2026

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.iuls.ro/handle/20.500.12811/6034

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listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Biocompatible and Antimicrobial Cellulosic Support via Bioactive Emulsion-Based Film
(MDPI, 2026-04-28) Danila, Angela; Chirilă, Laura; Popescu, Carmen-Mihaela; Voinea, Ionela Cristina; Rîmbu, Cristina-Mihaela; Türkoglu, Gizem Ceylan; Mureșan, Emil-Ioan; Costea, Mariana
Due to biodegradability, functionalization, and sustained release, polymer-based films are widely used in different industries. This study explores a bioactive emulsion-based film obtained using high-methoxy pectin (HMP), Origanum onites L. essential oil, and a hydroalcoholic extract of Thymus vulgaris L., prepared using various emulsion recipes. The emulsions obtained were applied to cellulose supports intended for topical applications. Bioactive textiles were analyzed using SEM-EDS elemental mapping, ATR FT-IR spectroscopy, biocompatibility assessment, antimicrobial activity assays, and analysis of comfort indices. SEM images of textile supports treated with bioactive emulsions confirmed the creation of a film surface and that the homogeneity of the film increases with increasing amount of glycerin, which acts as a plasticizer. Infrared spectra combined with their second derivatives and PCA indicate the presence of oregano essential oil, thyme extract, and pectin on the surface of the cotton. The biocompatibility evaluation of functionalized cotton supports revealed minimal cytotoxic effects on HaCaT human keratinocytes after 24 h of exposure. The results of the analyses showed that bioactive textile supports also exhibit antimicrobial activity. Therefore, the active emulsions with pectin, oregano essential oil, and hydroalcoholic extract of thyme provide biocompatible and antimicrobial active films by applying on cellulosic supports.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Azole–Flavonoid Hybrids as Emerging Anticancer Agents: A Bioactivity-Focused Review
(MDPI, 2026-02-20) Lipovanu, Mihaela; Miron, Anca; Filip, Nina; Horhogea, Cristina-Elena; Aprotosoaie, Ana Clara
Despite notable progress in drug discovery, cancer treatment remains hindered by limited therapeutic efficacy, poor target specificity, adverse effects, and the development of drug resistance. Molecular hybridization, which integrates two or more bioactive entities into a single molecule, has shown considerable potential to overcome these limitations. Since both azoles and flavonoids have demonstrated anticancer potential, extensive studies have been undertaken to combine the two entities and enhance the bioactivity of the resulting hybrids. In this context, numerous azole–flavonoid hybrids have been synthesized and investigated for their anticancer potential. This review provides an overview of the azole–flavonoid hybrids that are promising candidates for novel anticancer drug development, highlighting their superior antitumor potency compared to reference drugs, multitarget activity, tumor-selective cytotoxicity, efficacy against drug-resistant tumor cells, and structure–activity relationships. The review covers 250 hybrids, primarily triazole–chalcone hybrids but also triazole–flavone, flavanone, flavonol, and isoflavone hybrids, as well as other azole–flavonoid hybrids (imidazole–, pyrazole–, isoxazole–, and thiazole–flavonoid hybrids).
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
The Role of Spacer Segments in Increasing the Transfection Efficacy of Au-Core Polymeric-Shell Nanoparticulate Gene Vectors
(American Chemical Society, 2026-01-14) Bostiog, Denisse I.; Năstasă, Valentin; Cristina M. Al-Matarneh; Peptanariu, Dragoș; Mareș, Mihai; Pașca, Sorin-Aurelian; Bostănaru Iliescu, Andra-Cristina; Crăciun, Bogdan F.; Vasiliu, Tudor; Puf, Răzvan; Maier, Stelian S.; Pinteală, Mariana
The surface chemistry of gold nanoparticles is a key determinant of their final biological properties. In this study, we investigated the influence of the PEG chain length, positioned between the gold core and the cationic polymer, on the transfection efficiency in HeLa and HGF cell lines. Two types of nonviral vectors were synthesized from the same AuNPs, which were subsequently functionalized with PEG of 1000 and 2500 Da, respectively. Onto these PEG chains, identical copolymeric sequences of PEI2000-PEG500-GA were covalently attached to provide quasi-shielding (via PEG500) and enable tumor targeting/accumulation (via GA). Both vectors demonstrated that such functionalization enhances cellular uptake and targeting specificity while exhibiting excellent DNA delivery efficiency, minimal in vitro cytotoxicity, and no detectable in vivo adverse effects following intravenous administration in animal models. A superior loading capacity was observed when the PEG linked to the gold core was 2500 Da, suggesting a contribution from solvation-driven interactions.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Co-encapsulated fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles for potential applications in breast cancer therapy: Exploratory in vitro and in vivo studies
(Elsevier, 2026-04-26) Sandu, Ștefan; Dodi, Gianina; Gardikiotis, Ioannis; Crețu, Bianca-Elena-Beatrice; Luca, Andreea; Cojocaru, Florina Daniela; Vereștiuc, Liliana; Pașca, Sorin-Aurelian; Balan, Vera
This study describes, for the first time in the literature, a suitable approach to develop co-encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles based on fluorescent biotinylated N-palmitoyl chitosan, hydrophobic magnetite, Docetaxel and Verapamil. The multicomponent nanostructures were obtained using a two-step method: ultrasonication-induced self-assembly followed by ionic gelation. Structural composition was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy; the magnetic nanostructures displayed an average hydrodynamic diameter of 322.20 ± 2.50 nm, a positive surface charge (5.63 ± 0.16 mV), good magnetic saturation (13.35 emu/g) and superparamagnetic behavior. In vitro drug release studies revealed a pH-responsive behavior for both encapsulated agents, with an enhanced release of the Verapamil. Cytotoxicity evaluation using live/dead assays on MCF-7 tumor spheroids embedded in collagen-based hydrogels demonstrated a substantial therapeutic effect. Serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels were quantified to evaluate systemic inflammatory responses following intravenous administration of drug free magnetic nanoparticles. IL-8 concentrations were considerably increased at day 3, indicating an acute inflammatory response, decreased during the subacute phase (days 7 and 14) and returned to control levels by day 21, demonstrating good biocompatibility. No significant toxicity was observed for magnetic nanoparticles in the rats. Overall, these findings suggest that the developed magnetic nanoplatforms represents a promising candidate for breast cancer applications and merits further in vivo investigation to elucidate the action mechanism of encapsulated therapeutics and their pharmacologic activity.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
MRI-Based Radiomics Reveals Cannabinoid-Associated Tumor Phenotypes in a Murine Breast Cancer Model
(MDPI, 2026-03-31) Creangă-Murariu, Ioana; Pricope, Cosmin-Vasilică; Ciorpac, Mitică; Anaby, Debbie; Cohen, Kfir; Urîtu, Cristina-Mariana; Szilagyi, Andrei; Gogu, Raluca-Maria; Jalloul, Wael; Aniță, Adriana-Elena; Anită, Dragoș-Constantin; Baisan, Radu-Andrei; Alexa-Stratulat, Teodora; Tamba, Bogdan-Ionel
Introduction and Aim: Assessment of antitumor activity in preclinical models remains challenging when relying solely on conventional size-based imaging, particularly for complex agents such as cannabinoids, whose biological effects may not translate into early volumetric tumor changes. Cannabinoid formulations, including the synthetic cannabinoid JWH-182, Cannabixir® Medium dried flowers, and Cannabixir® THC full extract, exhibit diverse and potentially subtle effects on tumor biology. Radiomics enables high-throughput extraction of quantitative imaging features that capture intratumoral heterogeneity beyond gross tumor volume. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of MRI-based radiomics as a sensitive tool for detecting cannabinoid-associated tumor phenotypic modulation in a preclinical breast cancer model. Methods: Orthotopic breast tumors were induced in mice using the 4T1 cell line. Animals received cannabinoid formulations in combination with chemotherapy according to a predefined protocol. Tumor burden was assessed at baseline and post-treatment using ultrasonography and whole-body MRI to calculate tumor doubling time. T1- and T2-weighted MRI datasets were segmented and analyzed using radiomics to extract morphometric and signal-based features. Results: Conventional imaging revealed no significant differences in tumor doubling time between most cannabinoid-treated groups and controls, except for accelerated growth in animals treated with Cannabixir® THC full extract. In contrast, radiomics identified distinct, compound-specific tumor phenotypes, including structural features consistent with reduced aggressiveness, in JWH-182-treated tumors, despite similar volumetric growth patterns. Conclusion: MRI-based radiomics sensitively captures cannabinoid-associated tumor phenotype alterations beyond volumetric assessment, supporting its value as a pharmaco-imaging tool for characterizing treatment-related tumor biology in preclinical oncology.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Comparative Anatomy of the Hyoid Apparatus in Various Dog Breeds: Insights From Clinical Imaging
(Wiley, 2026-04-10) Altundağ, Yusuf; Ozkan, Ermiş; Yiğit, Funda; Avanus, Kozet; Hadziomerovic, Nedzad; Szara, Tomasz; Spătaru, Constantin
Background Studying the hyoid bone in dogs is of significant importance in veterinary surgery and anatomy, as it aids in understanding how variations in this structure may affect tongue mobility, swallowing and vocalisation across breeds. Objectives This study aims to provide preliminary insights into the relationship between structural differences in the hyoid bone and breed-specific functional adaptations in tongue shape and movement by analysing shape variations within the hyoid apparatus. Methods Hyoid bones from computed tomography images of 26 dogs were modelled, and principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to examine shape variation in the hyoid bones. Additionally, the influences of age and weight on hyoid bone shape were assessed. Results PCA showed that PC1 (42.4%) reflected a relatively conservative pattern related to hyoid and skull morphology, whereas PC2 and PC3 indicated greater individual variation. Brachycephalic breeds exhibited a more dorsoventrally positioned and compact hyoid structure, while mesocephalic breeds showed a more aligned and elongated configuration of the stylohyoid and thyrohyoid bones. No significant correlations were found between hyoid shape and age, weight or Procrustes distance, suggesting a stronger influence of genetic factors. Conclusions Understanding the morphological variation of the hyoid bone in dogs contributes to veterinary anatomy and has practical applications in veterinary medicine, particularly in surgical and rehabilitation practices. Given the hyoid apparatus's critical role in swallowing and vocalisation, insights from this study may enhance clinical approaches to treating conditions linked to hyoid bone morphology.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Sella Turcica Shape as a Marker for Breed and Sex Classification in Sheep
(MDPI, 2026-03-19) Bektaș Bilgiç, Eylem; Szara, Tomasz; Gündemir, Ozan; Kaska, Zuzanna; Temir, Muhammed Taha; Güzel, Barıș Can; Ișbilir, Fatma; Deveci, Emine Irem; Cherșunaru, Alexandra-Andreea; Spătaru, Mihaela-Claudia
Recent anatomical and morphometric studies indicate that the sella turcica is a structurally informative region and a distinctive anatomical formation that can exhibit shape variation among individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in three dimensions, the extent to which sella turcica morphology differs among three sheep breeds (Akkaraman, Morkaraman, Zom) and between sexes. A total of 102 specimens were examined. All skulls were CT-scanned specifically for this study; the sella turcica region was reconstructed as a three-dimensional model, and 12 anatomical landmarks were manually digitized for each specimen. The findings showed that sella turcica size differed among breeds, with the Zom group exhibiting the largest sella turcica size. In contrast, no clear size difference was observed between females and males. Shape assessment also revealed differences among breeds, largely driven by the separation of Zom from Akkaraman and Morkaraman, whereas no distinct sex-related shape pattern was detected. Importantly, the breed-related shape differences persisted after accounting for size effects. Overall, these results suggest that the sella turcica carries a breed-associated morphological signal in sheep, while showing no pronounced sexual differentiation in the present sample.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Morphometric Assessment of Pelvic Asymmetry in Domestic Cats and Dogs
(MDPI, 2026-02-27) Altundag, Yusuf; Yalin, Ebru Eravci; Bayraktar, Simge; Karabaglı, Murat; Bektaș Bilgiç, Eylem; Can Güzel, Bariș; Cherșunaru, Alexandra-Andreea; Korkmazcan, Aycan; Manuta, Nicoleta; Gündemir, Ozan; Spătaru, Mihaela-Claudia
This study used 3D landmark-based geometric morphometrics under an object-symmetry framework to quantify pelvic asymmetry in domestic cats and dogs while explicitly accounting for measurement error through replicate digitizations. Procrustes ANOVA revealed significant components of both directional asymmetry (DA) and fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in the overall dataset, and DA was further visualized as a structured, non-random pattern across the landmark configuration. Measurement error remained smaller than the FA component, yielding high repeatability, indicating that the detected asymmetry patterns were not driven by landmarking imprecision. Group-wise summaries are presented as descriptive patterns of the sample (rather than direct between-group inference). In these descriptive summaries, cats tended to show a more coherent DA pattern, whereas dogs showed greater individual variation consistent with a relatively stronger FA component; males also tended to exhibit greater FA-related dispersion than females. In regression models of FA, age showed no association, body mass exhibited only a weak trend, and sex emerged as a significant predictor, while species showed no detectable effect when covariates were included. Collectively, these results support the hypothesis that pelvic shape contains both systematic (DA) and individual-specific (FA) asymmetry components, with sex-related differences in FA magnitude, but limited evidence for age- or weight-related effects within the sampled range. The study provides a repeatable framework and baseline reference for pelvic asymmetry in cats and dogs.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Therapeutic relevance of an EU-GMP certified Cannabis sativa L. strain in a dual in vivo model of cognitive impairment and chronic neuropathic pain
(Frontiers Media, 2026-02-20) Costăchescu, Ivona; Gogu, Raluca-Maria; Stanciu, Gabriela-Dumitrița; Solca, Carmen; Horodincu, Loredana; Szilagyi, Andrei; Crăciun,Vlad-Constantin; Ababei, Daniela-Carmen; Tamba, Bogdan-Ionel
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and frequently co-occurs with chronic pain. Worldwide, over 55 million people are affected by AD, with nearly half experiencing persistent pain. Chronic pain has been linked to accelerated memory deterioration and an increased risk of dementia, but the interplay between these conditions remains poorly understood. Existing therapies for AD and chronic pain are limited in efficacy, highlighting the need for interventions targeting multiple pathological pathways. The endocannabinoid system, which is altered in both AD and chronic pain, represents a potential therapeutic target, though its role in AD patients with comorbid pain remains unexplored. Methods: The study evaluated the effects of an EU-GMP certified Cannabis sativa L. strain (5 mg/kg, Cannabixir® Medium Flos) on neurobiological alterations in a rat model designed to explore mechanistic interactions between scopolamine-induced transient cognitive impairment and chronic neuropathic pain induced by unilateral sciatic nerve ligation. Treatment outcomes were assessed through nociceptive tests, clinical monitoring and tissue analyses to examine cognitive and pain-related effects. Results: Cannabixir® Medium Flos induced robust, time-dependent analgesia in thermal nociceptive tests, with the combination of the Cannabis sativa L. strain, donepezil and tramadol producing significantly longer response latencies than tramadol alone. Mechanical sensitivity was minimally affected across treatments. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that Cannabixir® Medium Flos, either alone or in combination with donepezil or tramadol, produced the most pronounced neuroprotective effects, reducing astrocytic (GFAP) and microglial (Iba1) activation, lowering Caspase-3 and IL-6 expression, and preserving both hippocampal neuronal integrity as well as peripheral nerve structure. Conclusion: These findings indicate that Cannabixir® Medium Flos, particularly when combined with donepezil and tramadol, provides superior analgesic and neuroprotective effects compared to tramadol alone. Its multi-target action - alleviating thermal nociception, reducing neuroinflammation, limiting apoptosis and preserving neuronal and peripheral nerve integrity—supports its potential as an adjunct therapy in managing dementia with comorbid chronic neuropathic pain. Future studies should explore the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects and assess long-term safety and efficacy across diverse models of neurodegeneration and chronic pain.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Pest Des Petits Ruminants in Eastern Europe: An Emerging Threat
(Paradigm Publishing Services, 2026-04-02) Rățoi, Ioana-Alexandra; Oșlobanu, Luanda-Elena; Porea, Daniela; Maftei, Daniel Narcis; Kureljušić, Jasna; Milićević, Vesna; Kureljušić, Branislav; Vasić, Ana
Peste des petits ruminants is a highly contagious viral disease affecting small ruminants, with significant socioeconomic impact, particularly in regions with extensive livestock farming. It poses a growing threat to animal health and food security, making its surveillance and control a global priority. This review aims to assess the current epidemiological status of PPR in Europe during 2024–2025, focusing on affected countries. Official data from national veterinary authorities and international reporting systems such as ADIS and WOA H were analyzed. The review synthesizes recent trends in PPR outbreaks, concerning their timeline and geographic spread, assesses the prevention and control strategies adopted by the affected countries, and highlights challenges that encumbered effective disease management. Additionally, the paper documents clinical and pathological features observed during confirmed outbreaks in Tulcea, Romania, in 2024, providing a practical insight into the field presentation of the disease. In 2024–2025, Peste des petits ruminants re-emerged in Southeastern Europe, with confirmed outbreaks reported in Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Albania. Delays in detection and insufficient cross-border coordination have significantly hindered containment efforts. While emergency measures—such as culling and enhanced surveillance—were implemented, structural or decisional ongoing challenges in veterinary systems and limited awareness among livestock owners continue to pose major challenges. Moreover, negative public responses to necessary control measures may further impede timely reporting and detection of future outbreaks. These findings highlight the urgent need for strengthening the regional cooperation and capacity-building to improve early warning systems and response capabilities. Without timely field recognition and coordinated interventions, the risk of a broader regional spread increases, threatening the EU ’s PPR-free status and undermining global eradication efforts.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Addisonian Crisis Mimicking Acute Kidney Injury in Dogs: A Retrospective Study of 34 Dogs Diagnosed with Acute Kidney Injury in Romania
(MDPI, 2026-01-14) Roșca, Ștefania; Solcan, Gheorghe; Moroz, Mihail; Ștefănescu, Raluca-Adriana; Levința, Alina; Pașca, Paula-Maria
Primary hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening endocrine disorder in dogs. Affected animals may present with clinicopathological features mimicking acute kidney injury (AKI). The challenge in diagnosing hypoadrenocorticism arises from its highly heterogeneous and non-specific clinical presentation, including acute kidney injury (AKI). This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate dogs presenting with AKI and to identify cases in which primary hypoadrenocorticism was the underlying etiology. Thirty-four dogs diagnosed with acute kidney injury were evaluated at the Clinical Hospital for Companion Animals of the “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” University of Life Sciences, Iași, Romania, among which three (8.8%) were endocrinologically confirmed to have primary hypoadrenocorticism. The evaluation protocol included a complete clinical examination, hematological, biochemical, and hormonal investigations, urinalysis, abdominal ultrasonography, and an ACTH stimulation test. These dogs exhibited hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, a reduced sodium-to-potassium ratio, and azotemia at admission, closely resembling intrinsic AKI. Following fluid therapy and hormone replacement, rapid normalization of electrolyte and renal parameters was observed. These findings support hypovolemia and electrolyte imbalance as the primary mechanisms underlying reversible prerenal azotemia in these cases. If not diagnosed early, this condition has a significant risk of progressing to acute tubular necrosis. The findings highlight the need for careful differentiation between primary AKI and renal dysfunction secondary to Addison’s disease, as well as the importance of promptly initiating hormone replacement therapy. In conclusion, hypoadrenocorticism should be considered in dogs presenting with AKI and electrolyte imbalance. Early endocrine evaluation and prompt initiation of targeted therapy are essential to avoiding misdiagnosis and optimizing clinical outcomes.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Fungal Contamination of Dairy Feed and Major Mycotoxin Transfer: A Risk Evaluation for Animal Exposure and Health
(MDPI, 2026-01-13) Poroșnicu, Ioana; Ailincăi, Luminița-Iuliana; Davidescu, Mădălina-Alexandra; Mareș, Mihai
This study was focused on the assessment of fungal occurrence, mycotoxin dynamics, aflatoxin carry-over, and associated biochemical responses in dairy cattle. Moisture emerged as the dominant factor for fungal communities, promoting the co-proliferation of fungal genera adapted to high water activity conditions (aw > 0.90) and antagonism against xerotolerant and xerophilic species. Aspergillus spp. dominated dry substrates (aw < 0.75), Fusarium spp. showed strong positive associations with high-moisture matrices (aw > 0.90), and Penicillium spp. exhibited intermediate, substrate-dependent behavior. Mycotoxin levels fluctuated non-linearly, independently of fungal counts: ochratoxin A (OTA) concentrations in corn silage increased from approximately 12 μg/kg at the onset of the ensiling period to >240 μg/kg at silo opening, indicating dynamic mycotoxin accumulation during storage, while zearalenone (ZEA) oscillated from 40 to 170 µg/kg. Despite the variation in total aflatoxins (AFLA-T) across feed matrices, aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk remained low (0.0020–0.0093 μg/kg), confirming limited carry-over. Serum biochemical parameters—alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (BIL-T), total protein (PROT-T)—remained within physiological limits, yet multivariate analyses revealed metabolic modulation linked to aflatoxin exposure. AFM1 explained >7% of the variance in serum biochemical profiles according to PERMANOVA (p = 0.002), showed significant MANOVA effect (Pillai = 0.198), and displayed a significant canonical association (p < 10−13). Linear discriminant analysis further separated Normal vs. Borderline hepatic profiles, indicating subclinical physiological adaptation to chronic low-dose exposure.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Update on direct embryo transfer in sheep: hatched blastocysts increase conception rates
(Frontiers Media, 2026-02-03) Ciornei, Ștefan-Gregore
This article presents an overview of the update on direct embryo transfer using hatched blastocysts. Recent research has observed differences in conception rates in sheep following surgical transfer. All sessions included in the study followed the same standard protocol, resulting in the creation of two groups, with the control group (CG) being the one in which blastocysts were transferred, and the experimental group (EG) received hatched blastocysts. Embryos were obtained from meat sheep through in vivo derived (IVD) and transferred to crossbred sheep synchronized with very obvious corpus luteum (CL) on at least one of the ovaries (84.21%). Thus, a retrospective study highlights the clear success of embryo recipients who also received hatched blastocysts (code 9.1) compared to recipients with blastocysts only (code 6.1, 7.1). The embryo recovery rate at 6.5 days, determined by laparoscopic uterine flushing, was 84.3%. In terms of the quality of the embryos obtained, over 74.5% were transferable (not statistically significant, 76.6% in Suffolk and 72.3% in Ille de France), and over 12% of the embryos hatched. The study found that the pregnancy rate in recipient ewes receiving code 9.1 embryos (expanded blastocysts) through direct IVD transfer during the breeding season was 86.9%. These findings, when compared to previous research, highlight the potential for further exploration and innovation in this area. Nonetheless, it is important to note that there is a scarcity of literature addressing the direct transfer of IVD embryos with expanded blastocysts.

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