Water striders are impervious to raindrop collision forces and submerged by collapsing craters.

Water striders are abundant in areas with high humidity and rainfall. Raindrops can weigh more than 40 times the adult water strider and some pelagic species spend their entire lives at sea, never contacting ground. Until now, researchers have not systematically investigated the survival of water striders when impacted by raindrops. In this experimental study, we use high-speed videography to film drop impacts on water striders. Drops force the insects subsurface upon direct contact. As the ensuing crater rebounds upward, the water strider is propelled airborne by a Worthington jet, herein called the first jet. We show the water strider's locomotive responses, low density, resistance to wetting when briefly submerged, and ability to regain a super-surface rest state, rendering it impervious to the initial impact. When pulled subsurface during a second crater formation caused by the collapsing first jet, water striders face the possibility of ejection above the surface or submersion below the surface, a fate determined by their position in the second crater. We identify a critical crater collapse acceleration threshold ∼ 5.7 gravities for the collapsing second crater which determines the ejection and submersion of passive water striders. Entrapment by submersion makes the water strider poised to penetrate the air-water interface from below, which appears impossible without the aid of a plastron and proper locomotive techniques. Our study is likely the first to consider second crater dynamics and our results translate to the submersion dynamics of other passively floating particles such as millimetric microplastics atop the world's oceans.

Safety of geriatric patients undergoing endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration with deep sedation: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) can be performed in a wide range, from minimal sedation to general anesthesia. Advanced age increases perioperative risks related to anesthesia and is also associated with many pathological processes that further increase morbidity and mortality. The ideal sedation protocol for EBUS-TBNA has yet to be determined in geriatric patients. Deep sedation (DS) may increase the safety and performance of the procedure. There are limited studies evaluating the effectiveness and safety of EBUS-TBNA under DS in elderly patients. METHODS: 280 patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA under DS were included in this retrospective study. 156 patients aged 65 years and over (Group 1) and 124 patients under 45 (Group 2) were compared. Demographic data, comorbidities, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), hemodynamic measurements, and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) before the procedure were evaluated. In addition, the duration of the EBUS-TBNA procedure, sedation agents and dosages, recovery time, and complications related to the procedure in the 24 h and applied medications and treatments were recorded. RESULTS: There was no difference in body mass index, EBUS-TBNA procedure duration, and recovery time between geriatric and young patients(p > 0.05). The proportion of female patients, pre-anesthesia SpO2, and PFTs were found to be significantly lower in geriatric patients(p < 0.05). ASA classification, frequency of comorbidities, and initial mean arterial pressure were found to be significantly higher in the geriatric group(p < 0.05). The propofol-ketamine combination was the most preferred sedative in both groups. The dose of propofol used in the regimen in which propofol was administered alone was found to be lower in the elderly group (p < 0.05). The increase in the HR was significant in Group 2 in the T4 and T5 periods with respect to T1 when the differences were compared (p < 0.05). As a complication, the frequency of high blood pressure during the procedure was higher in the elderly group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The EBUS-TBNA procedure performed under DS was safe in elderly and young patients. Our study showed that the procedure and recovery times were similar in the elderly and young groups. The incidence of temporary high blood pressure during the procedure was higher in the elderly patients. The other complication rates during the procedure were similar in groups. Decreased propofol dose in the regimen using propofol alone has shown us that anesthetists are more sensitive to the administration of sedative agents in geriatric patients, taking into account comorbidities and drug interactions.

What is the yield of EBUS-TBNA for re-evaluation of previously treated non-small-cell lung cancer?

BACKGROUND: Locoregional recurrence in lung cancer still remains an important problem. We aimed to indicate the effectiveness of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) for reevaluation in previously treated nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: : NSCLC patients who underwent EBUS for rebiopsy of suspicious recurrent or progressive lesions between January 2010 and June 2017 were reviewed. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the previous treatment modalities: Group 1 (G1) consisted of patients who had been treated with chemoradiotherapy, and Group 2 (G2) consisted of patients who had undergone radical surgery. RESULTS: Of 115 patients, 100 patients enrolled in the study. Of 26 patients with 35 lymph nodes in G1, malignant cells were identified in thirteen patients (50%). Anthracosis was detected in the remaining. Malignancy was detected in 28 patients (37.8%) in G2. Thirty-threepatients were diagnosed as benign (24 anthracosis; 8 lymphocytes, and 1 granulomatous); 8 were not sampled, and inadequate material was obtained in five. The sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive value, and overall diagnostic accuracy of EBUS-TBNA for rebiopsy in G1 were 84.8%, 100%, 89.1%, 100%, and 93.2%, respectively. These values were all perfect in G2. DISCUSSION: EBUS-TBNA could be preferred as a feasible and efficient procedure for rebiopsy in previously treated NSCLC patients.

Efficacy and safety of an inactivated whole-virion SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (CoronaVac): interim results of a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: CoronaVac, an inactivated whole-virion SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, has been shown to be well tolerated with a good safety profile in individuals aged 18 years and older in phase 1/2 trials, and provided a good humoral response against SARS-CoV-2. We present the interim efficacy and safety results of a phase 3 clinical trial of CoronaVac in Turkey. METHODS: This was a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. Volunteers aged 18-59 years with no history of COVID-19 and with negative PCR and antibody test results for SARS-CoV-2 were enrolled at 24 centres in Turkey. Exclusion criteria included (but were not limited to) immunosuppressive therapy (including steroids) within the past 6 months, bleeding disorders, asplenia, and receipt of any blood products or immunoglobulins within the past 3 months. The K1 cohort consisted of health-care workers (randomised in a 1:1 ratio), and individuals other than health-care workers were also recruited into the K2 cohort (randomised in a 2:1 ratio) using an interactive web response system. The study vaccine was 3 µg inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virion adsorbed to aluminium hydroxide in a 0·5 mL aqueous suspension. Participants received either vaccine or placebo (consisting of all vaccine components except inactivated virus) intramuscularly on days 0 and 14. The primary efficacy outcome was the prevention of PCR-confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 at least 14 days after the second dose in the per protocol population. Safety analyses were done in the intention-to-treat population. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04582344) and is active but no longer recruiting. FINDINGS: Among 11 303 volunteers screened between Sept 14, 2020, and Jan 5, 2021, 10 218 were randomly allocated. After exclusion of four participants from the vaccine group because of protocol deviations, the intention-to-treat group consisted of 10 214 participants (6646 [65·1%] in the vaccine group and 3568 [34·9%] in the placebo group) and the per protocol group consisted of 10 029 participants (6559 [65·4%] and 3470 [34·6%]) who received two doses of vaccine or placebo. During a median follow-up period of 43 days (IQR 36-48), nine cases of PCR-confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 were reported in the vaccine group (31·7 cases [14·6-59·3] per 1000 person-years) and 32 cases were reported in the placebo group (192·3 cases [135·7-261·1] per 1000 person-years) 14 days or more after the second dose, yielding a vaccine efficacy of 83·5% (95% CI 65·4-92·1; p<0·0001). The frequencies of any adverse events were 1259 (18·9%) in the vaccine group and 603 (16·9%) in the placebo group (p=0·0108) with no fatalities or grade 4 adverse events. The most common systemic adverse event was fatigue (546 [8·2%] participants in the vaccine group and 248 [7·0%] the placebo group, p=0·0228). Injection-site pain was the most frequent local adverse event (157 [2·4%] in the vaccine group and 40 [1·1%] in the placebo group, p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION: CoronaVac has high efficacy against PCR-confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 with a good safety and tolerability profile. FUNDING: Turkish Health Institutes Association.

Evaluation of kidney function tests in HIV-positive patients receiving combined antiretroviral therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Human immunodeficiency virus is a chronic infection that attacks the immune system of the human body, particularly CD4 T lymphocytes. Combined antiretroviral therapies are highly effective in virological suppression of human immunodeficiency virus infection. It has been shown that some retroviral therapies have a higher nephrotoxicity potential. As a result of renal injury, serum creatinine increases and the estimated glomerular filtration rate is reduced. The aim of our study was to assess changes in kidney function during a 24-month period in HIV-positive patients who were begun on combined antiretroviral therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 127 HIV-positive patients were enrolled. The patients were divided into five groups; patients who received no therapy were designated as group 1; those who received Dolutegravir/Abacavir/Lamivudine combination as group 2; those who received Elvitegravir/Cobicistat/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate combination as group 3; those who received Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate/Dolutegravir combination as group 4; and those who received Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate/Raltegravir combination as group 5. We compared the effects of these drugs on estimated glomerular filtration rate during a 24-month follow-up period. RESULTS: At the 24th month of therapy, a significant difference was observed between the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels of the study groups (P < .001). eGFR level was significantly higher in group 4 compared with groups 1, 2 and 3 (P = .009, P < .001, P < .001, respectively), whereas it was significantly lower in group 5 than groups 1, 2 and 3 (P = .005, P < .001, P < .001, respectively). No significant eGFR difference was found between group 4 and group 5 (P > .05). Serum creatinine level was significantly higher in groups 4 and 5 compared with the other groups (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The use of TDF-containing regimens causes renal dysfunction. Therefore, we recommend close monitoring of renal function, especially in patients treated with TDF.

Relationship between chest computed tomography findings and clinical conditions of coronavirus disease (COVID-19): A multicentre experience.

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the clinical and chest computed tomography (CT) features associated with clinical parameters for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the capital of Turkey, Ankara. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Epidemiological, clinical features, laboratory findings and radiological characteristics of 1563 hospitalised patients with COVID-19 in Ankara were collected, reviewed and analysed in this study. The risk factors associated with disease severity were investigated. RESULTS: Non-severe (1214; 77.7%) and severe cases (349; 22.3%) were enrolled in the study. Compared with the non-severe group, the severe group were significantly older and had more comorbidities (ie, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease). Smoking was more common in the severe group. Severe patients had higher respiratory rates and higher incidences of cough and dyspnoea compared with non-severe patients. Compared with the non-severe patients, the severe patients had increased C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and CRP/albumin ratio and decreased albumin. The occurrence rates of consolidation, subpleural sparing, crazy-paving pattern, cavity, halo sign, reversed halo sign, air bronchogram, pleural thickening, micronodule, subpleural curvilinear line and multilobar and bilateral involvement in the CT finding of the severe patients were significantly higher than those of the non-severe patients. CONCLUSIONS: Many factors are related to the severity of COVID-19, which can help clinicians judge the severity of the patient and evaluate the prognosis. This cohort study revealed that male sex, age (≥55 years), patients with any comorbidities, especially those with cardiovascular disease, dyspnoea, increased CRP, D-dimer and NLR, and decreased lymphocyte count and CT findings of consolidation and multilobar involvement were predictors of severe COVID-19.

Post-COVID syndrome: pulmonary complications

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected millions of people worlwide and caused a pandemic that is still ongoing. The virus can cause a disease named as COVID-19, which is composed of multi systemic manifestations with a pulmonary system predominance. As the time passes, we are dealing more and more with a wide variety of effects and complications of the disease in survivors as far as with concerns about the clinical outcome and the timeline of symptoms in different patients. Since the lungs are the most involved organs and the post-COVID prolonged and persistent effects are mainly related to the pulmonary system, it is crucial to define and predict the outcome and to determine the individuals that can progress to fibrosis and loss of function of lungs. This review summarizes the current literature regarding the pulmonary complications in post-COVID syndrome and the management of these conditions.

Bronchoscopic procedures during COVID-19 pandemic: Experiences in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Globally, coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a new, highly contagious, and life-threatening virus. We aimed to demonstrate how we proceeded with bronchoscopic procedures without published guidelines at the inception of the pandemic period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All bronchoscopic procedures applied from the first case seen in Turkey (11 March-15 May) were evaluated retrospectively. Patient data on indications, diagnosis, types of procedures, and the results of COVID-19 tests were recorded. RESULTS: This study included 126 patients; 36 required interventional bronchoscopic techniques (28.6%), 74 required endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS; 58.7%), and 16 required flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (12.7%). All interventional rigid bronchoscopic techniques were performed for emergent indications: malignant airway obstruction (66.7%), tracheal stenosis (25%), and bronchopleural fistula (8.3%). Malignancy was diagnosed in 59 (79.7%), 12 (50%), and 4 (25%) patients who underwent EBUS, interventional procedures, and fibreoptic bronchoscopy, respectively. All personnel wore personal protective equipment and patients wore a surgical mask, cap, and disposable gown. Of the patients, 31 (24.6%) were tested for COVID-19 and all the results were negative. COVID-19 was not detected in any of the patients after a 14-day follow-up period. CONCLUSION: This study was based on our experiences and demonstrated that EBUS and/or bronchoscopy should not be postponed in patients with known or suspected lung cancer.

Should isoniazid prophylaxis be prescribed to the patients under tumor necrosis factor-alpha antagonists independent of tuberculin skin test?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to present the follow-up results of 110 patients who were given anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) therapy for rheumatic and dermatologic diseases in a country with a high rates of active and latent tuberculosis bacillus infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between February 2008 and January 2015, 110 cases in the age range of 23-77 who are using anti-TNF-α were included in the study retro-prospectively. RESULTS: 52.7% of them (n = 58) were male. The most common diagnoses were rheumatoid arthritis (42.7%) and ankylosing spondylitis (38.2%). Most frequently given treatment were infliximab 37.3% and etanercept 30.9%, respectively. The 65 patients whose first tuberculin skin test (TST) value "5 mm and above" was started daily 300 mg INH prophylaxis for 9 months but 3 patients had not been started because of refusing treatment. In only one case chemoprophylaxis has had to be interrupted because of high liver function test due to the INH prophylaxis. TST conversion was observed in 14 patients. Further follow-up, it was observed that 4 patients had TST's positivity. Isoniazide (INH) prophylaxis was started these 18 patients (42.9%). Although INH prophylaxis has been given in two patients, they developed active tuberculosis in follow-up. CONCLUSION: Considering the INH resistance in our country, all patients especially the ones with residual lesion and history of previous exposure, should be followed up closely during the anti-TNF-α treatment.

Relationship Between Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Body Composition as Determined by Multi-Frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in Patients with Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND The main cause of mortality among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is cardiovascular disease (CVD). Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is considered to be novel cardiovascular risk factor. We assessed EAT in non-dialyzed stage 5 CKD patients and explored the association of EAT with body composition as determined by multi-frequency BIA. MATERIAL AND METHODS The present included 70 stage 5 CKD patients who had not undergone dialysis and 40 healthy control subjects. EAT thickness was assessed by echocardiography. Hydration status and body composition were evaluated by multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. RESULTS Stage 5 CKD patients had significantly higher EAT thickness than healthy subjects (6.56±1.18 vs. 4.05±1.45, p<0.001). Fat tissue mass, systolic blood pressure (SBP), age, fat tissue index, and body mass index were positively correlated with EAT thickness in the CKD patient group (p<0.05). Lean tissue mass, lean tissue index (LTI), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were negatively correlated with EAT thickness in the CKD patient group (p<0.05). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that age, SBP, and LTI were independently associated with EAT thickness in CKD patients. CONCLUSIONS We found significantly higher EAT thickness in stage 5 CKD patients who were not on dialysis compared to healthy controls. EAT was significantly associated with age, SBP, and LTI in CKD patients. Interventions to reduce the risk factors associated with EAT thickness might protect against CVD disease in CKD patients.

Radiological approaches to COVID-19 pneumonia

COVID-19 pneumonia has high mortality rates. The symptoms are undiagnostic, the results of viral nucleic acid detection method (PCR) can delay, so that chest computerized tomography is often key diagnostic test in patients with possible COVID-19 pneumonia. In this review, we discussed the main radiological findings of this infection.

Complications of silicone Y stents placed due to malignant airway stenosis.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant central airway obstruction around the main carina often requires placement of Y­shaped stents. In this study, we aimed to determine the safety of silicone Y stents placed around the main carina in the malignant airway obstruction by examining the long term complications, emergence times and treatment approaches of complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2012 and July 2015, 47 silicone Y stents were placed in 46 patients with malignant external compression or mixed type stenosis around the main carina. Patient stents were placed via rigid bronchoscopy under total intravenous anesthesia in operating room conditions. RESULT: In the half of the patients (23/46), stents were placed under urgent conditions due to acute respiratory failure. Stents were deployed successfully in all the patients. No procedure related deaths were observed. The median time of survival following stent insertion was 157 days. The total long-term complication rate of silicone Y stents was 28.3%. Mucostasis (8.7%) and migration (2.2%) were observed within the first month after placement of the silicone Y stents (median 18 days), stent-edge granulation tissue development (13.0%) was observed at the earliest one month (median 64, range 34-386 days) and stent-edge tumor tissue development (4.3%) were observed at the earliest 3 months (median 151, range 85-217 days). A total of 7 (15.2%) stents were removed, 2 of which were due to mucostasis and 5 of which were due to granulation tissue development. One patient's stent was replaced with a longer silicone Y stent due to stent-edge tumor tissue development. CONCLUSIONS: The best palliative treatment of malignant tumor stenosis around the main carina is still silicone Y stent placement, but the long-term complication rate can be high. For this group of patients, bronchoscopy to be performed at the first and third months after silicone Y stent placement may provide early detection of stent-edge tissue development.

Comparison of two new techniques for the management of malignant central airway obstruction: argon plasma coagulation with mechanical tumor resection versus cryorecanalization.

BACKGROUND: The development of central airway obstruction during malignant diseases is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Endobronchial therapies can decrease the patient's symptoms and improve quality of life. Here, we compare airway recanalization methods: argon plasma coagulation with mechanical tumor resection (APC + MTR) and cryorecanalization (CR efficiency, complications, restenosis rate, and time to restenosis) in patients with malignant exophytic endobronchial airway obstruction. METHODS: A total of 89 patients were included who were admitted to our hospital between 2005 and 2012. The data were analyzed retrospectively. Initially, a CR procedure was performed in 52 patients using rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia; the APC + MTR procedure was performed in 37 patients with malignant airway obstruction. RESULTS: The airway patency rate with APC + MTR was 97.3% (n = 36) and CR was 80.8% (n = 42). The APC + MTR procedure was more effective than CR for recanalization of malignant endobronchial exophytic airway obstruction. Additionally, the achievement rate of airway patency with APC + MTR was significantly higher in tumors with distal bronchial involvement. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of complications, restenosis rate, and time to restenosis. CONCLUSIONS: The APC + MTR procedure is preferred over CR to introduce and maintain airway patency in patients with malignancy-related endobronchial exophytic airway obstruction.

Mediastinal ectopic thyroid diagnosed by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration: Report of three cases.

An ectopic thyroid gland results from the abnormal migration of the thyroid in the course of its development. Primary ectopic mediastinal thyroid is very rare and occurs in less than 1% of all goiters that can be surgically excised. Ectopic thyroid tissue has a characteristic sonographic appearance as smooth-bordered, homogeneous, hypoechoic tissue with fine specular echoes. We report 3 cases of mediastinal ectopic thyroid diagnosed by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbrochial needle aspiration biopsy.

Can we prevent recurrences in the endoscopic treatment of endobronchial hamartomas?

INTRODUCTION: Recently, treatment of endobronchial hamartomas with interventional bronchoscopic methods has become possible. Although there are several reports of therapeutic benefits, the protocol of administration varies between centers and high recurrence rates continue to be a problem. In this study, we aimed to show that cryotherapy applied to the root of the bronchial wall after removal of the intraluminal portion of endobronchial hamartoma with interventional bronchoscopic methods can prevent recurrences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2012-2016, the treatment outcomes and long-term follow-up data of patients with symptomatic endobronchial hamartomas treated by interventional bronchoscopic methods were prospectively recorded. After debulking, cryotherapy was applied to the root of the bronchial wall of all lesions. The data were analyzed retrospectively. RESULT: A total of 21 consecutive patients were studied. Twenty (95.2%) of the patients underwent complete resection and only 1 (4.8%) had incomplete resection with various interventional bronchoscopy techniques. One (4.8%) patient who underwent incomplete resection and ineffective cryotherapy relapsed. The other 20 (95.2%) patients were followed up periodically for an average of 36.0 ± 15.0 months. No recurrence was detected. No complications or deaths related to the procedure were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Debulking of endobronchial hamartomas with interventional bronchoscopic methods is effective and safe. Cryotherapy to the root of the lesion may prevent high recurrence rates.

How many samples would be optimal for endobronchial cryobiopsy?

BACKGROUND: Cryobiopsy, which provides larger specimens without crush artifact, is a good option for the diagnosis of visible endobronchial tumors. While there are several papers on diagnostic performance, application protocols vary between centers. In this study, we aimed to find the optimal number of cryobiopsies in endobronchial tumors. METHODS: We prospectively involved cases with a visible endobronchial tumor in which conventional diagnostic measures failed and/or a therapeutic interventional bronchoscopy was planned. Endobronchial tumor was visualized, and four cryobiopsies were taken with a dedicated flexible probe. The samples were evaluated by a pathologist who was blinded to the order of the biopsies. The cumulative performances of one to four cryobiopsies were compared, and a complication analysis was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients were involved. Four cryobiopsies were taken from 49 patients, and a single biopsy was taken from one case. The sensitivities of one, two, three and four biopsies were 82, 93.9, 93.9 and 95.9 %, respectively. The difference in performance of one and two biopsies was significant (p = 0.031), but the third and fourth biopsies were found to be unnecessary (p = 1.0 for second versus third and p = 1.0 for second versus fourth). Bleeding risk increased when ≥3 cryobiopsies were taken (Odds Ratio 2.758). CONCLUSIONS: When the diagnostic benefits and complication rates were considered, two cryobiopsies were found to be optimal for endobronchial tumors. In patients with non-diagnostic conventional bronchoscopy, endobronchial tumors may be diagnosed by cryobiopsy.

A case of relapsing polychondritis mimicking lung cancer.

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare autoimmune disease, characterized by episodic inflammatory attacks on cartilaginous tissue. Elastic cartilage of the ears and nose, hyaline cartilage of the peripheral joints, vertebral fibrocartilage, tracheobronchial cartilage, and tissues rich in proteoglycan such as those in the eyes, heart, blood vessels, and inner ear are more likely to be affected. A 35-year-old male presented with complaints of hoarseness, tinnitus and dyspnea for 19 years, with a history of several diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for laryngeal and respiratory tract. He was diagnosed to have inflammation of the tracheobronchial cartilage, cardiac valvulopathy and conductive hearing loss after intensive diagnostic studies. He responded well to low-dose steroids in combination with methotrexate. RP is a diagnostically challenging condition and may cause significant morbidities during diagnosis. RP should be considered in differential diagnosis of airway obstruction as a rare condition.

EGFR, KRAS, and BRAF mutational profiles of female patients with micropapillary predominant invasive lung adenocarcinoma

Background/aim: This study aimed to analyze EGFR, KRAS, and BRAF mutations in females with micropapillary predominant invasive lung adenocarcinoma and their relationships with immunohistochemical and clinicopathological patterns.Materials and methods: A total of 15 females with micropapillary lung adenocarcinoma were selected. Mutational analysis of the EGFR, KRAS, and BRAF genes was carried out. Information regarding the demographic data, tumor size, treatment, and survival time for each patient was collated, and the predominant cell type, secondary architectural growth patterns, psammoma bodies, necrosis, and visceral pleural and angiolymphatic invasions were evaluated.Results: We identified EGFR mutation in six cases, KRAS mutation in three cases, and BRAF mutation in one case. EGFR, c-kit, VEGFR, and bcl-2 positivity was observed in ten, seven, four, and six cases, respectively. All cases were positive for VEGF (strong positivity in 11 cases and weak positivity in four cases) and bcl-2 (strong positivity in nine cases and weak positivity in six cases). Seven (46.6%) cases were positive for c-kit and 10 (66.6%) cases were positive for EGFR. Conclusion: EGFR mutation occurred at a higher incidence rate in micropapillary predominant invasive adenocarcinoma than has previously been found in conventional lung adenocarcinomas. KRAS mutation was observed as having a similar frequency to what was previously observed, but the frequency of BRAF mutation was lower than previously reported.

Endobronchial metastasis of mixed germ cell tumors: two cases.

Lung metastases from extrapulmonary malignancies are common however endobronchial metastases (EBM) from nonpulmonary neoplasms are rare. A variety of extrathoracic tumors have a tendency to EBM especially breast, colon, and renal carcinomas are most frequent reported tumors however EBM of germ cell tumors are extremely rare. A 39-year-old and a 27-year-old male patient were admitted to our hospital with hemoptysis and dyspnea at different times. Both of them had a history of left orchiectomy due to mixed germ cell tumor two years and one year ago, respectively. On chest X-Ray and thorax computed tomography, first had a right upper lobe atelectasis and second had right total atelectasis. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) performed and a vascularized endobronchial lesion (EBL) which tended to bleed was seen in the orifis of right upper lobe in the first case and right main bronchus was totally obstructed by EBL also in the second. Interventional bronchoscopy was performed via rigid bronchoscopy for biopsy and palliative treatment (argon plasma coagulation and debulking) in both two patients because of tendency to bleeding. A partial aperture was achieved at right upper lobe bronchus in the first case and total atelectasis resolved in the second case. Immunohistochemically, histopathological examinations of both patients biopsies confirmed EBM of mixed germ cell tumors. In conclusion, EBM of the germ cell tumors especially with total or partial atelectasis are extremely rare. We want to present these cases to emphasize the importance of distinguishing EBM from primary lung carcinoma which treatment and survival could be different.