One Health & Risk Management

Driving global health transformation: The power of the One Health Approach

2025-04-13T20:08:30+00:00

In an increasingly interconnected world, the complexity of global health, environmental, and societal challenges continue to grow. Addressing these multifaceted issues requires integrated, multidisciplinary solutions that prioritize collaboration and innovation. The One Health & Risk Management journal stands at the forefront of this movement, promoting collaboration and innovation to tackle the most urgent issues of our time.

The One Health approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The journal focuses on the One Health approach, a framework that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. By exploring the full spectrum of risks emerging from the intersections of these domains, the journal addresses a broad range of global concerns. From emerging infectious diseases to environmental degradation and antimicrobial resistance, the One Health approach provides a comprehensive lens through which to understand, prevent, and manage global risks that affect all species and ecosystems.

Established in 2019 by the Moldavian Biosafety and Biosecurity Association (MDBBA), the One Health & Risk Management journal marks a significant milestone in promoting interdisciplinary research and cooperation. It serves as a crucial platform for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and drive the collective action needed to find effective solutions. Aligned with the global standards set by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the journal offers invaluable insights into the interconnected nature of health and risk management.

As we face increasingly complex global health challenges, the One Health approach is essential - not only for safeguarding public health but also for achieving broader goals of sustainable development and environmental protection. The One Health & Risk Management journal plays a pivotal role in advancing this integrated approach, contributing to global efforts for a healthier, more resilient world.

Looking forward, this journal will continue to be a driving force in interdisciplinary research, fostering international collaboration, and supporting the development of innovative, effective, and scalable solutions to the challenges we face now and in the future.

Ureaplasma in pregnancy. Is there any risk for preterm labor?

2025-05-20T11:50:05+00:00

Introduction. Ureaplasma species, particularly Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum, inhabit the lower genital tract of sexually active women and have been linked to adverse reproductive outcomes. This review highlights their role in preterm delivery, along with detection challenges and pathogenic mechanisms.

Material and methods. This review compiles data from 25 studies, encompassing a total of approximately 15,700 patients. These studies include retrospective and prospective cohorts, cross-sectional designs, and case-control studies. Key parameters evaluated included impact of Ureaplasma species on pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm labor and chorioamnionitis.

Results. The studies reviewed (2000–2024) included 10 retrospective, 8 prospective, 4 cross-sectional, and 3 case-control designs. Ureaplasma parvum was found in 40.5% of healthy women and Ureaplasma urealyticum in 20.3%. Intra-amniotic infection increased preterm delivery risk (OR: 2.76–3.0), with preterm birth rates ranging from 26% to 58.6%. Ureaplasma induces pro-inflammatory cytokines, activates neutrophils and TLR-9, and increases prostaglandin and matrix metalloproteinase activity, weakening fetal membranes and triggering preterm labor.

Conclusions. Ureaplasma spp. significantly contribute to preterm delivery, primarily through inflammatory processes and membrane damage. Further research with prospective randomized studies is recommended.

Genetic diversity analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 virus: a literature review

2025-05-20T11:50:19+00:00

Introduction. The continuous evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus through the accumulation of genetic mutations has led to the emergence of variants with different characteristics, including increased transmissibility, heightened resistance, and changes in disease severity.

Material and methods. The research was conducted using open-access international databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and national libraries, employing the keywords: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, genetic monitoring, mutation variants, sequencing, S protein.

Results. Currently, the WHO identifies five major genetic variants of concern (VOCs): Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. The Alpha variant became globally dominant in early 2021 and was replaced by the Delta variant in the summer of 2021. The Delta strain has over 13 mutations, nine of which are found in the S protein. The genome of the Omicron variant contains more than 30 mutations in the conserved domain of the Spike protein. The Omicron variant caused a sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 cases worldwide and was responsible for a record 15 million new infections reported worldwide in one week.

Conclusions. The continuous evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 genome poses new challenges for public health. It is essential to study the virus's genetic characteristics to understand mutations, immune evasion, and the persistent effects of infection, with the aim of optimizing prevention and treatment strategies.

The importance of training family physicians in promoting physical activity and sports

2025-05-20T11:49:23+00:00

Introduction. Training family doctors in promoting physical activities and assisting individuals engaged in sports can significantly contribute to the primary prevention of non-communicable diseases. However, current training in this field, both in university and postgraduate programs, is often insufficient or even absent. The study aims to improve training programs for family physicians in the field of promoting physical activities by developing a model of continuing education program for them.

Material and methods. A bibliographic study was conducted on the importance of training family physicians in promoting physical activity and sports. The study utilized the PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate databases, covering the period from 2004 to 2024, using the following keywords: physical activity promotion, sports medicine, prevention, training, and family medicine.

Results. In Moldova’s medical education system, it is crucial to implement educational interventions that integrate topics from sports medicine and physical activity promotion into undergraduate and postgraduate training. Our recommendations focus on developing appropriate curricula, providing continuing education sessions, and establishing partnerships with experts in sports medicine. Consequently, we propose a project for designing a training program for family physicians to enhance their role in promoting physical activity and sports.

Conclusions. To effectively promote physical activities and support individuals engaged in sports, it is essential to develop and implement continuous training programs for family doctors, tailored to local needs and resources.

Perceptions of family physicians regarding patients' self-medication

2025-05-20T11:49:37+00:00

Introduction. Self-medication is the practice of using medications to treat self-diagnosed conditions without prior consultation with a healthcare specialist. This phenomenon is widespread globally, reaching a rate of over 90% in some countries. The objective of the study was to explore and analyze the perceptions of family physicians in the Republic of Moldova regarding self-medication.

Material and methods. The study was conducted using descriptive, quantitative, and cross-sectional methods. Data were collected from November 2023 to March 2024 on a sample of 346 family physicians from the Republic of Moldova.

Results. It was found that 87.6% of physicians frequently or very frequently encounter patients who resort to self-medication, and 68.79% of physicians have a negative attitude toward this phenomenon. No statistically significant differences were observed between the region, work environment, or work experience of the physicians and the frequency of patients practicing self-medication (p>0.05). A trend was noted of an intensified negative attitude toward self-medication with increasing work experience (p<0.05). At the same time, 55.2% of physicians identified the lack of awareness of the risks associated with self-medication as the main factor driving patients to engage in this practice.

Conclusions. Self-medication is frequently observed in the Republic of Moldova, with a primary factor being the lack of awareness, making public education on this issue imperative. The negative attitude toward self-medication increases with the physician’s work experience and is influenced by their own practices. Medical professionals play a decisive role in preventing the risks of self-medication through informing, providing therapeutic advice, and educating patients.

Health literacy, myths and stigma among patients with Parkinson’s disease in the Republic of Moldova

2025-05-20T11:49:51+00:00

Introduction: Health literacy, defined as an individual's ability to make health-related decisions based on acquired knowledge, impacts the quality of life of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study aims to establish a baseline assessment of health literacy, common myths, and stigma among PD patients in the Republic of Moldova.

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the ”Diomid Gherman” Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery (2022 -2023). Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied (the chi-square test; 95 % CI). A total of 103 PD patients (52.4% women, 47.6% men; mean age 65.5 years) participated and completed the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices questionnaire.

Results: Most PD patients attributed the disease to stress (61.2%), impaired brain blood flow (49.5%), poor brain oxygenation (44.7%), and exposure to toxic substances (13.6%), particularly among those with lower education (p=0.001). Tremors are associated with PD in 30.1% of cases, while 21.4% believe PD shortens life expectancy. Concerns on treatment include 15.5% of patients who believe medication as being "toxic" and 6.8% that L-dopa accelerates disease progression. Self-stigma includes feelings of shame (46.6%), fear of judgment (44.7%), social isolation (32.0%), and reduced independence (65%).

Conclusions: The study has revealed limited health literacy and significant self-stigma among PD patients in Moldova, highlighting misconceptions and social impacts of the disease, especially in less educated individuals. Enhancing health literacy and reducing stigma are crucial for improving patient care.