Efficacy and safety of bevacizumab in patients with low-grade serous ovarian cancer.

Aim: To investigate the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab in patients with recurrent low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. Materials & methods: The data of patients who received at least two cycles of bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy were retrospectively recorded. Results: The median age of 51 patients was 56 (range: 33-75) years. The complete response rate was 10.4% and the partial response rate was 43.7%. The objective response rate was 54.1%. Median progression-free survival was 15.9 months (95% CI: 9.1-22.6) and median overall survival was 42.5 months (95% CI: 37.2-47.8). Conclusion: Bevacizumab with chemotherapy is an effective option for treating recurrent ovarian low-grade serous carcinoma.

Relationship between systemic immune inflammation index and development of complete atrioventricular block in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), based on white blood cell, neutrophil, and platelet counts, is a proposed marker of systemic inflammation and immune activation. This study aimed to explore the relationship between SII and complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) development in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 883 patients who underwent primary PCI for STEMI between January 2009 and December 2017. Patients were categorized into two groups based on CAVB development. SII levels were calculated from blood samples taken on admission. RESULTS: Of the included patients, 48 (5.03%) developed CAVB. SII was higher in patients with CAVB compared to those without CAVB (1370 [1050-1779]x109/L vs. 771 [427-1462] x109/L, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed a significant positive correlation between SII and the risk of CAVB development (OR:1.0003, 95%CI:1.0001-1.0005, P = 0.044). The cut-off value for the SII in the estimation of CAVB was 1117.7 × 109/L (area under the ROC curve [AUC]: 0.714, 95% CI = 0.657-0.770 with a sensitivity of 70.8% and specificity of 65.6%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study showed a significant link between high SII levels and CAVB development in STEMI patients undergoing PCI. Our findings suggest that SII may be a valuable, routinely available, and inexpensive marker for identifying patients at increased risk of CAVB.

Prognostic Significance of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Predicting Complete Pathological Response in Rectal Cancer Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy.

BACKGROUND Pathologic response after neoadjuvant therapy has been shown to improve outcomes in rectal cancer. Inflammatory markers, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), have been studied to predict pathologic response and survival. This study aimed to evaluate the association between NLR and pathological response as well as outcome in patients with rectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 187 patients with rectal cancer treated with nCRT followed by surgery between 2016 and 2020. The NLR was calculated using archival complete blood count records. Postoperative pathology reports were recorded. The NLR cut-off was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to analyze the relationship between NLR and clinicopathologic data to predict survival and prognosis. RESULTS An NLR >3.63 at diagnosis was the optimal cut-off value for predicting progression. Near-complete response rates were higher in patients with NLR <3.63 (38%) than in those with NLR >3.63 (18%) (P=0.035). The NLR <3.63 group had a significantly higher 5-year progression-free survival rate compared to the NLR >3.63 group (63.6% vs 40.1%, respectively; P=0.007). The NLR <3.63 group also had a higher 5-year overall survival (OS) rate than the NLR >3.63 group (72.3% vs 63.1%, respectively), but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.077). CONCLUSIONS Our study showed a higher near-complete response rate in rectal cancer patients with NLR <3.63 receiving nCRT. This finding supports that a low preoperative NLR is a good prognostic factor in indicating pathological response.

Real-world treatment outcomes from nationwide Onco-colon Turkey registry in RAS wild-type patients treated with biologics second-line mCRC.

BACKGROUNDS AND OBJECTIVES: Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality both globally and in our country. In Turkey, we conducted a multicenter investigation into the effectiveness of second-line treatments and real-life data for patients with RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (NCT04757311). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, records from 28 centers were collected, and histopathological, molecular, and clinical characteristics were documented. Patients were categorized into groups based on their second-line biological treatments: anti-EGFR (Group A and Group B, panitumumab and cetuximab) and anti-VEGF (Group C, bevacizumab and aflibercept). They were then compared within these groups. RESULTS: A total of 588 patients with documented RAS wild-type status were evaluated. The median OS was 15.7, 14.3 and 14.7 months in Group A, Group B and Group C, respectively (p = 0.764). The median PFS of the patients in second-line setting that received panitumumab, cetuximab and bevacizumab/aflibercept were 7.8, 6.6 and 7.4 months, respectively (p = 0.848). CONCLUSION: According to the results of our real-life data study, there is no significant difference in efficiency between the combination of biological agent and chemotherapy used in the second-line treatments.

Brown tumors: Retrospective analysis of 26 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Brown tumors are reactive osteolytic lesions caused by hyperparathyroidism. These rare lesions are non-neoplastic processes that result from bone resorption. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review a 34-year experience with brown tumors in our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 26 consecutive patients with brown tumor who were treated in our institution between May 1988 and October 2020, with a mean follow-up of 36,1 months. RESULTS: 17 male (65,4%) and 9 female (34,6%) patients with a mean age of 41,6 were included in the study. Localized bone pain was present in 13 cases (50,0%) as the first presenting symptom. 3 patients (11,5%) presented with diffuse bone pain. 7 patients (26,9%) were diagnosed with brown tumor while being investigated for pathological fractures. The other 3 patients (11,5%) were diagnosed while being evaluated for hypercalcemia symptoms. 7 patients (26,9%) had solitary lesions, while 19 patients (73,1%) had multiple lesions. Pelvis, femur, ribs, tibia, proximal humerus and mandible were the most common sites of localization. 23 patients (88,5%) were diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism, while the other 3 patients (11,5%) had secondary hyperparathyroidism. A total of the 65 lesions, 23 (35.4%) underwent orthopedic surgery, and 42 (64.6%) were followed up conservatively after parathyroidectomy. Orthopedic surgery was performed in 21 of 26 patients, the other 5 cases were followed up conservatively. Intralesional curettage was performed in 19 cases (82,6%). The resulting cavity was filled with bone cement in 11 cases (47,8%). Bone grafting was applied in 8 cases (34,8%). No recurrence was observed in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of brown tumor begins with clinical suspicion. Endocrinology and general surgery consultation is important before surgery. Treatment of brown tumors requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Lower Body Mass Index and Prognostic Nutritional Index Are Associated with Poor Posttransplant Outcomes in Lymphoma Patients Undergoing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Pretransplant inflammatory and nutritional status has not been widely explored in terms of its impact on autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) outcomes in lymphoma patients. We aimed to evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) on auto-HSCT outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 87 consecutive lymphoma patients who underwent their first auto-HSCT at the Adult Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Unit at Akdeniz University Hospital. RESULTS: The CAR had no impact on posttransplant outcomes. PNI ≤50 was an independent prognostic factor for both shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.43, p = 0.025) and worse overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.93, p = 0.021), respectively. The 5-year PFS rate was significantly lower in patients with PNI ≤50 than in patients with PNI >50 (37.3% vs. 59.9%, p = 0.003). The 5-year OS rate in patients with PNI ≤50 was significantly low when compared with patients who had PNI >50 as well (45.5% vs. 67.2%, p = 0.011). Patients with BMI <25 had higher 100-day transplant-related mortality compared with patients with BMI ≥25 (14.7% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.020). BMI <25 was an independent prognostic factor associated with shorter PFS and OS (HR = 2.98 [p = 0.003], HR = 5.06 [p < 0.001], respectively). The 5-year PFS rate was significantly lower in patients with BMI <25 than patients with BMI ≥25 (40.2% vs. 53.7%, p = 0.037). Similarly, the 5-year OS rate in patients with BMI <25 was significantly inferior compared to patients with BMI ≥25 (42.7% vs. 64.7%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that lower BMI and CAR have negative impacts on auto-HSCT outcomes in lymphoma patients. Furthermore, higher BMI should not be considered an obstacle for lymphoma patients who need auto-HSCT; conversely, it could be an advantage for posttransplant outcomes.

The effect of functionalized titanium dioxide nanotube reinforcement on the water sorption and water solubility properties of flowable bulk-fill composite resins.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of titanium dioxide nanotube addition on the water sorption and water solubility values of different composite resins. Titanium dioxide nanotubes were synthesized from titanium dioxide powder in anatase form and in 13 nm diameter by hydrothermal process and then functionalized with methacrylic acid. Characterization of the nanotubes was performed by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A flowable composite resin (Filtek Ultimate Flowable) and four flowable bulk-fill composite resins (Filtek Bulk Fill Flowable, SDR Bulk Fill Flowable, Venus Bulk Fill, X-tra Base) were tested. Two groups of each composite resin were prepared: groups of the resins without nanotubes; groups of the resins reinforced with 1.0 wt% functionalized titanium dioxide nanotube. Sorption and solubility in water were assessed according to ISO 4049 standards after 1, 7, 14, 21 days immersion periods. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H tests (p  <  0.05). Long cylindrical tubular structures with a diameter of 41.09-72.49 nm were observed in electron microscopy analysis. The band at 1636 cm - 1 showed the existence of the vinyl (C=C) bond of methacrylic acid coordinated to the nanotubes in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. None of the materials tested in this study exceeded the maximum sorption and solubility values established by ISO. Regarding the water solubility, negative values were obtained. TiO2 nanotube reinforcement decreased the water sorption and solubility values significantly at different evaluation periods in all composite resins except for Venus (p < 0.05).

Pazopanib for metastatic soft-tissue sarcoma: A multicenter retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Soft tissue sarcomas are associated with a poor prognosis and low chemotherapeutic efficiency. Pazopanib is an orally available multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor that was explored in patients with non-adipocytic advanced soft tissue sarcomas. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the real life data of single-agent pazopanib efficacy and safety for soft tissue sarcomas in the Turkish population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated a total of 103 patients (41 males, 62 females) who received pazopanib for advanced non-adipocytic soft tissue sarcomas diagnosis in eight centers of Turkey, retrospectively. The pazopanib dose was 800 mg once daily. Progression-free survival, overall survival, and adverse events were analyzed. RESULTS: The median age was 50 years (range, 38-58). Majority of the patients had leimyosarcoma (41%). Median progression-free survival was 4.3 months, and the median overall survival was 10.1 months. The main common toxicities were fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, nausea, hypertension, and grade ≥3 toxicities were fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, and liver disorder. CONCLUSION: Pazopanib is an efficient and tolerable agent and is well tolerated in good performance status patients with relapsed, advanced non-adipocytic soft tissue sarcomas.

Folfirinox versus gemcitabine-cisplatin combination as first-line therapy in treatment of pancreaticobiliary cancer

Background/aim: The purpose of this study was to compare efficacy and safety of a combination chemotherapy regimen consisting of oxaliplatin, irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin (FOLFIRINOX) and gemcitabine-cisplatin as first-line therapy in patients with pancreatic cancer. Materials and methods: Pancreaticobiliary cancer patients who had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score of 0 or 1 (on a scale of 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater severity of illness) were evaluated to receive folfirinox or gemcitabine plus cisplatin. The primary endpoints were progression-free and overall survival time. Safety analysis was also evaluated as secondary measures. Results: There were 32 patients in the folfirinox group and 36 patients in the gemcitabine-cisplatin group. The median overall survival was 18.1 months (7.5­28.7) in the folfirinox group as compared with 9.7 months (6.5­13) in the gemcitabine-cisplatin group (p = 0.009). Median progression-free survival was 16.2 months (9­23.4) in the folfirinox group and 6.9 months (6.1­7.6) in the gemcitabine- cisplatin group (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Folfirinox is an option for the first-line treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer and good performance status.

Hepatitis B Reactivation Rate Is Higher Undergoing Some Cytotoxic Chemotherapy in Patients with Solid Tumors: A Large Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: The reactivation rate of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in cancer patients and chemotherapy regimens thought to be associated with hepatitis reactivation were investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 3,890 cancer patients were included in this study. Mortality rates, chemotherapy regimens, cancer types, number of positive hepatitis serology and reactivation rates were obtained. RESULTS: Only 354 patients had positive hepatitis serology results (HBsAg+). Twenty-four patients (6.7%) with HBsAg positive serology had reactivation. In patients with hepatitis reactivation, the rates of usage of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, steroid, rituximab, and vincristine were found to be significantly higher than corresponding rates in patients with positive hepatitis serology results but without hepatitis reactivation (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Increased reactivation rates were detected with usage of 5-FU, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, steroid, rituximab, and vincristine.

The relation between international normalized ratio and mortality in acute pulmonary embolism: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious clinical disease characterized by a high mortality rate. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of international normalized ratio (INR) in acute PE patients not on anticoagulant therapy. METHODS: The study included 244 hospitalized acute PE patients who were not receiving previous anticoagulant therapy. Based on their 30-day mortality, patients were categorized as survivors or non-survivors. INR was measured during the patients' admission, on the same day as the diagnosis of PE but before anticoagulation started. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality occurred in 39 patients (16%). INR was higher in non-survivors than in survivors (1.3±0.4 vs 1.1±0.3, P=.003). In multivariate analysis, INR (HR: 3.303, 95% CI: 1.210-9.016, P=.020) was independently associated with 30-day mortality from PE. Inclusion of INR in a model with simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) score improved the area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve from 0.736 (95% CI: 0.659-0.814) to 0.775 (95% CI: 0.701-0.849) (P=.028). Also, the addition of INR to sPESI score enhanced the net reclassification improvement (NRI=8.8%, P<.001) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI=0.043, P=.027). CONCLUSION: Elevated INR may have prognostic value for 30-day mortality in acute PE patients not on anticoagulation. Combining INR with sPESI score improved the predictive value for all-cause mortality. However, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm it's prognostic role.

Is Skin Tag Associated with Diabetic Macro and Microangiopathy?

INTRODUCTION: Although skin tag is associated with diabetes mellitus, no data in the literature show that the presence of skin tag is associated with diabetic macro and microangiopathy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, macro and micro angiopathy in type 2 diabetic patients with and without skin tag. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated 99 (40 female and 59 male) type 2 diabetic patients. All patients were evaluated for blood pressure, body mass index, lipids, HbA1c, macroangiopathy (peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease and coronary heart disease), microangiopathy (neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy) and skin tag. RESULTS: Age, HbA1c and body mass index were 65.0 ± 14.2 years, 8.1 ± 2.0% and 30.5 ± 6.4 kg/m2, respectively. The frequency of skin tags 53.5%, dyslipidemia 68.7%, hypertension 69.7%, obesity 39.4%, macroangiopathy 61.6% (peripheral vascular disease 12.1%, cerebrovascular disease 16.2%, and coronary heart disease 49.5%), microangiopathy 63.6% (neuropathy 21.2%, nephropathy 38.4%, retinopathy 38.4%) were detected. Higher body mass index (p = 0.04) and frequency of obesity (p = 0.03) were detected in patients with skin tag than without skin tag. Age (p = 0.8), gender (p = 0.6), HbA1c (p = 0.4) and the presence of dyslipidemia (p = 0.4), hypertension (p = 0.6), macroangiopathy (p = 0.2), and microangiopathy (p = 0.9) were not different in patients with and without skin tag. CONCLUSION: We conclude that presence of skin tag is merely related to obesity and may not be strongly associated with macro- and microangiopathy in type 2 diabetic individuals. Further studies with large patient population are required to elucidate the association between the presence of skin tag and diabetic angiopathy.

Prognostic impact of pleural effusion in acute pulmonary embolism.

Background Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and life-threatening condition associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Pleural effusion occurs in about one in three cases; however, data on its prognostic value are scarce. Purpose To investigate the association between pleural effusion and both 30-day and long-term mortality in patients with acute PE. Material and Methods We retrospectively evaluated 463 patients diagnosed with acute PE using computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). Echocardiographic, demographic, and laboratory data were collected. The study population was divided into two groups: patients with and without pleural effusions. Pleural effusion detected on CT was graded as small, moderate, and large according to the amount of effusion. The predictors of 30-day and long-term total mortality were analyzed. Results Pleural effusions were found in 120 patients (25.9%). After the 30-day follow-up, all-cause mortality was higher in acute PE patients with pleural effusions than in those without (23% versus 9%, P < 0.001). Also, patients with pleural effusions had significantly higher incidence of long-term total mortality than those without pleural effusions (55% versus 23%, P < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, pleural effusion was an independent predictor of 30-day and long-term mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.154; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.186-3.913; P = 0.012 and OR, 1.591; 95% CI, 1.129-2.243; P = 0.008, respectively). Conclusion Pleural effusion can be independently associated with both 30-day and long-term mortality in patients with acute PE.

The association between endothelial dysfunction and hypertensive retinopathy in essential hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction, which is characterized by an imbalance between relaxing and contracting factors, procoagulant and anticoagulant substances, and between pro-inflammatory mediators, may play a particularly significant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Numerous experimental and clinical reports suggest that a high von Willebrand factor (vWF) level reflects endothelial damage or dysfunction. Hypertensive retinopathy (HR) is a condition characterized by a spectrum of retinal vascular signs in people with elevated blood pressure. The pathophysiological mechanism of HR is not completely understood. Elevated blood pressure alone does not fully account for the extent of retinopathy. Endothelial dysfunction and mechanisms known to be involved in vascular lesions may be involved in the pathophysiological mechanism of HR. Therefore, this study was designed to answer the following questions: (i) Do vWf levels change in HR? and (ii) Is there any relation between degree of HR and vWf levels? MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 80 hypertensive patients with HR. Group 1 comprised 40 patients with grade I HR, and group 2 comprised 40 patients with grade II HR. We selected 40 healthy subjects for the control group. RESULTS: Level of vWf in group 2 was significantly higher than in group 1 (p=0.017) and the control group (p<0.001), and it was also higher in group 1 than in the control group (p<0.005). Also, vWf showed positive correlation with degree of HR in the hypertensive group (r=0.284, p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that endothelial dysfunction, which is a mechanism known to be involved in vascular lesions, may promote the development of HR.

Chondromyxoid fibroma: A retrospective evaluation of 31 cases.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to review a 35-year experience with chondromyxoid fibroma at our institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study retrospectively analyzed the records of 31 consecutive patients (17 males, 14 females; mean age: 30.5±15.7 years; range, 6 to 63 years) with chondromyxoid fibroma who were treated between January 1988 and December 2021. The clinical and radiological characteristics of lesions, tumor volume, and recurrence rates were assessed using the tumor archive of the hospital. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 65.9±42.0 months. Pelvis, proximal tibia, and distal femur were the most common sites of localization. The initial surgical treatment was performed on 27 patients at our clinic, while four patients were referred to the clinic after recurrence. The overall recurrence rate was 16.1%. Intralesional curettage was applied to 21 (77.8%) out of 27 patients. The cavity created after curettage was filled with bone graft (autograft or allograft) in 15 (55.5%) cases. Bone cement was applied in four (14.8%) cases. Resection was applied to five (18.5%) patients. In two (7.4%) cases, intralesional curettage alone was performed. One of these two patients experienced recurrence, resulting in a recurrence rate of 50% in this patient group. No recurrence was observed in other treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Intralesional curettage and filling the defect with bone graft or cement were effective for local control in most cases. Curettage alone was associated with high recurrence rates.

Predictive Value of the Modified Mehran Score for Contrast-Induced Nephropathy After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Considering the increasing use of the transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedure, the relationship of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) with post-TAVI mortality has become important. The Mehran score was developed to detect the risk of CIN development after cardiac intervention. We aimed to compare the role of the modified Mehran score, which can be calculated pre-procedure, in predicting CIN development and compare it with the original Mehran score. We retrospectively collected data from TAVI procedures at our institution between December 2016 and June 2021; of 171 patients, 44 (25.7%) had CIN. We found no association between contrast media volume and CIN (387 ± 120 vs 418 ± 139 mL, P = .303). High and very high modified Mehran score and preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) level were independent risk factors for CIN development after TAVI procedure. The area under curve (AUC) was .686 with 95% CI: .591-.780 and P < .001, and also, with a cut-off point of >7.5 points, there was 79.5% sensitivity and 63.0% specificity; otherwise, with a cut-off point of >9.5 points, there was 54.5% sensitivity and 71.7% specificity, for the modified Mehran score. The modified Mehran score comes into prominence compared with the original Mehran score since it can be calculated pre-procedure.

Evaluation of the Relationship between Cognitive Impairment and Atria Score Systems in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the main arrhythmia associated with thromboembolic complications and cognitive impairment. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between cognitive impairment and different scoring systems developed for AF to improve the medical follow-up of cognitive impairment. Methods: Between January 2019 and December 2020, 124 patients between the age of 30 and 80 years, diagnosed with AF for at least 5 years and complaining about memory impairment during cardiological follow-up, were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups based on their cognitive status as assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination group 1 consisted of 52 patients with cognitive impairment and group 2 comprised 72 patients without cognitive impairment. Results: The ATRIA bleeding score had a positive moderate correlation (r = 0.454, P < 0.001), the ATRIA stroke score had a strong correlation (r = 0.738, P < 0.001), and the SAMe-TT2R2 score had a strong correlation (r = 0.688, P < 0.001) with cognitive impairment. However, CHADS2 and CHA2DS2VASc scores were not statistically correlated with cognitive impairment. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the area under the curve (AUC) of the ATRIA bleeding score was 0.761 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.678-0.844 and P < 0.001; also, for the ATRIA stroke score, AUC was 0.930 with a 95% CI of 0.886-0.974 and P < 0.001. In addition, for the SAMe-TT2R2 score, AUC was 0.895 with a 95% CI of 0.838-0.952 and P < 0.001. In the pairwise comparison of AUC on ROC curves, the ATRIA stroke score and the SAMe-TT2R2 score were statistically similar (P = 0.324). ATRIA bleeding, ATRIA stroke, and SAMe-TT2R2 scores were greater than CHADS2 stroke score (P: 0.0004, P < 0.0001, and P < 0.0001, respectively), but CHA2DS2-VASc and CHADS2 stroke scores were statistically similar (P: 0.402). Conclusion: Both ATRIA stroke and SAMe-TT2R2 scoring systems can provide a better correlation than CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores in patients with AF to evaluate their cognitive status. These two scores can be more useful to monitor the patients with AF for medical follow-up of cognitive status.

The association of oxidative stress with hypertensive retinopathy.

This study was designed to answer the following questions: (i) Do levels of serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), a marker of oxidative stress, change in hypertensive retinopathy (HR)? (ii) Is there any relation between degree of HR and GGT levels? This study included 80 hypertensive patients with HR. Group 1 comprised 40 patients with grade I HR, and group 2 comprised 40 patients with grade II HR. We selected 40 healthy subjects for the control group. Level of GGT in group 2 was significantly higher than in group 1 (P = 0.005) and control group (P = 0.001); it was also higher in group 1 than in control group (P = 0.025). Our study suggests that oxidative stress, mechanisms known to be involved in vascular lesions, may promote the development of HR.

Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index as a Predictor of Left Atrial Thrombosis in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has recently been investigated for cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between SII and left atrial thrombosis (LAT). Methods: This retrospective, case-control study recruited patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) who underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for LAT detection before cardioversion or catheter ablation at a tertiary hospital between 2012 and 2021. Demographic characteristics were obtained from the hospital data system. According to TEE findings, the patients were categorized into LAT (+) and (-) groups. Age, gender, history of chronic diseases, urea, creatinine, albumin, hemogram parameters, the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), SII, the CHADS2 score, the CHA2DS2-VASc score, echocardiographic parameters, antiaggregant-anticoagulant use, and nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation were included and analyzed. Results: The study population consisted of 403 patients, including 228 men (56.6%), at a mean age of 60.84±12.26 years. A high white blood cell count (WBC) (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.51; P=0.013), a high SII (OR, 1.00, 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.00; P=0.003), and a low ejection fraction (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.90 to 0.99; P=0.018) were independent predictors of LAT (+). A spontaneous echo contrast (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.35 to 4.39; P=0.003) was associated with LAT (+). SII values above 693.6 predicted LAT (+) with 71.6% sensitivity and 71.7% specificity (AUC, 0.77; P<0.001). The predictiveness of SII was similar to that of NLR (0.77 vs 0.74, P=0.093) but higher than PLR (0.77 vs 0.67; P<0.001) and WBC (0.77 vs 0.69; P=0.031). Conclusion: SII is an independent predictor of LAT in patients with NVAF.