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Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is one of the common and potentially lethal manifestations of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs). ILD’s prevalence, clinical patterns, imaging, and natural history are variable. Each of the representative diseases—systemic sclerosis (SSc), idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjӧgren’s syndrome (SjS), mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)—have distinct clinical, paraclinical and evolutionary features. Risk factors with predictive value for ILD have been identified. This review summarizes, from the clinician’s perspective, recent data from the literature regarding the specificity of ILD for each of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases, with an emphasis on the role of the multidisciplinary team in early diagnosis, case management, as well as the particularities of the clinical approach to the progressive phenotype of ILD in SARDs.

Tuberculosis (TB) induces a hypercoagulable state characterized by systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and alterations in the coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways. This review explores the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying hypercoagulability in TB, including increased pro-inflammatory cytokine release, endothelial damage, platelet activation, and reduced anticoagulant and fibrinolytic activity. These factors contribute to an elevated risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), which complicate TB prognosis and treatment. The potential role of adjunctive anti-inflammatory therapies, such as vitamin D, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and anti-platelet agents, is highlighted as a strategy to mitigate systemic inflammation and reduce thrombotic risks in patients with TB. The challenges of anticoagulation therapy, particularly in managing the interactions between anti-TB medications and traditional anticoagulants, are discussed, along with the potential of novel oral anticoagulants (NOAs) as alternatives. We also address therapy of hypercoagulability in TB within resource-limited settings which requires low-cost diagnostics, accessible anticoagulation options, adjunctive therapies, and preventive strategies integrated into existing healthcare systems. Effective risk stratification and individualized management strategies are vital for reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with thrombotic complications in TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is one of the common and potentially lethal manifestations of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs). ILD's prevalence, clinical patterns, imaging, and natural history are variable. Each of the representative diseases—systemic sclerosis (SSc), idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjӧgren's syndrome (SjS), mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)—have distinct clinical, paraclinical and evolutionary features. Risk factors with predictive value for ILD have been identified. This review summarizes, from the clinician's perspective, recent data from the literature regarding the specificity of ILD for each of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases, with an emphasis on the role of the multidisciplinary team in early diagnosis, case management, as well as the particularities of the clinical approach to the progressive phenotype of ILD in SARDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past 20 years the study of goat caseins genetic polymorphisms received a considerable research interest. In particular the researches were focused on CSN1S1 locus which is the most polymorphic, 17 alleles being known so far. These alleles are associated with four different levels of protein synthesis, affecting significantly goat milk quality and its technological properties. In this context the present review is describing recent literature data at international and national level, which allow the understanding of goat milk quality variation in relation with its physical-chemical characteristics, milk protein genetic polymorphisms and physiological factors. We also describe the current stage of researches concerning the use of milk protein polymorphisms in identifying possible adulterations from dairy industry and also studies on milk allergenic potency.

In this paper we describe the characterization at the protein level of αS1-casein I RV allele discovered in Romanian Grey Steppe Cattle Moldavian variety, an autochthon Bos Taurus Primigenius breed belonging Grey cattle family. In order to identify the aminoacid/s substitution/s, responsible/s for the appearance of this new αS1 variant, milk samples, collected from 2 cows previously identified as carriers of mutant αS1 allele in heterozygous condition (BIRV, CIRV) and 2 reference samples (BB,CC), were purified by RP-HPLC. After purification, αS1-casein fraction collected from each sample was submitted to hydrolysis and tryptic hydrolysates were analyzed by mass spectrometry (MALDI-Tof and Orbitrap). The only possible substitution found is concerning the glutamine (Q) residue codified by codons from exons 8, 9 or 11. This is under study also at DNA level. This discovery could clarify the phylogenetic relationships between Romanian Grey Steppe Cattle, Moldavian Variety (autochthon Bos Taurus Primigenius) and their cousins from Africa and Asia.

Currently, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common liver disease worldwide, with a prevalence of 32%. It is much more common among men (40%) and among patients with metabolic comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes and dyslipidemia. Being an asymptomatic disease, the diagnosis is often established on the basis of imaging methods, with an important role given to abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. In order to facilitate diagnosis, experts have introduced a series of blood biomarkers. Two biomarker panels are currently validated for the diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: the fatty liver index, and the hepatic steatosis index. The fatty liver index has been in use in medical practice for over 17 years and has demonstrated its accuracy in various studies that compared it with other diagnostic methods, highlighted its role in screening patients with cardiovascular risk and validated the effects of different diets and drugs that are proposed for the treatment of the disease. In the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the fatty liver index is an important algorithm in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with metabolic risk. Taking into account the diversity of drugs to be approved in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the fatty liver index will become an effective tool in monitoring the effects of these therapies.

The development and function of mammary gland is mainly controlled by growth hormone and prolactin, two protein hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Their synthesis is under regulatory influence of pituitary factor 1 (PIT1 or POU1F1), a protein factor produced in hypothalamic nuclei. In cattle, it was shown that a HinfI polymorphism located in exon 6 of PIT1 gene may have significant influence on milk quantity. In particular A allele was associated with a higher milk yield and could be a valuable genetic marker for improving milk quantity in cattle. In an effort to better understand the possible influence of this polymorphism on mammary gland development and function in cattle, we have studied the frequency this polymorphism in Romanian Black and White breed, a high milk production cattle breed versus Romanian Grey Steppe breed, a primitive breed with very low milk production. In both breeds the frequency of B allele is much higher as compared with the frequency of A allele. The study of PIT1 polymorphism in Romanian cattle breeds is a part of a more complex study targeting several key genes involved in mammary gland function

In goats, k-casein (CSN3) locus is highly polymorphic with up to 16 allele currently characterized. They produce 13 protein variants (CSN3) that were classified in two groups (AIEF and BIEF), according to their isoelectric point. Isoelectric focusing (IEF) of milk samples allows the detection of these two CSN3 groups, but for correct identification of CSN3 alleles DNA based genotyping methods are needed. Therefore the objective of this study was to identify the types of alleles occurring at the CSN3 locus in Carpathian goat breed by using a combined IEF and DNA sequencing approach. IEF analysis of milk samples collected from two Carpathian goat populations reared in Romania revealed two distinct CSN3 patterns. Amplification and sequencing of CSN3 cDNA obtained from these goats revealed four polymorphic sites located in the exon 4 that are responsible for amino acids substitutions, as compared with the reference sequence of A allele. By comparative analysis of IEF and cDNA sequencing data obtained from the two populations, we shown that AIEF alleles are represented by B allele, while BIEF alleles are represented by D allele. However, the variation of CSN3 locus in Carpathian goat breed could be more complex, therefore further studies are needed to characterize it.

Background/Objectives: This study explored the relationship between serum vitamin C levels, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and the severity of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) among Romanian patients. Methods: This study enrolled 53 patients with bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis at Victor Babes University Hospital in Craiova between January 2023 and August 2024. Participants were stratified into two groups based on their serum vitamin C levels: 26 patients with normal levels and 27 patients with low levels. Clinical, demographic, and biological parameters, including inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), were assessed at baseline and after 60 days of TB treatment. Serum vitamin C levels were measured using ELISA. The persistence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) was evaluated using sputum smear microscopy and culture at baseline and after 2 months of treatment. Results: The results showed that patients with low vitamin C levels had significantly higher baseline ESR (92.63 ± 27.69 mm/h) and CRP (43.89 ± 12.00 mg/L) levels compared to those with normal levels (ESR: 65.11 ± 13.27 mm/h, CRP: 31.19 ± 9.76 mg/L). After 60 days, 66.67% of patients with low vitamin C levels remained culture-positive compared to 26.92% in the normal vitamin C group (p = 0.004). Multivariate analysis indicated that vitamin C deficiency was significantly associated with a higher TB culture load. Conclusions: These findings suggest that vitamin C deficiency may contribute to the persistence of MTB and highlight the potential role of vitamin C supplementation as an adjunct to standard TB treatment, particularly in the context of global efforts to eradicate the disease by 2035. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to identify campus greening initiatives on a sample of universities in Romania reflected in the university curricula, the behavioral patterns of students and teachers, the administrative actions that carry out empirical investigation of students/teachers/management staff perception on campus greening (based on self-administered questionnaires); detect the way campus greening initiatives are promoted/made visible; and identify the gaps and needs of the universities under scrutiny in terms of campus greening initiatives. Design/methodology/approach: The current research relies on two major components reviewing campus greening-related activities and initiatives, as reflected in the scientific literature and university curricula (empirical and quantitative assessment) and inquiring selected universities' about the campus greening programs they unfold through questionnaire surveys (qualitative assessment). Findings: Generally, sustainability topics (e.g. environmental protection, waste management and sustainable development) are largely addressed and, to some extent, applied in faculties dealing with earth sciences (e.g. geography, ecology) and technical sciences (e.g. environmental engineering). This can be explained by the traditional theoretical background of the first, and the experimental-oriented profile of the latter, which supports the development of innovative technologies (green technologies). However, there is a need to better undertake and promote greening initiatives for most of the higher education institutions in Romania. Some spatial (between institutions throughout Romania) and structural (according to the profile of the institutions) disparities are visible. Research limitations/implications: The limitations of the study might be the small number of universities providing a positive feedback to the questionnaire survey and the degree of subjectivity of some of the answers, directly linked with the professional background and issue awareness of the persons who answered the questions. Practical implications: The findings can be useful to the university managers to better orient their actions toward campus greening, increasing their knowledge and awareness toward sustainability-related actions. Originality/value: This is the first attempt reporting in the literature to analyze the campus greening initiatives to a large number of universities in Romania based on a common approach, identifying the main gaps and challenges in this process.

In this paper we assess the irrigation water use in the Danube Basin, highlight its complexity, identify future challenges and show the relevance for a basin-wide integrative irrigation management plan as part of a more holistic and coherent resource policy. In this sense, we base our integrative regional assessments of the water-food-energy nexus on insights from an extensive review and scientific synthesis of the Danube Basin and region, experimental field studies on irrigation and agricultural water consumption, current irrigation related policies and strategies in most of the Danube countries, and regulatory frameworks on resources at European Union level. We show that a basin-wide integrative approach to water use calls for the evaluation of resource use trade-offs, resonates with the need for transdisciplinary research in addressing nexus challenges and supports integrative resource management policies within which irrigation water use represents an inherent part. In this respect, we propose a transdisciplinary research framework on sustainable irrigation water use in the Danube Basin. The findings were summarized into four interconnected problem areas in the Danube Basin, which directly or indirectly relate to irrigation strategies and resource policies: prospective water scarcity and Danube water connectedness, agricultural droughts, present and future level of potential yields, and science based proactive decision-making.

Hydrogen generators that use a proton exchange membrane (PEM) cell stack for water electrolysis have various applications, one of them being combined electrolysis catalytic exchange installations. This process separates a stream of tritiated water into detritiated water and a stream of tritium-enriched hydrogen. The stream of tritium-enriched hydrogen then can be used in tritium recovery processes. The development of hydrogen generators capable of processing tritiated water still arouses increased interest due to their low commercial availability. This paper presents the construction of a hydrogen generator compatible with tritium in a two-PEM cell stack configuration in terms of instrumentation and control as well as the active safety measures implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A current concern of researchers from the Experimental Pilot Plant for Tritium and Deuterium Separation (PESTD) within the National R&D Institute for Cryogenics and Isotopic Technologies in Rm. Valcea is the solution of a combined electrolysis catalytic exchange (CECE) isotopic separation process that aims to be part of a new liquid waste decontamination technology. The experimental installation, defined as module M1100, has interfaces with the PESTD process and auxiliary systems and is placed within the PESTD area. The installation has its own automation and control system that allows for safe operation. Two operating modes are presented. The first mode is in "open-circuit" mode to evaluate the individual separation performances of the two technological processes, water electrolysis and water-hydrogen catalytic isotopic exchange, respectively. The second mode is in "closed loop," which corresponds to the CECE isotopic separation process where the tritium/deuterium are concentrated in the water within the electrolyzer. The preliminary experimental investigations were performed with low-concentrated tritiated water (HTO; ~100 Bq/l] in order to have a reduced degree of contamination as the concentration of the processed water was increased (~1000 Bq/l). The evaluation of the separation performances was made by comparing correlations from direct measurements with the calculated ones provided by the software developed for the CECE isotopic separation process in the open-circuit operating mode. For the closed-loop operation mode, the data provided by the calculation program for the representation of the nonstationary CECE isotopic separation regime were compared with the measured data. The preliminary results show a good correlation between the measured and the calculated data considering these experiments were carried out mainly in order to improve the operating performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]