Radiologic severity index can be used to predict mortality risk in patients with COVID-19.

Introduction: Pneumonia is a common symptom of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), and this study aimed to determine how analyzing initial thoracic computerized-tomography (CT) scans using semi-quantitative methods could be used to predict the outcomes for hospitalized patients.

Materials And Methods: This study looked at previously collected data from adult patients who were hospitalized with a positive test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 and had CT scans of their thorax at the time of presentation. The CT scans were evaluated for the extent of lung involvement using a semi-quantitative scoring system ranging from 0 to 72.

The liver-kidney axis: Is serum leptin a potential link in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-associated chronic kidney disease?

Background And Study Aims: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Previous studies argued that leptin levels increase significantly with the progression of CKD. But the association between leptin and CKD has not been investigated in patients with NAFLD.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes in patients with autoimmune hepatitis.

Background: Data regarding outcome of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in vaccinated patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are lacking. We evaluated the outcome of COVID-19 in AIH patients who received at least one dose of Pfizer- BioNTech (BNT162b2), Moderna (mRNA-1273) or AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1-S) vaccine.

Patients And Methods: We performed a retrospective study on AIH patients with COVID-19.

Clinical Contribution of Standardized Terminology for Pancreatic Lesions' Cytopathology.

Introduction: Demonstration of diagnostic contribution of Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology-standardized nomenclature for pancreaticobiliary cytology (PSC-PC) in endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) fine-needle biopsy (FNA) biopsies is important for widespread use and further development.

Methods: 179 EUS-FNA biopsies (89: solid, 90: cystic) and PSC-PC categories were compared with surgical definite histopathology and definite clinical diagnosis. Overall risk of malignancy (oROM) was calculated for each PSC-PC category.

Frequency, Predisposing Factors, and Clinical Outcome of Azathioprine-Induced Pancreatitis Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Results From a Tertiary Referral Center.

Objective: The aim of the study was to identify the frequency of azathioprine-induced acute pancreatitis (AZA-AP) and related factors.

Methods: Seven hundred eighty-seven inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients on AZA therapy were retrospectively analyzed. Azathioprine-induced AP was diagnosed with positive imaging and/or an at least 3-fold increased amylase level, in presence of typical abdominal pain.

Effects of immunosuppressive drugs on COVID-19 severity in patients with autoimmune hepatitis.

Background: We investigated associations between baseline use of immunosuppressive drugs and severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).

Patients And Methods: Data of AIH patients with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 were retrospectively collected from 15 countries. The outcomes of AIH patients who were on immunosuppression at the time of COVID-19 were compared to patients who were not on AIH medication.

Outcome of COVID-19 in Patients With Autoimmune Hepatitis: An International Multicenter Study.

Background And Aims: Data regarding outcome of COVID-19 in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are lacking.

Approach And Results: We performed a retrospective study on patients with AIH and COVID-19 from 34 centers in Europe and the Americas. We analyzed factors associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes, defined as the need for mechanical ventilation, intensive care admission, and/or death.

Evaluation of Ocular Parameters in Adult Patients with Celiac Disease.

Purpose: To evaluate ophthalmic parameters in adult celiac patients.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 31 celiac patients (58 eyes) and 25 healthy controls (50 eyes). Tear break up time (TBUT), schirmer test were measured; corneal thickness, anterior chamber parameters were obtained using scheimpflug camera; retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) evaluated by using spectral domain optical cohorence tomography.

The effect of concomitant ankylosing spondylitis on long-term outcome of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Background/aims: The aim of the present study was to compare the demographic features and long-term outcomes of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with or without ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Materials And Methods: Among 1640 IBD (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), 76 patients with IBD+AS were identified. The study group consisted of 76 patients with IBD with synchronous AS.

Coexistence of Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome and JAK2-positive essential thrombocythemia.

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is an autosomal recessive disorder consisting of oculocutaneous albinism, platelet storage pool deficiency, and lysosomal accumulation of ceroid lipofuscin. The storage pool deficiency of HPS is associated with the lack of dense bodies in the platelets, resulting in impaired response in the secondary phase of aggregation. Patients with HPS have normal coagulation tests; however, their bleeding time is usually prolonged despite normal or increased platelet counts.

Which Type of Temporary Hemodialysis Catheter Should Be Used for the Right Internal Jugular Vein? Prospective Observational Study of Straight vs. Precurved Catheters.

Weak evidence is present for choosing amongst different temporary hemodialysis catheter (THC) designs with regards to the risk of venous thrombosis, therefore two THC designs for the right internal jugular vein (RIJV) were compared. Patients aged ≥18 years who needed THC insertion into the RIJV for acute hemodialysis due to either acute or chronic renal failure were included. The type of THC (precurved/straight) was dependent on the date of hospital admission.

Apoptosis and Disease Severity is Associated with Insulin Resistance in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Backgrounds And Aims: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with insulin resistance (IR). We evaluated whether IR contributes to hepatocyte apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in NAFLD.

Methods: Forty-four teetotaller patients with biopsy-proven diagnosis of NAFLD were enrolled.

Prevalence of fecal incontinence and associated risk factors in elderly outpatients: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Data on the prevalence of fecal incontinence in elderly patients admitted to outpatient clinics in Turkey are scarce.

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of fecal incontinence and the associated risk factors in the elderly outpatients.

Methods: Patients 60 years and older admitted to a geriatrics outpatient clinic between October 2013 and March 2014 were included.

Role of oxidative stress and insulin resistance in disease severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background/aims: Oxidative stress and insulin resistance (IR) are major contributors in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The purpose of this study was to find the relation between oxidative stress parameters and histopathological findings in NAFLD patients with and without insulin resistance (IR).

Materials And Methods: Thirty-two patients with no alcohol intake and biopsy-proven diagnosis of NAFLD were studied (M/F: 17/15; mean age 46.

Five-year results of oral antiviral therapy in HBeAg-negative chronic Hepatitis B.

Background/aims: Several guidelines recommend the use of tenofovir or entecavir as the first-line treatment for hepatitis B due to the lower resistance rates of these drugs than lamivudine, although lamivudine may still be preferred because of its low adverse effect profile and cost. It is important to know which patients might benefit from lamivudine as the first-line treatment. We aimed to assess the success rates of lamivudine, entecavir, and tenofovir, as well as the resistance rates, frequencies of HBsAg clearance, and risk factors for lamivudine resistance.

Low lipase levels as an independent marker of pancreatic cancer: a frequently neglected condition in clinical setting.

Background/aims: Low lipase levels, which may be an indication of low production due to organ failure, are frequently encountered in a clinical setting, but are usually overlooked. This study examined the values of low serum lipase levels and other clinical parameters in the diagnosis of several clinical conditions, such as in pancreatic cancer.

Materials And Methods: Patients with low lipase levels (≤8 U/L) were included in this retrospective study.

Cystatin C is better than albuminuria as a predictor of pulse wave velocity in hypertensive patients.

Introduction: Arterial stiffness is important in the evaluation of the cardiovascular risk in both general population and hypertensive patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the associations of both serum cystatin C levels and albuminuria with arterial stiffness in healthy controls and hypertensive patients.

Patients And Methods: Seventy-six healthy controls (male/female = 44/32) and 76 hypertensive patients (male/female = 43/33) were enrolled.

A rare but significant cause of priapism in the elderly: multiple myeloma.

Priapism is a rare symptom with diverse etiological factors. Although most cases in adults are secondary to drug use and intracavernosal injections, blood dyscrasias and hypercoagulable states, vasculitis, penile metastases, neurological conditions, spider bites, carbon monoxide poisoning, and total parenteral nutrition may also result in priapism. We report a case of recurrent and refractory priapism in a 61-year-old man which was diagnosed as multiple myeloma after emergence of hypercalcemia and renal failure due to progression of the underlying pathology.