Postinfection Period Research Articles

Susceptibility and Target Organ of Lymphocystis Disease Virus Infection in Giant Gourami (Osphronemus goramy), Hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.), Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens), and Hybrid Catfish (Clarias sp.)

Highlight Research 1. Lymphocystis disease is reported to infect seawater and freshwater fishes 2. The four important freshwater fish species in Indonesia are evaluated on their susceptibility to Lymphocystis Disease Virus 3. Lymphocystis infection causes behavioural changes and mortality with different onset times after infection on the four fish species 4. LCDV load is varied in quantity among different organs. Abstract Lymphocystis disease has a broad host range and has been reported to enter Indonesia. However, information regarding its susceptibility and predilection organs in fish is lacking. This study examined the susceptibility of four important fish species in Indonesia, namely, giant gourami (Osphronemus goramy), hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis sp.), Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), and hybrid catfish (Clarias sp.). The fish were infected with virus filtrate by intraperitoneal injection and immersion. The postinfection observation period was 60 days. Viral load was quantified by qPCR and expressed as major capsid protein (MCP) copy number/mg tissue. Mortality was observed in all fish species, with the highest recorded in hybrid catfish and the lowest in Siamese fighting fish. All the fish species showed changes in their clinical symptoms, such as anorexia and separation from schools. However, only giant gourami showed internal change seven days after injection (dpi), with white lesion detected in the liver. Viral load quantification showed that LCDV had different predilection organs in the four fish species. The highest viral load of giant gourami (1.7 x 104) was observed in the liver at 7 dpi, hybrid tilapia (7.5 x 103) was observed in the fins at 21 dpi, Siamese fighting fish (8.4 x 103) was observed in the fins at 14 dpi, and hybrid catfish (1.2 x 103) were observed in the fins and gills at 7 and 14 dpi. The findings indicated that giant gourami, hybrid tilapia, Siamese fighting fish, and hybrid catfish were susceptible to LCDV infection with different predilection organs.

Antiviral effects of umbelliferone against viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) poses a significant threat to global aquaculture, prompting ongoing efforts to identify potential drug candidates for disease prevention. Coumarin derivatives have recently emerged as a promising class of compounds effective against rhabdoviruses, which severely impact the aquaculture industry. In this study, we assessed the anti-VHSV activity of umbelliferone (7-hydroxycoumarin) in fathead minnow (FHM) cells and olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Umbelliferone exhibited an EC50 of 100 μg/mL by reducing cytopathic effect, with a maximum cytotoxicity of 30.9 % at 750 μg/mL. Mechanistic analyses via a time-course plaque reduction assay revealed that direct incubation with the virus for 1 h resulted in 97.0 ± 1.8 % plaque reduction, showing excellent direct virucidal activity. Pretreatment for 4 h resulted in a 33.5 ± 7.8 % plaque reduction, which increased with longer incubation times. Cotreatment led to a 33.5 ± 2.9 % plaque reduction, suggesting interference with viral binding, whereas postinfection treatment proved less effective. Umbelliferone was prophylactically administered to the olive flounder through short-term (3 days) and long-term (14 days) medicated feeding, followed by a 4-day postinfection period. Short-term administration at 100 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day resulted in the highest relative percent survival (RPS) of 56 %, whereas long-term administration achieved a maximum RPS of 44 % at 30 mg/kg bw/day. Umbelliferone administration delayed mortality at these doses. Additionally, umbelliferone significantly inhibited the expression of the VHSV N gene during viral challenge, with no observed toxic effects in fish up to an administration dose of 30 mg/kg bw/day for 28 days. Our findings suggest that the protective mechanism of short-term administration of 100 mg umbelliferone against VHSV infection may involve the overexpression of TLR2, MDA5, STAT1, and NF-κB at 24 h postinfection (hpi). IL-8 and IFN II expression was upregulated, whereas TNF-α, IL-1β, and IFN I expression was suppressed at 24 hpi. The upregulation of ISG15 at 48 hpi may contribute to the inhibition of VHSV replication, whereas the downregulation of Caspase 3 expression at 96 hpi suggests a possible inhibition of virus-induced apoptosis at later infection stages. Overall, umbelliferone exhibited anti-VHSV activity through multiple mechanisms, with the added advantage of convenient administration via medicated feed.

Short-term and long-term stroke risk following SARS-CoV-2 infection in relation to disease severity: a Danish national cohort study

ObjectivesStudies have reported high incidences of stroke in patients hospitalised with SARS-CoV-2, but the impact of disease severity is unexplored. We aimed to estimate the risk of incident ischaemic stroke...

Effects of dietary supplement use during COVID-19 treatment on post-COVID academic motivation: a sample of college students.

Although few studies have emphasized the preventive and therapeutic efficacy of dietary supplements in COVID-19, their efficacy in the postinfection period has not been focused. The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of therapeutic use of dietary supplements during COVID-19 treatment on post-COVID academic motivation in college students METHODOLOGY: The study was conducted with 1584 college students studying at Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University. Three-day food consumption was recorded and anthropometric measurements (height and body weight) were taken to assess nutritional status. The Academic Motivation Scale (AMS), a 28-item 7-point Likert scale consisting of three subdimensions (amotivation, intrinsic motivation, and extrinsic motivation), was used to assess the motivational status of participants. The rate of participants who survived COVID-19 was 35.9% (n = 568). There was no significant difference in AMS subscores between participants who routinely used dietary supplements and those who did not. Participants who used dietary supplements preventively had higher intrinsic motivation scores than those who did not. Lastly, all AMS subscores of COVID-19 survivors who used dietary supplements therapeutically during treatment were found to be more favorable than those who did not. However, there was no significant difference in AMS subscores between the types of dietary supplements most frequently used therapeutically. The finding of higher post-COVID academic motivation in COVID-19 survivors who used dietary supplements as an adjunct to treatment will make an important contribution to the literature. However, longitudinal intervention studies examining the effectiveness of specific dietary supplements in COVID-19 will undoubtedly provide more valuable results.

Phytochemical and Proximate Analysis of Sweet Potato (Ipomea batatas) Leaves Aqueous Extract and Its Prophylatic Effects on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infected Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

The phytochemical and proximate analysis of sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) leaves were carried out to ascertain its bio-active compounds and proximate composition, and their importance in aquaculture. Subsequently, four different feeds were produced from a thirty-five (35) percent crude protein feed using I. batatas aqueous leaves extracts as follows: Do (Oml/kg); D1 (50ml/kg); D2 (100ml/kg) and D3 (150ml/kg). One hundred and fifty (150) sub-adult Clarias gariepinus were distributed to five groups in triplicate and designated as: D+ve (positive control); D-ve (negative control); D1; D2 and D3. While D+ve and D-ve were fed Do, D1 – D3 were fed 50ml/kg – 150ml/kg respectively. After eight weeks of feeding ten (10) fish from D-ve, D1 – D3 were infected intraperitoneal, with 1.5ml of 15 x 1010cfu/ml over night grown Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the fish in D+ve was not infected. After one week post infection period, the prophylactic effects of the I. batatas leaves extract were evaluated on the experimental fish following assessments on survival rate, disease resistance, condition factor and physicochemical parameters of the experimental waters. The results indicates as follows: proximate composition of I. batatas leaves contains fat, crude protein, crude fibre, ash and carbohydrate at different percentages, but they were higher in content in the dried leaves, but reverse was the case for moisture content. Phytochemical content of I. batatas leaves contains high percentage of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids and Saponins with noticeable quantities of tannins, anthraquinones and coumarins; the survival rate and disease resistance indicates that D-ve recorded 46.66+11.54% and 0+0.00% respectively, while D+ve and D1 – D3 had 100+0.00% in both parameters; there were no significant difference in the dissolve oxygen, temperature and pH D+ve, D-ve and D1 – D3 but the value in D-v were lower compared to the rest. The values for conductivity and total dissolve solids (TDS) were significantly higher in D1-D3 compared to D+ve and D-ve, but the value of TDS was significantly lower in D+ve.

Explaining Long COVID: A Pioneer Cross-Sectional Study Supporting the Endocrine Hypothesis.

In some patients, symptoms may persist after COVID-19, defined as long COVID. Its pathogenesis is still debated and many hypotheses have been raised. Our primary objective was to evaluate the corticotroph and somatotroph functions of patients previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 and experiencing post-COVID-19 syndrome to detect any deficiencies that may explain long COVID. A cross-sectional study was conducted including patients who had previously contracted SARS-CoV-2 with a postinfection period of 3 months or less to 15 months, divided into 2 groups. The first group (G1) comprised fully recovered patients, while the second group (G2) included patients experiencing long COVID. The primary outcome was the comparison of corticotroph and somatotroph functions. A total of 64 patients were divided into 2 groups, each consisting of 32 patients. G2 exhibited more frequently anterior pituitary deficits compared to G1 (P = .045): for the corticotroph axis (G1: 6.3% vs G2: 28.1%) and for the somatotroph axis (G1: 31.3% vs G2: 59.4%). Baseline cortisol level was significantly lower in G2 (G1: 13.37 µg/dL vs G2: 11.59 µg/dL) (P = .045). The peak cortisol level was also lower in G2 (G1: 23.60 µg/dL vs G2: 19.14 µg/dL) (P = .01). For the somatotroph axis, the insulin growth factor-1 level was lower in G2 (G1: 146.03 ng/mL vs G2: 132.25 ng/mL) (P = .369). The peak growth hormone level was also lower in G2 (G1: 4.82 ng/mL vs G2: 2.89 ng/mL) (P = .041). The results showed that long COVID patients in our cohort were more likely to have anterior pituitary deficiencies. The endocrine hypothesis involving anterior pituitary insufficiency can be considered to explain long COVID.

Identification and functional characteristic of SARS-CoV-2-specific T lymphocytes in COVID-19 patients up to 16 months after disease onset

In cases of respiratory viral infection, along with innate immunity mechanisms, the adaptive immune system plays a crucial role in the body’s defence. The efficiency of its cellular component is crucial for pathogen elimination. T cell response is detected in almost all cases of COVID-19, being among the key factors of the virus control and resistance to infection, including re-infection. So far, however, many aspects of cellular immune response to SARS-CoV-2 over one year or later after infection remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics of laboratory parameters of post-infection cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 within 16 months from the symptoms’ onset.Fifteen healthy volunteers and 87 COVID-19 patients were included into the study. The patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the time elapsed from the onset of the first symptoms to the time when blood samples were collected (from 14 to 500 days). For all samples, the number of S- and N-specific T lymphocytes and the cytokines secreting profiles were determined. Also, the Phenograph automatic clustering algorithm was used to discern different functional groups of the cells.Approximately 1 in 5 × 103 peripheral blood mononuclear cells was specific for SARS-CoV-2 S-protein, and 1 in 104 was specific for N-protein. Since the first weeks of infection, the number of specific CD8+ cells was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients, as compared with the group of healthy volunteers. As the postinfection period increased, the number of virus-specific CD4+ and CD8+ cells gradually decreased, but remained significantly higher than in control group. Among CD4+ cell population, the proportion of IFNγ-IL- 2-TNFα+ cells decreased and the ratio of IFNγ+IL-2-TNFα- cells increases. During first weeks of the disease, CD8+ lymphocytes are represented predominantly by IFNγ+IL-2-TNFα- cells and IFNγ-IL-2-TNFα+ cells by the end of the observation period. The clustering results showed that, in the early post-infection period, virusspecific T lymphocytes were mostly presented by populations of IFNγ- and TNFα-producing CD4+ effector memory cells. Meanwhile, in later time period, the most common populations were TNFα-producing CD8+ TEMRA and IFNγ-producing CD8+ central memory T lymphocytes.T cell adaptive immunity plays an important role in the control and elimination of viral infections. In this study, we demonstrated that robust cellular immunity against SARS-CoV-2 is present in the vast majority of patients from the first weeks up to 16 months after the onset of the first symptoms of COVID-19. The immune memory to SARS-CoV-2 is provided by production of central and effector memory T cells, and the data on their time dynamics during the study period allow us to hope for a longer duration of cellular immune memory to SARS-CoV-2.

Long COVID Effects on Level of Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in the Post-infection Period: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Long COVID is a major manifestation of long-lasting symptoms experienced by the survivors of the coronavirus infection that may influence patients’ physical and mental health. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the association of the physical symptoms of COVID-19 (fatigue, breathlessness, and pain) and the level of physical activity with the physical and mental health of survivors in the post-COVID-19 period. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 152 hospitalized and non-hospitalized adults infected with COVID-19 aged between 18 and 65 years at the post-infection period with follow-up times greater than 6 months. Standardized instruments, such as the SF12, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), and visual analog scale (VAS), were used for measuring pre-and post-COVID-19 painful symptoms, fatigue, and breathlessness. The severity of the coronavirus infection was judged based on hospitalization or ICU admission. Data were analyzed with linear regression analysis. Results: The results showed that, at a mean duration of 6 months post-discharge, only fatigue was associated with lower physical (F = 2.84, explained variance = 15.3%) and mental health (F = 1.88, explained variance = 10.6%) Conclusions: Considering the negative impact of fatigue on the physical and mental health of patients during the post-COVID period, it is suggested to monitor and manage fatigue for a longer period post-COVID-19.

Effects of Anticoccidial Vaccination and Taraxacum officinale Extract on the Growth Performance, Biochemical Parameters, Immunity, and Intestinal Morphology of Eimeria-Challenged Chickens.

A total of 160 Ross 308 male chickens were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design to examine the effects of anticoccidial vaccination (ACV; lack or 1× dose recommended by the manufacturer) and dietary supplementation with Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) extract (DE; with or without) on growth performance, immunity, biochemical parameters, and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria spp. At 20 days of age, all birds were challenged with a 25× dose of ACV, including Eimeria acervulina, E. maxima, E. mitis, and E. tenella. No interaction between ACV and DE was observed in terms of growth performance. Vaccinated birds showed increased feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the 11-20 day period. Meanwhile, DE supplementation led to decreased FI and body weight gain (BWG) during the 1-10 day period. ACV effectively induced immunity against Eimeria, as evidenced by reduced oocyst shedding and less intestinal lesions, decreased levels of pro-inflammatory interleukin-6, and improved BWG during both the post infection (PI) period (21-35 days) and the entire growth period. DE supplementation lowered FCR and increased BWG during the 35-42 day period, increased the concentration of butyric acid in the cecal digesta, and lowered oocyst shedding PI. In vaccinated birds, DE elevated levels of plasma total protein and immunoglobulin M, and influenced tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1 and claudin-3, indicating a more robust epithelial barrier. DE also lowered alanine aminotransferase activity in unvaccinated birds. Both ACV and DE independently improved intestinal morphology in the jejunum, decreasing crypt depth and increasing the villus height-to-crypt ratio. These findings suggest that both ACV and DE could be effective strategies for managing coccidiosis in broiler chickens.

Transcriptomics and metabolomic profiling identify molecular mechanism for Aspergillus flavus infection in grain

AbstractAspergillus flavus is a ubiquitous saprophyte and opportunistic fungal pathogen with worldwide distribution, which causes diseases commonly in agricultural commodities and seriously threatens food security and human health. In this study, we try to reveal the mechanisms of A. flavus infection in grain from the perspective of apparent changes in physicochemical properties, microscopic structure, and ultrastructural changes at transcriptome–metabolomics levels. The results showed that the A. flavus infection included the preinfection (1–3 days) and postinfection period (4–7 days). The downregulated expression of creA promoted the cellulase expression and initiated infection. The metabolite oleic acid promoted infection as a nutrient carbon source and energy source. Then the entry of acetate units into the aflatoxin synthesis pathway was inhibited, whereas aflH, hypD, and hypB were significantly upregulated (p < .05) to stimulate the aflatoxin synthesis to complete the infection on the surface. During the postinfection period, the upregulation of aflS and other toxin‐producing regulatory genes accelerated aflatoxin synthesis and completed the internal infection. At the same time, the upregulation of vitamin B6 and allysine involved in amino acid metabolism, and galactose 1‐phosphate involved in energy metabolism ensured the production of acetyl‐CoA and the energy supply for A. flavus infection. The research findings highlight the underlying mechanisms of A. flavus infection at the transcriptome–metabolomics levels, which is important for developing effective strategies to prevent postharvest contamination.

Moderate COVID-19 Disease Is Associated With Reduced Bone Turnover.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection has been associated with musculoskeletal manifestations, including a negative effect on bone health. Bone formation was found to be reduced in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. The aim of this case-control study was to determine whether bone metabolism is coupled or uncoupled in COVID-19 patients with moderately severe disease, the latter expressed by the requirement of hospitalization but not intensive care treatment, no need for mechanical ventilation, and a C-reactive protein level of (median [quartiles], 16.0 [4.0; 52.8]) mg/L in serum. Besides standard biochemical markers, serum levels of C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, osteocalcin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, sclerostin, dickkopf-1, and osteoprotegerin were evaluated in COVID-19-infected patients at the time of hospital admission, along with those of age- and sex-matched noninfected controls. The median age of the 14 female and 11 male infected patients included in the matched-pair analysis was (67 [53; 81]) years. C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen was significantly lower in COVID-19 patients (0.172 [0.097; 0.375] ng/mL) than in controls (0.462 [0.300; 0.649] ng/mL; p = 0.011). The patients' osteocalcin levels (10.50 [6.49; 16.26] ng/mL) were also lower than those of controls (15.33 [11.85, 19.63] ng/mL, p = 0.025). Serum levels of sclerostin and dickkopf-1 were significantly higher in infected patients relative to controls. The remaining parameters did not differ between cases and controls. A limitation of the study was that patients and controls were recruited from different hospitals. Nevertheless, due to the geographical proximity of the two centers, we assume that this fact did not influence the results of the study. Given this limitation, the investigation showed that bone metabolism is altered but remains coupled in patients with moderately severe COVID-19. Therefore, it is important to evaluate bone turnover markers and fracture risk in these patients during the postinfection period. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Mucosal immunity in health care workers’ respiratory tracts in the post-COVID-19 period

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has generated interest in the assessment of systemic immune status, but existing knowledge about mucosal immunity is clearly insufficient to understand the full pathogenetic mechanisms of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of novel coronavirus infection on mucosal immunity in the postinfection period among health care workers (HCWs). A total of 180 health care workers with and without a history of COVID-19 who ranged in age from 18 to 65 years were enrolled in this one-stage, cross-sectional study. The study subjects completed the 36-Item Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36) and the Fatigue Assessment Scale. Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and total immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels were quantified in saliva samples, induced sputum samples, and nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal scrapings by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were quantified in serum samples by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Analysis of the questionnaire data showed that all HCWs with a history of COVID-19 reported health problems that limited their daily activities and negative changes in their emotional health three months after the disease, regardless of its severity. The following shifts were detected in the adaptive arm of the immune response in different mucosal compartments. Among subjects who had severe or moderate-to-severe COVID-19, salivary sIgA levels were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.005, respectively). Compared to the subjects in the control group, all subjects with prior COVID-19 had significantly higher levels of total IgG in induced sputum. In the group of patients who had had severe infection, total IgG in saliva was also higher (p < 0.05). A direct statistically significant correlation was also detected between the levels of total IgG in all studied samples and the levels of specific IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the serum. A significant correlation was observed between total IgG levels and the parameters of physical and social activities, mental health, and fatigue levels. Our study demonstrated long-term changes in the humoral mucosal immune response, which were most pronounced in health care workers with a history of severe or moderate-to-severe COVID-19, and an association of these changes with certain clinical signs of post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Survival, Growth Performance, and Hepatic Antioxidant and Lipid Profiles in Infected Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fed a Diet Supplemented with Dihydroquercetin and Arabinogalactan.

Natural feed supplements have been shown to improve fish viability, health, and growth, and the ability to withstand multiple stressors related to intensive cultivation. We assumed that a dietary mix of plant-origin substances, such as dihydroquercetin, a flavonoid with antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, and arabinogalactan, a polysaccharide with immunomodulating activity, would promote fish stress resistance and expected it to have a protective effect against infectious diseases. Farmed rainbow trout fish, Oncorhynchus mykiss, received either a standard diet or a diet supplemented with 25 mg/kg of dihydroquercetin and 50 mg/kg of arabinogalactan during a feeding season, from June to November. The fish in the control and experimental groups were sampled twice a month (eight samplings in total) for growth variable estimations and tissue sampling. The hepatic antioxidant status was assessed via the quantification of molecular antioxidants, such as reduced glutathione and alpha-tocopherol rates, as well as the enzyme activity rates of peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase. The lipid and fatty acid compositions of the feed and fish liver were analyzed using thin-layer and high-performance liquid chromatography. The viability, size, and biochemical indices of the fish responded to the growth physiology, environmental variables such as the dissolved oxygen content and water temperature, and sporadic factors. Due to an outbreak of a natural bacterial infection in the fish stock followed by antibiotic treatment, a higher mortality rate was observed in the fish that received a standard diet compared to those fed supplemented feed. In the postinfection period, reduced dietary 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3 fatty acid assimilation contents were detected in the fish that received the standard diet in contrast to the supplemented diet. By the end of the feeding season, an impaired antioxidant response, including reduced glutathione S-transferase activity and glutathione content, and a shift in the composition of membrane lipids, such as sterols, 18:1n-7 fatty acid, and phospholipids, were also revealed in fish fed the standard diet. Dietary supplementation with plant-origin substances, such as dihydroquercetin and arabinogalactan, decreases lethality in fish stocks, presumably though the stimulation of natural resistance in farmed fish, thereby increasing the economic efficacy during fish production. From the sustainable aquaculture perspective, natural additives also diminish the anthropogenic transformation of aquaculture-bearing water bodies and their ecosystems.

SARS-CoV-2 infection-related deregulation of blood lipids in a patient with -/-LDLR familial homozygous hypercholesterolemia: A case report

BackgroundThe effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection in blood lipids of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) has not been explored. Case summaryWe report a case of a 43-year-old male patient with -/-LDLR HoFH with previous history of premature coronary artery disease, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and surgical repair of aortic valve stenosis. He presented with an abrupt decrease of his blood lipid levels during acute infection with SARS-CoV2 and subsequently a rebound increase above pre-infection levels, refractory to treatment including LDL-apheresis, statin, ezetimibe and lomitapide up-titration to maximum tolerated doses. Markers of liver stiffness were closely monitored, increased at 9 months and decreased at 18 months after the infection. Potential interactions of hypolipidemic treatment with the viral replication process during the acute phase, as well as therapeutic dilemmas occurring in the post infection period are discussed.

УСПЕШНОЕ ЛЕЧЕНИЕ ПЕРВИЧНОГО ГИПОГОНАДИЗМА НА ФОНЕ ПЕРЕНЕСЕННОЙ НОВОЙ КОРОНАВИРУСНОЙ ИНФЕКЦИИ COVID-19 (КЛИНИЧЕСКОЕ НАБЛЮДЕНИЕ)

The consequences of the pandemic caused by a new coronavirus infection have forced one to reconsider generally accepted methods of treatment and, taking into account the consequences, to find new therapeutic tools. As practice shows, infection caused by COVID-19 virus is a danger not only in the acute stage of the disease, but also in the late postinfection period, announcing itself with a variety of complications. In andrological practice, the greatest interest is caused by the influence of coronavirus infection on the reproductive organs of the male urogenital system. The use of the drug ‘Pineamine’ in the treatment of post-coital complications has shown high efficacy and safety in men. Studies in this direction are continuing.

Cardiovascular disease and mortality sequelae of COVID-19 in the UK Biobank

ObjectiveTo examine association of COVID-19 with incident cardiovascular events in 17 871 UK Biobank cases between March 2020 and 2021.MethodsCOVID-19 cases were defined using health record linkage. Each case was...

Is There Any Correlation between Baseline Serum Cortisol Levels and Disease Severity in PCR-Positive COVID-19 Patients with and without Diabetes Mellitus?

Background: COVID-19 has caused a pandemic and is associated with significant mortality. The pathophysiology of COVID-19, affecting many organs and systems, is still being investigated. The hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and possibly adrenal glands are the targets of SARS-CoV-2 because of its angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) receptors expression. Hypocortisolemia can be seen in the postinfection period. COVID-19 infection tends to be severe in diabetic patients due to immune dysfunction. In this study, our aim was to investigate the relationship between basal cortisol levels and the course of COVID-19 infection in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Methods: Our retrospective study included 311 PCR-positive COVID-19 patients over the age of 18 who were hospitalized in Ankara City Hospital Infectious Diseases Department or Intensive Care Unit (ICU) between 15 March 2020 and 15 May 2020. Serum basal cortisol, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c values, and diabetes history were recorded within the first 24 h of hospitalization. The presence of pulmonary involvement was noted from the patients’ imaging records. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, patients with chronic liver disease or chronic kidney disease, and patients who were already using steroids or had started COVID-19 infection treatment within the 72 h before blood collection were excluded from the study. Results: Of the 311 patients, 100 had Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D), while 211 did not. The age, serum basal cortisol, and glucose levels of the patients with T2D (64.51 ± 12.29, 19.5 ± 13.12, and 143.5 (77–345)) were higher than those of the patients without T2D (46.67 ± 16.38, 15.26 ± 8.75, and 96 (65–202)), and the differences were statistically significant (p = 0.004, p = 0.004, and p < 0.001, respectively). The basal cortisol values of the ICU patients (27.89 (13.91–75)) were significantly higher than those of the ward patients (13.68 (1.48–51.93)) and patients who were transferred to the ICU from the ward due to worsening conditions (19.28 (7.74–55.21)) (p < 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively). The factors affecting ICU admission were determined to be age, T2D history, basal cortisol, and elevation in FPG using univariate logistic regression analysis. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, age, basal cortisol level, and infiltrative involvement in thorax CT were determined to be the risk factors affecting intensive care admission. Conclusion: High basal cortisol levels in patients with T2D may predict the severity of COVID-19 infection or mortality. Although high basal cortisol levels are among the risk factors affecting ICU admission, patients with COVID-19 should also be evaluated in terms of clinical and laboratory findings and relative adrenal insufficiency.

Olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19: pathology and long-term implications for brain health.

Decreased smell function is related to brain health, future mortality, and quality of life. Most people inflicted with the SARS-CoV-2 virus evidence some measurable smell dysfunction during its acute phase, although many are unaware of the loss. Long-term deficits occur in up to 30% of COVID-19 cases, although total anosmia is relatively rare. This review explores what is presently known about the nature and pathophysiology of olfactory dysfunction due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including reversible inflammation within the olfactory cleft, downregulation of olfactory receptor proteins, and long-lasting peripheral and central damage to olfactory structures. It also addresses the question as to whether long-term smell loss might increase the likelihood of future development of cognitive and neurological deficits.

Case report on post COVID-19 penile gangrene

SARS-CoV-2, a β-coronavirus, is a highly contagious respiratory pathogen that causes a disease. Penile Gangrene may be a rare manifestation in the post COVID-19 infection period in a non-vasculopathic patient. There may be an association with component of coagulopathy seen in COVID-19 patients. This case report describes a case with gangrene of penis in a young boy with concurrent COVID-19 infection. Clinical evaluation, investigation diagnostic workup and management of the patient was done in a routine basis. It was found that acute onset pain and blackening of his penis which developed after COVID-19 related symptoms in absence of any other identifiable cause. Unfortunately, the patient lost the involved body part and sustained a permanent disability. Early identification of such a morbid and disabling condition can help in preventing further spread of infection and may also prevent loss of organ or body part.

Post-COVID Neurological Complication; A Case Series and Review of the Literature

Introduction: There are certain post-coronavirus disease (COVID) neurological syndromes which have been reported such as cerebrovascular diseases, cerebral venous thrombosis, peripheral neuropathy, encephalitis, encephalopathy, cerebellar ataxia, facial palsy, and myositis. However, most of these are isolated case reports. In this case series, we discuss the post-COVID neurological complications such as facial palsy, lateral rectus palsy, cerebellar ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, and stroke which occurred within 2 weeks after complete recovery from COVID. Methods: This multicentric case series is from three large tertiary care hospitals in northern and central India. We have reviewed seven patients with recent-onset neurological symptoms who had recovered from COVID infection within 2 weeks. We have retrospectively studied the clinical profile and radiological imaging during COVID infection. Results: Three out of these seven patients had received steroids during COVID treatment. None of our cases had any neurological manifestations during their COVID infection. The likelihood of neurotransmission through the cribriform plate via the olfactory bulb was low, as none of our patients had anosmia. None of the patients in the case series showed features of systemic hyperinflammatory syndrome, making the possibility of macrophage activation syndrome less likely. Conclusion: We hypothesize that antibodies against the coronavirus post recovery from COVID are responsible for these post-COVID neurological complications. Higher likelihood of these complications after rapid tapering off steroids may further corroborate this mechanism, as the antibody levels rise after steroid withdrawal. Titers of antibodies to SARS COV-2 virus in the postinfection period in these cases may have further helped prove our hypotheses which can be considered in future studies on the subject.