• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.87-93
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• 2014

We investigated the effects of an ethanol extract from Perilla frutescens sprouts (PFSE) as an antioxidant, and its effects on edema and inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells and HMC-1 cells. The antioxidant activities (DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging) of PFSE were similar to those of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and (${\pm}$)-6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchromane-2-carboxylic acid (Trolox). We also investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of PFSE on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and HMC-1 cells stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) with the calcium ionophore A23187. TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ production, which had been increased by treatment with LPS or PMA plus A23187, were significantly inhibited by PFSE in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, PFSE significantly reduced the xylene-induced ear edema and the carrageenan-induced paw edema of ICR mice in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of PFSE (200 mg/kg) in reducing ear and paw edema were similar to those of aspirin (50 mg/kg). These results suggest that PFSE can be potentially used as a medicine for treating oxidative stress, an edematous and inflammatory disease.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.237-246
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• 2015

We conducted intensive observations of ozone, CO, $NO_x$ (=NO and $NO_2$), $NO_y$ (total odd nitrogen species including particulate nitrate) and total nitrate (the sum of gaseous $HNO_3$ and particulate nitrate) at Cape Hedo, Okinawa, Japan, from 19 March to 3 April, 2009, to investigate ozone production during long-range transport from the Asian continent. Ozone production efficiency (OPE) was used to evaluate photochemical ozone production. OPE is defined as the number of molecules of ozone produced photochemically during the lifetime of a $NO_x$ molecule. OPE is calculated by the ratio of the concentration increase of ozone to that of $NO_z$ ($=NO_y-NO_x$). Average OPE during observation was estimated to be $12.6{\pm}0.5$, but concentrations of ozone increased nonlinearly with those of $NO_z$. This non-linearity suggests that OPE depends on air mass origin and $NO_z$ concentrations. There were very different values of OPE for the same air mass origin, so that only the air mass origin alone does not control OPE. OPE was low when $NO_z$ concentration was high. We examined the correlation between $NO_z$ and $CO/NO_y$ ratios, which we used instead of the ratio of non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) to $NO_x$. The $CO/NO_y$ ratios decreased with increasing $NO_z$ concentrations. These results indicate that competition reactions of OH with NMHCs and $NO_2$ are the rate determining steps of photochemical ozone production during long-range transport from the Asian continent to Cape Hedo, for high concentrations of nitrogen oxides.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.1895-1903
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• 2013

Background: It is well established that a healthy lifestyle is of benefit in the prevention of diseases such as cancer and promotion of well-being. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine lifestyle practice and associated factors among university students in Malaysia. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted over six months from November 2011 until May 2012 among the students from the Management and Science University. This study was approved by its ethical committee, the students being explained the objective and invited to participate. A consent form was signed by all study participants. Questionnaire was distributed randomly to the students of the five faculties through their lecturers in different faculty. For univariate analysis t-test and ANOVA test were performed. Multiple linear regression used for multivariate analysis using SPSS 13.0. Results: A total number of 1100 students participated with a mean age of $22.1{\pm}2.21$ (SD) years. The majority were 22 years or younger (56.3%), female (54%), Malay (61.5%), single (92.3%), with family monthly income ${\geq}5000$ Ringgit Malaysia (41.2%). Regarding lifestyle, about were 31.6% smokers, 75.6% never drank alcohol and 53.7% never exercised. Multivariate analysis showed that age, sex, race, parent marital status, participant marital status, type of faculty, living status, smoking status, exercise, residency, brushing teeth, fiber intake and avoid fatty food significantly influenced the practice of drinking alcohol among university students (p=0.006, p=0.042, p<0.001, p=0.003, p=0.002, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.003, p<0.001; respectively). It similarly showed that sex, race, parent marital status, participant marital status, monthly family income, exercise, residency, brushing teeth and fiber intake significantly influenced the practice of sun protection (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.017, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001; respectively) and that age, sex, parent marital status, participant marital status, type of faculty, living status, exercise, taking non-prescribed medication, brushing the teeth, coffee consumption and fiber intake were significantly influenced the practice of fruits consumption (p=0.008, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.002, p<0.001, P<0.001; respectively). Conclusions: This study showed a poor practice of healthy lifestyle among university students. Therefore universities should emphasize a healthy lifestyle in all faculties as a required subject. Socio-demographic characteristics significantly influenced practice and thus should be considered when planning preventive measures among university students. Frequent campaigns and educational seminars are to be encouraged.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.8-17
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• 2012

Objectives: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are man-made, persistent global pollutants widely diffused throughout the environment. They have been even found in the cord blood and breast milk of humans. Furthermore evidence of developmental toxicity in animals exists. To assess the distribution of maternal and fetal exposure to PFOS and PFOA, we analyzed paired maternal blood, cord blood and breast milk samples. Methods: Maternal blood, cord blood and breast milk were collected from 150 volunteers from the general population (aged 20-40, mean $30.5{\pm}2.9$) of the city of Busan in 2009-2010. The samples were extracted using the weak anion exchange and solid-phase extraction methods and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC, Agilent 1200 Series) coupled with an Triple Quad LC-MS/MS system (Agilent 6410). Results: Median PFOA and PFOS concentrations in maternal blood were 2.18 and 3.32 ng/ml, in cord blood were 0.83 and 0.58 ng/ml, and in breast milk were 0.13 and 0.11 ng/ml, respectively. PFOS and PFOA concentrations were significantly correlated among matrices (Spearson's ${\rho}=0.226$, p = 0.05 for maternal blood; ${\rho}=0.736$, p < 0.01 for cord blood; ${\rho}=0.493$ p < 0.01 for breast milk). The ratio of cord blood/maternal blood was 0.39 for PFOA and 0.19 for PFOS. The ratio of breast milk/maternal blood was 0.07 for PFOA and 0.06 for PFOS. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that PFOA and PFOS exposure through the placenta was more prominent than through breast milk among Korean neonates born in Busan. The transfer efficiency of maternal blood to breast milk was similar between PFOA and PFOS, but that of maternal blood to cord blood was higher in PFOA than PFOS.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.723-729
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• 2013

In this study, the quality characteristics due to the influence of various thawing methods on electro-magnetic and air blast frozen beef were examined. The loin and round of second grade Hanwoo were sliced into 5-7 cm thickness and packed with aerobic packaging. The packaged beef samples, which were frozen by air blast freezing at $-45^{\circ}C$ and electro-magnetic freezing at $-55^{\circ}C$, were thawed by 4 thawing methods with refrigeration ($4{\pm}1^{\circ}C$), room temperature (RT, $25^{\circ}C$), cold water ($15^{\circ}C$), and microwave (2450 MHz). These samples were thawed to the point, which were core temperature reached $0^{\circ}C$. Analyses were carried out to determine drip and cooking loss, water holding capacity (WHC), moisture contents and sensory evaluation. Frozen beef thawed by microwave indicated a lower drip loss (0.66-2.01%) than the other thawing methods (0.80-2.50%). Cooking loss after electro-magnetic freezing indicated 52.0% by microwave thawing for round compared with 41.8% by refrigeration, 50.1% by RT, and 50.8% by cold water. WHC thawing by microwave with electro-magnetic freezing didn't showed any difference depending on the thawing methods, while moisture contents was higher thawing by microwave with electro-magnetic freezing than refrigeration (71.9%), RT (75.0%), and cold water (74.9%) for round. The texture of sensory evaluation for round thawed by microwave result was the highest than refrigeration (4.7 point), RT (6.4 point) and cold water (6.6 point), while sensory evaluation was no significant difference. Therefore, it was shown that microwave thawing is an appropriate way to reduce the deterioration of meat quality due to freezing.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.221-227
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• 2015

Background: Endotracheal intubation induces clinically adverse cardiovascular changes. Various pharmacological strategies for controlling these responses have been suggested with opioids being widely administered. In this study, the optimal effect-site concentration (Ce) of remifentanil for minimizing hemodynamic responses to fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation was evaluated. Methods: Thirty patients, aged 18-63 years, scheduled for elective surgery were included. Anesthesia was induced with a propofol and remifentanil infusion via target-controlled infusion (TCI). Remifentanil infusion was initiated at 3.0 ng/mL, and the response of each patient determined the Ce of remifentanil for the next patient by the Dixon up-and-down method at an interval of 0.5 ng/mL. Rocuronium was administered after propofol and remifentanil reached their preset Ce; 90 seconds later fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation was initiated. Non-invasive blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were measured at pre-induction, the time Ce was reached, immediately before and after intubation, and at 1 and 3 minutes after intubation. The up-and-down criteria comprised a 20% change in mean blood pressure and HR between just prior to intubation and 1 minute after intubation. Results: The median effective effect-site concentration ($EC_{50}$) of remifentanil was $3.11{\pm}0.38ng/mL$ by the Dixon's up-and-down method. From the probit analysis, the $EC_{50}$ of remifentanil was 3.43 ng/mL (95% confidence interval, 2.90-4.06 ng/mL). In PAVA, the EC50 and EC95 of remifentanil were 3.57 ng/mL (95% CI, 2.95-3.89) and 4.35 ng/mL (95% CI, 3.93-4.45). No remifentanil-related complications were observed. Conclusions: The $EC_{50}$ of remifentanil for minimizing the cardiovascular changes and side effects associated with fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation was 3.11-3.43 ng/mL during propofol TCI anesthesia with a Ce of 4 ug/mL.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.37-49
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• 2015

During pregnancy, the maternal body undergoes significant physiological changes. The present study assessed the changes on calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na) and potassium (K) metabolism in singleton and twin-pregnant dairy goats. The 42 goats used ($49.5kg{\pm}7.6$ body weight [BW]) were assigned at random to treatments that were factorially arranged to account for 2 breeds (Oberhasli and Saanen), 2 pregnancy types (singleton and twin) and 3 gestation periods (80, 110, and 140 days). Digestibility trials were performed at 80, 110, and 140 days of gestation. Mineral retention during pregnancy was determined in the maternal body, femur, uterus, mammary gland, fetus and fetal fluid. Blood samples were taken during pregnancy before and after a meal, and Ca, P, Mg, Na, K ions and alkaline phosphatase activity determined in serum. Bone mineral density was determined in the right femur. Statistical analyses were performed using the SAS MIXED procedure. Dry matter intake decreased linearly up to 140 days of gestation. Maternal BW gain, and Ca, P, and Mg retention (g/kg) decreased linearly with the advance of gestation days. Macromineral retention in maternal body (g/kg) was greater in Oberhasli than Saanen goats, and their fetuses had higher Ca, P, and Mg deposition (mg/g). Mineral retention (mg/g) increased in fetuses according to pregnancy development, with no differences between singleton and twin pregnancy. In the mammary gland, the retention of all minerals (g) increased with the days of pregnancy. In conclusion, related to Ca, P, and Mg metabolism can be divided into two stages. Up to 80 days of gestation, was characterized by the preparation of the maternal body reserves for future mineral demands. From 80 days of gestation onward, was characterized by the transfer of maternal body reserves for fetal development and colostrum production. Na and K supply was provided by adjustments in endogenous excretion and an increase in intestinal absorption. Finally, mineral metabolism was specific to each genotype and, except for Na, was not affected by the number of fetuses.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.488-500
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• 2013

The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the protocols for superstimulation of follicular growth in Thai native heifers. Heifers (n = 20) were randomly divided into four groups of five heifers/group. Heifers were given a single dose by i.m. administration of 100 mg Follicle Stimulating Hormone dissolved in polyvinylpyrrolidone (FSHp) at 24 h. Ovum pick up (OPU) occurred at 72 h ($F_{24}O_{72}$ protocol; Group 1) or 96 h ($F_{24}O_{96}$ protocol; Group 2), and at 36 h and OPU at 72 h ($F_{36}O_{72}$ protocol; Group 3) or 96 h ($F_{36}O_{96}$ protocol; Group 4) after follicular ablation. The dynamics of ovarian follicular growth were monitored by twice-daily ultrasonographic examinations. Blood sample collections were performed every 12 h after initiation of treatment for assessment of FSH, E2 and P4 profiles. All heifers were subjected to eight repeated sequential sessions of OPU. The follicular deviation commenced $24{\pm}5.32$ h after follicular ablation in all groups. The circulatory FSH surged quickly from 24 to 36 h (>0.8 ng/ml) after follicular ablation and circulatory estrogen levels steadily increased from 36 h until OPU in all groups. At the end of the OPU sessions, the mean number of aspirated follicles/heifer/session in $F_{36}O_{72}$ protocol (Group 3) and $F_{36}O_{96}$ protocol (Group 4) were higher than in the two other groups (p<0.05). The number of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), cleaved and day 8 blastocysts rates in the $F_{36}O_{72}$ protocol (Group 3) were higher than in the other groups (p<0.05). It can be concluded that a single dose i.m. administration of 100 mg FSHp at 36 h and OPU at 72 h after follicular ablation ($F_{36}O_{72}$ protocol; Group 3) was the most effective protocol for superstimulation of follicular growth for repeated OPU and subsequent in vitro embryo production in Thai native heifers.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.716-722
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• 2013

The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of age of animal, hot carcass weight, pH, conformation and fat class on basic beef quality attributes (tenderness, sarcomere length, basic chemical composition, marbling and colour) in a group of purebred animals. The object of the study was beef of Limousin bulls (25 to 27 months, hot carcass weight - $432{\pm}31$ kg, "U" conformation class, "2"-"3" fat class). Analysed cuts were Infraspinatus muscle from the blade and Longissimus dorsi muscle from the cube roll and the striploin. Tenderness was analysed with universal testing machine, colour - chromometer analysis, sarcomere length - microscopic method, basic chemical composition - near-infrared spectroscopy and marbling - computer image analysis. No differences in tenderness and sarcomere length were observed within the age groups of Limousin bulls (age of 25, 26, 27 months) (p>0.05). Moisture (p = 0.0123) and fat (p = 0.0250) content were significantly different for meat of animals slaughtered at the age of 25 and 27 months. No influence of pH value on tenderness was observed, but at the same time, influence on sarcomere length (p = 0.039) and $b^*$ component of colour (0.045) was found. For "U" conformation class, in subclasses, as well as for fat classes "2"-"3", there were no differences in tenderness, sarcomere length and colour components. Higher fat content was observed in the higher fat class, rather than in lower, however this feature was not associated with marbling.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.8
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• pp.3773-3778
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• 2014

Background: The study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV infection in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in northern Thailand and the clinicopathological difference with regard to HPV infection status. Materials and Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples of vulvar SCC diagnosed between January 2006 and December 2012 were collected. HPV infection was detected by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers MY09/11 and GP5+/6+. HPV genotyping was performed using the Linear Array Genotyping Test, followed by type-specific PCR targeting the E6/E7 region of HPV16/18/52 if the Linear Array test was negative. The histologic slides of vulvar lesions and the medical records were reviewed. Results: There were 47 cases of vulvar SCC included in the study (mean patient age $57.9{\pm}13.2$ years). HPV infection was detected in 29 cases (62%), all of which had single HPV infections. HPV16 accounted for 23 (49%). The patients with HPV-positive SCC had a significantly younger mean age than those with HPV-negative tumors (52.7 years vs 66.2 years, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in tumor stage distribution with regard to the status of HPV infection. The presence of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) of usual type (basaloid or warty) was significantly more frequent in HPV-positive cases compared with HPV-negative cases (62% vs 6%, p<0.001), whereas differentiated-type VIN was more common in HPV-negative cases (24% vs 0%, p=0.019). Conclusions: HPV infection was detected in 62% of vulvar SCC in northern Thailand. HPV16 was the predominant genotype similar to the data reported from other regions. HPV-positive SCC occurred in younger patients compared with HPV-negative SCC, and was associated with usual-type VIN. Vaccination against HPV16/18 may potentially prevent almost one half of vulvar SCC in northern Thailand.