• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.788-801
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• 2020

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of diets containing different wet rice distillers' by-product (RDP) levels on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles and gut microbiome of weaned piglets. Methods: A total of 48 weaned castrated male crossbred pigs, initial body weight 7.54±0.97 kg, and age about 4 wks, were used in this experiment. The piglets were randomly allocated into three iso-nitrogenous diet groups that were fed either a control diet, a diet with 15% RDP, or a diet with 30% RDP for a total of 35 days. Chromium oxide was used for apparent digestibility measurements. On d 14 and d 35, half of the piglets were randomly selected for hemato-biochemical and gut microbiota evaluations. Results: Increasing inclusion levels of RDP tended to linearly increase (p≤0.07) average daily gain on d 14 and d 35, and decreased (p = 0.08) feed conversion ratio on d 35. Empty stomach weight increased (p = 0.03) on d 35 while digestibility of diet components decreased. Serum globulin concentration decreased on d 14 (p = 0.003) and red blood cell count tended to decrease (p = 0.06) on d 35, parallel to increase RDP levels. Gene amplicon profiling of 16S rRNA revealed that the colonic microbiota composition of weaned pigs changed by inclusion of RDP over the period. On d 14, decreased proportions of Lachnospiraceae_ge, Ruminococcaceae_ge, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, and Bacteroidales_ge, and increased proportions of Prevotellaceae_ge, Prevotella_2, and Prevotella_9 were found with inclusion of RDP, whereas opposite effect was found on d 35. Additionally, the proportion of Lachnospiraceae_ge, Ruminococcaceae_ge, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, and Bacteroidales_ge in RDP diets decreased over periods in control diet but increased largely in diet with 30% RDP. Conclusion: These results indicate that RDP in a favorable way modulate gastrointestinal microbiota composition and improve piglet performance despite a negative impact on digestibility of lipids and gross energy.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2017

Made using a natural mixed starter of lactic acid bacteria and yeast, Koumiss is a slightly alcoholic fermented mare's milk beverage, and a traditional drink of the nomadic populations of Central Asia. Cichorium intybus L. (chicory) is a sedative with potential cardioactive properties, and its oligosaccharides are beneficial in maintaining healthy gastrointestinal flora. Hence, in this study, we have generated a functional Koumiss containing two different concentrations of chicory. After fermentation of the Koumiss premix, the TA increased to 0.85~0.88%, and the pH decreased to ~4.3. The addition of either concentration of chicory had no significant effect on pH and TA. However, the taste, flavor, color, texture, and overall acceptability decreased in proportion to the added amount of chicory. This study has provided the first data on Koumiss supplemented with chicory. The results could be useful in developing high-quality Koumiss with functional activity using chicory, and allowing large-scale industrial production. Further studies are needed to determine if chicory root extract is beneficial for lifestyle-related diseases.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.87-93
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• 2016

Purpose: An outbreak of influenza virus is uncommon in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The clinical presentation of influenza virus infection in neonates is diverse. This study was aimed to report an outbreak of influenza A in a NICU and to investigate the clinical characteristics of influenza virus infection in neonates especially preterm infants during the 2011-2012 influenza season in Korea. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 29 patients who were evaluated by respiratory virus multiplex reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at NICU of Kosin University Gospel Hospital during the 2011-2012 seasonal influenza outbreak in Korea. Results: Eleven patients (37.9%) were influenza A virus RT-PCR positive during the survey periods. They were all preterm infants and three of them had no symptoms. Eight patients had symptoms and it was fever (18%, 2/11), respiratory difficulty (72.7%, 8/11) without symptoms of upper respiratory infection, and gastrointestinal symptoms (27.3%, 3/11). The median duration of symptom was 5 days. There were differences of duration of admission at the test of respiratory RT-PCR, Clinical Risk Index for Babies (CRIB) score, use of mechanical ventilation, and use of dexamethasone before infection between influenza A virus RT-PCR positive and negative group. All 11 patients with influenza A were discharged without any complications. Conclusions: The symptoms of influenza A virus infection in the preterm infants is nonspecific. Influenza A virus should be considered as a possible cause of infection in NICU during the influenza season in the community.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.153-160
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• 2009

Purpose : The intestinal mucosal defect has been known as one of the pathogenicmechanisms of IgA nephropathy. Oral antigens usually induce the activation of Th2 cells and mast cells. These cells secrete cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and TGF-$\beta$, which increase IgA production. Although ketotifen (benzocycloheptathiophene) is an H1 antagonist and a mast cell membrane stabilizer, it could protect the gastrointestinal membrane through inhibiting the production of IL-4, IL-5, PGE2, and LTB4, and decreasing the activity of nitric oxide synthease. Therefore, we have investigated if ketotifen may protect the development of IgA nephropathy with an oral antigen. Methods : ICR mice were used as an animal model orally with Poliovax only [ketotifen (-)], the other group was given oral ketotifen [ketotifen (+)] in addition to Poliovax. Results : Mesangial IgA deposition developed in 11 out of the 18 mice in the ketotifen (-) group, while in three out of the nine mice in ketotifen (+) group. The mesangial change developed in 16 out of the 18 mice in the ketotifen (-) group, while in five out of the nine mice in the ketotifen (+) group. Serum IL-4 and IL-5 levels were not significantly lower in the latter group than in the former. Conclusion : According to the statistical results from the above, ketotifen therapy would be beneficial to reducing mesangial changes in IgA nephropathy.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.275-283
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• 2018

Helicobacter pylori is a causative organism of various gastrointestinal diseases, including chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, or gastric adenocarcinoma. Pathogenic factors, such as cytotoxin-associated protein A (CagA) and vacuolating cytotoxic protein A (VacA), play a role. This study analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively the effects of zerumbone on the changes in the protein expression levels of various H. pylori proteins, including CagA and VacA. Approximately 200 significant proteins were screened for the H. pylori 60190 (VacA positive / CagA positive; Eastern type) strain, and proteomic analysis was performed on 13 protein molecules that were clinically significant. After two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), $ImageMaster^{TM}$ 2-DE Platinum software was used for quantitative measurements of protein spots. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were used for protein identification. After intensive analysis of the proteins that showed significant changes, a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed as required to verify the results. In this study, the significance of zerumbone as a therapeutic agent for H. pylori infection was examined by screening a new pharmacological activity mechanism of zerumbone.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.167-173
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• 2008

Purpose : We evaluated the prevalence and clinical, microbiological features of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPT) in pediatric patients. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed medical records of pediatric patients diagnosed with EPT at The Catholic University of Korea, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital between 2000 and 2007. Results : Of 109 patients diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB), 12 patients (11%) were admitted with EPT. At 2006-2007, the proportion of patients with EPT among patients with TB was the highest (20%) comparing with last 6 years. The ratio of male to female patients was 1.4:1 and the mean age was 9.2 years (range, 3 months-15 years). The involved sites were pleura in 5 (41.6%), central nervous system in 3 (25%), miliary TB in 2 (16.7%), gastrointestinal tract in 1 (8.3%) and bone and joint in 1 (8.3%). The most common symptom at admission was fever (91.6%) and mean duration of fever was 15.8 days (range, 0-47 days) in spite of the proper treatment. Confirmed rate for acid fast bacillus stain, culture, and polymerase chain reaction were 33.3%, 41.6% and 41.6%. Of 5 culture proven cases, 4 (80%) were resistant to more than one antituberculosis drugs. Eleven patients recovered without complication and 1 patient died. Conclusion : Total incidence of TB decreased steadily according to the nationwide survey. However, our results suggest that the proportion of diagnosis with EPT among diagnosis with TB in children has increased. Microbiological diagnosis of EPT in children was more difficult than that of pulmonary TB. And drug resistance rate has increased.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.195-200
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• 2003

Purpose: Advancement of computed tomography (CT) hardware and software has allowed thin section scanning and reconstruction of fascinating 2-dimentional (2D) and 3- dimentional (3D) images. Especially, the reconstruction of 3D images of gastrointestinal tract has been used in the detection and diagnosis of pre-malignant and malignant diseases. To compare the efficacy of CT gastrography with conventional upper gastrointenstinal series (UGIs) in gastric cancer patients. Materials and Methods: During Nov. 2002 and Mar. 2003, twenty-seven patients who had gastric cancer received both double contrast upper GI series and CT gastrography prior to radical surgery. Among these patients, nineteen had early gastric cancer (EGC) and 8 had advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Fifteen patients were male and 12 were female. The mean age was 54 yrs (range, $27\∼75$ yrs). The patients were placed on NPO and Stomach was distended with gas in fasting state prior to CT scanning. Double contrast upper GI series were performed as routine manual. CT scan was conducted in all patients using 8 or 16-channel multidetector CT in this study. The collimation and reconstruction for CT scanning were set at 2.5 mm and 1.25 mm, respectively. CT scanning was performed in the supine position. For image processing, CT gastrography, in which raysum and surface rendering images were constructed, virtual and 2D image in coronal and sagittal images were performed. The detectability of gastric cancer was assessed between UGIs and CT gastrography. Results: In AGCs, the detection rate of cancer using CT gastrography and virtual gastroscopy was higher than EGC cases. However, CT gastrography and virtual gastroscopy showed less favorable results than UGIs. Even though only a small number of cases had been studied, we might conclude that CT gastrography and virtual gastroscopy could replace UGIs in the detection of AGC cases. Conclusion: The detection rate used with CT gastrography and Virtual gastroscopy is not better than that of UGIs in early gastric cancer, however, in advanced gastric cancer cases, it is nearly equal to that of UGIs.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.124-129
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• 2011

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of oral sildenafil therapy in neonates with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 32 neonates ${\geq}$35 weeks' gestation and fraction of inspired oxygen ($FiO_2$) 1.0 with PPHN. The first dose (0.5 mg/kg) of oral sildenafil was started and 1 mg/kg was given every 6 hour thereafter. Mean airway pressure (MAP), $FiO_2$, oxygenation index (OI), mean arterial blood pressure (MBP) were documented before and 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after sildenafil. For adverse effects, gastrointestinal symptoms, brain ultrasound, funduscopy and auditory brainstem response results were evaluated. Results: The underlying diseases of PPHN (n=32) were meconium aspiration syndrome (n=9), respiratory distress syndrome (n=8), pneumonia (n=3), and idiopathic (n=12). Thirty-one neonates survived; 3 neonates were transferred for inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) and all of them survived. In 28 infants, $FiO_2$ and OI improved significantly by 6 hours and MAP improved significantly by 48 hours after initiation of sildenafil. There were no clinically significant adverse effects of sildenafil. Conclusion: Sildenafil may be an effective and safe agent for near-term and term neonates with PPHN, providing significant improvement in oxygenation, and thus may be especially useful in the treatment of PPHN in hospitals without iNO.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.1903-1907
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• 2016

Background: Studies of effects of IL-1 polymorphisms, CYP2C19 genotype together with antibiotic resistance for H. pylori eradication are rare worldwide. The present study was designed to evaluate efficacy of 10-day sequential therapy (SQT) and 14-day standard triple therapy (STT) with four- times-daily dosing of amoxicillin for H. pylori eradication related to these important host and bacterial factors in Thailand. Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized study was performed during March 2015 to January 2016. H. pylori infected gastritis patients were randomized to receive 10-day sequential therapy and 14-day standard triple therapy. CYP2C19 genotyping, IL1 polymorphism (IL-1B and IL-1RN genotypes) and antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed in all patients. 13C-UBT was conducted to confirm H. pylori eradication at least 4 weeks after treatment. Results: A total of 100 patients (33 males and 67 females, mean age=51.1 years) were enrolled. Eradication rate by PP analysis was 97.9% (47/48) with the 10-day SQT regimen and 87.8% (43/49) with 14-day STT regimen (97.9% vs 87.8%; p-value=0.053). Antibiotic susceptibility testing demonstrated 45% resistance to metronidazole, 14.8% to clarithromycin, and 24.1% to levofloxacin. CYP2C19 genotyping revealed 44.9% RM, 49% IM and 6.1% PM. IL-1B and IL-1RN genotypes were demonstrated as 21.4% for CC, 48.1% for TC, 36.8% for TT, 72.7% for 1/1, and 21.2% for 1/2 genotypes, respectively. The 10-day SQT regimen provided 100% eradication in patients with clarithromycin or dual clarithromycin and levofloxacin H. pylori resistant strains. Moreover, the 10-day SQT regimen resulted in a 100% eradication rate in all patients with CYP2C19 genotype RM and almost type of IL-1B (TC and TT) and IL1-RN genotypes ( 1/2 and other). Conclusions: Treatment with 10-day sequential therapy is highly effective for H. pylori eradication regardless of the effects of clarithromycin resistance, dual clarithromycin and levofloxacin resistance, CYP2C19 genotype, IL-1B and IL1-RN genetic polymorphisms and can be used as effective first line therapy in Thailand.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.21-24
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• 2011

Xerostomia is subjective feeling of dry mouth, a symptom that may or may not be accompanied by hyposalivation, an objective decrease in salivary flow. There are many causes induced xerostomia like drugs, salivary gland diseases, radiation therapy to the head and neck region, Sjogren syndrome, emotional stress etc. Insufficient salivary flow creates complications with oral candidiasis, dental caries, periodontitis, halitosis, dysgeusia. So finally, these complications lead to an overall decline in quality of life. Managements of xerostomia are eliminating or alterating the etiologic factors, relieving symptoms, preventing or correcting the consequences of salivary dysfunction, treating underlying disease and stimulating salivation. One of the salivation stimulation agents studied to treat xerostomia was the pilocarpine muscarinic agonist. Pilocarpine is one of salivation stimulants, a parasympathomimetic drug and non-selective muscarinic receptor agonist. Systemic pilocarpine has been used to stimulate salivary secretion. But systemic administration of pilocarpine has limitations such as increased risk of side effects and contraindications. Side effects of systemic pilocarpine administration are sweating, urinary and gastrointestinal disturbance, risk of cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders. This drug must be used carefully by patients with controlled asthma, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary or cardiac disease. Patient with acute asthma, narrow angle glaucoma, iritis should not use pilocarpine. Like this, systemic pilocarpine has many limitations. So, many investigators also have looked at the effectiveness of topical pilocarpine. Here we present patients with xerostomia which was relieved by pilocarpine mouthwash.