• Genomics & Informatics
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• 제17권1호
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• pp.5.1-5.9
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• 2019

The chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarcticus) and gentoo (P. papua) penguins are distributed throughout Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands. In this study, high-quality de novo assemblies of blood transcriptomes from these penguins were generated using the Illumina MiSeq platform. A total of 22.2 and 21.8 raw reads were obtained from chinstrap and gentoo penguins, respectively. These reads were assembled using the Oases assembly platform and resulted in 26,036 and 21,854 contigs with N50 values of 929 and 933 base pairs, respectively. Functional gene annotations through pathway analyses of the Gene Ontology, EuKaryotic Orthologous Groups, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases were performed for each blood transcriptome, resulting in a similar compositional order between the two transcriptomes. Ortholog comparisons with previously published transcriptomes from the $Ad{\acute{e}}lie$ (P. adeliae) and emperor (Aptenodytes forsteri) penguins revealed that a high proportion of the four penguins' transcriptomes had significant sequence homology. Because blood and tissues of penguins have been used to monitor pollution in Antarctica, immune parameters in blood could be important indicators for understanding the health status of penguins and other Antarctic animals. In the blood transcriptomes, KEGG analyses detected many essential genes involved in the major innate immunity pathways, which are key metabolic pathways for maintaining homeostasis against exogenous infections or toxins. Blood transcriptome studies such as this may be useful for checking the immune and health status of penguins without sacrifice.

• Animal Bioscience
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• 제34권3_spc호
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• pp.363-370
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• 2021

Objective: The effect of garlic powder (GP) and phenyl acetic (PA) acid throughout the fattening period of broiler chickens on performance, blood parameters, immune, and antioxidant parameters as well as carcass traits was evaluated. Methods: A total of 210 day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly distributed into seven dietary treatments having five replications with six chicks per replicate. The first group (control) fed a basal diet without supplements, whereas the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th group were fed basal diet plus 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 g GP/kg diet, respectively and the group 5th, 6th, and 7th were fed on the basal diet plus 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 g PA/kg diet. Results: Broiler body weight and gain at 21 and 42 days were increased (p<0.05) with diets supplemented with GP and PA. Red blood cells and hemoglobin were improved in chickens fed diets enriched with GP. Broiler chickens received diets containing either GP or PA recorded the higher values (p<0.05) of total protein, globulin, high-density lipoprotein, immunoglobulin M (IgM), and IgG, superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity; while, blood total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, aspartate-aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde were lowered (p<0.05) compared to control-diet. Liver and immune-related organs weight were improved (p<0.05) in broilers fed diet supplemented with GP and PA. Conclusion: Feeding of GP or PA in diet had positive effects on performance traits and immunological, antioxidant and physiological status of broilers. Thus, the use of tested feed additives as an eco-friendly alternative to antibiotics produced a positive effect on animal health.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제56권10호
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• pp.417-423
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• 2013

Vitamin D is an essential component of bone and mineral metabolism; its deficiency causes growth retardation and skeletal deformities in children and osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults. Hypovitaminosis D (vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency) is observed not only in adults but also in infants, children, and adolescents. Previous studies suggest that sufficient serum vitamin D levels should be maintained in order to enhance normal calcification of the growth plate and bone mineralization. Moreover, emerging evidence supports an association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels and immune function, respiratory diseases, obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, infection, allergy, cancers, and cardiovascular diseases in pediatric and adolescent populations. The risk factors for vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency in the pediatric population are season (winter), insufficient time spent outdoors, ethnicity (non-white), older age, more advanced stage of puberty, obesity, low milk consumption, low socioeconomic status, and female gender. It is recommended that all infants, children, and adolescents have a minimum daily intake of 400 IU ($10{\mu}g$) of vitamin D. Since the vitamin D status of the newborn is highly related to maternal vitamin D levels, optimal vitamin D levels in the mother during pregnancy should be maintained. In conclusion, given the important role of vitamin D in childhood health, more time spent in outdoor activity (for sunlight exposure) and vitamin D supplementation may be necessary for optimal health in infants, children, and adolescents.

• 대한암한의학회지
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• 제14권1호
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• pp.1-11
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• 2009

Objectives: Many countries have been using Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for treating cancer and it has been given more weight than before. This study aimed to look into its current status and perspective way to suggest the way which Korean oriental medicine goes to. Methods: We searched internet web sites that are relative with CAM in oncology parts and made lists for this study. We downloaded the essays in the form of electronic files in that web sites and copied the originals consulting to each libraries and relative institution. Results: North America was processing the standardization of CAM based evidences and China was making their traditional medicine representative medicine of CAM. India was developing their traditional medicine because of their domestic need and its results were recognized by National Cancer Institute (NCI). CAM was regulated and studied legally in Europe. Japan was using mushroom for immune therapy clinically. Mexico had a large scale of medical valley in Tijuana area and made it international. Conclusions: The efforts to develop and study CAM for treating cancer are increasing in the world. We need to know the current status of CAM in the world, and make our way that Korean oriental medicine goes to.

• Interdisciplinary Bio Central
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• 제2권4호
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• pp.10.1-10.5
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• 2010

Total aflatoxin and ochratoxin were detected in 3 naturally contaminated fish feed samples using immune-affinity method. The results revealed that the average levels of aflatoxins in the 3 examined samples were (15, 22 and $12\;{\mu}g/kg$) respectively while the average levels of ochratoxins were (15, 6 and $6\;{\mu}g/kg$). The results of determination of the effects of clay as a mycotoxin binder on the health status and performance of Oreochromis niloticus in comparing with a control group revealed that the survival rate in control group was 81% after the end of the culture season. The results also revealed that the survival rate in group 2 which received clay treated feed was 86%. The results of regular parasitological examination revealed the identification of trichodina as external protozoa in Oreochromis niloticus from both ponds but without manifestation of disease signs. The results of bacteriological examination revealed the isolation and identification of Pseudomonas flouresence from some moribund Oreochromis niloticus. Higher performance parameters were recorded in group 2 that received feeds treated with clay which reflected in the total production which reaches 1646.47 kg while in the control pond, the total production was1308.36 kg.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제17권7호
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• pp.3363-3367
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• 2016

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is a major health issue worldwide as well as in Pakistan. All women belonging to any race, ethnicity or lineage are in danger of developing breast cancer. Significant factors influencing the development of breast malignancies are the genetic background, environmental conditions, reproductive parameters, the consequences of female hormones both intrinsic and extrinsic, alteration of immune status, and biologic determinants. Materials and Methods: Overall 150 biopsy proven patients were included in the study. Samples were submitted for histopathology and determination of estrogen and progesterone receptor expression and HER-2/neu status. Associations with other characteristics like age, tumor stage, node involvement, histological grade were also studied. Results: Mean age at presentation was 46.7 years. The majority had invasive ductal carcinoma, 100 (84.7%), and were in stage pT3, 54 (45.7%). Important relationships (P<0.05) were found among ER, PR positivity, and Her 2 neu overexpression. However, no noteworthy link was identified amongst ER, PR, Her 2 neu and tumor grade, stage, age, lymph node involvement except for the menopausal status. Conclusions: In summary, breast cancer patients featured an advanced stage of disease, more lymph node involvement, and moderately high grade tumors and with more estrogen, progesterone receptor and HER-2 positive tumors.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제24권6호
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• pp.501-509
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• 2021

Extensive studies have shown that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants, especially during the first six months, because it fulfills almost all of their nutritional needs. Among the many functional building blocks in breast milk, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) have been receiving more attention recently. Furthermore, it is the third most common group of compounds in human milk, and studies have demonstrated the health benefits it provides for infants, including improved nutritional status. HMOs were previously known as the 'bifidus factor' due to their 'bifidogenic' or prebiotic effects, which enabled the nourishment of the gastrointestinal microbiota. Healthy gastrointestinal microbiota are intestinal health substrates that increase nutrient absorption and reduce the incidence of diarrhea. In addition, HMOs, directly and indirectly, protect infants against infections and strengthen their immune system, leading to a positive energy balance and promoting normal growth. Non-modifiable factors, such as genetics, and modifiable factors (e.g., maternal health, diet, nutritional status, environment) can influence the HMO profile. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of how HMOs can contribute to the prevention and treatment of nutritional issues during exclusive breastfeeding.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.247-252
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• 2013

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of supplementing various concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300, or 400 ${\mu}g/kg$ diet) of organic Se on growth performance, carcass traits, oxidative stress, and immune responses in commercial broiler chickens reared in open-sided poultry house under tropical climatic conditions. Each diet was fed ad libitum to eight replicates consisting of six birds in each pen from 1 to 42 d of age. Body weight gain and feed efficiency, and relative weight of liver, abdominal fat and ready to cook yields were not affected (p>0.05) by organic Se supplementation to broiler diets. Lipid peroxidation in plasma decreased, while activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase in plasma increased (p<0.01) linearly with Se concentration in diet. The ratios between heterophyls and lymphocytes and relative weight of lymphoid organs (bursa, spleen, and thymus), and antibody production to Newcastle disease vaccination were not affected (p>0.05) by Se supplementation to broiler diets. However, the cell-mediated immunity (lymphocyte proliferation ratio) increased (p<0.01) linearly with dietary Se concentration. The results of the present study indicate that the supplementation of Se did not influence body weight and feed efficiency. However, supplementation of Se increased antioxidant status and lymphocyte proliferation in broiler chickens.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제23권2호
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• pp.89-95
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• 2017

Tuberculosis (TB), mainly disseminated by infection of the respiratory tract, remains an unsolved community health problem by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). However, because of the different susceptibility to MTB, people infected with MTB do not all develop TB. These differences of disease arise from individual genetic susceptibility as well as the property of the microorganisms itself. CD226, one of the genetic factors that influences TB, interact with its ligand PVR and ITGB2. It is induced various cellular responses that contribute multiple innate and adaptive responses. In a previous study, CD226 enhanced immune efficacy induced by Ag85A DNA vaccination that is secreted protein by MTB. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between six genetic polymorphisms of CD226 gene and TB status with Korean population. Our results show that two SNPs of CD226 were identified to associate with tuberculosis. The highest significant SNP was rs17081766 (OR=0.70, CI: 0.54~0.90, $P=5.4{\times}10^{-3}$). According to this study, polymorphisms of CD226 gene affect the outbreak of TB in MTB-infected patients. It is suggested that polymorphism of other genes also associated with immune responses results in susceptibility to TB. The results from this study suggest that not only the characteristics of the microorganism itself but also the genetic background of the individual may affect progression of TB in MTB-infected patients.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• 제37권3호
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• pp.250-261
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• 2010

The expression of vaccine antigens in transgenic plants has the potential to provide a convenient, stable, safe approach for oral vaccination alternative to traditional parenteral vaccines. Over the past two decades, many different vaccine antigens expressed via the plant nuclear genome have elicited appropriate immunoglobulin responses and have conferred protection upon oral delivery. Up to date, efforts to produce antigen proteins in plants have focused on potato, tobacco, tomato, banana, and seed (maize, rice, soybean, etc). The choice of promoters affects transgene transcription, resulting in changes not only in concentration, but also in the stage tissue and cell specificity of its expression. Inclusion of mucosal adjuvants during immunization with the vaccine antigen has been an important step towards the success of plant-derived vaccines. In animal and Phase I clinical trials several plant-derived vaccine antigens have been found to be safe and induce sufficiently high immune response. Future areas of research should further characterize the induction of the mucosal immune response and appropriate dosage for delivery system of animal and human vaccines. This article reviews the current status of development in the area of the use of plant for the development of oral vaccines.