This interdisciplinary research on the Kiev folia, a 10th century Slavonic manuscript, shows how material and biological analyses as well as imaging methods can be applied to answer relevant questions that contribute to a better understanding of the history and conservation of ancient manuscripts. By applying non-invasive analytical methods, including X-ray Fluorescence analysis (XRF) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy in reflection mode (rFTIR), calcium oxalate related to the degradation phenomena of the ink material was detected, showing rFTIR bands at 1644 cm−1 and 1327 cm−1. Moreover, potassium ferrocyanide was identified on the peculiar blue stains visible on some folios. Multispectral images of these stains improved the legibility of the underlying letters in the near infrared range. Finally, shotgun metagenomic analyses gave insight into the possible animal origin of the skin(s) used for the manufacture of the codex and the microbiome colonizing its surface. The microbiome consisted mainly of viruses (53%) and bacteria (47%) represented by halotolerant/halophilic bacteria as well as bacteria and viruses typical of the human microbiome. In contrast, the proportion of eukaryotes (0.05%) and archaea (0.07%) was very low. This information served to determine the conservation status and the risk of deterioration of the manuscript. 

The Kiev Folia: An interdisciplinary approach to unravelling the past of an ancient Slavonic manuscript

ABSTRACT Gemella species are core members of the human oral microbiome in healthy subjects and are regarded as commensals, although they can cause opportunistic infections. Our objective was to evaluate the site-specialization of Gemella species among various habitats within the mouth by combining pangenomics and metagenomics. With pangenomics, we identified genome relationships and categorized genes as core and accessory to each species. With metagenomics, we identified the primary oral habitat of individual genomes. Our results establish that the genomes of three species, G. haemolysans, G. sanguinis and G. morbillorum, are abundant and prevalent in human mouths at different oral sites: G. haemolysans on buccal mucosa and keratinized gingiva; G. sanguinis on tongue dorsum, throat, and tonsils; and G. morbillorum in dental plaque. The gene-level basis of site-specificity was investigated by identifying genes that were core to Gemella genomes at a specific oral site but absent from other Gemella genomes. The riboflavin biosynthesis pathway was present in G. haemolysans genomes associated with buccal mucosa but absent from the rest of the genomes. Overall, metapangenomics show that Gemella species have clear ecological preferences in the oral cavity of healthy humans and provides an approach to identifying gene-level drivers of site specificity.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/20002297.2023.2225261?needAccess=true&role=button

Site-specialization of human oral Gemella species

Although patients with cancer and immunosuppression are at a risk of functional hyposplenism, how to detect it promptly remains unclear Since hyposplenism allows erythrocytes with nuclear remnants (Howell−Jolly bodies [HJBs]) to appear in the peripheral blood, HJB detection by a routine microscopic examination may help identify patients with functional hyposplenism This prospective study was thus performed to determine the underlying diseases in patients who presented with HJBs Of 100 consecutive patients presenting with HJBs, 73 had a history of splenectomy The remaining 27 had hematologic cancer (n = 6, 22%), non-hematologic cancer (n = 8, 30%), hepatic disorders (n = 4, 15%), premature neonates (n = 3, 11%), hemolytic anemia (n = 2, 7%), autoimmune disorders (n = 2, 7%) and miscellaneous diseases (n = 2, 7%), and their prior treatments included chemotherapy (n = 8, 30%), steroids (n = 7, 26%) and molecular-targeted therapy (n = 3, 11%) Among the 27 patients, 22 had computed tomography scans available: 3 (14%) had underlying diseases in the spleen, and the remaining 19 (86%) were all found to have a decreased splenic volume, including 11 (50%) with more than 50% of the ideal value The present findings suggest that HJB detection identifies patients with potentially functional hyposplenism who should receive appropriate interventional treatment, such as vaccination and prophylactic antibiotics

Potential role of Howell-Jolly bodies in identifying functional hyposplenism: a prospective single-institute study.

Cadaveric dissection is the most important learning tool in anatomy. Although many new modalities are coming up for learning anatomy, cadaveric dissection outstands all of these as it helps students to visualize the human body and remains the most realistic way of learning anatomy. The cadavers are preserved using formalin, a potent disinfectant. Even after embalming in 5-10% formalin, the cadaver might still be infectious while using it in the dissection hall (anatomy department). Numerous bacterial species and infectious pathogens might still be seen despite using fixative agents. Several disease-causing agents may remain viable. Earlier reports suggest that there are cases where students and the working staff got infected by HIV, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, and prion diseases. The main objective of this study is to determine if bacterial species could be recovered from cadavers that are formalin-fixed. Specific regions in the body such as the axilla, perineum, finger clefts, and oral and nasal cavities were chosen for microbiological examination to detect bacterial species. The presence of skin folds in these regions makes them potential sites for the growth of bacteria. Formalin-fixed cadavers can still act as regions for the growth of viable bacteria that can be pathogenic and affect the health of students and anatomists handling them. Proper care should be taken regarding this because students and anatomists working with these cadavers may get exposed to pathogenic organisms which may become harmful or sometimes life-threatening. Some precautions for proper dissemination of cadavers should be taken to provide a complete, safe, and healthy ambiance in the dissection hall.

/pdf/presence-of-contagious-bacterial-flora-in-formalin-fixed-2kri8yuh.pdf

Presence of Contagious Bacterial Flora in Formalin-Fixed Cadavers: A Potential Health Hazard to Medical Professionals

Gemella haemolysans is a gram-positive coccoid, facultative anaerobe of the mucous membranes. In rare cases, it has been identified as an opportunistic pathogen in the development of endocarditis. Here, we describe a case of infective endocarditis in a patient with a bicuspid aortic valve. A 38-year-old man presented with the complaint of exertional dyspnea of one month duration. He was found to have leucocytosis and his blood cultures grew Gemella haemolysans. Trans-esophageal echocardiography showed a bicuspid aortic valve with 1.5 x 1.5 cm vegetative mass, severe aortic regurgitation, and an aortic root abscess. The patient was started on intravenous ampicillin and gentamycin. He then underwent mechanical aortic valve replacement and bovine reconstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract. Our case highlights the importance of considering atypical pathogens as causative agents of infective endocarditis.

/pdf/a-rare-case-of-infective-endocarditis-caused-by-gemella-1nr3vn4tsj.pdf

A Rare Case of Infective Endocarditis Caused by Gemella haemolysans.

Autosplenectomy (AS) is a known complication of diseases such as sickle cell anemia, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. We report the first known case of AS due to paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). A 24-year-old Caucasian male had evidence of hemolytic anemia at the age of 14 and was diagnosed with PNH at the age of 16. He had recurrent episodes of sepsis due to dialysis line infections from poor hygiene, and blood cultures had been positive for multiple organisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The patient's peripheral blood smears since the age of 14 years demonstrated Howell-Jolly bodies in conjunction with thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia, but abdominal ultrasonography reported a normal appearing spleen. The patient presented with septicemia two years after starting eculizumab, and his peripheral blood smear showed extensive Howell-Jolly bodies, Pappenheimer bodies, acanthocytes, and target cells. Splenic ultrasonography demonstrated an atrophic spleen with multifocal scarring, and absent splenic uptake of liver-spleen scintigraphy, consistent with AS. Clinicians should remain vigilant of the potential sequelae of PNH and consider the possibility of the development of AS.

/pdf/autosplenectomy-in-a-patient-with-paroxysmal-nocturnal-2r3ruv2do2.pdf

Autosplenectomy in a Patient with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)

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A Rare Case of Infective Endocarditis Caused by Gemella haemolysans.

Autosplenectomy in a Patient with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)