The effect of indicators of CALLY index on survival in glioblastoma.

INTRODUCTION: Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain tumor in adults. Recently, research has been published on the potential prognostic indicators associated with different types of cancer. Due to the limited availability of data investigating the relationship between the CALLY index and glioblastoma patients, we aimed to conduct this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2017 and December 2023, we conducted a study on patients diagnosed with glioblastoma. We collected demographic data and routine laboratory tests at the time of admission. To calculate the CALLY index, we used the formula (albumin value × lymphocyte count) / CRP value × 104. Parameters were compared for in-hospital mortality across different groups. RESULTS: The study analyzed 202 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 165 (81.7%) were classified as "survivors" and 37 (18.3%) as "deceased." A comparison of hematologic parameters between the two groups showed a significantly lower CALLY index in the "deceased" group (3.05 (4.92)) compared to the "survivor" group (10.13 (13.69)) (p < 0.001). The study compared the parameters between groups with regard to in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of the study, we conclude that the CALLY index can be considered an easily applicable indicator for the mortality of glioblastoma patients.

Evaluation of Tpeak-end interval, Tpeak-end/QT, and Tpeak-end/Qtc ratio during acute migraine attack in the emergency department.

INTRODUCTION: During an acute migraine attack, changes in ventricular repolarisation parameters may occur due to an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system. Tpeak-tend (Tp-e) interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, and Tp-e/corrected QT (QTc) ratio are novel parameters of arrhythmogenesis and can be easily calculated in electrocardiography (ECG). The objective of this study is to demonstrate that novel ventricular repolarisation parameters can anticipate the risk of ventricular dysrhythmia in the migraine attack period. METHODS: This research was a prospective case-control study, which recruited a total of 144 participants, including 74 migraine patients and 70 healthy volunteers in the control group (CG) who met the criteria for migraine with or without aura. All participants underwent 12-lead ECG recordings, and the study compared the Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, and Tp-e/QTc ratio with those of the CG. RESULTS: The average age of patients experiencing migraine attacks was 38.14 ± 10.82, with 58 (76%) of these patients being female. The Tp-e interval mean was higher in the migraine attack group than the CG, with a statistically significant difference discovered (74.22 ± 20.20 ms [ms] compared to 65.39 ± 11.33 ms, p = 0.001). However, there were higher mean Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios in the migraine attack group compared to the CG, and this difference was found to be statistically significant (0.20 ± 0.05 vs. 0.17 ± 0.03, p = 0.001, 0.18 ± 0.52 vs 0.16 ± 0.29, p = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION: Prolonged Tp-e interval and elevated Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios were observed in migraine patients who presented to the emergency department, indicating a potential risk of ventricular dysrhythmia.

A Case of Ticagrelor-induced Seizure.

Ticagrelor is available as an oral antiplatelet agent that can bind reversibly to the adenosine diphosphate receptor P2Y12 on platelets without first having to be activated. Main side effects such as dizziness, bleeding gums, nausea in common, difficulty in speaking, fever, and change in mental status are rare. Herein, we report a patient who had seizures after the usage of ticagrelor.

Usefulness of Immature Granulocytes as A Prognostic Factor in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

ABSTRACT Objective: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a serious, life-threatening disease. Inflammatory markers have recently become the focus of attention in the assessment of severity in the early stages of STEMI. This study aimed to evaluate the importance of immature granulocytes (IG) as a prognostic marker in STEMI. Methods: Patients admitted to the coronary care unit with a diagnosis of STEMI and who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) within the period from January 1, 2019 to January 1, 2020, were retrospectively scanned. A total of 146 patients were analised; of these, 112 (76.7%) were male and 34 (33.3) were female, with a mean age of 62.65±14.06 years. Patients' age, gender, haemogram, biochemistry, and mortality results were recorded. The patients were divided into two groups as low (<0.6) and high (≥0.6) IG levels and compared. Results: The mean IG levels were significantly higher in the non-survivor group compared to the survivor group (1.12±0.22 vs. 0.50±0.28, P<0.001). Mortality rates were significantly higher in the high IG group compared to the low IG group (26.9% vs. 9.6%, P=0.006). IG was shown to predict mortality with a sensitivity of 72.2% and a specificity of 77.8% at a cut-off value of 0.65 (area under the curve: 0.740, 95% CI: 0.635-0.846, P<0.001). Conclusion: High IG values in the blood collected at the time of admission to the emergency department are a marker of mortality in patients with STEMI.

Echocardiographic epicardial fat thickness and immature granulocyte are novel inflammatory predictors of acute ischemic stroke: a prospective study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is the most common type of stroke. Inflammation is the primary factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Use of immature granulocytes (IGs) has been recommended as a new indicator of systemic inflammation. However, data on the association between echocardiographic epicardial fat tissue thickness (EFT) and IGs in patients with AIS are limited. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the presences of IGs, epicardial fat tissue and AIS. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study in a tertiary-care university hospital in Antalya, Turkey. METHODS: Our study included 53 AIS patients and 41 healthy controls with age and gender compatibility. Blood samples and transthoracic echocardiography of all participants were compared. RESULTS: IG levels were significantly higher in patients with AIS than in controls (0.62 ± 0.36 versus 0.28 ± 0.02, P < 0.001). The mean EFT was 3.74 ± 0.61 mm in the control group and 6.33 ± 1.47 mm in the AIS patient group. EFT was significantly greater in AIS patients than in controls (P < 0.001). For the optimum cut-off value for IG (0.95), the area under the curve (AUC) was determined to be 0.840; sensitivity was determined to be 81.1% and specificity, 92.5%. For the optimum cut-off value for EFT (4.95 mm), the AUC was determined to be 0.953; sensitivity was determined to be 90.6% and specificity, 90%. CONCLUSIONS: IG and echocardiographic EFT are clinical markers that can be used to predict AIS risk.

Echocardiographic epicardial fat thickness and immature granulocyte are novel inflammatory predictors of acute ischemic stroke: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is the most common type of stroke. Inflammation is the primary factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Use of immature granulocytes (IGs) has been recommended as a new indicator of systemic inflammation. However, data on the association between echocardiographic epicardial fat tissue thickness (EFT) and IGs in patients with AIS are limited. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the presences of IGs, epicardial fat tissue and AIS. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study in a tertiary-care university hospital in Antalya, Turkey. METHODS: Our study included 53 AIS patients and 41 healthy controls with age and gender compatibility. Blood samples and transthoracic echocardiography of all participants were compared. RESULTS: IG levels were significantly higher in patients with AIS than in controls (0.62 ± 0.36 versus 0.28 ± 0.02, P < 0.001). The mean EFT was 3.74 ± 0.61 mm in the control group and 6.33 ± 1.47 mm in the AIS patient group. EFT was significantly greater in AIS patients than in controls (P < 0.001). For the optimum cut-off value for IG (0.95), the area under the curve (AUC) was determined to be 0.840; sensitivity was determined to be 81.1% and specificity, 92.5%. For the optimum cut-off value for EFT (4.95 mm), the AUC was determined to be 0.953; sensitivity was determined to be 90.6% and specificity, 90%. CONCLUSIONS: IG and echocardiographic EFT are clinical markers that can be used to predict AIS risk.

Usefulness of Immature Granulocytes as A Prognostic Factor in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

OBJECTIVE: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a serious, life-threatening disease. Inflammatory markers have recently become the focus of attention in the assessment of severity in the early stages of STEMI. This study aimed to evaluate the importance of immature granulocytes (IG) as a prognostic marker in STEMI. METHODS: Patients admitted to the coronary care unit with a diagnosis of STEMI and who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) within the period from January 1, 2019 to January 1, 2020, were retrospectively scanned. A total of 146 patients were analised; of these, 112 (76.7%) were male and 34 (33.3) were female, with a mean age of 62.65±14.06 years. Patients' age, gender, haemogram, biochemistry, and mortality results were recorded. The patients were divided into two groups as low (<0.6) and high (≥0.6) IG levels and compared. RESULTS: The mean IG levels were significantly higher in the non-survivor group compared to the survivor group (1.12±0.22 vs. 0.50±0.28, P<0.001). Mortality rates were significantly higher in the high IG group compared to the low IG group (26.9% vs. 9.6%, P=0.006). IG was shown to predict mortality with a sensitivity of 72.2% and a specificity of 77.8% at a cut-off value of 0.65 (area under the curve: 0.740, 95% CI: 0.635-0.846, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: High IG values in the blood collected at the time of admission to the emergency department are a marker of mortality in patients with STEMI.

Evaluation of vapocoolant spray effect on pain reduction during digital nerve block: A randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: The digital nerve block is an effective method of anesthesia before minor surgical interventions on the fingers. However, patients may experience a lot of pain and anxiety during this procedure. The efficacy of topical vapocoolant spray during minor procedures has been demonstrated in previous studies. we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of topical vapocoolant spray in reducing pain during digital nerve block. METHODS: This prospective, randomized clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of vapocoolant spray application in reducing pain during digital block. The patients were categorized into 2 groups as spray-treated and control group. A routine digital block process was applied to the control group. Spray application was performed in two groups of 50 each, in a manner of bilateral and unilateral to the finger. Demographic data of the patients, such as gender, age, dominant hand, injury patterns, injection site and injury sites, were recorded. After the application, the patients' visual analog scale (VAS) was evaluated. RESULTS: Of the participants, 100 were randomly assigned to the vapocoolant spray-treated group, and 50 were included in the control group. The VAS pain score during penetration in both spray groups was significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.001). Pain change during penetration was found to be significantly lower in the bilateral spray-treated group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Pain change during infiltration was significantly lower in both spray groups compared to the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Spray application prior to digital nerve blocking can be used to reduce needle penetration pain associated with this procedure and pain associated with local anesthetic infiltration.

Comparison of ETCO2 Value and Blood Gas PCO2 Value of Patients Receiving Non-invasive Mechanical Ventilation Treatment in Emergency Department.

Capnography is the non-invasive measurement and graphic representation of the partial pressure of CO2 in expiration. Although there are many studies in the literature comparing the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) and end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) values in patients who underwent IMV (invasive mechanical ventilation), there are no studies showing their interchangeable applicability in patients who received NIMV (non-IMV). We aimed to evaluate whether the use of ETCO2 in the treatment process can replace pCO2 use in patients scheduled for NIMV treatment in the emergency department. Patients who applied to the emergency department with respiratory distress between March 2019 and January 2020, who were diagnosed with acute cardiogenic edema or acute chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation, and who needed NIMV were included in the study. General characteristics of the patients and the pCO2 and ETCO2 values were measured in the blood gas 1 h after the NIMV application was started. 64.2% (99 patients) of the patients included in the study were male, and 35.8% (55 patients) were female. The mean age of the patients included in the study was 69.1 ± 12.2 years. The mean pCO2 values ​​were measured as 52.6 ± 13.2. The mean of ETCO2 values ​​measured simultaneously was 33.6 ± 10.1. There was a significant difference between the controlled pCO2 values ​​and ETCO2 values ​​at the first hour of NIMV treatment (Z: - 10.640, p < 0.001). The ETCO2 level was found to be different in our patients who received NIMV treatment, which could not be used instead of the pCO2 level.

Association of platelet to lymphocyte and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios with in-hospital mortality in patients with type A acute aortic dissection

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) with in-hospital mortality in type A acute aortic dissection (AAD). Methods: A total of 96 patients who presented to the emergency department between January 2013 and June 2018 with a diagnosis of type A AAD were enrolled in this study. White blood cell count subtypes such as NLR and PLR were calculated at the time of admission. The end point was in-hospital mortality. Results: Of the 96 type A AAD patients included in this analysis, 17 patients (17.7%) died during hospitalization. NLR and PLR were significantly elevated in patients with type A AAD (P<0.001 and <0.001, respectively). Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve, the best NLR cut-off value to predict in-hospital mortality was 9.74, with 70.6% sensitivity and 76.8% specificity, whereas the best PLR cut-off value was 195.8, with 76.5% sensitivity and 78.1% specificity. Conclusion: Admission NLR and PLR levels were important risk factors and independently associated with in-hospital mortality of type A AAD patients.

Association of Platelet to Lymphocyte and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratios with In-Hospital Mortality in Patients with Type A Acute Aortic Dissection.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) with in-hospital mortality in type A acute aortic dissection (AAD). METHODS: A total of 96 patients who presented to the emergency department between January 2013 and June 2018 with a diagnosis of type A AAD were enrolled in this study. White blood cell count subtypes such as NLR and PLR were calculated at the time of admission. The end point was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Of the 96 type A AAD patients included in this analysis, 17 patients (17.7%) died during hospitalization. NLR and PLR were significantly elevated in patients with type A AAD (P<0.001 and <0.001, respectively). Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve, the best NLR cut-off value to predict in-hospital mortality was 9.74, with 70.6% sensitivity and 76.8% specificity, whereas the best PLR cut-off value was 195.8, with 76.5% sensitivity and 78.1% specificity. CONCLUSION: Admission NLR and PLR levels were important risk factors and independently associated with in-hospital mortality of type A AAD patients.

The Visualization of a Foreign Body in a Patient's Subglottic Region Using Point-of-Care Ultrasonography.

Point-of-care ultrasonography is a real-time dynamic examination that is useful for evaluating the location of foreign bodies in a patient's gastrointestinal tract and soft tissue. In particular, it is useful for identifying radiolucent foreign bodies that are difficult to visualize using routine x-ray examinations. This case study describes the visualization of a radiolucent foreign body in a patient's subglottic region using point-of-care ultrasonography.

Seasonality of self-destructive behaviour: seasonal variations in demographic and suicidal characteristics in Van, Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: Seasonality is one of the most interesting but still elusive issue in suicide research. Linkages of seasonality in suicides to possible contributors such as gender, type of method used, and climatic factors have received attention in different cultures. We aimed at evaluating seasonal trends in suicidal behaviour according to demographic characteristics, reasons for self-destructive behaviour and means preferred in suicide. METHODS: Our aim was to assess the seasonal variation in self-destructive behaviour in terms of completed and attempted suicides in a 3-year time period from 2008 to 2010 in Van, Turkey. A total of 1448 cases were registered over a 3-year time period in the city. Seasonal deviations in demographic characteristics, reasons for suicide, and methods of suicide were evaluated. RESULTS: Seasonal distribution of both completed and attempted suicides by gender did not significantly deviate. On the other hand, we found a significant decline in self-destructive behaviours among those who were single and student in the spring. We found a peak in self-destructive behaviours in the autumn among Individuals who suffer from psychological problems. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with psychological difficulties were more prone to commit suicide in autumn. Seasonal differences in methods of suicide used by suicidal subjects were not significant.

Chronotype differences in suicidal behavior and impulsivity among suicide attempters.

Morning- and evening-type individuals differ on a number of psychological and biological variables. There has been increasing interest in the relationship between chronotype and personality traits. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between impulsivity and chronotype in suicide attempters. Eighty-nine suicide attempters were included in the study, and systematic information on suicide attempts was recorded. The Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire was applied to determine chronotype, and attempter impulsivity was measured by the total score of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. Significant differences between chronotype and impulsivity scores were found. Evening-type subjects reported significantly higher impulsivity scores than both neither- and morning-types. A significant association between chronotype and type of suicide attempt was detected. The largest proportion of violent suicide attempters were evening-type subjects. Violent suicide attempters also reported significantly higher impulsivity scores than nonviolent attempters. Previous studies have pointed out possible relations between eveningness and impulsivity. Current findings suggest that eveningness may be a risk factor for violent suicide attempts by increasing impulsivity.

Hepatic Encephalopathy in Connection With Budd-Chiari Syndrome due to Infection With Echinococcus Multilocularis: A Case Report.

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a hepatic venous outflow block generally resulting from disorders affecting hepatic venous system. Elevated hepatic venous pressure results in portal hypertension. BCS may also cause hepatic encephalopathy. Echinococcus multilocularis is a tapeworm parasite and the natural course of the disease may affect liver parenchyma as well as hepatic venous tree. It is the most terrible parasitic disease of the liver and is easily confused with hepatic malignancies. Albendazole therapy may suppress disease progression. Alveolar echinococcosis of the liver rarely causes Budd-Chiari syndrome-related hepatic encephalopathy (HE). We report a rare case of alveolar echinococcosis-related BCS with HE, who was successfully managed by rifaximin and albendazole.