• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제51권7호
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• pp.736-741
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• 2008

Purpose : The incidence of thromboembolic episodes in children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) is low; however, these episodes are often severe. Moreover, both pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and renal vein thrombosis (RVT) rarely show clinical symptoms. This study was performed to determine the benefits of routine screening in the detection of thrombosis in childhood NS. Methods : Among 62 children with nephrotic syndrome, a total of 54 children (43 males, 11 females) were included in this study. When the patients experienced their first NS episode, we performed renal Doppler ultrasonography in order to detect RVT. To rule out the possibility of PTE, a lung perfusion scan was performed. Computed tomographic (CT) pulmonary angiography was recommended to patients who showed possible signs of PTE. All patients were evaluated for clinical signs of thrombosis, biochemical indicators of renal disease, as well as clotting and thrombotic parameters. Results : RVT or related clinical symptoms were not observed in any children. Based on the findings of the lung perfusion scans, 15 patients (27.8%) were observed with as a high probability of PTE. We were able to perform a CT pulmonary angiography only on 12 patients, and 5 patients were diagnosed with PTE (prevalence 8.1%). The serum fibrinogen level in the group with PTE was significantly higher ($776.7{\pm}382.4mg/dL$, P<0.05) than that in the group without PTE, and other parameters were not significantly different between each group. Conclusion : Further studies are required for clarifying the role of renal Doppler ultrasonography for the detection of RVT in NS. Children with NS who developed non-specific respiratory symptoms should be evaluated for the diagnosis of PTE. In the management of NS, a lung perfusion scan should be performed at the time of the initial episode of NS regardless of the pulmonary symptoms, since patients having PTE are either often asymptomatic, or present with nonspecific symptoms.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• 제38권3호통권113호
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• pp.341-351
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• 2005

Ecological stream health, based on the index of biological integrity (IBI) , was evaluated at five sampling locations of Youdeung Stream during August-October 2004. For the study, we also analyzed spatial and temporal patterns of conventional water quality over tine period of 1995 ${\sim}$ 2004, using the water chemistry dataset, obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Korea. The water quality parameters used here were conductivity, total suspended solids (TSS), biochemical oxygen demand $(BOD_5)$, chemical oxygen demand $(COD_{mn})$, total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP). The multi-metric model values averaged 27.8 in the stream and ranged 24 ${\sim}$ 32. The health condition was judged as 'Fair' to 'Poor' conditions, according to the stream health criteria of US EPA (1993). Longitudinal variation occurred from the upstream to downstream reach; largest differences in all water quality variables occurred between Site 5 and the other sites. This was mainly attributed to the impacts of wastewater treatment plants near the locations. Also, relative proportions of tolerance and omnivore species increased in downstream reaches. The model values, however, did not match the values, based on water quality parameters. We assume that this may be associated with primarily reduced water volumn during dry season in the stream along with modified physical habitat conditions.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• 제5권6호
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• pp.401-407
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• 2011

The purpose of this study is to know the differences of MR spectra, obtained from normal volunteers by variable TE value, through the quantitative analysis of brain metabolites by peak integral and SNR between 1.5T and 3.0T, together with PRESS and STEAM pulse sequence. Single-voxel MR proton spectra of the human brain obtained from normal volunteers at both 3.0T MR system (Magnetom Trio, SIEMENS, Germany) and 1.5T MR system (Signa Twinspeed, GE, USA) using the STEAM and PRESS pulse sequence. 10 healthy volunteers (3.0T:3 males, 2 females; 1.5T : 3 males, 2 females) with the range from 22 to 30 years old (mean 26 years) participated in our study. They had no personal or familial history of neurological diseases and had a normal neurological examination. Data acquisition parameters were closely matched between the two field strengths. Spectra were recorded in the white matter of the occipital lobe. Spectra were compared in terms of resolution and signal-to-noise ratio(SNR), and echo time(TE) were estimated at both field strengths. Imaging parameters was used for acquisition of the proton spectrum were as follow : TR 2000msec, TE 30ms, 40ms, 50ms, 60ms, 90ms, 144ms, 288ms, NA=96, VOI=$20{\times}20{\times}20mm3$. As the echo times were increased, the spectra obtained from 3.0T and 1.5T show decreased peak integral and SNR at both pulse sequence. PRESS pulse sequence shows higher SNR and signal intensity than those of STEAM. Especially, Spectra in normal volunteers at 3.0T demonstrated significantly improved overall SNR and spectral resolution compared to 1.5T(Fig1). The spectra acquired at short echo time, 3T MR system shows a twice improvement in SNR compared to 1.5T MR system(Table. 1). But, there was no significant difference between 3.0Tand 1.5T at long TE It is concluded that PRESS and short TE is useful for quantification of the brain metabolites at 3.0T MRS, our standardized protocol for quantification of the brain metabolites at 3.0T MRS is useful to evaluate the brain diseases by monitoring the systematic changes of biochemical metabolites concentration in vivo.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• 제48권3호
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• pp.143-150
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• 2021

In this study, we investigated the effects of light intensity on broiler chick growth performance, blood parameters, and stress levels. A total of 240 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers (47.97±0.166 g) were subjected to three different intensities of light (20, 30, and 50 lx), with each treatment being conducted with four replicates. On the seventh day, the growth performance (body weight, feed conversion ratio, and breast muscle and liver weights) and blood parameters were determined; the levels of serum corticosterone, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α were also evaluated. The body weight, weight gain, liver weight, and breast muscle weight of chicks exposed to a light intensity of 50 lx were significantly increased compared with those of chicks subjected to 20 lx (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the leukocyte, erythrocyte, and platelet counts and the biochemical profile exceptions being the levels of glucose and inorganic phosphorus in the blood of the chicks in the three light intensity groups. However, serum corticosterone and IL-6 levels were the highest in chicks exposed to a light intensity of 20 lx (P<0.05). In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate that broiler chicks exposed to higher light intensity (50 lx) show significant improvements in terms of weight gain and corticosterone and IL-6 levels. Thus, high light intensities enhanced the growth performance, stress levels, and immune status of broiler chicks.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.287-295
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• 2021

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of different feed withdrawal periods (2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 h) on Salmonella contamination in the crop, intestinal weight, and blood parameters of broilers before harvesting. A total of 100 broilers (initial live weight 1.906±0.06 kg) were randomly assigned to the same five treatment groups and broilers had access to water but no feed before catching. Feed withdrawal times were 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 h prior to slaughter. Measurements included live weight, pre-slaughter weight, carcass weight, weight of gastrointestinal tract. In addition, Salmonella and Campylobacter contamination in the crop, serum biochemical profiles, counts of leukocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets, and meat quality were assessed. The results demonstrate that carcass weight, blood corticosterone, meat pH, meat color, and water holding capacity did not differ based on the feed withdrawal time. Carcass yield increased as the withdrawal time increased, but the weights of the crop, proventriculus, jejunum, ileum, and rectum were significantly reduced by 6 h (P<0.05). Salmonella counts were the lowest in the crops subjected to 6 h of feed withdrawal (P<0.05). Shear force was highest in chicken breast meat after 6 h of feed withdrawal (P<0.05). However, when the feed was withdrawn after 6 h, the shear force increased, but it did not affect the sensory characteristics in consumers, and the Salmonella count also decreased and had a reduction effect on contamination during slaughter. These findings can serve as reference data for setting the feed withdrawal time.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• 제48권1호
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• pp.13-22
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• 2021

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of stocking density on the growth performance, immune status, and meat quality of broilers. In total, 385 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to one of four distinct stocking densities: 26 birds/㎡, 22 birds/㎡, 19 birds/㎡, and 16 birds/㎡. They were fed the diet ad libitum for 5 weeks. Immunoglobulin (Ig) and corticosterone levels were evaluated, and growth performance, blood parameters, and breast meat quality were determined. It was observed that the weight gain and feed intake of growers (21~35 d) and broilers (0~35 d) were significantly reduced as the stocking density increased (P<0.05). However, the feed intake of starters (0~21 d) significantly increased as the stocking density increased (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the biochemical profiles among the four different stock densities. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in the stress parameters: (heterophils / lymphocytes ratio and corticosterone), IgA, and IgM; however, IgG significantly increased with stocking density (P<0.05). The pH, water holding capacity, and cooking loss of the muscle were all unaffected by the stocking density, but the shear force (tenderness) increased slightly as the density increased. The findings of this study suggest that a lower stocking density (16 birds/㎡) significantly improved the shear force of breast meat and IgG in broilers.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제47권6호
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• pp.824-835
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• 1999

Background: Sleep-related breathing disorders are commonly found in patients with chronic renal failure and particularly, sleep apnea may have an influence on the long-term mortality rates in these patients. Maintenance hemodialysis is the mainstay of medical measures for correcting the metabolic derangements of chronic renal failure but it is uncertain whether it may alleviate sleep disorders including sleep apnea. Methods: Forty seven patients on maintenance hemodialysis were surveyed with the sleep questionnaire about their clinical symptoms related to sleep disorders. Among them, 15 patients underwent the polysomnography and their blood levels of urea nitrogen, creatinine, electrolytes and the arterial blood gases in the nights before and following hemodialysis were measured. Results: Forty(85.1%) of the 47 patients complained of the symptoms associated with sleep-wake cycle disturbances, 55.3% experienced snoring and 27.7% reported witnessed apneas. The duration of REM sleep increased significantly in the nights after hemodialysis compared to the nights without hemodialysis(p<0.05) and the percentage of total sleep time comprising NREM sleep decreased significantly in the nights following hemodialysis compared to the nights before hemodialysis(p<0.05). The percentage of total sleep time consisting of the stage 1 and 2 NREM sleep showed the trend for a decrease in the nights after hemodialysis(p=0.051), while the percentage of total sleep time comprising the stage 3 and 4 NREM sleep did not change between nights. The obstructive sleep apnea was more predominant type than the central one in both nights and there were no differences in the apnea index and the apnea-hypopnea index between the nights. The decrease in the blood level of urea nitrogen, creatinine, potassium and phosphorus was observed after hemodialysis(p<0.05), but the differences of parameters measured during polysomnography between the nights did not correlate with the changes of biochemical factors obtained on the two nights. Arterial blood gas analysis showed that pH was significantly greater in the nights after hemodialysis than in the nights before hemodialysis(p<0.05), but there were no correlations between the parameters examined during polysomnography and the parameters of arterial blood gas analysis(p<0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that chronic renal failure is an important systemic disorder which is strongly associated with sleep disorders. Maintenance hemodialysis, although it is a widely accepted measure to treat chronic renal failure, did not significantly modulate the sleep architecture and the severity of sleep apnea. Thus, taking the patients with chronic renal failure into account, it is advisable to try not only to find a substantial way for correcting metabolic derangements but also to consider the institution of more effective treatments for sleep disorders.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• 제34권2호
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• pp.99-116
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• 2016

We herein performed animal safety assessment in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations with the aim of developing sialic acid from glycomacropeptide (hereafter referred to as "GMP") as an index ingredient and functional component in functional foods. GMP is a type of whey protein derived from milk and a safe food, with multiple functions, such as antiviral activity. A test substance was produced containing 7% (w/w) sialic acid and mostly-hydrolyzed whey protein (hereafter referred to as "7%-GNANA") by enzymatic treatment of substrate GMP. The maximum intake test dose level was selected based on 5,000 mg/kg/day dose set for male NOEL (no-observed-effect-level) and female NOAEL (no-observed-adverse-effect-level) determined by a dose-range finding (DRF) test (GLP Center of Catholic University of Daegu, Report No. 15-NREO-001) that was previously conducted with the same test substance. To evaluate the toxicity of a repeated oral dose of the test substance in connection with the previous DRF study, 1,250, 2,500, and 5,000 mg/kg of the substance were administered by a probe into the stomachs of 6-week-old SPF Sprague-Dawley male and female rats for 90 d. Each test group consisted of 10 male and 10 female rats. To determine the toxicity index, all parameters, such as observation of common signs; measurements of body weight and food consumption; ophthalmic examination; urinalysis, electrolyte, hematological, and serum biochemical examination; measurement of organ weights during autopsy; and visual and histopathological examinations were conducted according to GLP standards. After evaluating the results based on the test toxicity assessment criteria, it was determined that NOAEL of the test substance, 7%-GNANA, was 5,000 mg/kg/day, for both male and female rats. No animal death was noted in any of the test groups, including the control group, during the study period, and there was no significant difference associated with test substance, as compared with the control group, with respect to general symptoms, body weight changes, food consumption, ophthalmic examination, urinalysis, hematological and serum biochemical examination, and electrolyte and blood coagulation tests during the administration period (P<0.05). As assessed by the effects of the test substance on organ weights, food consumption, autopsy, and histopathological safety, change in kidney weight as an indicator of male NOAEL revealed up to 20% kidney weight increase in the high-dose group (5,000 mg/kg/day) compared with the change in the control group. However, it was concluded that this effect of the test substance was minor. In the case of female rats, reduction of food consumption, increase of kidney weight, and decrease of thymus weight were observed in the high-dose group. The kidney weight increased by 10.2% (left) and 8.9% (right) in the high-dose group, with a slight dose-dependency compared with that of the control group. It was observed that the thymus weight decreased by 25.3% in the high-dose group, but it was a minor test substance-associated effect. During the autopsy, botryoid tumor was detected on the ribs of one subject in the high-dose group, but we concluded that the tumor has been caused by a naturally occurring (non-test) substance. Histopathological examination revealed lesions on the kidney, liver, spleen, and other organs in the low-dose test group. Since these lesions were considered a separate phenomenon, or naturally occurring and associated with aging, it was checked whether any target organ showed clear symptoms caused by the test substance. In conclusion, different concentrations of the test substance were fed to rats and, consequently, it was verified that only a minor effect was associated with the test substance in the high-dose (5,000 mg/kg/day) group of both male and female rats, without any other significant effects associated with the test substance. Therefore, it was concluded that NOAEL of 7%-GNANA (product name: Helicobactrol) with male and female rats as test animals was 5,000 mg/kg/day, and it thus was determined that the substance is safe for the ultimate use as an ingredient of health functional foods.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• 제45권10호
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• pp.1406-1413
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• 2016

This study was carried out to evaluate the toxicity of ethanolic extracts of Morus alba L. branch (ME). In the reverse mutation test, Salmonella Typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1357, and Escherichia coli WP2uvrA were used to estimate the mutagenic potential of ME. Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered ME at levels of 1,250, 2,500, and 5,000 mg/kg for the single-dose toxicity test and 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg/d for the repeated-dose toxicity test for 28 consecutive days. As expected, reverse mutation was not detected at any concentration of ME, regardless of application of the metabolic activation system with or without S9 mix. In the single-dose toxicity test, ME caused neither significant visible signs of toxicity nor mortality in rats, and $LD_{50}$ was estimated to be over 5,000 mg/kg. In the repeated-dose toxicity test, ME administration at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg for 28 days to male or female rats did not result in mortality. Similarly, no toxicologically significant treatment-related changes in body weight, food intake, or organ weights were noted. Several hematological and biochemical parameters in both genders showed significant differences, but these were within normal ranges. These results support the safe use of ME.

• Journal of Life Science
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.219-227
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• 2009

The antifatigue and endurance promoting properties of two Korean medicinal herb extracts and molasses with various mineral components were studied by evaluating forced-swimming capacity and biochemical parameters in ICR mice. The treatment groups were orally administered mineral beverages which were contained 6% sugar with the mixture of Maesil (Prunus mume fruit) extracts, Omija (Schisandra chinensis fruit) extracts and molasses for 4 weeks. The exercised forced-swimming tests were conducted after 28 days of beverage supplementation. The swimming times to exhaustion were longer 1.5${\sim}$2 times in group 6 and group 10 than control goup (Control: 93.2${\pm}$10.4 sec; Beverage 6; 190.8${\pm}$25.6 sec, Beverage 10; 173.6${\pm}$21.8 sec; p<0.05). Moreover, the activity of hexokinase (Control: 5.23${\pm}$0.38 ${\mu}mol$l/g tissue; Beverage 6: 5.99${\pm}$0.18 ${\mu}mol$/g tissue, Beverage 10: 6.13${\pm}$0.25 ${\mu}mol$/g tissue, p<0.05) and citrate synthase (control: 42.9${\pm}$1.87 ${\mu}mol$/g tissue; Beverage 6: 56.8${\pm}$3.98 ${\mu}mol$/g tissue, Beverage 10; 59.5${\pm}$3.09 ${\mu}mol$/g tissue, p<0.05) were also significantly higher than those of control group. Even if the treatment groups had long swimming than control group, there is no significant difference in the glycogen contents of gastrocnemus muscle or liver between the control group and each treatment group. This demonstrated an improvement in endurance. These results suggest that reported herbal beverage is very effective to combat fatigue, improve endurance and increase overall physical activity.