Introduction. In the recent decade, the increased immunocompromised population such as diabetic patients makes a high incidence of invasive Candida infections. Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine metabolic disorder, and diabetic patients are more susceptible to oral candidiasis infection. Candidiasis is an opportunistic fungal infection caused by many species of Candida. Secretion of exoenzymes plays an important role in the virulence and pathogenesis of Candida species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of phospholipase, esterase, and hemolytic activity of Candida species isolated from oral cavity lesions of diabetic patients. Methods. A total of 108 Candida species including 75 Candida albicans and 33 non-Candida albicans species were recovered from the oral cavity of diabetic patients included in our study. Egg yolk agar, Tween 80 opacity medium, and blood agar plate assays were used for determining phospholipase, esterase, and hemolytic activities, respectively. Results. Candida albicans species had the most exoenzyme activity in comparison to non-albicans isolates. Candida albicans isolates showed 97.3%, 100%, and 77.3% phospholipase, hemolysin, and esterase activities, respectively. The difference between Candida albicans and non-Candida albicans was significant in phospholipase ( P < 0.001 ) and hemolytic activity ( P = 0.027 ), but not significant in esterase activity ( P = 0.076 ). Conclusion. This study showed that most of the isolates had different enzymatic patterns, and Candida albicans isolates had the most exoenzyme activity. So due to the potential effects of these enzymes in pathogenesis and virulence effects of Candida species, we can conclude that the severity of extracellular enzymes may play a role in the severity of signs and symptoms of Candida oral cavity infections in diabetic patients.

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COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was soon declared a pandemic. Although different complications have been reported following coronavirus infection, lung involvement is the most important cause of death. In many cases, the disease eventually subsides; however, major short-and longterm complications may persist in a minority. Lung fibrosis, secondary bacterial and fungal infections, cardiovascular involvement such as myocarditis, pericarditis and pulmonary artery emboli may occur in the acute phase or present as a sequel. Different imaging modalities, especially chest CT scan, have an essential role in the initial diagnosis and can be used to monitor the clinical course of the disease, evaluate the response to treatment, and detect possible complications. This article reviews the major pulmonary and cardiovascular complications caused by COVID-19 infection, focusing on their radiologic manifestations. Familiarity with such diagnostic imaging hallmarks is crucial for early diagnosis and optimal patient management and prevention or reduction of mortality.

A 76-year-old man presented with shortness of breath, fever, and fatigue with confirmed COVID-19 by positive RT-PCR test for the SARS-COV-2. Abdominal and pelvis computed tomography with intravenous contrast was performed several days later given the patient’s severe abdominal pain which showed both renal and splenic infarcts despite the use of a proper thromboprophylaxis with subcutaneous heparin, and therefore, therapeutic anticoagulation was initiated. In the course of hospitalization, he developed acute kidney injury, uremic syndrome, and myocardial infarction as well. The patient was treated with fibrinolytic therapy and was eventually discharged on a direct oral anticoagulant.

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