Roxana Cristian
Research Assistant - Danubius
Publications
| Publication | Authors | data | |
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article
From Microbial Ecology To Clinical Challenges: The Respiratory Microbiome'S Role In Antibiotic Resistance |
Niculescu Adelina-Gabriela; Mitache Mihaela Magdalena; Grumezescu Alexandru Mihai; Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen; Mihai Mara Madalina; Tantu Monica Marilena; Tantu Ana Catalina; Popa Loredana Gabriela; Grigore Georgiana Alexandra; Cristian Roxana-Elena; Popa Mircea Ioan; Vrancianu Corneliu Ovidiu | Pathogens, 2025 | |
AbstractAntibiotic resistance represents a growing public health threat, with airborne drug-resistant strains being especially alarming due to their ease of transmission and association with severe respiratory infections. The respiratory microbiome plays a pivotal role in maintaining respiratory health, influencing the dynamics of antibiotic resistance among airborne pathogenic microorganisms. In this context, this review proposes the exploration of the complex interplay between the respiratory microbiota and antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the implications of microbiome diversity in health and disease. Moreover, strategies to mitigate antibiotic resistance, including stewardship programs, alternatives to traditional antibiotics, probiotics, microbiota restoration techniques, and nanotechnology-based therapeutic interventions, are critically presented, setting an updated framework of current management options. Therefore, through a better understanding of respiratory microbiome roles in antibiotic resistance, alongside emerging therapeutic strategies, this paper aims to shed light on how the global health challenges posed by multi-drug-resistant pathogens can be addressed. |
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article
From Microbial Ecology To Clinical Challenges: The Respiratory Microbiome’S Role In Antibiotic Resistance |
Niculescu A.-G.; Mitache M.M.; Grumezescu A.M.; Chifiriuc M.C.; Mihai M.M.; Tantu M.M.; Tantu A.C.; Popa L.G.; Grigore G.A.; Cristian R.-E.; Popa M.I.; Vrancianu C.O. | Pathogens, 2025 | |
AbstractAntibiotic resistance represents a growing public health threat, with airborne drug-resistant strains being especially alarming due to their ease of transmission and association with severe respiratory infections. The respiratory microbiome plays a pivotal role in maintaining respiratory health, influencing the dynamics of antibiotic resistance among airborne pathogenic microorganisms. In this context, this review proposes the exploration of the complex interplay between the respiratory microbiota and antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the implications of microbiome diversity in health and disease. Moreover, strategies to mitigate antibiotic resistance, including stewardship programs, alternatives to traditional antibiotics, probiotics, microbiota restoration techniques, and nanotechnology-based therapeutic interventions, are critically presented, setting an updated framework of current management options. Therefore, through a better understanding of respiratory microbiome roles in antibiotic resistance, alongside emerging therapeutic strategies, this paper aims to shed light on how the global health challenges posed by multi-drug-resistant pathogens can be addressed. © 2025 by the authors. |
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article
From Rock To Living Systems: Lanthanides Toxicity And Biological Interactions |
Constantin Marian; Chioncel Mariana F.; Petrescu Livia; Vrancianu Corneliu Ovidiu; Paun Mihaela; Cristian Roxana-Elena; Sidoroff Manuela; Dionisie Mihai Viorel; Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen | Ecotoxicology And Environmental Safety, 2025 | |
AbstractSince the discovery of lanthanides, the expanding range of applications and the growing demand for lanthanides in different aspects of life have escalated their dispersion in the environment, raising concerns about their impact on the living world. This review explores the interaction between lanthanides and different groups of living organisms (bacteria, algae, lichens, plants, invertebrates, and low vertebrates), reflecting the current state of scientific knowledge. We have aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of relevant studies, highlight existing gaps, and suggest potential areas for future research to enhance the understanding of this topic. |
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article
Healthcare-Associated Infections: The Role Of Microbial And Environmental Factors In Infection Control-A Narrative Review |
Sandu Andreea M.; Chifiriuc Mariana C.; Vrancianu Corneliu O.; Cristian Roxana-E.; Alistar Cristina F.; Constantin Marian; Paun Mihaela; Alistar Alexandru; Popa Loredana G.; Popa Mircea I.; Tantu Ana C.; Sidoroff Manuela E.; Mihai Mara M.; Marcu Andreea; Popescu George; Tantu Monica M. | Infectious Diseases And Therapy, 2025 | |
AbstractHealthcare-associated infections (HAIs), previously known as nosocomial infections, represent a significant threat to healthcare systems worldwide, prolonging patient hospital stays and the duration of antimicrobial therapy. One of the most serious consequences of HAIs is the increase in the rate of antibiotic resistance (AR) generated by the prolonged, frequent, and sometimes incorrect use of antibiotics, which leads to the selection of resistant bacteria, making treatment difficult and expensive, with direct consequences for the safety of patients and healthcare personnel. Therefore, timely and accurate diagnosis of HAIs is mandatory to develop appropriate infection prevention and control practices (IPC) and new therapeutic strategies. This review aimed to present the prevalence, risk factors, current diagnosis, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning approaches, future perspectives in combating HAIs causative bacteria (phage therapy, microbiome-based interventions, and vaccination), and HAIs surveillance strategies. Also, we discussed the latest findings regarding the relationships of AR with climate change and environmental pollution in the context of the One Health approach. Phage therapy is an emerging option that can offer an alternative to ineffective antibiotic treatments for antibiotic-resistant bacteria causing HAIs. Clinical trials dealing with vaccine development for resistant bacteria have yielded conflicting results. Two promising strategies, fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotic therapy, proved highly effective against recurrent Clostridium difficile infections and have been shown to reduce HAI incidence in hospitalized patients undergoing antibiotic therapy. Artificial intelligence and machine learning systems offer promising predictive capabilities in processing large volumes of clinical, microbiological, and patient data but require robust data integration. Our paper argues that HAIs are still a global challenge, requiring stringent IPC policies, computer vision, and AI-powered tools. Despite promising avenues like integrated One Health approaches, optimized phage therapy, microbiome-based interventions, and targeted vaccine development, several knowledge gaps in clinical efficacy, standardization, and pathogen complexity remain to be answered. |
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article
Healthcare-Associated Infections: The Role Of Microbial And Environmental Factors In Infection Control—A Narrative Review |
Sandu A.M.; Chifiriuc M.C.; Vrancianu C.O.; Cristian R.-E.; Alistar C.F.; Constantin M.; Paun M.; Alistar A.; Popa L.G.; Popa M.I.; Tantu A.C.; Sidoroff M.E.; Mihai M.M.; Marcu A.; Popescu G.; Tantu M.M. | Infectious Diseases And Therapy, 2025 | |
AbstractHealthcare-associated infections (HAIs), previously known as nosocomial infections, represent a significant threat to healthcare systems worldwide, prolonging patient hospital stays and the duration of antimicrobial therapy. One of the most serious consequences of HAIs is the increase in the rate of antibiotic resistance (AR) generated by the prolonged, frequent, and sometimes incorrect use of antibiotics, which leads to the selection of resistant bacteria, making treatment difficult and expensive, with direct consequences for the safety of patients and healthcare personnel. Therefore, timely and accurate diagnosis of HAIs is mandatory to develop appropriate infection prevention and control practices (IPC) and new therapeutic strategies. This review aimed to present the prevalence, risk factors, current diagnosis, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning approaches, future perspectives in combating HAIs causative bacteria (phage therapy, microbiome-based interventions, and vaccination), and HAIs surveillance strategies. Also, we discussed the latest findings regarding the relationships of AR with climate change and environmental pollution in the context of the One Health approach. Phage therapy is an emerging option that can offer an alternative to ineffective antibiotic treatments for antibiotic-resistant bacteria causing HAIs. Clinical trials dealing with vaccine development for resistant bacteria have yielded conflicting results. Two promising strategies, fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotic therapy, proved highly effective against recurrent Clostridium difficile infections and have been shown to reduce HAI incidence in hospitalized patients undergoing antibiotic therapy. Artificial intelligence and machine learning systems offer promising predictive capabilities in processing large volumes of clinical, microbiological, and patient data but require robust data integration. Our paper argues that HAIs are still a global challenge, requiring stringent IPC policies, computer vision, and AI-powered tools. Despite promising avenues like integrated One Health approaches, optimized phage therapy, microbiome-based interventions, and targeted vaccine development, several knowledge gaps in clinical efficacy, standardization, and pathogen complexity remain to be answered. © The Author(s) 2025. |
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article
Exploring In Vivo Pulmonary And Splenic Toxicity Profiles Of Silicon Quantum Dots In Mice |
Cristian Roxana-Elena; Balta Cornel; Herman Hildegard; Ciceu Alina; Trica Bogdan; Sbarcea Beatrice G.; Miutescu Eftimie; Hermenean Anca; Dinischiotu Anca; Stan Miruna S. | Materials, 2024 | |
AbstractSilicon-based quantum dots (SiQDs) represent a special class of nanoparticles due to their low toxicity and easily modifiable surface properties. For this reason, they are used in applications such as bioimaging, fluorescent labeling, drug delivery, protein detection techniques, and tissue engineering despite a serious lack of information on possible in vivo effects. The present study aimed to characterize and evaluate the in vivo toxicity of SiQDs obtained by laser ablation in the lung and spleen of mice. The particles were administered in three different doses (1, 10, and 100 mg QDs/kg of body weight) by intravenous injection into the caudal vein of Swiss mice. After 1, 6, 24, and 72 h, the animals were euthanized, and the lung and spleen tissues were harvested for the evaluation of antioxidant enzyme activity, lipid peroxidation, protein expression, and epigenetic and morphological changes. The obtained results highlighted a low toxicity in pulmonary and splenic tissues for concentrations up to 10 mg SiQDs/kg body, demonstrated by biochemical and histopathological analysis. Therefore, our study brings new experimental evidence on the biocompatibility of this type of QD, suggesting the possibility of expanding research on the biomedical applications of SiQDs. |
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article
In Vivo Assessment Of Hepatic And Kidney Toxicity Induced By Silicon Quantum Dots In Mice |
Cristian Roxana-Elena; Balta Cornel; Herman Hildegard; Trica Bogdan; Sbarcea Beatrice G.; Hermenean Anca; Dinischiotu Anca; Stan Miruna S. | Nanomaterials, 2024 | |
AbstractIn the last decade, silicon-based quantum dots (SiQDs) have attracted the attention of researchers due to their unique properties for which they are used in medical applications and in vivo imaging. Detection of cytotoxic effects in vivo is essential for understanding the mechanisms of toxicity, a mandatory step before their administration to human subjects. In this context, we aimed to evaluate the in vivo hepatic and renal acute toxicity of SiQDs obtained by laser ablation. The nanoparticles were administrated at different doses (0, 1, 10, and 100 mg of QDs/kg of body weight) by intravenous injection into the caudal vein of Swiss mice. After 1, 6, 24, and 72 h, the animals were euthanatized, and liver and kidney tissues were used in further toxicity tests. The time- and dose-dependent effects of SiQDs on the antioxidant defense system of mice liver and kidney were investigated by quantifying the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase) in correlation with the morphological changes and inflammatory status in the liver and kidneys. The results showed a decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and histopathological changes, except for superoxide dismutase, in which no significant changes were registered compared with the control. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical expression of TNF-alpha was significant at doses over 10 mg of QDs/kg of body weight and were still evident at 72 h after administration. Our results showed that doses under 10 mg of SiQDs/kg of b.w. did not induce hepatic and renal toxicity, providing useful information for further clinical trials. |
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article
Insights Into The Effects Of Lanthanides On Mammalian Systems And Potential Applications |
Constantin Marian; Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen; Vrancianu Corneliu Ovidiu; Petrescu Livia; Cristian Roxana-Elena; Crunteanu Ioana; Grigore Georgiana Alexandra; Chioncel Mariana F. | Environmental Research, 2024 | |
AbstractLanthanides, a group of elements with unique chemical properties, have garnered significant attention for their varied biological effects, ranging from cytotoxic to protective, depending on concentration, cell type, and exposure conditions. This review provides a detailed examination of the biological interactions of lanthanides with mammalian systems, including humans, by exploring their impact on different cell lines and organisms. Through a systematic assessment of current research, this work highlights the dual nature of lanthanides, identifying them as both potential therapeutic agents and environmental toxins. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of understanding their mechanisms to mitigate health risks, particularly for those exposed occupationally or via environmental sources. The review concludes with an overview of knowledge gaps and future research directions necessary for unlocking the therapeutic potential of lanthanides while ensuring safety and sustainability in their applications. |
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article
Molecular Pathways And Targeted Therapies In Head And Neck Cancers Pathogenesis |
Constantin Marian; Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen; Bleotu Coralia; Vrancianu Corneliu Ovidiu; Cristian Roxana-Elena; Bertesteanu Serban Vifor; Grigore Raluca; Bertesteanu Gloria | Frontiers In Oncology, 2024 | |
AbstractThe substantial heterogeneity exhibited by head and neck cancer (HNC), encompassing diverse cellular origins, anatomical locations, and etiological contributors, combined with the prevalent late-stage diagnosis, poses significant challenges for clinical management. Genomic sequencing endeavors have revealed extensive alterations in key signaling pathways that regulate cellular proliferation and survival. Initiatives to engineer therapies targeting these dysregulated pathways are underway, with several candidate molecules progressing to clinical evaluation phases, including FDA approval for agents like the EGFR-targeting monoclonal antibody cetuximab for K-RAS wild-type, EGFR-mutant HNSCC treatment. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), owing to their enhanced stability in biological fluids and their important roles in intracellular and intercellular signaling within HNC contexts, are now recognized as potent biomarkers for disease management, catalyzing further refined diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, edging closer to the personalized medicine desideratum. Enhanced comprehension of the genomic and immunological landscapes characteristic of HNC is anticipated to facilitate a more rigorous assessment of targeted therapies benefits and limitations, optimize their clinical deployment, and foster innovative advancements in treatment approaches. This review presents an update on the molecular mechanisms and mutational spectrum of HNC driving the oncogenesis of head and neck malignancies and explores their implications for advancing diagnostic methodologies and precision therapeutics. |
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article
Role Of Interferons In The Antiviral Battle: From Virus-Host Crosstalk To Prophylactic And Therapeutic Potential In Sars-Cov-2 Infection |
Mihaescu Grigore; Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen; Filip Roxana; Bleotu Coralia; Ditu Lia Mara; Constantin Marian; Cristian Roxana-Elena; Grigore Raluca; Bertesteanu Serban Vifor; Bertesteanu Gloria; Vrancianu Corneliu Ovidiu | Frontiers In Immunology, 2024 | |
AbstractMammalians sense antigenic messages from infectious agents that penetrate the respiratory and digestive epithelium, as well as signals from damaged host cells through membrane and cytosolic receptors. The transduction of these signals triggers a personalized response, depending on the nature of the stimulus and the host's genetics, physiological condition, and comorbidities. Interferons (IFNs) are the primary effectors of the innate immune response, and their synthesis is activated in most cells within a few hours after pathogen invasion. IFNs are primarily synthesized in infected cells, but their anti-infective effect is extended to the neighboring cells by autocrine and paracrine action. The emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in 2019 was a stark reminder of the potential threat posed by newly emerging viruses. This pandemic has also triggered an overwhelming influx of research studies aiming to unveil the mechanisms of protective versus pathogenic host immune responses induced by SARS-CoV-2. The purpose of this review is to describe the role of IFNs as vital players in the battle against SARS-CoV-2 infection. We will briefly characterize and classify IFNs, present the inductors of IFN synthesis, their sensors, and signaling pathways, and then discuss the role of IFNs in controlling the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its clinical outcome. Finally, we will present the perspectives and controversies regarding the prophylactic and therapeutic potential of IFNs in SARS-CoV-2 infection. |
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