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Aim: The utilization of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the emergency department (ED) is gradually increasing. An update is needed on how the use of MRI exams in the ED has evolved. To reveal the MRI utilization trends of the ED in the last five years (2015-2019) and whether the weekend effect affects the MRI test requests of the emergency physician. Methods: ED-ordered MRI examinations were obtained from the hospital’s electronic database retrospectively. MRIs were grouped as abdominopelvic, neuroimaging, musculoskeletal, and others. Results: A total of 9870 MRI examinations were performed in the 5 years. The rate of ED-ordered MRI tests was 2.65%. MRI for neuroimaging, including brain and spinal examinations, was the most ordered examination, with a rate of 98.8%. The average time between imaging order and acquisition was 46 minutes. No significant difference between the MRI examinations and the weekend effect (p=.121). 25.85% of those who had MRI examinations were hospitalized. Conclusions: MRI examination for neuroimaging purposes has become an ED routine. Other MRIs are ordered at a nominal rate. The acquisition of an image took an average of 46 minutes. The weekend effect does not affect the decision of the emergency physician to request an MRI examination. &nbsp

Semaphorin4D (Sema4D), a novel integral membrane glycoprotein, plays a role in atherosclerosis, angiogenesis and chronic inflammation. Elevated levels of sema4D were presented in myocardial infarction, heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Aim of the study was to investigate the relation between sema4D and recurrence after catheter ablation (CA) in paroxysmal AF.The present study included 161 paroxysmal AF patients (PAF) (101 patients undergone CA) and 60 healthy subjects. Serum levels of sema4D were measured and study participants were followed-up for 3 months and 1 year since CA in terms of recurrence respectively.Sema4D levels were significantly elevated in the recurrent group compared to the non-recurrent PAF patients (Sema4D is a novel biomarker that may help to identify individuals with recurrence after CA procedure in long term period in PAF.

Basal ganglia are connected to dorsal prefrontal and orbitofrontal structures, which have an important role in emotional experience. Alexithymia is defined as the inability to recognize and verbalize emotions. There is little known about alexithymia and cognitive dysfunction and its relationship with depression. In this study, we examined the relation of alexithymia with cognition and depression in non-demented patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Fort-two consecutive non-demented patients PD and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The Turkish version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (MOCA-TR), 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) (F1, F2, F3 subgroups), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-I) were used to evaluate cognitive functions, alexithymia, and depression, respectively, in both groups. The total TAS-20 score was 55.71 ± 19 in the PD group and 46.33 ± 8.21 in the control group. There was a statistically significant difference in the total TAS-20 scores between the groups (p

The present study is intended to investigate the usability of shear wave elastography (SWE) in predicting the success of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) used in kidney stone treatment. ESWL was performed on a total number of 52 patients diagnosed with kidney stones between May 2019 and July 2020. The presence of a residual stone greater than 4 mm was accepted as failure. The patients were divided into two groups as ESWL success and ESWL failure. SWE and Hounsfield unit (HU) measurements of stones were performed in all patients before ESWL. The two groups were compared in terms of age, gender, stone localisation, stone size, body mass index (BMI), skin-to-stone distance, HU, and SWE values of the stones. ESWL was successful in 30 of the 52 patients included in the study, while it failed in 22 of them. While the mean SWE value was 7.3 (7.9 ± 2.2) kPa in patients with success in ESWL, it was 14.6 (17.9 ± 10.2) kPa in those with failed ESWL. The mean HU was 883.5 (841.4 ± 191.1) in patients with success in ESWL and 1078 (1115.5 ± 183) in those with failed ESWL. Both SWE and HU values of the stones were found to be statistically significantly lower in the successful group (p0.05). It was seen that SWE and HU values were correlated to each other. The groups of successful and failed ESWL did not differ significantly in terms of age, gender distribution, stone size, BMI, and skin-to-stone distance (p 0.05). With SWE, the hardness of the stone can be measured and its suitability for ESWL can be evaluated. It can be used as an alternative parameter to HU before ESWL treatment, since it has a lower cost compared to computed tomography (CT) and does not contain radiation.

Background/aims Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a common disease that causes liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and extra hepatic manifestations with high mortality and morbidity rates. This study aimed to present real-life experiences and results of treatment of HCV infection with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) from the Euro-Asian region, including Turkey and Azerbaijan. Materials and methods A total of 1224 patients with chronic HCV infection were treated with DAAs in accordance with the international guidelines for the management of HCV infection. The mean age was 58.74±14.75 years, with 713 (58.25%) females. The genotypes of the patients were as follows: genotype 1b, 83.36% (n=1024); genotype 1a, 8.08% (n=99); genotype 2, 2.85% (n=35); genotype 3, 3.34% (n=41); genotype 4, 1.71% (n=21); and combined genotypes, 0.32% (n=4). Approximately 808 patients were treated with sofosbuvir-based DAAs with or without Ribavirin for 12 or 24 weeks, whereas 416 patients were treated with the Paritaprevir, Ombitasvir, Ritonavir.Dasabuvir (PROD) regimen with or without Ribavirin for 12 weeks or 24 weeks. Results At the end of follow-up examinations, 1183 patients (97.93%) had sustained virological response (SVR), 17 (1.40%) died of reasons unrelated to the treatment regimen, 12 had recurrence after treatment, and 129 (10.67%) had adverse events like anemia, itching, and weakness. Conclusion In this large cohort of HCV-infected patients, treatment with DAAs yielded a high overall SVR rate of 97.93%. DAAs were safe and well-tolerated. Thus, the elimination of HCV infection is no longer a dream worldwide.

Objectives: Atherosclerosis represents an active inflammation that leukocytes play a major role. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been shown as an indicator of systemic inflammation. Our aim was to evaluate inflammatory markers in obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and cardiac syndrome X (CSX) and to evaluate NLR in predicting CAD in patients with typical chest pain and coronary risk factors. Methods: Eighty patients with CSX, 80 patients with obstructive CAD with unstable angina pectoris and a control group of 80 subjects were recruited into the study. Hematologic and biochemical parameters were investigated. Results: High-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was increased in CAD group and CSX group compared to the control group (p < 0.001); however it was comparable between CAD and CSX groups (p = 0.065). Mean NLR was higher in CAD group than CSX group and control group that the lowest value was in the control group. In CAD group, hs-CRP was positively correlated with NLR (r = 0.43, p < 0.001), and Gensini score (r = 0.54, p < 0.001). NLR was also linearly correlated with Gensini score (r = 0.49, p < 0.001). In ROC curve analysis, for the NLR of 2.26, NLR values attained 85.5% sensitivity and 43.9% specificity (p < 0.001). When cut-off value was taken as 3.05 mg/dL for CRP, CRP values attained 78.7% sensitivity and 43.6% specificity (p < 0.001). When cut-off value was taken as 9.5 (×109 /L) for white blood cell (WBC), WBC values attained 58.8% sensitivity and 34.3% specificity (p < 0.001). Conclusions: NLR seems to be usefull in prediction of obstructive CAD and can be implemented in planning for diagnostic procedures in patients with typical chest pain. Increased CRP, WBC and NLR may give insight about main pathology of CSX. Despite absence of obstructive narrowing in epicardial coronaries, it appears be salutary to treat CSX due to the similar underlying pathophysiology with obstructive CAD.

Evaluation of the incidence and predictors of failure of direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus genotype 1b patients is important. Our retrospective cohort study assessed 172 Turkish patients who had received a full course of such treatment and could be checked for sustained virologic response. The overall treatment failure rate was 2.9% (5/172), all of whom relapsed. In three of these cases with sequencing data available, all had NS5A resistance-associated substitution. Multivariate analysis revealed that a 1 mg/dL increase in pre-treatment total bilirubin level was associated with a sevenfold increased likelihood of treatment failure. The baseline level of total bilirubin was the only significant independent predictor of direct-acting antiviral treatment failure.

Objectives: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been extensively studied as a biomarker in heart failure. There is clear benefit of BNP in diagnosis and risk stratification of several cardiac diseases including acute coronary syndromes. Our aim was to evaluate diagnostic role of changes in BNP levels with exercise in coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Fifty-one patients underwent exercise stress testing (EST) for suspected CAD and consequently underwent coronary angiography (CA) were prospectively enrolled. Patients with and without at least one significant diameter stenosis in major epicardial arteries (CA+ and CA-) versus patients with and without evidence of myocardial ischemia during exercise stress testing (EST+ and EST-) were classified into 4 groups, respectively (Group 1, CA+/EST+; group 2, CA+/EST-; group 3, CA-/EST+; and group 4, CA-/EST-). All patients underwent EST. Blood was drawn from patients for determination of BNP levels 10 minutes prior to, 10 minutes after and 4 hours after EST. Results: EST parameters other than the parameters signifying myocardial ischemia didn’t differ significantly among groups (p > 0.05). Pre-exercise, post-exercise and 4h-post exercise BNP values were significantly higher in group 1 and group 2 compared to group 3 and group 4 (p < 0.05 for all comparisons between the groups for pre-exercise, post-exercise and 4h-post exercise BNP). Exercise-induced increases in BNP were higher in group 1 and group 2. Patients with significant CAD involving LAD demonstrated higher basal and exercise-induced BNP as well as BNP increases, irrespective of the EST result. Conclusions: Basal, maximal-exercise and post exercise BNP values predicted CAD, as well as CAD involving LAD irrespective of ischemic changes in EST. Our results point out potential role of BNP as an adjunct to EST in diagnosis and management of CAD.

BackgroundFamilial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a disorder mainly present in the Mediterranean region, characterized by abdominal attacks that mimic acute peritonitis. Therefore, FMF might be confused with other conditions presenting with acute abdominal pain, particularly acute appendicitis (AA). We aimed to evaluate whether epithelial-derived neutrophil-activating peptide-78 (ENA-78) and fibrinogen levels and white blood cell (WBC) counts could be used as potential markers in the differential diagnosis of acute FMF attacks and AA.MethodsThe study involved three groups: patients with AA who underwent surgery (group 1, n = 30), patients with FMF attacks (group 2, n = 30), and patients with FMF who were attack-free (n = 30, controls), which included patients who were diagnosed as having FMF previously but had no attacks for a month.ResultsSignificant differences were detected in the ENA-78 and fibrinogen levels between group 1 and group 2. No significant difference was found in the WBC count between group 1 and group 2. It was concluded that the WBC count was more sensitive (66%) for group 1, and fibrinogen showed higher sensitivity (86%) and specificity (96%) for group 2 compared with the other parameters.ConclusionsWe suggest that AA can be distinguished in patients with signs of peritonitis who were diagnosed as having FMF previously with the use of ENA-78 and fibrinogen levels; fibrinogen and ENA-78 might be helpful in discriminating between FMF attacks and AA.

Background: Clinical findings of COVID-19 have been observed with a wide spectrum ranging from asymptomatic disease and mild upper respiratory tract infection to severe viral pneumonia resulting in mortality. While clinical symptoms present in some COVID-19 patients, others have been incidentally identified. The objective of this study was to examine the clinical and laboratory features of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who were symptomatic or had atypical symptoms and to make a contribution to the literature. Methods: Patients with the likelihood of having COVID-19 pneumonia were evaluated with RT-PCR samples, other laboratory tests, and chest computed tomography. Results: There were significant differences between these groups in terms of age, dyspnea, saturation, and comor-bidities including hypertension [HT] in 19 patients, cerebrovascular events [CVE] that were classified as other diseases in two patients (intracranial mass in one patient and Alzheimer's disease in one patient), and CRP and platelet counts (PLT) among the laboratory parameters (for all p < 0.05). Conclusions: Atypical symptoms have increased due to the progression of the outbreak. Infected people with atypical symptoms can act as sources of the infection. Therefore, the epidemiological history of these patients should be sought in detail, and individuals with atypical symptoms in society should be identified as soon as possible in order to control the spreading of the disease. WOS:000652161500022 2-s2.0-85105768781 PubMed: 33978366

Objectives: This experimental study aims to examine the effects of Tendoflex (R) and Hypericum perforatum on tendon healing in rat models undergoing iatrogenic Achilles tendon rupture and similar surgical treatments. Materials and methods: Eighty Wistar albino rats weighing 250 to 350 g were randomly divided into four groups. Group A: Tendoflex (R) was administered orally as 1 capsule/2.5 kg daily by gavage. Group B: Hypericum perforatum was administered orally as 300 mg/kg daily by gavage. Group C: Tendoflex (R) and Hypericum perforatum were co-administered orally by gavage at the prespecified doses. Group D: No medication was given to the control group. Five rats from each group were sacrificed weekly, and the tissue samples were examined histologically, followed by the biomechanical tests of the Achilles tendon. Results: In the mechanical testing, pulling forces were superior in all intervention groups and in all weeks over the control group. In particular, in the early periods (Weeks 1, 2, and 3), the mixed group showed the most favorable results, followed by the Hypericum perforatum group (p=0.010, p=0.591, and p=0.130, respectively). The most favorable collagen type I and type III expression values were found in the mixed and Hypericum perforatum groups at Weeks 2 and 3, respectively (p=0.025 and p=0.018). In the immunohistochemical and Western Blot examinations, extreme collagen type I and type III expression were detected in the mixed and Hypericum perforatum groups at Weeks 2, 3, and 4. Conclusion: Tensile strength of the Achilles tendon increased by using Hypericum perforatum and Tendoflex (R) following rupture and repair of the Achilles tendon in rats. The combined use of these two agents yielded the most favorable mechanical and histological results, particularly in the early period. This result may be related to the higher level of collagen type I and type III immunity in all groups, compared to the control group.

Background: Despite global prevention and quarantine efforts, the incidence of COVID-19 disease continues to increase. As a possible cause, our aim was to investigate which parameters increase the sensitivity or protection against COVID-19 between RT-PCR positive and RT-PCR negative cases in patients admitted to the emergency department. Methods: In the pandemic process, patients admitted to the hospital with suspicion of COVID-19 were evaluated retrospectively. RT-PCR test was divided into + (for Group 1) and - (Group 2). The gender, age, clinical information, application symptoms, and comorbidity data of the patients were evaluated. Results: One hundred and sixty-seven cases were evaluated in the study. Group 1: 88 cases, M/F ratio: 46/42 and average age 48 +/- 17.3 years, Group 2: 79 cases, M/F ratio was approximately 3/2, and the average age was 48.3 +/- 19.4 years. When the groups were compared in terms of symptoms, fever, cough, weakness, and headache were prominent in Group 1, whereas the contact was significantly higher in Group 2 (p < 0.05). Among the comorbid diseases, only COPD showed a significant difference between the groups, and it was found significantly higher in Group 2 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Cough, headache, and fever were found valuable in the detection of cases. Attention should be paid to contact isolation to circumvent the pandemic process with less damage. Having chronic diseases, especially COPD, increases the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2. Close monitoring and control of chronic diseases can positively change the course of COVID-19. WOS:000648746300023 2-s2.0-85104571315 PubMed: 33865252

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected the health system around the world. It is necessary to facilitate health care services with useful parameters in patient follow-up. In this study, we wanted to determine whether platelet indices can be used as an assistant parameter in the clinician's decision-making process regarding which of the patients diagnosed with COVID-19 should be treated by hospitalization. Methods This retrospective study was performed in a secondary care hospital in Mugla, Turkey. Demographic information such as age, gender, and comorbidities of patients admitted to the emergency pandemic outpatient clinic within five months and diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as discharge, hospitalization, or intensive care needs (ICU), and thirty-day mortality were noted. Also, patients with platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), thrombocytocrit (PCT), MPV/PLT, MPV/PCT, PDW/PLT, PDW/PCT values for outpatient follow-up, hospitalization, intensive care unit need, and 30-day mortality relationships were examined. Results A total of 93 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were included in the study. It was observed that those with comorbidity had a statistically significant higher rate of hospitalization (p = 0.013). No statistically significant difference was found between outpatients and inpatients in terms of PLT, MPV, PDW, PCT, MPV/PLT, MPV/ PCT, PDW/PLT, and PDW/PCT (p > 0.05 for each). Conclusions Platelet indices such as PLT, MPV, PDW, PCT, MPV/PLT, MPV/PCT, PDW/PLT, and PDW/PCT are not useful parameters for the clinician to distinguish between outpatient and inpatient treatment of patients with COVID-19.

Aim: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most widespread persistent cardiac arrhythmia in adults. There is no standard procedure applied in AF patients with rapid ventricular response with unknown ejection fraction (EF) in the emergency department. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and side effects of diltiazem and metoprolol treatments without knowing the EF in AF patients with rapid ventricular response in the emergency department.Material and Methods: Patients with a ventricular response ≥110/min were selected as having AF with rapid ventricular response. The patients first received 25 mg intravenous diltiazem as a rate control drug were compared with those first received 5 mg metoprolol. A total of 50 patients whose EF were not registered before the admission date and was measured after being consulted for cardiology following acute rate control in emergency department were included in this study.Results: For the first drug treatment, diltiazem was given to 56% (n=28) of the patients and metoprolol to 44% (n=22). Moreover, 44% (n=22) of the patients needed a second drug infusion. The proportion of patients received diltiazem in those with preserved EF was significantly higher than those with reduced EF (p=0.032). No statistically significant difference was found between the rates of needing a second administration based on the EF (p=0.157).Conclusion: Diltiazem was found to reduce heart rate earlier than metoprolol. While updating the guidelines for drug selection in acute rate control of AF with rapid ventricular response, rural emergency departments, where EF measurement cannot be achieved, should also be considered., Amaç: Atriyal fibrilasyon (AF) erişkinlerdeki en yaygın inatçı kardiyak aritmidir. Acil serviste, ejeksiyon fraksiyonu (EF) bilinmeyen hızlı ventrikül yanıtlı AF hastalarında uygulanan standart bir tedavi prosedürü yoktur. Bu çalışmanın amacı acil serviste EF'si bilinmeyen hızlı ventrikül yanıtlı AF hastalarında diltiazem ve metoprolol tedavilerinin etkinliğinin ve yan etkilerinin karşılaştırılmasıdır.Gereç ve Yöntemler: Ventriküler yanıtı ≥110/dk olan hastalar, hızlı ventrikül yanıtlı AF olarak kabul edildi. Hız kontrolünde ilk ilaç olarak 25 mg intravenöz diltiazem almış olan hastalar, ilk ilaç olarak 5 mg metoprolol almış olanlar ile karşılaştırıldı. Başvuru tarihinden önce EF değeri kaydedilmemiş olan ve acil serviste akut hız kontrolünü takiben kardiyoloji bölümüne konsülte edildikten sonra ölçülen toplam 50 hasta bu çalışmaya dahil edildi.Bulgular: İlk ilaç tedavisi olarak hastaların %56 (n=28)'sına diltiazem ve %44 (n=22)'üne metoprolol verilmişti. İkinci bir ilaç tedavisine ihtiyaç duyan hastaların oranı ise %44 (n=22) idi. EF korunmuş olanlarda diltiazem alan hastaların oranı, EF azalmış olanlara göre anlamlı derecede daha yüksek idi (p=0.032). Hastaların EF’sine göre ikinci bir uygulama ihtiyacı olma oranları arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark bulunmadı (p=0.157).Sonuç: Diltiazemin kalp atım hızını metoprolole göre daha erken düşürdüğü görüldü. Hızlı ventrikül yanıtlı AF’nin akut hız kontrolünde ilaç seçimi için kılavuzlar güncellenirken, EF ölçümünün elde edilemediği kırsal acil servisler de göz önünde bulundurulmalıdır.

Introduction The pathophysiology of isolated coronary artery ectasia (iCAE) has not been clearly identified, although multiple abnormalities, including arteritis, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular destruction, have been reported. In this study, we aimed to analyze serum cystatin C concentrations in patients with iCAE and controls. Methods Forty-seven patients with iCAE (mean age: 55.9 ± 11.5) and 32 individuals with normal coronary angiography (mean age: 57.8.1 ± 9.6) were included in the study. Plasma cystatin C levels were measured by using the principle of particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay (PETIA). Results Serum cystatin C concentrations were significantly lower in patients with iCAE compared with the control group (0.98 ± 0.17 mg/L versus 1.17 ± 2.6 mg/L, p-value = 0.001). A significantly positive relationship was found between serum cystatin C levels and creatinine and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in both groups (r-value = 0.288, p-value = 0.005, r-value = 0.143, p-value = 0.007, respectively). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, serum cystatin C level found to be a significant predictor for the presence of iCAE (OR: 0.837, CI: 95% (0.341 - 1.637), p-value = 0.013). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis determined that a cystatin C value < 1.02 mg/L had a sensitivity of 56% and a specificity of 78% for the prediction of ectasia. Conclusion We conclude that cystatin C independently can be a useful predictor for the presence of iCAE.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of intracerebroventricular chronic fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) infusion on hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) axis, energy metabolism, food intake and body weight. Thirty male Wistar albino rats were used and divided into three groups including control, sham (vehicle) and FGF21 infused groups (n = 10). Intracerebroventricularly, FGF21 and vehicle groups were infused for 7 days with FGF21 (0.72 µg/day) and artificial cerebrospinal fluid, respectively. During the experimental period, changes in food intake and body weight were recorded daily. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels were measured using ELISA. TRH and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) gene expressions were analyzed by using RT-PCR in hypothalamus and adipose tissues, respectively. Chronic infusion of FGF21 significantly increased serum TSH (p

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of diet alone and diet plus metformin treatment on omentin levels in type 2 diabetes patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods: Consecutively 88 patients who had hepatic steatosis with type-2 DM were recruited for the study. For randomization, 28 patients who had exclusion criteria were excluded from the study. The remaining patients (n = 60) were randomized into two groups. Only diet therapy were given to Group 1(n = 30) and metformin 2 gram/day plus diet were given to group 2 (n = 30) during 3 months. During the follow-up period 5 patients in group 1 and 1 patient in group 2 did not come for follow-up. Therefore we evaluated 25 patients in group 1 and 29 patients in group 2. Omentin levels were analyzed at admission and at the end of the study. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the values of body weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumference, body fat percentage (%), and omentin in group 1; and in the values of body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference, body fat percentage (%), and omentin in group 2. Omentin levels were significantly decreased with the treatment in both groups (5.37 ± 1.31 ng/ml to 4.00 ± 1.46 ng/ml in group 1; 6.96 ± 2.10 ng/ml to 3.92 ± 0.89 ng/ml in group 2, p = 0.001 respectively). When compared the percentage of changes between two groups, it was found that the omentin value was more decreased in group 2 (p = 0.032). Conclusions: Although diet and diet plus metformin treatment decreased the omentin levels, diet plus metformin treatment would be more beneficial in type 2 diabetes patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Keywords: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, omentin, type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction Several markers of systemic inflammation, including blood C-reactive protein, platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have been identified as independent prognosticators for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods To attempt to understand the significance of these markers, they were examined in relation to 4 tumour parameters, namely maximum tumour diameter (MTD), tumour multifocality, portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and blood alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. Results Using linear and logistic regression models, we found that C-reactive protein and PLR on single variables, were statistically significantly related to the tumour parameters. In a logistic regression final model, CRP was significantly related to MTD, AFP and PVT, and the Glasgow Index significantly related to MTD and AFP. Results of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), showed that the areas for PLR and CRP were statistically significant for high versus low MTD and for presence versus absence of PVT. CRP alone was significant for high versus low AFP. Conclusions These analyses suggest that the prognostic usefulness of the inflammatory markers PLR and CRP (but not NLR) may be due to their reflection of parameter values for tumour growth and invasiveness.

Background Increased occurrence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD is observed in patients with IBD. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of NAFLD and associated advance liver fibrosis in patients with IBD Methods This is a retrospective study. Between January 2010 and August 2019, patients with Crohn’s disease/ulcerative colitis who admitted to our Gastroenterology Unit were included in the study. Hepatic steatosis was assessed by abdominal ultrasound. The diagnosis of advanced fibrosis was evaluated with non-invasive FIB 4 score and FIB-4>3.25 was considered an advanced liver disease. Patients with a history of excessive alcohol or recent steroid use, chronic viral hepatitis and other chronic liver diseases were excluded. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. Results Five hundred and thirty-nine, 52% male, mean age 44 ± 18 years, were enrolled. Among 539 IBD patients, 322 (59.7%) in ulcerative colitis patients vs. 217 (41.3%) in Crohn’s disease patients were diagnosed. The sonographic prevalence of NAFLD was 32% (172/539) and advanced liver disease was found in 12% (21/172) in IBD patients with NAFLD. Univariate analysis showed that >40 years old (p = 0.034), ≥25 Body Mass Index (BMI)(p < 0.001), presence of metabolic syndrome(p < 0.001) and type 2 diabetes(p < 0.001), ≥5 years of duration of disease (p < 0.001), biological agents and/or azothiopurine use in the past (p < 0.001), ≥126mg/dl fasting plasma glucose (p = 0.04), elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.001), ≥240mg/dl total cholesterol (p = 0.021), ≥150mg/dl triglyceride (p = 0.038) and hyperuricemia (p = 0.019) were risk factors for NAFLD in patients with IBD. According to the multivariate analysis presence of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, ≥5 years of duration of disease and elevated ALT were an independent predictive factor of NAFLD (respectively, p < 0.003, p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that >40 years old (p = 0.037), the presence of metabolic syndrome (p < 0.001), type 2 diabetes (p < 0.001) and Crohn’s disease (p = 0.012), history of surgery (p = 0.003), ≥5 years of duration of disease (p < 0.001), elevated ALT (p < 0.001) and Conclusion NAFLD is a very common disease in patients with IBD. NAFLD is not rare cause of advanced liver disease in patients with IBD. Type 2 diabetes and ≥5 years of duration of disease were an independent predictive factor of advanced liver disease in IBD patients with NAFLD.

EgeUn###, The hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor marker alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is only elevated in about half of the HCC patients, limiting its usefulness in following the effects of therapy or screening. New markers are needed. It has been previously noted that the inflammation markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are prognostically important and may reflect HCC aggressiveness. We therefore examined these 2 markers in a low-AFP HCC cohort and found that for HCCs > 2 cm, both markers significantly rise with an increasing maximum tumor diameter (MTD). We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and Youden index value for each marker, and their area-under-the-curve values for each MTD group. Patients were dichotomized into 2 groups based on the CRP and PLR from the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. In the logistic regression models of the 4 different MTD patient groups, CRP and PLR levels were statistically significant to estimate MTD in univariate logistic regression models of MTD groups > 2 cm. CRP and PLR were then combined, and the combination was statistically significant to estimate MTD groups of 3-, 4-, and 5-cm cutoffs. CRP and PLR thus have potential as tumor markers for low-AFP HCC patients, and possibly for screening. (C) 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel, NIHUnited States Department of Health & Human ServicesNational Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA [CA 82723], This work was supported in part by the NIH grant CA 82723 (B.I.C).

Background: Atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) is a risk factor for arterial embolism. Atrial dysfunction and atrial arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation, might represent a mechanism for arterial embolism in such patients. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a novel and promising tool for detecting early changes in left atrial (LA) myocardial dysfunction. The aim of the study was to evaluate LA mechanical function and stiffness in ASA patients by 2-dimensional STE strain parameters. Methods: Thirty-four ASA patients (44.2 ± 12.3 years, 15 male) were studied, using a STE, and were compared with 31 age, gender, and left ventricular (LV) mass-matched controls (41.8 ± ± 11.5 years, 14 male). LA volume indices, mitral annular velocities, and global longitudinal LA strain were measured. The ratio of E/e’ to LA strain was used as an index of LA stiffness. Results: Patients with ASA showed increased LA volume indices and decreased LA global strain (25.3 ± 5.2 vs. 42.1 ± 8.7, p < 0.001). LA stiffness was increased in patients with ASA compared to the control subjects (0.41 ± 0.15 vs. 0.14 ± 0.05, p < 0.001), and LA strain and stiffness were related with LA volume indices. Conclusions: Patients with ASA have decreased LA global strain and increased stiffness, in comparison with those of the control subjects. LA strain and stiffness were significantly related with LA volume indices. LA stiffness and strain can be used for the assessment of LA function in patients with ASA.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a blood marker for inflammation and is an independent prognostic factor for many human cancers. Combined with albumin levels, it forms the basis of the Glasgow Index for cancer prognosis. We reviewed the literature on CRP and HCC and also evaluated blood CRP levels and combination CRP plus albumin levels in a large HCC cohort. In order to understand the prognostic significance of CRP, we retrospectively examined a large HCC cohort and examined the relationship of CRP levels to tumor parameters. We report, that CRP alone and CRP plus albumin combined as well, significantly correlated with parameters of HCC aggressiveness, such as maximum tumor dimension (MTD), portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and blood alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, both as individual parameters and all parameters together (Aggressiveness Index). This extends current thinking, to suggest a possible explanation for the usefulness of blood CRP levels in HCC prognostication.

ALTINTAS, Engin/0000-0003-0796-1456; Sonsuz, Prof.Dr.Abdullah/0000-0002-8336-5472; ALTINTAS, ENGIN/0000-0003-0796-1456; kuran, sedef/0000-0001-7019-8911; uskudar, oguz/0000-0003-2789-1467; EKIN, NAZIM/0000-0001-5302-8953; Akkiz, Hikmet/0000-0001-9745-8875; Tokmak, Salih/0000-0002-2727-5632; Carr, Brian/0000-0002-6111-5077 WOS: 000436297600001 PubMed: 30009156 Macroscopic portal vein invasion (PVT) by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the liver is one of the most important negative prognostic factors for HCC patients. The characteristics of a large cohort of such patients were examined. We found that the percent of patients with PVT significantly increased with increasing maximum tumor diameter (MTD), from 13.7% with tumors of MTD 10cm. There were similar numbers of HCC patients with very large tumors with and without PVT. Thus, MTD alone was insufficient to explain the presence of PVT, as were high AFP levels, since less than 50% of high AFP patients had PVT. However, the percent of patients with PVT was also found to significantly increase with increasing blood alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and tumormultifocality. A logistic regressionmodel that included these 3 factors together showed an odds ratio of 17.9 for the combination of MTD >5.0cm plus tumor multifocality plus elevated AFP, compared to low levels of these 3 parameters. The presence or absence of macroscopic PVT may therefore represent different HCC aggressiveness phenotypes, as judged by a significant increase in tumor multifocality and AFP levels in the PVT positive patients. Factors in addition to MTD and AFP must also contribute to PVT development. NIHUnited States Department of Health & Human ServicesNational Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA [CA 82723] This work is supported in part by NIH Grant CA 82723 (Brian I. Carr)Y

Introduction The pathophysiology of coronary artery ectasia (CAE) has not been clearly identified, although multiple abnormalities including arteritis, endothelial dysfunction, and atherothrombosis have been reported. Several studies have demonstrated that higher serum bilirubin inhibits the inflammation and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells; also there is a relationship between serum bilirubin and cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between bilirubin and CAE is still unknown. Aim We compared serum bilirubin concentration between CAE patients and controls. Material and methods This study included 50 CAE patients (20 male, mean age: 60.26 ±10.6 years) and 30 control persons (10 male, mean age: 57.86 ±11.6 years). These participants underwent concurrent routine biochemical tests and leukocyte count, hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet count in whole blood. These parameters were compared between groups. Results No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of basic characteristics. Total, direct and indirect serum bilirubin levels were significantly lower among persons with CAE patients than controls (0.37 ±0.4 vs. 0.71 ±0.6 and 0.13 ±0.1 vs. 0.27 ±0.2 and 0.24 ±0.2 vs. 0.43 ±0.4 mg/dl; all p

WOS:000418020700005 PubMed: 29216723 OBJECTIVE: The changes in the mouth structures due to aging cause some structural and functional changes by affecting masticatory muscles over time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the aging-related histopathologic changes and immunohistochemically assessed aquaporin 1 and 4 expressions on masseter and temporal muscles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 14 Balb/c white mice (50-80 g) were used in this study. Group I consisted of young animals (2-month-individuals) (n = 7) and Group II consisted of older animals (18-month-old) (n = 7). After routine histological follow-ups were made, tissues were stained immunohistochemically for aquaporin 1 and aquaporin 4 as well as with hematoxylin-eosin. RESULTS: It was seen that while the masseter and temporalis muscle tissues showed a high immunoreactivity (+++) for aquaporin 1 and 4 in young mice, they showed a weak immunoreactivity (+) for aquaporin 1 and 4 in old mice (p = 0.001). In the H-score assessment, aquaporin 1 and 4 immunoreactivity was significantly higher in young mice than in old mice (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Consequently, it was shown that degeneration of the masticatory muscles increased with aging and there was a decrease in intra-and intercellular exchange of substances because of changing aquaporin 1 and aquaporin 4 expressions (Tab. 2, Fig. 4, Ref. 20). Text in PDF www.elis.sk.

Objective Oxidative stress is the main pathogenetic mechanism in bladder cancer among many other causes. We aimed to investigate whether a potential relationship exists between bladder cancer and the activities of paraoxonase (PON1) and arylesterase (ARE) enzymes. Material and methods The study included 56 patients with bladder cancer, and 57 healthy individuals. The relationships between enzyme activity and tumour grade, stage, muscular invasion and tumour size were evaluated. For statistical analysis, One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Independent-T, ANOVA and Post-Hoc Bonferroni tests were used. Results Serum levels of PON1 and ARE enzymes, and total cholesterol were significantly lower in bladder cancer group. While other lipid parameters were similar in both the patient and the control groups. Levels of ARE were positively correlated with lipid parameters except for HDL cholesterol. Conclusion Our results showed that decreased serum PON1 and ARE enzyme activities are related with tumour load and recurrence. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm predictive role of enzymatic activities of PON1 and ARE in the diagnosis and prognosis of bladder cancer.

Background: Several studies have demonstrated that higher serum bilirubin inhibits the inflammation and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells; also there is a relationship between serum bilirubin and cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between bilirubin and atrial fibrillation (AF) is still unknown. In our study, we compared serum bilirubin, between nonvalvular AF patients and controls. Materials and Method: One hundred and two patients with nonvalvular chronic AF without any other cardiovascular disease (mean age 62.51 ± 5.88) were included in our study. One hundred age-matched healthy people with sinus rhythm were accepted as control groups (mean age 61.35 ± 5.44). Routine biochemical parameters and serum bilirubin levels were performed. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between two groups in terms of basic characteristics. Total, direct and indirect serum bilirubin levels were significantly lower among persons with AF compared to controls (0.82 ± 0.8 vs. 0.48 ± 0.5, 0.30 ± 0.2 vs. 0.19 ± 0.1 and 0.52 ± 0.5 vs. 0.29 ± 0.3 mg/dL; all P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: As a result, our study revealed a relationship between serum bilirubin and nonvalvular AF. Cardiol Res. 2013;4(6):186-191 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/ cr299w

Background: The pathophysiology of coronary artery ectasia (CAE) has not been clearly identified, although multiple abnormalities including arteritis, endothelial dysfunction, and atherothrombosis have been reported. It is known that monocytes play an important role in inflammation, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. We aimed to compare the numbers of monocyte counts of the CAE patients versus controls. Method: This study included 84 CAE patients (40 male, mean age 55.4 ± 9.7 years) and 30 controls (10 male, mean age 57.86 ± 11.6 years). Concurrent routine biochemical tests and neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte count and mean platelet volume (MPV) on whole blood count were performed for these participants. These parameters were compared between groups. Results: Baseline characteristics of the study groups were comparable. CAE patients had a higher MPV value and monocyte count than controls (8.8 ± 0.2 vs. 6.2 ± 1.6 fL and 732 ± 88 vs. 321 ± 75 cell/μL; both P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: As a result, our study revealed a relationship between monocyte count and MPV in patients with CAE. Cardiol Res. 2014;5(5):151-154 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/cr315w

Introduction: The pathophysiology of coronary artery ectasia (CAE) has not been clearly identified although multiple abnor malities including arteritis, endothelial dysfunction, and atherothrombosis have been reported. The role of vitamin D deficiency suggests cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and hypertension. Vitamin D deficiency activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which affects the cardiovascular system. For this reason, it could be suggested that there is a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and CAE. Aim: We aimed to compare the 25-OH vitamin D levels of CAE patients with those of controls. Material and methods: This study included 50 CAE patients (20 male, mean age: 60.26 ±10.6 years) and 30 controls (10 males, mean age: 57.86 ±11.6 years). Along with routine tests, 25 OH vitamin D and parathormone (PTH) levels were analysed. Twenty-five OH vitamin D and PTH levels were compared. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of basic characteristics. The aver age PTH level of the group of patients with CAE was higher than the average PTH level of the controls (97.8 ±46.3 pg/ml vs. 59.1 ±23.7 pg/ml; p < 0.001). The average 25 OH vitamin D level of the group of the patients with CAE was lower than the average 25 OH vitamin D level of the control group (18.9 ±8.5 ng/ml vs. 31.3 ±11.2 ng/ml; p < 0.001). Conclusions: An association between CAE and vitamin D deficiency was found in our study.

Background: The pathophysiology of coronary slow flow (CSF) has not been clearly identified, although multiple abnormalities including arteritis, endothelial dysfunction, and atherothrombosis have been reported. Several studies have demonstrated that higher serum bilirubin inhibits the inflammation and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells; in addition, there is a relationship between serum bilirubin and cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between bilirubin and CSF is still unknown. In our study, we compared serum bilirubin concentrations between CSF patients and controls. Methods: The study included 50 CSF patients (19 male, mean age 65.6 ± 13.7 years) and 30 controls (10 male, mean age 57.86 ± 11.6 years). Concurrent routine biochemical tests and leukocyte count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet count on whole blood count were performed in patients that underwent a coronary angiogram. These parameters were compared between groups. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of basic characteristics. Total, direct, and indirect serum bilirubin levels were significantly lower among CSF patients than controls (14.0 ± 12.0 versus 6.15 ± 6.8, 5.6 ± 3.4 versus 2.6 ± 1.7, and 8.4 ± 8.5 versus 3.6 ± 3.4 µmol/l; all p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The study revealed a relationship between serum bilirubin and CSF.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac rhythm disorder. Atrial fibrillation causes a 5-fold increased risk for thromboembolic stroke. It is known that eosinophils play an important role in thrombosis. We aimed to compare the number of eosinophil counts of the patients with and without thrombi in the left atrium (LA) or in the left atrial appendage (LAA) and to ascertain the association of eosinophil counts with the presence of thrombi. Method: The study included 89 patients diagnosed with persistent AF who underwent transesophageal echocardiography and designated to undergo cardioversion. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 consisted of 40 patients (18 male; average age 63.27 ± 1.4) who had thrombus formation in the LA or LAA, and group 2 consisted of 49 patients (23 male; average age 66.53 ± 1.56) who did not have any thrombus in the LA or LAA. These patients underwent concurrent routine biochemical tests and eosinophil count on whole blood count was also performed. Results: Baseline characteristics of the study groups were comparable. Group 1 patients had higher eosinophil and mean platelet volume values than group 2 (233.0 ± 30.7 vs 118.9 ± 11.8 and 9.77 ± 0.20 vs 8.27 ± 0.12 fL, P < .001, respectively). In group 1, the patients’ LA diameter is higher than that in group II. Conclusion: As a result, our study revealed a relationship between eosinophil count and LA thrombus in patients with nonvalvular AF.

Objective To investigate the total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA), and free/total PSA (fPSA/tPSA) ratio in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) according to the severity of hepatic insufficiency. Methods Eighty-two male patients with LC were studied. The severity of liver disease was categorized by Child-Pugh score (Child-Pugh A, B, and C). Forty-two age-matched healthy subjects were used as a control group. The tPSA, fPSA, fPSA/tPSA ratio, total prostate volume (TPV), total testosterone (TT), and total protein (TP) were measured. The LC group was compared with the control group in terms of these parameters. In addition, intra-comparison and inter-comparison was made between all the Child-Pugh groups and normal subjects, in terms of these parameters. Results The tPSA and fPSA levels in LC cases, Child-Pugh A, Child-Pugh B, and Child-Pugh C groups were significantly decreased compared with the control group. The ratio of fPSA/tPSA in the LC subjects and Child-Pugh A groups significantly increased compared with the control group. TT, TP levels, and TPV in patients with LC were significantly lower compared with the control group and the results were significantly correlated with the Child-Pugh score. Conclusion The present study reveals that tPSA and fPSA were decreased in patients with LC in comparison to healthy subjects in terms of 3 mechanisms. First, it might be due to shrunken prostatic volume. Second, it also resulted in decreased levels of testosterone because of the abnormality of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. Third, it might be the diminished serum protein level in the composition of the PSA.

Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate plasma homocysteine (Hcy) changes in patients within the acute period of ischemic stroke. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 110 patients with acute ischemic stroke presenting within 48 hours of onset and 45 age and gender-matched healthy subjects were evaluated. Hcy was measured on 2nd, 4th, 7th, 10th and 14th days of the hospitalization. Control samples were also collected after a 12-hour fasting period. Results: Statistically significantly lower Hcy levels were found in acute ischemic stroke patients on the 2nd day compared to the control group (p

Background: Pulmonary hypertension development in pure severe aortic stenosis is a situation that affects mortality and morbidity. Material and Methods: Data from files of 31 patients with systolic pulmonary artery pressure over 50 mm Hg and with pure severe aortic stenosis, and underwent aortic valve replacement in our clinic were examined retrospectively. Results: Preoperative effort capacities of the patients were evaluated as follows according to NYHA; 4 patients class 1-2, 16 patients class 3, and 11 patients class 4. Twenty-five metal, and 6 biologic aortic valves were used. Postoperative hospital mortality was recorded as 12% with 4 patients. Patients were reevaluated on the postoperative 2nd and 12th months. Pulmonary arterial pressure of the patients was measured using echocardiography. Preoperative average pulmonary artery systolic pressure was measured as 55 ± 3 mmHg. The average pressure was measured as 41 ± 3 mmHg on the 2nd, and as 37.8 ± 4 mmHg on the 12th month. The effort capacity evaluation in the postoperative 2nd month was as follows: 11 patients class 1-2, 12 patients class 3, and 4 patients class 4. The effort capacity evaluation conducted in the 12th month was: 14 patients were class 1-2, 10 patients were class 3, and 2 patients were class 4. During the follow-up 1 year, survival rate of the patients was determined as 83.8% average, 5 year survival rate was determined as 61.5%. Conclusion: We believe that AVR may be performed in severe aortic stenosis cases with high pulmonary pressure with acceptable ortality, leading to a better quality and longer life.

Vitamin D deficiency actives renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) which affects cardiovascular system. Activation of RAAS is associated with pulmonary hypertension (PHT). Relation between vitamin D deficiency and PHT could be therefore suggested. In our study we compared pulmonary artery pressure between vitamin D deficiency and control groups. 115 consecutive patients (average age: 61.86 ± 5.86) who have detected very low vitamin D (vitamin D levels < 10 ng/ml) were enrolled. 117 age matched persons (average age: 61.74 ± 5.99) were selected as the control group. All groups underwent transthoracic echocardiography. Routine biochemical measurement of 25-OH vitamin D and parathormon (PTH) levels were performed. Baseline characteristics of the study groups were comparable. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) of patients in the low vitamin D group was higher than the control groups. As a result our study, a relation between vitamin D deficiency and pulmonary artery hypertension was revealed.

Aim: To analyze the risk factors of lamivudine treatment failure (LTF) for the long-term use in patients with low viral load (LVL). Material and Methods: In this multicenter study, 548 antiviral naïve noncirrhotic adult patients with LVL (for HBeAg+ patients HBV DNA 9 copies/ml and for HBeAg- patients HBV DNA 7 copies/ml) were enrolled. As a control group, 46 lamivudine-initiated patients with high viral load (HVL) were included. Primary outcome was switching to or adding on another antiviral drug as a consequence of primary nonresponse, partial response, viral breakthrough or adverse events. Secondary outcomes included LTF rates at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years and LTF-related viral and host factors. Results: Among 594 patients, 294 had to change lamivudine at the follow-up. Primary nonresponse, partial response, viral breakthrough or adverse events frequencies were 6.8, 1.6, 64.5 and 0.1%, respectively. Five-year LTF rates were 61.3 and 84.2% in patients with LVL and HVL, respectively. Among patients with LVL, patients with Conclusion: Similar to patients with HVL, first-line lamivudine therapy is not efficient for long-term use in patients with LVL. LTF risk is so high even in the absence of worse predictive factors.

Purpose: Benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis (BRIC) is characterized by episodic cholestasis and pruritus without anatomical obstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of nasobiliary drainage (NBD) in patients with BRIC refractory to medical therapy and to determine whether the use of NBD prolongs the episode duration. Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective study consisting of 33 patients suffering from BRIC. All patients were administrated medical treatment and 16 patients who were refractory to standard medical therapies improved on treatment with temporary endoscopic NBD. Duration of treatment response and associated complications were analyzed. Results: Sixteen patients (43% females) underwent 25 NBD procedures. The median duration of NBD was 17 days. There were significant improvements in total and direct bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase on the 3rd day of NBD. Longer clinical remission was monitored in the NBD group. Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis was observed in one of 16 cases. Conclusion: NBD effectively eliminates BRIC in all patients and improves biomarkers of cholestasis. It can be suggested that patients with attacks of BRIC can be treated with temporary endoscopic NBD; however, the results of this study should be confirmed by prospective studies in the future.

Licorice originates from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, which has a herbal ingredient, glycyrrhizic acid, and has a mineralocorticoid-like effect. Chronic intake of licorice induces a syndrome similar to that found in primary hyperaldosteronism. Excessive intake of licorice may cause a hypermineralocorticoidism-like syndrome characterized by sodium and water retention, hypertension, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, low-renin activity, and hypoaldosteronism. In this case report, an association of hypokalemia, edema, and thrombocytopenia that is developed due to the excessive intake of licorice is presented. There are case reports in the literature, which suggest that toxicity findings may emerge with hyperaldosteronism-like manifestations such as hypokalemia, edema, and hypertension. However, any knowledge of thrombocytopenia as a resultant was not encountered among these reported toxic effects. Our case is important because it shows that the excessive intake of licorice may cause a toxic effect in the form of thrombocytopenia. This report is the first presented case to show thrombocytopenia due to licorice syrup consumption.

Summary Background In this study we examined right and left ventricular systolic functions in hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients. Material/Methods The study included 50 HBsAg-positive patients (mean age; 33±13 years) and 50 other persons (mean age; 28±11 years) as a control group. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in all the participants. Right and left ventricle systolic parameters were compared between these 2 groups. Results In the group of the patients with HBsAg positivity, the right ventricular fractional area change (RV FAC), tricuspid annular plane excursion (TAPSE) and RV myocardial systolic velocity (St) values were lower than in the control group (33±11 vs. 52±13%, p=0.001; 14.6±1.1 vs. 22.2±2.4 mm, p

The Maastricht III Consensus agreed that effective treatment for Helicobacter pylori (HP) should achieve an intention-to-treat (ITT) eradication rate above 80%, which is still lacking in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). This pilot study was designed to confirm the efficacy of a 14-day sequential treatment regimen in patients with type 2 DM.This is a prospective, open-label, single-center pilot study. All patients included in this study underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. HP status was evaluated in each patient by a rapid urease test and histopathologic examination. For seven days, all patients received pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) and amoxicillin 1000 mg b.i.d., followed by pantoprazole 40 mg b.i.d., metronidazole 500 mg b.i.d., and tetracycline 500 mg four times per day (q.i.d.) [DOSAGE ERROR CORRECTED] for the remaining seven days. The study population consisted of 38 consecutive patients with type 2 DM (18 female, 20 male; mean age 48.0 ± 12.2 years), 30 of whom had non-ulcer dyspepsia, four had gastritis, one had gastric ulcer, and three had duodenal ulcer disease. Eradication was defined as the absence of HP as assessed with the 14C-urea breath test.Thirty-seven of 38 patients completed the study. All side effects were observed in eight patients (21.1%). None of the patients discontinued treatment because of side effects. The eradication rate in the DM group was 22/38 (57.9%) for the ITT analysis and 22/37 (59.5%) for the per-protocol (PP) analysis.The results of 14-day sequential therapy for the first-line treatment of HP in patients with type 2 DM were disappointing. Further studies with new antibiotic combinations are needed to find better methods of eradicating HP in patients with type 2 DM.

Background/Aim: Many studies have revealed a close relationship between Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of HP eradication on insulin resistance, serum lipids and low-grade inflammation. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, open-label, single-center study which consisted of 159 patients. The patients with HP infection received a 14-day sequential regimen. A HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) level was used to assess insulin resistance. Results: Eighty-eight patients with HP infection and seventy-one patients without HP infection were studied. HOMA-IR, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and C reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly higher and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were significantly lower in patients with HP infection compared to the patients without HP infection (P < 0.05). The HP eradication rates with a sequential regimen in dyspeptic patients were 53.4%. Six weeks after the end of eradication therapy, the mean fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, TC, TG, LDL-C, and CRP levels in patients with successful eradication were significantly decreased from the pretreatment levels (P < 0.05) and HDL-C level was significantly increased from the pretreatment levels (P < 0.05). The mean fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, TC, TG, LDL-C, CRP levels and HDL-C levels in patients with unsuccessful eradication were not significantly changed from pretreatment levels (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed beneficial effects of HP eradication on insulin resistance, atherogenic lipid abnormalities and low-grade inflammation. The results suggest that HP eradication may prevent coronary artery disease and metabolic syndrome.

Background/Aim: The primary aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a bismuth-based quadruple regimen as first-line therapy for Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. The secondary aim was to study the effect of HP eradication on dyspeptic symptoms in DM patients. Method: Eighty-nine consecutive type 2 DM and 48 non-diabetic age- and sex-matched patients were enrolled in this study. Diabetic patients were randomized to receive either pantoprazole (40 mg b.i.d.), clarithromycin (500 mg b.i.d.), and amoxicillin (1 g b.i.d., PCA-DM group) for 14 days, or pantoprazole (40 mg b.i.d.), bismuth citrate (400 mg b.i.d.), tetracycline (500 mg q.i.d.), and metronidazole (500 mg b.i.d., PBTM-DM group) for 14 days as the eradication regimen. All non-diabetic patients were treated by quadruple therapy (PBTM-non-DM group) for 14 days. We used the validated Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire (LDQ) to assess dyspeptic symptoms at baseline and 6 weeks after the end of treatment. Results: The HP eradication rates with intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses were 51% (for both) in the PCA-DM group; 81 and 85% in the PBTM-DM group, and 85 and 87% in the PBTM-non-DM group. The eradication rates are not different between the PBTM-DM and PBTM-non-DM groups (p > 0.05). The eradication rate was significantly lower in the PCA-DM group with both ITT and PP analysis than in the PBTM-DM and PBTM-non-DM groups (p < 0.05). LDQ score was 4.53 ± 7.7 in DM patients with successful eradication and 14.68 ± 5.9 in DM patients without successful eradication (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The bismuth-based quadruple eradication regimen as first-line therapy is safe, tolerable and achieves a high cure rate in patients with DM, and successful eradication may be beneficial on dyspeptic symptoms.

OBJECTIVES Plasma viscosity (PV) is a major determinant of capillary blood flow through the microcirculation, which, if impaired, can result in potentially important clinical sequelae. The objectives of this study were to investigate the alterations of PV values in different stages of cirrhosis, and to determine if any change in PV correlates with Child score or Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score or has any prognostic significance. METHOD The study included 92 patients with cirrhosis and 28 healthy volunteers. Upper endoscopic and ultrasonographic examinations of the patients were obtained. Serum biochemistry fibrinogen, complete blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and lipid profile were performed. PV was determined using a rotational viscosimeter. RESULTS PV decreased with the progression in Child scores (Child A: 1.46 +/- 0.20 mPa-s, Child B: 1.33 +/- 0.21 mPa-s, Child C: 1.12 +/- 0.15 mPa-s), (P < 0.001). A similar change was detected between the MELD score and PV (P < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the total protein, albumin and plasma viscosity in the control group, but a similar relationship was not found in cirrhotic patients. History of hepatic encephalopathy (30 of 92 patients) was independently associated with decreased PV (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION We observed that increasing Child and MELD scores were significantly associated with lower PV levels irrespective of biochemical and hematologic values. These observations support the concept that hemorheologic changes in cirrhotic patients might be either the cause or the result of a pathophysiological process, and it may not be easy to distinguish between these two possibilities.

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a chronic inflammatory viral disorder. Several studies have suggested that the interval from the peak to the end of the electrocardiographic T wave (Tp-e) may correspond to the transmural dispersion of repolarisation and that increased Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio are associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Impaired autonomic function has been described in patients with CHB. The aim of this study was to evaluate ventricular repolarisation by using Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio in patients with CHB, and to assess the relation with inflammation. Fifty-five patients with CHB and 50 controls were included. Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio were measured from the 12-lead electrocardiogram, and Tp-e interval corrected for heart rate. These parameters were compared between groups. In electrocardiographic parameters analysis, QT dispersion (QTd) and corrected QTd were significantly increased in CHB patients compared to the controls (38.3 ± 10.9 vs. 28.5 ± 7.3 mi- lliseconds and 39.5 ± 11.2 vs. 29.6 ± 7.6 milliseconds, P=0.01 and P

OP-031 Non-dipper hypertension is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Several studies have suggested that the interval from the peak to the end of the electrocardiographic T wave (Tp-e) may correspond to the transmural dispersion of repolarization and that increased Tp