Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical released into the environment, with severe consequences for human health, including metabolic syndrome and associated pathological conditions. Due to limited information on BPA-induced hepatotoxicity, the present study focused on investigating the association between BPA-induced toxicity and inflammatory markers in the liver, and how these injuries may be alleviated using the natural agent silymarin, a flavonoid with antioxidant properties obtained from Silybum marianum. Administration of BPA to male CD-1 mice for 10 days caused a significant increase in the number of cells immunopositive for interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, pro-inflammatory cytokines that mediate the hepatic inflammatory response. Treatment with 200 mg/kg of silymarin concurrently with BPA for 10 days resulted in a diminished level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and in significantly reduced ultrastructural injuries. Additionally, silymarin was able to restore the significantly decreased glycogen deposits observed following BPA exposure to normal levels, thus favoring hepatic glycogenesis. This study represents the first report of silymarin ability to reduce hepatic lesions and to counteract inflammation caused by BPA in mice. A dose of 200 mg/kg silymarin was sufficient to induce a protective effect against structural and ultrastructural injuries induced by BPA and to lower the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines observed in murine liver tissue following exposure to BPA.

In severely obese patients, adiponectin gene expression in VAT is negatively correlated with serum levels of uric acid and is an independent determinant, together with anthropometric parameters of visceral obesity and serum adiponectin levels, of insulin resistance.

The 2013 annual monitoring programme for the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, analysed a total of 267 wood samples collected from declining or symptomatic coniferous trees distributed among national forests, gardens, public parks, distribution centres, wood-processing industries, as well as 104 samples collected from wood packing material originated from several other countries. From a total of eight species found, five have been previously reported from Romania, while three other species (Bursaphelenchus abietinus, Bursaphelenchus fraudulentus and Bursaphelenchus fuchsi) represent new findings for Romania. In addition, B. mucronatus was found in packing wood originated from Russia. Herein, we provide a morphological, morphometric and molecular characterization for the new species found for Romania. Bursaphelenchus xylophilus was not detected.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a disease produced by the (PRRS) virus, characterized by endemic evolution in the majority of countries, which remains in actuality being a permanent threat to health and economic free farms, as well as for those infected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of Romanian PRRSV isolates from the four most important pig farms in Romania by comparing the nucleotide sequences obtained for ORF5 and ORF7 with a wide range of sequences from GenBank belonging to the main types of PRRSV; the type 1. Eighteen different sequences were obtained for ORF5 gene and 10 for ORF7 gene. One Romanian isolate (Rom3) was found in three of the four different investigated farms. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Romanian PRRSV nucleotide sequences clustered in three groups within the subtype 1 of the virus. The analysis of amino acid sequences evidenced for GP5 and N-nucleocapsid proteins confirmed that the Romanian virus belonged to type 1.

Swine pasivirus 1 (SPaV-1) was first detected in the feces of healthy pigs in France as a new species in family Picornaviridae. We investigated the presence, distribution, and genetic variability of this virus in 7 geographic areas with intensive pig breeding farms in eastern Romania. A total of 564 porcine specimens, including 82 fecal specimens and 482 pools of organs, were collected from healthy pigs in different stages of production from pathogen-free swine farming units. The virus was found in 6 of 7 areas investigated. Of the 564 samples analyzed, 218 were positive for SPaV-1, with the highest prevalence of the virus in organ homogenates (39% positive) followed by feces (37% positive). The highest susceptibility to infection was found in nurseries (50% positive in both the first and second months of feeding). Sequencing analysis of VP0 revealed 3 different Romanian sequences. The phylogenetic investigations suggest that the Romanian sequences cluster with other Pasivirus strains selected from the GenBank database, forming a separate clade from other Picornaviridae genera and defining the described Pasivirus.

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is an acute virus with a tropism for the pig macrophage and the ability to persist. In the absence of a vaccine, a good understanding of the ecology and epidemiology of the disease is fundamental to implement effective control measures. The recent occurrence and spread of ASFV in East Europe is perceived as a serious risk for the pig industry in the European Union. The aim of this study was to evaluate the classic detection method using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total number of 107 wild boar blood, tissues, and organs samples were collected from hunting areas of Romania's northern counties, from which 24 samples were positive by conventional PCR using the OIE manual for ASFV diagnostics. The positive samples were analyzed by sequencing techniques and the results were negative. Furthermore, we obtained only sequences that corresponded with a predicted uncharacterized mRNA from the Sus scrofa genome, leading to false positive results. Due to these results, an improvement in the detection method should be made, diagnostics should be based on multiple molecular tests, and a continuous monitoring plan for Romania should be applied to avoid the appearance of outbreaks.

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