT, the negative group differences between first and last measurement were statistically significant (p = 0.0053). Treatment with albendazole induced statistical variations between the first and last harvest index "p" is 0.0109. Evolutionary dynamics of GGT level in experimental groups of animals was characterized by fluctuations which showed statistical differences for some of the comparison analysis, as in the case group negative value index "p" was 0.0162 (harvested 1 - 3) , the positive group index "p" was p = 0.0400 (1 - 3), the group treated with albendazole, the index "p" was 0.0122 (1 - 2) and 0.0107 (1 - 3). PAL fluctuation recorded and analyzed according to the comparative experimental time has highlighted the significant differences from a statistical viewpoint. Conclusions: Exploration of liver medicine is to represent a biochemical exploration of the most common because this organ plays a central role in energy metabolism and mechanisms of detoxification of the body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii causes one of the most common zoonoses worldwide. Pigs infected with T. gondii are considered an important source of infection for humans in several countries. The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in indoor pigs. Between November 2007 and May 2009, 285 sows and 282 fattening pigs sera samples were collected in the slaugtherhouse, from five indoor farms. Samples were tested in the direction of detecting antibodies anti-T. gondii, IgG type by ELISA method, using a commercial kit (Toxoplasmosis Indirect Multi-Species, ID VET Innovative Diagnostics, France). The prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in sows from Cluj county was 49.4% (42/85), while in sows from Satu-Mare county was 0.5% (1/200) and in fattening pigs was 0.4% (1/282). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Borrelia miyamotoi and Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis in Ixodes ricinus Ticks, Romania" in the previous issue.

The article focuses on a research study that aims to assess the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Neospora caninum (N. caninum) in dairy goats in Romania. It notes that 735 serum samples were collected from dairy goats for the analysis of T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). It claims that the high prevalence of T. gondii suggests that infection with this parasite is common in dairy goats in the country.

The article focuses on a research study that aims to assess the drug resistance of Eimeria field isolates from commercial broiler flocks in Romania. It notes that faeces samples collected from August to December 201o were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It adds that experimental infected chickens were euthanasied wherein score lesion was performed. Drug resistance has been observed for both species.

Neospora caninum is a protozoan responsible for cattle abortions worldwide. In dogs, the infection with this parasite can cause a sevear disease represented by various clinical signs as ataxia, ascending paralysis and nervous symptoms. It can also determine myocardial, pulmonary and dermatological lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tick-borne diseases are of great concern worldwide. Despite this, in Romania there is only limited information regarding the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens in dogs. In all, 1146 serum samples were tested by SNAP(®) 4Dx(®) (IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, ME) for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Ehrlichia canis antibodies, and for Dirofilaria immitis antigen. The correlation between positive cases and their geographic distribution, as well as potential risk factors (age, sex, breed, type of dog, habitat, and prophylactic treatments) were evaluated. Overall, 129 dogs (11.3%) were serologically-positive to one or more of the tested pathogens. The seroprevalence for the four infectious agents were: A. phagocytophilum 5.5% (63/1146), D. immitis 3.3% (38/1146), E. canis 2.1% (24/1146), and B. burgdorferi 0.5% (6/1146). Co-infection with E. canis and A. phagocytophilum was registered in 2 dogs (0.2%). The geographical distribution of the seropositive cases suggests clustered foci in southern regions and in the western part of the country for D. immitis, and in the southeastern region (Constanţa County) for E. canis. A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi showed a homogenous distribution, with a tendency for Lyme-positive samples to concentrate in central Romania. For D. immitis, A. phagocytophilum, and E. canis, administering prophylactic treatments was a risk factor associated with infection. Another associated risk factor was the type of dog (stray dogs were at risk being positive for D. immitis, shelter dogs for E. canis, and hunting dogs for B. burgdorferi). The prevalence of D. immitis was significantly higher in males and in dogs older than 2 years. This survey represents the first data detailing A. phagocytophilum and E. canis seroprevalence in Romanian dogs, and the most comprehensive epidemiological study on vector-borne infections in dogs from this country.