Summary Background Behçet disease (BD) is an immune‐mediated vasculitis‐like syndrome characterized by recurrent aphthous lesions and various systemic manifestations. Inflammatory markers may be useful to assess disease severity. The Systemic Immune‐Inflammation Index (SII) (neutrophils × platelets/lymphocytes) has been widely used in oncology since 2014, with promising results. Aim To assess the efficiency of the SII in determining activity of BD. Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with BD who were admitted to the outpatient clinic of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Ufuk University Hospital, between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2019. Patients were divided into two groups based on their disease status upon admission: (i) active BD (n = 103), and (ii) inactive BD (n = 63). Clinical characteristics, demographic features, type of medications, full blood count parameters, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‐reactive protein (CRP), ferritin and SII were compared between the groups. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the performance of the SII in determining disease severity upon admission to hospital. Results Higher numbers of white blood cells, platelets and neutrophils, greater red cell distribution width, higher levels of ESR, CRP and ferritin, and higher SII were observed in the active disease group (P < 0.001). The cutoff value of 552 × 103/mm3 was found to have 81% sensitivity and 82% specificity. Conclusion The SII may be used as an additional indicator for the assessment of BD status and physicians should be cautious in patients with SII levels of > 552 × 103/mm3) at the initial evaluation of the patients.

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PurposeThe purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and international student mobility from an alternative perspective and to reveal descriptive findings.Design/methodology/approachThis study follows qualitative research methodology. In accordance with the purpose of the study, the data were collected by the literature review and then it was analyzed by the descriptive analysis method. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on international student mobility and the relationships between these variables are explained by tables and classifications.FindingsAccording to the findings obtained, the restrictions in physical student mobility and shutdown are observed as the biggest challenges that occurred in higher education during the COVID-19. On a global scope, international student mobility has experienced a major break. Physical campus life is still on standby. Online higher education does not give any campus life as before. Students cannot benefit form city's or country's facilities when studying online at home country. The collaboration between university and business has been declined and this is even more discouraging for international students. The hybrid education model produced an intermediate solution in this period. On the other hand, the rise of online education has created new techniques for higher education. University students who cannot go abroad attend different countries lectures and education programs. But also a new challenge has come as the access of online platforms in under developing countries university students. Online education system also discussed in terms of creating inequality in higher education.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focused on student mobility and not focused about academic mobility.Practical implicationsIt is seen that the traditional higher education system has been adapted into online distance higher education system since COVID-19 crises began globally. On the other side, it is observed that most of studies have focused the effect of COVID-19 on university students based on the transition to online education. When considering the effect of pandemic process on the mobility of international students and higher education, the authors can suggest policy makers to develop new higher education protocols and teaching models supporting key issues (economic, social, health, education and equalization) in the long-term. Higher education institutes have been able to produce creative and innovative solutions for both education and communication during the pandemic process.Social implicationsUniversity students who cannot go abroad attend different countries lectures and education programs. But also a new challenge has come as the access of online platforms in under developing countries university students. Online education system also discussed in terms of creating inequality in higher education.Originality/valueThis study provides a new perspective for international student mobility in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. This is an emerging issue for the literature. This study is original with its approach to the subject from a global perspective through reviewing the studies of different countries. This study points out key variables for determining the effect of COVID-19 on international student mobility for future studies. When employing quantitative research models, the current key variables can guide them.

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