• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.18
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• pp.7981-7984
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• 2014

Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) has been associated with a reduction in CRC incidence and CRC-related mortality. However, a conventional FOBT requires stool collection and handling, which may be inconvenient for participants. The EZ-Detect$^{TM}$ (Siam Pharmaceutical Thailand) is a FDA-approved chromogen-substrate based FOBT which is basically a self-checked FOBT (no stool handling required). This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of EZ-Detect for CRC detection. Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand between November 2013 and May 2014. Some 96 patients with histologically-proven CRC and 101 patients with normal colonoscopic findings were invited to perform self-checked FOBT according to the manufacturer's instructions. Results were compared with endoscopic and pathologic findings. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for CRC detection were calculated. Results: The present study revealed the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of this self-checked FOBT for CRC detection to be 41% (95% CI: 31-51), 97% (95% CI: 92-99), 93% (95% CI: 81-98) and 63% (95% CI: 55-70), respectively. The overall accuracy of the self-checked FOBT for identifying CRC was 70%. The sensitivity for CRC detection based on 7th AJCC staging was 29% for stage I, 32% for stage II and 50% for stage III/IV (P=0.19). The sensitivity was 33% for proximal colon and 42% for distal colon and rectal cancer (P=0.76). Notably, none of nine infiltrative lesions gave a positive FOBT. Conclusions: The self-checked FOBT had an acceptable accuracy of CRC detection except for infiltrative tumors. This home-administrated or 'DIY' do-it-yourself FOBT could be considered as one non-invasive and convenient tool for CRC screening.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.63 no.1
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• pp.104-113
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• 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of a microencapsulated mixture of organic acids (MOA) with low protein in piglet feed on growth performance, diarrhea score, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial counts, and blood profiles in weaning pigs. A total of 80 pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc; 6.8 ± 0.48 kg] were randomly assigned to four dietary treatment groups: high protein (HP); low protein (LP); MOA1, LP + 0.2% MOA; and MOA2, LP + 0.3% MOA. The MOA2 group had higher average daily weight gains (during days 0-14 and days 0-28), diarrhea score (during days 0-14, during days 14-28 and days 0-28) and greater digestibility of dry matter (days 14 and 28) compared to the LP group (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the pigs fed diets with the MOA1 and MOA2 in blood profiles and fecal microflora. In conclusion, this study indicates that piglets fed 0.3% MOA in low protein diets maintained similar growth performance and nutrient digestibility, but alleviated the incidence of diarrhea compared to piglets fed high protein diets.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.10
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• pp.1469-1477
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• 2014

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of magnesium sulfate ($MgSO_4$) during late gestation and lactation on sow and litter performance, fecal moisture, blood biochemistry parameters, immunoglobulin levels and milk composition in sows. Forty-eight sows ($Yorkshire{\times}Landrace$, 4th to 5th parity) were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 dietary treatments supplemented with 0, 200, 400, or 600 mg/kg $MgSO_4$ (n = 12). The experiment started on day 90 of gestation and continued through day 21 of lactation. Blood samples were collected on day 107 of gestation, day 0 (farrowing) and 21 (weaning) of lactation for the analyses of the blood biochemistry parameters and immunoglobulin levels. The colostrum and milk samples were obtained on day 0 and 14 of lactation, respectively. Fecal samples were collected from the sows on day 107 of gestation as well as day 7 and 20 of lactation to determine fecal moisture content. The results showed that the survival percentage of piglets and the litter weight at weaning were decreased linearly (p<0.05) and other parameters of the sow or litter performance were not influenced (p>0.05) by $MgSO_4$ supplementation. The fecal moisture content of the sows were increased (p<0.05) linearly as dietary $MgSO_4$ increased on day 7 and 20 of lactation. Supplementation with $MgSO_4$ increased the plasma magnesium (Mg) level linearly (p<0.05) and had a trend to increase total protein level (p>0.05 and p<0.10). However, an increase in the dietary $MgSO_4$ level resulted in a linear decrease in the colostrum fat content (p<0.05). Dietary $MgSO_4$ supplementation enhanced the immunoglobulin G (IgG) level (linear, p<0.05) in plasma on day of farrowing and immunoglobulin A (IgA) level in colostrum (quadratic, p<0.05) and milk (linear, p<0.05) of the sows. These results indicated that supplementation with $MgSO_4$ during late gestation and lactation may have the potential to prevent sow constipation, but may also result in some negative effects.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.1667-1670
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• 2014

Background: Calprotectin in feces seems to be a more sensitive marker for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers than fecal occult blood, but its specificity may be too low for screening average risk populations. This study aims at evaluating the diagnostic value of fecal calprotectin as a screening biomarker for GI malignancies. Materials and Methods: In a case-control study, 100 patients with GI malignancies (50 patients with colorectal cancer and 50 patients with gastric cancer) and 50 controls were recruited in Tabriz Imam Reza and Sina hospitals during a 24-month period. One to two weeks after the last endoscopy/colonoscopy, fecal specimens were collected by the patients and examined by ELISA method for quantitative measurement of calprotectin content. The results were compared between the three groups. Results: The mean fecal calprotectin level was $109.1{\pm}105.3$ (2.3-454.3, median:74), $241.1{\pm}205.2$ (3.4-610.0, median:19.3) and $45.9{\pm}55.1{\mu}g/g$ (1.3-257.1, median:19.3) in gastric cancer, colorectal cancer and control group, respectively, the differences being significant (p<0.001) and remaining after adjustment for age. The optimal cut-off point for fecal calprotectin was ${\geq}75.8{\mu}g/g$ for distinguishing colorectal cancer from normal cases (sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 84%, respectively). This value was ${\geq}41.9{\mu}g/g$ for distinguishing gastric cancer from normal cases (sensitivity and specificity of 62%). Conclusions: Our results revealed that fecal calprotectin might be a useful and non-invasive biomarker for distinguishing colorectal cancer from non-malignant GI conditions. However, due to low sensitivity and specificity, this biomarker may not help physicians distinguishing gastric cancer cases from healthy subjects.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.295-301
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• 2013

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of chelated Cu and Zn on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, and fecal noxious gas emission in weanling pigs. A total of 90 weanling pigs with an initial body weight (BW) of $5.27{\pm}0.04kg$ were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments for 42 d. Pigs were then fed a control diet (CON) or a Zinpro diet (CON + 0.1% chelate copper and zinc). There were nine replicate-pens with five pigs in each pen. During d 0 to 14 and d 14 to 28, the ADFI decreased (p<0.05) and the G/F increased (p<0.05) in pigs fed the Zinpro diet compared with those that received the CON diet. During d 28 to 42, the ADFI increased (p<0.05) in pigs fed the Zinpro diet relative to those fed the CON diet. Additionally, the apparent total tract digestibility of DM, N, and energy increased (p<0.05) in the Zinpro group when compared to the CON group on d 14 and 28. The lymphocyte percentage was also greater (p<0.05) in the Zinpro group than in the CON group. Overall, dietary supplementation with 0.1% chelate copper and zinc improved the growth performance and nutrient digestibility in weanling pigs.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.666-670
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• 2023

Ischemic colitis is an inflammatory condition of the colon that results from insufficient blood supply commonly caused by enterocolitis, vessel occlusion, or shock. In contrast, pseudomembranous colitis is a clinical manifestation of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Ischemic colitis caused by CDI has rarely been reported. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an efficient treatment for refractory or fulminant CDI, and the indications for its use have recently expanded. However, performing FMT in patients with ischemic colitis is challenging because of the risk of perforation. Here, we have presented a case of ischemic colitis caused by CDI that was successfully treated with FMT via sigmoidoscopy.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.25 no.9
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• pp.1309-1315
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• 2012

A total of 140 weaning pigs ((Landrace${\times}$Yorkshire)${\times}$Duroc, BW = $6.47{\pm}0.86$ kg) were used in a 5-wk growth trail to determine the effects of phytoncide supplementation on growth performance, nutrient apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), blood profiles, diarrhea scores and fecal microflora shedding. Pigs were assigned randomly by BW into 5 treatments, dietary treatments were: i) NC, basal diet; ii) PC, NC+0.05% tylosin; iii) EO, NC+0.1% essential oil; iv) PP, NC+0.2% PP (phytoncide with 2% citric acid), and v) PA, NC+0.2% PA (phytoncide). Each treatment had 7 replicate pens with 4 pigs per pen. All pigs were housed in pens with a self-feeder and nipple drinker to allow ad libitum access to feed and water throughout the experimental period. During 0 to 2 wks, supplementation with essential oil and PA decreased (p<0.05) G/F compared with the other treatments. During 2 to 5 wks, supplementation with PA led to a higher (p<0.05) G/F than the other treatments. At 2 wk, ATTD of dry matter (DM) and gross energy (GE) in EO treatment were decreased (p<0.05) compared with NC treatment. Dietary PC treatment improved (p<0.05) ATTD of DM and E compared with the CON group, and PA and PP treatments showed a higher (p<0.05) ATTD of E than that in NC treatment. Pigs fed phytoncide (PA and PP) had a greater (p<0.05) ATTD of DM than those of NC and EO treatments at 5 wk. Moreover, supplementation with phytoncide elevated (p<0.05) the concentration of immunoglobulin (IgG) in blood at 2 wk. The inclusion of EO, PP and PA treatments showed a greater (p<0.05) amount of fecal Lactobacillus compared with CON group. However, no difference (p>0.05) was observed in diarrhea scores among treatments. In conclusion, phytoncide can elevate feed efficiency, nutrient digestibility, and improve the fecal Lactobacillus counts in weaning pigs. Our results indicated that the phytoncide could be used as a good antibiotics alternative in weaning pigs.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.88-93
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• 2007

The preventive effect of Lentinus edodes extract (LE) against constipation was studied in rats. Rats were pretreated with LE contained in drinking water at the concentration of 10%, 20% and 40% over 30 days. Constipation was induced by subcutaneous injection of loperamide (4 mg/kg/day) 3 days prior to sacrifice. Treatment of loperamide resulted in decreases in the number and wet weight of fecal pellets, and increase in the number of fecal pellet in the distal colon and cecocolon weight. In contrast, the number and wet weight of fecal pellets were increased, and the number of fecal pellet in the distal colon and the cecocolon weight were decreased in LE-pretreated groups compared to the loperamide-treated group. Blood parameters such as white blood cell, red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and serum alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities, and blood urea nitrogen and creatinine values were not significantly different between the groups. In addition, LE (0.5 mg/mL) increased spontaneous contractile activity, which was reduced by atropine or loperamide in isolated rat ileum. Theses results suggest that the improvement of constipation symptoms in LE-pretreated rats resulted from a stimulatory effect of LE on intestine contractile activity.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.392-399
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• 2020

This study was undertaken to determine the effects of feed supplementation with Hermetia illucens (HI) on the fecal score, blood profiles, immune response, and small intestinal morphology in weaned pigs. A total of 24 weaned pigs (Landrace×Yorkshire×Duroc; 5.86±0.13 kg) were randomly allotted to 4 treatments and 6 replicates on the basis of initial body weight. The experiment was accomplished over 0-14 days. The dietary treatments included a corn-soybean meal diet supplemented with 0, 1, 2, and 3% HI. A linear response to increasing dietary HI was observed for the number of monocytes (p<0.01) and eosinophils (p<0.05), whereas red blood cells tended to decrease with increasing HI levels. Plasma TNF-α levels were also determined to linearly decrease with HI supplementation (p=0.07). Moreover, a linearly decreasing tendency (p=0.06) was observed in the fecal score with increasing dietary levels of HI. Weaned pigs fed diets supplemented with increasing dietary concentrations of HI showed linearly improved (p<0.05) duodenal villus height during the study period. Taken together, these results indicate the beneficial effects of HI on diarrhea reduction, immune response, and small intestinal morphology in weaned pigs.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.129-134
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• 1989

Fecal samples were taken from 402 cows in Posung, Chonnam where was designated as a place for Korean native cattle breeding. Prevalence of internal parasitisms were determined by the fecal examinations using the floatation and sedimentation procedures. 62.9% of the cows were found as positive cases with excretion of the eggs of Fasciola hepatica in the fecal specimens. Of those infected with F hepatica 97 cows free of other pathogenic intestinal parasites were chosen for albendazole treatment. Albendazole tablets(10mg/kg) were administered to the cows twice at the interval of 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected via jugular vein prior to the first treatment, four weeks after the first treatment and four weeks after the second treatment, respectively. At the same time fecal samples were collected for parasitological examinations by sedimentation methods. The mean pretreatment count was 44 fluke eggs per gram of feces, which compared with 27 epg and 17 epg four weeks after the first and second treatment, respectively. Most of the hematological and biochemical values fluctuated within the normal ranges during the experiment. Eosinophil counts were high initially, decreased after the first treatment and thereafter remained steady. The opposite was the case with aspartate and alanine aminotransferases.