• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.417-424
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• 2024

Background: This research main objective was to evaluate a proliposomes (PLs) formulation for the enhancement of oral bioavailability of ginsenosides, using ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) as a marker. Methods: A novel PLs formulation was prepared using a modified evaporation-on-matrix method. Soy phosphatidylcholine, Rg3-enriched extract, poloxamer 188 (Lutrol® F 68) and sorbitol were mixed and dissolved using a aqueous ethanolic solution, followed by the removal of ethanol and lyophilization. The characterization of Rg3-PLs formulations was performed by powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and in vitro release. The enhancement of oral bioavailability was investigated and analyzed by noncompartmental parameters after oral administration of the formulations. Results: PXRD of Rg3-PLs indicated that Rg3 was transformed from crystalline into its amorphous form during the preparation process. The Rg3-encapsulated liposomes with vesicular-shaped morphology were generated after the reconstitution by gentle hand-shaking in water; they had a mean diameter of approximately 350 nm, a negative zeta potential (- 28.6 mV) and a high entrapment efficiency (97.3%). The results of the in vitro release study exhibited that significantly more amount of Rg3 was released from the PLs formulation in comparison with that from the suspension of Rg3-enriched extract (control group). The pharmacokinetic parameters after oral administration of PLs formulation in rats showed an approximately 11.8-fold increase in the bioavailability of Rg3, compared to that of the control group. Conclusion: The developed PLs formulation could be a favorable delivery system to improve the oral bioavailability of ginsenosides, including Rg3.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.169-175
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• 2024

Background: Incidental findings are commonly noted in advanced imaging studies. Few data exist regarding the rate of incidental findings on computed tomography (CT) for preoperative shoulder arthroplasty planning. This study aims to identify the incidence of these findings and the rate at which they warrant further work-up to help guide orthopedic surgeons in counseling patients. Methods: A retrospective review was performed to identify patients with available preoperative shoulder CT who subsequently underwent shoulder arthroplasty procedures at a single institution between 2015 and 2021. Data including age, sex, and smoking status were obtained. Radiology reports for CTs were reviewed for incidental findings and categorized based on location, tissue type, and/or body system. The rate of incidental findings and the rate at which further follow-up was recommended by the radiologist were determined. Results: A total of 617 patients was identified. There were 173 incidental findings noted in 146 of these patients (23.7%). Findings ranged from pulmonary (59%), skin/soft tissue (16%), thyroid (13%), vascular (9%), spinal (2%), and abdominal (1%) areas. Of the pulmonary findings, 50% were pulmonary nodules and 47% were granulomatous disease. Overall, the final radiology report recommended further follow-up for 50% of the patients with incidental findings. Conclusions: Incidental findings are relatively common in preoperative CTs obtained for shoulder arthroplasty, occurring in nearly one-quarter of patients. Most of these findings are pulmonary in nature. Overall, half of the patients with incidental findings were recommended for further follow-up. These results establish population data to guide orthopedic surgeons in patient counseling. Level of evidence: III.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.39 no.3 s.117
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• pp.366-377
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• 2006

Environmental gradients and phytoplankton community were studied on a monthly basis, at 3 stations of Lake Yongdam, from April 2002 March 2004. During July to August, thermocline formed at the depth of about 10 m, but it was lowerd depth, in between 25${\sim}$30 m in October. Monthly variations of the epilimnetic (0${\sim}$5 m) TP concentrations at station 1, 2 and 3 were in the range of $5.1{\sim}36.1\;mg\;P\;{\cdot}\;m^{-3}$, $6.1{\sim}77.7\;mg\;P\;{\cdot}\;m^{-3}$ and $6.7{\sim}47.7\;mg\;P\;{\cdot}\;m^{-3}$ respectively; with higher concentrations at the upstream areas showing. Monthly average of the epilimnetic (0${\sim}$5 m) TN concentration at Station 1 was in the range of $0.88{\sim}1.73\;mg\;N\;{\cdot}\;L^{-1}$, and Station 3 was in the range of $0.94{\sim}2.77\;mg\;N\;{\cdot}\;L^{-1}$, which is higher if compared with the values of station 1. Transparency wa:s in the range of 0.8${\sim}$6.7 m, with lower values at upstream areas and higher at the downstream area. As for phytoplankton, during the winter season, diatoms had high appearance rate; during the spring season, Cyclotella comta, Aulacoseira ambigua f. spiralis, A. granulata and similar diatoms, during spring and summer Ankistrodesmus spiralis, Chodatella subsala, Crucigenia irregularis, Coelastrum cambricum, Scenedesmus ecornis v. ecornis.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.10-18
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• 2009

Purpose: We investigated quantification of dopaminergic transporter (DAT) and serotonergic transporter (SERT) on $^{123}I$-FP-CIT SPECT for differentiating between multiple systemic atrophy (MSA) and idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD). Materials and Methods: N-fluoropropyl-$2{\beta}$-carbomethoxy-$3{\beta}$-4-[$^{123}I$]-iodophenylnortropane SPECT ($^{123}I$-FP-CIT SPECT) was performed in 8 patients with MSA (mean age: $64.0{\pm}4.5yrs$, m:f=6:2), 13 with early IPD (mean age: $65.5{\pm}5.3yrs$, m:f=9:4), and 12 healthy controls (mean age: $63.3{\pm}5.7yrs$, m:f=8:4). Standard regions of interests (ROls) of striatum to evaluate DAT, and hypothalamus and midbrain for SERT were drawn on standard template images and applied to each image taken 4 hours after radiotracer injection. Striatal specific binding for DAT and hypothalamic and midbrain specific binding for SERT were calculated using region/reference ratio based on the transient equilibrium method. Group differences were tested using ANOVA with the postHoc analysis. Results: DAT in the whole striatum and striatal subregions were significantly decreased in both patient groups with MSA and early IPD, compared with healthy control (p<0.05 in all). In early IPD, a significant increase in the uptake ratio in anterior and posterior putamen and a trend of increase in caudate to putamen ratio was observed. In MSA, the decrease of DAT was accompanied with no difference in the striatal uptake pattern compared with healthy controls. Regarding the brain regions where $^{123}I$-FP-CIT binding was predominant by SERT, MSA patients showed a decrease in the binding of $^{123}I$-FP-CIT in the pons compared with controls as well as early IPD patients (MSA: $0.22{\pm}0.1$ healthy controls: $0.33{\pm}0.19$, IPD: $0.29{\pm}0.19$), however, it did not reach the statistical significance. Conclusion: In this study, the differential patterns in the reduction of DAT in the striatum and the reduction of pontine $^{123}I$-FP-CIT binding predominant by SERT could be observed in MSA patients on $^{123}I$-FP-CIT SPECT. We suggest that the quantification of SERT as well as DAT using $^{123}I$-FP-CIT SPECT is helpful to differentiate parkinsonian disorders in early stage.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.653-660
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• 2006

Fuji VII is a glass-ionomer cement specially targeted for early protection in erupting first and second molars. Properties of Fuji VII such as very high level of fluoride release, low viscosity and no need to preliminarily etch the substrate would be useful to erupting molars with primary pit and fissure caries or hypoplastic area for preventive goal or remineralization. The purpose of this study were to evaluate remineralization of Fuji VII glass ionomer cement and to compare with one of other restorative materials such as conventional glass ionomer cement, resin-modified glass ionomer cement, compomer and composite resin. Forty-two extracted human molars were used for this study. All teeth were immersed in demineralizing solution for 48 hours after Class V cavity preparation was made on sound proximal surface. The teeth were randomly divided into six groups and restored with Fuji VII, Fuji II, Fuji II LC improved, F2000, $Filtek^{TM}$ Z250 and control group was unrestored. The middle area with $130{\pm}20{\mu}m$ thickness was separated from specimen using microtome and demineralized area was photographed under polarized microscope. Separated area was relocated to specimen and stored in artificial saliva, After four weeks, changes of demineralized area were observed and compared to them restorated immediately. The results from the this study can be summarized as follows ; 1. Fuji VII, Fuji II, Fuji II LC improved have more prominent remineralization effect than F2000, $Filtek^{TM}$ Z250, control group. 2. No significant differences in remineralization effect are seen between Fuji VII and Fuji II, Fuji II LC improved.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.3-7
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• 2010

Purpose: The usefulness of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) images in diagnosis, staging, recurrent and treatment response evaluation has already been known. However, tumors which are small size, located in lower lobe of lung or upper lobe of liver are shown misalignment, distortion and different Standard Uptake Value (SUV) by respiration in PET images. Therefore, if radiotherapy based on normal respiration, it may cause low treatment response or more side effects because targets which had to treat, out of treat range or over dose to normal tissue. The purpose of this study is to evaluate attenuation-correction with Average CT (ACT) for more accuracy SUV measurement and minimize artifact by respiration. Materials and Methods: 13 patients, who had tumors which are around the diaphragm, underwent ACT scan after Helical CT (HCT) scan with PET/CT (Discovery DSTE 8; GE Healthcare). We quantified the differences between attenuation corrected image with HCT and attenuation corrected image with ACT in artifact size and maximum SUV ($SUV_{max}$). Artifacts were evaluated by measurement of the curved photogenic area in the lower thorax of the PET images for all patients. $SUV_{max}$ was measured separately at the primary tumors. Analysis program was Advantage Workstation v4.3 (GE Healthcare). Patients were injected with 7.4 MBq (0.2 $mC_i$) per kg of $^{18}F$-FDG and scanned 1 hour after injection. The PET acquisition was 3 minute per bed. Results: Significantly lower artifact were observed in PET/ACT images than in PET/HCT images (below-thoracic artifacts caused by under corrected $1.5{\pm}3.5$ cm vs. $13.4{\pm}4.2$ cm). Significantly higher $SUV_{max}$ were noted in PET/ACT images than in PET/HCT images in the primary tumor. Compared with PET/HCT images, $SUV_{max}$ in PET/ACT images were higher by $5.3{\pm}3.9%$ (mean value) tumor. The highest difference was observed in Lower lobe of lung (7.7 to 8.7; 13%). Conclusion: Due to its significantly reduced artifacts in lower thoracic, attenuation corrected image with ACT images provided more reliable $SUV_{max}$ and may be helpful in monitoring treatment response. Moreover, ACT can separate upper lobe of liver and lower lobe of lung, it may be helpful in interpretation. ACT will be clinically useful, considering increased dose caused by ACT scan and adapt.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.7
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• pp.965-973
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• 2011

Our objective was to determine the differences in the rate and extent of dry matter digestion between barley subjected to differing agronomic variables. Two malting barley varieties, Copeland and Metcalfe were seeded at rates of 200 and 400 plants/$m^2$. Each of these varieties received nitrogen fertilizer at rates of 0, 30, 60 and 120 kg/ha, resulting in a total of 20 different barley grain samples. Samples were ground through a 6mm screen and approximately 3 g of each weighed into 50 ${\mu}m$ Dacron bags and sealed. The bags were incubated in three ruminally cannulated Holstein cattle for periods of 0, 3, 6 and 24 h. Using the data obtained from these incubations, rates of digestion were able to be predicted. The soluble fraction ranged from 0.229-0.327, the slowly degradable fraction ranged from 0.461-0.656, and the undegradable fraction ranged from 0.038-0.299. The rates of digestion ranged from 0.127-0.165 $h^{-1}$ and the effective degradability ranged from 0.527-0.757. At the Canora location, the Copeland samples which received 120 kg/ha of nitrogen fertilizer had a significantly lower (p = 0.013) soluble fraction than the rest of the samples at that location. A significant interaction (p = 0.009) was seen between the seeding rate and nitrogen fertilizer application with samples from the Canora location, as well as significant differences (p = 0.029) between nitrogen application rates in samples from the Indian head location. The rate of digestion of samples from the Indian head location differed (p = 0.020) between the two seeding rates, with samples seeded at 200 seed/$m^2$ having a slightly higher rate of degradation. Differences in the effective degradability were seen between the different nitrogen application rates with samples from both the Canora and Indian head locations, as well as an (p = 0.004) interaction between the seeding rate and nitrogen fertilizer application rate. Although there was not a clear correlation between the different variables, both nitrogen application and seeding rate did have a significant effect on the rates and extent of digestion across each of the four locations.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.807-815
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• 2015

The present study aimed at evaluating the intensity of Tifton 85 conditioning using a mower conditioner with free-swinging flail fingers and storage times on dehydration curve, fungi presence, nutritional value and in vitro digestibility of Tifton 85 bermudagrass hay dry matter (DM). The dehydration curve was determined in the whole plant for ten times until the baling. The zero time corresponded to the plant before cutting, which occurred at 11:00 and the other collections were carried out at 8:00, 10:00, 14:00, and 16:00. The experimental design was randomised blocks with two intensities of conditioning (high and low) and ten sampling times, with five replications. The high and low intensities related to adjusting the deflector plate of the free iron fingers (8 and 18 cm). In order to determine gas exchanges during Tifton 85 bermudagrass dehydration, there were evaluations of mature leaves, which were placed in the upper middle third of each branch before the cutting, at every hour for 4 hours. A portable gas analyser was used by an infrared IRGA (6400xt). The analysed variables were photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (gs), internal $CO_2$ concentration (Ci), transpiration (T), water use efficiency (WUE), and intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi). In the second part of this study, the nutritional value of Tifton 85 hay was evaluated, so randomised blocks were designed in a split plot through time, with two treatments placed in the following plots: high and low intensity of cutting and five different time points as subplots: cutting (additional treatment), baling and after 30, 60, and 90 days of storage. Subsequently, fungi that were in green plants as well as hay were determined and samples were collected from the grass at the cutting period, during baling, and after 30, 60, and 90 days of storage. It was observed that Tifton 85 bermudagrass dehydration occurred within 49 hours, so this was considered the best time for drying hay. Gas exchanges were more intense before cutting, although after cutting they decreased until ceasing within 4 hours. The lowest values of acid detergent insoluble nitrogen were obtained with low conditioning intensity after 30 days of storage, 64.8 g/kg DM. The in vitro dry matter of Tifton 85 bermudagrass did not differ among the storage times or the conditioning intensities. There was no fungi present in the samples collected during the storage period up to 90 days after dehydration, with less than 30 colony forming units found on plate counting. The use of mower conditioners in different intensities of injury did not speed up the dehydration time of Tifton 85.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.137-150
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• 2010

Traditionally, like many people in mountain region of the Himalaya, the Lwang communities depend on mix of subsistence agriculture, animal husbandry, and seasonal migrant labor for their livelihoods. These traditional systems are characterized by low productivity, diverse use of available natural resources (largely for home consumption), limited markets, and some aversion for innovation. The potential to generate wealth through commerce has largely been untapped by these mountain residents and thus is undervalued in local and national economies. Introduction of organic tea farming is a part of Lwang community's several initiatives to break the vicious poverty cycle Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) played facilitating roles in all their efforts since beginning. In five years, the tea plantation emerged as a new means for secured a livelihood. This study aims to analyze the current practices in tea farming both in terms of farm management and soil nutrient status(technical) and the prosperity of the tea farmers (social). The technical aspect covers the soil and tea leaf analysis of various nutrients contents in the soil and tea leaf. Originally, the technical aspect of the study was not planned but later during the consultation with the advisor it was taken into consideration which added value to the research study. The sample were collected from different locations and analyzed on the field itself. The other part of the study i.e. the social aspect was done through questionnaire survey and focus group discussion. the tea farming provided them not only a new opportunity but also earned an identity in the region. This initiative was undertaken as a piloting measure. Now that the tea is in production with processing unit established locally, more serious consideration has to be given for better yield and economic prosperity. This research finding will help the community to analyze their efforts and make correction measures in tea garden management and application of fertilizer. It is also expected to fill up the gaps of knowledge and information required to reduce economic stresses and enhance capacity of farmers to make the tea farming a sustainable and beneficial business. The findings are expected to Sustainability of organic tea farming has direct impacts on biodiversity conservation compared to the other traditional farming practices that are more resource intensive. The study will also contribute to identify key action points required for reducing poverty while conserving environment and enhancing livelihoods

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.400-406
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• 2010

Etiolation of plant leaves evoke to be photosynthetically inactive because plant leaves are unable to convert photochlorophyllide to chlorophyllide in the absence of light. In addition, UV-B radiation plays an important role in photomorphogenesis and excessive UV-B radiation decreases photosynthesis and causes to damage to cellular DNA. In the present study, two electrical lights obtained with the ultraviolet lamp and moderate lamp were employed to young plants soybean (Glycine max Merr. var Seoritae). After treatment of different lights, young plants were harvested for the determination of pigment contents and chlorophyll fluorescence. The contents of carotenoids and anthocyanins were significantly enhanced with the excessive UV-B radiation. Excessive UV-B light reduced dramatically photosynthetic efficiency causing an irreversible damage on PSII in comparison to the controls treated under normal illumination. As the treatment of normal illumination after dark treatment, the contents of carotenoids and anthocyanains were not changed in the leaves and photosynthetic ability were retained. Therefore, Seoritae soybean leaves might protect themselves from excessive UV-B radiation with up-regulation of antioxidants.