Thiosemicarbazone-based compounds have attracted significant attention in recent years due to their potential as inhibitors of cancer cell proliferation. They not only exhibit strong antiproliferative effects but also possess antioxidant properties that are crucial in combating oxidative stress linked to cancer progression. This review highlights specific compounds that not only exhibit significantly higher antiproliferative activities but also demonstrate lower toxicity compared to traditional chemotherapy agents. This is important because it suggests that these compounds could provide better treatment options while reducing the side effects often associated with chemotherapy. A detailed analysis of the structure–activity relationships (SARs) reveals that the unique structural features of these compounds play a crucial role in their enhanced effectiveness. Understanding which molecular characteristics contribute to improved activity will be key for future compound design. The findings from this study emphasize the need for further exploration and development of these novel agents. By investigating their biological mechanisms and optimizing their structures, researchers can improve cancer treatment strategies, providing safer and more effective options for patients. Despite substantial previous research on thiosemicarbazones and isothiosemicarbazones, the field still holds many unknowns and opportunities for discovery. Studying coordination chemistry with 3d metal ions and strategically modifying their inner structures may lead to new compounds with promising biological activities and selectivity. Overall, exploring thiosemicarbazones and isothiosemicarbazones as innovative pharmacological agents against cancer could unlock their full potential, significantly enhancing cancer treatment protocols and improving patient survival rates.

Five compounds 2-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)-N-(prop-2-en-1-yl)hydrazinecarbothioamide (H2L), bis[μ2-2-({2-[(prop-2-en-1-yl)carbamothioyl]hydrazinylidene}methyl)phenolato-S,N,O:O]diaquadicopper(II) nitrate (1), bis[μ2-2-({2-[(prop-2-en-1-yl)carbamothioyl]hydrazinylidene}methyl)phenolato-S,N,O:O]diimidazoldicopper(II) nitrate (2), bis[μ2-2-({2-[(prop-2-en-1-yl)carbamothioyl]-hydrazinylidene}methyl)phenolato-S,N,O:O]bis-(3,5-dibromopyridine)dicopper(II) nitrate (3), bis[μ2-2-({2-[(prop-2-en-1-yl)carbamothioyl]-hydrazinylidene}methyl)phenolato-S,N,O:O]bis(4-methylpyridine)dicopper(II) nitrate hexahydrate (4) were synthesized. The antiproliferative properties of these compounds toward cancer cell lines RD, HeLa, and normal cell line MDCK have been investigated. The tested complexes surpass Doxorubicin (DOXO) in the efficiency of anticancer activity as their IC50 values toward cancer cells are lower than the corresponding values of DOXO and the selectivity indexes exceed the corresponding SI value of DOXO. The tested compounds demonstrated a high antioxidant effect against ABTS•+ radical cations as well as low toxicity on Daphnia magna.

A series of molybdenum coordination complexes, stable, non toxic, easy to handle, which are assimilated by honey bees as feed supplement to improve the health of the colony, decrease the mortality, and increase the honey production.

The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) is the most widespread tick in the world and a well‐recognized vector of numerous pathogens affecting dogs and occasionally humans. This tick is highly adapted to living in human dwellings and can remain active year‐round even in some temperate regions. Due to its ability to reproduce indoors, R. sanguineus (s.l.) can establish populations in homes and kennels, leading to persistent infestations. In Moldova, however, R. sanguineus (s.l.) has been very rarely reported; since 1970, it was documented only once.

We investigated tick infestations in stray dogs from Chișinău, the capital of the Republic of Moldova, focusing on tick species distribution, and pathogen infection rates. Ticks were collected from 232 stray dogs across six major urban parks in 2021–2022. A total of 443 ticks were collected, belonging to five species: Ixodes ricinus (43.8%), Dermacentor reticulatus (35.2%), Dermacentor marginatus (20.5%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. and Haemaphysalis punctata with only 1 specimen. Notably, 92.5% of ticks were adults, while only 7% were nymphs and <1% were larvae. On average, 44.4% of stray dogs were infested with ticks, with an overall mean intensity of ~4.3 ticks per infested dog. Tick burden varied by location: dogs in large, less-maintained parks carried the most ticks. Tick pathogen screening revealed 24.4% of ticks (108/443) carried at least one pathogen. The most frequently detected were Babesia spp. in 12.2% of ticks, Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. in 7.4%, Rickettsia spp. in 3.4%, Anaplasma spp. in 2.5%, and Ehrlichia spp. in 0.5%; 4 ticks harbored co-infections. We discuss implications for public health and animal welfare and recommend control measures such as integrated stray-dog management and vegetation maintenance in urban parks.

Elevated levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) have been reported in various types of cancers in recent decades and are associated with chemotherapy resistance. GSH maintains reactive oxygen species (ROS) at physiological levels through activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway, thereby suppressing apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy. Many conventional anticancer drugs exert their effects by generating ROS. Copper coordination compounds with specialized ligands (thiosemicarbazones, isothiosemicarbazones, and pyridine derivatives), synthesized by the research team of Academician Aurelian Gulea, represent a promising approach in oncology, exhibiting high antiproliferative activity and selectivity. Copper can induce glutathione depletion, while the ligands display antioxidant properties that may substitute GSH function, without activating NRF2. These compounds may overcome chemotherapy resistance by reducing glutathione metabolism in cancer. Further studies are needed to evaluate the interaction of these Cu coordination compounds with glutathione and other chemotherapeutic agents.