• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.142-149
• /
• 2009

Purpose : The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of serum procalcitonin (PCT) compared with that of C-reactive protein (CRP) and the total white blood cell count (WBC) in predicting bacterial infections in febrile infants<6 months of age. Methods : A prospective study was performed with infants <6 months of age who were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics with a fever of uncertain source between July and September 2008. Spinal taps were performed according to clinical symptoms and physical examination. Serum PCT levels were measured using an enzyme-linked fluorescent assay. Results : Seventy-one infants (mean age, 2.62 months) were studied. Twenty-six infants (36.6%) had urinary tract infections (UTIs), and 22 infants (31.0%) had viral meningitis. The remaining infants had acute pharyngitis (n=1), herpangina (n=1), upper respiratory tract infections (n=7), acute bronchiolitis (n=8), acute gastroenteritis (n=4), and bacteremia (n=2). The median WBC and CRP levels were significantly higher in infants with UTIs than in infants with viral meningitis. However, there were no differences in the median PCT levels between the groups (0.14 ng/mL vs. 0.11 ng/mL, P=0.419). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.792 (95% CI, 0.65-0.896) for WBC, 0.77 (95% CI, 0.626-0.879) for CRP, and 0.568 (95% CI, 0.417-0.710) for PCT. An elevated WBC count (>11,920/${\mu}L$) and an increased CRP level (>1.06mg/dL) were significant predictors of UTIs based on multiple logistic regression analysis. Conclusion : Serum PCT concentrations should be interpreted with caution in infants <6 months of age with a fever of uncertain source.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
• /
• v.40 no.3
• /
• pp.253-262
• /
• 2013

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of floor type and heating system on performance, housing environment and health status of ducks reared in three types of duck house (OD : Open floor house-Direct heating system, OF : Open floor house-Floor heating system and LD : Loft type house-Direct heating system). In OF treatment, PVC pipes were installed for heating under concrete floor and covered with litter. In LD treatment, plastic mesh was installed 50 cm above the floor so that duck's droppings can pass through it. Each treatment had four replicates of 25 birds (Cherry Valley duck breed) per pen. There were no significant differences in weight gain and feed intake of ducks for 6 weeks among all treatments. However, feed conversion ratio in LD was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that in OF. No differences were found in carcass charac- teristics, with the exception of abdominal fat weight where OF were higher than the others. Concentrations of $CO_2$ and $NH_3$ gas in OD were higher than those of OF and LD at 3, 4 and 5 weeks. Moisture content in litter of OF was lower than that of OD. In contrast, the amount of dust in the air was higher in OF than in OD. The amount of fuel used for 6 weeks in LD was lower about 21% than that in OD. Some of unusual symptoms were observed in open floor house and loft type house, such as lying, spraddle legged, twisted ankle and legs, wounded sole, or etc. No components of leukocyte and erythrocyte of blood were significantly different among all treatments. The results of this experiment showed that OF and LD systems had no positive effects on performance of meat type commercial duck. However, there were some positive effects of certain house type for the improvement of environmental condition in duck house for hygienic production. In the future, more research on the effect of various facilities and systems for duck house is needed.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
• /
• v.50 no.4
• /
• pp.311-323
• /
• 2023

This study aimed to investigate the impact of Bacillus subtilis-based probiotics and oregano essential oil on the production performance, egg quality, and intestinal morphology of late-phase laying hens (69-weeks). A total of 150 laying hens of 69-week-old were randomly allotted into 6 treatment groups with 5 replicates of 5 birds in each replicate. Laying hens were divided into high (H) and average (A) egg production groups prior to the trial. The hens in each group were supplemented with Bacillus subtilis, or oregano essential oil: CON, a basal diet; BS, basal diet plus 3 × 10⁸ CFU/kg feed Bacillus subtilis; OEO, basal diet plus 0.3 g/kg feed oregano essential oil. Egg performance, blood characteristics, egg quality, and intestinal morphology of the late-phase laying hens were evaluated. Both BS and OEO significantly enhanced (P<0.05) egg production compared to CON in high egg production. The blood characteristics indicated no significant differences based on the egg production and the supplementation of BS and OEO in the late-phase laying hens. The eggshell strength was significantly improved (P<0.05) in both OEO compared to both CON. A significantly decreased (P<0.05) the villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH/CD) in the ileum compared to H, and in the treatment groups supplemented with BS and OEO, VH/CD showed a significant increase (P<0.05) compared to both CON. These results suggest that the supplementation of Bacillus subtilis and oregano essential oil in the diet of late-phase laying hens could serve as a potential strategy to enhance egg production, egg quality, and gut health.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.19 no.2
• /
• pp.118-126
• /
• 2001

Purpose : In this study, it was investigated whether dose response relation existed or not in local radiotherapy for primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Materials and Methods : From January 1992 to March 2000, 158 patients were included in present study. Exclusion criteria included the presence of extrahepatic metastasis, liver cirrhosis of Child's class C, tumors occupying more than two thirds of the entire liver, and performance status on the ECOG scale of more than 3. Radiotherapy was given to the field including tumor with generous margin using 6, 10-MV X-ray. Mean tumor dose was $48.2{\pm}7.9\;Gy$ in daily 1.8 Gy fractions. Tumor response was based on diagnostic radiologic examinations such as CT scan, MR imaging, hepatic artery angiography at $4\~8$ weeks following completion of treatment. Statistical analysis was done to investigate the existence of dose response relationship of local radiotherapy when it was applied to the treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Results : An objective response was observed in 106 of 158 patients, giving a response rate of $67.1\%$. Statistical analysis revealed that total dose was the most significant factor in relation to tumor response when local radiotherapy was applied to the treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Only $29.2\%$ showed objective response in patients treated with dose less than 40 Gy, while $68.6\%\;and\;77.1\%$ showed major response in patients with $40\~50\;Gy$ and more than 50 Gy, respectively. Child-Pugh classification was significant factor in the development of ascites, overt radiation induced liver disease and gastroenteritis. Radiation dose was an important factor for development of radiation induced gastroduodenal ulcer. Conclusion : Present study showed the existence of dose response relationship in local radiotherapy for primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Only radiotherapy dose was a significant factor to predict the objective response. Further study is required to predict the maximal tolerance dose in consideration of liver function and non-irradiated liver volume.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.17-23
• /
• 2002

Purpose : To clarify the clinical benefit derived from the combined modality therapy (CMT) consisting of chemotherapy (CT) and involved field radiotherapy (RT) for stage I and II angiocentric lymphomas of the head and neck. Materials and Methods : Of 143 patients with angiocentric lymphoma of the head and neck treated at our hospital between 1976 and 1995, 104 patients (RT group) received involved field RT alone with a median dose of 50.4 Gy (range : 20~70 Gy), while 39 patients (CMT group) received a median 3 cycles (range : 1~6 cycles) of CT before involved field RT. The response rate, patterns of failure, complications, and survival data of the RT group were compared with those of the CMT group. Results : Despite a higher response rate, local failure was the most common pattern of failure in patients of both groups. The patterns of failure, including the systemic relapse rate were not influenced by the addition of combination CT. Although both modalities were well tolerated by the majority of patients, aberrant immunologic disorders or medical illnesses, such as a hemophagocytic syndrome, sepsis, intractable hemorrhage, or the evolution of second primary malignancies were more frequently observed in patients of the CMT group. The prognosis of patients in the RT group was relatively poor, with a 5-year overall actuarial survival rate of 38% and disease-free survival rate of 32%, respectively. However, their clinical outcome was not altered by the addition of systemic CT. Achieving complete remission was the most important prognostic factor by univariate and multivariate analyses, but treatment modality was not found to be a prognostic variable influencing survival. Conclusions : Involved field RT alone for angiocentric lymphoma of the head and neck was insufficient to achieve an improved survival rate, but the addition of CT to involved field RT failed to demonstrate any therapeutic advantage over involved field RT alone.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
• /
• v.37 no.1
• /
• pp.9-13
• /
• 2010

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of yellow loess on performance and blood component profile in broiler chickens. A total of three hundred sixty, 1 day old broiler chicks (Ross) were randomly divided into 3 groups with 4 replicates of 30 birds each. The experiment feeds were; control (basal diet), 0~10 days (basal diet with yellow loess T1 4%, T2 2%), 11~21 days (basal diet with yellow loess T1 2%, T2 1%), 22~35 days (basal diet with yellow loess T1 1%, T2 1%). The body weight and weight gain of the broilers fed T2 diet was significant higher than the T1 and control treatment (P<0.05). Feed intake was significantly higher than the control during overall period (P<0.05). Total cholesterol in all yellow loess supplemented treatments were significantly higher than the control treatment (P<0.05), and the triglyceride of broiler fed the diet containing T1 was significantly higher than the control and T2 treatment (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed on the total white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil (NE), monocyte (MO) and eosinophil (EO) in all yellow loess supplemented treatments compared to the control. Lymphocyte of T2 treatment was significantly higher than T1 and control treatment (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed on fecal ammonia gas emission, but broiler fed yellow loess was lower than the control treatment. Aa a result, dietary supplementation of yellow loess was improve to weight gain and feed intake of broiler.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.161-171
• /
• 2009

The present study was performed to describe the influence of water temperature and salinity on filtration rates of the venus clam, Gomphina veneriformis, a suspension-feeding (filter-feeding) bivalve species. The calmswere collected from the eastern coastal area of Sokcho, Gangneung and Jumunjin at Kangwon-do, Korea, during December 2006 and May 2007. Isochrysis galbana (KMCC H-002) cells as food organisms were indoor-cultured by f/2 medium, and were used to measure the filtration rate of clam. Filtration rates of clam were measured by indirect method. Cell concentration of food organisms were determined by direct counting cells used the hemacytometer under the light microscope. The filtration rates of clams by water temperature sharply increased with temperatures up to $15^{\circ}C$ as optimum temperature and above this temperature, the filtration rates decreased exponentially. Venus clams showed very low filtration rates at low salinity (10-15 psu) and maximum values at high salinity (30-35 psu). Regardless of water temperature and salt change, 2-year class clams showed high filtration rates, but low in 4-year-class. Polynomial regression curves with water temperature were shifted to the left in low temperature region. Thermal coefficient $Q_{10}$ values showed much higher values at low temperature range than at high temperature range, too. These results indicate that the venus clam is more sensitive in cold water. Polynomial regression curves with salinity were shifted to the right in high saline region. According to this study, the venus clam Gomphina veneriformis, subtidal filter-feeding bivalve, was the stenothermal organism, inhabited mainly in low temperature and the stenohaline, in high saline waters.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.200-207
• /
• 2003

Purpose : Malaria is known to have been eradicated for a few decades through persistent national health program in South Korea. However, malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax has started to reappear incidiously among military personnel near to DMZ since 1993. After then, the number of malarial cases have been increased abruptly year by year. We analyzed the children of indigenous malaria who were diagnosed by peripheral blood smear and malarial antibody test with regards to epidemiologic and clinical manifestations. Methods : The study 13 cases below 15 years of age, who were confirmed as vivax malaria during from January 2000 to August 2003. We retrospectively analyzed epidemiologic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings and therapeutic responses. Results : All of 13 cases were indigenous and tested positive for Plasmodium vivax. Of 13 patients, 9 were male and 4 were female. Mean age of onset was $9.5{\pm}3.6$ years old. Ilsan(n=9) was the most prevalent area, the most patients(n=11) were presented in summer (from June to August). A characteristic feature of periodic 3 day fever in patients with P.vivax infection was reported in only 2 among 13 cases. Thrombocytopenia was most prominent findings, which was accompanied by 12 of 13 patients and pancytopenia was appeared in 3 patients on this study. The therapeutic responses of hydroxycholoquine were very good in all cases, and abnormal laboratory findings were recovered and no relapse during follow-up period. Conclusion : Vivax malaria is indigenous in Korea near to DMZ, but recently endemic area seemed to be extended southward. Plasmodium vivax is the cause of indigenous malaria of children. As for children with high fever accompanying thrombocytopenia in endemic area of Korea, malaria must be included in differential diagnosis whether the type of fewer is periodic 3 day fever or not. Malaria antibody test is helpful as a screening test for malaria.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.143-148
• /
• 2016

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary egg yolk antibody (IgY) powder supplementation on the growth performance, blood component profile, intestinal microflora, and immunoglobulin G in ducks. A total of 300 1-day-old ducks (Cherry Valley) were randomly divided into 5 groups, with 3 replicates of 20 birds. The treatment groups were the negative (NC), positive (PC), egg yolk antibody powder 0.1% (T1), egg yolk antibody powder 0.5% (T2), and egg yolk antibody powder 1.0% (T3) groups. In the growth performance of ducks during the entire experimental period, the IgY groups and positive control group (PC) showed significantly higher (P<0.05) body weights and body weight gains compared to the negative control group (NC). However, no significant differences were observed in the feed intake and feed conversion ratio. The blood component profiles showed that the IgY 0.1 and 1.0% groups decreased in total cholesterol content compared to the NC group. The aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotranferease (ALT) contents were lower in the IgY 1.0% group, but there were no significant differences. Regrading the leukocyte content after feeding IgY, the heterophil: lymphocyte ratio decreased in the IgY groups, especially in the IgY 0.1% group, which had a lower content than the other groups. However, these results showed no significant differences. The Lactobacillus count in the intestines significantly increased (P<0.05) in the IgY 0.1 and 0.5% groups, the level of IgY increased, and the Escherichia coli count decreased. However, no significant difference was observed in the total plate count. The immunoglobulin G content was lower in the IgY groups than in the NC group, and compared with the IgY groups, the IgY 0.5% had a lower content, which was not a significant difference.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
• /
• v.37 no.2
• /
• pp.111-122
• /
• 2014

The present study was designed to explore the antioxidant effect of Bamboo powder and its immunoreactivity in pigs. We investigated the functional properties of Bamboo extracts by means of measuring the contents of total polyphenols and flavonoid as well as determining ABST, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and anticancer activity. The total phenolic compound and flavonoids contents of Bamboo extracts were 171.25 mg/g and 127.5 mg/g, respectively. The DPPH radical, hydroxyl radical, ABST radical scavenging activity of Bamboo extracts were 17.3%, 12.5% and 21.5%, respectively. Evidenced by MTT and cell cycle assay, Bamboo dose-dependently inhibited the cell proliferation and induced G0/G1-phase arrest in CHO cells at concentrations of 100, 250, and 500 ${\mu}g/ml$ Bamboo extracts. More than 80% of apoptotic cells were observed by staining with annexin V in 500 ${\mu}g/ml$ Bamboo-treated CHO cells, indicating that Bamboo had potent anticancer activities. Next, to investigate the effect of Bamboo on cytokine, immunoglobulin concentration, and blood compositions, flatting pigs were fed with Bamboo powder for 38 days. Flatting pigs were divided into 4 groups; basal diet (control), basal diet supplemented with 1% Bamboo powder (T1), 2% Bamboo powder (T2), and 3% Bamboo powder (T3). The level of hemoglobin increased in the all Bamboo-fed groups compared with the normal control group. In particular, platelet levels in the all Bamboo-treated groups increased by approximately 90% compared with the levels from pig on a normal control. Serum levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA) in the pigs fed Bamboo powder were modestly increased, and the interferon-${\gamma}$ level also was strongly increased in 2% or 3% Bamboo-fed groups compared with the levels in control groups. Together, these results demonstrated that Bamboo extracts had an effective capacity of scavenging for ABTS, DPPH, and hydroxyl radicals and showed correlation with potent phenol and flavonoid contents, thus suggesting its antioxidant potential. Moreover, administration of Bamboo in 2~3% improved blood parameters and platelets, and especially immunity-related ones such as IgG, IgA, and interferon-${\gamma}$, leading to be potential feed additives in flatting pigs.