• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.8
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• pp.3547-3553
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• 2014

Background: The prognostic value of serum alkaline phosphatase (S-ALP) has not been fully validated for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Materials and Methods: S-ALP levels were measured in 601 patients newly diagnosed with NPC before radical treatment, and possible associations of these levels with 5-year overall survival (OS) and tumor-free survival (TFS) were explored using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Elevated pretreatment S-ALP (>85 U/L) was significantly less frequent among patients classified as T1+2 or stage I+II than among those classified as T3+4 or stage III+IV. Multivariate analysis showed that elevated pretreatment S-ALP (>85 U/L), age, T classification and N stage were independent predictors of poor OS and TFS. Conclusions: Pretreatment S-ALP may be a reliable biomarker to evaluate the long-term prognosis of patients with NPC.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.165-169
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• 2014

The present study compared leptin, adiponectin, and thyroid hormone concentrations in normal and obese dogs, and evaluated the association between leptin and adiponectin concentrations and thyroid function. The serum leptin, adiponectin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total thyroxine (tT4), free thyroxine (fT4), triiodothyronine (T3), and cortisol concentrations were measured in 18 normal dogs (body condition score [BCS]: 4-5/9) and 16 obese dogs (BCS: 8-9/9). Leptin and T3 concentrations were higher in the obese group than the normal weight group (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). In both groups, the T3 and leptin concentrations were correlated (r = 0.370, p < 0.05), as were the TSH and fT4 and adiponectin concentrations (r = -0.373, p < 0.05 and r = 0.369, p < 0.05, respectively). In the normal weight group, the TSH and fT4 concentrations were correlated with the adiponectin concentrations (r = -0.528, p < 0.05 and r = 0.482, p < 0.05, respectively). The results of the present study suggest that leptin and T3 concentrations are significantly higher in obese dogs than normal weight dogs, and the serum T3 and leptin concentrations are positively correlated.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.499-506
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• 1996

It has been established that hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. Recent data showed that the incidence of hypercholesterolemia increase in Korea. n-3 Fatty acids lower serum triglyceride profoundly but the effect on serum cholesterol is not clear. This study was performed to assess the effects of low and moderate supplementation of marine n-3 fatty fish on serum cholesterol in young healthy korean woman. Nineteen subjects were divided into two groups. Each group receive an experimental diet supplemented with either 100g (group I) or 200g mackeral(Scomber japonicus) fish(group II) for 1-week. The diet was designed to avoid in which the amount of n-6 fatty acids would be much greater than that of n-3 fatty acids. MUFA, SFA intakes were similar in the two diets. The ratio of n-6/n-3 fatty acids was 1 : 1.l for group I, 1 : 2.51 for group II. The average daily n-3 fatty acids consumption from fish was 3.87g/day (1.03g EPA, 2.84g DHA)for group I, 7.74g/day (2.06g EPA, 5.68g DHA) for group II. Blood samples were obtained 2 times before experimental diet, immediately after experimental diet for 1-week. After experimental diet for 1-week, the serum total-cholesterol levels decreased significantly (16.4$\pm$15.1mg/dl, p<0.01) in group II and lowered slightly (13.7$\pm$25.8mg/dl)in group I. There were no significant changes from baseline to the end of the study in serum HDL-cholesteol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-C/T-C ratio, and LDC-C/HDL-C ratio. The results suggest that the moderate levels of marine n-3 fatty fish consumption could improve serum cholesterol in normal subjects, therefore in might be of value in the prevention of atherosclerosis. However the clinical usefulness of moderate n-3 fatty fish consumption of hypercholesterolemic subjects will require further study. Also further studies are required to elucidate the long-term effects of low n-3 fatty fish consumtion.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.410-418
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• 2013

Purpose: This study was done to examine the effects of Aroma inhalation therapy on test anxiety, stress and serum cortisol in nursing students. Methods: The study design was a pre posttest randomized design with a pre-survey, a 5-day experimental treatment (2012.11.17-21) and a post survey. Participants were 65 students - 31 in the aromatic inhalation group and 34 in the control group. The pre-survey included general demographic characteristics and test anxiety, stress and serum cortisol levels for all students. The experimental group received the aromatic inhalation using aroma oil (mixed Maychang, lavender, rosewood essence - ratio of 3:5:2). Results: The experimental group treated with aromatic inhalation scored significantly lower for test anxiety (t=-2.330 p=.023), physical stress (t=-2.910 p=.005) and psychological stress (t=-3.285 p=.002) compared to the control group. However, there were no differences in serum cortisol levels (t=0.228 p=.820). Conclusion: Results indicate that Aromatic inhalation, using maychang, lavender and rosewood essential oils, contributes significantly to reducing anxiety and stress among nursing students, and can therefore be an effective intervention for anxiety and stress.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.193-198
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• 2012

Objectives Despite the growing research interest in the role of immunological markers in schizophrenia, a few studies, with conflicting results, have focused on the association between high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and clinical characteristics in schizophrenia. The aim of the present study was to examine the association of serum hs-CRP with psychopathology in schizophrenia. Methods Fifty-five inpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were enrolled. Serum levels of hs-CRP were measured, and each patient was assessed with the Korean version of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Results In correlation analysis of hs-CRP with PANSS subscales, positive subscale score has significant positive correlation (r = 0.271, p = 0.046). In independent t-test analysis, subjects with hs-CRP > 0.3 mg/dL (elevated CRP group, n = 43) had significantly higher PANSS positive subscale score (t = -3.273, df = 24.107, p = 0.003) than those with hs-CRP ${\leq}$ 0.3 mg/dL (normal CRP group, n = 12). Conclusions Elevated serum levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein in schizophrenia are associated with the severity of psychotic symptoms.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.154-166
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• 2003

To investigate the effects of isoflavone supplementation on both bone mineral density and hormone variation in premenopausal women who had decreased bone mass, the 24 subjects were divided into two groups: one was the underweight group, consisting of 13 subjects, and the other was the normal weight group consisting of 11 subjects. For each group, we investigated the effects of isoflavone supplementation of 90 mg/day on both bone mineral density and hormone variation during 3 menstrual cycles. Anthropometric measurements, dietary recall, and analyses of blood and urine were assessed from baseline to post-treatment. The results were as follows: The average age of the underweight group was 21.8 years old and that of the normal weight group was 23.2 years old. The comparative results for the two groups at baseline were as follows: Onset of menarche, menstrual cycle, and menstrual length were not significantly different between the groups. Serum protein, total, HDL-, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, Ca, P, Mg, Cu, and Zn level were not significantly different between the groups. Serum estradiol, SHBG, LH, and FSH level were also not significantly different between the groups. Lumbar spine BMD by T scores of the underweight group was significantly lower than that of the normal weight group. Serum osteocalcin, urinary DPD, and urinary pH were not significantly different between the groups. The comparative results for the two groups at post-treatment were as follows: From baseline to post-treatment, the intake of energy, nutrients and isoflavone in food did not significantly change in either group. Serum protein, total cholesterol, HDL-, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride levels did not significantly change in either group. Serum Ca, Cu, and Zn levels were significantly lower in both groups and serum Mg level significantly decreased only in the underweight group. Serum estradiol levels were significantly lower in both groups, but serum SHBG, LH, and FSH levels did not significantly change in either group. Lumbar spine BMD by T score of the underweight group significantly increased to 15%, but that of the normal weight group did not significantly change. Serum osteocalcin of the underweight group significantly increased to 28%, while that of the normal weight group significantly increased to 40%. Urinary DPD of the normal weight group significantly increased to 12%. The results show that the BMD of the underweight group was lower than that of the normal weight group. Therefore, the underweight group had a disadvantage in obtaining maximum bone mineral density. The results also show that isoflavone supplementation during 3 menstrual cycles was effective in increasing the bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and affected bone metabolism markers in premenopausal underweight women. Therefore, it can be concluded that sufficient intake of isoflavone could be helpful in preventing decreases in bone mass among premenopausal women, especially underweight women.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.24
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• pp.10879-10882
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• 2015

Objective: To investigate the effect of intraoperative glucose fluctuation and postoperative interlukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels on the short-term prognosis of patients with intracranial supratentorial neoplasms. Materials and Methods: Eighty-six patients undergoing intracranial excision were selected in The Second Hospital of Jilin University. According to the condition of glucose fluctuation, the patients were divided into group A (glucose fluctuation <2.2 mmol/L, n=57) and group B (glucose fluctuation ${\geq}2.2mmol/L$, n=29). Glucose was assessed by drawing 2 mL blood from internal jugular vein in two groups in the following time points, namely fasting blood glucose 1 d before operation ($T_0$), 5 min after anesthesia induction ($T_1$), intraoperative peak glucose ($T_2$), intraoperative lowest glucose ($T_3$), 5 min after closing the skull ($T_4$), immediately after returning to intensive care unit (ICU) ($T_5$) and 2 h after returning to ICU ($T_6$). 1 d before operation and 1, 3 and 6 d after operation, serum IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$ levels were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and CRP level with immunoturbidimetry. Additionally, postoperative adverse reactions were monitored. Results: There was no statistical significance between two groups regarding the operation time, anesthesia time, amount of intraoperative bleeding and blood transfusion (P>0.05). The glucose levels in both groups at $T_1{\sim}T_6$ went up conspicuously compared with that at $T_0$ (P<0.01), and those in group B at $T_2$, $T_4$, $T_5$ and $T_6$ were significantly higher than in group A (P<0.01). Serum IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$ and CRP levels in both groups 1, 3 and 6 d after operation increased markedly compared with 1 d before operation (P<0.01), but the increased range in group A was notably lower than in group B (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Postoperative incidences of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia and myocardial ischemia in group A were significantly lower than in group B (P<0.05), and respiratory support time obviously shorter than in group B (P<0.01). Conclusions: The glucose fluctuation of patients undergoing intracranial excision is related to postoperative IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$ and CRP levels and those with small range of glucose fluctuation have better prognosis.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.179-188
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• 2000

The present study was carried out in order to investigate the effects of antler extract on hormone concentration, Ca, P and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in ovariectomized rats. Rats were ovariectomized bilaterally and were fed up with Ca- and P-free diet in order to induce osteoporosis. Osteoporosis was determined by the extent of density of bone mineral and lowering the concentrations of serum Ca and P. Male or female antler extract were administrated for 5 weeks to elucidate the protective and therapeutic effects for osteoporosis. The serum concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, calcitonin, osteocalcin, Ca and P, and the activities of ALP of ovariectomized rats were examined for 5 weeks. 1. After administration of female or male antler extract to osteoporosis-induced rats at the doses of 625 mg/kg and 1,250 mg/kg, respectively, the levels of the serum estradiol of the ovariectomized rat significantly decreased from 40.50$\pm$3.34 pg/$m\ell$ to 20.80$\pm$1.86 pg/$m\ell$ for 5 weeks, the levels of serum estradiol were a signigicant lower than those of control group (49.50$\pm$2.70~50.80$\pm$3.l3 pg/$m\ell$). 2. After administration of female or male antler extract to osteoporosis-induced rats at the doses of 625 mg/kg and 1,250 mg/kg, respectively, the levels of serum progesterone were didn't show significant differences. 3. After administration of female or male antler extract to osteoporosis-induced rats at the doses of 625 mg/kg and 1,250 mg/kg, respectively, the levels of serum calcitonin were a little higher than those of control group (0.64$\pm$0.03 ~0.68$\pm$0.04 pg/$m\ell$). 4. After administration of female or male antler extract to osteoporosis-induced rats at the doses of 625 mg/kg and 1,250 mg/kg, respectively, the levels of serum osteocalcin were little higher than those of control groups (0.28$\pm$0.02~0.31$\pm$0.02 ng/$m\ell$). In addition, the levels of serum osteocalcin of female antler extract administered group were little higher than those of male antler extract administered group. 5. The levels of serum Ca and P in osteoporosisinduced rats, administered with male or female antler extract, were little higher than those of control group. However, the levels of serum Ca and P in ovariectomized rats were significantly higher than those of control group (p＜0.05). 6. After administration of female or male antler extract to osteoporosis-induced rats, the activities of serum ALP increased compared with those of normal control group. There were significant differences between the serum ALP activities of FA 1,250 and 625 groups (p＜0.05). These findings suggest a possible protective and therapeutic effects of female or male antler extract against bone loss in ovariectomized rats, associated with a significant increase of serum estradiol level.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.294-308
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• 2002

Background : The cell-mediated immune response plays an important role in tuberculosis. After being activated by mycobacterial antigens, T lymphocytes express a high affinity receptor (IL-2R) for interleukin-2 (IL-2) on their own surface and release a soluble fraction of the IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) from the cell membrane into the circulation. Neopterin is a metabolite of guanosine-triphosphate, which is produced by stimulated macrophages under the influence of IFN-$\gamma$ with a T lymphocyte origin. Therefore, the utility of sIL-2R, IFN-$\gamma$ and the neopterin levels as immunologic indices of the cell-mediated immune response and severity of disease in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis was assessed. Methods : The serum sIL-2R, IFN-$\gamma$ and neopterin levels were measured in 39 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, 6 patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis prior to treatment and 10 healthy subjects. The serum and pleural sIL-2R, neopterin and ADA levels were measured in 22 patients with tuberculous pleurisy. The patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were divided into a mild, moderate and severe group according to the severity by ATS guidelines. To compare the results from these patients with those of the pretreatment levels, the sIL-2R, IFN-$\gamma$ and neopterin levels were measured in 36 of the 39 patients(1 patient, expired; 2 patients were referred to a sanitarium) with pulmonary tuberculosis after 2 months of treatment. Results : 1) the serum sIL-2R and IFN-$\gamma$ levels were elevated in patients with tuberculosis when compared to those of healthy subjects (p>0.05). The neopterin concentration in the serum was significantly lower in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis($2967{\pm}2132.8$ pg/ml) than in healthy controls($4949{\pm}1242.1$ pg/ml)(p<0.05). 2) In the pulmonary tuberculosis group, the serum sIL-2R and IFN-$\gamma$ levels were higher in patients with severe disease than those in patients with mild and moderate disease. However, the neopterin levels declined as the pulmonary tuberculosis became more severe (p<0.01). 3) The mean serum sIL-2R and IFN-$\gamma$ levels declined from $1071{\pm}1139.4$ U/ml to $1023{\pm}1920.9$ U/ml(p>0.05), $41{\pm}52.8$ pg/ml to $22{\pm}23.9$ gm/ml(p<0.05), respectively, after 2 month of treatment. The mean serum neopterin levels increased from $3158{\pm}2272.6$ pg/ml to $3737{\pm}2307.5$ pg/ml(p>0.05) after a 2 month of treatment. These findings were remarkable in the severe group of pulmonary tuberculosis with a clinical correlation. 4) In the patients with tuberculous pleurisy, the serum sIL-2R and ADA were significantly higher than those in the pleural fluid, However, the neopterin levels in the sera and pleural effusion were similar. Conclusion : On the basis of this study, sIL-2R, IFN-$\gamma$ and neopterin measurements may not only provide an insight into the present state of the cell-mediated immune response, but also serve as parameters monitoring of the prognosis of the disease, particularly in patients with severe pulmonary tuberculosis. In addition, an assay of the pleural sIL-2R levels might signal a stimulated local immunity including T cell activation in the tuberculous pleural effusion.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.85-90
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• 1997

An experiment was conducted to investigate the relationship between blood hormone levels and light cycle on performance of Korean native chicken. One hundred and two Korean native chickens were grouped into three treatments of natural light cycle (Control), 13L:11D (T2), and 16L:8D (T3). The egg production, egg weight, feed intake, serum melatonin and estrogen level were periodically measured from 22 to 34 weeks, respectively. The laying rates of T2 and T3 were significantly higher than that of the Control (P