• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.17-27
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• 2011

A selection experiment for reduced residual feed intake (RFI) in Yorkshire pigs consisted of a line selected for lower RFI (LRFI) and a random control line (CTRL). Longitudinal measurements of daily feed intake (DFI) and body weight (BW) from generation 5 of this experiment were used. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the use of random regression (RR) and nonlinear mixed models to predict DFI and BW for individual pigs, accounting for the substantial missing information that characterizes these data, and to evaluate the effect of selection for RFI on BW and DFI curves. Forty RR models with different-order polynomials of age as fixed and random effects, and with homogeneous or heterogeneous residual variance by month of age, were fitted for both DFI and BW. Based on predicted residual sum of squares (PRESS) and residual diagnostics, the quadratic polynomial RR model was identified to be best, but with heterogeneous residual variance for DFI and homogeneous residual variance for BW. Compared to the simple quadratic and linear regression models for individual pigs, these RR models decreased PRESS by 1% and 2% for DFI and by 42% and 36% for BW on boars and gilts, respectively. Given the same number of random effects as the polynomial RR models, i.e., two for BW and one for DFI, the non-linear Gompertz model predicted better than the polynomial RR models but not as good as higher order polynomial RR models. After five generations of selection for reduced RFI, the LRFI line had a lower population curve for DFI and BW than the CTRL line, especially towards the end of the growth period.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.173-177
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• 2020

Background: Indoor air dampness microbiota (DM) is a big health hazard. Sufficient evidence exists that exposure to DM causes new asthma or exacerbation, dyspnea, infections of upper airways and allergic alveolitis. Less convincing evidence has yet been published for extrapulmonary manifestations of dampness and mold hypersensitivity syndrome). Methods: We investigated the prevalence of extrapulmonary in addition to respiratory symptoms with a questionnaire in a cohort of nurses and midwives (n = 90) exposed to DM in a Helsinki Obstetric Hospital. The corresponding prevalence was compared with an unexposed cohort (n = 45). Particular interest was put on neurological symptoms and multiple chemical sensitivity. Results: The results show that respiratory symptoms were more common among participants of the study vs. control cohort, that is, 80 vs 29%, respectively (risk ratio [RR]: 2.56, p < 0.001). Symptoms of the central or peripheral nervous system were also more common in study vs. control cohort: 81 vs 11% (RR: 6.63, p < 0.001). Fatigue was reported in 77 vs. 24%, (RR: 3.05, p < 0.001) and multiple chemical sensitivity in 40 vs. 9%, (RR: 3.44, p = 0.01), the so-called "brain fog", was prevalent in 62 vs 11% (RR: 4.94, p < 0.001), arrhythmias were reported in 57 vs. 2.4% (RR: 19.75, p < 0.001) and musculoskeletal pain in 51 vs 22% (RR: 2.02, p = 0.02) among participants of the study vs. control cohort, respectively. Conclusion: The results indicate that the exposure to DM is associated with a plethora of extrapulmonary symptoms. Presented data corroborate our recent reports on the health effects of moist and mold exposure in a workplace.

• Publications of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.267-268
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• 2015

One of the long-standing problems in modern astronomy is the curious division of globular clusters (GCs) into two groups, according to the mean period (<$P_{ab}$>) of type ab RR Lyrae variables. In light of the recent discovery of multiple populations in GCs, we suggest a new model explaining the origin of the Sandage period-shift and the difference in mean period of type ab RR Lyrae variables between the two Oosterhoff groups. In our models, the instability strip in the metal-poor group II clusters, such as M15, is populated by second generation stars (G2) with enhanced helium and CNO abundances, while the RR Lyraes in the relatively metal-rich group I clusters like M3 are mostly produced by first generation stars (G1) without these enhancements. This population shift within the instability strip with metallicity can create the observed period-shift between the two groups, since both helium and CNO abundances play a role in increasing the period of RR Lyrae variables. The presence of more metal-rich clusters having Oosterhoff-intermediate characteristics, such as NGC 1851, as well as of most metal-rich clusters having RR Lyraes with the longest periods (group III) can also be reproduced, as more helium-rich third and later generations of stars (G3) penetrate into the instability strip with further increase in metallicity. Therefore, although there are systems where the suggested population shift cannot be a viable explanation, for the most general cases, our models predict that RR Lyraes are produced mostly by G1, G2, and G3, respectively, for the Oosterhoff groups I, II, and III.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.68.1-68.8
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• 2022

Background: Studies on anesthetized dogs regarding pulse pressure variation (PPV) are increasing. The influence of respiratory rate (RR) on PPV, in mechanically ventilated dogs, has not been clearly identified. Objectives: This study evaluated the influence of RR on PPV in mechanically ventilated healthy dogs after hemorrhage. Methods: Five healthy adult Beagle dogs were premedicated with intravenous (IV) acepromazine (0.01 mg/kg). Anesthesia was induced with alfaxalone (3 mg/kg IV) and maintained with isoflurane in 100% oxygen. The right dorsal pedal artery was cannulated with a 22-gauge catheter for blood removal, and the left dorsal pedal artery was cannulated and connected to a transducer system for arterial blood pressure monitoring. The PPV was automatically calculated using a multi-parameter monitor and recorded. Hemorrhage was induced by withdrawing 30% of blood (24 mL/kg) over 30 min. Mechanical ventilation was provided with a tidal volume of 10 mL/kg and a 1:2 inspiration-to-expiration ratio at an initial RR of 15 breaths/min (baseline). Thereafter, RR was changed to 20, 30, and 40 breaths/min according to the casting lots, and the PPV was recorded at each RR. After data collection, the blood was transfused at a rate of 10 mL/kg/h, and the PPV was recorded at the baseline ventilator setting. Results: The data of PPV were analyzed using the Friedman test followed by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p < 0.05). Hemorrhage significantly increased PPV from 11% to 25% at 15 breaths/min. An increase in RR significantly decreased PPV from 25 (baseline) to 17%, 10%, and 10% at 20, 30, and 40 breaths/min, respectively (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: The PPV is a dynamic parameter that can predict a dog's hemorrhagic condition, but PPV can be decreased in dogs under high RR. Therefore, careful interpretation may be required when using the PPV parameter particularly in the dogs with hyperventilation.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.36-41
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• 2022

Background: Distal biceps rupture is a relatively uncommon injury that can significantly affect quality of life. Early complications following biceps tendon repair are not well described in the literature. This study utilizes a national surgical database to determine the incidence of and predictors for short-term complications following distal biceps tendon repair. Methods: The American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify patients undergoing distal biceps repair between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2017. Patient demographic variables of sex, age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, functional status, and several comorbidities were collected for each patient, along with 30-day postoperative complications. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate risk ratios for these complications using patient predictor variables. Results: Early postoperative surgical complications (0.5%)-which were mostly infections (0.4%)-and medical complications (0.3%) were rare. A readmission risk factor was diabetes (risk ratio [RR], 4.238; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.180-15.218). Non-home discharge risk factors were smoking (RR, 3.006; 95% CI, 1.123-8.044) and ≥60 years of age (RR, 4.150; 95% CI, 1.611-10.686). Maleness was protective for medical complications (RR, 0.024; 95% CI, 0.005-0.126). Surgical complication risk factors were obese class II (RR, 4.120; 95% CI, 1.123-15.120), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; RR, 21.981; 95% CI, 3.719-129.924), and inpatient surgery (RR, 8.606; 95% CI, 2.266-32.689). Conclusions: Complication rates after distal biceps repair are low. Various patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and surgical factors were all predictive of short-term complications.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.317-325
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• 2006

Purpose : This study was carried out to elucidate the effects of nitric oxide synthase(NOS) inhibitor, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine(L-NMMA) and nitric oxide precursor, L-arginine(L-Arg) on cerebral hemodynamics and energy metabolism during reoxygenation-reperfusion(RR) after hypoxia-ischemia(HI) in newborn piglets. Methods : Twenty-eight newborn piglets were divided into 4 groups; Sham normal control(NC), experimental control(EC), L-NMMA(HI & RR with L-NMMA), and L-Arg(HI & RR with L-Arg) groups. HI was induced by occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries and simultaneously breathing with 8 percent oxygen for 30 mins, and followed RR by release of carotid occlusion and normoxic ventilation for one hour. All groups were monitored with cerebral hemodynamics and cytochrome $aa_3$ (Cyt $aa_3$) using near infrared spectroscopy(NIRS). $Na^+$, $K^+$-ATPase activity, lipid peroxidation products, and tissue high energy phosphate levels were determined biochemically in the cerebral cortex. Results : In experimental groups, mean arterial blood pressure, $PaO_2$, and pH decreased, and base excess and blood lactate level increased after HI compared to NC group(P<0.05). These variables subsequently returned to baseline after RR except pH. There were no differences among the experimental groups. In NIRS, oxidized hemoglobin($HbO_2$) decreased and hemoglobin(Hb) increased during HI(P<0.05) but returned to base line immediately after RR; 40 min after RR, the $HbO_2$ had decreased significantly compared to NC group(P<0.05). Changes of Cyt $aa_3$ decreased significantly compared to NC after HI and recovered at the end of the experiment. Significantly reduced cerebral cortical cell membrane $Na^+$, $K^+$-ATPase activity and increased lipid peroxidation products(P<0.05) were not improved with L-NMMA or L-Arg. Conclusion : These findings suggest that NO is not involved in the mechanism of HI and RR brain damage during the early acute phase of RR.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.51-62
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• 2006

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by angiogenesis. It has been reported that growth factor as vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and insulin like growth factor(IGF) II are overexpressed in psoriatic epidermis. To investigate the inhibitory effects of IGF-II induced VEGF and HIF-1${\alpha}$ expression by RR extracts, we performed MTS assay, western blots using HaCaT cells. RR extracts significantly reduced IGF-II induced HIF 1${\alpha}$ protein level via MAPK pathway in HaCaT cells. Also, RR extracts inhibited IGF-II induced VEGF mRNA and protein expression levels in the HaCaT keratinocytes. These results suggest that inhibition of HIF-1${\alpha}$ and VEGF expressions by RR extracts contributes to the anti angiogenic effects.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.316-320
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• 2010

HRV(Heart rate variability) analysis parameter is widely used as an index to evaluate the autonomic nervous system and cardiac function. For reliable HRV analysis, we need to acquire the accurate ECG signals. Most of commercially available portable ECG devices have low sampling rate because of low power consumption and small size issues, which make it difficult to measure RR-interval accurately. This study is to improve the accuracy of RR-interval by developing R-wave interpolation technique, based on the morphological characteristics of the QRS complex. When the developed method was applied to ECG obtained at 200 Hz and the results were compared with 1000 Hz reference device, the error range decreased by 1.33 times in sitting and by 2.38 times in cycling exercise. Therefore, the proposed interpolation technique is thought to be useful to improve the accuracy of R-R interval in the portable ECG device with low sampling rate.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.22-31
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• 2011

This systematic review was conducted to assess the clinical effect of ocular fluoroquinolones used for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. A literature search for randomized controlled clinical trials registered up to January 2010 based on PubMed database, using the following search terms: conjunctivitis and fluoroquinolones (besifloxacin, moxifloxacin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, lomefloxacin, ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin) were performed. Pooled data on the clinical resolution and bacterial eradication rates derived from selected 16 studies were reported as the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) compared with placebo. Early clinical resolution and microbiological eradication rates in placebo were 28% and 62% respectively. Fluoroquinolones were significantly effective comparing to placebo: early RR 1.94 (95% CI 1.60~2.34) and late RR 1.30 (1.19~1.43) in clinical resolution rates, and early RR 1.75 (1.58~1.94) and late RR 1.28 (1.18~1.39) in microbiological eradication rates. Besifloxacin, ciprofloaxain and moxifloxacin in clinical resolution, and besifloxacin and levofloxacin in microbiological eradication showed higher RRs than pooled overall fluoroquinolones' RRs. New quinolones had higher antibacterial potencies for all pathogens isolated from bacterial conjunctivitis and resistant isolates than old generation quinolones. In conclusion, ocular 7 fluoroquinolones were all effective than placebo for bacterial conjunctivitis and there were differences between quinolones in early and late clinical resolutions and microbiological eradications, and no differences in safety comparing to placebo.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.545-560
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• 2010

Two or more distinct materials are combined into a single functionally graded material (FGM) where the microstructural composition and properties change gradually. Thermal post-buckling behavior of uniform slender FGM beams is investigated independently using the classical Rayleigh-Ritz (RR) formulation and the versatile Finite Element Analysis (FEA) formulation developed in this paper. The von-Karman strain-displacement relations are used to account for moderately large deflections of FGM beams. Bending-extension coupling arising due to heterogeneity of material through the thickness is included. Simply supported and clamped beams with axially immovable ends are considered in the present study. Post-buckling load versus deflection curves and buckled mode shapes obtained from both the RR and FEA formulations for different volume fraction exponents show an excellent agreement with the available literature results for simply supported ends. Response of the FGM beam with clamped ends is studied for the first time and the results from both the RR and FEA formulations show a very good agreement. Though the response of the FGM beam could have been studied more accurately by FEA formulation alone, the authors aim to apply the RR formulation is to find an approximate closed form post-buckling solutions for the FGM beams. Further, the use of the RR formulation clearly demonstrates the effect of bending-extension coupling on the post-buckling response of the FGM beams.