• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.7-13
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• 2004

Lactic acid fermentation of prickly pear extract (PPE) was performed by Lactobacillus rhamnosus LS, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Lactobacillus brevis. The PPE was pasteurized to eliminate indigenous microorganisms as well as to dissolve the partially insoluble pulp. The PPE fermented without yeast extract by L. rhamnosus LS exhibited 0.57％ acidity and 3.5${\times}$10$^{8}$ CFU/mL bacteria count. With the addition of 0.2% edible yeast extract the PPE fermented by L. rhamnosus LS exhibited 1.15％ acidity,2.7${\times}$10$^{9}$ CFU/mL bacteria count and 95.0% retention of red color. When 5％ fructose syrup was added, the PPE fermented by L. rhamnosus LS had 1.09% acidity, 6.5${\times}$10$^{8}$ CFU/mL, and 97.7% retention of red color. With 1∼3% (w/v) concentrations of starter, the PPE fermented by L. bulgaricus and L. brevis showed 0.97% and 0.65% acidities, respectively. The viable cell counts from L. rhamnosus LS fermentation were higher compared with those of other LAB. During cold storage at 4$^{\circ}C$, the viable cell count was well maintained for 3 weeks, but then rapidly decreased. The red pigment was highly stable during cold storage for 4 weeks. The pasteurized PPE fortified with 5% fructose syrup, 0.2% yeast extract, and 0.05% CaCO$_3$ was successfully fermented by inoculating with 3% LAB and incubating at 3$0^{\circ}C$ for 2 days. Both viable cell counts and the red color of the fermented PPE were well maintained during cold storage for 3 weeks.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.42-46
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• 2018

Purpose: We investigated whether the white blood cell (WBC) count to hemoglobin (Hgb) level ratio is correlated with the presence of cortical defects on dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scan in children with febrile urinary tract infection (UTI). Methods: We examined 95 children who were consecutively admitted to our hospital with their first episode of febrile UTI. Blood tests (C-reactive protein [CRP], WBC, Hgb] were performed. All enrolled children underwent DMSA scanning during admission. Data were compared between children with positive and negative DMSA results. The correlations between WBC to Hgb ratio and the presence of cortical defects on DMSA scan, and between WBC to Hgb ratio and CRP level were analyzed using the Pearson chi-squared test. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate whether WBC to Hgb ratio could predict the cortical defects on DMSA scan in children with febrile UTI. Results: The WBC to Hgb ratio was significantly higher in children with positive DMSA results than in those with negative DMSA results; positively correlated with the presence of cortical defects on DMSA scan and CRP; and was a significant factor for predicting the presence of cortical defects on DMSA scan. Conclusion: The WBC to Hgb ratio may predict the presence of cortical defects on acute DMSA scans in children with febrile UTI.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제41권2호
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• pp.222-226
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• 2017

Background: Long-term ginseng intake can increase longevity in healthy individuals. Here, we examined if long-term treatment with Panax ginseng Meyer (Korean Red Ginseng, KRG) can also enhance survival duration (SD) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 252 HIV-1 patients diagnosed from 1986 to 2013 prior to the initiation of antiretroviral therapy. Overall, 162 patients were treated with KRG ($3,947{\pm}4,943g$) for $86{\pm}63$ mo. The effects of KRG on SD were analyzed according to the KRG intake level and the length of the follow-up period. Results: There were significant correlations between the total amount of KRG and SD in the KRG intake group (r = 0.64, p < 0.0001) as well as between total amount of KRG and mean annual decrease in $CD4^+$ T-cell count in all 252 patients (r = -0.17, p < 0.01). The annual decrease in $CD4^+$ T-cell count (change in $cells/{\mu}L$) was significantly slower in KRG-treated patients than in patients receiving no KRG ($48{\pm}40$ vs. $106{\pm}162$; p < 0.001). The SD (in months) was also significantly longer in the KRG group than in the no-KRG group ($101{\pm}64$ vs. $59{\pm}40$, p < 0.01). Conclusion: KRG prolongs survival in HIV-1 patients, possibly by slowing the decrease in $CD4^+$ T-cell count.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제38권1호
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• pp.34-38
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• 2021

Background: We aimed to determine whether routine second trimester complete blood cell (CBC) count parameters, including neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), could predict obstetric outcomes. Methods: We included singleton pregnancies for which the 50-g oral glucose tolerance test and CBC were routinely performed between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation in our outpatient clinic from January 2015 to December 2017. The subjects were divided into three groups according to their pregnancy outcomes as follows: group 1, spontaneous preterm births, including preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes; group 2, indicated preterm birth due to maternal, fetal, or placental causes (hypertensive disorder, fetal growth restriction, or placental abruption); and group 3, term deliveries, regardless of the indication of delivery. We compared the CBC parameters using a bivariate correlation test. Results: The study included 356 pregnancies. Twenty-eight subjects were in group 1, 20 in group 2, and 308 in group 3. There were no significant differences between the three groups in neutrophil, monocyte, lymphocyte, and platelet counts. Although there was no significant difference in NLR, LMR, and PLR between the three groups, LMR showed a negative correlation with gestational age at delivery (r =-0.126, p =0.016). Conclusion: We found that a higher LMR in the second trimester was associated with decreased gestational age at delivery. CBC parameters in the second trimester of pregnancy could be used to predict adverse obstetric outcomes.

• 한국산업융합학회 논문집
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.365-378
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• 2022

Complete blood cell count(CBC) is a technique that counts leukocytes for each type of blood cell being analyzed. The principle is that laser is incident to ex vivo flowing leukocytes in a microcapillary tube and scattered light occurs by laser and leukocytes. By collecting the scattered light, we can count the types of cells because different cells generate different light-scattering patterns. However, the technique has an intrinsic limitation, scattering pattern is shown in a wide range region in the resulting, which makes it difficult to accurate analyze and use fluorescent dyes. To overcome this limitation, a new design of CBC with a dual laser, which irradiates with orthogonal angles for collecting quad-scattering information was proposed. Before development, the scattering difference depending on wavelength must be investigated to only catch up to the scattered signal by angles. Some studies, which focused on simple particles, have been conducted to theoretically and experimentally investigate different scatterings by wavelength. In this study, we propose an optical system for measuring scattered light and investigate a complex particle. As a result, the green laser made strong scattering signals in both the forward and side direction: 10% and 30%, respectively.

• 한국수산과학회지
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• 제57권1호
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• pp.15-22
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• 2024

This study assessed microbial contamination in seven fried fish pastes sold in Southeast Asian traditional markets during summer. It measured viable cell count, coliforms, Escherichia coli, fungi, and Staphylococcus spp. It also qualitatively analyzed Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Salmonella spp., Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Clostridium perfringens. The average viable cell count, coliforms and fungi were detected as 6.34 (3.84-8.13), 2.16 (1.00-3.55), and 3.92 (1.85-7.74) log₁₀ CFU/g, respectively. Staphylococcus spp. was detected at 4.59 (2.10-7.63) log₁₀ CFU/g. Some samples had high contamination levels: viable cell count (8.13 log₁₀ CFU/g), fungi (7.74 log₁₀ CFU/g) and S. aureus (7.63 log₁₀ CFU/g). However, E. coli was not detected in any samples (ND, <1 log₁₀ CFU/g). V. parahaemolyticus, Salmonella spp., B. cereus, L. monocytogenes, and Cl. perfringens were also not detected in the samples. The microbial contamination data provide insight into managing microbial contamination and ensuring the safety of fried fish pastes in traditional summer markets.

• 한국식품영양학회지
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.51-55
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• 2008

Colour and texture are the most difficult quality aspects of Kimchi to maintain during storage. Therefore, this study investigated how to maintain superior quality Kimchi during fermentation without changes in color and texture. By examining differences between samples covered with vinyl(A group) and not covered with vinyl(B group) and assessing pH, total acidity, total viable cell count, total lactic acid bacteria cell count and sensory characteristics. The results are indicated that pH, total acidity, total viable cell and total lactic acid bacteria were similar between group A and B. Group A showed higher sensory score for colour, taste, texture and acceptability than group B(p<0.001). Covering the Kimchi with vinyl appeared to have a similar effect as when Kimchi is kept in a Kimchi-pot under stones or the outer leaves of vegetables making it possible to maintain good color and texture during storage. In conclusion, even though, it is not practical to use Kimchi-pots within urban settings today, vinyl coverings may offer the same effects.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권12호
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• pp.7645-7649
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• 2013

Background: Immune functions and their relation to prognosis in breast cancer patients have become areas of great interest in recent years. Correlations between survival outcomes and peripheral blood flow cytometry parameters are therefore of interest. Here we focused on patients with non-metastatic breast cancer (BC). Materials and Methods: A total of 29 patients with pathological confirmed breast carcinoma and flow cytometry data were assessed for overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). Results: The median age of the patients was 54 years (range, 29-83). Multivariate analysis revealed that OS was significantly associated with absolute cytotoxic T cell count (95%CI, coef 2.26, p=0.035), tumor size (95%CI, coef -14.5, p 0.004), chemotherapy (95%CI, coef 12.9, p 0.0001), MFI of CD4 (95%CI, coef -5.1, P 0.04), MFI of HLA DR (95%CI, coef -5.9, p 0.008) and tumor grade (95%CI, coef -13, P 0.049) with R-Sq(adj)=67%. Similar findings were obtained for PFS. Conclusions: OS and PFS were significantly associated with tumor grade, tumor size, chemotherapy, MFI of CD4, HLA DR and absolute cytotoxic T cell count. The study revealed that MFI of basic CD markers and absolute cytotoxic T cell number may be a prognostic factors in women with non-metastatic BC.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• 제7권4호
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• pp.426-435
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• 2007

The present study was designed to determine the antitumor and antioxidant properties of methanol extract from the root of Galega purpurea (Papilionaceae) (MEGP) against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) bearing Swiss albino mice. Acute and short-term toxicity studies were performed initially in order to ascertain the safety of MEGP. The effect of MEGP on the growth of transplantable murine tumor, life span of EAC bearing hosts and simultaneous alterations in the hematological profile and liver biochemical parameters (lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes) were estimated. The MEGP showed decrease in tumor volume, packed cell volume and viable cell count and increases the nonviable cell count and mean survival time thereby increasing life span of EAC tumor bearing mice. Hematological profile reverted to more or less normal levels in extract treated mice. Treatment with MEGP decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation and increased the levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase. The results suggested that the methanol extract of Galega purpurea root exhibited antitumor effect by modulating lipid peroxidation and augmenting antioxidant defense system in EAC bearing mice.

• Journal of Microbiology
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• 제43권1호
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• pp.11-16
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• 2005

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. Neovastat, having significant antitumor and antimetastatic properties, is classified as a naturally occurring multifunctional antiangiogenic agent. We evaluated the therapeutic effect of Neovastat on airway inflammation in a mouse model of asthma. BALB/c mice were immunized subcutaneously with ovalbumin (OVA) on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 and challenged with inhaled OVA on days 26, 29, and 31. Neovastat was administrated by gavage (5 mg/kg body weight) three times with 12 h intervals, beginning 30 min before OVA inhalation. On day 32, mice were challenged with inhaled methacholine, and enhanced pause (Penh) was measured as an index of airway hyperresponsiveness. The severity of airway inflammation was determined by differential cell count of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. The MMP-9 concentration in BAL fluid samples was measured by ELISA, and MMP-9 activity was measured by zymography. The untreated asthma group showed an increased inflammatory cell count in BAL fluid and Penh value compared with the normal control group. Mice treated with Neovastat had significantly reduced Penh values and inflammatory cell counts in BAL fluid compared with untreated asthmatic mice. Furthermore, mice treated with Neovastat showed significantly reduced MMP-9 concentrations and activity in BAL fluid. These results demonstrate that Neovastat might have new therapeutic potential for airway asthmatic inflammation.