Investigation of healing strategies in a rat corneal opacity model with polychromatic light and stem cells injection.

Corneal opacities are a major cause of vision loss worldwide. However, the current therapies are suboptimal to manage the corneal wound healing process. Therefore, there is an obvious need to develop new treatment strategies that are efficient in promoting wound healing in patients with severe corneal disorders. In this study, we investigated and compared the efficacy of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) and photobiomodulation (PBM) with polychromatic light in the NIR (600-1200 nm) alone and in combination, on corneal opacity, inflammatory response, and tissue architecture in a rat corneal opacity model created by mechanical injury. All animals were divided into four groups randomly following the injury: injury only (no treatment), ADMSCs treatment, PBM treatment and combined (ADMSCs+PBM) treatment (n = 12 eyes per group). At the 10th and 30th day following injury, corneal opacity formation, neovascularization, and corneal thickness were assessed. On the 30th day the harvested corneas were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), histological evaluation, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). On day 30, the corneal opacity score, neovascularization grade, and corneal thickness in all treatment groups were significantly lower in comparison with the untreated injured corneas. The TEM imaging and H&E staining together clearly revealed a significant enhancement in corneal regeneration with improved corneal microenvironment and reduced vascularization in the combined administration of PBM and ADMSCs compared to treatment of PBM and ADMSCs alone. In addition, the IHC staining, and RT-PCR analysis supported our hypothesis that combining ADMSCs therapy with PBM alleviated the inflammatory response, and significantly decreased scar formation compared to either ADMSCs or PBM alone during the corneal wound healing.

Comparison of the dentin tubule penetration of AH Plus, WellRoot ST, and MTA BioSeal after obturation, retreatment, and re-shaping of the root canals.

It was aimed to compare the dentine tubule penetration of AH Plus, MTA Bioseal, and WellRoot ST after filling, retreating, and reshaping the root canals by using a novel microscopic method. Seventy-five mandibular incisors with single root canals were shaped with Protaper Next system (PTN; X2-25/0.06) The teeth were obturated with AH Plus labeled with Rhodamin B and MTA Bioseal or WellRoot ST sealer which were labeled with Fluo-3. Then the root canal fillings were removed with Protaper Universal Retreatment files. At the last stage, the teeth were reshaped with PTN (X3-30/0.07). The samples were transversally sectioned and examined using a Cytation 5 reader and Gen5 software regarding the mean and the maximum depth of sealer penetration. No significant difference was observed between the groups, except for the 6 mm level after reshaping the root canals (p < .05). It is not possible to completely remove the sealer remnants from the dentin walls even after reshaping the root canals. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Even after reshaping the root canals in the retreatment procedure, it is not possible to completely remove the filling residues of the epoxy-resin-based, calcium-silicate-based and MTA-based endodontic pastes from the dentin walls.

Effect of nanosized bioactive glass addition on some physical properties of biodentine.

The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate some physical properties of Biodentine (BD) (Septodont, France) that has been modified by adding nanosized bioactive glass (nBG) particles to it in different ratios. The cement was modified by adding 1% (7 mg) and 2% (14 mg) nBG powder to BD. BD was used as the control group in its commercial form. A total of 240 cement samples (n = 80) were prepared according to the standard measurements for each test. Subsequently, tests to determine compressive strength, microhardness, initial setting time, and solubility of the samples were performed. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HDS tests, and the significance level was found to be 0.05. The compressive strength values of the samples modified with 1% and 2% nBG were higher than those of the unmodified BD; however, no statistically significant difference was found between them [BD + nBG (2 wt%) ⩾ BD+nBG (1 wt%) ⩾ control BD], (p > 0.05). The microhardness values of the samples modified with 1% and 2% nBG were found to be significantly higher than those of the control group [BD + nBG (2 wt%) > BD+nBG (1 wt%) > control BD], p < 0.05. Initial setting times were determined as 14 min for unmodified BD, 13 min for BD + nBG (1 wt%), and 12 min for BD + nBG (2 wt%). The addition of nBG to BD significantly reduced the initial setting time of BD (p < 0.05). A significant decrease was observed in the solubility of the BD modified with nBG samples compared to that of the control group [control BD > BD+nBG (1 wt%) >BD+nBG (2 wt%)], p < 0.05. Within the limitations of this study, it was found that the addition of certain amounts of nBG to BD positively affected some physical properties of the cement. Future in vitro and in vivo studies should be performed to prove the clinical applicability of the cements used in this study.

Choroidal structural changes in patients with early diabetic nephropathy.

PURPOSE: To determine alterations of the choroidal thickness (CT) and the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in patients with glomerular hyperfiltration, a marker of early diabetic nephropathy (DN). METHODS: Twenty-two patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with glomerular hyperfiltration (early DN group) and 28 patients with T2D without DN (NDN group) were included in the study. Patients with diabetic retinopathy were excluded. Parameters including subfoveal CT, the subfoveal choroidal vascularity index (CVI), and total CVI were measured using spectral-domain enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography method. RESULTS: The early DN group included 22 patients and the NDN group comprised 28 patients. The groups were similar in terms of age and sex (p>0.05). The CT values were statistically significantly lower in the early DN group than in the NDN group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the early DN group and the NDN group in terms of total and subfoveal CVI (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The choroidal thickness decreased in patients with T2D with glomerular hyperfiltration, but there were no differences in CVI when they were compared with patients with T2D without DN.

Generation of an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line from a patient with GEFS+ carrying a STX1B (p.Lys45delinsArgMetCysIleGlu and p.Leu46Met) mutation.

The STX1B gene encodes the presynaptic protein syntaxin-1B, which plays a major role in regulating fusion of synaptic vesicles. Mutations in STX1B are known to cause epilepsy syndromes, such as genetic epilepsies with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+). Here, we reprogrammed skin fibroblasts from a female patient affected by GEFS+ to human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The patient carries an InDel mutation (c.133_134insGGATGTGCATTG; p.Lys45delinsArgMetCysIleGlu and c.135_136AC > GA; p.Leu46Met), located in the regulatory Habc-domain of STX1B. Successful reprogramming of cells was confirmed by a normal karyotype, expression of several pluripotency markers and the potential to differentiate into all three germ layers.

Comparison of safety and efficacy of silicone hydrogel contact Lens-assisted CXL and accelerated CXL in keratoconus patients with thin corneas.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of silicone hydrogel contact lens-assisted corneal cross-linking (CL-CXL) and compare 12-month visual and topographic outcomes with accelerated CXL using hypo-osmolar riboflavin (A-CXL) in keratoconus patients with thin corneas (below 400 µm with epithelium). METHODS: This retrospective study included 27 eyes of 27 keratoconus patients who underwent CL-CXL (n = 14) or A-CXL (n = 13). Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA) and data obtained from corneal topography were analyzed at baseline and again at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Corneal demarcation line depth (DLD) was measured at one month, and changes in the corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) at 12 months were also assessed. RESULTS: Mean UDVA improved significantly in both groups at 12 months (all p < 0.05). Maximum keratometry (K-max) decreased by 1.04 ± 1.90 D in the CL-CXL group and by 0.87 ± 1.89 D in the A-CXL group at 12 months, which was not statistically significant (all p>0.05). Total corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) analysis showed a significant improvement in only the CL-CXL group at 12 months (p = 0.041). Average DLD was 227.18 ± 65.60 µm in the CL-CXL group and 245.30 ± 66.84 µm in the A-CXL group (p = 0.275). No significant change in ECD was found in either group (all p>0.05). Mean changes in UDVA, CDVA, K-max, K-mean, HOAs, and ECD were not statistically significant between the groups (all p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Silicone hydrogel CL-assisted CXL seems as effective as A-CXL in halting keratoconus progression in thin corneas with no side effects during the one-year follow-up period.

Influence of etching Mode and composite type on bond strength to biodentine using a ''No-Wait'' universal adhesive / Influencia del modo de grabado y del tipo de resina en la resistencia adhesiva al Biodentine utilizando un adhesivo universal tipo "no-wait"

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of four resin-based composite materials to a silicate-based cement using a ''no-wait'' universal bond with self-etch (SE) and etch-and-rinse (ER) modes. Acrylic blocks (n=80, 2mm depth, 5mm diameter central hole) were prepared. The holes were filled with BiodentineTM (BD) and divided into 4 main groups (n=20) according to the composite resin type used: Group FZ250: FiltekTM Z250 Universal Restorative (microhybrid), Group SDR: SDR Plus U Bulk Fill Flowable (low-viscosity bulk-fill), Group FBP: FiltekTM Bulk Fill Posterior (high-viscosity bulk-fill), Group EF: EsFlow™ Universal Flowable Composite (nanohybrid). A 'no-wait' universal bond (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick) was used for bonding application. Then each group was divided into 2 subgroups according to the etching mode applied (ER and SE). SBSs were measured and stereomicroscope was used to identify the failure modes. Selected samples of fracture surfaces were imaged by SEM. Tukey's post-hoc and One-way ANOVA tests were used to analyze data. There were statistically significant differences among the composite groups (p 0.05). The SBS of BD to the resin composites depends on the composite type but application of the 'no-wait' universal bond in different etching modes is regardless of the SBS of BD to resin composites.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la resistencia de adhesión al cizallamiento (SBS) de cuatro resinas con un cemento a base de silicato utilizando una adhesivo universal "no-wait" de autograbado (SE) y grabado y lavado (ER). Se prepararon bloques acrílicos (n=80, de 2mm de profundidad y un agujero central de 5mm de diámetro). Los agujeros se rellenaron con BiodentineTM (BD) y se dividieron en 4 grupos principales (n=20) según el tipo de resina compuesta utilizada: Grupo FZ250: FiltekTM Z250 Universal Restorative (microhíbrido), Grupo SDR: SDR Plus U Bulk Fill Flowable (bulk-fill de baja viscosidad), Grupo FBP: FiltekTM Bulk Fill Posterior (bulk-fill de alta viscosidad), Grupo EF: EsFlow™ Universal Flowable Composite (nanohíbrido). Para la aplicación de la adhesión se utilizó un adhesivo universal "no-wait" (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick). A continuación, cada grupo se dividió en 2 subgrupos según el modo de grabado aplicado (ER y SE). Se midieron los SBS y se utilizó el estereomicroscopio para identificar los modos de fallo. Las muestras seleccionadas de las superficies de fractura se analizaron mediante SEM. Se utilizaron las pruebas post-hoc de Tukey y ANOVA de una vía para analizar los datos. Hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos de composites (p0,05). La SBS de la BD a los composites de resina depende del tipo de composite, pero la aplicación de la unión universal "no-wait" en los diferentes modos de grabado es independiente de la SBS de la BD a los composites de resina.

Outcomes of Prolene Gonioscopy Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma and Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma: A Comparative Study.

PRCIS: Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) provides greater intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXG) than in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in the first year of surgery; however, the difference between groups equalizes in the long term. PURPOSE: To compare outcomes of GATT in eyes with POAG and PXG. METHODS: Single-center, retrospective, comparative case-series. A total of 202 eyes (91 eyes of POAG; 111 eyes of PXG) were included. GATT was performed as a standalone procedure or in combination with cataract extraction. Outcome measures were change in IOP and number of medications at all time points (1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, and 36 mo after surgery), success rate (IOP reduction ≥20% from baseline or IOP between 6 and 21 mmHg, without further glaucoma surgery), and complication rate. Cumulative success probabilities were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. RESULTS: The mean IOP decreased by 8.8 mmHg (34.4%) in the POAG group with a mean decrease of 2 glaucoma medications at final visit. In the PXG group, the mean IOP decreased by 12.8 mm Hg (44.6%) on 2.3 fewer medications. Mean IOP reduction was significantly higher in PXG than POAG at all time points up to 2-year visit ( P <0.05 for all), after which the difference was not significant. Cumulative success probability during the first year was significantly higher in PXG (97.6%) than in POAG (86.8%) ( P =0.01); no significant difference was found at 2-year ( P =0.07) and 3-year visits ( P =0.24). CONCLUSION: GATT was safe and effectively reduced the IOP and medication burden in patients with POAG and PXG. In the first year after GATT, a significantly higher success rate was noted in PXG compared with POAG; however, in subsequent years, the success rate was similar at ~75%.

Difficulties experienced by endodontics researchers in conducting studies and writing papers.

Objectives: The study investigated the difficulties experienced by endodontics researchers around the world in conducting studies and writing papers. Materials and Methods: A survey consisting of 18 questions on the difficulties experienced by endodontics researchers in performing studies and writing papers was e-mailed to academics in the field of endodontics working at 202 universities. The independent risk factors were analyzed using binary logistic regression at a significance level of 0.05. Results: A total of 581 individuals (10.7%) agreed to participate in the study. Almost half the participants (48.2%) reported that they had received some type of training in conducting studies and writing papers. In response to the question, "Do you get help from a statistician to perform the statistical analyses of your studies?," 77.1% answered "yes." Around 40% of the participants stated that the need to obtain ethical approval negatively affected their desire to conduct studies. The participants' regions had no effect on the reported difficulties associated with writing papers in English or conducting statistical analyses (p > 0.05). Most participants (81.8%) reported difficulties in writing the Discussion section, regardless of their region, academic degrees, or years of experience. Conclusions: The participants stated they experienced difficulties in many areas, such as conducting statistical analyses, finding new ideas, and writing in English. Engaging in a detailed examination of ethics committee rules, expanding biostatistics education, increasing the number of institutions providing research funding, and increasing the number of endodontics journals can increase the enthusiasm of endodontics researchers to publish papers.

Messenger ribonucleic acid vaccine-associated immune thrombocytopenia: A rare complication of vaccine.

Coronavirus disease-2019 continues to have a serious impact in countries with the effect of new variant viruses emerging with mutations. While the effectiveness and protection of the vaccine have been determined all over the world, some vaccine-related side effects can be detected in the form of cases. In our case, the patient was admitted to the emergency department of our hospital with complaints of weakness and progressive rash on his legs. Diffuse petechiae purpura on the legs of the patient was observed and complete blood count revealed thrombocytopenia. Peripheral blood smear supported the blood count test results with thrombocytopenia, secondary causes of thrombocytopenia were excluded, and the patient was diagnosed with vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia.

Can the Reduction of Cytokines Stop the Progression of Sepsis?

Objective In this study, we aimed to analyze the laboratory and clinical results of cytokine hemadsorption as an immunomodulation therapy in ICU patients diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock. Methods The levels of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP), determined to be indicators of infection/sepsis, and the levels of interleukins (IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), deemed as indicators of the cytokine storm, were compared among 32 patients before and after the hemadsorption procedure. Results The hemadsorption significantly reduced the levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNFα, PCT, CRP, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) scores, mortality rate, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores (p<0.05). APACHE scores and the mean predicted mortality rate (PMR) of the non-survivors measured before the procedure was significantly higher than those of survivors (p=0.002 for both). IL-10, APACHE scores, and the mortality rates determined before the hemadsorption procedure were deemed significant parameters to predict the mortality among all ICU patients (p<0.05). IL-10 levels ≤125.3 ng/L, APACHE score >30, and PMR >70.33 were significantly associated with the mortality rates of all patients, indicating that these three parameters determined before the hemadsorption may be good predictors of mortality among ICU patients with sepsis. Conclusion The progression of sepsis in ICU patients may be prevented with cytokine hemadsorption applied as an immunomodulator therapy.

Measurement of antibody levels in patients with COVID-19 over time by immunofluorescence assay: a longitudinal observational study.

BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, antibody screening is a critical tool to assess anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunity. We examined variation in antibody titers associated with age and sex among patients with confirmed COVID-19. METHODS: Blood IgG levels were tested in 1081 patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) tests between 1 September and 31 December 2020. Patients who did not experience reinfection were identified. Serum IgG levels were measured by immunofluorescence assay. Antibody positivity and antibody titers were analyzed according to time since infection, sex, and age. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) age was 41.2 (14.2) years and 41.2% of patients were women. The lowest antibody positivity rate between the first and ninth month post-infection was detected in the sixth month. The lowest antibody titers among patients aged 20 to 80 years occurred in those aged 30 to 39 years. The IgG titer was positively correlated with age in years (r = 0.125) and decades (r = 0.126). CONCLUSIONS: Six months after infection, anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers increased. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers also increased with age. Immunity and pathogenicity should be investigated in addition to antibody positivity rates and antibody titers.

Angioedema after favipiravir treatment: Two cases.

Drug-induced angioedema often affects elderly patients with chronic drug use. Proper diagnosis and prompt with effective treatment reduce mortality. With the increasing use of favipiravir, many side effects, especially increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels due to liver toxicity, and also skin lesions are reported. First patient oral favipiravir treatment on the second day was admitted to the hospital with rash and swelling on the eyelids. Second patient suffered from significant swelling on the upper lip and displayed angioedema. In this cases, angioedema findings regressed after rapid diagnosis and parenterally administered antihistamine and steroid treatment. Although there is no effective drug therapy in the treatment of COVID-19, favipiravir is also included in the treatment protocols in many countries. Clinicians should be careful about the side effects and possible skin manifestations, especially including angioedema, related to the use of favipiravir.

Postmortem Interval Estimation With Corneal Endothelial Cell Density.

OBJECTIVES: In the neonatal period, healthy people have the highest corneal endothelial cell density (CECD) (5000-7000 cells/mm2). Corneal endothelial cell density declines with age in adults (2500-3000 cells/mm2) and continues to decline in the postmortem period. We measured CECD in cases with different postmortem interval (PMI) and investigated its association with PMI. METHODS: A total of 555 corneas harvested from 285 cases with a known time of death were examined using a specular microscope. RESULTS: Postmortem corneal removal time ranged between 10 and 1395 minutes. The CECD averages were 2653 for right cornea and 2678 cells/mm2 for left cornea. An inverse but nonlinear relationship was found between age and CECD. In both men and women, there was an inverse and weak correlation between age and CECD (ρ = -0.282; P < 0.001; ρ = -0.264; P < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant relationship between postmortem corneal removal time and CECD (ρ = 0.049; P = 0.421; ρ = 0.011; P = 0.855 for right and left corneas, respectively). The highest decline in time dependent CECD was detected between the 480th and 540th minutes at -7.2%. CONCLUSIONS: We found no significant decrease in CECD numbers according to PMI or cause of death. Experimental studies on cases with known and standardized antemortem CECD values will provide essential results in estimating PMI.

Transepithelial Diluted Alcohol and Iontophoresis-Assisted Corneal Crosslinking for Progressive Keratoconus in Adults: 4-Year Clinical Results.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the 4-year clinical outcomes of transepithelial diluted alcohol and iontophoresis-assisted corneal crosslinking (DAI-CXL) and standard corneal crosslinking (S-CXL) in adults with progressive keratoconus. METHODS: This retrospective study included 36 eyes of 36 keratoconic patients who underwent DAI-CXL (n = 18) or S-CXL (n = 18). Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and corneal topography parameters were analyzed at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years of follow-up. Corneal demarcation line depth (DLD) at 1 month was measured, and the relation of DLD with corneal thickness (DL%) was assessed. RESULTS: BSCVA improved significantly only in S-CXL (P = 0.01). A significant decrease in maximum keratometry and mean keratometry occurred at 4 years in both groups (all P < 0.05), and these changes were similar in both groups (all P > 0.05). There was a significant reduction in the thinnest corneal thickness in S-CXL (P = 0.01); however, the mean thinnest corneal thickness in DAI-CXL remained stable (P = 0.094). Higher-order aberrations and coma aberration decreased significantly in both groups at 4 years (all P < 0.05), with a higher decrease in S-CXL (all P < 0.05). Spherical aberration showed a significant reduction only in S-CXL (P = 0.005). In contrast to the similar mean DLD in both groups, DL% in DAI-CXL was significantly greater than that in S-CXL (P = 0.032). There were no correlations between the improvement in BSCVA, maximum keratometry, mean keratometry, higher-order aberrations, and the mean DLD and DL% (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: DAI-CXL was as effective as S-CXL in arresting the progression of keratoconus and showed similar clinical results to S-CXL at the 4-year follow-up.

Antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccines in older adults.

Because of the senescence of the immune system, antibody response to the COVID-19 vaccines may differ from older to younger adults. The study aim compares the titers of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody of patients ≥60 years who received three doses of CoronaVac vaccine and those who received two doses of CoronaVac+1 dose of Pfizer-BioNTech after 1 month of the last vaccination. Patients ≥60 years who received the CoronaVac vaccine between March 1, 2021, and April 30, 2021, who did not have COVID-19 disease before the first dose of vaccination and were negative for COVID-19 antibodies, whose antibodies were tested before the third dose of vaccination, and who did not have any COVID-19 disease during the follow-up were included. The demographic characteristics and comorbidities of patients were recorded. An immunofluorescence assay (IFA) fast test and a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (Abbott) were used to measure SARS-CoV-2 quantitative antibody levels at the first month after the third-dose vaccine. Totally 81 patients, 41 patients in third dose of the CoronaVac group (female:male 18:23, mean age 69.4 ± 8.5), and 40 patients in third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech group (female:male 15:25, mean age 69.9 ± 9.1) were included. The patients' comorbidities in the groups were similar. The titers of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 measured according to both IFA and Abbott Kit at first month the third dose vaccination was significantly higher in the Pfizer-BioNTech group (p ≥ 0.001, p = 0.012, respectively). The results report that the formed immunity in the first month after the two doses of CoronaVac+1 dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was higher than three doses of CoronaVac vaccine in older adults.

The Diagnostic and Predictive Roles of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio for Severity of Disease in COVID-19 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are inflammation markers in inflammatory, cardiovascular, and malignant diseases and are important to assess prognosis. The aim of the study is to show the correlation between the inflammation markers of NLR, LMR, and PLR identified in total blood count of patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with the disease severity. METHODS: A total of 409 patients attending hospital with clinical symptoms of COVID-19 and with positive quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test were divided into two groups as 61 severe patients and 348 non-severe patients. The levels of inflammation markers NLR, LMR, PLR, and c-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed. RESULTS: The mean age of 409 patients was 49.9 ± 18.3 years and 48.7% of all patients were female. In the severe patient group, NLR 8.94 ± 13.24, LMR 2.24 ± 1.46, and PLR 248 ± 254 were identified. NLR exhibited the largest area under the curve at 0.698, with the highest specificity (67%) and sensitivity (67.3%) among the other inflammation markers such as LMR and PLR. Consistent with the severity of disease in severe COVID-19 patients, NLR, PLR, CRP and other inflammation markers increase, while LMR is observed to reduce. CONCLUSIONS: NLR and PLR, calculated with the simple, cheap, and easily accessible hemogram test requested for diagnosis and follow-up of COVID-19 disease, were correlated with the total score for radiological findings and duration of hospitalization, and we observed NLR and LMR may predict disease severity.

Relationship between Antibody Levels and SARS-Cov-2 Reinfection.

OBJECTIVE: In this period when mutant strains are increasing all over the world, studies on how much humoral immunity will protect against the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are quite limited. The aim of our study is to investigate the positivity and antibody levels of the COVID-19 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection, and the protective antibody level against re-infection. METHODS: Patients who were positive for COVID-19 IgG antibody between 1 July and 31 August were included in our study. The COVID-19 RT-PCR test positivity, age, gender and comorbidities of these patients were recorded before this date. The COVID-19 RT-PCR test positivity of these patients was followed from the National COVID-19 Database between September 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021. RESULTS: 1665 patients (female: male 683: 982, mean age 40.6±13.4 years). Among all patients, 14 patients had reinfection and the frequency of reinfection was 0.8%. It was observed that the frequency of reinfection was more frequent in patients with PCR negative (p<0.001). The IgG cut-off value causing reinfection was found to be 11.9 (AUC: 0.844, 79.2% sensitivity, 78.6% specificity) (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Humoral antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were protective against COVID-19 reinfection, 0.8% of the patients had reinfection and the resultant reinfection was mostly seen in PCR negative patients who were asymptomatic.

COVID-19 seroconversion in the aircrew from Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Pneumonia due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is spreading rapidly all over the world and air travel is the leading transmission route of the virus among countries. The aim of the study is to determine the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in aircrew, to determine occupational exposure, and to understand the spread of immunity in social groups. METHOD: The study was designed as a cross-sectional retrospective study. SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels were measured in patients who applied to between December 1, 2020 and January 13, 2021. Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positivity was investigated before December 1, 2020. RESULTS: The patients were divided into three groups according to their jobs such as 313 aircrew; 451 healthcare workers; 4258 other patients. The PCR positivity rate was found to be 39% in the aircrew group, 32% in the healthcare workers and %20 other patient group (p < 0.001). The IgG antibody positivity rate was 46% in the aircrew, 41% in healthcare workers, and 35.3% in the other patient group (p < 0.001).The group with the highest IgG antibody titer is in the aircrew; there was a significant difference between the groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, it was observed that aircrew, similar to healthcare workers, are at serious risk against SARS-CoV-2. In this process, it is suggested that the vaccination processes included repeated doses of aircrew should be accelerated and protective measures and equipment should be increased in terms of reinfection.

Mad Honey Poisoning Case Series Presenting With ECG Findings Including Atrioventricular Complete Block and Symptomatic Hypotension.

Plants belonging to the Ericaceae family, which grow endemically in some parts of the world, contain grayanotoxin, which causes fatal bradyarrhythmia and circulatory collapse. Mad honey, which comes from plants with grayanotoxin, has various uses, namely, as an aphrodisiac, as an alternative therapy for GI disorders such as peptic ulcer, dyspepsia, and gastritis, and as a treatment for hypertension. However, GI, neurological and cardiac side effects may arise from its ingestion due to the grayanotoxin contained by this type of honey. Cardiac rhythm disturbances, sinus bradycardia, and other life-threatening side effects can occur, especially atrioventricular (AV) block and nodal rhythms. In this article, we present five honey poisoning cases involving adults who were admitted to our ED. Notably, one of the patients was unresponsive to atropine, so a temporary pacemaker was inserted, after which the patient was moved to the coronary ICU. Meanwhile, the cardiac rhythm of the other cases returned to normal in the follow-up after atropine administration.