• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.54 no.8
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• pp.340-344
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• 2011

Purpose: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been considered a biochemical marker for myocarditis in Kawasaki disease. We performed this study to determine its quantitative significance. Methods: We attempted to correlate log-transformed BNP concentrations (log-BNP) and clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic variables in 81 children with Kawasaki disease. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the variables independently associated with log-BNP concentration. Results: Serum C-reactive protein level (P<0.0001), serum alanine aminotransferase concentration (P =0.0032), white blood cell count (P=0.0030), and left ventricular mass index (P=0.0024) were positively related with log-BNP, and hemoglobin level (P<0.0001), serum albumin level (P<0.0001), $Na^+$ concentrations (P<0.0001), left ventricular fractional shortening (P=0.0080), and peak early diastolic tissue velocity of the left ventricular basal lateral segment (P=0.0045) were negatively related to the log-BNP concentration. Multiple regression analysis showed that serum albumin concentration ($R_2$=0.31, P=0.0098) and left ventricular mass index ($R_2$=0.09, P=0.0004) were significantly associated with the log-BNP concentration. Conclusion: Elevated BNP levels during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease may be attributable to cardiac dysfunction associated with the increase in left ventricular mass, and log-BNP concentration may be a quantitative biochemical marker of myocarditis in Kawasaki disease.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.12
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• pp.1732-1737
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• 2003

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding transgenic cottonseed (Bt.) vis-a-vis non-transgenic (non-Bt.) cottonseed on blood biochemical constituents in lactating Murrah buffaloes. Twenty Murrah buffaloes in mid-lactation were divided into 2 groups of 10 each. Animals of group I were fed with 39.5% non-transgenic cottonseed in concentrate mixture while the same percentage of transgenic (Bt.) cottonseed was included in the concentrate mixture fed to the animals of group II. Animals of both groups were fed with concentrate mixture to support their milk production requirements. Each buffalo was also offered 20 kg mixed green fodder (oats and berseem) and wheat straw ad libitum. The experimental feeding trial lasted for 35 days. There was no significant difference in the dry matter intake between the two groups of buffaloes. All the buffaloes gained body weight, however, the differences were non significant. Total erythrocyte count, hemoglobin content and packed cell volume were $9.27{\pm}0.70${\times}10^6/{\mu}l$, $13.01{\pm}0.60gdl$ and $34.87{\pm}1.47%$, respectively in group I with the corresponding figures of $8.88{\pm}0.33$, $12.99{\pm}0.52$ and $31.08{\pm}1.52$ in group II. The values of total erythrocyte count, haemoglobin content and packed cell volume did not differ significantly between the two groups of buffaloes. The concentration of plasma glucose, serum total proteins, albumin, globulin, triglycerides and high density lipoprotein were non significantly higher in buffaloes fed non-transgenic cottonseed than in buffaloes fed transgenic cottonseed. The cholesterol concentration was significantly (p<0.01) higher in buffaloes of group I ($136.84{\pm}8.40mg/dl$) than in buffaloes of group II ($105.20{\pm}1.85mg/dl$). The serum alkaline phosphotase, glutamic-oxaloacetate transaminase and glutamic-pyruate transaminase activities did not differ significantly between two groups of buffaloes. However, serum glutamic-pyruate transaminase activity was considerably high in buffaloes fed nontransgenic cottonseed as compared to buffaloes fed transgenic cottonseed. Bt. proteins in serum samples of animals of group II were not detected after 35 days of feeding trial. It was concluded that transgenic cottonseed and non-transgenic cottonseed have similar nutritional value without any adverse effects on health status of buffaloes as assessed from haematobiochemical constituents.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.189-193
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• 2003

This study has been performed to investigate the changes in serum lipid and lipoprotein profiles of the national female soccer players during summer training season. Twenty five Korean national soccer players participated in the study. The mean age of the subjects was 23.3$\pm$2.5 years old. Their mean carrier as soccer player was 11.0 $\pm$2.6 years. Mean height was 164.4$\pm$5.7 cm and mean weight was 57.4$\pm$4.6 kg. Mean body fat percent was 23.9$\pm$3.0% and body mass index was 22.4$\pm$6.0. Mean serum triglyc eride concentration was normal (81.0$\pm$26.3 mg $dl^{-1}$), but total cholesterol (224.3$\pm$58.3 mg $dl^{-1}$) and LDL-cholesterol (162.2$\pm$59.0 mg $dl^{-1}$ were higher than normal range. Hematocrit, hemoglobin and total iron binding capacity were low, but in a normal range. Serum triglyceride concentration was negatively correlated with red blood cell counts (r=-0.448, p<0.05). Meanwhile, HDL-cholesterol was positively correlated with hematocrit percent (r=0.408, p<0.05). Therefore, better iron status was related with better serum lipid profiles of the subjects. Four weeks of iron supplementation had no effect on serum lipid and lipoprotein cholesterol of the subjects.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.61-67
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• 2006

Changes in hematology and serum biochemistry after treatment of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO, HM10760) were screened in 4 male cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). Four monkeys, composed of a treatment group of HM10760 and a positive control group of $Aranesp^(R}$, were subcutaneously administered at same dose of $100{\mu}g/kg$. Both groups did not show any change in body weights and food consumption for 4 weeks compared with those of pretreatment. Both groups did not show any change in total leukocyte count (WBC) and platelet count, while both groups showed increased platelet distribution width (PDW) percentage in HM10760 group during a period from day 5 to day 59 and in $Aranesp^(R}$ group during a period from day 9 to day 26. Both groups showed increases in red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), and hematocrit (HCT) approximately 10 days after treatment compared with those of pretreatment (day 0). The increased levels of RBC, HGB, and HCT were much higher in HM10760 than in $Aranesp^(R}$ by the increases of $3.2%{\sim}12.5%$ for RBC, $3.8%{\sim}17.1%$ for HCT, and $1.85%{\sim}11%$ for HGB. Both groups showed increases in red cells distribution width (RDW) and reticulocyte (RET) compared with those of pretreatment, showing the highest peak from day 9. The increased level of RET lasted up to day 14 in $Aranesp^(R}$ group, while it lasted up to day 23 in HM10760 group. The increased level of RDW lasted up to day 59, it was much higher in HM10760 by the increase of $10.1%{\sim}17.6%$ than in $Aranesp^(R}$ group. In serum biochemistry, both groups showed a decrease in chloride level compared with those of pretreatment. These findings indicated that HM10760 increased RBC, HGB, HCT, RDW, and RET compared with those of pretreatment, and the increased levels were much higher in HM10760 than in $Aranesp^(R}$.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.353-362
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• 2007

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common food borne mycotoxin and occurs predominantly in grains such as wheat, barley, oats, etc. DON induces systemic health problems such as loss of appetite, emesis and diarrhea in both human and farm animals. Reliable diagnostic parameters for DON intoxication are needed to prevent deep health impact. In order to establish useful diagnostic parameters, we investigated clinical signs, hematological values, serum biochemical values, gross-, histo- and toxico-pathological findings in B6C3F1 male mice after oral administration of DON (0.83, 2.5 and 7.5 mg/kg) for 8 days. Body weight gain was significantly decreased at the highest dose of DON. Anorexia, ataxia, for crudness and lack of vigor were observed at the highest dose DON group. In hematological values, the numbers of WBC and platelets and hemoglobin content were reduced with decreased neutrophil and monocytes by 7.5 mg/kg DON. Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were prolonged in a dose-dependent manner and the content of fibrinogen was elevated at high dose of DON. Of serum biochemical values, total protein, globulin, BUN, cholesterol and test-osterone were reduced but total bilirubin and albumin/globulin ratio increased. The enzyme activity of alkaline phosphatase was decreased while that of alanine aminotransferase was elevated. Relative organ weights of thymus, seminal vesicle/prostate and testes were dose-dependently reduced but those of liver and left adrenal gland increased with dose dependency. As for pathological findings, atrophy of thymus, seminal vesicle/prostate and testes and submucosal edema and ulceration in stomach and depletion of lymphocytes in thymus cortex were observed. In conclusion, these clinical, hematological, blood biochemical and patholgical parameters obtained in the present studies can be used for diagnosis of DON-mycotoxicosis, especially, low WBC, platelets, protein, BUN and testosterone and delayed prothrombin time can be available as for reliable diagnostic parameters.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.481-489
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• 2017

Tick-borne pathogens can cause serious problems in grazing cattle. However, little information is available on tick-mediated diseases in cattle grazing on mountains. Thus, this study aimed to understand the potential problems related to tick-borne diseases in grazing cattle through the investigation of prevalent tick-transmitted infections, and their associated hematological changes, in terms of season and grazing type in Korean indigenous cattle (=Hanwoo). Hanwoo cattle from 3 regions of the Republic of Korea (=Korea) were either maintained indoors or placed on grassy mountains from spring to fall of 2014 and 2015. Cattle that grazed in mountainous areas showed a greater prevalence of tick-borne infections with an increased Theileria orientalis infection rate (54.7%) compared to that in non-grazing cattle (16.3%) (P<0.001). Accordingly, the red blood cell (RBC) count and hematocrit (HCT) values of grazing cattle were significantly lower than those of non-grazing cattle throughout the season (P<0.05). Moreover, RBC, hemoglobin (Hb), and HCT of T. orientalis-positive group were significantly lower than those of T. orientalis-negative group (P<0.05). T. orientalis is a widespread tick-borne pathogen in Korea. Grazing of cattle in mountainous areas is closely associated with an increase in T. orientalis infection (RR=3.4, P<0.001), and with consequent decreases in RBC count and HCT. Thus, these findings suggest that the Hanwoo cattle in mountainous areas of Korea are at a high risk of infection by T. orientalis, which can lead to hematological alterations. This study highlights the necessity of preventive strategies that target T. orientalis infection.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.672-682
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• 2017

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic with and without feed restriction on broilers performance, blood parameters, carcass characteristics, and feed cost of production from 1 to 56 days of age. Methods: Two hundred and forty unsexed one day-old chicks of Arbor Acres breed were used. Two trials, I and II, were conducted, with 120 birds in both. Each trial was divided into 4 equal groups. The birds in trial I were fed ad libitum throughout the experiment, while the chicks in trial II were fed ad libitum during the first week of age, then subjected to 5 hours/d of feed restriction from the beginning of the second week up to the end of the experiment. In both trials, the birds in group 1 were fed on a control diet while the other groups were given the same control diet supplemented either with a probiotic in group 2, prebiotic in group 3, or synbiotic in group 4. Results: It was found that chicks fed diets supplemented with probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic (with and without feed restriction) exhibited higher body weight and feed efficiency than chicks fed the control diets. The feed additives in both trials did not affect hemoglobin, serum total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, and total cholesterol, except the packed cell volume which was increased in the additive treatments with restriction at the end of the experiment. Moreover, the dietary treatments did not influence the carcass yield. However, the relative weights of liver, gizzard and proventriculus, small intestine and bursa of fabricius were found to be increased. The additives decreased the visible fat in the carcass, with more decreasing effect in the additive groups with restriction. The lowest feed cost per kg of weight gain was observed in the birds fed diets supplemented with synbiotic, probiotic and prebiotic. Feed restriction improved the feed conversion ratio, economic return, but decreased the feed intake, serum total cholesterol and visible fat in comparison with non-restricted groups. Conclusion: The biological feed additives could be routinely added to broiler diets, especially when a feed restriction program is followed. Finally, it can be recommended to restrict feed, and add probiotic or synbiotic to increase weight, improve feed conversion rate and reduce feed cost of production.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.6
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• pp.827-833
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• 2020

Objective : Spine surgery is associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates in elderly patients. The modified Frailty Index (mFI) is an evaluation tool to determine the frailty of an individual and how preoperative status may impact postoperative survival and outcomes. This study aimed to determine the usefulness of mFI in predicting postoperative complications in patients aged ≥75 years undergoing surgery with instrumentation. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the perioperative course of 137 patients who underwent thoracolumbar-instrumentation spine surgery between 2011 and 2016. The preoperative risk factors were the 11 variables of the mFI, as well as body mass index (kg/㎠), preoperative hemoglobin, platelet, albumin, creatinine, anesthesia time, operation time, estimated blood loss, and transfusion amount. The 60-day occurrences of complication rates were used for outcome assessment. Results : Major complications after spinal instrumentation surgery occurred in 34 of 138 patients (24.6%). The mean mFI score was 0.18±0.12. When we divided patients into a pre-frail group (mFI, 0.09-0.18; n=94) and a frail group (mFI ≥0.27; n=44), only the rate of sepsis was statistically higher in the frail group than in the pre-frail group. There were significantly more major complications in patients with low albumin levels or in patients with infection or who had experienced trauma. The mFI was a more useful predictor of postoperative complications than the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score. Conclusion : The mFI can successfully predict postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients aged ≥75 years undergoing spine surgery. The mFI improves perioperative risk stratification that provides important information to assist in the preoperative counselling of patients and their families.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.493-499
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• 2011

The objective of this study was to find the way to prolong the storage time of sawdust-based oyster mushroom (Pleurotus osteratus) spent substrate (OMSS) by fermenting with potential probiotic microorganisms to recycle the otherwise waste of mushroom farms. To this purpose, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were screened to select the best lactic acid-producing strains. Three strains of LAB (Lactobacillus plantarum Lp1', Pediococcus acidilacticii Pa193, L. plantarum Lp2M) were selected and in mixture they lowered the pH of the fermented OMSS to 3.81. fOMSS (fermented sawdust-based oyster mushroom spent substrate) could be stored at room temperature for at least 17 days without any deterioration of feed quality based on the pH, smell, and color. In dry matter disappearance rate in situ, commercial TMR (total mixed ration), OMSS and OMMM (oyster mushroom mycelium mass) showed no significant differences between the samples after 6, 12 and 24 h incubation except for 48 h. Two separate field studies were performed to test the effects of fOMSS supplement on the growth performance of postweaning Holstein calves. Field trials included groups of animals feeding calf starter supplemented with: Control (no supplement), AB (colistin 0.08% and oxyneo 110/110 0.1%), fOMSS (10% fOMSS) and fConc (10% fermented concentrate) and DFM (direct-fed microbials, average $10^9$ cfu for each of three LAB/d/head). Growth performance (average daily gain and feed efficiency) of the fOMSS supplement group was higher than that of AB followed by fConc and DFM even though there was no statistically significant difference. The Control group was lower than any other group. Various hematological values including IgG, IgA, RBC (red blood cell), hemoglobin, and hematocrit were measured every 10 days to check any unusual abnormality for all groups in trial I and II, and they were within a normal and safe range. Our results suggest that sawdust-based OMSS could be recycled after fermentation with three probiotic LAB strains as a feed supplement for post-weaning calves, and fOMSS has the beneficial effects of an alternative to antibiotics for a growth enhancer in dairy calves.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.14
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• pp.5653-5657
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• 2014

Background: To evaluate factors which effect treatment interruption during concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and overall survival in patients with uterine cervical cancer stage IB2-IVA in Srinagarind Hospital. Materials and Methods: Between January 2006 and December 2007, 107 patients with stage IB2-IVA as FIGO staging, 2000, were treated with CCRT in Srinagarind Hospital. Factors which caused treatment interruptions and impacted on overall survival were reviewed and analyzed. Results: Twenty of 107 patients had treatment interruption during CCRT in patients with uterine cervical cancer stage IB2-IVA in Srinagarind Hospital. The causes of treatment interruption were as follows: hematologic toxicity was found in 16 of 20 cases, 12 cases with grade 2 and 4 cases with grade 3; three of 20 cases had gastrointestinal toxicities, 1 case with grade 2 and 2 cases with grade 3; one case had grade 3 skin toxicity. The mean total treatment time of the uninterrupted and interrupted groups were significantly different (78.98 days vs 161.80 days, p <0.001). The patients who could tolerate ${\geq}5$ cycles of cisplatin administration had significantly higher mean white blood counts (WBC) ($9,769cells/mm^3$ vs $7,141cells/mm^3$, p=0.02). The mean initial hemoglobin (Hb) in the uninterrupted group was significantly higher than the interrupted group (11.5 mg% vs 10.3 mg%, p=0.03). Other factors including age, KPS, initial platelets, initial serum creatinine levels showed no statistical significance. The 3-year overall survival of the uninterrupted group was better than in the interrupted group (78.6% vs 55.0%, p=0.03). Conclusions: The initial Hb and WBC levels were significantly correlated with treatment interruption during CCRT in patients with uterine cervical cancer. The 3-year overall survival of the uninterrupted group was significantly better than interrupted group. These factors may then be used indirectly to predict the outcomes of treatment.