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Vlase AM, Toiu A, Gligor O, Muntean D, Casian T, Vlase L, Filip A, Bȃldea I, Clichici S, Decea N, Moldovan R, Toma VA, Virag P, Crișan G. Investigation of Epilobium hirsutum L. Optimized Extract's Anti-Inflammatory and Antitumor Potential. Plants (Basel) 2024; 13:198. [PMID: 38256751 PMCID: PMC10819739 DOI: 10.3390/plants13020198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Epilobium hirsutum L., commonly known as hairy willowherb, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia. In Romania, the Epilobium genus includes 17 species that are used in folk medicine for various purposes. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antitumor potential of the optimized extract of Epilobium hirsutum (EH) in animal models. The first study investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of EH optimized extract and the model used was carrageenan-induced paw inflammation. Wistar rats were divided into three groups: negative control, positive control treated with indomethacin, and a group treated with the extract. Oxidative stress markers, cytokine levels, and protein expressions were assessed. The extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties comparable to those of the control group. In the second study, the antitumor effects of the extract were assessed using the tumor model of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma. Swiss albino mice with Ehrlich ascites were divided into four groups: negative, positive treated with cyclophosphamide (Cph), Group 3 treated with Cph and EH optimized extract, and Group 4 treated with extract alone. Samples from the ascites fluid, liver, and heart were analyzed to evaluate oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer markers. The extract showed a reduction in tumor-associated inflammation and oxidative stress. Overall, the EH optimized extract exhibited promising anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects in the animal models studied. These findings suggest its potential as a natural adjuvant therapeutic agent for addressing inflammation and oxidative stress induced by different pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Vlase
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-M.V.); (O.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Anca Toiu
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Octavia Gligor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-M.V.); (O.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Dana Muntean
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.M.); (T.C.)
| | - Tibor Casian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.M.); (T.C.)
| | - Laurian Vlase
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.M.); (T.C.)
| | - Adriana Filip
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.F.); (S.C.); (N.D.); (R.M.)
| | - Ioana Bȃldea
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.F.); (S.C.); (N.D.); (R.M.)
| | - Simona Clichici
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.F.); (S.C.); (N.D.); (R.M.)
| | - Nicoleta Decea
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.F.); (S.C.); (N.D.); (R.M.)
| | - Remus Moldovan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.F.); (S.C.); (N.D.); (R.M.)
| | - Vlad-Alexandru Toma
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, 44 Republicii Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Institute of Biological Research, Branch of NIRDBS, 48 Republicii Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Piroska Virag
- Department of Radiobiology and Tumor Biology, The Oncology Institute “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuță”, 34-36 Republicii Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Gianina Crișan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-M.V.); (O.G.); (G.C.)
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Matei R, Chiper DF. Analytic Design Technique for 2D FIR Circular Filter Banks and Their Efficient Implementation Using Polyphase Approach. Sensors (Basel) 2023; 23:9851. [PMID: 38139696 PMCID: PMC10747689 DOI: 10.3390/s23249851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
This paper proposes an analytical design procedure for 2D FIR circular filter banks and also a novel, computationally efficient implementation of the designed filter bank based on a polyphase structure and a block filtering approach. The component filters of the bank are designed in the frequency domain using a specific frequency transformation applied to a low-pass, band-pass and high-pass 1D prototype with a specified Gaussian shape and imposed specifications (peak frequency, bandwidth). The 1D prototype filter frequency response is derived in a closed form as a trigonometric polynomial with a specified order using Fourier series, and then it is factored. Since the design starts from a 1D prototype with a factored transfer function, the frequency response of the designed 2D filter bank components also results directly in a factored form. The designed filters have an accurate shape, with negligible distortions at a relatively low order. We present the design of two types of circular filter banks: uniform and non-uniform (dyadic). An example of image analysis with the uniform filter bank is also provided, showing that the original image can be accurately reconstructed from the sub-band images. The proposed implementation is presented for a simpler case, namely for a smaller size of the filter kernel and of the input image. Using the polyphase and block filtering approach, a convenient implementation at the system level is obtained for the designed 2D FIR filter, with a relatively low computational complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radu Matei
- Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technology, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iaşi, 700506 Iaşi, Romania;
- Institute of Computer Science, Iaşi Branch of the Romanian Academy, 700481 Iaşi, Romania
| | - Doru Florin Chiper
- Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technology, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iaşi, 700506 Iaşi, Romania;
- Technical Sciences Academy of Romania (ASTR), 700050 Iaşi, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists (AOSR), 030167 București, Romania
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3
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Crișan Ş, Stoia M, Predescu E, Miu AC, Szentágotai-Tătar A. The association between adverse childhood events and cluster C personality disorders: A meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Psychother 2023; 30:1193-1214. [PMID: 37129438 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studies suggest that adverse childhood events (ACEs) may contribute to the onset and development of cluster C personality disorders. However, the association between ACEs and these disorders remains unclear in terms of consistency across studies and effect magnitude, as well as generalizability within cluster C. The current meta-analysis aimed to examine the associations between ACEs and cluster C personality disorders based on the available literature. METHODS Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and PsychInfo. Forty-eight eligible studies were included in the analyses, and pooled effect sizes were estimated both at the level of cluster C and at the level of each specific disorder. Moderation and meta-regression analyses were also conducted. RESULTS ACEs were consistently associated with overall cluster C, as well as each of the specific disorders in this cluster. Sources of heterogeneity included type of instrument used to assess ACEs (questionnaires > interviews) and type of instrument used to assess the personality disorders (clinical interviews > questionnaires, as well as their combination with interview). The associations between ACEs and all cluster C personality disorders decreased with age. CONCLUSIONS ACEs are consistently associated with all cluster C personality disorders. Future work could approach the mechanisms underlying this association, preferably using longitudinal designs and considering the potential sources of effect variability identified in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ştefania Crișan
- Evidence-Based Psychological Assessment and Interventions Doctoral School, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Maria Stoia
- Evidence-Based Psychological Assessment and Interventions Doctoral School, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Elena Predescu
- Department of Neuroscience, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei C Miu
- Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Aurora Szentágotai-Tătar
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- The International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Tatarusanu SM, Lupascu FG, Profire BS, Szilagyi A, Gardikiotis I, Iacob AT, Caluian I, Herciu L, Giscă TC, Baican MC, Crivoi F, Profire L. Modern Approaches in Wounds Management. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3648. [PMID: 37688274 PMCID: PMC10489962 DOI: 10.3390/polym15173648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Wound management represents a well-known continuous challenge and concern of the global healthcare systems worldwide. The challenge is on the one hand related to the accurate diagnosis, and on the other hand to establishing an effective treatment plan and choosing appropriate wound care products in order to maximize the healing outcome and minimize the financial cost. The market of wound dressings is a dynamic field which grows and evolves continuously as a result of extensive research on developing versatile formulations with innovative properties. Hydrogels are one of the most attractive wound care products which, in many aspects, are considered ideal for wound treatment and are widely exploited for extension of their advantages in healing process. Smart hydrogels (SHs) offer the opportunities of the modulation physico-chemical properties of hydrogels in response to external stimuli (light, pressure, pH variations, magnetic/electric field, etc.) in order to achieve innovative behavior of their three-dimensional matrix (gel-sol transitions, self-healing and self-adapting abilities, controlled release of drugs). The SHs response to different triggers depends on their composition, cross-linking method, and manufacturing process approach. Both native or functionalized natural and synthetic polymers may be used to develop stimuli-responsive matrices, while the mandatory characteristics of hydrogels (biocompatibility, water permeability, bioadhesion) are preserved. In this review, we briefly present the physiopathology and healing mechanisms of chronic wounds, as well as current therapeutic approaches. The rational of using traditional hydrogels and SHs in wound healing, as well as the current research directions for developing SHs with innovative features, are addressed and discussed along with their limitations and perspectives in industrial-scale manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona-Maria Tatarusanu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa” of Iasi, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (S.-M.T.); (F.-G.L.); (A.-T.I.); (I.C.); (L.H.)
- Research & Development Department, Antibiotice Company, 1 Valea Lupului Street, 707410 Iasi, Romania
| | - Florentina-Geanina Lupascu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa” of Iasi, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (S.-M.T.); (F.-G.L.); (A.-T.I.); (I.C.); (L.H.)
| | - Bianca-Stefania Profire
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa” of Iasi, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Andrei Szilagyi
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa” of Iasi, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.S.); (I.G.)
| | - Ioannis Gardikiotis
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa” of Iasi, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.S.); (I.G.)
| | - Andreea-Teodora Iacob
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa” of Iasi, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (S.-M.T.); (F.-G.L.); (A.-T.I.); (I.C.); (L.H.)
| | - Iulian Caluian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa” of Iasi, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (S.-M.T.); (F.-G.L.); (A.-T.I.); (I.C.); (L.H.)
| | - Lorena Herciu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa” of Iasi, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (S.-M.T.); (F.-G.L.); (A.-T.I.); (I.C.); (L.H.)
| | - Tudor-Catalin Giscă
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa” of Iasi, 16 University Street 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Mihaela-Cristina Baican
- Department of Pharmaceutical Physics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa” of Iasi, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Florina Crivoi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Physics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa” of Iasi, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Lenuta Profire
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa” of Iasi, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (S.-M.T.); (F.-G.L.); (A.-T.I.); (I.C.); (L.H.)
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5
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Visan AI, Cristescu R. Polysaccharide-Based Coatings as Drug Delivery Systems. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2227. [PMID: 37765196 PMCID: PMC10537422 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic polysaccharide-based coatings have recently emerged as versatile strategies to transform a conventional medical implant into a drug delivery system. However, the translation of these polysaccharide-based coatings into the clinic as drug delivery systems still requires a deeper understanding of their drug degradation/release profiles. This claim is supported by little or no data. In this review paper, a comprehensive description of the benefits and challenges generated by the polysaccharide-based coatings is provided. Moreover, the latest advances made towards the application of the most important representative coatings based on polysaccharide types for drug delivery are debated. Furthermore, suggestions/recommendations for future research to speed up the transition of polysaccharide-based drug delivery systems from the laboratory testing to clinical applications are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Ioana Visan
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Ilfov, Romania
| | - Rodica Cristescu
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, 077125 Magurele, Ilfov, Romania
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Amărandi RM, Al-Matarneh MC, Popovici L, Ciobanu CI, Neamțu A, Mangalagiu II, Danac R. Exploring Pyrrolo-Fused Heterocycles as Promising Anticancer Agents: An Integrated Synthetic, Biological, and Computational Approach. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:865. [PMID: 37375812 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Five new series of pyrrolo-fused heterocycles were designed through a scaffold hybridization strategy as analogs of the well-known microtubule inhibitor phenstatin. Compounds were synthesized using the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of cycloimmonium N-ylides to ethyl propiolate as a key step. Selected compounds were then evaluated for anticancer activity and ability to inhibit tubulin polymerization in vitro. Notably, pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoline 10a was active on most tested cell lines, performing better than control phenstatin in several cases, most notably on renal cancer cell line A498 (GI50 27 nM), while inhibiting tubulin polymerization in vitro. In addition, this compound was predicted to have a promising ADMET profile. The molecular details of the interaction between compound 10a and tubulin were investigated through in silico docking experiments, followed by molecular dynamics simulations and configurational entropy calculations. Of note, we found that some of the initially predicted interactions from docking experiments were not stable during molecular dynamics simulations, but that configurational entropy loss was similar in all three cases. Our results suggest that for compound 10a, docking experiments alone are not sufficient for the adequate description of interaction details in terms of target binding, which makes subsequent scaffold optimization more difficult and ultimately hinders drug design. Taken together, these results could help shape novel potent antiproliferative compounds with pyrrolo-fused heterocyclic cores, especially from an in silico methodological perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana-Maria Amărandi
- TRANSCEND Research Center, Regional Institute of Oncology Iasi, 2-4 General Henri Mathias Berthelot Street, 700483 Iasi, Romania
| | - Maria-Cristina Al-Matarneh
- "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of Romanian Academy, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania
- Faculty of Chemistry, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 11 Carol I, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Lăcrămioara Popovici
- Faculty of Chemistry, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 11 Carol I, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Catalina Ionica Ciobanu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research-CERNESIM Centre, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 11 Carol I, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Andrei Neamțu
- TRANSCEND Research Center, Regional Institute of Oncology Iasi, 2-4 General Henri Mathias Berthelot Street, 700483 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ionel I Mangalagiu
- Faculty of Chemistry, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 11 Carol I, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ramona Danac
- Faculty of Chemistry, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 11 Carol I, 700506 Iasi, Romania
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Pricope CV, Tamba BI, Stanciu GD, Cuciureanu M, Neagu AN, Creanga-Murariu I, Dobrovat BI, Uritu CM, Filipiuc SI, Pricope BM, Alexa-Stratulat T. The Roles of Imaging Biomarkers in the Management of Chronic Neuropathic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13038. [PMID: 36361821 PMCID: PMC9657736 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) affects around 10% of the general population and has a significant social, emotional, and economic impact. Current diagnosis techniques rely mainly on patient-reported outcomes and symptoms, which leads to significant diagnostic heterogeneity and subsequent challenges in management and assessment of outcomes. As such, it is necessary to review the approach to a pathology that occurs so frequently, with such burdensome and complex implications. Recent research has shown that imaging methods can detect subtle neuroplastic changes in the central and peripheral nervous system, which can be correlated with neuropathic symptoms and may serve as potential markers. The aim of this paper is to review available imaging methods used for diagnosing and assessing therapeutic efficacy in CNP for both the preclinical and clinical setting. Of course, further research is required to standardize and improve detection accuracy, but available data indicate that imaging is a valuable tool that can impact the management of CNP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosmin Vasilica Pricope
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Algesiology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ionel Tamba
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Algesiology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Gabriela Dumitrita Stanciu
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Magdalena Cuciureanu
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Algesiology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Anca Narcisa Neagu
- Laboratory of Animal Histology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Carol I bvd. No. 22, 700505 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ioana Creanga-Murariu
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Bogdan-Ionut Dobrovat
- Department of Radiology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cristina Mariana Uritu
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Silviu Iulian Filipiuc
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Bianca-Mariana Pricope
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Interdisciplinarity, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Teodora Alexa-Stratulat
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Medical Oncology-Radiotherapy Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
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Spandole-Dinu S, Cimponeriu D, Stoica I, Apircioaie O, Gogianu L, Berca LM, Nica S, Toma M, Nica R. Phylogenetic analysis of torque teno virus in Romania: possible evidence of distinct geographical distribution. Arch Virol 2022; 167:2311-2318. [PMID: 35962263 PMCID: PMC9374574 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-022-05559-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Torque teno virus (TTV) is highly prevalent, but little is known about its circulation in humans. Here, we investigated the geographical distribution and phylogeny of TTV in Romania. A fragment of TTV untranslated region B was sequenced in samples from volunteers across the country. Additional sequences from dialyzed patients were also included in the study. Phylogenetic analysis showed that more than 80% of Romanian sequences clustered with isolates assigned to the species Torque teno virus 1 and Torque teno virus 3 (former genogroup 1), and this analysis discriminated between isolates from the North-East and West regions. Further studies assessing the pathogenic potential of TTV isolates should employ analysis based on genomic regions with phylogenetic resolution below the species level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Spandole-Dinu
- Department of Genetics, University of Bucharest, Intrarea Portocalelor 1-3, 060101, Bucharest, Romania
- Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences Division, The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dănuţ Cimponeriu
- Department of Genetics, University of Bucharest, Intrarea Portocalelor 1-3, 060101, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Ileana Stoica
- Department of Genetics, University of Bucharest, Intrarea Portocalelor 1-3, 060101, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Apircioaie
- Department of Genetics, University of Bucharest, Intrarea Portocalelor 1-3, 060101, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Larisa Gogianu
- Department of Genetics, University of Bucharest, Intrarea Portocalelor 1-3, 060101, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lavinia Mariana Berca
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, National R&D Institute for Food Bioresources, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Silvia Nica
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Toma
- Emergency Department, Central Military Emergency Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Remus Nica
- Surgery Clinic II, Central Military Emergency Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the influence of different adulteration agents (agave, maple, corn, rice and inverted sugar) on honey rheology. There was studied the influence of different percentages of adulteration agent on steady state and dynamic state rheology but also on rheology in the negative temperature domain. The authentic honey and adulterated ones behaved as a Newtonian fluid with a liquid-like behavior (G">>G'). Regarding the physicochemical parameters analyzed (moisture and sugar content), significant changes depending on the adulteration agent/degree used were observed. The viscoelastical parameters (η*-complex viscosity, G' -elastic modulus and G"-viscous modulus) and glass transition temperature (Tg) were predicted in function of the chemical composition (moisture content, glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, raffinose, trehalose, turanose, melesitose, and F/G ratio) using the PLS-R (partial least square regression). All parameters analyzed had a high regression coefficient for calibration (> 0.810) and validation (> 0.790), except for the elastic modulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Ciursa
- Faculty of Food Engineering, Stefan Cel Mare University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
| | - Mircea Oroian
- Faculty of Food Engineering, Stefan Cel Mare University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania.
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Bucatariu F, Teodosiu C, Morosanu I, Fighir D, Ciobanu R, Petrila LM, Mihai M. An Overview on Composite Sorbents Based on Polyelectrolytes Used in Advanced Wastewater Treatment. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:3963. [PMID: 34833262 PMCID: PMC8625399 DOI: 10.3390/polym13223963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced wastewater treatment processes are required to implement wastewater reuse in agriculture or industry, the efficient removal of targeted priority and emerging organic & inorganic pollutants being compulsory (due to their eco-toxicological and human health effects, bio-accumulative, and degradation characteristics). Various processes such as membrane separations, adsorption, advanced oxidation, filtration, disinfection may be used in combination with one or more conventional treatment stages, but technical and environmental criteria are important to assess their application. Natural and synthetic polyelectrolytes combined with some inorganic materials or other organic or inorganic polymers create new materials (composites) that are currently used in sorption of toxic pollutants. The recent developments on the synthesis and characterization of composites based on polyelectrolytes, divided according to their macroscopic shape-beads, core-shell, gels, nanofibers, membranes-are discussed, and a correlation of their actual structure and properties with the adsorption mechanisms and removal efficiencies of various pollutants in aqueous media (priority and emerging pollutants or other model pollutants) are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florin Bucatariu
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (F.B.); (L.-M.P.)
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, 73 D. Mangeron Street, 700050 Iasi, Romania; (I.M.); (D.F.); (R.C.)
| | - Carmen Teodosiu
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, 73 D. Mangeron Street, 700050 Iasi, Romania; (I.M.); (D.F.); (R.C.)
| | - Irina Morosanu
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, 73 D. Mangeron Street, 700050 Iasi, Romania; (I.M.); (D.F.); (R.C.)
| | - Daniela Fighir
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, 73 D. Mangeron Street, 700050 Iasi, Romania; (I.M.); (D.F.); (R.C.)
| | - Ramona Ciobanu
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, 73 D. Mangeron Street, 700050 Iasi, Romania; (I.M.); (D.F.); (R.C.)
| | - Larisa-Maria Petrila
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (F.B.); (L.-M.P.)
| | - Marcela Mihai
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (F.B.); (L.-M.P.)
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, 73 D. Mangeron Street, 700050 Iasi, Romania; (I.M.); (D.F.); (R.C.)
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11
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Bounegru AV, Apetrei C. Laccase and Tyrosinase Biosensors Used in the Determination of Hydroxycinnamic Acids. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4811. [PMID: 34062799 PMCID: PMC8125614 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, researchers have focused on developing simple and efficient methods based on electrochemical biosensors to determine hydroxycinnamic acids from various real samples (wine, beer, propolis, tea, and coffee). Enzymatic biosensors represent a promising, low-cost technology for the direct monitoring of these biologically important compounds, which implies a fast response and simple sample processing procedures. The present review aims at highlighting the structural features of this class of compounds and the importance of hydroxycinnamic acids for the human body, as well as presenting a series of enzymatic biosensors commonly used to quantify these phenolic compounds. Enzyme immobilization techniques on support electrodes are very important for their stability and for obtaining adequate results. The following sections of this review will briefly describe some of the laccase (Lac) and tyrosinase (Tyr) biosensors used for determining the main hydroxycinnamic acids of interest in the food or cosmetics industry. Considering relevant studies in the field, the fact has been noticed that there is a greater number of studies on laccase-based biosensors as compared to those based on tyrosinase for the detection of hydroxycinnamic acids. Significant progress has been made in relation to using the synergy of nanomaterials and nanocomposites for more stable and efficient enzyme immobilization. These nanomaterials are mainly carbon- and/or polymer-based nanostructures and metallic nanoparticles which provide a suitable environment for maintaining the biocatalytic activity of the enzyme and for increasing the rate of electron transport.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Constantin Apetrei
- Department of Chemistry, Physics and Environment, Faculty of Sciences and Environment, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galaţi, 47 Domnească Street, 800008 Galaţi, Romania;
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Visan AI, Popescu-Pelin G, Socol G. Degradation Behavior of Polymers Used as Coating Materials for Drug Delivery-A Basic Review. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:1272. [PMID: 33919820 PMCID: PMC8070827 DOI: 10.3390/polym13081272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the work was to emphasize the main differences and similarities in the degradation mechanisms in the case of polymeric coatings compared with the bulk ones. Combined with the current background, this work reviews the properties of commonly utilized degradable polymers in drug delivery, the factors affecting degradation mechanism, testing methods while offering a retrospective on the evolution of the controlled release of biodegradable polymeric coatings. A literature survey on stability and degradation of different polymeric coatings, which were thoroughly evaluated by different techniques, e.g., polymer mass loss measurements, surface, structural and chemical analysis, was completed. Moreover, we analyzed some shortcomings of the degradation behavior of biopolymers in form of coatings and briefly proposed some solving directions to the main existing problems (e.g., improving measuring techniques resolution, elucidation of complete mathematical analysis of the different degradation mechanisms). Deep studies are still necessary on the dynamic changes which occur to biodegradable polymeric coatings which can help to envisage the future performance of synthesized films designed to be used as medical devices with application in drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Ioana Visan
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077190 Magurele, Ilfov, Romania;
| | | | - Gabriel Socol
- Lasers Department, National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077190 Magurele, Ilfov, Romania;
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