Genetic diversity analyses of seven Romanian pig populations based on 10 microsatellites

Abstract Genotype data from 10 microsatellites were used to assess genetic diversity and relationships among 7 swine breeds: Synthetic Line-345 Peris, Synthetic Line LSP-2000, Pietrai

Phylogenetic Relationships of the Mangalitsa Swine Breed Inferred from Mitochondrial DNA Variation

The Mangalitsa pig, a swine breed belonging to the protected gene fund of original and primitive animal breeds of the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), has been known to inhabit Romanian territories since the 19th century. The aim of this study was to compare the Mangalitsa breed with several European and Asiatic swine breeds in order to emphasize its uniqueness and to elucidate its origin. For this purpose, we analyzed a 613 bp mitochondrial DNA D-loop fragment and 1140 bp of the cytochrome b gene in a population of Mangalitsa pigs and the polymorphic sites were compared with sequences from GenBank originating from other swine breeds. Taking into account the total of 24 breeds and 5 different Wild Boar populations analyzed, 86 polymorphic sites representing 32 haplotypes were observed, with an average percentage of polymorphic sites of 4.9%. Three Neighbor-Joining phylogenetic trees were constructed based on Kimura 2-parameter distances, using D-loop, cytochrome b and mitochondrial reunited sequences. For the analyzed Mangalitsa population, four distinct haplotypes were identified, including one that was common to other breeds. Our study suggests that the Mangalitsa swine originate from primitive breeds which might be directly derived from the Wild Boar

INFLUENCE OF SLUDGE ON SOME TECUCI PLAIN SANDY SOILS FROM GALATI COUNTY

This paper presents some aspects regarding the use of sludge obtained from Tecuci wastewater treatment pilot plant, sludge that was used for the fertilization of some sandy soils of Tecuci Plain, Galati County. To reduce the polluting effect of the sludge that will be used for agriculture and to exploit the nutrients it contains, it is necessary to subject the sludge to a proper treatment, to apply it only on suitable soils in the right doses and at the appropriate periods, at certain recommended crops, and to also ensure the proper control of the environmental quality. This study was in accordance with Order no. 344/2004 for approving the technical norms when active sludge is used in agriculture concerning the environmental protection and, in particular, of soil, of the Romanian Soil Taxonomy System (2012) and Development of Soil Survey Methodology (1987). Fertilization with sludge from the treatment plant was applied on eutric and district psamosoils from Protisoils Class that are characterized by a sandy texture in the upper portion of the profile and a poor supply with chemical elements. Always to be noted that before using the sludge as a fertilizer two processes will be performed such as the limestone amendment of soil and also the fertilization with chemical fertilizers that have an alkalizing action

GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF ROMANIAN CATTLE BREEDS USING BIOCHEMICAL MARKERS

The paper presents a genetic characterization of cattle breeds in Romania based onbiochemical markers in the blood and the milk. The surveyed breeds are: RomanianBlack Spotted Cattle (BNR), Romanian Spotted Cattle (BR), Romanian Brown (B)and Romanian Steppe, and the markers identified are represented by some proteins,serum transferrin (Tf), serum albumins (Al), hemoglobin (Hb) respectively-from theblood and beta-lactoglobulin (βLg)-from the milk. In order to determine thegenotypes in the studied populations electrophoresis was used in three differentvariations, depending on the type of the protein, and the migration substrates usedwere starch and polyacrylamide. The identified genetic structures in the individualsfrom the surveyed breeds allowed their genetic characterization based on gene andgenotype frequencies, as well as using these data in establishing the identity andpaternity of the individuals in the surveyed breeds

Comparative “ex vivo” study on working length determination using six apex locators

The aim of this study was to analyse the accuracy, precision, and consequently the reliability of five traditional apex locators (AL) and one integrated AL in determining working length (WL). Materials and Methods: The lengths of 15 extracted human teeth were measured with six ALs (Dentaport Root ZX, Dual Pex Micro Mega, Root ZX mini, Elements Diagnostic, Woodpex III, and E-connect S) and with digital radiographs (RVG). Electronic measurements were compared with each other and with radiographic measurements under the same experimental conditions. Results. Repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant difference between the radiographic and the electronic method. The Root ZX achieved the best accuracy and precision in determining the location of the apical foramen compared to other ALs. Conclusions. ALs are the most reliable method and superior to radiologic methods to determine the WL. Further studies should be performed to assess the differences between different types of ALs

Comparative Analysis of Hematological and Biochemical Changes in Neonates among Women with and without COVID-19 Infection during Pregnancy

The aim of this study is to evaluate the test results of neonates delivered by COVID-19-positive mothers during pregnancy with those of neonates born to unvaccinated mothers who are COVID-19-free. A cohort study was conducted on 367 pregnant women who gave birth at Premiere Hospital, Timisoara, Romania, between May 2021 and February 2022. Two groups were established: Group 1, with 167 pregnant women infected with COVID-19, and Group 2, with 200 pregnant women who were not affected by COVID-19 during pregnancy. Maternal laboratory examination did not exhibit significant variations except for platelet count. In neonatal blood tests, WBC had a significantly lower median value in the group born to COVID-19-free mothers. Neonatal anemia and leukocytosis showed slightly higher prevalence in Group 1, but the differences were not statistically significant. This study suggests that maternal COVID-19 infection during pregnancy does not have significant associations with most maternal and neonatal characteristics

Pathophysiology, Histopathology, and Differential Diagnostics of Basal Cell Carcinoma and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma—An Update from the Pathologist’s Point of View

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) are the most frequently occurring non-melanocytic skin cancers. The objective of our study is to present the pathophysiology of BCC and cSCC and its direct relationship with the histopathological diagnostics and the differential diagnostics of these types of cancer, based on the morphological characteristics, immunohistochemical profile, and genetic alterations. The qualitative study was based on emphasizing the morphological characteristics and immunohistochemistry profiles of BCC and cSCC and the differential diagnostics based on the tissue samples from the Clinical Pathology Department of Mures Clinical County Hospital between 2020 and 2022. We analyzed the histopathological appearances and immunohistochemical profiles of BCC and cSCC in comparison with those of Bowen disease, keratoacanthoma, hyperkeratotic squamous papilloma, metatypical carcinoma, pilomatricoma, trichoblastoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS), and melanoma. Our study showed the importance of the correct histopathological diagnosis, which has a direct impact on the appropriate treatment and outcome for each patient. The study highlighted the histopathological and morphological characteristics of NMSCs and the precursor lesions in HE and the immunohistochemical profile for lesions that may make the differential diagnosis difficult to establish