Autopsy Examination Research Articles

Prevalence of Multiple Causes of Death Within Young and Middle-Aged People Experiencing Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Multiple causes of death are increasingly reported, particularly in older populations. Rates of multiple causes of young sudden death have not been quantified. The End Unexplained Cardiac Death (EndUCD) registry was utilised to identify cases of young sudden death (aged 1-50 years) referred for forensic assessment from April 2019 to April 2022. Causes of death were coded according to whether one or more underlying causes of death were identified. Patients were compared according to the number of causes of death, with significant predictors assessed using logistic regression analysis. 1,085 cases of sudden death were identified. 263 (24.2%) cases had more than one competing cause of their sudden death. The most common multi-causal associations identified were dual non-cardiac causes of the sudden death (n=68), cardiomyopathy with non-cardiac event (n=64) and coronary artery disease with non-cardiac cause (n=63). Multi-causal death was more common in those undergoing comprehensive autopsy examination (95.8% vs 77.6%, p<0.0001), and in the setting of higher body mass index (median 31.3 kg/m2 vs 29.9 kg/m2, p=0.01), older age (44.3 years vs 41.4 years, p<0.0001), non-ventricular cardiac arrest rhythm (93.2% vs 87.3%, p=0.009), and smoking (22.8% vs 14.2%, p=0.001). The strongest predictor of multiple pathologies was comprehensive autopsy examination compared with external inspection, full-body post-mortem computed tomography and review of ancillary documentation and investigations (odds ratio 6.49, 95% confidence interval 3.47-12.14). One-quarter of young sudden deaths have more than one underlying cause, highlighting the value of comprehensive investigations including autopsy. Awareness of the complexity of young sudden death is important, along with multidisciplinary involvement to ensure all contributors to death are identified.

Study of acute toxicity of a new drug “AOS” for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Background. Osteoporosis is one of the most common diseases, which, along with myocardial infarction, stroke, cancer, and sudden death, occupies a leading place in the structure of morbidity and mortality of the population. Postmenopausal women are most vulnerable and are approximately 4 times more likely to be affected than men (80 % of all patients), and osteoporosis-related fractures are responsible for a significant increase in morbidity, disability, and mortality, especially in the elderly.Objective. To study the acute toxicity of the new drug “Antiosteoporosis drug” (patent No. 02-04-16643/15-0 dated February 26, 2015) with a single intragastric administration to mature outbred rats of both sexes.Design and methods. The study was conducted on outbred rats of both sexes according to protocol OECD 420, GOST 32296-2013. The development of a toxic effect was concluded based on behavioral tests, clinical examinations, changes in body weight, the results of pathomorphological examination of organ tissue and biochemical parameters of blood and urine.Results. According to the results of the study, the tested drug was classified according to the active substance into category 5 according to the GHS classification (2000&lt;LD50 (i/g)&lt;5000 mg/kg). An assessment of the dynamics of body weight in experimental animals showed that a single intragastric administration of the test drug had no effect on this indicator. The study of individual behavior as part of the main study on the 14th day after a single intragastric administration of the test drug showed that a single intragastric administration of the test drug at a dose of 2000 mg/kg did not have a delayed effect on the general condition and indicative research activity of experimental animals. Autopsy and pathological examination of animals on the 15th day after a single intragastric administration of the test drug did not reveal the presence of any residual effects associated with the administration of the test drug. The tested drug did not have a local irritant effect on the injection site — the gastrointestinal tract. In all tests, the degree of change in indicators caused by the test drug was the same: there were no statistically significant differences in the recorded parameters between the test drug and the control group.

A case of complex asphyxia sheds light on problems in the classification of asphyxias

Death from positional asphyxia is often an accidental event occurring when the victim’s body assumes a position which can compromise an effective respiration. Its diagnosis is usually not simple, because it needs to know the exact circumstance in which the body was found and the original positioning of all the body segments. In this case, a 41-year-old man with a history of opioid drugs abuse was found dead in a knee-chest position; the head was down on the floor with the face resting on a plastic bag. Pictures of the scene of death was taken while the body was still in its original position. At first, the main suspicion was that of a fatal overdose. Following the autopsy examination, completed by histological and toxicological examinations, the cause of death was determined as postural asphyxia secondary to intoxication by methadone, in the presence of ischemic heart disease. Some features, moreover, were typical of the death in head down position, and the prolonged knee-chest position was also associated with the obstruction of mouth and nose by the plastic bag, which may have contributed to the asphyxiation. These cases of “combined” asphyxia represent a challenge for the current classifications of asphyxia, which are very variable and not standardized, as we observe from a brief review of the literature. The elaboration of new systems of classification for asphyxias, which must be clear, simple and shareable, is necessary to avoid confusion in categorizing cases that present overlapping between several types of asphyxiation modalities.

Drug-facilitated sexual assault followed by femicidal chloroform poisoning and suffocation: A case-report of criminal responsibility

IntroductionCriminal responsibility evaluation represents one of the most controversial and debated issues in forensic psychiatry. Although clear procedures have been recommended, little research exists on decision-making process by forensic psychiatrists. We present a case assessing the criminal responsibility of a murderer who committed femicide as a result of chloroform poisoning and suffocation after a drug-facilitated sexual assault. Materials and methodsA.S., a 30-year-old female, was found dead in the home of S.P., a 50-year-old male. S.P. recounted killing A.S. by forced inhalation of chloroform, when the woman had experienced sensory clouding following unintentional ingestion of Zolpidem, a hypnotic agent. A multidisciplinary approach was taken to resolve the case. Autopsy, histological, genetic, and toxicological examinations were performed by a forensic pathologist, while a digital forensic examiner analysed electronic devices. A pool of three forensic psychiatrists and two psychologists was asked to assess the mental state of S.P. at the time of the crime. Results and conclusionsThe cause of death of A.S. was identified as a lethal chloroform intoxication in altered consciousness caused by Zolpidem, while homicidal suffocation was also described. Mobile forensics demonstrated that S.P. had videotaped the crime scene, clearly revealing that A.S. had been sexually assaulted by S.P. before dying. Criminal responsibility of S.P. was evaluated through various psychological tests and seven interviews with the accused, each lasting an average of 180 min. Specialists concluded that S.P. could not be exempted from being responsible for the homicide.

PATH-67. SHH/GLI3 SIGNALOPATHIES AND NEURO-ONCO-GENETIC COUNSELING : A TUNISIAN PEDIGREE

Abstract Here, we present a 3-generation pedigree of a Tunisian non-consanguineous family with six offspring affected by heterogeneous forms of the GLI3-related PHS spectrum. Our aim was to assess the neuro-onco-genetic risks and provide counseling for appropriate clinical follow-up. A non-consanguineous couple was referred to our genetic counseling due to the termination of their first pregnancy, which was diagnosed with multiple congenital anomalies. An autopsy examination, including pathological and radiographic analysis, was conducted. Furthermore, a medical genetic assessment considering a family history spanning over three generations as well as cytogenetic analysis were carried out. The index case was diagnosed with GLI3-related PHS based on facial dysmorphic features, auricular malformations, and unilateral postaxial toe syndactyly, along with brain macro-calcifications. The index case's father and his brother exhibited facial dysmorphic features. Furthermore, two cousins from one of their paternal uncles presented another form, associated respectively with unilateral renal agenesis and unilateral hand agenesis. The remaining three cases, who belong to the first generation, and passed away during infancy, exhibited the same condition, associated to congenital heart defect in one of them. The heterogeneity of GLI3-related overlapping conditions (SHH/GLI3 signalopathies) result from the location of GLI3 mutations in different domains of the gene, as well as the resulting functional balance between activating and repressive forms of GLI3 during development. The report of a late diagnosis of GLI3-related PHS following the discovery of hypothalamic hamartomas as well as the description of a new nonsense germline mutation in a child with Greig syndrome and medulloblastoma, support that neuro-oncological investigation of GLI3 families could be beneficial.

Postmortem Alteration of Purine Metabolism in Coronary Artery Disease.

A new approach for assisting in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) as a cause of death is essential in cases where complete autopsy examinations are not feasible. The purine pathway has been associated with CAD patients, but the understanding of this pathway in postmortem changes needs to be explored. This study investigated the levels of blood purine metabolites in CAD after death. Heart blood samples (n = 60) were collected and divided into CAD (n = 23) and control groups (n = 37). Purine metabolites were measured via proton nuclear magnetic resonance. Guanosine triphosphate (GTP), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), and xanthine levels significantly decreased (p < 0.05); conversely, adenine and deoxyribose 5-phosphate levels significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the CAD group compared to the control group. Decreasing xanthine levels may serve as a marker for predicting the cause of death in CAD (AUC = 0.7). Our findings suggest that the purine pathway was interrupted by physiological processes after death, causing the metabolism of the deceased to differ from that of the living. Additionally, xanthine levels should be studied further to better understand their relationship with CAD and used as a biomarker for CAD diagnosis under decomposition and skeletonization settings.

Study of the safety and immunogenicity of VLP-based vaccine for the prevention of rotavirus infection in neonatal minipig model

In Russia, almost half of the cases of acute intestinal infections of established etiology in 2022 are due to rotavirus infection (RVI). There is no specific treatment for rotavirus gastroenteritis. There is a need to develop modern, effective and safe vaccines to combat rotavirus infection that are not capable of multiplying (replicating) in the body of the vaccinated person. A promising approach is to create vaccines based on virus-like particles (VLPs). Study of the safety and immunogenicity of a vaccine against rotavirus infection based on virus-like particles of human rotavirus A in newborn minipigs with multiple intramuscular administration. Newborn minipigs were used as an animal model in this study. The safety of the tested vaccine was assessed based on thermometry data, clinical examination, body weight gain, clinical and biochemical blood parameters, as well as necropsy and histological examination. When studying the immunogenic properties of the Gam-VLP-rota vaccine in doses of 30 and 120 µg, the cellular, humoral and secretory immune response was studied. The results of assessing the general condition of animals during the immunization period, data from clinical, laboratory and pathomorphological studies indicate the safety of the vaccine against human rotavirus infection based on VLP (Gam-VLP-rota) when administered three times intramuscularly. Good local tolerance of the tested vaccine was demonstrated. The results of the assessment of humoral immunity indicate the formation of a stable immune response after three-time immunization with Gam-VLP-rota, stimulation of the production of antigen-specific IgG antibodies and their functional activity to neutralize human rotavirus A. It was shown that following the triple immunization with the minimum tested concentration of 30 µg/dose, animals developed a cell-mediated immune response. The results of the IgA titer in blood serum and intestinal lavages indicate the formation of both a systemic immunological response and the formation of specific secretory immunity to human rotavirus A. Thus, three-time intramuscular immunization of minipigs with the Gam-VLP-rota vaccine forms stable protective humoral and cellular immunity in experimental animals. Evaluated vaccine is safe and has good local tolerability.

The Role of Pathological Examination of the Liver in Medicolegal Autopsy: A Tertiary Care Center Study From North India.

The pathological examination of a medicolegal autopsy is a great learning opportunity for a pathologist as well as for a forensic expert, where the cause of death remains unknown. Liver disease epidemiology differs from one geographic area to another. This was a prospective observational study with 100 medicolegal autopsy cases over a one-year periodconducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (FMT) and Pathology. Representative tissue from the liver was collected in 10% neutral buffered formalin and sent for histopathological examination. The mean age of the cases was41.98 ± 15.39 years, and ages ranged from 20to 90years with male preponderance. The most common histopathology and gross findings noted were mild to moderate chronic hepatitis (CH) (54%) and fatty change (36%), respectively. There was a significant association (p ≤ 0.05) between histopathology and gross findings, cause, and manner of death. Gross and histopathological examination of the liver in a medicolegal autopsy has a significant role in ascertaining the cause and manner of death.

The importance of fetal autopsy: An institutional review and development of best practices for reporting size and estimating gestational age at demise.

Fetal and neonatal autopsy offers critical insight into disease processes and clinical decision-making in reproductive medicine. Elucidating the cause of death and gaining a deeper understanding of the entities leading to fetal demise aids in anticipatory guidance for physicians and patients. Accurate assessment of growth and dating of fetuses is an important aspect of classifying pathology in the fetal and neonatal population. This study aims to optimize the autopsy approach to sizing and dating discrepancies, in addition to exploring the current trends in causes of stillbirth, with respect to placental, fetal/neonatal, and maternal factors, and rates of cases that remain undetermined after autopsy. A single-institution retrospective review of autopsy reports from mid-2008 through 2021 revealed 243 complete perinatal autopsy examinations. Placental cause of demise was identified in 46% of cases. Cause of demise was undetermined in 22% of cases. Evaluation of a subset of cases exposed minimal to no reporting of size and/or dating discrepancies in almost half of cases with undetermined cause of death. "Best practice" suggestions for sizing and dating fetuses/neonates in the postmortem period have been developed to aid in delivering clear, consistent reports. Because fetal and neonatal autopsy is an invaluable tool for understanding the factors that contribute to stillbirth, it is important to use appropriate sizing and dating methods and consistent language to deliver proper patient education and clinical guidance.

Causes of sudden neonatal mortality disclosed by autopsy and histopathological examination.

The neonatal period, or the first 28 days of life, is the most vulnerable time in a child's life. Neonatal mortality has decreased in recent years. However, this progress varies at the national level, which necessitates actual regional data from different countries to identify local handicaps for life-saving precautions. This study aimed to investigate the causes for neonatal deaths as revealed by autopsy and histopathological examinations. A retrospective cross-sectional study was designed to identify the main causes of neonatal deaths in children who were autopsied at our institution between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2021. Children who died within the first 28 days after birth (1-28 days of age) were referred to as neonatal cases. The main causes of neonatal death in children were determined via autopsy and histopathological and toxicological examinations. Furthermore, the causes of death were classified according to their manner of death. During this period, 122 neonatal children were autopsied at our institution. This group comprised 57 girls and 65 boys. For the manner of the death, natural causes were the most common cause (n = 91, 74.5%). Among natural causes, pneumonia (n = 66) was the leading one, representing 54% of all neonatal deaths, followed by perinatal conditions (n = 16, 13.1%). One of the pioneering reasons for death was sudden, unexpected postnatal collapse (n = 24, 19.6%), which was categorized under the undetermined group considering the manner of death. Unintentional (accidental) deaths accounted for 0.8% (n = 1) of total deaths, and intentional deaths were responsible for 6 neonates (4.9%) losses. This study shows that newborn children still die from simple and treatable infectious causes, probably arising from various familial and/or public inadequacies. In addition, sudden and unexpected postnatal collapse remains an important cause of neonatal mortality that has yet to be fully resolved. This study points out valuable inferences for caregivers and competent authorities to take preventive measures to prevent avoidable neonatal deaths.

A Case Series of Butane Intoxication Fatalities in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye

Aim: Volatile solvent abuse (VSA), is the third most common form of substance abuse after alcohol and cigarettes. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of fatalities due to butane gas. &#x0D; Material and Methods: From 8,075 autopsies conducted in our center in Şanlıurfa, Türkiye in a 10-year period, 10 deaths were determined to be due to butane gas intoxication. &#x0D; Results: All the fatalities were males (mean age: 17.6 years). Friends reported chronic use of lighter gas by the fatalities prior to the incident. In contrast, close relatives stated that it was the first instance of VSA. The preferred inhalation methods were bagging (i.e., inhaling gas from a plastic bag, n=4) and direct inhalation (i.e., spraying the gas directly in the mouth, n=6). The scene of incident findings revealed more than one lighter gas cartridge at the scene in nine cases and many lighters at the scene in one case. The autopsy examinations revealed minimal grazing on the body in three cases and no traumatic findings in seven cases. Butane was detected in blood samples in all 10 cases and in lung tissue samples in eight cases. In all 10 cases, there were areas of intra-alveolar swelling, edema, and bleeding in the lungs. &#x0D; Conclusion: The actual incidence of VSA-related deaths is likely much higher than the number of reported cases, as our center is located near the Syrian border and has one of the highest populations of children and young people in Türkiye.

Effect of transurethral resection of prostate on Uroflowmetry parameters on patients having benign prostatic hyperplasia

Objective: To determine improvement in uroflowmetry after Transurethral resection ofprostateStudy design: A prospective observational Study Place and Duration of the Study: January 2014 to June 2016 Department at urology POF HospitalWah Cantt, Pakistan INTRODUCTION:Lower urinary tract problems affect 15%–60% of men over 40. Complex symptoms include frequency, urgency, nocturia, problems commencing urination, insufficient bladder emptying, low steam force, and steam stoppage. BPH frequently causes male LUTS. Benign prostatic enlargement Chronic BOO may induce urine retention, renal insufficiency, recurrent UTIs, extensive hematuria, and bladder calculi. It involves prostate histopathological cellular element proliferation. BPH and LUTS rise considerably with age. BPH affects 70% of US men aged 60–69 and 80% over 70. Autopsy examinations indicated 8%, 50%, and 80% histological frequency in the 4". and 9*decades. LUTS risk factors and larger prostates cause benign prostatic enlargement. Formerly, TURP was the best BPH procedure. Higher disease pathophysiology knowledge and digital rectal examination, transabdominal, and transrectal ultrasounds are the second most prevalent interventions in adult male patients worldwide. Urodynamic and serum PSA tests may misdiagnose the condition and require surgery. Uroflowmetry records voiding time from urinal pee. It would assess average flow and obstruction severity. For boys 14–45, the average flow rate is 21 mL/s, 46–65 mL/s, and 66–80 mL/s. Uroflowmetry in post-TURP benign hypertrophic hyperplasia patients will be examined after transurethral prostate removal. keywords: transurethral resection , prostate Uroflowmetry parameters, prostatic hyperplasia

The food safety assessment of all-female common carp (Cyprinus carpio) (cyp17a1+/−;XX genotype) generated using genome editing technology

There are several technical challenges and public issues concerning genome editing applications before they become viable in commercial aquaculture. Recently, we developed a novel strategy to generate all-female (AF) common carp, which exhibited a growth advantage over the control carp, using genetic editing through single gene-targeting manipulation. Here, we found that the body weight of the AF common carp was higher by 22.58% than that of the control common carp. Because the genotype of the AF common carp was cyp17a1+/−;XX, the contents of sex steroids were normally synthesized, as they were comparable to that of the control female carp. To evaluate the food safety of the AF carp, Wistar rats were fed a diet containing control female carp (control, C) or all-female (AF) carp at an incorporation rate of 5, 10 and 20% (w/w) for 90 days. Compared with those fed control carp, the rats fed AF common carp exhibited no significant difference in body weight, food intake, feed conversion ratio, hematology, serum biochemistry, urine test, relative organ weight, gross necropsy, and histopathological examination. This is the first food safety assessment of the farmed fish strain cultured using CRISPR/Cas9, which will further advance the fishery development of genome-edited animals.

Forensic Panorama of Complex Suicide Case Study from India

Complex suicides involve two separate method of self inflicted harm to take ones own life. Toxicological analysis of these medico-legal cases are encountered by the forensic analyst for chemical examination to ascertain cause of death. Statistical data for complex suicides is at present largely unrecorded though National Crime Records Bureau records suggest 53.6% by hanging followed by 25.8% deaths by poisoning in India. Compared to death by hanging, fatal cases due to pesticide intake with hanging are barely seen. Here in, we are reporting a rare case where the deceased had used this complex combination of suicide to terminate his life. A complete forensic investigation, including the scene of crime and autopsy examination, was observed wherein 44-year-old man had hung himself at his residence. Chemical examination to ascertain presence of any poison in visceral tissues to rule out intoxication was conducted. The chemical tests, Thin Layer Chromatography analysis, ATRFTIR and GC-MS instrumental analysis established the presence of pesticides (Organophosphorus and Pyrethroid) in his visceral organs. The cause of death as stated by the medical expert was anti-mortem hanging, but after detection of massive amount of pesticides in visceral tissues and post mortem blood, suggests ingestion of pesticides as well as asphyxia that led to the death of the deceased. Thus, the method of death was more toward planned complex definite suicide which is alarming and needs severe attention from various sections of society.

Impact of apoptotic biomarkers for prognosis of dengue disease severity among eastern Indian patients.

Dengue virus (DENV) induced severe manifestations is a precursor for fatality among infected patients. Previous autopsy examinations of severe dengue (SD) patients reported presence of apoptotic cells in liver, brain, intestinal and lung tissues. Thus, serum-level of major apoptotic proteins of dengue patients was evaluated in the current study, along with their biochemical parameters. Patients were categorized according to World Health Organization (WHO)-defined classification. DENV-infection was screened among 165 symptomatic patients by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, antidengue IgM, and IgG ELISA. Serum levels of apoptotic (Capase-3,7,8, Bcl-2 and FasL) and hepatic-markers, lipid profile, hematological parameters of 78 dengue-positive patients were determined by sandwich-ELISA/immunoturbidimetry/auto-analyzer. Significantly higher levels of caspase-3,7,8 and FasL was detected among SD patients compared to those without warning (WOW) signs. Amongst biochemical parameters, bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase serum concentrations significantly increased among severe patients. Principal component analysis followed by hierarchical clustering differentiated severe and with warning dengue patient groups from those WOW using caspase-3,7,8 and FasL biomarkers-thus clearly distinguishing severe-dengue group. Correlation analyses also established strong positive correlation between caspase-3,7,8 and FasL. Thus, serum level of caspase-3,7,8 and FasL during early stage of infection could be used as biomarkers for WHO-defined dengue disease severity.

A case report on chronic renal disease in a captive wild Leopard Panthera pardus (Mammalia: Carnivora)

A 22-year-old female Common Leopard Panthera pardus at Dhauladhar Nature Park, Gopalpur Zoo was reported to show abnormal behavior in its feeding cubicle during the evening hours and was later found dead. The carcass was presented for necropsy examination at the Department of Pathology, DGCN COVAS, Palampur. Necropsy examination showed enlarged kidneys with completely adhered renal capsule. Lungs and intestine exhibited oedema and hemorrhages, respectively. The histopathological examination found severe necrotic changes with degenerations and fibrosis. Inter-tubular and glomerular collagenous fibrous tissue was confirmed by Masson’s trichrome staining. The animal is speculated to have died primarily due to chronic renal failure with associated pathologies in lungs and intestine.

Postmortem radiology studies in global and national healthcare: literature analysis and perspectives of Russian specialists

Despite the significant importance of autopsies for determining the cause of death and the evaluating the effectiveness of treatments, there is a progressive decrease in their number across all countries. At the same time, there is an active introduction of postmortem radiological studies to analyze the bodies of deceased patients.&#x0D; The article presents literature analysis summarizing the results of surveys from foreign specialists, as well as the opinions of Russian specialists, regarding the possibilities and features of postmortem radiological studies, mainly focusing on deceased newborns and infants. It is noted that postmortem radiological studies are carried out as part of both pathoanatomical autopsy and forensic medical examination. Postmortem computed tomography in cases of violent death and postmortem magnetic resonance imaging in cases of death from diseases were performed more often. General clinical equipment located in clinical radiology departments was more frequently used than those located in the mortuary, pathology department, or forensic facility. The analysis of the results of postmortem radiological examinations was predominantly carried out by radiologists, with a joint analysis involving a radiologist and a pathologist being less common. It is emphasized that in the Russian Federation, postmortem radiological studies are mostly of a single nature. According to Russian researchers, in the current era of advancing personalized medicine, radiation techniques, and information technologies, there arises a need to use postmortem radiological studies to objectify and improve the accuracy of traditional autopsies. Postmortem radiological studies, which are objective operator-independent methods of examining the bodies of dead people, should be considered as a highly effective stage of pathology and, especially, forensic autopsy.

Novel pathologic findings and viral antigen distribution in cattle and buffalo calves naturally infected with Foot-and-Mouth disease virus

The Foot-and-Mouth disease is highly contagious acute viral disease of livestock inflicting huge economic loss to the farmers. The limited knowledge regarding the pathological lesions vis-a-vis distribution of the FMDV in lesser explored endocrine glands and important vital organs other than the target organs of infected calves prompted us to take the present investigation to have detailed insight into the pathogenesis. The systematic necropsy of 37 dead calves (cattle-28 and buffalo-9) was conducted, and thin representative tissue pieces from the affected organs were collected in 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) for pathological and immunohistochemical investigations. The genomic detection and its serotyping were done by RT-PCR and multiplex-PCR, respectively. Necropsy examination in all cases showed myocardial lesions resembling ‘tigroid heart appearance’. Other organ specific lesions include vesiculo-ulcerative stomatitis, edema of the lungs, petechial hemorrhages, edema of the endocrines, and gastroenteritis. Histopathological examination showed varying sizes of vesicles and ulcerations in stratified squamous epithelium of the tongue, acute necrotizing myocarditis, lymphoid depletion in lymphoid tissues, hepatitis, pancreatitis, thymic hyperplasia, thyroiditis, adrenitis, and enteritis. Positive immunolabeling for viral antigens was observed in endocrine glands, lymphoid organs, lungs, liver, kidneys, and intestine, in addition to other typical locations. The thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas, in addition to the tongue and heart, are the tissue of choice for sampling in the field during epidemics. Further, the viral genome and serotype A was confirmed in the affected tissues. This study provides insights into novel tissue tropism and pathogenesis in young calves naturally infected with FMDV.

Morphological, molecular, and pathological studies on Prosthogonimus cuneatus in Indian peacocks (Pavo cristatus)

ABSTRACT This report provides the first record of Prosthogonimus cuneatus infection in Indian peafowl. Chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, and other pet birds are recognized as direct hosts of Prosthogonimus species; however, P. cuneatus has not been reported to infect peafowl globally. Here, we identify the trematode present in the bursa of the peafowl by both morphological and molecular methods, in addition to the changes in the bursal tissue induced by the parasite, using histopathology. After a necropsy examination, the trematodes were found in the bursa of Fabricius in three peafowl. Morphological and molecular approaches based on taxonomic characteristics and the sequencing of the trematode-specific internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene, respectively, were employed for trematode identification. The consensus sequences were compared to P. cuneatus reference sequences from GenBank. In order to assess the pathology caused by the parasite, a histological study of the bursa was also performed. Trematodes were confirmed as P. cuneatus based on morphology and DNA sequencing. Further, histopathological evaluation revealed mild lymphoid depletion of the bursal follicles in both the cortex and medulla with associated thinning of the bursal follicular lining epithelium. Indian peafowl can act as a natural host of P. cuneatus. This study provides a detailed pathological and molecular analysis of P. cuneatus affecting Indian peafowl.

Fungal infections in patients with progressing COVID-19: pathomorphology and description of clinical cases

Invasive pulmonary mycoses are a common complication of severe COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019) and are characterized by rapid spread and high mortality. It is especially important to study the epidemiology and pathomorphology of fungal superinfection in order to understand the main vector of the diagnosis and treatment of this complication. The aim of this paper is to consider aspects of the epidemiology, pathomorphologic picture, and clinical manifestations of invasive pulmonary mycoses associated with COVID-19. Clinical cases of fungal superinfections (candidiasis, aspergillosis) associated with COVID-19 in patients receiving appropriate therapy were presented. Results of autopsy examination and light microscopy with routine staining were analyzed. Macroscopic assessment of lesions and histological examination revealed morphological multiorgan changes typical of the combination of fungal (candidiasis, aspergillosis) and viral infection (COVID-19). Conclusion. The presented data of post-mortem examination are important for both science and clinical practice as they form the basis for finding new ways of treating patients with comorbid pathology and developing a prognostic algorithm.