One Health & Risk Management

Helicobacter pylori – risk factor of gastric cancer

Adriana BOTEZATU — 2025-10-09

Introduction. Over the last 7-8 decades, a global average annual percentage reduction of 2.1% in gastric cancer has been reported, partly due to the effective eradication and decreased prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection, particularly among younger age cohorts, along with improved dietary habits and cancer screening.

Material and methods. Publications were selected from the PubMed, Hinari, SpringerLink, and Google Search databases using the keyword “Helicobacter pylori” in various combinations with the terms “gastric cancer” and “carcinogenesis” to maximize the search yield. In the final bibliography, 36 representative articles were included for the purposes of this synthesis.

Results. Inflammation is the most important and frequent factor in Helicobacter pylori-induced carcinogenesis. Chronic inflammation induces cancer by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species leading to oxidative stress, apoptosis of epithelial cells with a compensatory proliferative response of the remaining cells, and a higher risk of mutations in proliferating epithelial cells. In addition, Helicobacter pylori impairs DNA repair, causing epigenetic alterations in gastric epithelial cells.

Conclusions. The pathogenesis of gastric cancer includes a sequence of events starting with Helicobacter pylori-induced chronic superficial gastritis, progressing to chronic atrophic gastritis, gastric intestinal metaplasia, gastric epithelial dysplasia, and ultimately gastric cancer.

Effect of microwave-assisted treatment on the composition of spray-dried Porphyridium cruentum extract

Ludmila RUDI — 2025-10-09

Introduction: Microalgae represents a valuable source of natural products with bioactive properties, having applications in biomedicine, the pharmaceutical industry, nutrition, and cosmetics. The red microalga Porphyridium cruentum stands out for its rich content of biomolecules with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Applying efficient extraction and preservation methods is essential to optimize the utilization of these biomolecules.

Materials and Methods: The biomass of Porphyridium cruentum was treated with microwaves at 180W, 300W, and 450W for 10, 20, and 30 seconds, followed by aqueous extraction at 80°C. The powders were obtained by spray drying at 100°C. The aqueous extracts and the obtained powders were evaluated for their composition (proteins, carbohydrates, phenolic compounds) and antioxidant activity (ABTS and DPPH assays).

Results: Moderate microwave treatment (180W for 20–30 seconds) enhanced the extraction of proteins and carbohydrates while maintaining high antioxidant activity. The obtained powders retained up to 90.96% of proteins, 95.81% of carbohydrates, and 74.91% of phenolic compounds, with minimal antioxidant activity losses after six months of storage.

Conclusions: This study's results demonstrate that treating Porphyridium cruentum biomass with microwaves, followed by aqueous extraction and spray drying extract, represents an effective strategy for obtaining and preserving microalgal bioactive compounds. This approach facilitates their application in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic fields.

The particularities of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients with COVID-19

Felicia BULAI — 2025-10-09

Introduction. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in critically ill patients with COVID-19, associated with increased mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of acute kidney injury in COVID-19 patients hospitalized in intensive care units, identify risk factors for its development, and determine the impact of AKI on mortality and clinical outcomes.

Material and Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted and included patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection, admitted to the Republican Clinical Hospital “Timofei Moșneaga” between June 01, 2020, and August 31, 2020. The association between potential risk factors and AKI was assessed using relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results. Of the 81 patients included, 20 (24.69%) developed AKI. Significant risk factors associated with AKI included mechanical ventilation (RR = 7.96; 95% CI: 2.86–22.15, p < 0.001) and vasopressor therapy (RR = 4.12; 95% CI: 1.43–11.86, p = 0.009). The mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with AKI compared to those without AKI (90% vs. 36.06%, RR = 2.49; 95% CI: 1.85–3.36, p < 0.001).

Conclusions. Acute kidney injury is a severe complication in critically ill COVID-19 patients and significantly increases mortality among patients hospitalized in intensive care units. Identifying modifiable risk factors could help optimize management strategies and improve survival rates.

Comorbidity burden in patients with psoriatic arthritis

Lucia DUTCA — 2025-10-10

Introduction. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting both the skin and musculoskeletal system, characterized by significant clinical heterogeneity and a substantial comorbidity burden. PsA is associated with increased cardiovascular, metabolic, and autoimmune conditions, yet regional data remain scarce. This study aims to assess the prevalence and impact of comorbidities in PsA patients compared to those with psoriasis alone (PsO).

Material and methods. A prospective cohort study with retrospective components was conducted between 2017 and 2019, including 184 patients: 92 with PsA and 92 with PsO. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were analyzed. The prevalence of comorbidities was compared between groups using statistical tests, and logistic regression was applied to identify independent predictors.

Results. Comorbidities were significantly more frequent in PsA (77.2%) than PsO (48.9%) (p<0.05). The prevalence of hypertension (38% vs. 19.6%), osteoarthritis (39.1% vs. 19.6%), type 2 diabetes (8.7% vs. 4.3%), and obesity (25% vs. 13%) was markedly higher in PsA. Increased rates of cardiovascular risk factors, metabolic syndrome, and autoimmune thyroiditis were also identified. This comorbidity burden may reflect a systemic inflammation, thus emphasizing the need for early intervention.

Conclusions. PsA is a systemic disease with a substantial comorbid burden. A multidisciplinary approach integrating rheumatology, cardiology, and endocrinology is crucial to optimizing patient outcomes. Early recognition and proactive management of comorbid conditions are essential to mitigate long-term disease complications.

Assessment of neurologists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the impact of heat stress during heatwaves and the behavior of patients with neurological conditions: development and validation of the survey

Ioana CALIGA — 2025-10-10

Introduction. In the context of accelerated climate change and the rising frequency of heatwaves, patients with neurological disorders represent a high-risk group. Heat stress can adversely affect their health, necessitating appropriate adaptations in medical practice. This study aimed to develop and validate a KAP (Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices) questionnaire to assess neurologists’ perceptions and approaches regarding the impact of heat stress during heatwaves on patients with neurological disorders.

Material and methods. The study included a literature review phase to establish the theoretical foundation, followed by a practical phase for questionnaire development, content validation through expert consultation, and pre-testing on a sample of 104 neurologists. The clarity and relevance of the items, as well as the instrument’s internal consistency, were evaluated (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient = 0,82).

Results. An original 35-item questionnaire was developed and organized into three thematic sections. The pilot study confirmed the instrument’s clarity and applicability, and preliminary psychometric analysis demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency.

Conclusions. The questionnaire is a valid tool, adapted to the climatic and professional context of the Republic of Moldova. Applying it to larger samples will enable more in-depth psychometric analysis and support the development of adaptive medical strategies for addressing heat stress.

IN VITRO study of copper coordination compounds with thiosemicarbazone action on antioxidant enzymes

Valeriana PANTEA — 2025-10-10

Introduction. Thiosemicarbazones represent a class of organic compounds with significant pharmacological potential, known for their antitumor, antimicrobial, and antiviral activities. Recently, researchers have increasingly focused on how these compounds influence cellular redox balance, particularly through modulation of antioxidant system activity. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant properties of selected thiosemicarbazones via in vitro experiments.

Material and Methods. The research was performed on peripheral blood samples collected from 10 clinically healthy individuals. The compounds were tested at two concentrations (10.0 μmol/L and 1.0 μmol/L) to assess their impact on the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT).

Results. The results revealed that certain thiosemicarbazones can impact the activity of SOD, and CAT in particular manner, thereby affecting cellular capacity to neutralize reactive oxygen species.

Conclusion. Due to their ability to stimulate antioxidant responses, thiosemicarbazones emerge as promising platforms for the development of targeted therapeutic agents, particularly in cancer and degenerative disease treatment. In the current context of pursuing low-side-effect therapies that maintain cellular homeostasis, investigating the influence of thiosemicarbazones on the antioxidant system is a highly innovative research direction.