Evaluation of the relationship between ACE2 G8790A and AT2R A1675G gene polymorphisms in COVID-19 patients with and without lung involvement.

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 virus produces severe acute respiratory syndrome. The severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is determined by a number of factors, including inherited ones. Objectives: Our goal is to investigate the link between ACE2 G8790A (rs2285666) and AT2R A1675G (rs14035430) gene polymorphisms in COVID-19 patients with and without lung involvement. Methods: A total of 160 COVID-19 patients were divided into 2 groups based on their clinical symptoms: those without lung involvement (control group) and those with lung involvement (infected group). The ACE2 G8790A and AT2R A1675G gene polymorphisms were analyzed using the PCR-RFLP methods. Results: The GG genotype, G allele of ACE2 G8790A, and GG genotype of AT2R A1675G were significantly higher in the control group and had a protective effect against COVID-19 as well as decreased the development of lung involvement (OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.10-0.84; OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.22-0.72; and OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.14-0.78, respectively). Moreover, we found that the AA genotype, A allele of ACE2 G8790A, and AG genotype of AT2R A1675G increased the risk of COVID-19 in the infected group (OR = 3.50, 95% CI = 1.18-10.3; OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.39-4.48; and OR = 3.08, 95% CI = 1.28-7.38, respectively). Conclusions: These results revealed that a greater frequency of COVID-19 lung involvement in the Turkish population was connected with the AA genotype, the A allele of ACE2 G8790A, and the AG genotype of AT2R A1675G.

The predictive value of computerized tomography-assessed sarcopenia for complicated appendicitis in geriatric patients.

Objective: Geriatric patients have more complicated appendicitis, which leads to higher morbidity and mortality rates. Sarcopenia has been shown to have a negative impact on patients undergoing surgery. This study aims to reveal the predictive value of computerized tomography-assessed (CT-assessed) sarcopenia for complicated appendicitis in geriatric patients. Methods: One-hundred fifty-four patients' with acute appendicitis age, gender, co-morbidities, appendicitis status, and body mass index (BMI) values were analyzed. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) and related measurements were evaluated. Results: Fifty-two percent of the patients had complicated, and 48% had uncomplicated appendicitis. There was a statistically significant difference between uncomplicated and complicated cases regarding BMI, SMI, and muscle area values (P < 0.05). The cutoff point by Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve analysis was conducted for SMI and showed 71% sensitivity and 52% specificity (P = 0.042). Multivariate analysis has shown that comorbidities are significantly more associated with complicated appendicitis than sarcopenia. Conclusion: Geriatric patients with lower BMI, decreased muscle area, and CT-detected sarcopenia have an increased risk of complicated appendicitis. Comorbidities are also important risk factors. Surgeons should be aware of factors leading to complicated appendicitis, which may cause higher morbidity and mortality rates in elderly patients.

Foramen of Huschke: It's Relationship with Volume of Mastoid Pneumatization.

Introduction: The foramen of Huschke (FH) is a developmental bone defect located anteroinferior to the external auditory canal. In this study, the frequency of FH and the presence of TMJ herniation into the external auditory canal were investigated using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the temporal bone in patients with FH. In addition, it was aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between the degree of mastoid pneumatization and mastoid volume and the presence of FH. Materials and Methods: The HRCT images of 352 patients were retrospectively evaluated for the presence of FH and TMJ herniation into the external auditory canal. The degree of pneumatization was determined in 50 patients with FH and 53 patients without FH, and the mastoid volume was measured. Results: Of the 704 temporal bones, 50 (7.1%) were detected to have FH 16 (4.5%) on the right and 34 (9.7%) on the left. The incidence of FH was higher in women on the right than in men (p<0.01). There was strong correlation between the FH width and age for the left side (r=0.466, p<0.01). The mastoid volume was 3.2-15.9 cm3 in the patients with FH and 3.2-16.2 cm3 in those without FH. The degree of pneumatization and mastoid volume did not significantly differ between the both groups (p>0.05). TMJ herniation into the external auditory canal was detected in one of the patients with FH. Conclusions: We could not find a relationship between mastoid bone pneumatization and FH development. The presence of FH should be detected before TMJ and ear surgeries to prevent possible complications.

Surgical importance of the tympanic bone: multidetector computed tomography findings.

Objectives: To measure tympanic bone thickness (anterior-superior, anterior-inferior, and inferior wall), external ear canal length, and tympanomandibular distance that can be useful in cases that undergo tympanic bone resection. Materials and Methods: The temporal computed tomography (CT) images of 349 patients were retrospectively evaluated. The anterior-inferior, anterior-superior, and inferior wall thicknesses; tympanomandibular distance; and external auditory canal (EAC) bone canal length were measured from the narrowest part of the canal. The shapes of the EAC in the coronal and sagittal planes were also examined. Results: The numbers of female and male patients were similar, and the mean age was 49.45±13.95 years. The anterior-superior, anterior-inferior, and inferior wall thicknesses were 1.92±0.60, 2.54±0.74, and 9.16±2.20 mm, respectively. The anterior-superior and anterior-inferior wall thicknesses and canal lengths were greater on the right side (P<0.001). All measurement values were higher in males, except right tympanomandibular distance (P<0.05). A non-significant negative correlation was found between the age of the participants and the left anterior-inferior wall and tympanomandibular distance on both sides. Intra-observer agreement was high for all measurements. We observed four main shapes in the external ear canal in the coronal plane: Type 3, Type 2, Type 1, and Type 4 in order of frequency on the right, and Type 2, Type 3, Type 1, and Type 4 on the left. In the sagittal plane, we detected three shapes: oval (74.4%), triangular (16.3%), and round (9.4%). Conclusion: The anterior wall thicknesses and tympanomandibular distance should be measured on preoperative temporal bone CT to safely perform tympanic bone anterior resection, which is required in some otological procedures, and also to prevent temporomandibular joint damage.

Diagnosis of Thyroid Micropapillary Carcinoma and Histopathological Changes after Fine-needle Aspiration Biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate "worrisome histologic alteration following fine-needle aspiration of the thyroid'' (WHAFFT) in thyroid papillary microcarcinoma and the importance of tumor size, fibrosis, depth and concomitant diseases in ultrasonographic diagno Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pathology, Kutahya Health Sciences University, Evliya Celebi Research and Training Hospital, Turkey, from December 2015 to December 2020. METHODOLOGY: A total of 208 TPMC nodules belonging to 87 (41.8%) fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB)-case group and 121 (58.2%) non-FNAB-control group were included in the study. The thyroidectomy specimens were evaluated for worrisome histologic alteration following fine-needle aspiration of the thyroid (WHAFFT). The relationship between tumor size, depth and capsule distance and concomitant diseases were investigated, according to the detection status in ultrasonography. RESULTS: In the FNAB group, hemorrhage, capsular distortion and tumor diameter were greater, while there was less non-tumor fibrosis and granulation tissue. Dysplasia focus was found to be higher in Hashimoto thyroiditis and lower in nodular goiter (p = 0.000). The rate of ≥0.5 cm tumors (p = 0.000), the rate of 0-25% tumor fibrosis (p = 0.038) and tumor-capsule distance between <0.2 cm (p = 0.030) was higher in thyroid micropapillary carcinomas detected in US. CONCLUSION: In the FNAB group, hemorrhage, capsular distortion and tumor diameter were greater. While fibrosis was insignificant in the diagnosis with ultrasonography (US), tumor size and location were found to be more significant. Since US has a lower success rate in lesions <0.5 cm and is deeply located, it can be supported with radiological alternatives. KEY WORDS: Worrisome histologic alteration, Thyroid micropapillary carcinoma, Fine-needle aspiration, Ultrasonography.

Maternal Urinary Tract Infection: Is It Associated With Neonatal Urinary Tract Infection?

Objective: Maternal urinary tract infection is associated with intrauterine growth restriction, preterm delivery and low birth weight. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether maternal urinary tract infection is related to neonatal urinary tract infection. Materials and methods: The present prospective study included 230 singleton neonates. The participants were divided into two groups based on in utero exposure to maternal urinary tract infections. The study group (exposure to maternal urinary tract infection) included 115 neonates and the control group (without exposure to maternal urinary tract infection) included 115 healthy neonates. Physical examination, urinalysis, urine culture and urinary system ultrasonography were carried out for all neonates. Results: There were 153 deliveries by cesarean section and 77 vaginal births. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of gender distribution, maternal age, birth weight, mode of delivery, gravida and gestational age. Although the difference was not significant, the incidence of low birth weight and preterm delivery were higher in the study group in comparison to that in the control group. There was a statistically significant higher rate of neonatal urinary tract infection in the study group compared with control group (25.2% vs. 7.8%, p<0.001). The most commonly discovered pathogens were Escherichia coli, followed by Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., and Serratia spp. in the study group. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the presence of maternal urinary tract infection may contribute to increased urinary tract infection frequency in the neonatal period. Neonates at risk for a urinary tract infection should be regularly monitored due to nonspecific clinical presentation.

Increased incidence of abnormal reflux flow in lower extremity veins of cirrhotic patients by Doppler ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVE: To determine incidence of abnormal reflux flow (ARF) in legs of cirrhotic patients by Doppler ultrasonography (DUS). METHODS: We prospectively studied 100 patients and 56 controls from the Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University Eskisehir, Turkey, between January 2010 and December 2011. We classified the legs according to the Clinical Etiology Anatomy Pathophysiology (CEAP) scores. Lower extremity superficial and deep veins were examined in supine position by DUS for ARF. Reflux flows more than 1000 msec were considered as abnormal. Abnormal reflux flow was classified in 3 categories as superficial (SARF), deep (DARF), and SARF and/or DARF (ARF). We also performed abdominal DUS to depict anterior abdominal collateral and paraumbilical vein. Statistical analysis was carried out by using analysis of variance with Tukey test, t-test, and correlation coefficient analysis. RESULTS: Percentages of SARF in patients were 56%, DARF 52%, and ARF 58%. Correlation analysis showed association between SARF or DARF or ARF and cirrhosis (p=0.002, p=0.000, p=0.001). Patients were distributed within CEAP 1 to CEAP 4. There was an association between SARF or DARF and CEAP 1 (p=0.007, p=0.000) or CEAP 2 (p=0.004, p=0.041) or CEAP 4 (p=0.022, p=0.90). We showed no correlation between CEAP 3 and SARF or DARF. There were also correlation between paraumbilical vein and SARF (p=0.015). CONCLUSION: Cirrhotic patients increased incidence of ARF at lower extremity veins and CEAP classification creates and provides essential information.

Evaluation of the renal resistive index and pulsatility index in patients with pleural effusion by duplex Doppler ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the renal resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) in patients with pleural effusion (PE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied the mean renal RI and PI in 50 patients with PE and 30 healthy volunteers by Doppler sonography. We grouped effusion as unilateral and bilateral. Statistical analysis was done by independent t test and correlation coefficient analysis. RESULTS: The mean RI/PI in healthy volunteers and in PE patients was 0.58/0.93 and 0.72/1.35, respectively. We observed a significantly higher RI and PI in patients when compared with healthy volunteers (all p < 0.001). We found no difference between the renal RI or PI related to unilateral (0.71 or 1.34, respectively) or bilateral effusion (0.74 or 1.55, respectively) (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pleural effusion might result in increased renal impedance as seen in cirrhosis, which is a rather complicated pathophysiological process, without causing any morphological changes in kidneys.

Incomplete left-hand and complete right-hand pisiform and hamate coalition: multidetector computed tomography findings.

Pisiform-hamate coalition is a rare form of carpal coalition. Only 14 cases of pisiform-hamate coalition have been reported in the English-language literature. We present a case of asymptomatic bilateral pisiform-hamate coalition in a 16-year-old boy. We also review the embryology, pathogenesis, and clinical features of pisiform and hamate coalition, along with the associated multidetector computed tomography findings.