Changes in T-cell subsets occur in interstitial lung disease and may contribute to pathology via complicated immune cascade.

The study aimed to investigate the expression profiles of transcription factors, cytokines, and co-stimulatory molecules in helper T (Th)-cell subsets within bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples of patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). Twenty ILDs patients were included in the study, comprising those with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) (n:8), autoimmune-related ILDs (auto-ILD) (n:4), and orphan diseases (O-ILD) (n:8), alongside five control subjects. Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate the Th to cytotoxic T cell (CTL) ratio in BAL fluid, while cytopathological examination assessed macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to investigate the expressions in Th1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg) cells. Results revealed elevated Th cell to CTL ratios across all patient groups compared to controls. Furthermore, upregulation of Th1, Th2, Th17, and T-cell factors was observed in all patient groups compared to controls. Interestingly, upregulation of CD28 and downregulation of CTLA-4 and PD-1 gene expression were consistent across all ILDs groups, highlighting potential immune dysregulation. This study provides a comprehensive exploration of molecular immunological mechanisms in ILDs patients, underscoring the dominance of Th2 and Th17 responses and revealing novel findings regarding the dysregulation of CD28, CTLA-4, and PD-1 expressions in ILDs for the first time.

The Comparison of Ultrasound and Tomographic Images of Lung Involvement in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Prospective Observational Study.

Introduction Computed tomography (CT) has a high sensitivity for diagnosing COVID-19 pneumonia in critically ill patients, but it has significant limitations. Lung ultrasonography (LUS) is an imaging method increasingly used in intensive care units. Our primary aim is to evaluate the relationship between LUS and CT images by scoring a critically ill patient who was previously diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia and underwent CT, as well as to determine their relationship with the patient's oxygenation. Methods This was a single-center, prospective observational study. The study included COVID-19 patients (positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, RT-PCR) who were admitted to the intensive care unit between June 2020 and December 2020, whose oxygen saturation (SpO2) was below 92%, and who underwent a chest tomography scan within the last 12 hours. CT findings were scored by the radiologist using the COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS). The intensivist evaluated 12 regions to determine the LUS score. The ratio of the partial pressure of oxygen in the arterial blood to the inspiratory oxygen concentration (PaO2/FiO2) was used to assess the patient's oxygenation. Results The study included 30 patients and found a weak correlation (ICC = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.25-0.65, p < 0.05) between total scores obtained from LUS and CT scans. The correlation between the total LUS score and oxygenation (r = -0.514, p = 0.004) was stronger than that between the CT score and oxygenation (r = -0.400, p = 0.028). The most common sonographic findings were abnormalities in the pleural line, white lung, and subpleural consolidation. On the other hand, the CT images revealed dense ground-glass opacities and consolidation patterns classified as CO-RADS 5. Conclusion A weak correlation was found between LUS and CT scores in critically ill COVID-19 pneumonia patients. Also, as both scores increased, oxygenation was detected to be impaired, and such a correlation is more evident with the LUS score.

The Role of NEWS2 + Lactate + D-Dimer in Predicting Intensive Care Unit Admission and In-Hospital Mortality of COVID-19 Patients.

Background: We investigated the parameters of National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) + lactate + D-dimer in predicting the intensive care unit (ICU) admission and in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Methods: Patients, who applied to the emergency department of a tertiary university hospital and were taken to the COVID-19 zone with suspected COVID-19 between March 2020 and June 2020, were retrospectively examined. In this study, 244 patients, who were hospitalized and had positive polymerase chain reaction test results, were included. NEWS2, lactate, and D-dimer levels of the patients were recorded. Patients were grouped by the states of in-hospital mortality and ICU admission. Results: Of 244 patients who were included in the study, 122 (50%) were male, while their mean age was 53.76 ± 17.36 years. 28 (11.5%) patients were admitted to the ICU, while in-hospital mortality was seen in 14 (5.7%) patients. The levels of D-dimer, NEWS2, NEWS2 + lactate, NEWS2 + D-dimer, NEWS2 + lactate + D-dimer were statistically significantly higher in patients with in-hospital mortality and admitted to ICU ( p < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) values of D-dimer, lactate, NEWS2, NEWS2 + lactate, NEWS2 + D-dimer, NEWS2 + lactate + D-dimer in predicting ICU admission were as 0.745 (0.658-0.832), 0.589 (0.469-0.710), 0.760 (0.675-0.845), 0.774 (0.690-0.859), 0.776 (0.692-0.860), and 0.778 (0.694-0.862), respectively; while the AUC values of these parameters in predicting in-hospital mortality were found to be as 0.768 (0.671-0.865), 0.695 (0.563-0.827), 0.735 (0.634-0.836), 0.757 (0.647-0.867), 0.752 (0.656-0.848), and 0.764 (0.655-0.873), respectively. Conclusions: Compared to using the NEWS2 value alone, a combination of NEWS2, lactate, and D-dimer was found to be more valuable in predicting in-hospital mortality and ICU admission.

Relationship between Selective IgA Deficiency and COVID-19 Prognosis.

The prevalence and mortality rates of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) widely vary among populations. Mucosal immunity is the first barrier to the pathogen's entry into the body. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the primary antibody responsible for mucosal immunity. We explored the relationship between selective IgA deficiency (SIgAD) and COVID-19 severity. We included 424 patients (203 women) with COVID-19. Eleven patients had SIgAD. Laboratory data of patients with SIgAD and normal IgA levels were compared. The relationship between SIgAD and severe COVID-19 infection was explored using logistic regression analysis. In the univariate logistic regression analysis, the risk of severe COVID-19 disease in patients with SIgAD was approximately 7.7-fold higher than that in other patients (odds ratio [OR], 7.789; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.665-36.690, P = 0.008), while it was 4-fold (OR, 4.053; 95% CI, 1.182-13.903, P = 0.026) higher in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. Serum IgA levels were positively correlated with total lymphocyte counts and negatively correlated with C-reactive protein levels, which was a risk factor for severe COVID-19. In patients with SIgAD, the number of severe acute respiratory coronaviruses 2 that pass through mucosal membranes may be increased, leading to complications such as cytokine storm syndrome and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Evaluation of coagulation with TEG in patients diagnosed COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: A high D-dimer level may indicate the risk of coagulopathy and mortality in COVID-19 patients. T hromboelastography (TEG) is a test that evaluates clot formation and fibrinolysis in real-time, unlike routine coagulation tests. The study aimed to investigate the coagulation process with TEG in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. METHODS: The study was performed at our university hospital, chest diseases outpatient clinic as a cross-section study. A total of 51 patients with 23 high D-dimer levels group (HDG) and 28 low D-dimers group (LDG) were included in the study. TEG analysis was performed at the pretreatment evaluation in these two groups. RESULTS: D-dimer and fibrinogen levels of the HDG were higher than those of the LDG (550 vs. 90 ng/mL, p < 0.001; 521 vs. 269 mg/ dL, p < 0.001, respectively). In TEG analysis, HDG's R and K values were lower than LDG, and HDG's Angle, MA, and CI values were higher than LDG (p = 0.037; p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively). ROC curve analysis suggested that the optimum TEG parameters cut-off points for thrombosis risk were as below: for K was ≤2.1 min, for R was ≤6.1 min, for Angle was >62°, MA was 60.4 mm.

Memory B cells and serum immunoglobulins are associated with disease severity and mortality in patients with COVID-19.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of B cell-mediated immunity with disease severity and mortality in patients with COVID-19. STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective cohort and single-centre study, 208 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were recruited. A COVID-19 severity score, ranging from 0 to 10, was used to evaluate associations between various factors. Serum immunoglobulin levels and the number of cells in B lymphocyte subsets were measured and their association with disease severity and mortality in patients with COVID-19 examined. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 50 (35-63) years and 88 (42%) were female. The number of deceased patients was 17. The median COVID-19 severity score was 8 (6-8) in deceased patients and 1 (0-2) in survivors. Deceased patients had significantly lower levels of total B lymphocytes, naive B cells, switched memory B cells, and serum IgA, IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 than recovered patients (all p<0.05). In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between the number of these parameters and COVID-19 severity scores. Decrease in the number of total B cells and switched memory B cells as well as lower serum IgA, IgG and IgG1 levels were independent risk factors for mortality in patients with COVID-19. CONCLUSION: In the present study, the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 was shown to be associated with the B cell subset and serum immunoglobulin levels.

The Impact of Lung Ultrasound on Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pneumonia Suspected Patients Admitted to Emergency Departments.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the sensitivity and specificity of lung ultrasound (LUS) and show its place in diagnosing patients with known coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia, according to chest computed tomography and the COVID-19 reporting and data system (CO-RADS). METHODS: Nineteen patients who admitted to a single university hospital emergency department between March 5, 2020, and April 27, 2020, describing dyspnea were included in the study and underwent LUS by a single emergency specialist. The patient population was divided into 2 groups, COVID-19 positive and negative, and the sensitivity and specificity of LUS according to chest computed tomography were calculated for COVID-19 pneumonia diagnosis. In the subgroup analysis, the patient group was divided into real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction positive (n = 7) and negative (n = 12), and sensitivity and specificity were calculated according to the CO-RADS. RESULTS: According to the CO-RADS, significant differences were detected between the LUS positive and negative groups in terms of COVID-19 pneumonia presence. Only 1 patient was evaluated as CO-RADS 2 in the LUS positive group, and 2 patients were evaluated as CO-RADS 4 in the LUS negative group (P = 0.04). The sensitivity of LUS according to the CO-RADS for COVID-19 pneumonia diagnosis was measured to be 77.78% (95% confidence interval [CI], 39.9%-97.1%), specificity was 90% (95% CI, 55.5%-99.75%), positive predictive value was 87.5% (95% CI, 51.35%-97.8%), and accuracy was 84.21% (95% CI, 60.4%-96.62%; P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, LUS is easily used in the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia because it has bedside application and is fast, easy to apply, reproducible, radiation free, safe for pregnant women, and cheap.

Clinical Evaluation of Acute Pancreatitis Caused by SARS-CoV-2 Virus Infection.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread to more than 200 countries worldwide. We aimed to present acute pancreatitis (AP) cases caused by SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. METHODS: The study was conducted retrospectively between April 2020 and June 2020 in Necmettin Erbakan University Meram, Medical Faculty Hospital, and 150 hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were included. The degree of acute pancreatitis was determined according to the Atlanta classification. Organ failures of the patients were evaluated in terms of respiratory, cardiovascular, and nephrology according to the modified Marshall scoring (MMS) system, and CTSI (Balthazar score) and Imrie score were determined. Modified Marshall score ≥ 2 was considered organ failure. RESULTS: A total of 29 patients were diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. All 29 patients with pancreatitis had respiratory failure during hospitalization. After the diagnosis of pancreatitis, there was no change in respiratory failure. According to the Atlanta classification, 19 patients had mild AP and 10 patients had moderate AP. Patients with acute pancreatitis were scored according to the CTSI (Balthazar score), and there were no patients with ≥6 severe pancreatitis. The CTSI score of 4 patients was 3. In addition, the Imrie score of the patients was determined and 8 patients with Imrie score ≥ 3 were identified. CONCLUSION: The rate of pancreatic damage in SARS-CoV-2 infection was found to be 19% (n = 29) in our study. In our study, we highlight acute pancreatitis as a complication associated with COVID-19 and the importance of pancreatic evaluation in patients with COVID-19 and abdominal pain is demonstrated.

The value of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration, 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography, and ultrasonography imaging techniques in the diagnosis of mediastinal and/or hilar malignant, anthracotic, and other benign lymph nodes.

INTRODUCTION: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a simple, reliable, minimally invasive and effective procedure. However, a surgical technique may be required, if the results are negative. Therefore, there is a need for new studies to increase the diagnostic value of EBUS-TBNA and provide additional information to guide the biopsy in performing the procedure. Here, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of EBUS-TBNA and 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in diagnosis of hilar and/or mediastinal lymph nodes (LNs). It was also aimed to determine the contributions of real-time ultrasonography (USG) images of LNs to distinguishing between the malignant and benign LNs during EBUS-TBNA, and in the diagnosis of anthracotic LNs. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In the retrospective study including 545 patients, 1068 LNs were sampled by EBUS-TBNA between January 2015 and February 2020. EBUS-TBNA, 18-FDG PET/CT and images of USG were investigated in the diagnosis of mediastinal and/or hilar malignant, anthracotic and other benign LNs. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of EBUS-TBNA were found as 79.5, 98.1, 89.5, and 91.7%, respectively. Mean maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) values of 18F-FDG PET/CT were 6.31±4.3 in anthracotic LNs and 5.07 ±â€Š2.53 in reactive LNs. Also, mean SUVmax of malignant LNs was 11.02 ±â€Š7.30 and significantly higher than that of benign LNs. In differentiation of malignant-benign tumors, considering the cut off value of 18F-FDG PET/CT SUVmax as 2.72, the sensitivity and specificity was 99.3 and 11.7%, but given the cut off value as 6.48, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value was found as 76.5, 64, 20.49, and 78.38% for benign LNs, respectively. Compared LNs as to internal structure and contour features, malignant LNs had most often irregular contours and heterogeneous density. Anthracotic, reactive and other benign LNs were most frequently observed as regular contours and homogeneous density. The difference between malignant and benign LNs was significant. CONCLUSION: EBUS can contribute to the differential diagnosis of malignant, anthracotic and other benign LNs. Such contributions can guide clinician bronchoscopists during EBUS-TBNA. The triple modality of EBUS-TBNA, 18FDG PET/CT, and USG may increase the diagnostic value in hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathies.

Effects of smoking on patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the relationship between the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS) and smoking using pulmonary function tests and polysomnographic data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This analytical cross-sectional study was done by retrospectively examining the files of patients who applied to the Meram Medical Faculty Chest Diseases Sleep Laboratory between 07.01.2016 and 30.12.2018. Three-hundred and thirty-three patients who were diagnosed with OSAS or simple snoring by polysomnography (PSG) were included in the study. RESULTS: Those involved in the study; 17.1% were simple snoring [apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) < 5]; 15.3% were mild OSAS (AHI: 5-15); 30.6% were moderate OSAS (AHI: 16-30); 36.9% were severe OSAS (AHI > 30), and 48.6% of the study participants never smoked. There was a significant correlation between the number of pack-years, minimum O2 saturation, mean O2 saturation, ratio of sleep time to total sleep time with oxygen saturation below 90%, %NREM 3 sleep time, Hb, HTC values, and FEV1/FVC values. According to the results of multiple linear regression analysis; the effect of package-year, age, and BMI on OSAS severity was found to be statistically significant (ß = 0.153 P = 0.004, ß = 0.123 P = 0.025, ß = 0.208 P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: It was revealed that patients with severe OSAS were heavy smokers, and increased smoking increased the OSAS severity both by increasing the AHI and by reducing the oxygen saturation overnight. One unit increase in the package-year results in a 15.3% increase in the AHI.

COVID-19 infection can cause chemotherapy resistance development in patients with breast cancer and tamoxifen may cause susceptibility to COVID-19 infection.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and is the second most common cause of death in women. Estrogen plays an important role in breast tumor etiopathogenesis. Tamoxifen and other anti-estrogen drugs are used in breast cancer patients who have a positive estrogen receptor (ER). While angiotensin II plays a key role in breast cancer etiology and causes tamoxifen resistance, angiotensin 1-7 has been reported to may reduce the spread and invasion of breast cancer. During the COVID-19 infection, the virus blocks ACE2, and angiotensin 1-7 production discontinued. Angiotensin III production may increase as angiotensin II destruction is reduced. Thus, aminopeptidase upregulation may occur. Increased aminopeptidase may develop resistance to chemotherapy in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Estrogen can have a protective effect against COVID-19. Estrogen increase causes ER-α upregulation in T lymphocytes. Thus, estrogen increases the release of interferon I and III from T lymphocytes. Increasing interferon I and III alleviates COVID-19 infection. Tamoxifen treatment causes down-regulation, mutation, or loss in estrogen receptors. In the long-term use of tamoxifen, its effects on estrogen receptors can be permanent. Thus, since estrogen receptors are damaged or downregulated, estrogen may not act by binding to these receptors. Tamoxifen is a P-glycoprotein inhibitor, independent of its effect on estrogen receptors. It suppresses T cell functions and interferon release. We think tamoxifen may increase the COVID-19 risk due to its antiestrogen and P-glycoprotein inhibitory effects.

Klestadt Cyst: Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

The Klestadt cyst, also known as nasoalveolar cyst, is an uncommon nonodontogenic tumor located in the maxillofacial soft tissue, on the region corresponding to the nasolabial furrow. Following its first description by Zuckerkandl in 1882, <300 patients have been reported in the literature. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred modality for diagnosis and management of Klestadt cyst. Magnetic resonance imaging is superior to computed tomography in demonstration of the relationship with surrounding soft tissues and bones, and also showing the accurate localization of the lesion. The aim of this report is to describe 2 patients with rarely seen Klestadt cyst and to discuss the MRI findings of this condition. Klestadt cyst must be remembered in patients suffering from nasolabial sulcus deformity and/or nasal obstruction. Its correct diagnosis is important for the management of this uncommon cyst.