• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.144-148
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• 2022

A one-year-old spayed female Korean Shorthair cat presented to Kangwon National University Veterinary Hospital with vomiting, weight loss, lethargy, loss of appetite, and polyuria that lasted for more than two weeks. The body condition score, blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature were abnormally low, and the physical examination findings were consistent with moderate dehydration. Hematological and biochemical tests demonstrated mild azotemia and a low Na:K ratio. Additional abdominal ultrasound imaging revealed reduced size of both adrenal glands. The adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test showed decreased post-ACTH cortisol and aldosterone levels and increased endogenous ACTH levels, confirming a diagnosis of primary hypoadrenocorticism. The cat was treated with subcutaneous injections of desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) and oral prednisolone supplementation, and subsequent electrolyte analysis showed a normal Na:K ratio. Clinical symptoms were also improved in response to treatment. Hypoadrenocorticism in cats is a very rare disease, but it should not be excluded as a potential diagnosis in favor of kidney diseases or other conditions, especially when the Na:K ratio is low. In addition, the prognosis for the disease and the response to DOCP treatment should be further evaluated in cats.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.11
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• pp.1800-1807
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• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of different cooling sessions (CSs) as a water conservation strategy on physiological, and production responses and welfare in Holstein Friesian cows during subtropical summer in Pakistan. Methods: Twenty-one cows were subjected to three CS in a completely randomized design. The treatments were: i) eleven hours continuous cooling with sprinklers - control (CNT), ii) four CS, and iii) two CS. The CNT represented the practices of the commercial dairy farms in the area, while the other CSs were used as water reduction strategies. Each CS lasted for 1 h with a 12 min cycle (3 min water on and 9 min off) with a sprinkler flow rate of 1.25 L/min. Results: The average temperature humidity index of the shed and the outside open area were 81.9 and 82.5, respectively. The results showed that both physiological responses were highest in the 2CS group followed by the CNT and the 4CS (p = 0.001). The CNT and 4CS groups had similar milk yield (p = 0.040). The 4CS group had more lying and eating times than the CNT and 2CS groups (p = 0.000). The cortisol level in the 2CS group was 2.0 and 2.2 ㎍/dL more than the CNT and the 4CS groups, respectively (p = 0.000). Conclusion: In conclusion, the 4CS was more efficient in cooling the cows and had better welfare, as it yielded similar milk yield, and better physiological responses than the CNT despite using 90% less water.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.25 no.8
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• pp.441-449
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• 2022

In this study, we investigate the physiological response of olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus and Japanese croaker, Nibea japonica, on a series of rising water temperatures (WT). At 1, 9, and 17 days, WT increased from 23℃ (control) to 26, 29 and 32℃ within 6 hours, respectively, and then maintained for 96 hours. At 5, 13, and 21 days, WT decreased from each WT to 23℃ within 6 hours and was maintained at 23℃ for 96 hours. Blood were collected at 0, 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, and 60 days. In both species, hematocrit, red blood cell and hemoglobin of stressed groups were lower than non-stressed group at 13 days. The osmolality of stressed group was lower than non-stressed group at 21 and 60 days. In olive flounder, hemoglobin of stressed groups was lower than non-stressed group at 21 and 60 days, respectively, but osmolality of stressed group was higher than non-stressed group at 9 days. In Japanese croaker, hematocrit, red blood cell and hemoglobin of stressed groups were higher than non-stressed group at 21 and 60 days, respectively, and osmolality of stressed group was higher than that of non-stressed group at 1 day. At 1, 17, and 21 days, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of stressed group were higher than non-stressed group in olive flounder. In Japanese croaker, AST and ALT of stressed group was lower than non-stressed group at 17, 21, and 60 days. The cortisol of olive flounder increased with increasing WT, but those of Japanese croaker increased with decreasing WT. In both species, the glucose increased with increasing WT. After changing WT, lactic acid of olive flounder and Japanese croaker were not significantly different. The physiological response of olive flounder increased directly to the increase in WT, and Japanese croaker contrasted with olive flounder.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.153-166
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• 2022

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a novel multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has been reported worldwide since the first cases were reported in Europe in April 2020. MIS-C is temporally associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and shows Kawasaki disease (KD)-like features. The epidemiological and clinical characteristics in COVID-19, KD, and MIS-C differ, but severe cases of each disease share similar clinical and laboratory findings such as a protracted clinical course, multiorgan involvement, and similar activated biomarkers. These findings suggest that a common control system of the host may act against severe disease insult. To solve the enigmas, we proposed the protein-homeostasis-system hypothesis in that every disease involves etiological substances and the host's immune system controls them by their size and biochemical properties. Also, it is proposed that the etiological agents of KD and MIS-C might be certain strains in the microbiota of human species and etiological substances in severe COVID-19, KD, and MIS-C originate from pathogen-infected cells. Since disease severity depends on the amounts of inflammation-inducing substances and corresponding immune activation in the early stage of the disease, an early proper dose of corticosteroids and/or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) may help reduce morbidity and possibly mortality among patients with these diseases. Corticosteroids are low cost and an analogue of host-origin cortisol among immune modulators. This study's findings will help clinicians treating severe COVID-19, KD, and MIS-C, especially in developing countries, where IVIG and biologics supplies are insufficient.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2022

Although translational research is referred to clinical chemistry measures, correct weighting factors for linear and quadratic calibration curves with least-squares regression algorithm have not been carefully considered in bioanalytical assays yet. The objective of this study was to identify steroidogenic roles in preeclampsia and verify accuracy of quantitative results by comparing two different linear regression models with weighting factor of 1 and 1/x². A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based adrenal steroid assay was conducted to reveal metabolic signatures of preeclampsia in both serum and placenta samples obtained 15 preeclamptic patients and 17 age-matched control pregnant women (33.9 ± 4.2 vs. 32.8 ± 5.6 yr, respectively) at 34~36 gestational weeks. Percent biases in the unweighted model (w_i = 1) were inversely proportional to concentrations (-739.4 ~ 852.9%) while those of weighted regression (w_i = 1/x²) were < 18% for all variables. The optimized LC-MS combined with the weighted linear regression resulted in significantly increased maternal serum levels of pregnenolone, 21-deoxycortisol, and tetrahydrocortisone (P < 0.05 for all) in preeclampsia. Serum metabolic ratio of (tetrahydrocortisol + allo-tetrahydrocortisol) / tetrahydrocortisone indicating 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 was decreased (P < 0.005) in patients. In placenta, local concentrations of androstenedione were changed while its metabolic ratio to 17α-hydroxyprogesterone responsible for 17,20-lyase activity was significantly decreased in patients (P = 0.002). The current bioanalytical LC-MS assay with corrected weighting factor of 1/x² may provide reliable and accurate quantitative outcomes, suggesting altered steroidogenesis in preeclampsia patients at late gestational weeks in the third trimester.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.139-143
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• 2022

A 10-year-old, spayed female miniature schnauzer was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Chungnam National University due to evaluation of sudden polyuria (PU) and, polydipsia (PD) (540 mL/kg/day) with severe anemia and weight loss. Blood examination results were normal except for severe anemia (hematocrit, [HCT]: 11.8%). Urinalysis revealed a urine specific gravity (USG) of 1.003, whereas urine sediment was not specific. Urine osmolality was 90 mOsm (reference range: 800~2500 mOsm), and plasma osmolality was 303 mOsm. No specific lesions were found using diagnostic imaging including radiography, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The serum cortisol level was normal in cosyntropin stimulation test. Plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentration was <0.4 pg/mL (reference range: 3.49~5.45 pg/mL). Blood transfusion was initiated in addition to an oral prescription of desmopressin acetate (DDAVP, 0.1 mg/head) thrice a day for one week. The patient was rechecked for clinical signs, urine osmolality, and USG; the clinical signs of PU/PD were resolved, urine osmolality increased to 1106 mOsm, and, USG increased to 1.021. Considering the improved clinical signs, and increased urine osmolality, and USG after DDAVP treatment, the dog was diagnosed with central diabetes insipidus. USG and urine osmolality increased to >1.030 and 2200 mOsm, respectively. Anemia also gradually improved and HCT increased to >37%. DDAVP was tapered to 0.1 mg/head twice a day and all clinical signs in the patient have completely resolved.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.97-108
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• 2022

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to confirm the efficacy and safety of Gongjin-dan and Ssanghwatang for chronic fatigue. Methods : A total of 90 people, between 19 and 65 years old, will be recruited to participate in a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled a clinical trial. Participants in the Gongjin-dan group will take one pill of Gongjin-dan along with three packs of placebo oral liquid Ssanghwa-tang per day for 4 weeks. Participants in the Ssanghwa-tang group will take three packages of liquid Ssanghwa-tang and one placebo Gongjindan pill per day for 4 weeks. In the placebo group, participants will take one pill of placebo Gongjin-dan and three packs of placebo liquid Ssanghwa-tang per day, for 4 weeks. Outcomes will be measured at the baseline, 4^th week, and 6^th week. The primary outcome is the change in the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Secondary outcomes are the change of Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 (MFI-20), Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ), Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), Korean Version of Schedule of Fatigue and Anergy/General Physician (SOFA/GP), Glucose, Lactate, Ammonia, Free Fatty Acid (FAA), d-ROMs&BAP, Selenium, and Cortisol. Results : This trial was approved by the institutional review board of Pusan National University Korean Medicine Hospital (registry number: PNUKHIRB 2021-10-005). Recruitment opened in November 2021 and is supposed to be completed by December 2022. Conclusions : This trial will provide clinical information to determine the efficacy and safety of Gongjindan and Ssanghwa-tang for chronic fatigue.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.79-88
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• 2023

A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of different stocking densities on the growth, body composition, stress, antioxidant status, and immune responses of juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Juvenile rainbow trout (32.2±0.5 g) were randomly placed in eight experimental tanks, each containing 2,000 L of water, at stocking densities of 150, 300, 600, and 1,200 individual/m³. The trout were assigned to four treatments (2.4, 4.8, 9.7, and 19.4 kg/m³) in duplicates. Following after the feeding trial, the fish cultured in the less dense group showed significantly higher growth and survival (P<0.05). In terms of proximate composition, the whole body crude protein and lipid contents were lower in the denser group (19.4 kg/m³). Regarding the antioxidant and immune responses, the fish reared in the relatively denser group exhibited lower lysozyme, immunoglobulin M, and superoxide dismutase levels. The stress indicators, glucose and cortisol, were significantly lower in the less dense group (2.4 kg/m³), while the denser group (19.4 km/m³) exhibited higher AST and ALP levels(P<0.05). The results showed that denser stocking has a crowding stress effect and negatively impacts growth and immune responses.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.65 no.1
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• pp.113-131
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• 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementing clay minerals and organic chromium in feed on broiler chicken under heat stress (HS). A total of 90 one-day-old broiler chicken (Arbor Acres) with an initial body weight of 45.0 ± 0.2 g were assigned to five treatment groups (six replications, three birds each cage): 1) NC group, basal diet under room temperature environment; 2) PC group, basal diet under high temperature (HT) environment; 3) ILT group, basal diet + 1% illite + HT; 4) ZLT group, basal diet + 1% zeolite + HT; 5) OC group, basal diet + 400 ppb/kg organic chromium + HT. The ILT and ZLT groups had significantly higher body weight than the PC group in 4 weeks. Apparent total tract digestibility of gross energy was increased in the ILT, ZLT, and OC groups compared to the PC group. The NC group had lower foot-pad dermatitis score than other groups. Escherichia coli population in the cecum and feces was decreased in the ZLT group than in the PC group. Lactobacillus in cecum and feces was significantly increased in the ZLT group than in the PC group. Regarding blood profiles, blood cortisol was decreased in the NC and ILT groups compared to the PC group. Water holding capacity and pH were increased in the ZLT group than the PC group. In conclusion, according to the results of growth performance, nutrients digestibility, bacteria counts, and meat characteristics, supplementation of the ZLT in broiler diet can alleviate HS.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.387-397
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• 2023

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) is a heme-containing enzyme that catalyzes hydroxylation reactions with various substrate molecules. Steroid hydroxylases are particularly useful for effectively introducing hydroxyl groups into a wide range of steroids in the pharmaceutical industry. This study reports a newly identified CYP steroid hydroxylase (BaCYP106A6) from the bacterium Bacillus sp. and characterizes it using an in vitro enzyme assay and structural investigation. Bioconversion assays indicated that BaCYP106A1 catalyzes the hydroxylation of progesterone and androstenedione, whereas no or low conversion was observed with 11β-hydroxysteroids such as cortisol, corticosterone, dexamethasone, and prednisolone. In addition, the crystal structure of BaCYP106A6 was determined at a resolution of 2.8 Å to investigate the configuration of the substrate-binding site and understand substrate preference. This structural characterization and comparison with other bacterial steroid hydroxylase CYPs allowed us to identify a unique Arg295 residue that may serve as the key residue for substrate specificity and regioselectivity in BaCYP106A6. This observation provides valuable background for further protein engineering to design commercially useful CYP steroid hydroxylases with different substrate specificities.