COVID-19 vaccine response in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder.

OBJECTIVES AND AIMS: Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) is a disabling autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that requires immunosuppressants to control the relapses. The latter puts them at risk for more severe COVID-19 infection. Vaccines are an effective way to control the pandemic. However, we do not know how effective they are in immunologically compromised patients. We aimed to evaluate and compare antibody levels in NMOSD patients treated with disease-modifying therapies after two doses of inactivated and mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. METHODS: Patients with NMOSD diagnosis and age-sex matched healthy controls who received two doses of either inactivated and mRNA COVID-19 vaccine were recruited in the study. Serum samples were collected at least two weeks after the second dose. RESULTS: Serum samples from 24 NMOSD patients (Mean age-36.58, Female-70.83%) and 24 healthy controls (Mean age-36.71, Female-70.83%) were evaluated. Mean antibody titer was lower in the NMOSD group (Mean; SD (2.43 ± 1.51) than in healthy controls (Mean; SD 3.23 ± 0.80). Seronegativity was only seen in the rituximab group, there were no such cases in the azathioprine group. (9 vs 0). CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that NMOSD patients treated with rituximab may still be susceptible to severe COVID-19 infection even after both inactivated and mRNA vaccines.

Impact of the 3rd Edition of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology on Grey Zone Categories.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid Bethesda Reporting System is a six-tiered system that aims to bring uniformity in reporting thyroid cytology and improve the communication with clinicians. The system has achieved its goal as a presurgical diagnostic method; however, it remains a screening method in the grey zone categories, namely atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) and follicular neoplasm (FN). The book recently released the 3rd edition, following the recent changes in thyroid pathology. One of the most important novelties is subgrouping AUS category and FN to be able to make a better risk stratification in these categories. Our group aims to retrospectively analyze a large dataset based on the new TBSRTC, with a focus on the grey zone categories. METHODS: Only patients who underwent lobectomy or total thyroidectomy were included, allowing for direct comparison between cytological and histopathological results. Cytological evaluations, based on the TBSRTC 3rd edition, were methodically compared with their respective histopathological results, enabling a comprehensive analysis. RESULTS: Of the 244 patients (female:male ratio = 8.8:1, mean age = 56), a total of 252 nodules were evaluated. A distinction was noted with 79 nodules (31%) diagnosed as AUS and 173 nodules (69%) as FN. Intriguingly, the risk of malignancy (ROM) for AUS-overall stood at 44.3%, with AUS-nuclear atypia at 50% and AUS-other at 43.2%. Although the AUS subdivisions did not demonstrate statistical significance, a significant disparity was observed in their distribution, with 15% as AUS-nuclear atypia compared to 85% as AUS-other. This disparity raises the question: Could AUS-other be considered the new waste-basket category in the TBSRTC 3rd edition? Using the TBSRTC 3rd edition as a base, we added a subclassification for FN nodules based on the presence or absence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) nuclear features. Our findings showed that differentiating FN with oncocytic characteristics correlated well with histological outcomes and ROMs. Though retrospective in design with inherent bias potential, our data suggest a possible improvement in PTC case segregation in the FN category when differentiating between FN nodules with and without PTC nuclear features. CONCLUSION: Our retrospective study sheds light on the potential advantages of the TBSRTC 3rd edition, particularly in refining the AUS and FN categories for thyroid nodules. The clear disparity in AUS subcategories raises important questions about their classification and potential future refinements. Moreover, the differentiation of FN nodules based on PTC nuclear features holds a promising approach for better risk stratification.

Diagnosis in childhood abdominal Burkitt's lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: The role of surgery has changed substantially over the years in abdominal Burkitt's lymphoma. Laparotomy without total excision of the tumor does not have a positive effect on survival, might cause complications, and delays initiation of chemotherapy. Here we present our diagnostic management of patients with abdominal Burkitt's lymphoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The diagnostic methods of abdominal Burkitt's lymphoma cases treated between January 1999 and December 2009 were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Of the 48 abdominal Burkitt's lymphoma patients, 13 also had extra-abdominal site involvement. Diagnosis was made with ultrasound-guided tru-cut needle biopsy of the abdominal mass (n = 11), fluid cytology (n = 7), extra-abdominal site biopsy (n = 4), bone marrow aspiration (n = 2), gastroscopy (n = 1), and laparotomy (n = 23). In patients diagnosed with laparotomy, chemotherapy was started in 4-22 days (median 7) compared with patients diagnosed with other diagnostic interventions in 2-4 days (median 2) (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Although the most frequently used technique is laparotomy and open biopsy in our series, other methods provided quicker initiation of chemotherapy and less surgical morbidity. Especially in patients with high stages, cytological evaluation and tru-cut needle biopsy with radiological guidance is a better alternative of laparotomy.

The Role of Telecytology in the Primary Diagnosis of Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration Specimens.

INTRODUCTION: The Acibadem Health Group (AHG) has been using telepathology/digital pathology stations since 2006. In 2013, the system was changed from videoconferencing to digital pathology (whole-slide imaging) utilizing 3DHISTECH scanners and software. In 2017, digital cytology started to be used for routine cytopathologic diagnosis for thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-seven thyroid cases were received for analysis using telecytology (TC) during the period from November 2017 to May 2018. Rapid on-site evaluation was performed at the Atakent Hospital of the AHG by a cytotechnologist and scanned on the same day. For every case, there were Diff-Quik- and Papanicolaou-stained FNA smears. Each glass slide was digitized with a 3DHISTECH whole-slide scanner in 1 focal Z-plane at ×40 magnification. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-seven thyroid FNA specimens were retrieved, of which 25 had histologic follow-up. Samples were classified as nondiagnostic in 3%, benign in 74%, atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance in 13%, suspicious for follicular neoplasia/follicular neoplasia in 3%, suspicious for malignancy in 4%, and malignant in 3%. When only the "suspicious for malignancy" and "malignancy" categories were considered positive tests, cytology sensitivity and specificity using TC for diagnosis was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that TC is suitable to provide a primary diagnosis in daily routine cytology practice. Despite the promising results, there were some challenges stemming from the novelty of using TC for the primary diagnosis. The study also addresses both advantages and disadvantages of TC in daily practice to increase the efficiency of the technique in primary diagnosis.

The new guidelines of Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology for respiratory specimens: Assessment of risk of malignancy and diagnostic yield in different cytological modalities.

BACKGROUND: In 2016, the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology (PSC) issued a new classification scheme for respiratory cytology. We aim to evaluate our samples according to this classification and to assess risk of malignancy and diagnostic yield of different cytological modalities. METHODS: Respiratory specimens (sputum, bronchial wash/brush, BAL and FNA) obtained between 2007 and 2016 were reclassified according to PSC guidelines. Risk of malignancy for each diagnostic category was determined. Diagnostic yield was evaluated based on three-categorical approach. RESULTS: One thousand, two hundred and ninety respiratory specimens were retrieved, of which 280 had histologic follow-up. Samples were reclassified as nondiagnostic 16%, negative for malignancy 53%, atypical 5.4%, neoplastic (benign neoplasm/low-grade carcinoma) 0.4%, suspicious for malignancy 2.1% and malignant 23.1%. Risk of malignancy for each category was 64.01% for ND, 48.27% for NM, 59.09% for A, 100% for N-B-LG; 90% for SM and 89.74% for M. When only malignant cases were considered positive tests, cytology sensitivity was 55% and specificity 88%. CONCLUSION: Our results were in line with PSC guidelines, but the use of multiple cytological techniques may cause some discrepancies in overall diagnostic yield and in estimated risks of malignancy, which is important due to the widespread utilization of different cytological procedures.

Usefulness of homocysteine as a cancer marker: total thiol compounds and folate levels in untreated lung cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Apart from being a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, the latest research suggests homocysteine as a marker for cancer. We aimed to explore the clinical utility of plasma homocysteine levels as a marker in lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Changes in serum total thiols and folate levels were investigated in newly diagnosed untreated lung cancer patients (n = 37) and compared with healthy controls (n = 26). Fluorometric HPLC methods were used for the determination of thiols. Other parameters were determined with commercial diagnostic kits. RESULTS: Increased total homocysteine (t-Hcy), decreased total glutathione (t-GSH) and folate levels were observed in lung cancer patients compared with healthy controls. Total levels of thiols and folate did not show any significant difference between SCLC and NSCLC patients. However, there were significantly higher t-Hcy, lower t-GSH and folate levels in the advanced-stage group compared with controls. Prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was 65% in lung cancer patients when 12 micromol/l were taken as a cut-off value for t-Hcy levels. CONCLUSION: Homocysteine is suggested as a marker for several types of cancer, but our result did not support this hypothesis for lung cancer. Although higher homocysteine levels were observed in the present study, further investigation in the larger cancer population would clarify the importance of homocysteine as a cancer marker.

Normal and Tumour Tissue mRNA Expressions of Telomerase Complex Genes in Several Types of Cancer.

AIMS: To investigate the changes in mRNA expression levels of telomerase-related significant proteins in several types of cancer. METHODS: Human telomerase reverse transcriptase, pontin, reptin and dyskerin expressions were measured in normal and tumour tissues obtained from 26 patients with colorectal, breast and gastric cancers, using the real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS: For all patients, no significant difference was found in mRNA expressions of human telomerase reverse transcriptase and dyskerin (p>0.05), although their levels in tumour tissues were found to be higher than in normal tissues. However, pontin and reptin mRNA expressions were significantly higher in tumour tissues than in normal tissues (p<0.01). While human telomerase reverse transcriptase showed a high correlation with only pontin (p<0.001) in normal tissues, high positive correlations were observed between human telomerase reverse transcriptase with pontin (p<0.005), reptin (p<0.01) and dyskerin (p<0.01) in tumour tissues. CONCLUSION: The increased mRNA expressions of all four genes in tumour tissues may suggest a role in cancer development. Correlations of pontin, reptin and dyskerin with human telomerase reverse transcriptase support the hypotheses describing their roles in telomerase complexes.

[Amoebic liver abscess in a patient initially diagnosed with pneumonia: case report and discussion of relevant literature]. / Pnömoni Ön Tanili Bir Hastada Amebik Karaciger Absesi: Olgu Sunumu ve Ilgili Literatürün Degerlendirilmesi.

In one-third of the patients with amoebiasis, amoebic liver abscess (ALA) may occur after the penetration of amoebic trophozoites through the intestinal wall. ALA is seen mostly among men aged 20-45 years with a serious clinical outcome, with fever and abdominal pain on the right upper quadrant. Most patients have no recent history of amoebic colitis; indeed, they have neither gastrointestinal complaints nor Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) cysts/trophozoites in their stools. Therefore, ultrasonography and serology are primary in ALA diagnosis, while searching for E. histolytica DNA in abscess fluid using PCR has been preferred as an effective and reliable method, lately. Early antimicrobial therapy is effective; however, for cases irresponsive to therapy after 72 hours and with large abscess, drainage or surgical intervention is indicated. If left untreated, ALA may disseminate to other organs and cause death. The data concerning the extra-intestinal manifestations of amebiasis in Turkey are limited. Here, a rare case of a young man with an initial diagnosis of pneumonia followed by the identification of ALA after radiological interventions and laboratory tests is presented and the relevant literature is discussed.

Influence of gender on C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in obstructive sleep apnea.

Inflammation is one of the pathophysiological pathways suggested for the development of cardiovascular disease in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The recurrent nocturnal episodes of hypoxia/reoxygenation observed in patients with OSA appear to be partly responsible for the systemic inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of inflammation by measuring the C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in the OSA according to gender. This study included 139 apparently healthy subjects with newly diagnosed OSA and 27 control subjects who underwent overnight polysomnography and routine blood tests. Levels of inflammatory markers (CRP, fibrinogen, and ESR) were determined from the blood samples taken in the morning. The levels of CRP and fibrinogen were significantly higher in patients than in controls (p<0.0001 and p=0.001, respectively). Fibrinogen and ESR were significantly higher in the female patients than in the male patients (p<0.0001). In female patients, CRP and ESR correlated with time spent at oxygen saturation (T%SaO2)<90 (R=0.327, p=0.029 and R=0.301, p=0.05, respectively), T%SaO2<85 (R=0.482, p=0.001 and R=0.409, p=0.006, respectively), oxygen desaturation index (ODI) (R=0.298, p=0.047 and R=0.340, p=0.026, respectively), lowest oxygen saturation (SaO2) (R=-0.293, p=0.051 and R=-0.374, p=0.013, respectively), mean SaO2 (R=-0.408, p=0.005 and R=-0.385, p=0.011, respectively). In male patients, CRP correlated with T%SaO2<90 (R=0.267, p=0.009), T%SaO2<85 (R=0.279, p=0.006), mean SaO2 (R=-0.284, p=0.006) and fibrinogen correlated with T%SaO2<90 (R=0.282, p=0.028), and mean SaO2 (R=-0.252, p=0.05). In conclusion, increased values of systemic inflammatory markers and their correlations with sleep data observed in our study support other studies suggesting the possible involvement of inflammation in OSA. As this correlation is more apparent in female patients then the males, it suggests that there may be a stronger relation between OSA development and inflammation in females. Higher levels of CRP, fibrinogen, and ESR may result from the combined interactions of obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and nocturnal hypoxia.

Increased levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and its relationship with lipid peroxidation and antioxidant vitamins in lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen species produced either endogenously or exogenously can attack lipids, proteins and DNA in human cells and cause potentially deleterious consequences. In recent years, their role in the pathogenesis of lung cancer and the preventive effect of antioxidants have been studied extensively. In this study, our aim was to investigate the levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) and malondialdehyde as a marker for the effects of reactive oxygen species on DNA and lipids, the levels of antioxidant vitamins and the correlations between these oxidative stress markers and antioxidants in lung cancer. METHODS: Serum malondialdehyde, beta-carotene, retinol, and vitamins C and E were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography methods in fasting blood samples and 8OHdG was measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in 24-h urine samples of patients with lung cancer (n=39) and healthy controls (n=31). RESULTS: The levels of 8OHdG and malondialdehyde were significantly higher (p<0.05 and p<0.005, respectively) and beta-carotene, retinol, and vitamins C and E (p<0.0001, p<0.0001, p<0.0001, and p<0.05, respectively) were significantly lower in patients than in controls. There was a significantly positive correlation between 8OHdG and malondialdehyde (r=0.463, p=0.01) and a negative correlation between the levels of 8OHdG and retinol (r=-0.419, p=0.021) in the patient group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the oxidant/antioxidant balance was spoiled in favor of lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in lung cancer patients. Significant increases in the levels of malondialdehyde and 8OHdG and decreases in the levels of antioxidants suggest the possible involvement of oxidative stress in lung cancer.

Paraneoplastic porphyria cutanea tarda associated with cholangiocarcinoma: case report.

The porphyrias are a group of disorders of the heme biosynthesis pathway that present with acute neurovisceral symptoms, skin lesions or both. Porphyria cutanea tarda, presenting as a non-acute form, is the most common type of porphyria that encompasses a group of related disorders, all of which arise from deficient activity of the heme synthetic enzyme, uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase, in the liver. In the literature, concomitant presentation of porphyria with hepatocellular carcinoma is common; however, no case of porphyria cutanea tarda associated with cholangiocarcinoma has been seen. Here, we present a case of porphyria cutanea tarda seen in the course of cholangiocarcinoma, which can be attributed to a paraneoplastic syndrome. Our case is of interest because of its rarity. We also give a brief review of the literature regarding porphyria and cholangiocarcinoma.