• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
• /
• v.37 no.1
• /
• pp.27-33
• /
• 2022

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a gastrointestinal disorder with diverse symptoms but no structural or organic manifestations. Benachio-F^® (herein named 'BF-1') is an over-the-counter liquid digestive formulated with multiple herbal extracts, which has been reported to improve symptoms of FD. A total two experiments were conducted. First, we examined whether BF-1 can modulate the progression of FD through two experimental rat models. A total of three doses (0.3x, 1x, 3x of the human equivalent dose) were used. In the gastric emptying model, both 1x (standard) or 3x (3-fold-concentrated) BF-1 enhanced gastric emptying was compared with that of vehicle-treated animals. In a feeding inhibition model induced by acute restraint stress, treatment with 1x or 3x BF-1 led to a similar degree of restoration in food intake that was comparable to that of acotiamide-treated animals. Among the constituents of BF, fennel is known for its choleretic effect. Thus, we next investigated whether a novel BF-based formula (named 'BF-2') that contains an increased amount of fennel extract (3.5-fold over BF-1), has greater potency in increasing bile flow. BF-2 showed a superior choleretic effect compared to BF-1. Furthermore, the postprandial concentration of serum secretin was higher in animals pretreated with BF-2 than in those pretreated with BF-1, suggesting that the increased choleretic effect of BF-2 is related to secretin production. Our results demonstrate that BF-1 can modulate the pathophysiological mechanisms of FD by exerting prokinetic and stress-relieving effects, and that BF-2 has a better choleretic effect than BF-1.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
• /
• v.38 no.2
• /
• pp.90-101
• /
• 2022

The study aims to assess composition, diversity and population indices of natural regeneration of woody species in Jebel El Gerrie forest reserve, Blue Nile State, Sudan. We conducted field work between December 2018 and January 2019. We used random sampling to collect vegetation data in the forest where we made a total of 90 circular sample plots (radius 17.84 m) and distributed them proportionally to the area of each of the four density-based vegetation classes of the forest i.e. high density (C1), medium density (C2), low density (C3) and crop land (C4). In each sample plot we identified all regenerating tree species and counted their regeneration frequencies. We calculated ecological metrics of regeneration frequency, density, abundance, richness, evenness, diversity and importance value index (IVI) and drew abundance rank curve. Results revealed that out of fifteen mature tree species present, natural regeneration of 8 species, which belong to 6 families, was observed. The relatively most frequently naturally regenerating and abundant species were Anogeissus leiocarpa and Combretum hartmannianum. Richness, evenness and diversity of regenerating species were 1.33, 0.82 and 1.7, respectively. One-way ANOVA (α=0.05) of mean regeneration densities disclosed that there were significant differences (F_3,86=16.77, p=0.000) between C2 & C3 (p=0.000) and C2 & C4 (p=0.000). While regeneration of seven tree species were absent, two, two and four species were of good, poor and fair regeneration status, respectively. A comparison of mean density of natural regeneration with that of parent trees reflects a poor regeneration status of the forest. The study provides empirical results on the regeneration status of species and signifies the need for management interventions for species conservation and restoration, maintenance of biodiversity and sustainable production.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
• /
• v.52 no.3
• /
• pp.242-257
• /
• 2022

Purpose: This study investigated periodontal ligament (PDL) restoration in osseointegrated implants using stem cells. Methods: Commercial pure titanium and zirconium oxide (zirconia) were coated with beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) using a long-pulse Nd:YAG laser (1,064 nm). Isolated bone marrow mesenchymal cells (BMMSCs) from rabbit tibia and femur, isolated PDL stem cells (PDLSCs) from the lower right incisor, and co-cultured BMMSCs and PDLSCs were tested for periostin markers using an immunofluorescent assay. Implants with 3D-engineered tissue were implanted into the lower right central incisors after extraction from rabbits. Forty implants (Ti or zirconia) were subdivided according to the duration of implantation (healing period: 45 or 90 days). Each subgroup (20 implants) was subdivided into 4 groups (without cells, PDLSC sheets, BMMSC sheets, and co-culture cell sheets). All groups underwent histological testing involving haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry, stereoscopic analysis to measure the PDL width, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The natural lower central incisors were used as controls. Results: The BMMSCs co-cultured with PDLSCs generated a well-formed PDL tissue that exhibited positive periostin expression. Histological analysis showed that the implantation of coated (Ti and zirconia) dental implants without a cell sheet resulted in a well-osseointegrated implant at both healing intervals, which was confirmed with FESEM analysis and negative periostin expression. The mesenchymal tissue structured from PDLSCs only or co-cultured (BMMSCs and PDLSCs) could form a natural periodontal tissue with no significant difference between Ti and zirconia implants, consequently forming a biohybrid dental implant. Green fluorescence for periostin was clearly detected around the biohybrid implants after 45 and 90 days. FESEM showed the invasion of PDL-like fibres perpendicular to the cementum of the bio-hybrid implants. Conclusions: β-TCP-coated (Ti and zirconia) implants generated periodontal tissue and formed biohybrid implants when mesenchymal-tissue-layered cell sheets were isolated from PDLSCs alone or co-cultured BMMSCs and PDLSCs.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
• /
• v.38 no.3
• /
• pp.195-206
• /
• 2022

Gaining an understanding of bird communities in different habitat types is essential for the conservation of ecologically important habitats. Wetlands possess different types of habitats and provide an important environment for wintering waterbird communities. This study compares avian communities in five different habitat types in the Moeyungyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary (MWWS), Myanmar. From December 2014 to the first week of February in 2015, bird and habitat data were collected from representative areas of five habitat types (i.e., short grassland, tall grassland, lotus fields, open water areas, and rice fields) at MWWS. We established nine sampling plots in each habitat type, and used the point quadrat method to survey habitats and the point count method to survey birds in the habitats. Simple one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc tests were used to determine differences between bird communities. We made 95 detections during 19 daily visits to each of the five habitat types. During the survey period, we recorded a total of 10,389 individuals belonging to 52 different bird species, based on 7-min observations at each of the 45 point count stations. Furthermore, we detected significant differences by habitat structure (i.e., vegetation coverage, height, and density; water depth; and plant species diversity) as well as bird communities (i.e., species richness, abundance, and diversity indices). In addition, the detailed analysis of 52 avian species revealed significant differences among 45 species with respect to the mean numbers of observed individuals in the survey habitats. The findings of this study revealed significant differences in the structure and composition of waterbird communities among the five assessed habitat types. Because natural marshes provide preferable habitats for a larger number and greater diversity of birds, relative to rice fields, natural marshes should be prioritized for conservation and restoration in Moeyungyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
• /
• v.31 no.1
• /
• pp.83-101
• /
• 2021

The high-density polyurethane method uses the instantaneous expansion pressure of injected material to stabilize soft ground, allowing reinforcement, restoration, and construction to be carried out in suboptimal ground conditions. Under normal and, even poor conditions, the method is easily applied because the working time is very short. The method is environmentally friendly and results have excellent durability. The purpose of this study was to verify the physical and mechanical properties of high-density polyurethane in the ground. Initial testing of strength, direct shear, and soil environment stability was followed by testing for permeability in order to address environmental concerns. The results of the experiments showed that the internal friction angle was about twice as high and the adhesion was about 2.5 to 3.5 times higher than for dense and hard clay, and that the permeability factor was significantly lower compared with the existing grouting method, within the range of 1.0 × 10-5.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
• /
• v.14 no.6
• /
• pp.335-345
• /
• 2022

PURPOSE. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the surface characteristics of a full veneer crown fabricated chairside (CS) from a (Y, Nb)-TZP zirconia block in response to conventional zirconia grinding and polishing. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Zirconia crowns (n = 40) were first prepared and divided into two groups of materials: Labside (LS) and CS, after which each specimen went through a five-step grinding and polishing procedure. Following each surface treatment, surface characteristics were analyzed using confocal laser microscopy (CLSM), average surface roughness (Ra) values were processed from the profile data through Gaussian filtering, and X-ray diffraction pattern analysis was performed to evaluate the monoclinic (M) phase content. Then, a representative specimen was selected for field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), followed by a final analysis of the roughness and X-ray diffraction of the specimens using the independent t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA). RESULTS. In every group, polishing significantly reduced the Ra values (P < .001). There was no significant difference in Ra between the polished state CS and LS. Furthermore, CLSM and FE-SEM investigations revealed that even though grain exposure was visible in CS specimens throughout the as-delivered and ground states, the exposure was reduced after polishing. Moreover, while no phase transformation was visible in the LS, phase transformation was visible in CS after every surface treatment, with the M phase content of the CS group showing a significant reduction after polishing (P < .001). CONCLUSION. Within the limits of this study, clinically acceptable level of surface finishing of (Y, Nb)-TZP can be achieved after conventional zirconia polishing sequence.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
• /
• v.49 no.2
• /
• pp.367-377
• /
• 2022

The purpose of this study was to analyze the deterioration of trail conditions and to obtain information for desirable maintenance and restoration of a trail in Deogyusan National Park. The physical characteristics of a trail were surveyed at a total of 412 sites over 79.8 km length. The average trail degree and width were found to be 14.31° and 1.60 m, respectively, while the average bare trail width was 1.40 m and the average maxim trail depth was 5.66 cm. Major deterioration types of trail were trail deepening (36.6%), rock exposure (33.9%), and root exposure (12.5%) in order of frequency. Deterioration classes of the trail were 0.626 km (0.8%), 3.110 km (3.9%) and 8.935 km (11.2%) for heavily, moderately, and lightly deteriorated, respectively, with a deterioration rate of 12.671 km (15.9%). Compared to other national parks, the ratio damaged trail to the total trail was 15.9%, which is slightly higher than other, including Jirisan National Park 9.6% (2019), Bukhansan National Park 13.6% (2019), Sokrisan National Park 11.7% (2019), Chiaksan National Park 12.3% (2015), and Woraksan National Park 10.5% (2015). The section of trail in Deokyusan National Park where the damage grade is analyzed as "Heavy" should therefore be restored in consideration of the field conditions. In particular, the damage status of the trail is expected to be greatly improved when the trail surface maintenance level is restored.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
• /
• v.65 no.2
• /
• pp.35-45
• /
• 2023

The DOR (Drainage outlet raising) in the paddy field has been suggested as one of the most important best management practices for the TMDL (Total maximum daily load) management in the technical guidelines by the NIER (National institute of environmental research). However, this method is underestimated and is not well adopted by local governments for the TMDL. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the unit load reduction equation according to the application of DOR in order to expand this equation. The original equation in the guideline was derived using the HSPF (Hydrological Simulation Program-Fortran) model for 1 year in Changnyeong. We analyzed the reduction effect of the original equation application by collecting additional long-term monitoring data from the Buan, Icheon, Iksan, and Jeonju. When comparing the reduction loads between the original equation and monitoring results, the evaluation results of the original equation were 11% of the monitoring analysis results, which was underestimated. This means that the original equation needs to be improved. For assessing the equation, the HSPF Paddy-RCH model was established according to the NI ER guideline and evaluated for applicability. The performance results of the model showed a reasonable range by the statistical criteria. Modified equations 1 and 2 were proposed based on the monitoring and modeling results. Modified equation 1 was the method of modifying the original equation's main factors, and modified equation 2 was the method of applying the non-point pollution reduction efficiency according to the rainfall class using the long-term modeling results. At the level of 58.6~64.6% of monitoring data, the difference between them could be further reduced compared to the original equation. The suggested approach will be more reasonable and practicable for decision-makers and will contribute to the TMDL management plans.

• Korean Journal of Social Welfare Studies
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.5-34
• /
• 2011

There have been increasing incidents of natural and social disasters that claimed many lives and caused financial calamities worldwide, which call for an attention to mental health issues affecting disaster victims. This study reviewed the findings of the empirical research on the effects of disaster on the victims, the prevalence and determinants of the mental health problems. The disaster tends to disproportionately affect the socio-economically disadvantaged population and their mental health problems and recovery seemed to be heavily influenced by post-disaster experiences such as restoration of physical environment, prospect of economic recovery and resumption of normalcy in their lives, opportunities for participation in decision-making that affect their lives. Such findings suggest that the disaster mental health should shift from its traditional approach that focuses on short-term clinical interventions to alleviate acute mental distress for the victims to a public health approach that involve medical, social and economic interventions as well as community empowerment to prevent chronicity of the mental health problems and to improve the general quality of life of the individuals and the community adversely affected by the disaster. Implications for the social work research, policy making, education and practice were discussed.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.47 no.3
• /
• pp.103-116
• /
• 2023

Background: This study analyzed the physiological adaptations of a woody plant, Vitex rotundifolia, in Goraebul coastal sand dunes from May to September 2022. Environmental factors and physiological of plants growing under field and controlled (pot) conditions were compared. Results: Photosynthesis in plants growing in the coastal sand dunes and pots was the highest in June 2022 and July 2022, respectively. Chlorophyll fluorescence indicated the presence of stress in the coastal sand dune environment. The net photosynthesis rate (P_N) and Y(II) were highest in June in the coastal sand dune environment and July in the pot environment. In August and September, Y(NPQ) increased in the plants in the coastal sand dune environment, showing their photoprotective mechanism. Chlorophyll a and b contents in the pot plant leaves were higher than those in the coastal sand dune plant leaves; however, chlorophyll-a/b ratio was higher in the coastal sand dune plant leaves than in the pot plant leaves, suggesting a relatively high photosynthetic efficiency. Carotenoid content in the coastal sand dune plant leaves was higher in August and September 2022 than that in the pot plant leaves. Leaf water and soluble carbohydrate contents of the coastal sand dune plant leaves decreased in September 2022, leading to rapid leaf abscission. Diurnal variations in photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence in both environments showed peak activity at 12:00 hour; however, the coastal sand dune plants had lower growth rates and Y(II) than the pot plants. Plants in the coastal sand dunes had higher leaf water and ion contents, indicating that they adapted to water stress through osmotic adjustments. However, plants growing in the coastal sand dunes exhibited reduced photosynthetic activity and accelerated decline due to seasonal temperature decreases. These findings demonstrate the adaptation mechanisms of V. rotundifolia to water stress, poor soils, and high temperature conditions in coastal sand dunes. Conclusions: The observed variations indicate the responses of the V. rotundifolia to environmental stress, and may reveal its survival strategies and adaptation mechanisms to stress. The results provide insights into the ecophysiological characteristics of V. rotundifolia and a basis for the conservation and restoration of damaged coastal sand dunes.