Mircea Lazăr

Vitamin D is involved in endothelial regulation, inflammatory control, oxidative stress responses, angiogenesis, and neurovascular homeostasis, providing a biological basis for its potential involvement in the retinal and choroidal circulation. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from studies investigating associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and ocular vascular parameters assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography (OCTA), and retinal vascular imaging. Evidence from adult and pediatric populations generally associated vitamin D deficiency (VDD) with lower vessel density in the superficial and deep capillary plexuses, altered retinal vascular caliber and foveal avascular zone morphology, and reduced choroidal thickness or vascularity. However, the direction and magnitude of retinal OCTA findings were inconsistent, and conventional retinal structural measurements frequently remained unchanged. Supplementation studies reported relatively consistent increases in choroidal thickness and vascularity, whereas retinal perfusion responses were limited. Preliminary studies suggested that correction of VDD might support a more sustained response to bevacizumab in diabetic macular edema and central retinal vein occlusion, although this effect was not demonstrated consistently across retinal vascular diseases. Lower 25(OH)D concentrations were also more frequent among patients with retinal vascular occlusions, but residual systemic vascular confounding limits causal interpretation. Overall, current evidence supports a biologically plausible association between vitamin D status and ocular microvascular health but does not establish causality, functional visual benefit, or a specific therapeutic indication for supplementation. Longitudinal multicenter studies and randomized trials using standardized imaging protocols, functional outcomes, biochemical confirmation of vitamin D correction, and validated automated image analysis are required to determine the clinical relevance and reversibility of these findings.

Aquaculture is a field that has developed rapidly over the past decade with the emergence of intensive farming systems that have significantly increased global fish production. However, this intensification has also led to the emergence of diseases caused by various pathogens, often resulting in extensive antibiotic use and, consequently, antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Consequently, research has focused on finding other sustainable alternatives to avoid the overuse of antibiotics and to protect both human and animal health. Probiotics and prebiotics have been extensively studied for their wide range of effects on growth, immunity, and the control of various pathogens. Through their complex mechanisms, they can also improve water quality, mitigate the effects of various physicochemical stressors, and enhance reproduction. This review aims to present the evolution of these concepts, with an emphasis on their effects, which often vary depending on the type of additive used, the dose, and the fish species.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of incorporating Black Soldier Fly Meal (BSFLM) into the diet of two-year-old carp on growth and health status. Four concentrations of BSFLM were tested, T1-0% (control), T2-10%, T3-20%, and T4-30%, in common carp with an initial body weight of 112.06 ± 3.86 g over a 12-week feeding period. The results showed that final weight and weight gain were 17.3% (349.15 g) and 23% (233.6 g) higher in the T4 group compared to the control (298.63 g and 189.79 g, respectively). Flesh composition showed no significant changes. Hematological variations were insignificant. Oxidative stress assessment revealed increased activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) alongside reduced lipid peroxidation. The counts of anaerobic microorganisms and Enterobacteriaceae in intestine increased linearly in BSFLM groups. Histological examination showed normal intestinal and hepatopancreatic morphology in the 10% and 20% BSFLM groups (T2 and T3). In contrast, the 30% inclusion level (T4) was associated with hepatocellular vacuolization and alterations in villus architecture. In two-year-old carp, dietary BSFLM induced dose-dependent responses, whereby higher inclusion levels supported weight gain but adversely affected the morphological integrity of the intestine and hepatopancreas.

As the demand for poultry meat and eggs is increasing in the world, and the use of antibiotics is forbidden in Europe (since 2006), with countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, Bangladesh and China having imposed restriction or prohibitions, researchers and producers have sought for effective non-antibiotic alternatives. Probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and phytobiotics are frequently used as alternatives in the field of poultry production. Phytobiotics, plant-derived substances, also referred to as botanicals or phytogenics, are used as animal diets supplements due to their wide range of bioactive compounds (menthol, curcumin, eugenol, allicin and others) and many advantages. They are classified as herbs, spices, plant extracts and essential oils. Some of the benefits offered by the dietary phytobiotics are antimicrobial, antioxidant, digestion stimulant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, carminative, antiseptic and appetite stimulant, the modulation of gut microbiota and improvement in the intestinal histology. Some representatives of phytobiotics are turmeric, oregano, sage, thyme, black pepper, ginger, garlic, echinacea, rosemary and others. Despite the significant potential of phytobiotics, their widespread adaptation is currently inhibited by challenges regarding cost-effectiveness (high price for raw materials), scarce regulatory frameworks, and inconsistent biological efficacy. The lack of standardization reflects a dual challenge, enclosing both the inherent chemical variability of raw botanical materials and the technical inconsistencies present throughout the industrial manufacturing, and extraction processes as producers use different machinery for extracting and producing the animal feed. To address these systemic impediments, a joint effort across the entire value chain—from primary producers to regulatory authorities—is essential for the development of unified testing protocols and standardization dosage guidelines that ensure the pharmacological safety and reliability of phytobiotic products.

This study examined the effects of dietary aniseed, thyme, and basil essential oils (EOs) on growth, health, and tissue integrity of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) reared in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Juvenile carp (102 ± 2.8 g) were fed for 12 weeks four isonitrogenous diets: a control and three diets supplemented with 0.2% aniseed (V1), thyme (V2), or basil (V3) oils. Growth performance was not significantly affected (p > 0.05). Flesh biochemical composition improved, with higher protein in V1 (17.85 ± 0.22%) and lower fat in V3 (1.78 ± 0.21%) compared to the control. Hematological parameters and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx) indicated enhanced immune and oxidative status, while MDA (malondialdehyde) levels decreased. SOD activity increased in treated groups, reaching 4.329 U mg⁻¹ protein in muscle and 4.908 U mg⁻¹ protein in liver in V2, compared to 2.775–3.677 U mg⁻¹ protein (muscle) and 3.508–4.349 U mg⁻¹ protein (liver) in controls. CAT activity was highest in the same group 57.045 U mg⁻¹ protein versus 31.403 U mg⁻¹ protein in controls. Microbiological assessment revealed reduced total aerobic bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae counts in EO-fed fish. Histological analysis showed healthier hepatic and intestinal structures, reduced vacuolation, intact epithelium, and abundant goblet cells in EO-treated groups.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease that severely impacts sheep and goats, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. This study focuses on the macroscopic lesions (oral, lung, gastrointestinal) identified in sheep from collection centers in Tulcea County, an area at high risk for PPR transmission. The aforementioned lesions were documented in animals suspected of PPR infection and linked to the disease’s characteristic clinical signs. The insights gained from these observations are critical for early differential and then presumptive diagnosis, these steps being crucial for guiding effective control strategies to limit the spread of the virus. This case report highlights the importance of necropsy-based diagnosis in early detection and outbreak control of PPR in endemic risk areas.

Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) is a key game species and an important ecological indicator in Romanian hunting grounds. The present study aims to assess the habitat suitability and population trends of roe deer in selected hunting areas in northeastern Romania (Moldova region), based on game management plans, bonitation data, and field observations. We analyzed land use types (forests, pastures, crops), water availability, and quiet zones as core elements of habitat quality. The results indicate that hunting grounds with a balanced proportion of forested areas and open pastures offer optimal conditions for roe deer population growth. However, anthropogenic disturbances such as agricultural intensification, illegal logging, and competition with domestic livestock were observed to negatively influence local densities. The study emphasizes the need for habitat conservation measures, better enforcement of game laws, and adaptive harvest strategies to ensure sustainable populations. Insights from this study may support regional wildlife policies and contribute to biodiversity preservation efforts in the Carpathian foothills.

Pyometra is a life-threatening uterine condition in unspayed bitches, typically developing during the luteal phase and characterized by purulent uterine discharge and systemic inflammatory manifestations. This case study reports the diagnostic, therapeutic, and monitoring approach in a 6.3-year-old female Chow Chow presented with lethargy, inappetence, and purulent vaginal discharge. Comprehensive evaluation included clinical, hematological, biochemical, imaging, and cytological investigations. Marked leukocytosis, neutrophilia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia were noted, along with significant biochemical alterations indicating systemic involvement. Diagnosis was confirmed via abdominal ultrasound and laboratory profiles. Complications during hospitalization included epistaxis, progressive anemia, and secondary infections with Mycoplasma haemocanis and Candida parapsilosis, necessitating blood transfusions and antifungal therapy. Hematological biomarkers were dynamically monitored throughout treatment and proved valuable in evaluating disease progression, therapeutic efficacy, and clinical prognosis. The case highlights the importance of serial hematological and biochemical assessments in managing canine pyometra and its complications.

Understanding physiological variability in wild ungulates is essential for ecological monitoring and sustainable wildlife management. This study aimed to examine whether sex and season (autumn vs. early winter) significantly influence hematological and biochemical parameters in free-ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus) from the Eastern Carpathians, Romania. A total of 40 legally harvested adult individuals (20 males, 20 females) were included, and blood samples were collected post-mortem under standardized conditions to minimize pre-analytical variability. Hematological parameters (WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, PLTs) and serum biochemical markers (glucose, urea, total cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein) were analyzed using automated veterinary analyzers. Statistically significant sex-related differences were found in hematocrit during autumn and hemoglobin concentration during winter, with higher values in males. Seasonal variation within sex groups was not significant but indicated a physiological trend toward hemoconcentration in winter. Biochemical values remained within reference ranges and showed no significant differences across groups. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a strong association between hematocrit and urea, and moderate correlations were observed between WBC and glucose, suggesting links between oxygen transport, protein metabolism, and energy balance. Environmental factors such as reduced food availability and temperature shifts during winter likely contribute to these physiological adjustments. These results provide baseline data for the physiological assessment of red deer populations and support the development of ecological health indicators in wildlife monitoring programs. Future studies incorporating hormonal and immunological biomarkers across multiple seasons are encouraged to further understand adaptive responses in cervids.

Animals are used in behavioural and biological research in special and significant ways. Many medical advancements that improve human life are based on laboratory animal research studies. Scientists carefully and thoughtfully select and justify the specific animal models used in their research, adhering to current legal requirements, the principles of the 3 R´s (reduction, reuse, and refinement), and ensuring that animals are used only when no other research solution is feasible or available. The laboratory animals most often used in biomedical research so far have been rodents (mice, rats, and guinea pigs), but in the current development of research, researchers have turned their attention to alternatives such as zebra fish and the Xenopus (clawed frog), although anatomically and physiologically different from humans, following the sequencing of their genomes, it was demonstrated that the main genes involved in certain pathologies in humans are similar to those in these animal models.