scholarly journals Postmortem brain 7T MRI with minimally invasive pathological correlation in deceased COVID-19 subjects

2022 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria da Graça Morais Martin ◽  
Vitor Ribeiro Paes ◽  
Ellison Fernando Cardoso ◽  
Carlos Eduardo Borges Passos Neto ◽  
Cristina Takami Kanamura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Small Vessel Disease ◽  
Ct Images ◽  
Postmortem Brain ◽  
Common Finding ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Tissue Sampling ◽  
Imaging Findings ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Brain Invasion

Abstract Background Brain abnormalities are a concern in COVID-19, so we used minimally invasive autopsy (MIA) to investigate it, consisting of brain 7T MR and CT images and tissue sampling via transethmoidal route with at least three fragments: the first one for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis and the remaining fixed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Two mouse monoclonal anti-coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies were employed in immunohistochemical (IHC) reactions. Results Seven deceased COVID-19 patients underwent MIA with brain MR and CT images, six of them with tissue sampling. Imaging findings included infarcts, punctate brain hemorrhagic foci, subarachnoid hemorrhage and signal abnormalities in the splenium, basal ganglia, white matter, hippocampi and posterior cortico-subcortical. Punctate brain hemorrhage was the most common finding (three out of seven cases). Brain histological analysis revealed reactive gliosis, congestion, cortical neuron eosinophilic degeneration and axonal disruption in all six cases. Other findings included edema (5 cases), discrete perivascular hemorrhages (5), cerebral small vessel disease (3), perivascular hemosiderin deposits (3), Alzheimer type II glia (3), abundant corpora amylacea (3), ischemic foci (1), periventricular encephalitis foci (1), periventricular vascular ectasia (1) and fibrin thrombi (1). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected with RT-PCR in 5 out of 5 and IHC in 6 out 6 patients (100%). Conclusions Despite limited sampling, MIA was an effective tool to evaluate underlying pathological brain changes in deceased COVID-19 patients. Imaging findings were varied, and pathological features corroborated signs of hypoxia, alterations related to systemic critically ill and SARS-CoV-2 brain invasion.

Melatonin as adjuvant treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia patients requiring hospitalization (MAC-19 PRO): a case series

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 297-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Ricafranca Castillo ◽  
Gino Rei A. Quizon ◽  
Mario Joselito M. Juco ◽  
Arthur Dessi E. Roman ◽  
Donnah G De Leon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adjuvant Therapy ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Clinical Improvement ◽  
Case Series ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Chest Imaging ◽  
Imaging Findings ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Average Hospital ◽  
Sleeping Problems

 Treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) pneumonia remains empirical and the search for therapies that can improve outcomes continues. Melatonin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating effects that may address key pathophysiologic mechanisms in the development and progression of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which has been implicated as the likely cause of death in COVID19. We aimed to describe the observable clinical outcomes and tolerability of high-dose melatonin (hdM) given as adjuvant therapy in patients admitted with COVID19 pneumonia. We conducted a retrospective descriptive case series of patients who: 1) were admitted to the Manila Doctors Hospital in Manila, Philippines, between March 5, 2020 and April 4, 2020; 2) presented with history of typical symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, loss of smell and/or taste, myalgia, fatigue); 3) had admitting impression of atypical pneumonia; 4) had history and chest imaging findings highly suggestive of COVID19 pneumonia, and, 5) were given hdM as adjuvant therapy, in addition to standard and/or empirical therapy. One patient admitted to another hospital, who one of the authors helped co-manage, was included. He was the lone patient given hdM in that hospital during the treatment period. Main outcomes described were: time to clinical improvement, duration of hospital stay from hdM initiation, need for mechanical ventilation (MV) prior to cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and final outcome (death or recovery/discharge). Of 10 patients given hdM at doses of 36-72mg/day per os (p.o.) in 4 divided doses as adjuvant therapy, 7 were confirmed COVID19 positive (+) by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and 3 tested negative  (-), which was deemed to be false (-) considering the patients’ typical history, symptomatology, chest imaging findings and elevated bio-inflammatory parameters.  In all 10 patients given hdM, clinical stabilization and/or improvement was noted within 4-5 days after initiation of hdM. All hdM patients, including 3 with moderately severe ARDS and 1 with mild ARDS, survived; none required MV. The 7 COVID19(+) patients were discharged at an average of 8.6 days after initiation of hdM. The 3 highly probable COVID19 patients on hdM were discharged at an average of 7.3 days after hdM initiation. Average hospital stay of those not given hdM (non-hdM) COVID19(+) patients who were admitted during the same period and recovered was 13 days. To provide perspective, although the groups are not comparable, 12 of the 34 (35.3%) COVID19(+) non-hdM patients admitted during the same period died, 7/34 (20.6%) required MV; while 6 of 15 (40%) non-hdM (-) by RT-PCR but highly probable COVID19 pneumonia patients also died, 4/15  (26.7%) required MV. No significant side-effects were noted with hdM except for sleepiness, which was deemed favorable by all patients, most of whom had anxiety- and symptom-related sleeping problems previously. HdM may have a beneficial role in patients treated for COVID19 pneumonia, in terms of shorter time to clinical improvement, less need for MV, shorter hospital stay, and possibly lower mortality. HdM was well tolerated. This is the first report describing the benefits of hdM in patients being treated for COVID19 pneumonia.  Being a commonly available and inexpensive sleep-aid supplement worldwide, melatonin may play a role as adjuvant therapy in the global war against COVID19. 

scholarly journals Phenotypical and Functional Characteristics of Human Regulatory T Cells during Ex Vivo Maturation from CD4+ T Lymphocytes

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (13) ◽  
pp. 5776
Author(s):  
Varvara G. Blinova ◽  
Natalia S. Novachly ◽  
Sofya N. Gippius ◽  
Abdullah Hilal ◽  
Yulia A. Gladilina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Regulatory T Cells ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Inflammatory Reactions ◽  
Effector Cells ◽  
Cycle Regulation ◽  
Further Development

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) participate in the negative regulation of inflammatory reactions by suppressing effector cells. In a number of autoimmune disorders, the suppressive function and/or the number of Tregs is compromised. The lack of active functioning Tregs can be restored with adoptive transfer of expanded ex vivo autologous Tregs. In our study, we traced the differentiation and maturation of Tregs CD4+CD25+FoxP3+CD127low over 7 days of cultivation from initial CD4+ T cells under ex vivo conditions. The resulting ex vivo expanded cell population (eTregs) demonstrated the immune profile of Tregs with an increased capacity to suppress the proliferation of target effector cells. The expression of the FoxP3 gene was upregulated within the time of expansion and was associated with gradual demethylation in the promotor region of the T cell-specific demethylation region. Real-time RT-PCR analysis revealed changes in the expression profile of genes involved in cell cycle regulation. In addition to FOXP3, the cells displayed elevated mRNA levels of Ikaros zinc finger transcription factors and the main telomerase catalytic subunit hTERT. Alternative splicing of FoxP3, hTERT and IKZF family members was demonstrated to be involved in eTreg maturation. Our data indicate that expanded ex vivo eTregs develop a Treg-specific phenotype and functional suppressive activity. We suggest that eTregs are not just expanded but transformed cells with enhanced capacities of immune suppression. Our findings may influence further development of cell immunosuppressive therapy based on regulatory T cells.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 genome and antibodies in breastmilk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. fetalneonatal-2020-321074
Author(s):  
Faith Zhu ◽  
Carlos Zozaya ◽  
Qi Zhou ◽  
Charmaine De Castro ◽  
Prakesh S Shah
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Respiratory Support ◽  
Common Finding ◽  
Rt Pcr

ObjectiveTo systematically review and meta-analyse the rate of SARS-CoV-2 genome identification and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in breastmilk of mothers with COVID-19.DesignA systematic review of studies published between January 2019 and October 2020 without study design or language restrictions.SettingData sourced from Ovid Embase Classic+Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, relevant bibliographies and the John Hopkins University COVID-19 database.PatientsMothers with confirmed COVID-19 and breastmilk tested for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR or for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.Main outcome measuresPresence of SARS-CoV-2 genome and antibodies in breastmilk.ResultsWe included 50 articles. Twelve out of 183 women from 48 studies were positive for SARS-CoV-2 genome in their breastmilk (pooled proportion 5% (95% CI 2% to 15%; I2=48%)). Six infants (50%) of these 12 mothers tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, with one requiring respiratory support. Sixty-one out of 89 women from 10 studies had anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody in their breastmilk (pooled proportion 83% (95% CI 32% to 98%; I2=88%)). The predominant antibody detected was IgA.ConclusionsSARS-CoV-2 genome presence in breastmilk is uncommon and is associated with mild symptoms in infants. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies may be a more common finding. Considering the low proportion of SARS-CoV-2 genome detected in breastmilk and its lower virulence, mothers with COVID-19 should be supported to breastfeed.

scholarly journals Role of Innate Inflammation in the Regulation of Tissue Remodeling during Tooth Eruption

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Yusuke Makino ◽  
Kaoru Fujikawa ◽  
Miwako Matsuki-Fukushima ◽  
Satoshi Inoue ◽  
Masanori Nakamura
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Tooth Movement ◽  
Tooth Eruption ◽  
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule ◽  
Enamel Organ ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Maturation Stage ◽  
Oral Epithelium ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Inflammatory Reactions

Tooth eruption is characterized by a coordinated complex cascade of cellular and molecular events that promote tooth movement through the eruptive pathway. During tooth eruption, the stratum intermedium structurally changes to the papillary layer with tooth organ development. We previously reported intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression on the papillary layer, which is the origin of the ICAM-1-positive junctional epithelium. ICAM-1 expression is induced by proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor. Inflammatory reactions induce tissue degradation. Therefore, this study aimed to examine whether inflammatory reactions are involved in tooth eruption. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis revealed sequential expression of hypoxia-induced factor-1α, interleukin-1β, and chemotactic factors, including keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC) and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), during tooth eruption. Consistent with the RT-PCR results, immunohistochemical analysis revealed KC and MIP-2 expression in the papillary layer cells of the enamel organ from the ameloblast maturation stage. Moreover, there was massive macrophage and neutrophil infiltration in the connective tissue between the tooth organ and oral epithelium during tooth eruption. These findings suggest that inflammatory reactions might be involved in the degradation of tissue overlying the tooth organ. Further, these reactions might be induced by hypoxia in the tissue overlying the tooth organ, which results from decreased capillaries in the tissue. Our findings indicate that bacterial infections are not associated with the eruption process. Therefore, tooth eruption might be regulated by innate inflammatory mechanisms.

scholarly journals RT-PCR analysis of Deformed wing virus in honeybees (Apis mellifera) and mites (Varroa destructor)

2005 ◽  
Vol 86 (12) ◽  
pp. 3419-3424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constanze Yue ◽  
Elke Genersch
Keyword(s):  
Varroa Destructor ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Larval Food ◽  
Viral Pathogen ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Viral Sequences

Deformed wing virus (DWV) is a honeybee viral pathogen either persisting as an inapparent infection or resulting in wing deformity. The occurrence of deformity is associated with the transmission of DWV through Varroa destructor during pupal stages. Such infections with DWV add to the pathology of V. destructor and play a major role in colony collapse in the course of varroosis. Using a recently developed RT-PCR protocol for the detection of DWV, individual bees and mites originating from hives differing in Varroa infestation levels and the occurrence of crippled bees were analysed. It was found that 100 % of both crippled and asymptomatic bees were positive for DWV. However, a significant difference in the spatial distribution of DWV between asymptomatic and crippled bees could be demonstrated: when analysing head, thorax and abdomen of crippled bees, all body parts were always strongly positive for viral sequences. In contrast, for asymptomatic bees viral sequences could be detected in RNA extracted from the thorax and/or abdomen but never in RNA extracted from the head. DWV replication was demonstrated in almost all DWV-positive body parts of infected bees. Analysing individual mites for the presence of DWV revealed that the percentage of DWV-positive mites differed between mite populations. In addition, it was demonstrated that DWV was able to replicate in some but not all mites. Interestingly, virus replication in mites was correlated with wing deformity. DWV was also detected in the larval food, implicating that in addition to transmission by V. destructor DWV is also transmitted by feeding.

scholarly journals Reproductive failure in mice lacking inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor (ITI) – ITI target genes in mouse ovary identified by microarray analysis

2004 ◽  
Vol 183 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mika Suzuki ◽  
Hiroshi Kobayashi ◽  
Yoshiko Tanaka ◽  
Naohiro Kanayama ◽  
Toshihiko Terao
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Trypsin Inhibitor ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Reproductive Process ◽  
Female Mice ◽  
Retinoid Metabolism ◽  
Regulatory Effects

Bikunin, a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor, is found in blood and urine. It has been established by two laboratories independently that the bikunin knockout female mice display a severe reduction in fertility: the cumulus oophorus has a defect in forming the extracellular hyaluronan-rich matrix during expansion. Proteins of the inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor (ITI) family are eliminated in mice in which the bikunin gene has been inactivated, since bikunin is essential for their biosynthesis. Proteins of the ITI family may contribute to the microenvironment in which ovulation takes place. It is not clear, however, whether a single mechanism affects the reproductive function including ovulation. For identifying the full repertoire of the ITI deficiency-related genes, a cDNA microarray hybridization screening was conducted using mRNA from ovaries of wild-type or bik−/− female mice. A number of genes were identified and their regulation was confirmed by real-time RT-PCR analysis. Our screen identified that 29 (0.7%) and 5 genes (0.1%) of the genes assayed were, respectively, up- and down-regulated twofold or more. The identified genes can be classified into distinct subsets. These include stress-related, apoptosis-related, proteases, signaling molecules, aging-related, cytokines, hyaluronan metabolism and signaling, reactive oxygen species-related, and retinoid metabolism, which have previously been implicated in enhancing follicle development and/or ovulation. Real-time RT-PCR analysis confirmed that these genes were up- and down-regulated two- to tenfold by bikunin knockout. These studies demonstrate that proteins of the ITI family may exert potent regulatory effects on a major physiological reproductive process, ovulation.

Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of MMP and TIMP MRNA expression in correlation to liver histology in patients with chronic hepatitis C

2000 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. A1469
Author(s):  
Dirk Michels ◽  
Christian I. Haberkorn ◽  
Burkhard Arndt ◽  
Michael P. Manns
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Hepatitis ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Chronic Hepatitis C ◽  
Liver Histology ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Rt Pcr

Gout in the Axial Skeleton

2009 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 609-613 ◽  
Author(s):  
RUKMINI M. KONATALAPALLI ◽  
PAUL J. DEMARCO ◽  
JAMES S. JELINEK ◽  
MARK MURPHEY ◽  
MICHAEL GIBSON ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Facet Joint ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Lumbar Vertebrae ◽  
Axial Skeleton ◽  
Ct Images ◽  
Common Finding ◽  
Appendicular Skeleton ◽  
Pars Interarticularis ◽  
A Prospective Study

Objective.Gout typically affects the peripheral joints of the appendicular skeleton and rarely involves the axial joints. The literature on axial gout is limited to case reports and case series. This preliminary study was conducted to identify the frequency and characteristics of axial gout.Methods.Six hundred thirty medical records with ICD codes 274.0, 274.82, and 274.9 for peripheral gout were reviewed. Ninety-two patients had clinical or crystal-proven gout, of which 64 had prior computed tomography (CT) images of the spine performed for various medical reasons. These CT images were reviewed for features of axial gout, which include vertebral erosions mainly at the discovertebral junction and the facet joints, deposits of tophi, and erosions in the vertebral body, epidural space, ligamentum flavum and pars interarticularis.Results.Nine of the 64 patients had radiographic changes suggestive of axial gout. Lumbar vertebrae were most commonly involved, with facet joint erosions being the most common finding. Isolated involvement of the sacroiliac joints was seen in 2 patients. Axial gout had been diagnosed clinically in only one patient.Conclusion.Radiologic changes of axial gout were more common than recognized clinically, with a frequency of 14%. Since not all patients had CT images, it is possible that the frequency of axial involvement was even greater. A prospective study is needed to further define this process.

Improved Methods for Extracting RNA from Exfoliated Human Colonocytes in Stool and RT-PCR Analysis

2004 ◽  
Vol 49 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 1889-1898 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farid E. Ahmed ◽  
Stephanie I. James ◽  
Donald T. Lysle ◽  
Larry J. Dobbs ◽  
Roberta M. Johnke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Improved Methods

scholarly journals Biological and Molecular Characteristics of a Novel Partitivirus Infecting the Edible Fungus Lentinula edodes

Plant Disease ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 101 (5) ◽  
pp. 726-733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengpei Guo ◽  
Yinbing Bian ◽  
Jinjie Wang ◽  
Gangzheng Wang ◽  
Xiaolong Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lentinula Edodes ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Edible Fungus ◽  
Qpcr Analysis ◽  
Disease Diagnostics ◽  
Wild Strains

A new partitivirus named Lentinula edodes partitivirus 1 (LePV1) was isolated from a diseased L. edodes strain with severe degeneration of the mycelium and imperfect browning in bag cultures. The nucleotide sequences of LePV1 dsRNA-1 and dsRNA-2 were determined; they were 2,382 bp and 2,245 bp in length, and each contained a single ORF encoding RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and coat protein (CP), respectively. The purified virus preparation contained isometric particles 34 nm in diameter encapsidating these dsRNAs. Phylogenetic analyses showed LePV1 to be a new member of Betapartitivirus, with the RdRp sequence most closely related to Grapevine partitivirus. RT-PCR analysis showed that 27 of the 56 Chinese L. edodes core collection strains carry LePV1, with the virus being more common in wild strains than cultivated strains. In addition, qPCR analysis suggested that coinfection with L. edodes mycovirus HKB (LeV-HKB) could increase replication of the RdRp gene of LePV1. This study may be essential for the development of more accurate disease diagnostics and the formulation of control strategies for viral diseases in L. edodes.

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