2020

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Monitoring the environmental quality of marine waters through the analysis of biomineralization in bivalve shells
(Springer Nature Link, 2020) Motrescu, Iuliana; Calistru, Anca-Elena; Jităreanu, Gerard; Miron, Liviu-Dan
Bivalve shells, such as Mytilus, offer great potential as environmental proxies. Analysis of the biomineralization process with determination of elemental composition gives information about the quality of environment and reflects the possible safety issues related to mollusk consumption because high pollutant quantities in shells indicate high pollutants presence in the consumed parts. In this work we study the biomineralization process in some bivalve shells and identify the presence of pollutants such as Pb, U, and other heavy metals using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDAX). Through the obtained results, this methodology proved to be very reliable and fast for this purpose. We also show a correlation of the biomineralization results with the environmental conditions where the shells developed, such as estimation of water temperature by the Sr/Ca ratios, all the results proving the ability of bivalve shells of providing information about the environment quality.
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Epidemiological Study of Canine Babesiosis and Hepatozoonosis in the South of Romania
(Springer Nature Link, 2020) Cîmpan, Andrei-Alexandru; Nachum Biala, Yaarit; Ben Shitrit, Bar; Miron, Liviu-Dan; Baneth, Gad
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of canine babesiosis and hepatozoonosis in the south of Romania as well as to assess if there are differences in the prevalence between regions in that area. Methods: Blood samples from 300 dogs from the south of Romania were screened for the presence of piroplasmids by PCR. Positive samples were further tested for the presence of Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon canis. Pearson's chi-square with Yates correction was used to determine if there is statistical difference between infected populations. Results: Fifty-four percent (163/300) of the dogs were positive for Hepatozoon spp. or piroplasmids. Forty-eight percent (143/300) were infected with H. canis and 9.6% (29/300) were positive to B. canis. Three percent (9/300) of the dogs were co-infected with Babesia spp. and H. canis. The prevalence of H. canis in the south-west of Romania was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of three other regions while the prevalence of Babesia spp. infection in the south-east of the country was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to its south-west. Conclusions: A high rate of H. canis infection was found in the stray dog population surveyed with the highest infection rate detected in south-western Romania. Babesia canis was found to pose the highest threat in south-eastern Romania, whereas B. vogeli infection was focused in the same region of high H. canis infection in south-western Romania. These infections should be of important concern to veterinarians and dog owners in Romania.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Antifungal Potential of Pimpinella Anisum, Carum Carvi and Coriandrum Sativum Extracts. A Comparative Study With Focus on the Phenolic Composition
(Romanian Society for Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2020) Trifan, Adriana; Bostănaru, Andra-Cristina; Luca, Simon-Vlad; Grădinaru, Adina-Catinca; Jităreanu, Alexandra; Aprotosoaie, Ana-Clara; Miron, Anca; Cioancă, Ana; Hăncianu, Monica; Ochiuz, Lăcrămioara; Bujor, Alexandra; Aelenei, Petruța; Mareș, Mihai
The present study aimed to characterize the phenolic extracts obtained from fruits of Pimpinella anisum L., Carum carvi L. and Coriandrum sativum L. (Apiaceae), and to assess their antifungal activity against main etiological agents involved in onychomycosis and other dermatomycoses (Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, M. gypseum and Candida albicans). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents varied from 3.80 ± 0.49 to 24.16 ± 0.82 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g dw, and 12.51 ± 0.14 to 37.75 ± 0.21 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/100 g dw, respectively. HPLC-DAD-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of chlorogenic acid, dicaffeoylquinic acid, luteolin and apigenin pentoside in all analysed samples. The extracts showed antifungal activity against all tested strains, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the range of 1.25-5 mg/mL. These results provide evidence that phenolic extracts obtained from fruits of P. anisum, C. carvi and C. sativum might be sources of antifungal agents with putative use in onychomycosis.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Synthesis and Characterization of Inclusion Complex of Diminazene Aceturate with b-Ciclodextrin
(Revista de Chimie, 2019-09-15) Lupu, Andrei-Cristian; Bomboș, Mihaela; Vasilievici, Gabriel; Miron, Liviu-Dan
Cyclodextrins (CD) are macrocyclic biopolymers with potential applications in the delivery of small and macro-molecular therapeutic agents. Despite the potent host-guest inclusion property, their inherent lack of cellular binding ability has limited applications in drug delivery. Herein, we functionalized b-cyclodextrin (b-CD) with diminazene aceturate(DIMA), which are bioactive molecules, widely distributed some cells, and responsible for antiprotozoal activity. The inclusion complex of DIMA with b-CD was confirmed with textural, thermogravimetric, calorimetric, spectroscopic, and microscopic techniques. Thus, the proposed inclusion complex b-CD-DIMA system could be used as a site-specific drug delivery carrier.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Beneficial effects of Camelina sativa oil on behavioural (memory, anxiety, depression and social-related) manifestations and oxidative stress parameters in a mice model of irritable bowel syndrome
(University of Bucharest, 2020-04-10) Cojocariu, Roxana; Balmuș, Ioana-Miruna; Lefter, Radu; Hrițcu, Luminița-Diana; Ababei, Daniela-Carmen; Ciobîcă, Alin-Stelian; Copaci, Simona; Copolovici, Lucian; Copolovici, Dana; Jurcoane, Ștefana
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic functional gastrointestinal impairment, which includes also a variety of psychological and psychiatric comorbidities. The oxidative stress was earlier reported as presenting an important part of the IBS complex pathophysiology. In the present study, we determined the fatty acids profile and thereafter the effects of Camelina sativa Madalina variety cold pressed oil in a zymosan-induced model of IBS. We are showing here some facilitatory effects of the Camelina sativa oil in this context, both on the behavioral and oxidative stress-related actions. Thus, all these results are suggesting some beneficial effects for the present Camelina sativa oil used in this study on behavioural (memory, anxiety, depression and social-related) manifestations and oxidative stress parameters in a zymosan-induced mice model of irritable bowel syndrome. This could be relevant for the connections between the physiological manifestations in IBS and its depressive-like or anxiolytic-like manifestations. In conclusion, Camelina sativa oil exerted facilitatory effects on both the behavioral (short memory, as tested in the Y maze task, anxiety-tested in the elevated plsu maze, depression, as observed in the forced swimming test and social-dominance test) and oxidative stress-related actions (mainly manifested through a general increase of the two main antioxidant enzymes determined here: superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, as well as a decrease in the lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde).
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Oxytocin Differentiated Effects According to the Administration Route in a Prenatal Valproic Acid-Induced Rat Model of Autism
(MDPI, 2020-05-29) Lefter, Radu; Ciobîcă, Alin-Stelian; Antioch, Iulia; Ababei, Daniela-Carmen; Hrițcu, Luminița-Diana; Luca, Alina-Costina
The hormone oxytocin (OXT) has already been reported in both human and animal studies for its promising therapeutic potential in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the comparative effectiveness of various administration routes, whether central or peripheral has been insufficiently studied. In the present study, we examined the effects of intranasal (IN) vs. intraperitoneal (IP) oxytocin in a valproic-acid (VPA) autistic rat model, focusing on cognitive and mood behavioral disturbances, gastrointestinal transit and central oxidative stress status. Materials and Methods: VPA prenatally-exposed rats (500 mg/kg; age 90 days) in small groups of 5 (n = 20 total) were given OXT by IP injection (10 mg/kg) for 8 days consecutively or by an adapted IN pipetting protocol (12 IU/kg, 20 μL/day) for 4 consecutive days. Behavioral tests were performed during the last three days of OXT treatment, and OXT was administrated 20 minutes before each behavioral testing for each rat. Biochemical determination of oxidative stress markers in the temporal area included superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA). A brief quantitative assessment of fecal discharge over a period of 24 hours was performed at the end of the OXT treatment to determine differences in intestinal transit. Results: OXT improved behavioral and oxidative stress status in both routes of administration, but IN treatment had significantly better outcome in improving short-term memory, alleviating depressive manifestations and mitigating lipid peroxidation in the temporal lobes. Significant correlations were also found between behavioral parameters and oxidative stress status in rats after OXT administration. The quantitative evaluation of the gastrointestinal (GI) transit indicated lower fecal pellet counts in the VPA group and homogenous average values for the control and both OXT treated groups. Conclusions: The data from the present study suggest OXT IN administration to be more efficient than IP injections in alleviating autistic cognitive and mood dysfunctions in a VPA-induced rat model. OXT effects on the cognitive and mood behavior of autistic rats may be associated with its effects on oxidative stress. Additionally, present results provide preliminary evidence that OXT may have a balancing effect on gastrointestinal motility.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
The Modulation of Oxytocin and Cortisol Levels in Major Depression Disorder and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
(Revista de Chimie, 2020-02-07) Hrițcu, Luminița-Diana; Dumitru, Ilie-Ovidiu; Pădurariu, Manuela; Ciobîcă, Alin-Stelian; Spătaru, Mihaela-Claudia; Spătaru, Constantin; Ștefănescu, Gabriela; Ștefănescu, Cristinel; Grecu Gabos, Cristian
There is a progressive trend in the current literature in understanding the central effects of oxytocin, which besides its classical roles in parturition and lactation, seems to exert some facilitatory effects in most of the neuropsychiatric disorders. Thus, it seems that oxytocin is mainly linked to the neuropsychiatric disorders where the social component is more or less affected and it has also strong correlations with the stress-related mechanisms and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In addition, the connections between oxytocin and the digestive system were previously suggested, including by some of our preliminary results, in the context of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) pathology. Also, the relations between depression and stress in the context of cortisol implications are quite well described, although various modifications of cortisol (increased, decreased or non-modified) were described in the major depression pathology. Thus, by using two research cohorts: one with major depression disorder (n = 15) and another one having both diagnosis of major depression disorder and irritable bowel syndrome in the same time (n = 15), we are showing in this report significantly increased levels of cortisol in patients with MDD and IBS, when compared with patients with MDD without IBS, while an opposite pattern was obtained by measuring the plasma level of oxytocin, where the patients with MDD and IBS had a significantly decreased concentration of oxytocin, as compared with those with MDD but without IBS.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Clinical Biochemistry of Cushing Syndrome in Dogs
(Revista de Chimie, 2020-04-03) Boghian, Vasile
The aim of the study is to determine clinical and paraclinical elements useful in the diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism, given that the symptoms are varied and often similar to dermatitis or liver disease. Clinical signs in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism were especially of dermatological nature (bilateral alopecia, thin skin along with elastosis and hyperpigmentation, calcinosis cutis and muscle weakness and abdominal enlargement - „potbelly”), accompanied by polyuria and polydipsia. Blood tests performed on 14 dogs of different breed, age and gender revealed moderate hyperglycemia (143.4±3.3 mg/dl), hypercholesterolemia (332±2.9 mg/dl), increased serum alkaline phosphatase (378±3.8 UI/L), alanine aminotransferase (ALT=93.26±2.6 UI/L), aspartate aminotransferase (AST=89.72±2.3 UI/L) and abnormal plasma cortisol (50±3.5 ng/dl). Thorough ultrasonography revealed hypertrophy of the adrenal glands (2.92x1.43 cm). The histopathologic lesions include active metabolic cells (big, rich colored and strong-cored), containing lipid structures (steroids’ precursors) and metabolic inactive cells (small, dark colored, pyknotic cored or rich in heterochromatin). Hyperglycemia, polyuria / polydipsia or elevated serum alkaline phosphatase without a significant increase in serum transaminases (AST and ALT) raises suspicion of Cushing's syndrome. If these biochemical diagnostic elements evolve along with dermatological signs (bilateral alopecia, hyperpigmentation, muscle weakness), the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome is more likely.
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Short-term heart-rate variability in healthy small and medium-sized dogs over a five-minute measuring period
(Sciendo, 2020-02-14) Baisan, Radu-Andrei; Condurachi, Eusebiu-Ionuț; Vulpe, Vasile
Introduction: Five-minute heart-rate variability (HRV) measurement is a useful tool for assessing the autonomic nervoussystem (ANS) balance in humans, but there are no studies on healthy dogs. The aim of the study was, therefore, to provide thereference ranges in small and medium-sized breeds for short-term HRV time and frequency domain (TFD) analyses. Materialand Methods: A total of 79 healthy dogs were included in the study between 2015 and 2019. Grouping by age with thebreakpoint at six years and subgrouping by reproductive status and sex was imposed. All the dogs were included after physicaland cardiological examinations and blood analyses. The TFD of HRV were analysed from a five-minute-long digital ECGrecording after removal of non-sinus complexes. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in any TFDparameters between age, reproductive status or sex groups. A mild increase in all time domain parameters and the high-frequency(HF) band was observed in older dogs, and the low frequency (LF):HF ratio decreased in these dogs. In males, the time domainparameters and HF band increased slightly. Conclusion: The normal ranges for HRV derived from short-term ECG recording inthe usual clinical environment now have proposed reference ranges. Our findings suggest that accommodation time, age, sex, orreproductive status do not influence the results derived from these recordings, indicating that this method is reliable for assessingthe ANS function in small and medium-sized dog breeds
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Pestivirus spillover effect: molecular detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus in domestic and feral pigs
(Colégio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal (CBPA), 2020-08-10) Aniță, Dragoș-Constantin; Popa, Emilia; Aniță, Adriana-Elena; Ludu Oșlobanu, Luanda-Elena; Savuța, Gheorghe
Pestivirus infections are important in the livestock industries, with infection occurring in cattle, sheep and pigs. The Pestivirus genus of the family Flaviviridae, includes four recognized species: bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 (BVDV-1), bovine viral diarrhea virus 2 (BVDV-2), border disease virus (BDV), and classical swine fever virus (CSFV). All pestivirus species can infect pigs, therefore accurate and specific pestivirus detection and differentiation is of great importance to assure control measures in swine populations. The aim of the study was the molecular detection of different pestiviruses in domestic and feral pigs. A total of 527 samples (92 pigs and 435 wild boars) were tested for pestiviruses detection using molecular assays. Eleven positive samples (6 wild boars and 5 domestic pigs) were identified using panpestivirus primers targeting the 5’- UTR region of the pestivirus RNA genome. Further all the positive samples were sequentially tested for detection of CSFV, BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 using specific primers. All RNAs were identified as positives for BVDV-1 and no ampliﬁcation signals were obtained from BVDV-2 and CSFV. The current detection of BVDV-1 in clinical swine specimens highlights the important risk factor of swine population as reservoir and consequently carrier for BVDV.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Improvement of the Corrosion Resistance of Biomedical Zr-Ti Alloys Using a Thermal Oxidation Treatment
(MDPI, 2020-01-22) Izquierdo, Javier; Mareci, Daniel; Bolat, Georgiana; Santana, Juan J.; Rodríguez Raposo, Raquel; Fernández Mérida, Luis C.; Burtan, Liviu-Cătălin; Trincă, Lucia-Carmen; Souto, Ricardo M.
Binary Zr-Ti alloys spontaneously develop a tenacious and compact oxide layer when their fresh surface is exposed either to air or to aqueous environments. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis of Zr-45Ti, Zr-25Ti, and Zr-5Ti exposed to simulated physiological solutions at 37 °C evidences the formation of a non-sealing bilayer oxide film that accounts for the corrosion resistance of the materials. Unfortunately, these oxide layers may undergo breakdown and stable pitting corrosion regimes at anodic potentials within the range of those experienced in the human body under stress and surgical conditions. Improved corrosion resistance has been achieved by prior treatment of these alloys using thermal oxidation in air. EIS was employed to measure the corrosion resistance of the Zr-Ti alloys in simulated physiological solutions of a wide pH range (namely 3 ≤ pH ≤ 8) at 37 °C, and the best results were obtained for the alloys pre-treated at 500 °C. The formation of the passivating oxide layers in simulated physiological solution was monitored in situ using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), finding a transition from an electrochemically active surface, characteristic of the bare metal, to the heterogeneous formation of oxide layers behaving as insulating surfaces towards electron transfer reactions.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Invasive Scedosporium spp. and Lomentospora prolificans infections in pediatric patients: Analysis of 55 cases from FungiScope® and the literature
(Elsevier, 2020-02-04) Seidel, Danila; Hassler, Angela; Salmantón García, Jon; Koehler, Philipp; Mellinghoff, Sibylle C.; Carlesse, Fabianne; Cheng, Matthew P.; Falces Romero, Iker; Herbrecht, Raoul; Jover Sáenz, Alfredo; Klimko, Nikolai; Mareș, Mihai; Lass Flörl, Cornelia; Soler Palacín, Pere; Wisplinghoff, Hilmar; Cornely, Oliver A.; Pana, Zoi; Lehrnbecher, Thomas
Objectives Current knowledge on infections caused by Scedosporium spp. and Lomentospora prolificans in children is scarce. We therefore aim to provide an overview of risk groups, clinical manifestation and treatment strategies of these infections. Methods Pediatric patients (age ≤18 years) with proven/probable Scedosporium spp. or L. prolificans infection were identified in PubMed and the FungiScope® registry. Data on diagnosis, treatment and outcome were collected. Results Fifty-five children (median age 9 years [IQR: 5–14]) with invasive Scedosporium spp. (n = 33) or L. prolificans (n = 22) infection were identified between 1990 and 2019. Malignancy, trauma and near drowning were the most common risk factors. Infections were frequently disseminated. Most patients received systemic antifungal therapy, mainly voriconazole and amphotericin B, plus surgical treatment. Overall, day 42 mortality was 31%, higher for L. prolificans (50%) compared to Scedosporium spp. (18%). L. prolificans infection was associated with a shorter median survival time compared to Scedosporium spp. (6 days [IQR: 3–28] versus 61 days [IQR: 16–148]). Treatment for malignancy and severe disseminated infection were associated with particularly poor outcome (HR 8.33 [95% CI 1.35–51.40] and HR 6.12 [95% CI 1.52–24.66], respectively). Voriconazole use at any time and surgery for antifungal treatment were associated with improved clinical outcome (HR 0.33 [95% CI 0.11–0.99] and HR 0.09 [95% CI 0.02–0.40], respectively). Conclusions Scedosporium spp. and L. prolificans infections in children are associated with high mortality despite comprehensive antifungal therapy. Voriconazole usage and surgical intervention are associated with successful outcome.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Alzheimer’s Disease Pharmacotherapy in Relation to Cholinergic System Involvement
(MDPI, 2019-12-26) Stanciu, Gabriela-Dumitrița; Luca, Andrei; Rusu, Răzvan-Nicolae; Bild, Veronica; Beșchea Chiriac, Sorin-Ioan; Solcan, Carmen; Bild, Walther; Ababei, Daniela-Carmen
Alzheimer’s disease, a major and increasing global health challenge, is an irreversible, progressive form of dementia, associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. The etiology of this disease is not completely understood, and no safe and effective anti-Alzheimer’s disease drug to prevent, stop, or reverse its evolution is currently available. Current pharmacotherapy concentrated on drugs that aimed to improve the cerebral acetylcholine levels by facilitating cholinergic neurotransmission through inhibiting cholinesterase. These compounds, recognized as cholinesterase inhibitors, offer a viable target across key sign domains of Alzheimer’s disease, but have a modest influence on improving the progression of this condition. In this paper, we sought to highlight the current understanding of the cholinergic system involvement in Alzheimer’s disease progression in relation to the recent status of the available cholinesterase inhibitors as effective therapeutics.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Toxicity of Deltamethrin to Zebrafish Gonads Revealed by Cellular Biomarkers
(MDPI, 2020-01-23) Petrovici, Adriana; Strungaru, Ștefan-Adrian; Nicoară, Mircea; Robea, Mădălina-Andreea; Solcan, Carmen; Faggio, Caterina
Deltamethrin is responsible for health and reproduction problems both in mammals and aquatic organisms. In this study, zebrafish adults were exposed for 15 days to 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 μg L−1 non-lethal concentrations of deltamethrin, knowing that is used worldwide on agricultural crops. We investigated the chronic effects of deltamethrin on gonads by histopathological examination, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence using biomarkers for apoptosis (anti-p53, anti-H2A.XS139ph antibodies, and TUNEL assay), oxidative stress (anti-Cox4i1 antibody) and proliferation (anti-PCNA antibody). Among the histopathological changes, the apoptotic response was elevated in ovary and testis of deltamethrin exposed groups as it was seen in the IHC and IF for p53, H2A.XS139ph, and confirmed by TUNEL assay. These were observed in the case of all studied concentrations compared with the control group. Thereby, the gonadal tissue exhibited an up-regulated activity of this cell-death signaling markers, while the proliferation marker (PCNA) increased in the ovary due to its presence not only in primary growth and cortical-alveolar stage follicles but also in atretic follicles, meanwhile decreased notably in the testis. Cox4i1, a mitochondrial marker, decreased both in ovary and testis during deltamethrin treatment, probably inhibited by the overproduction of the free radicals after pesticide exposure.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Prenylated phenolics as promising candidates for combination antibacterial therapy: morusin and kuwanon G
(Elsevier, 2020-08-18) Aelenei, Petruța; Rîmbu, Cristina-Mihaela; Horhogea, Cristina-Elena; Lobiuc, Andrei; Neagu, Anca-Narcisa; Dunca, Simona-Isabela; Motrescu, Iuliana; Dimitriu, Gabriel; Aprotosoaie, Ana-Clara; Miron, Anca
Combination of antibiotics with natural products is a promising strategy for potentiating antibiotic activity and overcoming antibiotic resistance. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether morusin and kuwanon G, prenylated phenolics in Morus species, have the ability to enhance antibiotic activity and reverse antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Commonly used antibiotics (oxacillin, erythromycin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, clindamycin) were selected for the combination studies. Checkerboard and time-kill assays were used to investigate potential bacteriostatic and bactericidal synergistic interactions, respectively between morusin or kuwanon G and antibiotics. According to both fractional inhibitory concentration index and response surface models, twenty combinations (14 morusin-antibiotic combinations, six kuwanon G-antibiotic combinations) displaying bacteriostatic synergy were identified, with 4–512-fold reduction in the minimum inhibitory concentration values of antibiotics in combination. Both morusin and kuwanon G reversed oxacillin resistance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, morusin reversed tetracycline resistance of Staphylococcus epidermidis. At half of the minimum inhibitory concentrations, combinations of morusin with oxacillin or gentamicin showed bactericidal synergy against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Fluorescence and differential interference contrast microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed an increase in the membrane permeability and massive leakage of cellular content in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus exposed to morusin or kuwanon G. Overall, our findings strongly indicate that both prenylated compounds are good candidates for the development of novel antibacterial combination therapies.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Pediatric Patients in Serbia, Greece, and Romania. Current Status and Challenges for Collaboration
(MDPI, 2020-04-17) Arsić Arsenijevic, Valentina; Vyzantiadis, Timoleon-Achilleas; Mareș, Mihai; Otaševic, Suzana; Tragiannidis, Athanasios; Janic, Dragana
Pneumocystis jirovecii can cause fatal Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP). Many children have been exposed to the fungus and are colonized in early age, while some individuals at high risk for fungal infections may develop PcP, a disease that is difficult to diagnose. Insufficient laboratory availability, lack of knowledge, and local epidemiology gaps make the problem more serious. Traditionally, the diagnosis is based on microscopic visualization of Pneumocystis in respiratory specimens. The molecular diagnosis is important but not widely used. The aim of this study was to collect initial indicative data from Serbia, Greece, and Romania concerning pediatric patients with suspected PcP in order to: find the key underlying diseases, determine current clinical and laboratory practices, and try to propose an integrative future molecular perspective based on regional collaboration. Data were collected by the search of literature and the use of an online questionnaire, filled by relevant scientists specialized in the field. All three countries presented similar clinical practices in terms of PcP prophylaxis and clinical suspicion. In Serbia and Greece the hematology/oncology diseases are the main risks, while in Romania HIV infection is an additional risk. Molecular diagnosis is available only in Greece. PcP seems to be under-diagnosed and regional collaboration in the field of laboratory diagnosis with an emphasis on molecular approaches may help to cover the gaps and improve the practices.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
How to interpret MICs of antifungal compounds according to the revised clinical breakpoints v. 10.0 European committee on antimicrobial susceptibility testing (EUCAST)
(Elsevier, 2020-11-09) Arendrup, Maiken Cavling; Friberg, Nathalie; Mareș, Mihai; Gunnar, Kahlmeter; Meletiadis, J.
Background EUCAST has revised the definition of the susceptibility category I from ‘Intermediate’ to ‘Susceptible, Increased exposure’. This implies that I can be used where the drug concentration at the site of infection is high, either because of dose escalation or through other means to ensure efficacy. Consequently, I is no longer used as a buffer zone to prevent technical factors from causing misclassifications and discrepancies in interpretations. Instead, an Area of Technical Uncertainty (ATU) has been introduced for MICs that cannot be categorized without additional information as a warning to the laboratory that decision on how to act has to be made. To implement these changes, the EUCAST-AFST (Subcommittee on Antifungal Susceptibility Testing) reviewed all, and revised some, clinical antifungal breakpoints. Objectives The aim was to present an overview of the current antifungal breakpoints and supporting evidence behind the changes. Sources This document is based on the ten recently updated EUCAST rationale documents, clinical breakpoint and breakpoint ECOFF documents. Content The following breakpoints (in mg/L) have been revised or established for Candida species: micafungin against C. albicans (ATU = 0.03); amphotericin B (S ≤/> R = 1/1), fluconazole (S ≤/> R = 2/4), itraconazole (S ≤/> R = 0.06/0.06), posaconazole (S ≤/> R = 0.06/0.06) and voriconazole (S ≤/> R = 0.06/0.25) against C. dubliniensis; fluconazole against C. glabrata (S ≤/> R = 0.001/16); and anidulafungin (S ≤/> R = 4/4) and micafungin (S ≤/> R = 2/2) against C. parapsilosis. For Aspergillus, new or revised breakpoints include itraconazole (ATU = 2) and isavuconazole against A. flavus (S ≤/> R = 1/2, ATU = 2); amphotericin B (S ≤/> R = 1/1), isavuconazole (S ≤ /> R = 1/2, ATU = 2), itraconazole (S ≤/> R = 1/1, ATU = 2), posaconazole (ATU = 0.25) and voriconazole (S ≤/> R = 1/1, ATU = 2) against A. fumigatus; itraconazole (S ≤/> R = 1/1, ATU = 2) and voriconazole (S ≤/> R = 1/1, ATU = 2) against A. nidulans; amphotericin B against A. niger (S ≤/> R = 1/1); and itraconazole (S ≤/> R = 1/1, ATU = 2) and posaconazole (ATU = 0.25) against A. terreus. Implications EUCAST-AFST has released ten new documents summarizing existing and new breakpoints and MIC ranges for control strains. A failure to adopt the breakpoint changes may lead to misclassifications and suboptimal or inappropriate therapy of patients with fungal infections.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Vitamin C Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Behavioral Abnormalities Triggered by Fipronil and Pyriproxyfen Insecticide Chronic Exposure on Zebrafish Juvenile.
(MDPI, 2020-09-15) Robea, Mădălina-Andreea; Jijie, Roxana; Nicoară, Mircea; Plăvan, Gabriel-Ionuț; Ciobîcă, Alin-Stelian; Solcan, Carmen; Audira, Gilbert; Hsiao, Chung-Der; Strungaru, Ștefan-Adrian
Chronic exposure to synthetic insecticides in the early life of a child can lead to a series of disorders. Several causes as parental age, maternal smoking, birth complications, and exposure to toxins such as insecticides on childhood can lead to Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) occurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential protective role of vitamin C (Vit. C) from children’s supplements after 14 days chronic exposure to insecticide mixture fipronil (Fip) + pyriproxyfen (Pyr) on juvenile zebrafish for swimming performances, social behavior and oxidative stress associated with ASD model. Juvenile (14–17 mm) wild-type AB zebrafish (Danio rerio) (45 days) were exposed to relevant concentrations: vit. C (25 µg L−1), Fip (600 µg L−1/1.372 μM) + Pyr (600 µg L−1/1.89 μM), and [Fip (600 µg L−1/1.372 μM) + Pyr (600 µg L−1 /1.89 μM)] + vit. C (25 µg L−1). Our results showed that insecticides can disturb the social behavior of zebrafish during 14 days of the administration, decreased the swimming performances, and elevated the oxidative stress biomarkers of SOD (superoxide dismutase), GPx (glutathione peroxidase), and MDA (malondialdehyde). The vitamin C supplement significantly attenuated the neurotoxicity of insecticide mixture and oxidative stress. This study provides possible in vivo evidence to show that vitamin C supplements could attenuate oxidative stress and brain damage of fipronil and pyriproxyfen insecticide chronic exposure on zebrafish juvenile.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials in Raccoon Dogs
(MDPI, 2020-02-02) Ștefănescu, Raluca-Adriana; Roman, Constantin; Miron, Liviu-Dan; Solcan, Gheorghe; Vulpe, Vasile; Hrițcu, Luminița-Diana; Musteață, Mihai
Raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procynoides) are canids indigenous to Eastern Asia being one of the most invasive non-native animals in Europe and potential vectors for several hazardous parasitic and viral diseases. To present, there is a lack of studies regarding objective techniques used to appreciate the integrity and functionality of the nervous system in this species. Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAER) is a cost-e ective, quick and noninvasive technique to assess the functionality of nervous system. The aim of the study is to provide reference values and evaluates the reliability of BAER recording with needle electrodes in clinically healthy raccoon dogs. Nine individuals were investigated for BAER under xylazine and ketamine general anesthesia. Four waves (I, II, III and V) were identified and evaluated for latencies, morphologically similarity to those previously reported for other species (dogs, horses, cats, and ferret). Our data can be used in further studies to asses objectively the auditory system function in raccoon dogs.
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Acute idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis with secondary arterial hypertension in a 5-year-old male Siberian Husky
(Taylor and Francis, 2020-09-18) Musteață, Mihai; Ștefănescu, Raluca-Adriana; Baisan, Radu-Andrei; Mocanu, Diana; Pașca, Aurelian-Sorin; Hrițcu, Luminița-Diana; Henea, Mădălina-Elena; Solcan, Gheorghe
Acute canine idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis (ACIP) is one of the most common generalised neuromuscular diseases affecting dogs. In this report, we describe a 5-year-old, 25-kg, male, intact, Siberian Husky dog with ACIP with secondary induced arterial hypertension fsystolic blood pressure [mean (m) ± standard deviation (sd)], 214 ± 19mmHg; mean blood pressure (m ± sd), 164 ± 6.36mmHg; and diastolic blood pressure (m ± sd), 137 ± 0.7mmHgg and sinus tachycardia. Heart rate variability analysis indicated decreased vagal activity (low root-meansquare values of successive RR interval differences and percentages of the RR intervals differing by more than 50ms in the entire recording) and predominance of sympathetic activity. Arterial hypertension was treated with amlodipine but remained greater than the upper limit for 51 days until the dog recovered ambulation. This is the first case report of ACIP and secondary arterial hypertension in a dog. Routine blood pressure measurements should be included in the monitoring of patients with ACIP if arterial hypertension might interfere with patient prognosis.

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