• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.58 no.3
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• pp.96-101
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• 2015

Purpose: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory relapsing skin disorder. Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in the development of AD, and interleukin (IL) 31 is known to be related to pruritus in AD. The aim of our study was to determine whether 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels are related to IL-31 levels or to the severity of AD. Methods: We enrolled 91 children with AD and 32 control subjects without history or symptoms of allergic diseases. Blood was drawn to evaluate complete blood cell count, total eosinophil count (TEC), and total IgE, specific IgE to common allergens, 25(OH)D, and IL-31 levels. Serum 25(OH)D and IL-31 levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index was used to evaluate the severity of AD. Results: The mean 25(OH)D level was significantly lower in the AD group than in the control group; 25(OH)D decreased greatly in the moderate and severe AD groups compared with the mild AD group. Children with atopic sensitization showed significantly lower 25(OH)D levels than nonatopic children. However, serum IL-31 levels were not related to AD group, SCORAD index, or 25(OH)D levels. The SCORAD index was inversely correlated with serum 25(OH)D level and positively correlated with TECs and total IgE levels. Children with moderate and severe AD had significantly higher TECs than children with mild AD. Conclusion: Vitamin D is related to the severity of AD independently of IL-31.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.314-317
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• 2011

A 16-year-old, spayed female, Maltese dog weighing 4.3 kg was presented with a 2-week history of yellowish nose-and oral-discharge, anorexia and lethargy. In physical examination, indefinite ulcerative mass about $3{\times}3$ cm in size in the left sublingual region, severe gingivoperiodontitis, halitosis, moderate dental calculus, fever and swelling of mandible soft tissue were noted. In radiographic view, periodontitis and bone lysis findings on the left rostral part of maxilla and mandible were observed. In complete blood count and blood chemistry test, thrombocytosis, increased levels of serum $NH_3$, AST and ALP were obtained. Urinalysis revealed hematuria and proteinuria. In histological examination, squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed. No surgery was performed, but combined treatment with carboplatin and piroxicam was initiated. Five days after initiation of medication, because of insistent vomiting, piroxicam was substituted to meloxicam. Although the therapeutic efficacy of meloxicam could not be known; administration of meloxicam might be less potential to gastrointestinal side-effects than piroxicam. The dog totally received 3 times of carboplatin infusion. Five days after third infusion of carboplatin, the dog was hospitalized with severe lethargy, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. In examination, severe renal failure signs were noted, and the dog was euthanized.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.5 no.1 s.8
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• pp.7-26
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• 2002

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate acute and subacute toxicity and sarcoma-180 anti-cancer effects of herbal acupuncture with Carthami- Tinctorii fructus (CF) in mice and rats. Method: Balb/c mice were injected intraperitoneally with Carthami - Tinctorii fructus (CF) for $LD_{50}$ and acute toxicity test. Sprague Dawley rats were injected intraperitoneally with Carthami- Tinctorii fructus (CF) for subacute toxicity test. The Carthami- Tinctorii fructus herbal-acupuncture was injected on Chung-wan (CV12) of mice with Sarcoma-180 cancer cell line. Results: 1. $LD_{50}$ was uncountable as none of the subjects expired during the test. 2. In acute toxicity test, toxic symptoms were not detected, but the body weight of mice was increased in treatment Ⅰ, treatment Ⅱ groups, compared to the normal group.(p<0.05) 3. In acute toxicity test of serum biochemical values of mice, glucose was increased in treatment Ⅰ and treatment Ⅱ groups, total cholesterol was increased in treatment I group, GOT was decreased in treatment Ⅱ group, and GPT was decreased in treatment Ⅰ group, compared to the normal group.(p<0.05) 4. The clinical signs and the body weight of mice treated with 0.1 cc, 0.2cc Carthami- Tinctorii fructus (CF) were not affected during the subacute toxicity test. 5. In subacute toxicity test, treatment groups didn't show significant changes in complete blood count test (CBC) of rats, compared to the nonnal group.(p<0.05) 6. In subacute toxicity test of serum biochemical values of rats, uric acid was decreased in treatment Ⅰ and treatment Ⅱ groups, compared to the nonnal group, triglyceride was decreased in treatment I group, compared to the normal group, GOT and GPT were decreased in treatment I and treatment Ⅱ groups, and alkaline phosphatase was decreased in treatment Ⅰ and treatment Ⅱ groups, compared to the normal group.(p<0.05) 7. Median survival time was increased in all the treatment groups for Sarcoma-180 cancer cell treated with Carthmni- Tinctorii fructus (CF).(p<0.05) 8. Natural killer cell activity was significantly increased in all the treatment groups compared to the normal group.(p<0.05) 9. Interleukin-2 productivity was decreased in treatment Ⅰ and treatment Ⅱ groups.(p<0.05) Conclusion: According to the results, we can conclude herbal-acupuncture of Carthami-Tinctoriifructus (CF) caused negligible toxkity, and had anti-tumor effects in mice.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.120-136
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• 2002

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate Acute and Subacute Toxicity, and Anti-cancer Effect of H Herbal-acupuncture on mice and rats. Methods : Balb/c mice were injected intraperitoneally with H Herbal-acupuncture for $LD_{50}$ and acute toxicity test. Sprague-Dawley rats were experimented in the same way for subacute toxicity test. H Herbal-acupuncture was injected into abdomen of mice having S-180 cancer cell line. Result : 1. During the test, $LD_{50}$ could not be counted since there was no expired subjects. 2. In an acute toxicity test, the loss of motility and reflex action was observed, but weight increased in the treatment group, compared with those in the normal group (P<0.05). 3. In an acute toxicity test of serum biochemical values of mice, glucose increased in the treatment group II while total cholesterol was increased in the all treatment groups (P<0.05). 4. In a subacute toxicity test, a little loss of motility and reflex action was observed in the treatment group. Weight of mice in the treatment group decreased on the 28th day. 5. In a subacute toxicity test, liver weight was decreased but lung weight of mice increased in the all treatment groups (P<0.05). 6. As a result of measuring Complete Blood Count test (CBC) of rat, HCT was decreased in treatments even though it was not significant, compared with the normal group (P<0.05). 7. In a serum biochemical value test of subacute toxicity, total protein and albumin decreased in the all treatment groups. Creatinine, glucose, GOT increased in the treatment group I compared with the control group. Alkaline phos-phatase decreased in treatment II group, compared with the control group (P<0.05). 8. Median survival time that was measured in the rats treated with sarcoma-180 cancer cell Median decreased in the treatment group, compared with the control group (P<0.05). 9. Natural killer cell activity showed significant reduction at 100:1 and 10:1 E/T ratio while it increased at 50:1 E/T ratio. It is inferred that there was an error in the experiment (P<0.05). 10. In an interleukin-2 productivity test, even though it decreased in lung cancer, and increased in abdomen cancer, but it was only a small difference (P<0.005). 11. After injecting B16F10 cell into a capillary vessel of C57BL/6 mice and generating metastasized lung cancer, the lung was examined with the naked eye. It was not possible to see metastasized cancer in the all groups on the seventh day but the cancer was viewed on the fourteenth day. The number and volume of metastasized cancer in the treatment group enlarged in the treatment group, compared with the control group. Conclusion : According to the results, H herbal-acupuncture took no effects in cancer.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.8-12
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• 2008

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and clinical characteristics of anemia and to define the risk factors for anemia in older Koreans in Asan. From January to February 2002, five hundred sixty two community-dwelling older adults aged over 60 years were selected from a cross sectional study. All subjects underwent laboratory tests, which included a complete blood cell count, reticulocyte, liver and renal functional tests, lipid profiles and iron status tests. The median age was 68.6 years (range, 60-92 years). The mean levels of hemoglobin were $14.4{\pm}1.3\;g/dL$ in men and $12.9{\pm}1.0\;g/dL$ in women, and the overall prevalence of anemia was 12.5% in all subjects, 10.8% in men and 13.6% in women. The prevalence of anemia was the lowest among age group of 60-69 (10.0%) followed by 70-79 (15.5%), and the highest among age over 80 (20.7%), but the difference was significant only for men. The age difference was more distinct in men than in women (p<0.05). The mean hemoglobin level was significantly lower in the subjects aged over 80 y than those in the 60-69 y group (p<0.05). According to a logistic regression analysis, lower albumin and higher creatinine levels were identified as independent risk factors of anemia among older adults in Asan. In conclusion, the overall prevalence of anemia in our study group was 12.5% and the highest (20.7%) among those aged over 80 y.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.10
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• pp.4699-4711
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• 2016

Background: In the last decade, it has become clear that change of gene expression may alter the hematopoietic cell quiescent state and consequently play a major role in leukemogenesis. WT1 is known to be a player in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and FOXP3 has a crucial role in regulating the immune response. Objectives: To evaluate the impact of overexpression of WT1and FOXP3 genes on clinical course in adult and pediatric AML patients in Egypt. Patients and methods: Bone marrow and peripheral blood samples were obtained from 97 de novo non M3 AML patients (63 adult and 34 pediatric). Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect overexpression WT1 and FOXP3 genes. Patient follow up ranged from 0.2 to 39.0 months with a median of 5 months. Results: In the pediatric group; WT1 was significantly expressed with a high total leukocyte count median 50X109/L (p=0.018). In the adult group, WT1 had an adverse impact on complete remission induction, disease-free survival and overall survival (p=0.02, p=0.035, p=0.019 respectively). FOXP3 overexpression was associated with FAB subtypes AML M0 +M1 vs. M2, M4+M5 (p =0.039) and the presence of hepatomegaly (p=0.005). Conclusions: WT1 and FOXP3 overexpression has an adverse impact on clinical presentation, treatment response and survival of pediatric and adult Egyptian AML patients.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.60 no.1
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• pp.24-29
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• 2017

Purpose: Previously, Kawasaki disease (KD) treatment with low-dose aspirin was administered for 6-8 weeks after the acute phase. However, inflammatory marker levels normalize before 6-8 weeks. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical outcome of short-term low-dose aspirin treatment based on inflammatory and thrombotic marker levels. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of patients with KD who were hospitalized at Chungnam National University Hospital between September 2012 and May 2014. When fever subsided, low-dose aspirin treatment was started. Inflammatory (white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein) and thrombotic markers (D-dimer) were monitored at follow-ups conducted in 1- to 2-week intervals. The low-dose aspirin administration was terminated when both markers were normalized and no cardiovascular complications were observed. Results: Eighty-four patients with KD (complete KD, n=49; incomplete KD, n=35) were enrolled. The inflammatory and thrombotic marker levels were normalized within 3-4 weeks on average. At the beginning the low-dose aspirin treatment, 9 patients had coronary artery lesions but 75 did not. When the low-dose aspirin administration was terminated at the time the inflammatory marker levels were normalized, no new CALs developed during the follow-up at 6-8 weeks. Conclusion: Most of the inflammatory marker levels were normalized within 3-4 weeks after the acute phase of KD. New cardiovascular complications did not develop during the course of the short-term aspirin treatment based on the inflammatory marker levels, clinical findings, and echocardiography.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.59 no.12
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• pp.471-476
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• 2016

Purpose: Chest radiography is often performed on patients hospitalized with typical clinical manifestations of bronchiolitis. We aimed to determine the proportion of subjects with pathologic chest radiographic findings and the clinical predictors associated with pathologic chest radiographic findings in young children admitted with the typical presentation of bronchiolitis. Methods: We obtained the following data at admission: sex, age, neonatal history, past history of hospitalization for respiratory illnesses, heart rate, respiratory rate, the presence of fever, total duration of fever, oxygen saturation, laboratory parameters (i.e., complete blood cell count, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP], etc.), and chest radiography. Results: The study comprised 279 young children. Of these, 26 had a chest radiograph revealing opacity (n=24) or atelectasis (n=2). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjustment for confounding factors, the clinical predictors associated with pathologic chest radiographic findings in young children admitted with bronchiolitis were elevated hs-CRP level (>0.3 mg/dL) and past history of hospitalization for respiratory illnesses (all P<0.05). Conclusion: The current study suggests that chest radiographs in young children with typical clinical manifestations of bronchiolitis have limited value. Nonetheless, young children with clinical factors such as high hs-CRP levels at admission or past history of hospitalization for respiratory illnesses may be more likely to have pathologic chest radiographic findings.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.305-309
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• 2013

Pyometra is a diestrual, chronic disease process with acute manifestations in the adult, ovary-intact bitch. Serosal inclusion cysts develop during postpartum involution as mesothelium becomes trapped during rapid uterine contraction. A 10-year-old golden retriever bitch presented with lethargy, anorexia, tachypnea, abdominal distention, and abnormal vaginal discharge. Radiographic, ultrasound, and laboratory examinations were performed. On ultrasound examination, the uterus was distended by fluid containing echogenic "snow storm" particles; cystic structures containing anechoic fluid were found adjacent to the body of the uterus. Leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and anemia were diagnosed by a complete blood cell count. The initial diagnosis was pyometra, and an ovariohysterectomy was performed. Macroscopically, the uterine body and horns were expanded and partially adhered to the abdominal wall; numerous cysts containing clear fluid protruded over the entire surface of the uterus. Escherichia coli that was sensitive to enrofloxacin, was cultured from the lumen of the uterus. Histopathological assessment confirmed a final diagnosis of pyometra and serosal inclusion cysts of the uterus.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.111-127
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• 2005

Objective : This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Mokhyangsaenghwa-tang (MS) and Mokhyangsaenghwa-tang plus Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu (MS-C) on postpartum recovery and lactation. Materials and Methods : We used 18-week pregnant Spraque Dawley rats and administered the decoctions of MS and MS-C to rats once a day for 4 days or 8 days. Then we observed changes in the body weight of pup rats and complete blood cell count, liver function test, renal function test, mammary gland tissue, level of serum prolactin, ${\beta}-casein$ and WAP of postpartum rats. Result : A significant increase in body weight was observed in MS-C treated pup rats compared with in MS treated group. The levels of WBC and platelet from MS group and MS-C group were decreased compared with the control group. The levels of RBC, hemoglobin and hematocrit from MS group and MS-C group showed statistically significant increases compared with the control group. The levels of protein, albumin from MS group and MS-C group were increased compared with the control group. The levels of BUN, creatinine from MS group and MS-C group did not show statistically significant changes compared with the control group. The mammary gland tissues from MS group and MS-C group showed increased angiogenesis. The levels of serum prolactin from MS group and MS-C group were increased compared with the control group. The expression of ${\beta}-casein$ and WAP genes from postpartum rats treated with MS and MS-C was increased. Conclusion : This study shows that MS and MS-C improved postpartum recovery and lactation in rats.