Revista de Științe ale Sănătății din Moldova : Moldovan Journal of Health Sciences 2025 Vol. 12, Issue 3

Comparative assessment of active compounds in Solidago species from the flora of the Republic of Moldova

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Comparative assessment of active compounds in Solidago species from the flora of the Republic of Moldova Fursenco, Cornelia; Ion, Violeta Alexandra; Calalb, Tatiana; Uncu, Livia Introduction. Solidago virgaurea (European goldenrod) and Solidago canadensis (Canadian goldenrod) are two plant species that have been extensively investigated for their complex phytochemical profiles, particularly represented by flavonoids, phenolic acids, saponins, and essential oils with notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Material and methods. Goldenrod plants were collected during the flowering period (2019–2024), S. virgaurea obtained from spontaneous flora and S. canadensis from the Scientific-Practical Center in the Domain of Medicinal Plants of Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy. The macroscopic analysis was performed using specific morphological indices of the Herba vegetal product, while the microscopic examination was performed on superficial preparations and cross-sections of vegetal material using a Micros microscope equipped with a digital imaging system. Dry extracts were prepared using repeated maceration, followed by phytochemical investigations employing qualitative color and sedimentation tests, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (for total polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, carotenoids, and saponins), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for essential oils. The antioxidant potential was assessed in vitro using the 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging assay and the metal chelation method. In vivo pharmacological studies included antimicrobial activity, assessed via serial dilution in liquid nutrient media, and anti-inflammatory activity, evaluated using the xylene-induced ear edema model in mice and the carrageenan- induced paw edema model in rats. Results. The biological, macroscopic, and microscopic investigations established reliable diagnostic criteria for the clear differentiation and identification of Herba-type vegetal products derived from the two Solidago species from the Moldovan flora. Qualitative phytochemical screening using specific color and sedimentation reactions confirmed the presence of flavonoids and triterpenic saponins in the examined vegetal products. Quantitative ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometric analysis revealed that S. canadensis contained relatively higher levels of bioactive compounds–flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, saponins, and carotenoids–and exhibited greater antioxidant activity compared to S. virgaurea. Gas chromatography- mass spectrometry analysis showed that the essential oils of both species differ more quantitatively than qualitatively. Both Solidago species exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. Conclusions. The results of this complex study support the selection of the vegetal product Solidaginis canadensis herba as a promising candidate for the local pharmaceutical industry, serving as a valuable source of new local plant-derived antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial drugs.

Tuberculosis in new cases: the impact of HIV status on clinical manifestations

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Tuberculosis in new cases: the impact of HIV status on clinical manifestations Ivanes, Igor; Ustian, Aurelia; Iavorschi, Constantin; Corlăteanu, Alexandru Introduction. Tuberculosis continues to be the primary cause of death among individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus, with co-infection significantly influencing the clinical course, severity, and outcomes of the disease. Although the interaction between the two conditions is well recognized, regional data from Eastern Europe remain insufficient. Material and methods. A retrospective, cross-sectional comparative study was carried out in the Republic of Moldova in 2021. A total of 320 patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis were included and divided into two matched groups: the study group consisted of 160 patients with confirmed human immunodeficiency virus co-infection, and the control group included 160 patients without human immunodeficiency virus infection. The groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, residence, and resistance profile of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Data were collected from national clinical records and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Results. Among 320 patients, those with HIV co-infection had significantly higher rates of generalized TB (28.8% vs. 2.5%; p < 0.0001), subacute onset (71.9% vs. 22.5%; p < 0.0001), and severe/very severe condition at diagnosis (27.4% vs. 10.6%; p = 0.0017). Anemia (58.8% vs. 23.1%; OR = 4.73, p < 0.0001), leukopenia (16.3% vs. 1.3%; OR = 15.33, p < 0.0001), and ESR >60 mm/h (25.0% vs. 5.6%; OR = 5.59, p < 0.0001) were significantly more common in co-infected patients. Bilateral lung lesions were more frequent (65.6% vs. 59.4%), while cavitary destruction predominated in TB-only patients (59.4% vs. 34.4%; p < 0.0001). Smear positivity was lower in the HIV group (38.8% vs. 55.0%; p = 0.0036). Complications (48.1% vs. 20.6%; p < 0.0001) and opportunistic infections (17.5% vs. 0%) were more prevalent in co-infected patients. Mortality was significantly higher among HIV-positive cases (28.1% vs. 6.9%; OR = 5.20, p < 0.0001). Conclusions. Human immunodeficiency virus infection significantly modifies the clinical presentation of tuberculosis, favoring more severe, atypical, and extrapulmonary forms, along with higher complication rates and mortality. These findings highlight the urgent need for early diagnosis, adapted diagnostic approaches, and integrated treatment strategies in patients with dual infection, particularly in high-burden settings.

Identifying core stigmatizing beliefs about depression: results from an item-level statistical approach

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Identifying core stigmatizing beliefs about depression: results from an item-level statistical approach Chihai, Jana; Esanu, Andrei; Nastas, Igor; Deliv, Inga; Bologan, Alina; Adeola, Cornelia; Coșulean, Radislav; Bivol, Madalina; Belous, Mihaela; Jelaga, Dorin; Popescu, Romil Introduction. Stigma surrounding depression continues to be a major barrier to treatment, social inclusion, and recovery. While general attitudes toward mental illness have been widely studied, fewer investigations have focused on the specific beliefs that drive stigma toward individuals with depression in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) in Eastern European settings, particularly in Moldova. Material and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 460 participants from Moldova, who completed the Depression Stigma Scale. Each of the nine items reflected a different stigmatizing belief about depression. Descriptive statistics, including mean scores and standard deviations, were calculated for each item. An item-level comparative analysis was performed. Results. The highest stigma scores were recorded for items such as: “I would not employ someone if I knew they had been depressed”, “Depression is not a real medical illness”, and “Depression is a sign of personal weakness.” The lowest scores were observed for beliefs related to dangerousness and avoidance, including “People with depression are dangerous” and “It is best to avoid people with depression so you don’t become depressed yourself.” These results suggest that stigma in Moldova is predominantly characterized by doubts about the medical legitimacy of depression and concerns over professional roles, rather than fear-based or exclusionary attitudes. Conclusions. Anti-stigma interventions in LMICs, such as Moldova should prioritize improving public understanding of depression as a legitimate health condition and addressing discrimination in professional settings.

The effectiveness of using a checklist in prehospital stroke interventions in the Republic of Moldova

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The effectiveness of using a checklist in prehospital stroke interventions in the Republic of Moldova Catanoi, Natalia; Peștereanu, Mihail; Rezneac, Larisa; Mocanu, Natalia Introduction. Stroke remains a major cause of mortality and disability in Moldova and globally. Rapid prehospital intervention is critical for improving outcomes. The adoption of standardized protocols and checklists has enhanced the efficiency of emergency medical services (EMS), especially in stroke recognition and initial management. Materials and methods. A systematic review of the literature and analysis of statistical data from the National Prehospital Emergency Medical Service were conducted. The study focused on evaluating the use and impact of checklists during prehospital stroke interventions. Results. Between 2022 and 2023, over 12,000 stroke cases were recorded annually. The implementation of national checklists, in conjunction with the Face, Arm, Speech, Time scale, significantly improved early identification, triage, and transport to specialized centers. Notable outcomes included a higher rate of thrombolysis and thrombectomy, improved coordination, and a modest reduction in overall response time. However, delays due to inter-hospital transfers remain a challenge. Conclusions. The systematic use of checklists in prehospital stroke management in Moldova proved effective in standardizing care, accelerating intervention, and improving patient outcomes. Continued training and system reorganization are crucial to fully capitalize on these tools and to reduce stroke-related morbidity and mortality.