• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.75-80
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• 2015

Calf losses have an economic impact on larger Korean native cattle (KNC) breeding farms due to replacement, productivity, and marketing. However, little research on KNC calf mortality or causes of calf death on large-scale breeding farms has been conducted. Based on medical records and autopsy findings from the Hanwoo experimental station of the National Institute of Animal Science, calf death records from 2002 to 2011 were used to identify the causes of mortality. Mortality rate of KNC calves was 5.7%. Large differences (1.8~12.6%) in yearspecific mortalities were observed. Calf deaths were due to digestive diseases (68.7%), respiratory diseases (20.9%), accidents (6.0%), and other known diseases (2.2%). The main cause of calf death was enteritis followed by pneumonia, rumen indigestion, and intestinal obstruction. The greatest number of calf deaths occurred during the fall followed by summer. These results indicated that enteritis and pneumonia were the main reasons for calf death. However, autopsy findings demonstrated that other factors also caused calf death. This study suggested that seasonal breeding and routine vaccinations are the most important factors for preventing calf death, and improving calf health in high land areas with low temperature.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.109-120
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• 2018

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the current status of infectious disease research in North Korea by analyzing recent trends in medical journals from North Korea in comparison with research from South Korea. Methods: Three medical journals (Preventive Medicine, Basic Medicine, and Chosun Medicine) were analyzed from 2012 to 2016. Articles on tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and parasitic diseases were selected and classified by their subtopics and study areas. Two medical journals published in the South Korea were selected for a comparative analysis of research trends. Results: Of the 2792 articles that were reviewed, 93 were extracted from North Korea journals. TB research in North Korea was largely focused on multi-drug resistant TB and extrapulmonary TB, whereas research in South Korea more frequently investigated non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Research on parasitic diseases in North Korea was focused on protozoan and intestinal nematodes, while the corresponding South Korea research investigated various species of parasites. Additionally, the studies conducted in North Korea were more likely to investigate the application of traditional medicine to diagnosis and treatment than those conducted in South Korea. Conclusions: This study presents an analysis of research trends in preventive medicine in North Korea focusing on infectious diseases, in which clear differences were observed between South and North Korea. Trends in research topics suggest a high prevalence of certain parasitic diseases in North Korea that are no longer widespread in South Korea. The large proportion of studies examining traditional medicine implies a lack of affordable medicine in North Korea.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.266-274
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• 2001

The chemical properties and physiological activities of the freeze-dried stromata of Cordyceps militaris were examined. A proximate analysis exhibited that the stromata consisted mainly of crude carbohydrate (74.3%), crude protein (11.5%), and moisture content (8.7%), with a low content of crude ash (4.%) and fat (1.3%). The carbohydrate was mostly composed of glucose (88.6%). A large quantity of essential fatty acids, including linolenic acid (33.8%) was also observed. An analysis of the component amino acid showed a relatively high ratio of the essential amino acids, lysine (101.2 mg/g), methionine (62.7 mg/g), and acidic amino acids of glutamic aicd (57.5 mg/g) and aspartic acid (43.9 mg/g), whereas a low of tyrosine content (4.7 mg/g). An examination of the cordycepin content indicated tht the stromata and mycelium-embedded media (silkworm pupae) contained 0.2% and 0.5%, respectively. From the examination of the physiological activities, based on methanol extract (M), ethylacetate extract (EA), and hot-water extract (HW) fractions of the stromata, the hot-water extract (HW) fraction showed the most potent intestinal immune modulating activity, anticoagulant activity, and anticomplementary activity, whereas the ethylacetate extract (EA) fraction exhihited a radical scavenging activity. Therefore, the results from the present study indicate that the stromata of C. militaris contain various healthy chemical ingredients, and that especially boiled water extract of whole body would apprear to provide beneficial physiological activities.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.49-53
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• 2008

The metacercariae of Centrocestus formosanus, a minute intestinal trematode of mammals and birds, were detected in the freshwater fish, Puntius brevis, from Vientiane Municipality, Lao PDR. The metacercariae were experimentally fed to mice, and adult flukes were recovered in their small intestines 7 days later. The adult flukes were morphologically characterized by having 32 (rarely 34) circumoral spines arranged in 2 alternative rows, a large bipartite seminal vesicle, an oval-shaped ovary, and an X-shaped excretory bladder. Based on these characters, the adults were identified as Centrocestus formosanus (Nishigori, 1924). The taxonomic significance of C. formosanus, in relation to a closely related species, C. caninus (Leiper, 1913), is briefly discussed. It has been first verified by adult worm recovery that C. formosanus is prevalent in Vientiane areas of Lao PDR, taking the freshwater fish, P. brevis, as a second intermediate host.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.57 no.5
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• pp.521-524
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• 2019

We are going to describe the female soboliphymid nematodes, which were recovered from the stomach of a Asian badger, Meles leucurus (Mammalia: Mustelidae), in Geochang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea. In February 1998, we found 2 peculiar nematodes with a cup-like organ in the anterior end from the stomach of badger. Recovered worms were fixed with 10% formalin, cleared in glycerin-alcohol solution and observed under a light microscope with a micrometer. They were 34.46 (33.43-35.50) mm long by 2.13 mm at maximum width. Cephalic sucker cup-like, 3.34 (3.13-3.55) mm wide, 2.40 (2.25-2.55) mm long, with the oral aperture and meridionally striated on the buccal capsule. Oral aperture 2.38 mm in diameter. Circumoral membrane 0.41 (0.38-0.45) mm wide. Esophagus muscular, 4.81 (4.50-5.00) mm long by 0.80 (0.78-0.83) mm at maximum width. Vulva situated at 3.13 mm ventro-anterior level from the esophago-intestinal junction. Vagina anteriad, 3.38 mm long, making a canal from the uterus to the vulva opening. Uterus single, large. Tail 0.35 (0.33-0.38) mm long. Intrauterine eggs long elliptical, 0.058-0.065 (0.062) mm long and 0.030-0.033 (0.031) mm wide. Based on the some morphological characters and host-specificity, our specimens are nearly identical with S. baturini. Therefore, the present report describes S. baturini for the first time in Korea.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.683-687
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• 2015

Aloe vera gel exhibits protective effects against insulin resistance as well as lipid-lowering and anti-diabetic effects. The anti-diabetic compounds in this gel were identified as Aloe-sterols. Aloe vera gel extract (AVGE) containing Aloe-sterols has recently been produced using a new procedure. We previously reported that AVGE reduced large-sized intestinal polyps in Apc-deficient Min mice fed a high fat diet (HFD), suggesting that Aloe vera gel may protect against colorectal cancer. In the present study, we examined the effects of Aloe vera gel powder (AVGP) and AVGE on azoxymethane-induced colorectal preneoplastic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in mice fed a HFD. Male C57BL/6J mice were given a normal diet (ND), HFD, HFD containing 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose solution, which was used as a solvent for AVGE (HFDC), HFD containing 3% or 1% AVGP, and HFDC containing 0.0125% (H-) or 0.00375% (L-) AVGE. The number of ACF was significantly lower in mice given 3% AVGP and H-AVGE than in those given HFD or HFDC alone. Moreover, 3% AVGP, H-AVGE and L-AVGE significantly decreased the mean Ki-67 labeling index, assessed as a measure of cell proliferation in the colonic mucosa. In addition, hepatic phase II enzyme glutathione S-transferase mRNA levels were higher in the H-AVGE group than in the HFDC group. These results suggest that both AVGP and AVGE may have chemopreventive effects on colorectal carcinogenesis under the HFD condition. Furthermore, the concentration of Aloe-sterols was similar between 3% AVGP and H-AVGE, suggesting that Aloe-sterols were the main active ingredients in this experiment.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.475-484
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• 2008

A year round study was carried out to investigate the etiology, clinical signs, postmortem lesions and occurrence of naturally occurring enterotoxaemia in Black Bengal goats. Sixteen goats of different age and sex died in different seasons with sigh associated with enterotoxaemia made the materials of this study. Accidental access to large amount of concentrate was noted as one of the predisposing factors although few cases were reported to occur without known diet change. Younger animals(50%) and males(62.50%) were found more prone to the disease and it was likely to be more prevalent during winter(50%) followed by at rainy season(31.25%) and summer(18.75%). Diarrhoea(81.25%), dullness(56.25%), drooping of the ears(50%), anorexia(43.75%) were recorded as major clinical signs whereas enterocolitis(100%), lung edema(87.50%), fluid filled intestines(87.50%), enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes(56.52%) etc. were most common post mortem lesions found. A few cases showed lesions on heart(31.25%), brain(25%) and/or liver/spleen(18.75%) but no lesion was found on kidney. Thus the so called 'pulpy kidney' lesion was absent. Intestinal contents were subjected to conventional bacteriological culture based methods to identify the causal agents. Based on the morphological, cultural and biochemical properties the causal agent was identified as Clostridium perfringens. Despite the study was carried out at certain area it showed a clear picture of goat enterotoxaemia in terms of etiology, clinical signs, postmortem lesions and occurrence of goat enterotoxaemia in Bangladesh.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.353-363
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• 2011

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of H1N1 pandemic in 2009. South Korea also had outbreaks of H1N1 virus and used oseltamivir in large volume with increased reports of adverse drug reaction(ADR). The present study was aimed to investigate the ADR frequency, the factors related to ADR, and characteristics of oseltamivir's ADR. Participants for the study were patients randomly drawn from those who were prescribed oseltamivir for treatment from CHA Bundang Medical Center during October 1 and October 30. The information examined as factors related to ADR were collected by a subsequent cross-sectional telephone survey. The factors are the following; a) age; b) gender; c) patient medical history; d) diagnosis of H1N1 virus; e) adherence; f) whether taking other medication with oseltamivir or not; and g) the number of combined medications. We also asked ADR after taking oseltamivir. Total subjects were 86 patients. The average age is $22.6{\pm}18.48$ years old. The gender was 45.3% women and 54.7% men. Half (50%) of all respondents showed one or more ADR, 67.4% were positively diagnosed for H1N1 virus, and 54.7% were completed the full course of oseltamivir (i.e. twice daily x 5days). The most frequently reported ADR symptoms were: dizziness (15.1%), nausea (11.6%), lethargy (10.4%), diarrhea (10.4%), abdominal pain (8.1%), headache and vomiting (6.9%). ADR classifications by categories are gastro intestinal (44.2%), neuropsychiatric events (22.1%), systemic symptom (20.9%), skin events (5.8%), eye events (4.7%), and other cases (2.3%). The onset of ADR 'after taking 1~3 doses' was 69.7%. No increase in neuropsychiatric events was detected in children and adolescents. No factors examined for the study do have significant influence on the presence of ADR. This study showed that ADR of oseltamivir have occurred in half of the patients. The use of oseltamivir is essential for treatment and prophylaxis of influenza A(H1N1). But mass treatment should be properly monitored for ADR.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.167-171
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• 2009

Purpose: This study was done to determine the usefulness of serum pepsinogen (PG) levels as a screening method for gastric cancer, and to assess the relationships between serum PG and clinicopathologic factors of gastric adenocarcinoma. Materials and Methods: Serum PG concentrations were measured in 94 subjects who were classified into (a) a control group (50 subjects) without abnormal endoscopic finding on a health checkup, or (b) a gastric cancer group (44 subjects) who had surgery at Daegu Catholic University Hospital between Nov. 2008 and May 2009. Receiver operator characteristic curves were utilized to select the most suitable test. Using different cutoff points, sensitivity and specificity were calculated. We compared preoperative serum PG levels with several clinicopathologic findings for patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. Results: The Serum PG I：II ratio was the most useful as a screening test. The sensitivity and specificity of PG screening for gastric cancer were, respectively, 81.8% and 82%. The cut off point correlated with the type of intestinal cancer (Lauren classification; P=0.003), tumor stage (P=0.001), and gastric adenocarcinoma with peritumoral chronic atrophic gastritis (P=0.036). Conclusion: Serum PG levels were found to be a potentially useful screening test and to correlate with clinicopathologic factors in gastric cancer patients. But, in order to use serum PG found in a health checkup for gastric cancer as a clinical application a large scale study is recommended.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.154-164
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• 1991

Albendazole is a broad spectrum anthelmintics with high activity against intestinal nematodes as well as tremtodes and cestodes infections. But so far wormicidal effect of albendazole against Paragonimus westermani is uncertain. The present study undertaken to observe the morphological changes of Paragonimus westermani which was obtained from experimentally infected with metacercariae isolated from Cambaroides similis and 9 of them were given albendazole 2 doses of 25mg/kg daily for the 2 days and 4 days from the day of 20 weeks after infection. The Paragonimus werms were collected from the lung of the cats which were autopsied at 24 hours after treatment. The fine structures of the collected worms were studied by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The findings of the observations were compared with those of untreated worms. The results are as follows : 1) In the scanning electron microscopic(SEM) observations, the worms obtained from 2 days treated group showed many blebs which were formed on the surface of damaged tegument in between two suckers. Protrusion of oral sucker typically observed and surrounding tegumental ridges were damaged. 2) The worms obtained from 4 days treated group showed marked contraction revealing half size of normal worms. 3) The transmission electronmicroscopic(TEM) observations indicated that large blebs of irregular shapes were formed by the destruction of tegumental ridge of tegumental syncytium and also showed degeneration of mitochondriae. 4) Destruction of tegumental syncytium formation of blebs were usually observed in the ventral side of the worms. 5) Differentiation of tegumental layer and basement layer muscular layer and parenchymal layer around two suckers of worms obtained at 4 days treated group was difficult. 6) Many host cells invaded and destroyed the degenerated tegument by the occurrence of blebs or the exposed muscular layer of the worm after exfoliation of the tegument.