Hexokinase as a versatile molecular genetic marker for Microsporidia.

Hexokinase (HK) is a core glycolytic enzyme of Microsporidia which regulates host cell metabolic processes. The goal of the present study was to test for the utility of HK for molecular phylogenetics, species identification and molecular detection of microsporidia in infected insects. HK sequence-based reconstructions were essentially similar to those based upon largest subunit RNA polymerase (RPB1) gene sequences, as well as previously published rRNA gene and genome-based trees. Comparing HK sequences allowed clear differentiation of closely related taxa, such as Nosema bombycis and Nosema pyrausta. In Nosema ceranae, unique SNPs were found for an isolate from wild colonies of the Burzyan dark honey bee as compared with the isolates from domesticated European honey bee. Similarly, in Encephalitozoon cuniculi, HK was as effective as RPB1 for discrimination of isolates belonging to different ITS genotypes. Amplification using species-specific primers flanking short fragments at the 3'-end of HK gene showed the presence of infection in insect tissues infected with N. pyrausta, Nosema ceranae and Paranosema (Antonospora) locustae. For the latter parasite species, HK expression was also demonstrated at early stages of infection using total mRNA extracts of locust larvae. These results indicate the suitability of HK as a novel tool for molecular genetic studies of Microsporidia.

COVID-19 Pulmonary Pathology: The Experience of European Pulmonary Pathologists throughout the First Two Waves of the Pandemic.

Autoptic studies of patients who died from COVID-19 constitute an important step forward in improving our knowledge in the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Systematic analyses of lung tissue, the organ primarily targeted by the disease, were mostly performed during the first wave of the pandemic. Analyses of pathological lesions at different times offer a good opportunity to better understand the disease and how its evolution has been influenced mostly by new SARS-CoV-2 variants or the different therapeutic approaches. In this short report we summarize responses collected from a questionnaire survey that investigated important pathological data during the first two pandemic waves (spring-summer 2020; autumn-winter 2020-2021). The survey was submitted to expert lung pathologists from nine European countries involved in autoptic procedures in both pandemic waves. The frequency of each lung lesion was quite heterogeneous among the participants. However, a higher frequency of pulmonary superinfections, both bacterial and especially fungal, was observed in the second wave compared to the first. Obtaining a deeper knowledge of the pathological lesions at the basis of this complex and severe disease, which change over time, is crucial for correct patient management and treatment. Autoptic examination is a useful tool to achieve this goal.

Antimicrobial Activity and Sorption Behavior of Al2O3/Ag Nanocomposites Produced with the Water Oxidation of Bimetallic Al/Ag Nanoparticles.

The water oxidation of bimetallic Al/Ag nanoparticles has been shown to yield nanoscale structures whose morphology, phase composition and textural characteristics are determined by the synthesis conditions. Flower-like nanoscale structures with silver nanoparticles, with an average size of 17 nm, are formed in water at 60 °C. Under hydrothermal conditions at temperatures of 200 °C and a pressure of 16 MPa, boehmite nanoplatelets with silver nanoparticles, with an average size of 22 nm, are formed. The oxidation of Al/Ag nanoparticles using humid air at 60 °C and 80% relative humidity results in the formation of rod-shaped bayerite nanoparticles and Ag nanoparticles with an average size of 19 nm. The thermal treatment of nanoscale structures obtained at a temperature of 500 °C has been shown to lead to a phase transition into γ-Al2O3, while maintaining the original morphology, and to a decrease in the average size of the silver nanoparticles to 12 nm and their migration to the surface of nanoscale structures. The migration of silver to the nanoparticle surface influences the formation of a double electric layer of particles, and leads to a shift in the pH of the zero-charge point by approximately one, with the nanostructures acquiring pronounced antimicrobial properties.

The Use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Complex Treatment of Kidney Tuberculosis (Experimental Study).

In recent years, the application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been recognized as a promising method for treatment of different diseases associated with inflammation and sclerosis, which include nephrotuberculosis. The aim of our study is to investigate the effectiveness of MSCs in the complex therapy of experimental rabbit kidney tuberculosis and to evaluate the effect of cell therapy on the reparative processes. Methods: To simulate kidney tuberculosis, a suspension of the standard strain Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (106 CFU) was used, which was injected into the cortical layer of the lower pole parenchyma of the left kidney under ultrasound control in rabbits. Anti-tuberculosis therapy (aTBT) was started on the 18th day after infection. MSCs (5 × 107 cells) were transplanted intravenously after the start of aTBT. Results: 2.5 months after infection, all animals showed renal failure. Conducted aTBT significantly reduced the level of albumin, ceruloplasmin, elastase and the severity of disorders in the proteinase/inhibitor system and increased the productive nature of inflammation. A month after MSC transplantation, the level of inflammatory reaction activity proteins decreased, the area of specific and destructive inflammation in kidneys decreased and the formation of mature connective tissue was noted, which indicates the reparative reaction activation.

Analysis of Risk Factors in COVID-19 Adult Mortality in Russia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological data obtained during the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic suggests that COVID-19 mortality has specific age and gender associations. However, limited epidemiological studies explored specific populational risk factors, including comorbidities, and patient clinical characteristics. The main aim of our retrospective cohort study was to analyze associations between age, gender, and comorbidities in deceased COVID-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed to assess significant risk factors in adult patients deceased from COVID-19 infection by evaluating Electronic Medical Records and post-mortem analysis in COVID-19 patients deceased between April 2020 to October 2020. All patients underwent post-mortem evaluation along with medical history analysis, including data on disease duration, hospitalization, and clinical peculiarities. RESULTS: Medical records of 1487 COVID-19 patients revealed that the prevalence of males was higher (by 23%) than females; the median age for males was 71 years of age whereas for females it was 78. The most prevalent comorbid pathologies were: hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Males are at significantly increased risk of lethal outcome, even in younger age groups, with comorbid conditions. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that comorbidities, such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, cancer are the most important risk factors for comorbid mortality in COVID-19 patients. In addition to lung damage, multiple organ dysfunctions may be a crucial reason for COVID-19 induced death. Special precautions, such as early hospitalization, increased monitoring, and preventative tactics should be taken for at-risk patients.

Pulmonary pathology and COVID-19: lessons from autopsy. The experience of European Pulmonary Pathologists.

Since its initial recognition in December 2019, Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has quickly spread to a pandemic infectious disease. The causative agent has been recognized as a novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), primarily affecting the respiratory tract. To date, no vaccines are available nor any specific treatment. To limit the number of infections, strict directives have been issued by governments that have been translated into equally rigorous guidelines notably for post-mortem examinations by international and national scientific societies. The recommendations for biosafety control required during specimen collection and handling have strongly limited the practice of autopsies of the COVID-19 patients to a few adequate laboratories. A full pathological examination has always been considered an important tool to better understand the pathophysiology of diseases, especially when the knowledge of an emerging disorder is limited and the impact on the healthcare system is significant. The first evidence of diffuse alveolar damage in the context of an acute respiratory distress syndrome has now been joined by the latest findings that report a more complex scenario in COVID-19, including a vascular involvement and a wide spectrum of associated pathologies. Ancillary tools such as electron microscopy and molecular biology used on autoptic tissue samples from autopsy are also significantly contributing to confirm and/or identify new aspects useful for a deeper knowledge of the pathogenetic mechanisms. This article will review and summarize the pathological findings described in COVID-19 until now, chiefly focusing on the respiratory tract, highlighting the importance of autopsy towards a better knowledge of this disease.