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[Purpose] This preliminary study aimed to develop a regression model to estimate the non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) of Korean adults using various easy-to-measure dependent variables. [Methods] NEAT was measured in 71 healthy adults (male n = 29; female n = 42). Statistical analysis was performed to develop a NEAT estimation regression model using the stepwise regression method. [Results] We confirmed that ageA, weightB, heart rate (HR)_averageC, weight × HR_averageD, weight × HR_ sumE, systolic blood pressure (SBP) × HR_restF, fat mass ÷ height2G, gender × HR_averageH, and gender × weight × HR_sumI were important variables in var ious NEAT activity regression models. There was no significant difference between the measured NEAT values obtained using a metabolic gas analyzer and the predicted NEAT. [Conclusion] This preliminary study developed a regression model to estimate the NEAT in healthy Korean adults. The regression model was as follows: sitting = 1.431 - 0.013 × (A) + 0.00014 × (D) - 0.00005 × (F) + 0.006 × (H); leg jiggling = 1.102 - 0.011 × (A) + 0.013 × (B) + 0.005 × (H); standing = 1.713 - 0.013 × (A) + 0.0000017 × (I); 4.5 km/h walking = 0.864 + 0.035 × (B) + 0.0000041 × (E); 6.0 km/h walking = 4.029 - 0.024 × (C) + 0.00071 × (D); climbing up 1 stair = 1.308 - 0.016 × (A) + 0.00035 × (D) - 0.000085 × (F) - 0.098 × (G); and climbing up 2 stairs = 1.442 - 0.023 × (A) - 0.000093 × (F) - 0.121 × (G) + 0.0000624 × (E).

[Purpose] This pilot study aimed to develop a re gression model to estimate the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) of Korean adults using various easy-to-measure dependent variables. [Methods] The EPOC and dependent variables for its estimation (e.g., sex, age, height, weight, body mass index, fat-free mass [FFM], fat mass, % body fat, and heart rate_sum [HR_sum]) were measured in 75 healthy adults ( 31 males, 44 females). Statistical anal ysis was performed to develop an EPOC estimation re gression model using the stepwise regression method. [Results] We confirmed that FFM and HR_sum were important variables in the EPOC regression models of various exercise types. The explanatory power and standard errors of estimates (SEE) for EPOC of each exercise type were as follows: the continuous exercise (CEx) regression model was 86.3% (R2) and 85.9% (adjusted R2), and the mean SEE was 11.73 kcal, interval exercise (IEx) regression model was 83.1% (R2) and 82.6% (adjusted R2), while the mean SEE was 13.68 kcal, and the accumulation of short-duration exercise (AEx) regression models was 91.3% (R2) and 91.0% (adjusted R2), while the mean SEE was 27.71 kcal. There was no significant difference between the measured EPOC using a metabolic gas analyzer and the predicted EPOC for each exercise type. [Conclusion] This pilot study developed a regression model to estimate EPOC in healthy Korean adults. The regression model was as follows: CEx = -37.128 + 1.003 × (FFM) + 0.016 × (HR_sum), IEx = -49.265 + 1.442 × (FFM) + 0.013 × (HR_sum), and AEx = -100.942 + 2.209 × (FFM) + 0.020 × (HR_sum).

We aimed to investigate the optimal number of oocytes retrieved in normal responders with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist (GnRHant) protocol in comparison with the GnRH agonist (GnRHa) long protocol. This retrospective study is based on a single-center cohort including 657 fresh cycles with day 3 embryo transfer using the GnRHa long protocol and the GnRHant flexible protocol at the fertility clinic of a university hospital between 2005 and 2019. The rate ratios (RR) of clinical pregnancy were evaluated using log-binomial regression depending on the categories by the number of retrieved oocytes and pituitary suppression methods. After controlling for age, body mass index, and basal follicle-stimulating hormone, women with 10–11 oocytes retrieved demonstrated a significantly higher chance of clinical pregnancy compared to the reference group (4–5 oocytes) (RR 1.68, 95% CI 1.12-2.53). However, retrieval of more than 11 oocytes did not show a significant difference in pregnancy rates (PR) from the reference group. In women treated with GnRHant, a significantly higher clinical PR was also observed in women with 10–11 oocytes retrieved compared to the reference group (RR 1.90, 95% CI 1.05–3.42). In women treated with GnRHa long protocol, a higher probability of clinical pregnancy was observed (RR 1.30, 95% CI 0.98–1.73) in the group with 8–11 oocytes retrieved and it demonstrated borderline statistical significance (P = 0.07). In summary, the optimal number of oocytes for maximizing the rate of a clinical pregnancy is different according to the method of pituitary suppression. Too many oocytes do not seem to be beneficial for achieving better clinical outcomes.

Little is known about North Korean user experience (UX). The advancement of information technology in North Korea is remarkable, and the spread of IT in North Koreans’ everyday lives exceeds our ex...

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of feeding diets naturally contaminated with deoxynivalenol (supplemental 2 mg/kg) on health, growth, and the effects of a mycotoxindetoxifying additive in newly-weaned pigs.Methods: Thirty-six pigs (27 day-old) were housed individually and assigned to 3 treatments for 5 weeks: CON (diet containing minimal deoxynivalenol), MT (diet with supplemental 1.9 mg/kg of deoxynivalenol), and MT+D (MT + mycotoxin-detoxifying additive, 0.2%, MegaFix, ICC, São Paulo, Brazil). The mycotoxin-detoxifying additive included bentonite, algae, enzymes, and yeast. Blood was taken at week 2 and 5. Jejunal tissue were taken at week 5. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS.Results: Pigs fed MT+D tended to have decreased (p = 0.056) averaged daily feed intake during week 1 than MT. At week 2, serum aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase in MT tended to be lower (p = 0.059) than CON, whereas it was increased (p< 0.05) for MT+D than MT, indicating hepatic damages in MT and recovery in MT+D. Pigs fed MT had lower (p

Communication among epididymal epithelial cells creates the best luminal condition where spermatozoa mature, transport and are stored. Vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) and cytokeratin 5 (KRT5) have been used as signal indicators for clear and basal cells of the epididymal epithelium, respectively, in mice, rats, bats, and pigs; however, these two markers have not yet been described in the epididymis of bulls. Here, we examined the presence and distribution of the B1 subunit of V-ATPase (B1-VATPase) and KRT5 in the distinct regions of adult bovine epididymides, specifically, the caput, corpus, and cauda. Immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy showed that narrow shaped-clear cells were placed in the caput and corpus regions of the bovine epididymis; however, they were absent in the cauda epididymis. In addition, B1-VATPase was highly expressed in the cauda spermatozoa; however, it was rarely detected in the caput spermatozoa. On the other hand, KRT5-positive cells, basal cells, were maintained beneath the basal lamina and they had the traditional form with a dome-shaped morphology from the caput to cauda region of the bovine epididymis. The co-expression of B1-VATPase and KRT5 was confined to basal cells placed in the basal region of the epithelium. In summary, 1) clear cells were present with region-specific localization, 2) B1-VATPase was present in the corpus and cauda spermatozoa but absent in the caput, 3) co-expressed cells with B1-VATPase and KRT5 were present in the adult bovine epididymis, and 4) B1-VATPase was not a specific marker for clear cells in the bovine epididymis. Therefore, the perfect epididymal luminal condition created by the specific expression and localization patterns of B1-VATPase might be necessary to obtain fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa in the bovine epididymis.

Increased metabolic burdens in breeding sows, which are induced by elevated systemic oxidative stress, could increase the need for nucleotides to repair lymphocyte DNA damage; however, de novo synthesis of nucleotides may be insufficient to cover this increased need. This study investigated the effects of dietary nucleotides on milk composition, oxidative stress status, and the reproductive and lactational performance of sows. Forty multiparous sows were assigned to 2 dietary treatments (Control group, and 1 g/kg Nucleotides group) based on a randomized complete block design using their BW at 85 d of gestation as a block. Sows from 2 groups were fed a restricted diet during gestation and ad libitum during lactation. The experiment lasted from 85 d of gestation to 21 d of lactation. The reproductive performance of sows and the growth performance of suckling piglets were measured. Oxidative stress parameters and milk components were also analysed. Data were analyzed using contrasts in the MIXED procedure of SAS. Sows in the Nucleotides group consumed more feed during the first week (P

This study investigated the impact of social distancing due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We retrospectively analyzed the change in glycosylated hemoglobin level (ΔHbA1c) in people with T2DM who undertook social distancing because of COVID-19. We compared the ΔHbA1c between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 cohorts that were enrolled at the same time of year. The ΔHbA1c of the COVID-19 cohort was significantly higher than that of two non-COVID-19 cohorts. Subgroup analysis according to age and baseline HbA1c level showed that social distancing significantly increased the mean HbA1c level of participants of

Presently, there is an increased demand for livestock products all over the world which has led to more devotion on improving livestock population. Although goats have been bred for a long time in Korea, but there is not much research conducted on traditional Korean black goat (Capra hircus coreanae) compared to other livestock populations. Mutton consumption has been dramatically changing from medicinal use to edible meat and this trend directs the black goat populations declining and also mutton import quantities are increasing consistently. The present study introduced a new estrus synchronizing technique with subsequent artificial insemination (AI) for Korean black goats to enable crossbreeding with non-native breeds for the small or subsistent farmers. Our data highlighted that, the percentage of motile sperm from the electro-ejaculated samples declined significantly after freezing and melting. In addition, the sperm motility significantly declined with regard to sperm incubation period (0, 5, 60, and 120 min at 37°C) and was negatively correlated (64.2 ± 7.9%, 63.3 ± 5.8%, 49.9 ± 6.3%, and 35.9 ± 7.6%, respectively) in frozen-thawed sperm samples. Moreover, the E2 levels were unchanged even 24 h after controlled internal drug releas (CIDR) withdrawal. But, 48 h and 72 h after CIDR removal, E2 levels increased significantly. These data helps us to consider the two time points for AI; CIDR removal after 24 h, at which E2 decreases, and after 48 h, as the time at which progesterone increases. Additionally, the AI after 48 h of CIDR removal group exhibited significantly higher pregnancy and parturition rates (42.9%) compared to AI after 24 h after CIDR removal 28.6% group. In conclusion, these studies will propose an optimal estrus synchronisation process with subsequent timing of AI and also will promote the Korean black goat breeding industry.

This study was to evaluate the effects of soy protein concentrate (SPC) supplementation replacing animal protein supplements on intestinal immune status, intestinal oxidative stress status, nutrient digestibility, mucosa-associated microbiota, and growth performance of nursery pigs. Thirty-two newly weaned pigs at 21 d of age with 6.4 ± 0.4 kg body weight (BW) were allotted to four treatments in a randomized complete block design with initial BW and sex as blocks. Pigs were fed for 35 d in three phases. Dietary treatments were SPC 0% (diets with fish meal 4/2/1%, poultry meal 10/8/4%, blood plasma 4/2/1%, and crude protein 24.6/22.6/20.9% for phase 1/2/3, respectively), SPC 33%, SPC 66%, and SPC 100% (SPC 0% diets with SPC replacing 33/66/100% of animal protein supplements, respectively). Pigs were euthanized on day 35 to collect jejunal mucosa and tissues to evaluate intestinal immune status, intestinal oxidative stress status, intestinal morphology, and mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum. Titanium dioxide was added in phase three diets as an indigestible marker. Ileal digesta was collected to measure apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients. Data were analyzed using MIXED and NLMIXED procedures of SAS. Increasing SPC supplementation by replacing animal protein supplements linearly decreased (P0.05) the BW, ADG, and ADFI of pigs during the overall period, and linearly increased (P0.05) peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) in jejunum. Increasing SPC supplementation linearly decreased (P0.05) feed cost per weight gain. In the exponential model, SPC can replace animal protein supplements up to 10.5% and 16.5% without reducing the ADG and ADFI of pigs, respectively. The SPC 100% decreased (P0.05) Helicobacteraceae, Campylobacteraceae, alpha diversity, and changed beta diversity of microbiota in the jejunal mucosa. In conclusion, SPC supplementation replacing animal protein supplements reduced growth performance by reducing feed intake, which might be related to increased PYY. However, 10.5% and 16.8% of animal protein supplements can be replaced by SPC without affecting BW gain and feed intake of nursery pigs, respectively. Complete removal of animal protein supplements by SPC supplementation modulated the composition of jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota by reducing Helicobacteraceae and Campylobacteraceae, whereas without affecting the intestinal immune status, intestinal oxidative stress status, intestinal morphology, and AID of nutrients in nursery pigs.Due to the high-quality nutrients and functional compounds, animal protein supplements are generally included in nursery pig diets to relieve the negative impacts caused by weaning stress. However, the high cost, short supply, and potential safety issues of animal protein supplements limit their use. Soybean meal is commonly used in swine diets due to the high nutritional values and competitive cost, however, antinutritional factors in soybean meal have been shown to impair the health and growth of nursery pigs. Soy protein concentrate is processed from soybean meal by ethanol extraction and efficiently removes the anti-nutritional factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of soy protein concentrate replacing animal protein supplements at various levels on intestinal immune status, intestinal oxidative stress status, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of nursery pigs. The use of soy protein concentrate completely replacing animal protein supplements showed benefits on modulating the bacterial ecosystem on the mucosal lining of the small intestine by decreasing potentially harmful bacteria, whereas without affecting intestinal immune status, intestinal oxidative stress status, intestinal morphology, and nutrient digestibility. However, excessive use of soy protein concentrate replacing animal protein supplements decreased the weight gain of nursery pigs due to reduced feed intake.

This study determined the supplemental effects of Lactobacillus fermentate (LBF, Adare Biome, France) on intestinal health and prevention of postweaning diarrhea caused by F18+Escherichia coli in nursery pigs. Sixty-four weaned pigs (6.6 ± 0.7 kg body weight) were allotted in a randomized complete block design to four treatments: NC: no challenge/no supplement; PC: E. coli challenge/no supplement; AGP: E. coli challenge/bacitracin (30 g/t feed); and PBT: E. coli challenge/LBF (2 kg/t feed). Bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) was used as a source of bacitracin. On day 7, challenged groups were orally inoculated with F18+E. coli (2.4 × 1010 CFU), whereas NC received sterile saline solution. Growth performance was analyzed weekly, and pigs were euthanized at the end of 28 d feeding to analyze intestinal health. Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedure of SAS 9.4. During the post-challenge period, PC tended to decrease (P = 0.067) average daily gain (ADG) when compared with NC, whereas AGP increased (P0.05) when compared with PC; PBT tended to increase (P = 0.081) ADG when compared with PC. The PC increased fecal score (P0.05) during day 7 to 14 when compared with NC, whereas AGP decreased it (P0.05) during day 14 to 21 when compared with PC. The PC increased (P0.05) protein carbonyl, crypt cell proliferation, and the relative abundance of Helicobacter rodentium when compared with NC. However, AGP decreased (P0.05) crypt cell proliferation and H. rodentium and increased (P0.05) villus height, Bifidobacterium boum, Pelomonas spp., and Microbacterium ginsengisoli when compared with PC. The PBT reduced (P0.05) crypt cell proliferation and H. rodentium and increased (P0.05) Lactobacillus salivarius and Propionibacterium acnes when compared with PC. At the genus level, AGP and PBT increased (P0.05) the alpha diversity of jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota in pigs estimated with Chao1 richness estimator when compared with PC. Collectively, F18+E. coli reduced growth performance by adversely affecting microbiota and intestinal health. The LBF and BMD improved growth performance, and it was related to the enhanced intestinal health and increased diversity and abundance of beneficial microbiota in pigs challenged with F18+E. coli.Newly weaned pigs are susceptible to multiple stressors that may lead to postweaning diarrhea, thereby causing significant economic losses in the swine industry. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strains are the major agents causing diarrhea in newly weaned pigs. Subtherapeutic antibiotics have been employed by producers around the world to mitigate this issue. However, the use of antibiotics as growth promoters has become a public health concern because of microbial resistance. This study used Lactobacillus fermentate (LBF) as a postbiotic to help maintain healthy microbiota on the intestinal mucosa and to prevent postweaning diarrhea caused by E. coli F18+. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of LBF on intestinal microbiota, intestinal health, and prevention of postweaning diarrhea caused by a challenge with E. coli F18+ in newly weaned pigs. Our model confirmed that the E. coli F18+ reduced growth performance by causing diarrhea, disruption of the microbiota composition, and increased immune response and oxidative stress in the small intestine of newly weaned pigs. Lactobacillus fermentate improved growth performance, and it was related to enhanced intestinal health and increased microbiota diversity in E. coli F18+-challenged pigs.

Interval training under hypoxia (IHT) is commonly used to enhance endurance exercise performance. However, previous studies examining hematologic changes related to the immune system that affect health and conditioning are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of IHT for 6-weeks on hematological parameters, hemodynamic function, and endurance exercise performance in amateur Korean female runners. Twenty healthy amateur Korean female runners (age: 24.85 ± 3.84 years) were equally assigned to normoxic training group (NTG) for interval training under normoxia (760 mmHg) and hypoxic training group (HTG) for interval training under hypobaric hypoxia (526 mmHg, 3000 m simulated altitude) according to their body composition and endurance exercise performance. All participants performed 120-min of training sessions, consisting of 20-min of warm-up, 60-min of interval training, and 20-min of cool-down. The training program was performed 3-days per week for 6-weeks. Warm-up and cool-down were performed for 20-min at 60% maximal heart rate (HRmax). The interval training sessions comprised 10 repetitions of interval exercise (5-min of exercise corresponding to 90–95% HRmax and 1-min of rest) on a treadmill. All participants underwent measurements of hematological parameters, hemodynamic function, and endurance exercise performance before and after training. Both groups showed a significant increase in erythropoietin (EPO) level and a decrease in monocyte abundance, with EPO showing a greater increase in the HTG than in the NTG. B cell abundance significantly increased in the NTG; hematocrit and neutrophil counts significantly increased, and lymphocyte counts significantly decreased in the HTG. The HTG showed a significant improvement in oxygen uptake, stroke volume index, and end-diastolic volume index compared to the NTG. In addition, both groups showed significant improvements in heart rate, end-systolic volume index, and cardiac output index. The maximal oxygen uptake and 3000 m time trial record were significantly improved in both groups, and the HTG showed a tendency to improve more than the NTG. In conclusion, the IHT was effective in enhancing endurance exercise performance through improved hemodynamic function. Furthermore, hematological parameters of immune system showed a normal range before and after training and were not negatively affected.

This study evaluated the effects of soy protein supplements replacing animal protein on growth performance and intestinal health of nursery pigs. Soy protein supplements included processed soybean meal processed after ethanol extraction, enzyme hydrolysis, and fermentation. Forty-eight newly weaned pigs (6.6 ± 0.3 kg BW) were allotted to 4 treatments in a RCBD with initial BW and sex as blocks. Pigs were fed for 39 d in 3 phases (P1/2/3 for 7/13/19 d, respectively). Dietary treatments were CON (basal diet with fish meal 4/2/1%, poultry meal 10/8/4%, and blood plasma 4/2/1% for P1/2/3, respectively), SPC, ESBM, and FSBM (basal diets with soy protein concentrate (SPC), enzyme treated soybean meal (ESBM), and fermented soybean meal (FSBM), replacing 1/3, 2/3, 3/3 animal protein supplements in P1, P2, P3, respectively). Titanium dioxide (0.4%) was added to diets as indigestible marker from d 32. Growth performance was recorded by phase. Pigs were euthanized on d 39 to collect samples to measure intestinal health and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of nutrients. Data were analyzed using SAS 9.4. The SPC tended to increase (P = 0.060) Ki-67+ crypt cells (26.7 to 29.0%), and decreased (P < 0.05) AID of EE (66.2 to 52.2%) without affecting growth performance and fecal scores. The ESBM tended to decrease (P = 0.098) protein carbonyls (1.93 to 1.38 nmol/mg of protein) in the jejunal mucosa without affecting growth performance. The FSBM increased (P < 0.05) TNF-α (0.39 to 0.72 pg/mg of protein) in the jejunal mucosa without affecting growth performance. Collectively, soy protein supplements obtained from soybean meal by ethanol extraction, enzyme hydrolysis, and fermentation can partly replace animal protein supplements without affecting the growth performance with minor impacts on intestinal health of nursery pigs.

This study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of benzoic acid and sodium benzoate on growth performance of nursery pigs. A total of 432 pigs (6.9 ± 0.9 kg BW) were assigned to 8 treatments (6 pigs/pen, n = 9) in a randomized complete block design with initial BW as a block and fed for 41 d in 3 phases (7/17/17 d, respectively). Treatments were 1) basal diet (BD), 2) BD + antibiotic, 3) BD + 0.30% sodium benzoate, 4) BD + 0.40% sodium benzoate, 5) BD + 0.60% sodium benzoate, 6) BD + 0.25% benzoic acid, 7) BD + 0.35% benzoic acid, and 8) BD + 0.50% benzoic acid. Diets contained nutrients meeting the requirement. Growth performance and fecal score were measured for each phase. Pigs representing each pen were euthanized to collect stomach and intestinal digesta to measure pH, and urine to measure pH and hippuric acid content. Data were analyzed using contrasts in Proc MIXED and slope ratio in Proc GLM of SAS. Increasing supplemental sodium benzoate showed a quadratic response (P < 0.05, max at 339 g/d) on ADG and linear increase (P < 0.05, 514 to 578 g/d) in ADFI. Increasing supplemental benzoic acid tended to have a quadratic response on ADG (P = 0.094, max at 323 g/d), but no difference in ADFI. Urine pH linearly decreased (P < 0.05, 7.5 to 5.7) with increasing supplemental benzoic acid, but was not affected by supplemental sodium benzoate. Increasing both supplemental sodium benzoate and benzoic acid linearly increased (P < 0.05) hippuric acid content in urine (3.0 to 10.4 and 3.0 to 9.2 g/L, respectively). With the slope-ratio assay using ADG and urine hippuric acid as dependent variables and benzoic acid intake as an independent variable, the estimates of bioavailability of benzoic acids were not different between sources. In conclusion, supplementation of sodium benzoate and benzoic acid increased growth performance without differences in efficacy between the sources.

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the effects of acute cold stress (10℃, 0℃) compared with ordinary temperature (20℃) on exercise performance and physiological response at rest and during exercise. Methods A total of 10 healthy men (21.55 ± 2.16) were selected. In each environmental condition (20℃, 10℃, 0℃), the three testing order was randomly selected at crossover, and there was a week interval between the graded exercise test (GXT). On the testing day, they remained resting for 30 min in each environmental condition. Dependent variables (body temperature, energy metabolism parameters, skeletal muscle oxygenation profiles, and exercise performance parameters) were measured at rest and during GXT. Results In body temperature, at each environmental condition, there was a significant decrease (p

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic that had affected more than eight million people worldwide by June 2020. Given the importance of the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) for host immunity, we retrospectively evaluated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of moderate-to-severe COVID-19 in patients with diabetes. Methods We conducted a multi-center observational study of 1,082 adult inpatients (aged ≥18 years) who were admitted to one of five university hospitals in Daegu because of the severity of their COVID-19-related disease. The demographic, laboratory, and radiologic findings, and the mortality, prevalence of severe disease, and duration of quarantine were compared between patients with and without DM. In addition, 1:1 propensity score (PS)-matching was conducted with the DM group. Results Compared with the non-DM group (n=847), patients with DM (n=235) were older, exhibited higher mortality, and required more intensive care. Even after PS-matching, patients with DM exhibited more severe disease, and DM remained a prognostic factor for higher mortality (hazard ratio, 2.40; 95% confidence interval, 1.38 to 4.15). Subgroup analysis revealed that the presence of DM was associated with higher mortality, especially in older people (≥70 years old). Prior use of a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor or a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor did not affect mortality or the clinical severity of the disease. Conclusion DM is a significant risk factor for COVID-19 severity and mortality. Our findings imply that COVID-19 patients with DM, especially if elderly, require special attention and prompt intensive care.

We examined the effect of ice‐binding protein derived from Leucosporidium (LeIBP) on the cryopreservation of bull semen and compared it with that derived from previously reported Antifreeze Protein III (AFPIII). Six concentrations of LeIBP (10–1 ~ 104 μg/ml) and AFPIII (10–1 ~ 104 μg/ml) were added to the bull semen extender, respectively. Sperm kinematic parameters were measured to examine sperm toxicity and cryopreserved sperm quality. Measures of antioxidant activity such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione/oxidative glutathione (GSH/GSSG), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were analysed to identify the effect of LeIBP on sperm quality. In addition, sperm viability was analysed using a flow cytometer and fluorescence microscope by SYBR14/PI staining. The results showed that the LeIBP groups (0.1, 1 and 10 μg/ml) were less toxic, and the quality of the sperm were dramatically improved in the extenders containing 0.1 μg/ml LeIBP among concentrations of LeIBP and AFPIII. The SOD activity of LeIBP was greater than that of AFPIII and control. In addition, sperm viability was enhanced in the LeIBP‐treated group. In summary, LeIBP is a useful cryoprotective adjuvant for bull sperm cryopreservation, and the most efficient concentration of LeIBP is 0.1 μg/ml., Supplementation with LeIBP can allow for a greater cryoprotective effect and viability in bull sperm.

A novel wide-field electron arc technique with a scatterer is implemented for widespread Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) in the distal extremities. Monte Carlo beam modeling for electron arc beams was established to achieve in-vivo measurement data. We enrolled one patient with recurrent KS on the lower extremities who had been treated with photon radiation therapy. The 4- and 6-MeV electron arc plans were created, and then compared to two photon plans: two opposite photon beam and volumetric modulated arc with bolus. Compared to the two photon techniques, the electron arc plans resulted in superior dose saving to normal organs beneath the skin region, although it shows inferior coverage and homogeneity for PTV. The electron arc treatment technique with scatterer was successfully implemented for the treatment of widespread KS in the distal extremities with lower radiation exposure to the normal organs beyond the skin lesions, which could be a treatment option for recurrent skin cancer in the extremities.

Objective: Two experiments were conducted using 28 healthy multiparous sows to evaluate the oxidative stress status and reproductive performance of sows during gestation and lactation under different thermal environments.Methods: Fourteen multiparous sows were used in Exp. 1 under a high thermal environment, and the other 14 multiparous sows were used in Exp. 2 under a moderate thermal environment. In both experiments, reproductive performances of sows were recorded. Plasma samples were collected on d 35, 60, 90, and 109 of gestation, and d 1 and 18 of lactation for malondialdehyde, protein carbonyls, 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine, immunoglobulin g (IgG), and IgM analysis.Results: For sows in Exp. 1, plasma malondialdehyde concentration on d 109 of gestation tended to be greater (p

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of vaginal progesterone for luteal phase support (LPS) on the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) in natural frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles via a meta-analysis.Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective studies that met our selection criteria. Four online databases (PubMed, Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Library) were searched between January 2017 and May 2017. Studies were selected according to predefined inclusion criteria and meta-analyzed using R software version 2.14.2. The main outcome measure was CPR.Results: A total of 18 studies were reviewed and assessed for eligibility. One RCT (n=435) and three retrospective studies (n=3,033) met the selection criteria. In a meta-analysis of the selected studies, we found no significant difference in the CPR (odds ratio [OR], 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60–1.55) between the vaginal progesterone and control groups. An analysis of the two retrospective cohort studies that reported the live birth rate (LBR) following FET showed a significantly higher LBR in the vaginal progesterone group (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.21–2.46). A subgroup meta-analysis of FET conducted 5 days after injection of human chorionic gonadotropin showed no significant differences between the two groups with regard to the CPR (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.90–1.55) or miscarriage rate (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.36–1.47).Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis of the currently available literature suggest that LPS with vaginal progesterone in natural FET cycles does not improve the CPR.

Prehospital paramedics play a critical role in the process of making decisions about patient safety, prehospital transportation, and treatments/procedures. There has been an increase in efforts to improve emergency medical services (EMSs) using new technologies and mechanisms. Notably, fifth-generation (5 G) mobile technology has many beneficial features (e.g., a high-speed and broader network, ultra-reliable low-latency communication, improved privacy and security), which can help prehospital paramedics provide better EMSs. This innovative technology can help streamline prehospital emergency care by enhancing the timeliness and efficiency of EMSs delivery and facilitating the provision of appropriate patient care, which in turn may improve patient outcomes. Despite its beneficial features, 5 G technology entails several issues and challenges, such as the following: (1) limited regulations and privacy and security concerns about the transmission of patient information through a 5 G network; (2) insufficient robust evidence upon which policies that aim to reform EMSs using 5 G technology can be founded; and (3) a lack of access to 5 G networks in many medically underserved and remote rural areas. These issues should be addressed by policymakers, technology developers, practitioners, and other stakeholders because their resolution is likely to improve healthcare quality and outcomes.

Summary Background Enophthalmos is one of the most distressing complications of orbital fracture, and when faced with a blowout fracture, plastic surgeons often find it difficult to determine the need for surgical correction. Although a number of studies have been conducted on this topic, no study has yet been performed using a set of measurable parameters. Methods We quantitatively measured orbital fracture areas (OFA), volumes (OFV), and medial rectus muscle cross-sectional ratios in patients with an isolated medial orbital wall fracture defect during a 5-year period from 2014 to 2018. Only conservatively treated patients constituted the study cohort. Enophthalmos was measured by two plastic surgeons at ≥6 months after trauma. We analyzed correlations between various parameters and degrees of late enophthalmos in the study cohort. Results Significant correlations were observed between several parameters and late enophthalmos. Multiple regression analysis resulted in the following coefficients: -0.449 is constant (p = 0.017), 0.596 and 0.460 for OFA (p = 0.000) and OFV (p = 0.005), respectively. However, no significant relationship was observed between enophthalmos and medial rectus muscle cross-sectional ratios (p = 0.340). Conclusions The results of this study enable the degree of late enophthalmos in conservatively treated patients to be predicted using OFV and OFA values. We suggest five indications that require surgical correction without long-term clinical follow-ups: (1) OFA ≥ 1.90 cm2, (2) OFV ≥ 1.00 cm3, (3) 1.30 OFA + OFV > 5.32, (4) signs of muscle incarceration, and (5) signs of severe retrobulbar hematoma. The more satisfactory the five indications are, the greater is the need for surgery.

This study empirically investigates weather effects on Korean stock index returns and market volatility based on the GJR-GARCH-X model. We focus on the issue about whether the weather effect is associated with financial deregulation and foreign investors’ transactions, which should not be affected by the weather conditions in Seoul City. To explore the weather effects by controlling for foreign investors’ trading, we employ daily stock index data and weather indicators (cloud cover, precipitation, sunshine hours, snow, and humidity) during the period from 1981 to 2016. Our empirical results suggest that there is little evidence for weather effects on KOSPI and stock returns by industry listed in the Korea Stock Exchange even if Korean financial market deregulations in 1997 increases foreign investors’ trading, but there is some evidence for weather effects on market volatilities.

OBJECTIVE Menopausal transition contributes to sarcopenia, but the effects of hormone therapy (HT) on sarcopenia in postmenopausal women have not been determined. This study assessed the effect of HT on sarcopenia in postmenopausal women. METHODS The present study included 4,254 postmenopausal women who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys from 2008 to 2011. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass divided by weight (ASM/Wt) and the prevalence of sarcopenia were analyzed in groups of women stratified by duration of HT use. RESULTS ASM/Wt was higher and the prevalence of sarcopenia was lower in participants with a history of prolonged (≥13 mo) HT use than in participants with a shorter duration of HT use or no HT use. After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, prolonged use of HT remained significantly associated with estimated mean ASM/Wt and the prevalence of sarcopenia (odds ratio: 0.60; 95% confidence interval: 0.41-0.88; P = 0.01). In addition, the prevalence of sarcopenia was linearly associated with history of hypertension, duration of hypertension, physical activity, and duration of HT use. Subgroup analysis showed that the association between duration of HT use and the prevalence of sarcopenia was maintained in younger (

[Purpose] This preliminary study aimed to develop a regression model to estimate the resting metabolic rate (RMR) of young and middle-aged Koreans using various easy-to-measure dependent variables. [Methods] The RMR and the dependent variables for its estimation (e.g. age, height, body mass index, fat-free mass; FFM, fat mass, % body fat, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, and resting heart rate) were measured in 53 young (male n = 18, female n = 16) and middle-aged (male n = 5, female n = 14) healthy adults. Statistical analysis was performed to develop an RMR estimation regression model using the stepwise regression method. [Results] We confirmed that FFM and age were important variables in both the regression models based on the regression coefficients. Mean explanatory power of RMR1 regression models estimated only by FFM was 66.7% (R2) and 66.0% (adjusted R2), while mean standard errors of estimates (SEE) was 219.85 kcal/ day. Additionally, mean explanatory power of RMR2 regression models developed by FFM and age were 70.0% (R2) and 68.8% (adjusted R2), while the mean SEE was 210.64 kcal/day. There was no significant difference between the measured RMR by the canopy method using a metabolic gas analyzer and the predicted RMR by RMR1 and RMR2 equations. [Conclusion] This preliminary study developed a regression model to estimate the RMR of young and middle-age healthy Koreans. The regression model was as follows: RMR1 = 24.383 × FFM + 634.310, RMR2 = 23.691 × FFM - 5.745 × age + 852.341.

The uncertainties of four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT), also called as residual motion artefacts (RMA), induced from irregular respiratory patterns can degrade the quality of overall radiotherapy. This study aims to quantify and reduce those uncertainties. A comparative study on quantitative indicators for RMA was performed, and based on this, we proposed a new 4DCT sorting method that is applicable without disrupting the current clinical workflow. In addition to the default phase sorting strategy, both additional amplitude information from external surrogates and the quantitative metric for RMA, investigated in this study, were introduced. The comparison of quantitative indicators and the performance of the proposed sorting method were evaluated via 10 cases of breath-hold (BH) CT and 30 cases of 4DCT. It was confirmed that N-RMSD (normalised root-mean-square-deviation) was best matched to the visual standards of our institute’s regime, manual sorting method, and could accurately represent RMA. The performance of the proposed method to reduce 4DCT uncertainties was improved by about 18.8% in the averaged value of N-RMSD compared to the default phase sorting method. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates RMA indicators using both BHCT and 4DCT with visual-criteria-based manual sorting and proposes an improved 4DCT sorting strategy based on them.

This study was conducted to investigate the functional roles of an endo-β-1,4-xylanase on the intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs. A total of 60 pigs (21 d old, 6.9 ± 0.8 kg body weight [BW]) were allotted based on a randomized complete block design with sex and initial BW as blocks. Dietary treatments had nutrients meeting the requirements with increasing levels of endo-β-1,4-xylanase (0, 220, 440, 880, 1,760 xylanase unit [XU] per kg feed) and fed to pigs in three phases (phases 1, 2, and 3 for 10, 14, and 14 d, respectively). Titanium dioxide (0.4%) was added to the phase 3 diets as an indigestible marker. On day 38, all pigs were euthanized to collect ileal digesta to measure apparent ileal digestibility (AID), jejunal digesta to measure viscosity, and jejunal mucosa to evaluate intestinal health. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure for polynomial contrasts and the NLMIXED procedure for broken line analysis of SAS. Increasing xylanase in the nursery diets reduced (linear, P0.05) the digesta viscosity in the jejunum. Increasing xylanase tended to reduce the relative abundance of Cupriavidus (P = 0.073) and Megasphaera (P = 0.063); tended to increase the relative abundance of Succinivibrio (P = 0.076) and Pseudomonas (P = 0.060); and had a quadratic effect (P0.05) on the relative abundance of Acinetobacter (maximum: 2.01% at 867 XU per kg feed). Xylanase from 0 to 1,087 XU per kg feed reduced (P0.05) jejunal malondialdehyde. Xylanase from 0 to 1,475 XU per kg feed increased (P0.05) the AID of neutral detergent fiber. Increasing xylanase increased (P0.05) the AID of ether extract and tended to increase (P = 0.058) the AID of crude protein. Increasing xylanase did not affect growth performance on overall period, whereas xylanase from 0 to 736 XU per kg feed increased (P0.05) average daily gain (ADG) during days 31 to 38. In conclusion, xylanase supplementation showed benefits on intestinal health by reducing digesta viscosity, the relative abundance of potentially harmful bacteria, and the oxidative stress in the jejunal mucosa, collectively enhancing intestinal morphology and the AID of nutrients. Xylanase supplementation at a range of 750 to 1,500 XU per kg feed provided benefits associated with reduced oxidative stress, increased nutrient digestibility, resulting in potential improvement on growth performance of nursery pigs by increasing the average daily feed intake and moderately improving the ADG throughout the last week of feeding.Cereal grains and by-products from cereal processing are extensively used in diets for pigs. These feedstuffs contain soluble fiber that makes digesta viscous in the small intestine. Increased digesta viscosity interferes with the digestion process, changes the ecosystem of bacteria on the mucosal lining of the small intestine, and impairs the intestinal health of young pigs. Supplemental enzymes targeting soluble fiber have been used in feeding young pigs in order to remove the negative impacts of soluble fiber on nutrient utilization and intestinal health. This study used the enzyme xylanase that specifically targets xylan and arabinoxylan largely present in corn and corn by-products. The aim of this study was to investigate how effectively this xylanase work in the small intestine of young pigs by reducing digesta viscosity, positively modulating the bacterial ecosystem on the mucosal lining of the small intestine, improving intestinal health, nutrient digestibility, and finally supporting growth. Xylanase supplementation to feeds for nursery pigs showed benefits on intestinal health by reducing digesta viscosity, oxidative stress, and potentially harmful bacteria in the jejunal mucosa, collectively enhancing intestinal morphology and nutrient digestibility.

ObjectiveAnalyzing neuroimages being useful method in the field of neuroscience and neurology and solving the incompatibilities across protocols and vendors have become a major problem. We referred to this incompatibility as “center effects,” and in this study, we attempted to correct such center effects of cortical feature obtained from multicenter magnetic resonance images (MRIs).MethodsFor MRI of a total of 4,321 multicenter subjects, the harmonized w-score was calculated by correcting biological covariates such as age, sex, years of education, and intercranial volume (ICV) as fixed effects and center information as a random effect. Afterward, we performed classification tasks using principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to check whether the center effect was successfully corrected from the harmonized w-score.ResultsFirst, an experiment was conducted to predict the dataset origin of a random subject sampled from two different datasets, and it was confirmed that the prediction accuracy of linear mixed effect (LME) model-based w-score was significantly closer to the baseline than that of raw cortical thickness. As a second experiment, we classified the data of the normal and patient groups of each dataset, and LME model-based w-score, which is biological-feature-corrected values, showed higher classification accuracy than the raw cortical thickness data. Afterward, to verify the compatibility of the dataset used for LME model training and the dataset that is not, intraobject comparison and w-score RMSE calculation process were performed.ConclusionThrough comparison between the LME model-based w-score and existing methods and several classification tasks, we showed that the LME model-based w-score sufficiently corrects the center effects while preserving the disease effects from the dataset. We also showed that the preserved disease effects have a match with well-known disease atrophy patterns such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. Finally, through intrasubject comparison, we found that the difference between centers decreases in the LME model-based w-score compared with the raw cortical thickness and thus showed that our model well-harmonizes the data that are not used for the model training.

Hun-Young Park,1,2 Won-Sang Jung,2 Sung-Woo Kim,2 Kiwon Lim1– 3 1Department of Sports Medicine and Science, Graduated School, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 2Physical Activity and Performance Institute (PAPI), Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 3Department of Physical Education, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of KoreaCorrespondence: Kiwon LimDepartment of Physical Education, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea, Tel +82-2-450-3827, Fax +82-2-450-3949, Email exercise@konkuk.ac.krPurpose: The present study verified the effects of interval training under hypoxia, a novel exercise modality for health promotion, on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and arterial and hemorheological function in healthy women.Methods: Twenty healthy Korean women (age: 19– 29 [24.85 ± 3.84] years) were equally assigned to interval normoxic training (INT, n = 10; residing and training under normoxia) and interval hypoxic training (IHT, n = 10; residing under normoxia and training under 526 mmHg hypobaric hypoxia) groups. All participants performed 90-min of training sessions composed of 15-min of warm-up, 60-min of interval training, and 15-min of cool-down. The interval training sessions composed of 10 repetitions of interval exercise using a treadmill (5 min of exercise corresponding to 90– 95% maximal heart rate [HR] and 1 min of rest). The training was performed 3 days per week for 6 weeks. All participants underwent body composition, HR variability, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), red blood cell (RBC) deformability and aggregation, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) measurements before and after training.Results: There were no significant differences in body composition between the groups. The IHT group showed a significant improvement in the ANS function (root mean square of successive differences, high frequency, and low frequency/high frequency ratio), arterial stiffness, arterial endothelial function (FMD), hemorheological function (RBC deformability and aggregation), and aerobic performance (VO2max) compared with the INT (all p < 0.05).Conclusion: In comparison with the interval training under normoxia, the interval training under hypoxia is a novel and effective exercise modality for promoting aerobic performance with the ANS and arterial and hemorheological function in healthy women.Keywords: interval training, hypoxia, heart rate variability, arterial stiffness, arterial endothelial function, erythrocyte deformability and aggregation, maximal oxygen uptake

The global market for nutritional supplements (NS) is growing rapidly, and the use of L-arginine (Arg), L-citrulline (Cit), and citrulline malate (CitMal) supplements has been shown to enhance cardiovascular health and athletic performance. Over the past decade, Arg, Cit, and CitMal supplements have received considerable attention from researchers in the field of exercise nutrition, who have investigated their potential effects on hemodynamic function, endothelial function, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, strength, power, and endurance. Previous studies were reviewed to determine the potential impact of Arg, Cit, and CitMal supplements on cardiovascular health and exercise performance. By synthesizing the existing literature, the study aimed to provide insight into the possible uses and limitations of these supplements for these purposes. The results showed that both recreational and trained athletes did not see improved physical performance or increased nitric oxide (NO) synthesis with 0.075 g or 6 g doses of Arg supplement per body weight. However, 2.4 to 6 g of Cit per day for 7 to 16 days of various NSs had a positive impact, increasing NO synthesis, enhancing athletic performance indicators, and reducing feelings of exertion. The effects of an 8 g acute dose of CitMal supplement were inconsistent, and more research is needed to determine its impact on muscle endurance performance. Based on the positive effects reported in previous studies, further testing is warranted in various populations that may benefit from nutritional supplements, including aerobic and anaerobic athletes, resistance-trained individuals, elderly people, and clinical populations, to determine the impact of different doses, timing of ingestion, and long-term and acute effects of Arg, Cit, and CitMal supplements on cardiovascular health and athletic performance.

Heart rate variability (HRV) is an effective tool for objectively evaluating physiological stress indices in psychological states. This study aimed to develop multiple linear regression equations to predict HRV variables using physical characteristics, body composition, and heart rate (HR) variables (eg, sex, age, height, weight, body mass index, fat-free mass, percent body fat, resting HR, maximal HR, and HR reserve) in Korean adults. Six hundred eighty adults (male, n = 236, female, n = 444) participated in this study. HRV variable estimation multiple linear regression equations were developed using a stepwise technique. The regression equation’s coefficient of determination for time-domain variables was significantly high (SDNN = adjusted R2: 73.6%, P 2: 84.0%, P 2: 98.0%, P 2: 99.5%, P 2: 75.0%, P 2: 77.6%, P 2: 30.1%, P 2: 71.3%, P

Increased awareness on public welfare has augmented the demand for more sustainable swine production. Nutritional interventions have been done to improve the dietary nitrogen utilization in order to reduce nitrogen excretion and enhance the intestinal health of pigs. Highly digestible protein supplements have been used as a strategy to enhance intestinal health and nitrogen utilization. Taking advantage of crystalline amino acids, low CP formulation with adequate amino acid supplementation has been used to reduce feed cost and improve intestinal health by decreasing protein fermentation. It has been estimated that reducing 1% protein in the diet reduces 9% nitrogen excretion and, consequently, environmental pollution. Feeding functional feed additives is another strategy to enhance intestinal health and nutrient digestion. Selected feed enzymes can reduce nitrogen excretion and improve intestinal health by directly increasing the digestibility of protein or by reducing antinutritional compounds such as allergenic proteins, phytate, and NSP that can impair protein digestion. Selected organic acids have antimicrobial properties and used in animal feeds to modulate intestinal microbiota, to enhance intestinal epithelial barrier function, and to improve protein digestibility. Selected prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics can reduce nitrogen excretion by changing the intestinal environment, enhancing the intestinal morphology, immune status, and the microbiota composition. Enhanced intestinal health with increased beneficial microbiota would increase the efficiency of nitrogen utilization consequently reducing nitrogen excretion. In summary, different nutritional strategies can be adopted to improve growth efficiency related to enhanced intestinal health and nutrient utilization, consequently reducing nitrogen excretion. Finally, improved feed efficiency and reduced nutrient waste would assure sustainable swine production, economic incentives to producers, and public welfare.

Korean black goat (Capra hircus coreanae) populations are dwindling and facing genetic erosion due to artificial insemination. Here, we introduced an estrus synchronization method for Korean black goats to enable crossbreeding with non-native breeds on small farms and investigated the application of estrus synchronization and artificial insemination in Korean black goats. Semen was obtained using electro-ejaculation and preserved using a conventional and simple freezing method. Pre- and post-freezing semen was analyzed using computer-assisted sperm analysis, as per the Food Standards Agency 2011 guidelines. The percentage of motile sperm in the electro-ejaculated samples declined significantly after freezing and thawing. However, this did not influence the artificial insemination results. In addition, the incubation period was positively correlated with sperm motility decline in the frozen-thawed sperm samples. Blood progesterone (P4) and estrogen (E2) concentrations were also analyzed to determine the optimal artificial insemination time in estrus-synchronized Korean black goats. The blood samples were collected from a jugular vein at approximately 0900 daily for 5 days. Subsequently, the serum was obtained using centrifugation and stored at -70°C until analysis. Although the P4 and E2 concentrations were generally unaffected by the estrous synchronization method, the controlled internal drug release + prostaglandin F2α + pregnant mare serum gonadotropin method yielded a 42.9% parturition rate after artificial insemination. In the present study, an offspring from an estrus-synchronized Korean black goat was successfully produced by artificial insemination using frozen-thawed semen. The successful cryopreservation of semen for artificial insemination was substantiated with sperm motility and pregnancy rates. In the future, additional studies of estrus synchronization for the artificial insemination of Korean black goats are needed. Our results are expected to significantly contribute to the Korean black goat breeding industry.

This study investigated the effects of a Lactobacillus fermentate (LBF) on mucosa-associated microbiota and its correlation with intestinal health of pigs challenged with F18+ Escherichia coli. Newly-weaned pigs (n = 64; 6.6 ± 0.7 kg BW) were allotted in a randomized complete b;ock design (RCBD) to 4 treatments: NC: no-challenge/no-supplement; PC: E. coli/no-supplement; AGP: E. coli/bacitracin (30 g/t feed); and PBT: E. coli/LBF (2 kg/t feed). At d 7, challenge groups were orally inoculated (2.4 x 1010 CFU) with F18+ E. coli whereas NC received sterile solution. Pigs were fed for 28 d until euthanasia to collect jejunal mucosa to evaluate intestinal health and microbiota. PC reduced (P < 0.05) Selenomonas (1.39 to 0.32%). AGP increased (P < 0.05) Bifidobacteriaceae (0.19 to 2.13%), Burkholderiaceae (0.18 to 1.54%), Comamonadaceae (1.13 to 6.97%), Enterobacteriaceae (0.81 to 2.29%), Microbacteriaceae (0.27 to 1.96%), Moraxellaceae (0.28 to 5.57%), and Pseudomonadaceae (0.36 to 2.59%). PBT increased (P < 0.05) Propionibacteriaceae (0.16 to 3.55%). AGP and PBT increased (P < 0.05) the microbiota diversity (Chao1: 48.8 to 76.4 and 71.6, respectively). Burkholderiaceae and Comamonadaceae were negatively correlated with TNF-α (r = -0.31 and -0.30, respectively; P < 0.05), whereas Burkholderiaceae, Comamonadaceae and Microbacteriaceae were positively correlated with protein carbonyl (r = 0.39, 0.33, and 0.37, respectively; P < 0.05). Bifidobacteriaceae and Pseudomonadaceae were positively correlated with VH:CD (r = 0.41 and 0.40, respectively; P < 0.05), whereas Pseudomonadaceae was positively correlated with villus height (r = 0.34; P < 0.05). Enterobacteriaceae was negatively correlated with G:F (r = -0.41; P < 0.05), whereas positively correlated with IL-8 and MDA (r = 0.39 and 0.32; P < 0.05). Moraxellaceae was negatively correlated with IL-6 (r = -0.29, P < 0.05). Collectively, AGP and LBF increased diversity of beneficial microbiota which was related to improved intestinal health in pigs after E. coli F18+ challenge.

Background Immunotherapy has been administered to many patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, only few studies have examined toxicity in patients receiving an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Therefore, we performed a retrospective study to determine factors that predict radiation pneumonitis (RP) in these patients. Methods We evaluated the size of the planning target volume, mean lung dose (MLD), and the lung volume receiving more than a threshold radiation dose (VD) in 106 patients. The primary endpoint was RP ≥ grade 2, and toxicity was evaluated. Results After CCRT, 51/106 patients were treated with ICI. The median follow-up period was 11.5 months (range, 3.0–28.2), and RP ≥ grade 2 occurred in 47 (44.3%) patients: 27 and 20 in the ICI and non-ICI groups, respectively. Among the clinical factors, only the use of ICI was associated with RP (p = 0.043). Four dosimetric variables (MLD, V20, V30, and V40) had prognostic significance in univariate analysis for occurrence of pneumonitis (hazard ratio, p-value; MLD: 2.3, 0.009; V20: 2.9, 0.007; V30: 2.3, 0.004; V40: 2.5, 0.001). Only V20 was a significant risk factor in the non-ICI group, and MLD, V30, and V40 were significant risk factors in the ICI group. The survival and local control rates were superior in the ICI group than in the non-ICI group, but no significance was observed. Conclusions Patients receiving ICI after definitive CCRT were more likely to develop RP, which may be related to the lung volume receiving high-dose radiation. Therefore, several factors should be carefully considered for patients with NSCLC.