Irina Enache

Dr. Irina Enache


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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4 May 2025 in Pharmaceuticals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MPMihaela Popescu
Mihaela Popescu
KRKristina Radivojević
Kristina Radivojević
DTDiana Maria Trasca
Diana Maria Trasca
Renata Maria VarutRenata Maria Varut
Renata Maria Varut
IEIrina Enache
Irina Enache
OAOsman Andrei
Osman Andrei
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease with a growing prevalence worldwide, leading to severe health complications. Current treatment relies on antidiabetic medications, which may have adverse effects, highlighting the need for alternative approaches. Natural compounds, such as phenolic compounds, have shown promise in glucose modulation. The Ericaceae family includes several plants with potential antidiabetic properties. This review examines the pathophysiology of diabetes, chemical composition, and specific Ericaceae species that have demonstrated antidiabetic effects. Studies indicate that Vaccinium species and other Ericaceae plants can lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity through mechanisms such as enzyme inhibition. These findings suggest that Ericaceae plants may serve as complementary strategies for diabetes management.

1 August 2025 in Medicina
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CMCarmen Aurelia Mogoantă
Carmen Aurelia Mogoantă
CSCodrut Sarafoleanu
Codrut Sarafoleanu
OAOsman Andrei
Osman Andrei
IEIrina Enache
Irina Enache
STShirley Tarabichi
Shirley Tarabichi
ITIonut Tanase
Ionut Tanase
Background and Objectives: Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is a rare monoclonal B-cell neoplasm that typically affects the head and neck region, with a predilection for the sinonasal tract. Clinical presentation is often nonspecific, leading to delayed diagnosis. This study aims to improve our understanding of sinonasal EMP by reviewing the recent literature and presenting a case series from our clinical experience. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of published cases of sinonasal EMP from 2000 to 2023 was conducted using the PubMed database, yielding 28 eligible cases. Additionally, we retrospectively analyzed three patients diagnosed and treated at our institutions. Inclusion criteria included histologically and immunohistochemically confirmed EMP without evidence of systemic multiple myeloma. Data on demographics, tumor location, symptoms, treatment, and outcomes were collected and analyzed descriptively. Results: Sinonasal EMP most commonly presented with unilateral nasal obstruction and epistaxis. Tumors were primarily located in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, often extending beyond a single anatomical site. In the literature cohort, the most frequent treatment was combined surgery and radiotherapy (35.71%), followed by radiotherapy alone (17.86%). Recurrence was reported in 10.71% of cases, and 7.14% of patients died due to disease progression. All three patients in our case series underwent surgical excision; two received postoperative radiotherapy. No recurrences or progression to multiple myeloma were observed during follow-up (12–24 months). Conclusions: Sinonasal EMP is a rare but radiosensitive tumor with a favorable prognosis when treated with surgery and/or radiotherapy. Early diagnosis, histopathological confirmation, and exclusion of systemic disease are essential. Multidisciplinary management and long-term follow-up are critical due to the risk of recurrence and transformation into multiple myeloma.

4 July 2025 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
Open access
PDF file
CMCarmen Aurelia Mogoantă
Carmen Aurelia Mogoantă
CSCodrut Sarafoleanu
Codrut Sarafoleanu
OAOsman Andrei
Osman Andrei
IEIrina Enache
Irina Enache
STShirley Tarabichi
Shirley Tarabichi
ITIonut Tanase
Ionut Tanase
Background and Objectives: Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is a rare monoclonal B-cell neoplasm that typically affects the head and neck region, with a predilection for the sinonasal tract. Clinical presentation is often non-specific, leading to delayed diagnosis. This study aims to improve understanding of sinonasal EMP by reviewing recent literature and presenting a case series from our clinical experience. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of published cases of sinonasal EMP from 2000 to 2023 was conducted using the PubMed database, yielding 28 eligible cases. Additionally, we retrospectively analyzed three patients diagnosed and treated at our institutions. Inclusion criteria included histologically and immunohistochemically confirmed EMP without evidence of systemic multiple myeloma. Data on demographics, tumor location, symptoms, treatment, and outcomes were collected and analyzed descriptively. Results: Sinonasal EMP most commonly presented with unilateral nasal obstruction and epistaxis. Tumors were primarily located in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, often extending beyond a single anatomical site. In the literature cohort, the most frequent treatment was combined surgery and radiotherapy (35.71%), followed by radiotherapy alone (17.86%). Recurrence was reported in 10.71% of cases, and 7.14% of patients died due to disease progression. All three patients in our case series underwent surgical excision; two received postoperative radiotherapy. No recurrences or progression to multiple myeloma were observed during follow-up (12–24 months). Conclusions: Sinonasal EMP is a rare but radiosensitive tumor with a favorable prognosis when treated with surgery and/or radiotherapy. Early diagnosis, histopathological confirmation, and exclusion of systemic disease are essential. Multidisciplinary management and long-term follow-up are critical due to the risk of recurrence and transformation into multiple myeloma.

14 May 2025 in Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
OAOsman Andrei
Osman Andrei
IEIrina Enache
Irina Enache
Alice Elena GheneaAlice Elena Ghenea
Alice Elena Ghenea
ABAlexandra Bucataru
Alexandra Bucataru
SVSidonia Cătălina Vrabie
Sidonia Cătălina Vrabie
OZOvidiu Mircea Zlatian
Ovidiu Mircea Zlatian
Background and Clinical Significance: Acute pediatric rhinosinusitis is most commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. The involvement of Enterobacter species is rare and typically linked to chronic or nosocomial infections. Typical cases of acute rhinosinusitis in children present with abundant nasal discharge, headache, and fever and are generally managed with systemic antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), mucolytics, and topical intranasal treatment. Atypical presentations prompt heightened clinical attention, and depending on the symptoms and patient status, surgical interventions might be considered. Case Presentation: We report the case of a previously healthy 5-year-old boy presenting with painful unilateral palpebral edema, minimal ipsilateral nasal discharge, and persistent headache despite standard rhinosinusitis therapy. Imaging tests revealed complete right maxillary sinus opacification. As the clinical response to ceftriaxone and dexamethasone was minimal, we opted for endoscopic sinus surgery. A nasal swab culture identified Enterobacter spp. in the nasal discharge. Conclusions: Unusual pathogens like Enterobacter spp. can cause acute sinusitis in children without prior risk factors. Early surgical intervention and culture-adjusted antimicrobial therapy remain critical for favorable outcomes.

15 April 2025 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
Open access
PDF file
OAOsman Andrei
Osman Andrei
IEIrina Enache
Irina Enache
Alice Elena GheneaAlice Elena Ghenea
Alice Elena Ghenea
ABAlexandra Bucătaru
Alexandra Bucătaru
SVSidonia Cătălina Vrabie
Sidonia Cătălina Vrabie
OZOvidiu Mircea Zlatian
Ovidiu Mircea Zlatian
Background and Clinical Significance: Acute pediatric rhinosinusitis is most commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Involvement of Enterobacter species is rare and typically linked to chronic or nosocomial infections. Typical cases of acute rhinosinusitis in children present with abundant nasal discharge, headache, and fever, and are generally managed with systemic antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), mucolytics, and topical intranasal treatment. Atypical presentations prompt for heightened clinical attention and, depending on the symptoms and patient status, surgical interventions might be considered; Case Presentation: We report the case of a previously healthy 5-year-old boy presenting with painful unilateral palpebral edema, minimal ipsilateral nasal discharge and persistent headache despite standard rhinosinusitis therapy. Imaging revealed complete right maxillary sinus opacification. As clinical response to ceftriaxone and dexamethasone was minimal, we opted for endoscopic sinus surgery. A nasal swab culture identified Enterobacter spp. in the nasal discharge; Conclusions: Unusual pathogens like Enterobacter spp. can cause acute sinusitis in children without prior risk factors. Early surgical intervention and culture-adjusted antimicrobial therapy remain critical for favorable outcomes.

12 March 2026 in Pathogens
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
OAOsman Andrei
Osman Andrei
Alice Elena GheneaAlice Elena Ghenea
Alice Elena Ghenea
CMCarmen Aurelia Mogoantă
Carmen Aurelia Mogoantă
IEIrina Enache
Irina Enache
ABAlexandra Bucataru
Alexandra Bucataru
OZOvidiu Mircea Zlatian
Ovidiu Mircea Zlatian
(1) Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with recurrent symptoms despite therapy raises concern for underlying antimicrobial resistance. While inflammation is central to disease pathophysiology, increasing evidence suggests that resistant bacterial populations within the sinonasal niche may contribute to treatment failure. This study aimed to characterize the molecular resistance profiles of bacterial isolates from refractory CRS patients and evaluate genotype–phenotype concordance and clinical resistance burden. (2) Methods: Our observational study includes 99 bacterial isolates obtained by endoscopically guided nasal swabs from adult CRS patients with recurrent disease. Species identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed using the VITEK®2 system. Resistance genes were detected using multiplex-PCR. Statistical analyses included Mann–Whitney U tests for genotype–phenotype associations, Kruskal–Wallis testing across MDR categories, Spearman correlation between gene burden and clinical risk, and concordance metrics. (3) Results: Recognized sinonasal pathogens accounted for 46.5% of isolates, predominantly Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. β-lactamase genes (tem 25.3%, shv 9.1%, ctxM 8.1%) and macrolide resistance markers (ermB 20.2%) were most prevalent, while carbapenemase genes remained infrequent. Significant phenotype–genotype correlations were observed for mecA–oxacillin, sul1–TMP-SMX, KPC–meropenem, and tem–β-lactams (p < 0.01). Gene burden increased progressively across clinical risk categories (p < 0.001), with MDR/XDR isolates concentrated in patients with repeated antibiotic exposure. Molecular and phenotypic analyses demonstrated high concordance for selected gene–antibiotic pairs, supporting targeted molecular screening as an adjunct to culture-based diagnostics in refractory CRS.