The Predictive Utility of Circulating PCSK9 Levels on Diabetic Retinopathy Stage.

Purpose: To investigate the value of proprotein-converting subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) patients with different stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and to compare these findings with a healthy control group without diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods: A total of 135 patients, 100 of whom were patients with T2D and 35 of whom were in the health control group, were included in this prospective study. T2D patients were divided into three groups: the first group included 34 people with T2D without DR, the second group had 32 people with non-proliferative DR (NPDR), and the third group had 34 people with proliferative DR (PDR).

Relationship Between Platelet Parameters and Eosinophils with Disease Severity, CRP and Treatment in Stable COPD.

Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex inflammatory condition that primarily impairs respiration but can also affect hemostasis. This study aimed to determine differences in platelet-related parameters and eosinophil between COPD patients and healthy controls.

Methods: We included 149 patients with stable COPD and 30 healthy controls who were recruited from the outpatient department of Chest Diseases.

Are tube fill volumes below 90% a rejection criterion for all coagulation tests?

Background: Rejected samples lead to prolonged turnaround time and delayed diagnosis and treatment of patients. This study was conducted to determine minimum acceptable sample volume in Sarstedt brand coagulation tubes to reduce high sample rejection rate.

Methods: Blood samples were drawn from 20 participants (10 healthy volunteers and 10 patients receiving oral anticoagulant) into coagulation tubes.

The effects of adequate dietary calcium intake in patients with hypoparathyroidism non-adherent to treatment: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Objective: A significant problem that compels clinicians in the conventional treatment of hypoparathyroidism is patients' non-adherence to treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adequate Ca intake with dietary recommendations among hypoparathyroidism patients who persistently use Ca supplementation irregularly on plasma Ca and phosphate levels.

Methods: This prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted on patients diagnosed with chronic hypoparathyroidism who persistently interrupt Ca supplementation therapy and therefore have a hypocalcemic course.

Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in COPD Exacerbation.

Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease with progressive airway limitation. The asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) molecule is known to be effective in airway inflammation and remodeling. We investigated the relationship between ADMA and COPD, and its role in the course of the disease in cases with exacerbation.

Relationship Between ABO Blood Types and Coronavirus Disease 2019 Severity.

Objectives: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 infection spreads rapidly around the world. The blood groups are recognized to influence susceptibility to certain viruses.The aim of this research was to determine any potential role of the patients' ABO and Rh blood groups in both the acquisition and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).