Determination of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels in hematology-oncology patients after COVID-19 vaccination.

OBJECTIVE: Cancer patients are among the high-risk groups where COVID-19 infection tends to be severe and can lead to increased mortality. Therefore, they are included in the priority groups for COVID-19 vaccination. This study aimed to compare the levels of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies following two different COVID-19 vaccinations between hematology-oncology patients and healthcare personnel and to identify factors associated with these antibody levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted with 91 hematology-oncology patients (cancer group) and 75 healthcare personnel (control group) from January 2020 to June 2023. The cancer and control groups comprised adults who had received a booster dose, with either a single dose of BNT162b2 or two doses of CoronaVac™ spaced one month apart, following their primary vaccination with two doses of either CoronaVac™ or BNT162b2. Four weeks after the administration of the booster dose, levels of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were assessed using an ELISA kit. Antibody levels above 50 AU/mL were accepted as signifying seropositivity. RESULTS: The median SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody level was lower in the cancer group compared to the control group (4,509 vs. 7,268, p = 0.004), while the rate of seroconversion was similar between the groups (97.8% vs. 100%, p = 0.564). In the cancer group, no association was found between SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels and age, sex, comorbidity, type of malignancy, stage and duration, or type of vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: In cancer patients, the seroconversion positivity rate was about 98%. However, antibody responses were still lower compared to the control group. No difference was detected in antibody levels among cancer patients based on the type of vaccine.

Feed form and perch design do not interact to production performance, gastrointestinal tract traits, behaviour and welfare of laying hens reared in enriched cages.

1. It was hypothesised that perch material and design may affect utility and maintenance energy demand in laying hens, affecting their feed form preferences and daily feed consumption. Accordingly, perch design and feed form on hen performance, gastrointestinal tract functions and some behavioural and welfare-related traits were studied in laying hens (ATAK-S) reared in enriched colony cages from 24 to 40 weeks of age.2. The experiment was a 2 × 2 factorial investigating two perch materials and design (circular steel or mushroom-shaped plastic) and feed form (mash or crumble). A total of 396 hens were randomly assigned to one of the four treatment groups with nine replicates each (11 birds per replicate).3. Except for feeding behaviour and prevalence of foot pad dermatitis at 40 weeks of age, the modification of the perch design did not have a significant effect on the traits examined. Mushroom-shaped plastic perches reduced feeding behaviour (p < 0.01) and the incidence of foot pad dermatitis at 40 weeks of age (p < 0.001).4. Performance traits were not affected by feed form. Intake, final body weight and FCR for crumble-fed laying hens were greater than those fed mash (p < 0.01).5. Hens fed mash had higher (p < 0.01) relative gizzard weights along with lower (p < 0.05) pH values, pancreatic chymotrypsin, amylase and lipase activities (p < 0.05), and duodenal absorption surface areas (p < 0.01). Ultimately, this gave higher protein digestibility (p < 0.05) compared to those receiving crumble.6. In conclusion, in enriched cage rearing systems, mashed feed was preferred over crumble to efficiently maintain productive performance. Compared to circular steel, plastic mushroom-shaped perches were associated with better footpad health and welfare.

The prognostic and predictive role of class III ß-Tubulin and hENT1 expression in patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine-nabpaclitaxel (GnP) are standard first-line treatment regimens for advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, currently, there is a lack of predictive biomarkers to aid in the treatment selection. We aimed to explore the prognostic and predictive value of class III ß-Tubulin (TUBB3) and human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) expression, which have previously been shown to be associated with taxane and gemcitabine resistance in advanced PDAC. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 106 patients with advanced PDAC treated with GnP and/or FOLFIRINOX at our institution. TUBB3 and hENT1 immunohistochemical staining was performed on tumor specimens and subsequently evaluated based on the intensity and percentage of expression. RESULTS: In patients who received the GnP regimen, a high combined score (TUBB3low/hENT1high) was associated with a higher DCR and longer PFS compared to those with intermediate (TUBB3high/hENT1high or TUBB3low/hENT1low) and low score (TUBB3high/hENT1low). In the multivariate analysis, a high combined score was an independent predictor of higher DCR (OR:11.96; 95 % CI:2.61-54.82; p = 0.001) and longer PFS (HR:0.33; 95%CI:0.18-0.60; p < 0.001). However, there was no difference in response rates or PFS based on TUBB3 and hENT1 expression among patients receiving the FOLFIRINOX regimen. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that tumor TUBB3 and hENT1 expression may predict the efficacy of the GnP regimen, and low TUBB3 and high hENT1 expression (TUBB3low/hENT1high) are associated with a higher DCR and longer PFS in patients treated with GnP. Evaluating TUBB3 and hENT1 jointly can identify the patients most (as well as least) likely to benefit from GnP chemotherapy.

Dark side of customs: scalding burns in childhood due to use of traditional teacup and teapot, in Turkey.

The most common type of burn among children is scalding burn. This study aims to reveal child abuse and neglect as a specific etiological factor that specific to our country, traditional teapot- and teacup-related scalding burns. Burn cases that admitted to our Burn Center were investigated, and among these, 72 cases suffering from scalding burns were included in the study. The interview forms issued upon admission of these cases were evaluated in detail. Out of 148 scalding burn cases, 48.6% were related to the use of traditional teapots and teacups. After a detailed assessment, all cases were considered neglect-related burns. As a result of considering the role of traditional teapots and teacups in pediatric injuries in our country, parents and caregivers should be warned about these types of injuries. Also, physicians must determine the possibility of child abuse or neglect in all pediatric burn cases.

The relationship between ochratoxin A and blood pressure in adolescents.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a chemical produced by some fungal species, and although its toxic effects have been shown in many animal studies, there are limited studies in humans. We aimed to examine the relationship between OTA and hypertension. 50 newly diagnosed hypertensive patients and 33 healthy individuals aged between 12 and 14 were included in the study. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure measurements, complete blood count, blood biochemical parameters, urine lead level and urine OTA level were measured. OTA was detected in the urine samples of 90.9% of the control group, 100% of the hypertensive group and 85.7% of the obese+hypertensive group. Median urinary OTA was 32.9 ng/g creatinine for hypertensive group, 32.2 ng/g creatinine for hypertensive+obese group, 18.8 ng/g creatinine for the control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a positive association between last quartile of urinary OTA level and being hypertensive [AOR:5.93 (95%CI: 1.27-27.61)] in adolescents without obesity. Hypertensive cases could be evaluated for OTA exposure in further studies.

Excessive screen time and lower psychosocial well-being among preschool children.

OBJECTIVE: Too much screen time is a common and severe threat to child health and excessive screen exposure exists in the early childhood population in Turkey. We aimed to investigate the associations between excessive screen time and psychosocial well-being in a sample of Turkish preschool children. METHODS: Mothers and their healthy children aged 2-5 years who applied to general pediatric outpatient clinics for well-child examinations were enrolled in this descriptive cross-sectional study. Children with a daily screen time of less than 1 h (low) or more than or equal to 4 h (excessive) were included. Psychosocial well-being was assessed using the parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. RESULTS: In all, 220 mother-child pairs participated in this study. Emotional symptoms, conduct problems, peer relationship problems, and total difficulties scores were significantly higher in the children with excessive screen time (p<0.05), while the hyperactivity-inattention and prosocial scores were not different between the low and excessive screen time groups (p>0.05). After adjusting for potential confounders, the children with excessive screen time had significantly increased odds ratios for having conduct and peer relationship problems (OR [95% CI]: 2.62 [1.11-6.19], p = 0.028 and 2.57 [1.25-5.26], p = 0.010, respectively). CONCLUSION: Turkish preschool children with excessive screen time were significantly more likely to have poor psychosocial well-being. Preschool children with behavioral problems should be evaluated for excessive screen time.

Lead, mercury, and cadmium levels in breast milk and infant hair in the late period of lactation in Ankara, Turkey.

Lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) have known harmful effects on children's well-being. The object of this study was to measure the levels of heavy metals (Pb, Hg, and Cd) in breast milk and infant hair, connected environmental factors, and the impact on infant growth and development at 8 months. Seventy-four breast milk samples and 46 infant hair samples were analyzed. Cd, Pb, and Hg were detected in 99%, 91%, and 87% of breast milk samples, respectively. Cd levels were higher in the hair of infants in extended families, living in older houses and when there was a maternal history of anemia and postpartum anemia. Hg levels in breast milk were higher in Denver II suspicious/abnormal infants than in Denver II normal infants. Further biomonitoring studies and preventive measures should be conducted to minimize exposure to toxic metals in early childhood period.

Urinary levels of phthalate esters and heavy metals in adolescents with thyroid colloid cysts.

We aimed to evaluate 14 urinary phthalate metabolites and 4 toxic metals in adolescents having thyroid colloid cyst (TCC) and compare with age and sex-matched others without TCC. Phthalate metabolites were analysed with UPLC-MS/MS and heavy metals with ICP-MS. TCC ratios in tertile subgroups of pollutants were compared with multiple logistic regression analysis after adjusting for age, sex, z-scores for body mass index and urinary creatinine values. Adolescents having the highest tertile of mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalic acid and mercury had increased odds and those with the highest tertiles of monocarboxy-isononyl phthalate, mono (3-carboxypropyl) phthalate, monoisobutyl phthalate had lower odds for TCC than counterparts. The odds of TCC were lower for those in the second and the third tertiles. No differences in TCC ratios were detected with other pollutants. Given phthalate esters' and toxic metals' specific interactions on TCC, further studies were necessary to assess the influence of chemicals on TCC.

Video game playing among preschoolers: prevalence and home environment in three provinces from Turkey.

We aimed to investigate the video game habits and their relationship with home environment in children 2-5 years in Turkey. A structured questionnaire about the child's demographic, screen, and video gaming characteristics was completed by parents in five health centers from three provinces. One-quarter of 1245 preschoolers were found to play video games. The prevalence of playing video games was higher in older age, male gender, low parental education, families with 3 or more children, having a game console, computers and tablets at home, child's screen time of more than 2 hours per day, child's non-compliance with the parental screen rules, and presence of someone else playing videogame at home. Of the parents, 54.5% did not know the name of the video game the child was playing. Parents should be counseled about supervising on their children's video game playing habits and selection of well-designed games with the right content.

Changes in maternal anthropometric measurements in the first postpartum month and associated factors.

OBJECTIVE: Maternal anthropometry offers a rapid, inexpensive, and non-invasive method for assessing nutritional status during pregnancy. We aimed to assess the changes in maternal anthropometric measurements in the first month after delivery and to investigate the factors associated with longitudinal changes in maternal postpartum nutritional status. DESIGN: This prospective longitudinal study included 147 mothers who were on the 5th postpartum day applied to outpatient clinics, from January 2018 through January 2020. Each mother completed a structured questionnaire and baseline anthropometric measurements were performed at the postpartum 5th day and re-evaluated at the end of the first month after delivery. PARTICIPANTS: Mother-infant pairs (n = 147). RESULTS: At the end of the first postpartum month, maternal body weight (relative change -5.1%, 95% CI: -5.6%;-4.6%), muscle mass ratio (-1.6%, 95% CI: -2.4%;-0.9%) and body fluid ratio (-2.4%, 95% CI: -3.1%;-1.7%) decreased, whereas fat mass ratio increased (10.3%, 95% CI: 9.0%;11.6%).There was a significant association between infants' feeding type and maternal BMI, weight, muscle mass ratio, body fluid ratio, triceps, and biceps skinfold thickness in mothers (p < .05). We also found a significant relationship between maternal smoke exposure and BMI, maternal weight, fat-mass ratio (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: There are some important alterations in maternal anthropometric parameters during the postpartum period. This study will help further our understanding of the factors influencing changes in maternal body composition after delivery.

Effect of temperature manipulation during incubation on body weight, plasma parameters, muscle histology, and expression of myogenic genes in breast muscle of embryos and broiler chickens from two commercial strains.

1. This study evaluated the effect of a higher incubation temperature on body weight, plasma profile, histology and expression of myogenin (MYOG), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) genes in breast muscle of embryos and broilers from two commercial strains.2. A total of 784 eggs from Ross 308 and Cobb 500 broiler breeder flocks were used. Half of the eggs per strain were incubated at control temperature (37.8°C), whereas the other half were exposed to heat treatment (HT) of 38.8°C between embryonic day (ED) 10 and 14, for 6 h/day. Embryos and chicks were sampled on ED 19 and at hatch. A total of 480, one-day-old chicks per strain and incubation temperature were reared up to 42 d post-hatch.3. The HT increased hatch weight of Ross chicks and 42-d body weight of broilers from both strains. Lower plasma triacylglycerol levels were measured for HT embryos and broilers on ED 19 and 42 d post-hatch, respectively. HT reduced plasma T3 levels in Ross embryos and broilers for the same periods. Hepatic TBARS concentrations were elevated by HT compared to the control incubation.4. The HT reduced breast muscle VEGFA gene expression of Cobb embryos on ED 19, whereas expression was stimulated in day-old chicks. At 42 d post-hatch, fibre area was increased by HT regardless of strain. Compared to the control incubation, HT increased the breast yield of Ross broilers and leg yield of Cobb. Ross-HT broilers had a higher pH at 24 h after slaughter and better water holding capacity than Cobb-HT broilers.5. These results suggested that HT increased body weight, fibre area, IGF-I gene expression and lowered plasma triacylglycerol levels of broiler chickens from both strains at 42 d. However, HT influenced the expression of VEGF-A and MYOG genes and meat quality differently between the broiler strains.

Environmental risk perception of mothers and presence of risk factors in rural and urban areas in Adana, Turkey.

This cross-sectional study with an open-ended manner aimed (1) to evaluate the environmental risk perception levels of mothers having at least one child and living in Adana and (2) to determine their awareness of the risk factors in their environment. Of mothers, 30.2% did not know the concept of environmental risk factor. Most frequent perceived risks were violence (17%), air pollution (15.5%) and undefined pollution (15%). The most common mentioned problems in their environment were air pollution (9.9%), violence (7.9%) and municipal service problems (8.4%). Mothers living in the urban area reported more violence, air pollution and undefined pollution as environmental threats than those living in the countryside. The place of residence, the education level of the mother and the number of people in the house significantly were related with the risk perception. There is a need for studies in other regions to determine the environmental literacy of mothers.

The effects of the breeder index value on the microscopic structure of egg shells, hatching results, and hybrid performance.

The quality of egg shell and bone properties of hen are important for hen welfare, consumers, and producers. Parameters of the genetic selection have both desirable and undesirable effects among themselves. Until recently, it has been stated that the concept of shell quality is not only about breaking strength, thickness, and weight of shell, but also microscopic properties of the shell. In this study, the effect of index selection including age and weight at sexual maturity, number of eggs and egg weight on eggshell structures, hatching results, and hybrid performance was determined. Ninety Barred Rock 1 (BAR-1) and ninety Rhode Island Red 1 (RIR-1) hens and twenty RIR-1 cocks (46 weeks old) were used. BAR-1 and RIR-1 were classified according to the breeder index value as low and high. Egg quality characteristics, embryo development and hatching results were examined in eggs obtained from these lines. In the hybrid eggs with high breeder index, the thickness of the palisade layer, breaking strength, ash, and Ca level of the shell were lower and cone similarity and egg weight were higher than that with low breeder index. The breaking strength of the egg shell had a significantly positive correlation with the palisade layer thickness of the shell. In addition, the tibia weight of the high breeder index group was lower than that of the low breeder index group. Differences in femur and tibia weights in hybrids with low and high breeder index increased with age. A negative correlation was observed between hatchability and the thickness of the palisade layer. Further studies are needed to determine which selection programs positively affect the thickness of the palisade layer, the Ca level and the breaking strength of the shell, the number of broken eggs, and the tibia weight in layer hybrids.

Evaluation of problematic screen exposure in pre-schoolers using a unique tool called "seven-in-seven screen exposure questionnaire": cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Screen media exposure has been increasing in the preschool years. Risky aspects of screen exposure have many potential negative effects on children's health. We aimed to evaluate problematic screen exposure in Turkish preschool children by using a unique tool called the "Seven-in-Seven Screen Exposure Questionnaire" and to investigate factors associated with problematic screen exposure. METHODS: A questionnaire form was designed including general descriptive questions in the first part. In the second part, a questionnaire we designed called the "Seven-in-Seven Screen Exposure Questionnaire" was conducted to evaluate problematic screen exposure characteristics. The questionnaire included seven items: daily screen time, viewing with parent(s), setting screen limits, screen exposure during meals and in the hour before bedtime, age of onset of screen exposure, and viewing low-quality content. The total problematic screen exposure score (range 0-13) was generated by summing scores from the seven items. Total scores are classified into two categories: low (< 7) and high (≥ 7). Logistic regression was performed to search for independent parameters associated with problematic screen exposure. RESULTS: One thousand two hundred forty-five mother-child pairs participated in this study. The median age of the children was 3.9 (IQR: 2.9-4.7) years and 51% were males. Overall, 280 children (22.5%) had a problematic screen exposure score of ≥7 (high). The median problematic screen exposure score was 4 (IQR: 3-6). Maternal age of < 30 years; paternal age of ≥30 years; maternal educational level of ≤12 years; the age of 24-48 months; home-based daycare; postponing eating, toileting, or sleeping while using a screen; and using touchscreen devices were found to be associated with an increased risk of having a high problematic screen exposure score. CONCLUSION: Developing national scales to monitor problematic screen use in children would be more effective than monitoring screen time alone. All of the screen use characteristics not recommended in children would be evaluated using problematic screen exposure scales. The "Seven-in-Seven Screen Exposure Questionnaire" may serve as an example for further studies.

Effects of oregano juice on eggshell microbial load, layer embryo development, hatching results, and growth at the first 2 weeks after hatch.

One of the factors affecting the hatching results and chick quality is the implementation of an appropriate disinfection program with effective disinfectants. This study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of oregano juice as a disinfection of hatching layer eggs as an alternative to formaldehyde. In the study, 1800 eggs collected from 48-week old Akbay white layer breeders were used. Eggs were divided into 3 equal disinfection groups (fumigation with formaldehyde, 50% oregano juice, and 100% oregano juice). In the study, the characteristics of the eggshell, microbial load, embryo development, egg weight loss, hatching results, chick weight and quality, and performance in the first 2 weeks were determined. No differences were observed among the disinfection groups in egg shell characteristics, microbial load in the shell, hatchability of fertile and set eggs, embryonic deaths, and body weight, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio in female chicks. Egg weight loss was higher (P < 0.001) in the 50% oregano juice group (13.75%) compared to the formaldehyde fumigation group (12.11%). Chick quality score was found to be lower in the formaldehyde fumigation group (96.44) compared to the other two oregano juice groups (P < 0.001). The chicks hatched from the eggs in the formaldehyde fumigation group consumed more feed (119 g/week) in the first 2 weeks (P < 0.001). The use of 50% oregano juice in the disinfection of hatching eggs did not have any negative effects compared to the fumigation process with formaldehyde. Therefore, it is concluded that disinfection with 50% oregano juice was effective in reducing the microbial load in the egg shell as much as formaldehyde fumigation, and even it was superior in chick quality score.

Evaluation of the signs and symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri syndrome in pediatric population.

PURPOSE: Pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTC) is characterized by increased intracranial pressure without a space-occupying lesion and a normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition without evidence of CSF infection. In this study, we aimed to compare the symptoms, signs, and clinical characteristics of patients presenting with a preliminary diagnosis of pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTC) who were diagnosed and not diagnosed with PTC. METHOD: We conducted a retrospective study of patients who were referred to our clinic with signs and symptoms of PTC. We compared the patients' symptoms, signs, and clinical characteristics who were diagnosed with PTC with those who were not diagnosed with PTC using modified Dandy criteria. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients with the pre-diagnosis of PTC were included in the study. LP procedure was done in all patients. After LP, 75.3% of the patients were diagnosed with PTC, but 24.7% did not meet the criteria for PTC. A statistically significant relationship was found between the increase in headache complaints when leaning forward, headache that keeps the child from playing, and the CSF pressure level (p = 0.014, p = 0.019; p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant correlation between papilledema and CSF pressure level (p > 0.05). A statistically significant relationship was found between papilledema grade and CSF pressure level (p = 0.038; p < 0.05), and the rate of high CSF pressure in the groups with Grades 2-3 and Grade 4 papilledema was higher than that in the group with Grade 1 papilledema. Cranial nerve 6 palsy (CN6) (p = 0.048) and flattening of the posterior aspect of the globe (FPS) are found independent risk factors (p = 0.004 p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PTC signs and symptoms show variability among pediatric population.

Evaluation of blood and tooth element status in asthma cases: a preliminary case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a common respiratory disorder; some data were present on the correlation between increased levels of trace elements and the risk of asthma development. It was aimed to evaluate the levels of 13 selected blood and tooth elements (magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, chromium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, strontium, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, mercury) in a well-controlled asthma group and the control group. METHODS: During the study period, 17 asthma patients and 26 age and gender-matched healthy children donated shed deciduous teeth having neither decay nor filling and enrolled for the study. The element levels in blood and teeth matrixes were analyzed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Differences in blood and tooth elements in groups were evaluated with generalized linear models after adjusting confounding factors. RESULTS: After adjusting the child's "z scores of body mass index for age", history of iron deficiency anemia, and status of parental smoking, the generalized linear model revealed significantly lower tooth magnesium levels, lower blood zinc levels, and lower blood zinc/copper ratio in the asthma group than the control group (p = 0.042, p = 0.034, p = 0.002, respectively). Other studied elements for tooth and blood matrixes were similar in groups. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed some differences in tooth and blood element levels in the asthma group. Further studies on zinc and magnesium levels of severe asthma cases are necessary for the interpretation of the results.

Is maternal cigarette or water pipe use associated with stopping breastfeeding? Evidence from the Jordan population and family health surveys 2012 and 2017-18.

BACKGROUND: Maternal smoking is suspected to have negative impacts on breastfeeding, such as decreasing the quantity of breast milk, and reducing vitamin and fat concentrations in the milk in the late lactation period. Cigarette and water pipe tobacco products are widely used in Jordan. We aimed to estimate the association between use of different tobacco products and the rates of current breastfeeding. METHODS: Data from Jordan's Population and Family Health Surveys 2012 and 2017-18 were examined. Last-born, living children, aged < 25 months, from singleton births, ever breastfed, and living with their mother were included. The key outcome variables were the current breastfeeding (during last 24 h) and tobacco usage status [water pipe tobacco (hookah or narghile) and/or cigarette tobacco]. Complex sample multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of the current breastfeeding with maternal smoking status. RESULTS: Overall, 6726 infants were included in the study. The current breastfeeding rate in infants aged 0-6 months was 87%, compared with 43.9% in infants aged 12-17 months and 19.4% in infants aged 18-24 months. Overall, 4.4% had mothers who smoked cigarettes, 5.4% smoked water pipe, and 1.6% both cigarettes and water pipe. The proportion of breastfed infants in non-smoking mothers was 57.7% and, those in smoke water pipe, cigarette and both tobacco products were 55.4, 44.9, and 51.0% respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that women cigarette smokers had a lower odds ratio (OR) for current breastfeeding (OR 0.60, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.39, 0.92). Multivariate analysis revealed that maternal cigarette smoking was associated with a lower odds ratio for current breastfeeding compared with mothers who smoked neither water pipe nor cigarettes (AOR 0.51, 95% Cl 0.30, 0.87). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that maternal smoking is associated with termination of breastfeeding, suggesting that structured training should be organized for healthcare professionals, expectant mothers and the general public about the association between maternal smoking and cessation of lactation.

PILE: a candidate prognostic score in cancer patients treated with immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Although the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) became a vital part of cancer care, many patients do not respond to treatment, indicating need for biomarkers. The Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value (PIV) is a recently developed peripheral blood count-based biomarker. Herein, we evaluated a PIV-based candidate scoring system as a prognostic biomarker in ICI-treated patients. METHODS: A total of 120 advanced cancer patients treated with anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 inhibitors for any cancer type were included in this study. The PILE scoring system incorporating the PIV (< median vs. ≥ median), lactate dehydrogenase levels (normal vs. > normal) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (0 vs. ≥ 1) was constructed from the multivariate analyses and used for stratification. The association between overall survival (OS), progression-free survival and PILE risk category was evaluated with multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 9.62 months and the median OS of all cohort were 12.42 ± 2.75 months. Patients with higher PIV had significantly decreased OS (7.75 ± 1.64 vs. 18.63 ± 4.26 months, p = 0.037). The patients in the PILE high-risk group (PILE score 2-3) had decreased OS (18.63 ± 4.02 vs. 5.09 ± 1.23 months, HR: 2.317, 95% CI: 1.450-3.700, p < 0.001) and PFS (7.69 ± 1.30 vs. 2.69 ± 0.65 months, HR: 1.931, 95% CI: 1.263-2.954, p = 0.002) compared to PILE low-risk group (PILE score 0-1). The Harrell C-Index values were 0.65 and 0.61 for OS and PFS prediction, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this study, we demonstrated a decreased overall survival in ICI-treated patients with a higher PILE score. If prospective studies validate our results, PILE score could be a biomarker for immunotherapy.

Effects of cage type on performance, welfare, and microbiological properties of laying hens during the molting period and the second production cycle.

As most of the unenriched cages will soon switch to enriched cages, it is important to characterize all the effects in the laying hens for sustainable production. Laying hens can be used in several production periods by applying molting. The aim of this study was to determine the cage type (unenriched and enriched) on performance, welfare, and microbiological properties of laying hens during the molting period and the second production cycle. Overall, 840 brown laying hybrids were used in the experiment. Laying hens were reared on two different cage types (unenriched cage (UEC) and enriched cage (EC)) in the same poultry house. When the hybrids were 75 weeks old, they were subjected to force molting with whole grain barley. Performance, welfare, microbiological, and serological data of laying hens were obtained from 73 to 107 weeks of age. Egg production, egg weight, feed conversion ratio, breaking strength, albumen and yolk index, Haugh unit, feather condition, and breaking force of femur and metatarsus were better in the post-molting period. However, keel bone deformities and Newcastle disease virus antibody titers are the worst in the post-molting period. Stiffness of femur and metatarsus was increased with period. These results indicate that necessary precautions should be taken against the problems that may occur in the direction of bone and health. During the molting period, hens kept in EC had lower egg production but they returned to egg production at a high rate. EC type had a positive effect on egg production, feed conversion ratio, feather and foot condition, and breaking force of metatarsus.