• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권5호
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• pp.1955-1960
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• 2014

Background: This study was performed to determine the experiences of nursing students in caring for paediatric cancer patients and their families. Materials and Methods: This qualitative survey was carried out with 14 students studying in the nursing department of the Faculty of Health Sciences of a university in Edirne, Turkey. Data were obtained through focus group interviews and evaluated based on a qualitative content analysis. Results: It was determined that students, for the most part, experienced problems related to communication, sadness, helplessness, fear, anxiety, resentment and anger. In addition, the students were affected most often by effects of the disease and invasive procedures on paediatric cancer patients and their families during the process of caring for them in the oncology clinic. Conclusions: It would be useful to inform nursing students, prior to clinical practice, about the special needs of paediatric cancer patients and families who stay in oncology clinics, and to follow up with appropriate guidance during the clinical practices.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제14권3호
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• pp.372-377
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• 2001

A study on the prevalence and causes of sub-clinical mastitis was conducted on ten smallholder and large-scale dairy farms in Morogoro urban and peri-urban areas. A total of 65 lactating cows were screened using the California Mastitis Test (CMT). Confirmatory tests used included; the direct microscopic somatic cell count (DMSCC), culture, bacteriological and biochemical tests. Structured questionnaires were used to collect information on management aspects. Results showed 62% and 4% cows as sub- clinical and clinical mastitis cases respectively. Levels of infection were higher on smallholder farms (75%) than on large-scale farms (25%). All tested cows had high cell counts (>500,000) per ml of milk. Incidences of mastitis were significantly (p<0.05) related to milking practices. The dominant bacterial isolates in the same order were Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp, and Escherichia coli. Other organisms isolated included Pseudomonas spp and Klebsiella spp. It was concluded that the high rates of sub-clinical mastitis in the research area were mainly due to poor management and unhygienic milking practices.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제46권2호
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• pp.65-70
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• 2008

Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is currently promoted as a strategy for treating both uncomplicated and severe falciparum malaria, targeting asexual blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum parasites. However, the effect of ACT on sexual-stage parasites remains controversial. To determine the clearance of sexual-stage P. falciparum parasites from 342 uncomplicated, and 217 severe, adult malaria cases, we reviewed and followed peripheral blood sexualstage parasites for 4 wk after starting ACT. All patients presented with both asexual and sexual stage parasites on admission, and were treated with artesunate-mefloquine as the standard regimen. The results showed that all patients were asymptomatic and negative for asexual forms before discharge from hospital. The percentages of uncomplicated malaria patients positive for gametocytes on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 were 41.5, 13.1, 3.8, 2.0, and 2.0%, while the percentages of gametocyte positive severe malaria patients on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 were 33.6, 8.2, 2.7, 0.9, and 0.9%, respectively. Although all patients were negative for asexual parasites by day 7 after completion of the artesunate-mefloquine course, gametocytemia persisted in some patients. Thus, a gametocytocidal drug, e.g., primaquine, may be useful in combination with an artesunate-mefloquine regimen to clear gametocytes, so blocking transmission more effectively than artesunate alone, in malaria transmission areas.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권17호
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• pp.7113-7118
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• 2014

Background: HSP90 may be overexpressed in cancer cells which are greatly dependent on Hsp90 function. Geldanamycin derivative 17 allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) inhibits the function and expression of HSP90. 17-AAG has poor water-solubility which is a potential problem for clinical practice. In this study for improving the stability and solubility of molecules in drug delivery systems we used a ${\beta}$-cyclodextrin-17AAG complex. Materials and Methods: To assess cytotoxic effects of ${\beta}$-cyclodextrin-17AAG complexes and free 17AAG, colorimetric cell viability (MTT) assays were performed. Cells were treated with equal concentrations of ${\beta}$-cyclodextrin- 17AAG complex and free 17AAG and Hsp90 gene expression levels in the two groups was compared by real-time PCR. Results: MTT assay confirmed that ${\beta}$-cyclodextrin- 17AAG complex enhanced 17AAG cytotoxicity and drug delivery in T47D breast cancer cells. The level of Hsp90 gene expression in cells treated with ${\beta}$-cyclodextrin- 17AAG complex was lower than that of cells treated with free 17AAG (P=0.001). Conclusions: The results demonstrated that ${\beta}$-cyclodextrin- 17AAG complexes are more effective than free 17AAG in down-regulating HSP90 expression due to enhanced ${\beta}$-cyclodextrin-17AAG uptake by cells. Therefore, ${\beta}$-cyclodextrin could be superior carrier for this kind of hydrophobic agent.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권2호
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• pp.1115-1119
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• 2013

Background: Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a serious complication following chemotherapy and is associated with significant mortality and financial expenditure. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for longer length of stay (LOS) and mortality and cost of treatment among hospitalized adults with cancer who developed febrile neutropenia in Thailand. Materials and Methods: Information on illness of inpatients and casualties came from hospitals nationwide and from hospital withdrawals from the 3 health insurance schemes in fiscal 2010. The data covered 96% of the population and were analyzed by age groups, hospital level, and insurance year schemes in patients with febrile neutropenia. Results: A total of 5,809 patients were identified in the study. The mortality rate was 14%. The median LOS was 8.67 days and 69% of patients stayed for longer than 5 days. On bivariate analysis, age, cancer type, and infectious complications (bacteremia/sepsis, hypotension, fungal infections, and pneumonia) were significantly associated with longer LOS and death. On multivariate analysis, acute leukemia and infectious complications were linked with longer LOS and death significantly. The median cost of hospitalized FN was THB 33,686 (USD 1,122) with the highest cost observed in acute leukemia patients. Conclusions: FN in adult patients results in significant mortality in hospitalized Thai patients. Factors associated with increased mortality include older age (>70), acute leukemia, comorbidity, and infectious complications.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.388-396
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• 2020

Purpose: Impaired intestinal mucosal integrity may affect the gastrointestinal function, especially in relation to nutrition, absorption, and barrier function. The purpose of this study was to measure the prevalence of impaired intestinal mucosal integrity in presumed healthy children aged 1-3 years and assess the effects of zinc, glutamine, fiber, and prebiotic supplementation in them. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 200 children aged 1-3 years in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, Indonesia. A randomized double-blind parallel group method clinical trial was then performed to assess the effects of zinc, glutamine, fiber, and prebiotic supplementation. Results: Elevated calprotectin was found in 91/200 subjects (45.5%) at the onset of the study. After 10 months, 144 subjects completed the study: 72 subjects received the trial formula, whereas the other 72 received the standard formula. A transitory decrease in fecal calprotectin (FC) was observed after 6 months in the subgroup with normal FC levels, who were fed the test formula (p=0.012). Conclusion: The prevalence of impaired intestinal mucosal integrity in this group of Indonesian children aged 1-3 years was high. Supplementation with zinc, glutamine, fiber, and prebiotics during 6 months reduced FC only in those who had low levels at baseline but not in those with impaired integrity.

• 한국미생물·생명공학회지
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• 제50권1호
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• pp.51-62
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• 2022

Lactobacillus rhamnosus SKG34 (LrSKG34), a potential probiotic strain, was successfully isolated from Sumbawa Mare's milk. Our previous studies showed that the strain is resistant to gastrointestinal conditions, possesses antioxidant activity, and lowers blood cholesterol levels. Further clarification of the potential probiotic characteristics and safety assessment are necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the adhesion of LrSKG34 to Caco-2 cell monolayers and its effect on mucosal integrity in vitro. We also examined the LrSKG34 safety profile based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing, haemolytic activity determination, Caco-2 cell monolayer translocation evaluation, and in vivo investigation of the effect of LrSKG34 on the physiology, biochemical markers, and histopathological appearance of major organs in an animal model. LrSKG34 attached to Caco-2 cell monolayers and maintained mucosal integrity in vitro. The typical resistance of lactobacilli to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, vancomycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and metronidazole was confirmed for LrSKG34. No haemolytic activity was observed on blood agar plates, and no LrSKG34 translocation was observed in Caco-2 cell monolayers. Administration of LrSKG34 to Sprague-Dawley rats did not adversely affect body weight. No abnormalities in hematological parameters, serum biochemistry levels, or histopathological structures of major organs were observed in LrSKG34-treated rats. Collectively, the results implicate LrSKG34 as a promising and potentially safe probiotic candidate for further development.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제31권12호
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• pp.1716-1721
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• 2021

Chikungunya fever is an arboviral disease caused by the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV). The disease has similar clinical manifestations with other acute febrile illnesses which complicates differential diagnosis in low-resource settings. We aimed to develop a rapid test for CHIKV detection based on the nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay technology. The system consists of a primer set that recognizes the E1 region of the CHIKV genome and test strips in an enclosed cassette which are used to detect amplicons labeled with FITC/biotin. Amplification of the viral genome was done using open-source PCR, a low-cost open-source thermal cycler. Assay performance was evaluated using a panel of RNA isolated from patients' blood with confirmed CHIKV (n = 8) and dengue virus (n = 20) infection. The open-source PCR-NALFIA platform had a limit of detection of 10 RNA copies/ml. The assay had a sensitivity and specificity of 100% (95% CI: 67.56% - 100%) and 100% (95% CI: 83.89% - 100%), respectively, compared to reference standards of any positive virus culture on C6/36 cell lines and/or qRT-PCR. Further evaluation of its performance using a larger sample size may provide important data to extend its usefulness, especially its utilization in the peripheral healthcare facilities with scarce resources and outbreak situations.

• 대한치과교정학회지
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• 제52권2호
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• pp.142-149
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• 2022

Objective: To evaluate clinical parameters and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) cytokines in children with anterior open bite receiving passive orthodontic treatment with spurs. Methods: Twenty children with indications for interceptive orthodontic treatment, an anterior open bite, and good oral hygiene and periodontal health were included in this study. GCF samples were collected from the mandibular and maxillary central incisors before (baseline) and 24 hours and 7 days after spur bonding. Clinical and periodontal examinations and cytokine analyses were performed. Results: At 7 days after spur attachment, gingival bleeding in the mandibular group was increased relative to that in the maxillary group. Visible plaque was correlated with gingival bleeding at 7 days and the GCF volume at 24 hours after spur attachment. Compared with those at baseline, interleukin (IL)-8 levels in the maxillary group and IL-1β levels in both tooth groups increased at both 24 hours and 7 days and at 7 days, respectively. At 24 hours, IL-8, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were higher in the maxillary group than in the mandibular group. Cytokine production was positively correlated with increased GCF volume, but not with gingival bleeding, visible plaque, or probing depth. Conclusions: Although orthodontic treatment with spurs in children resulted in increased gingival bleeding around the mandibular incisors, IL levels were higher around the maxillary incisors and not correlated with periodontal parameters. Increased cytokine levels in GCF may be associated with the initial tooth movement during open bite correction with a passive orthodontic appliance in children.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.6.1-6.8
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• 2022

Background: With limited information available, the association among urinary tract infections, urease-producing bacteria and the presence of magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) urolithiasis in canines in Thailand requires more study. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between demographic characteristics of canines and the presence of MAP urolithiasis in canines, and to evaluate antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of bacteria isolated from canine uroliths. Methods: A total of 56 canines admitted for treatment with surgical removal of uroliths were recruited. Demographic characteristics and clinical chemistry data were recorded. Bacteria isolated from the removed uroliths were identified. Chemical compositions of the uroliths were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Potential risk factors were determined with univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: Of 56 canine urolithiasis, bacteria were isolated from uroliths of 38 canines (27 MAP and 11 non-MAP) but not from uroliths of 18 canines (5 MAP and 13 non-MAP). The most common bacteria found in nidus of MAP uroliths was Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (approximately 51%). An antimicrobial resistance was frequently found in Staphylococci isolates (42.86%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the predictors of MAP urolith in canine urolithiasis were being female (p = 0.044; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 10.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-98.24) and the positive urolith culture (p = 0.012; adjusted OR, 8.60; 95% CI, 1.60-46.30). Conclusions: Our results indicate that S. pseudintermedius (a urease-producing bacterium) is the major causative bacteria of MAP uroliths. A positive urolith culture and being female are risk factors of MAP urolithiasis in canines.