• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.211-216
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• 2011

The chitosan-coated liposomes (chitosomes) were designed to improve the stability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and to enhance the efficacy for oral drug delivery of liposomes. The phosphatic acid (PA)-incorporated anionic liposomes were surface-coated with water soluble chitosan (WSC) by electro-ionic interaction. The shape of the chitosomes observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was spherical in all the formulations and the coating layer by WSC could be founded through TEM images. The mean size and the zeta potential values of the chitosomes increased significantly with depending on the content of WSC added for coating the liposomes. The stability of the chitosomes in the GI tract was confirmed through the change of relative turbidity of the liposomal suspension. The plain liposomes (plasomes) suspension without adding WSC clearly showed the change of relatively turbidity in simulated gastric fluid (SGF), while the change degree of turbidity of the chitosomes in the SGF decreased as increasing of WSC content added for coating liposome. In the 5-CF release study from the plasomes and chitosomes, the plasomes released >90% of the initial 5-CF content at 4 h of release measurement. In contrast, the chitosomes released below 40% of initial content of 5-CF. In conclusion, these results indicate that the chitosomes can be used as a potential carrier for effective oral drug delivery.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.107-110
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• 2013

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). However, a similar syndrome has been reported in autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) as well. The target organs of GVHD in ASCT are the skin, liver and gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which are consistent with those in allo-SCT. Histologic findings from the skin and the mucosa of the GI tract also show similar features. Here we describe a case of autologous GVHD involving the skin of a patient who underwent ASCT for multiple myeloma. In this patient, the response to a total prednisone dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day was unsatisfactory, and the patient required more intensive and prolonged immunosuppressive therapy with slow tapering.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.49-55
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• 2009

Self expandable metal stent (stent) implantation of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract is now widely accepted for the palliation of obstructive symptoms caused by inoperable malignant UGI obstruction. With the technical progress and accumulation of clinical experiences, it became possible to perform the procedure easily, safely and effectively. However, clinicians should pay attention to the post-procedural care, because early or late complications such as ulceration, pain, bleeding, food impaction, perforation, migration or in-stent tumor growth could occur. In this review, several topics about stent placement in the UGI tract are discussed, such as major indications for stenting, kinds of stents, and post-procedural management.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.830-835
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• 2004

An experiment of 10 weeks duration was carried out to study the influence of supplemental effective microorganism (EM) culture, yeast culture and enzymes on nutrient digestibility and gut microflora in rabbit gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Twenty four eight to nine weeks old, New Zealand White rabbits were allotted to four dietary treatments; a basal (control) feed, basal feed supplemented with either EM (1%), yeast culture or enzymes (400 ppm). Nutrient flow in digesta and their digestibility at ileum, caecum, colon and in the total tract as well as gut microflora distribution were studied. Feed dry matter was diluted from 92% to about 14% up to the ileum and about 95% of this water was reabsorbed by the colonic rectal segment followed by caecum (25%). EM and yeast improved protein digestibility at a lower rate than enzymes. Ileal, caecal, colonic and total tract digestibility of crude protein with enzymes were higher by 10.8, 9.4, 11.3 and 10.7%, respectively, as compared to the control. Yeast and enzymes increased crude fiber digestibility at ileum, caecum, colon and in the total tract by 8.5, 9.6, 9.0 and 8.3%, respectively, while EM improved them at a lower rate. Irrespective of treatments, total tract digestibility of crude protein (0.698-0.773) and fiber (0.169-0.183) were greater (p<0.05) than the ileal digestibility. Even though a post-caecal protein digestibility was observed, fiber digestion seemed to be completed in the caecum especially with yeast and enzymes. High precaecal digestibility of crude fiber (97%) and protein (95%) were observed even without additives probably due to caecotrophy. EM and yeast culture promoted the growth of lactic acid bacteria especially in the caecum but they did not influence gut yeast and mould. Present findings reveal that even though rabbits digest nutrients efficiently through hind gut fermentation, they can be further enhanced by EM, yeast and enzymes. Of the three additives tested, enzymes found to be the best.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.401-409
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• 2004

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of a complex Lactobacilli preparation on performance, resistance to E. coli infection and gut microbial flora of weaning pigs. In exp. 1, twelve pigs (7.65$\pm$1.10 kg BW), weaned at 28 d, were randomly allotted into 2 groups and placed in individual metabolic cages. During the first 7 d, one group of pigs was provided ad libitum access to water containing $10^5$ colony forming units (CFU) Lactobacilli per ml and the control group was provided tap water. The Lactobacilli preparation included Lactobacillus gasseri, L. reuteri, L. acidophilus and L. fermentum, which were isolated from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract mucosa of weaning pigs. On d 8, 20 ml of $10^8$ CFU/ml E. coli solution (serovars K99, K88 and 987P at the ratio of 1:1:1) was orally administered to each pig. Diarrhea scores and diarrhea incidence were recorded from d 7 to 14. On d 14, pigs were euthanized and digesta and mucosa from the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum and colon were sampled using aseptic technique to determine microflora by culturing bacteria in selective medium. The results showed that Lactobacilli treatment significantly decreased E. coli and aerobe counts (p<0.01) but increased Lactobacilli and anaerobe counts (p<0.01) in digesta and mucosa of most sections of the GI tract. A 66 and 69.1% decrease in diarrhea index and diarrhea incidence, respectively, was observed in the Lactobacilli treated group. In exp. 2, Thirty-six crossbred Duroc$\times$Landrace$\times$Yorkshire piglets, weaned at 28$\pm$2 days, were selected and randomly allocated into 2 groups. There were 18 piglets in each group, 3 piglets in one pen and 6 replicates in each treatment with 3 pens of barrow and 3 pens of female piglet in each treatment. Piglets had ad libitum access to feed and water. The initial body weight of piglet was 7.65$\pm$1.09 kg. Dietary treatments included a non-medicated basal diet with Lactobacilli ($10^5$ CFU/g diet) or carbadox (60 mg/kg) as control. On d 21, six pigs per group (one pig per pen) were euthanized. Ileal digesta was collected to determine apparent amino acid digestibility. Microflora content was determined similarly to exp.1. The results showed that Lactobacilli treatment significantly improved average daily feed intake (ADFI) of pigs compared to carbadox (p<0.05) during the first 2 wks after weaning and average daily gain (ADG) and ADFI increased significantly (p<0.05) from d 8 to 14. Nitrogen and total phosphorus digestibility also increased (p<0.05). Bacterial counts were similar to exp. 1. The results indicate that the complex Lactobacilli preparation improved performance for 2 wks after weaning, enhanced resistance to E. coli infection, and improved microbial balance in the GI tract.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.105-115
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• 1995

The balance of microbial populations in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of all warm-blooded animals is critical to the maintenance of health and resistance to disease. The composition of the populations can be altered by diet and environment, making the host animal susceptible to disease, and reducing growth rate and feed efficiency. Some feed additives including antimicrobial agents, prohiotics or yucca extract have been used to promote growth and feed utilization. There is evidence that part of growth-promoting effect of those feed additives results from the suppression of microbial urease activity or ammonia production in the GI contents of animals. Over 200 microbial species have been known to produce urease and the product of urea hydrolysis, ammonia, is toxic to animals. Carefully tested probiotics or other urease-suppressing agents can be a possible alternative to antimicrobial agents including antibiotics as growth promotants used for animals feeds.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.86-90
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• 2007

Carcinoid tumors are derived from the enterochromaffin cells of neural crest origin. Most are commonly found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The rectum is the third most common site for GI carcinoids. Rectal carcinoid tumors make up 13.7% of all carcinoid tumors and the vast majority occurs in the sixth decade of life. Approximately 80% of rectal carcinoid tumors are less than 1 cm in size, limited to the submucosa without metastasis and can be safely treated by local excision. We report a case of rectal carcinoid tumor in a 13 year-old child that was successfully treated by endoscopic polypectomy.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.147-151
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• 2012

Radiography, ultrasonography with hydrogram, and contrast studies using radiopaque markers were applied to evaluate alimentary lymphoma in two cats. The hydrogram facilitated the differentiation of pseudo-thickening from true wall thickening, and enabled an evaluation of wall layering and lymph nodes. In case 1, mechanical obstruction of the duodenum was confirmed with barium-impregnated polyethylene spheres (BIPS), a radiopaque marker; however, results obtained in case 2 were not as definitive. We expect that hydrograms and BIPS can be used as valuable alternative methods to evaluate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract although further studies in cases involving GI tumors are needed.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.61 no.2
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• pp.98-108
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• 2019

Four Korean native steers ($511{\pm}17.2kg$; $2{\times}2$ replicated crossover design) fitted with duodenal cannulas were used to investigate the influence of oral administration of soluble whey protein (WP; 82.29% crude protein) on ruminal fermentation, gastrointestinal (GI) hormone secretion in the blood, pancreatic ${\alpha}$-amylase activity in the duodenum, and disappearance rate in each segment of the GI tract. Steers were orally fed the basal diet (control; TMR [total mixed ration] 9 kg/d) or the basal diet with enriched WP (400 g/d) for 14 days. The apparent crude protein disappearance rate in the rumen of the WP was higher than in control (p < 0.05). However, no difference between groups was observed in the apparent crude protein disappearance rate in the intestine and the apparent starch disappearance rates in the rumen, GI tract. The level of cholecystokinin, secretin, and ghrelin in serum and pancreatic ${\alpha}$-amylase activity in the duodenum of the WP also did not change. The changes in the level of blood urea nitrogen related to protein metabolism were higher in the WP than in the control (p < 0.05). However, the levels of total protein, lipid, carbohydrate and mineral metabolites did not change. Consequently, we suggest that the oral administration of WP in steers assisted in ruminal fermentation due to the population increase of microbes in the rumen but did not improve the starch digestion rate in the small intestine because GI hormone secretion in the blood and pancreatic ${\alpha}$-amylase activity did not change.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.39-47
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• 2015

Purpose: To determine clinically useful biochemical markers reflecting disease activity and/or gastrointestinal (GI) tract involvement in Henoch-$Sch{\ddot{o}}nlein$ purpura (HSP). Methods: A total of 185 children with HSP and 130 controls were included. Laboratory data indicating inflammation, standard coagulation, and activated coagulation were analyzed for the HSP patients, including measurements of the hemoglobin level, white blood cell (WBC) count, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) level, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen, D-dimer, and fibrin degradation product (FDP) levels. The clinical scores of the skin, joints, abdomen, and kidneys were assessed during the acute and convalescence phases of HSP. Results: The WBC count, ANC, ESR, and CRP, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and FDP levels were significantly higher in the acute phase compared with the convalescent phase of HSP (p<0.05). The total clinical scores were more strongly correlated with the D-dimer (r=0.371, p<0.001) and FDP (r=0.369, p<0.001) levels than with inflammatory markers, such as the WBC count (r=0.241, p=0.001), ANC (r=0.261, p<0.001), and CRP (r=0.260, p<0.001) levels. The patients with GI symptoms had significantly higher ANC (median [interquartile range], 7,138.0 [4,446.4-9,470.0] vs. 5,534.1 [3,263.0-8,153.5], p<0.05) and CRP (0.49 [0.15-1.38] vs. 0.23 [0.01-0.67], p<0.05), D-dimer (2.63 [1.20-4.09] vs. 1.75 [0.62-3.39]), and FDP (7.10 [0.01-13.65] vs. 0.10 [0.01-7.90], p<0.05) levels than those without GI symptoms. Conclusion: D-dimer and FDPs are more strongly associated with disease activity and more consistently reflect GI involvement than inflammatory markers during the acute phase of HSP.