The Aubrac cattle breed, native to France and increasingly adopted in Eastern Europe, is known for producing tender, flavorful, and well-marbled beef. Despite its growing popularity, limited data exist on its nutritional profile and implications for human health. This study evaluates carcass traits and protein quality in the Longissimus dorsi muscle of male and female Aubrac cattle raised under semi-intensive systems. Special attention was given to essential and semi-essential amino acids, which exceeded FAO/WHO reference requirements by 60.25%, 97.43%, and 221.49% for children, youth individuals, and adults, respectively, confirming superior protein quality. The high amino acid concentration (up to 30.59 g/100 g protein) and biological value confirm superior protein quality. Furthermore, the fatty acid profile reveals a favorable balance between saturated and unsaturated fats, with oleic acid predominance and a moderate atherogenic index, suggesting cardiovascular benefits. These findings support classifying Aubrac beef as a functional protein source with potential health advantages, reinforcing its role in sustainable cattle production, dietary planning, and consumer education. This study provides insights into factors influencing beef quality, connecting cattle breed and production system with nutritional value and health benefits.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of moderate and chronic stress on the biochemical and metabolic responses of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The experiment involved three groups of animals: the control group (L1), the group exposed to moderate stress (L2), and the group exposed to chronic stress (L3), each consisting of 20 individuals. The analyzed parameters included glucose, cholesterol, total proteins, albumin, and plasma cortisol. The rabbits were subjected to different stress induction protocols for two and four weeks, respectively, and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. The results revealed that stress exposure led to significant increases in plasma cortisol and glucose levels, particularly in the chronic stress group. Alterations in albumin and cholesterol levels were also observed, suggesting a disruption of metabolic homeostasis. The differences among groups were statistically confirmed (p 0.05). This study highlights the profound impact of chronic stress on the metabolic responses of rabbits, emphasizing the necessity of managing stressors in companion animals and experimental settings. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the physiological mechanisms involved in stress responses and offer insights for improving animal welfare.

The relationship between lithiasis (kidney stone disease) and dietary habits has been widely debated but remains incompletely clarified. This study used a computational framework that combined statistical testing with AI-based exploratory modelling to assess the relative contributions of dietary and anthropometric parameters on lithiasis recurrence and stone type. Data from 144 patients with documented kidney stones were analysed. AI algorithms were not intended as predictive tools due to the small and imbalanced dataset; they served to identify the most influential variables. Classical statistical methods revealed no significant associations between relapse and isolated dietary factors such as fast-food or carbonated drinks, though higher water intake showed a protective trend (p ≈ 0.09). Anthropometric features, particularly ideal weight, were significantly associated with both relapse (p ≈ 0.006) and stone type (corrected p ≈ 0.046). Machine learning models (multinomial logistic regression, Random Forest, and XGBoost) demonstrated modest predictive performance (accuracy ≈ 55–63%), with variable importance analyses highlighting weight, ideal weight, and water intake as stronger predictors than single dietary variables. The findings suggest that anthropometric parameters, rather than isolated dietary habits, show stronger associations with stone type and recurrence, and that AI models hold promise but require larger datasets and biochemical variables to achieve clinical utility.

The absence of standardized reference values for wild rodent species underscores the need for comprehensive hematological and biochemical profiles. This study established robust reference intervals (RIs) for Myocastor coypus raised in captivity, analyzing 30 nutrias (10 males, 10 females, and 10 juveniles) at a private farm in northeastern Romania. Leukocyte (WBC) counts averaged 11.85 (10³/µL) in males, 10.51 (10³/µL) in females, and 11.63 (10³/µL) in juveniles, indicating a consistent immune response. Hemoglobin was 11.81 g/dL in males, 11.97 g/dL in females, and 15.42 g/dL in juveniles, with hematocrit levels around 45%. Juveniles displayed higher MCH (38.59 pg) and MCHC (38.58 g/dL), reflecting growth-related adaptations. Platelet counts were lower in adults. Biochemical findings showed lower cholesterol (14.89 mg/dL) and higher glucose (236.26 mg/dL) in juveniles, indicating intense energy metabolism. Total proteins were significantly elevated in juveniles (33.17 g/dL). Creatinine and uric acid levels were higher in adults, although calcium exceeded reference ranges in males (12.04 mg/dL). Hepatic enzyme ALT was higher in males. These findings establish baseline health parameters for captive nutrias, aiding in monitoring and improving rearing practices.

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.

Fresh vegetable products, such as tomatoes and leeks, are widely consumed raw, exposing them to a high risk of microbiological contamination due to the absence of thermal treatments that could inactivate pathogens. The aim of this study was to characterize the microbiological profile of these products by identifying isolated microbial species using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, with a focus on assessing the risks associated with food safety. The analyzed samples were collected from a single point of sale and processed using standard culture methods on selective media. The identification of microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, and Listeria monocytogenes was performed using MALDI-TOF, an advanced, precise, and rapid method. The results revealed the presence of microbial diversity on the surface of the samples, highlighting significant risks of pathogen transmission through the consumption of these raw vegetable products. This study contributes to understanding microbial contamination in fresh vegetable products and emphasizes the need to implement strict hygiene practices and microbiological control measures throughout the production and distribution chain to ensure food safety and consumer protection.