• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.298-308
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• 2020

Genetic diversity among Thaumatococcus daniellii populations in the southwestern region of Nigeria were assessed using morphometric and molecular markers to determine the population structure and existing genetic relationship for its improvement, conservation and sustainable utilisation. Populations from five locations in each of the six states were used for the study. Morphometric data were collected on folia characters and analysed for variability. Genome DNA was isolated from the plant leaf and amplified by polymerase chain reaction with inter-simple sequence repeat markers (ISSR) to determine the allelic polymorphism, marker effectiveness and genetic relationship of the population. The results showed significant variations in petiole length and leaf dimensions of the populations within and across the states. These morphometric traits are the major parameters that delimit the populations and they correlated significantly at P≤0.05. Analysis of the electrophoregram showed that the ISSR markers are effective for the diversity study. A total of 136 loci were amplified with an average of 7.16 loci per marker, 63.2% of the loci were polymorphic. The Principal Coordinate Analysis revealed that seven factors accounted for 81.6% of the variation and the dendrogram separated the populations into two major groups at a genetic distance of 10 (about 90% similarity) with sub-groups and clusters. Most populations within the state had a high degree of similarity, nonetheless, strong genetic relationship exists among populations from different states. The close relationship between populations across the states suggests a common progenitor, which are likely separated by ecological or geographical isolation mechanisms.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.111-120
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• 2022

Objective: This study investigated the effect of pelvic tiltng according to the paralytic side on gait in stroke patients during a 10 m functional movement timed up and go (TUG) test. Method: In this study, gait parameters were measured using a gait analyzer for 20 stroke patients and their gait was analyzed during a 10 m TUG test. For statistical analysis, an independent sample t-test were performed for age, height, and weight among general characteristics of subjects and homogeneity was tested by performing a chi-square test for gender, paralysis side, period of onset, and K-MMSE score. In order to understand the relationship between each variable, Pearson correlation analysis was performed on the variables. Results: First, the right-hand paralyzed group showed correlations in cadence and gait velocity in the up and down tilt of the pelvis, and the left-hand paralyzed group showed correlations in cadence and step length in the anterior and posterior tilt of the pelvis. Second, the tilt of the pelvis was correlated with the Sit to stand, walk forward, walk backwards, turn around at the end point, sit on a chair and the total TUG time in the right hemiplegic group compared to the left hemiplegic group. Conclusion: In this study, a significant correlation was confirmed as a result of gait analysis of right-handed stroke patients divided into a right paraplegic group and a left paraplegic group. In the future, it is suggested that treatment for improving gait of stroke patients should be treated differently for the right and left paralyzed side.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.462-471
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• 2022

In this study, the electrochemical impedance characteristics of CO₂/H₂O co-reduction to produce CO/H₂ syngas were investigated in a low-temperature single cell. The effect of the operating conditions on the single-cell performance was evaluated at different feed concentrations and cell voltages, and the corresponding electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data were collected and analyzed. The Nyquist plots exhibited two semicircles with separated characteristic frequencies of approximately 1 kHz and tens of Hz. The high-frequency semicircles, which depend only on the catholyte concentration, could be correlated to the charge transfer processes in competitive CO₂ reduction and hydrogen evolution reactions at the cathodes. The EIS characteristics of the CO₂/H₂O co-reduction single cell could be explained by the equivalent circuit suggested in this study. In this circuit, the cathodic mass transfer and anodic charge transfer processes are collectively represented by a parallel combination of resistance and a constant phase element to show low-frequency semicircles. Through nonlinear fitting using the equivalent circuit, the parameters for each electrochemical element, such as polarization resistances for high- and low-frequency processes, could be quantified as functions of feed concentration and cell voltage.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.464-475
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Increased levels of uremic toxins and decreased antioxidant capacity have a significant impact on the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it remains unclear whether they interact with each other to mediate the damage of kidney function. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether uremic toxins (i.e., homocysteine and indoxyl sulfate [IS]), as well as glutathione-dependent antioxidant enzyme activities are dependently or independently associated with kidney function during different stages of CKD patients. SUBJECTS/METHODS: One hundred thirty-two patients diagnosed with CKD at stages 1 to 5 participated in this cross-sectional study. RESULTS: Patients who had reached an advanced CKD stage experienced an increase in plasma uremic toxin levels, along with decreased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity. Plasma homocysteine, cysteine, and IS concentrations were all positively associated with each other, but negatively correlated to GSH-Px activity levels after adjusting for potential confounders in all CKD patients. Although plasma homocysteine, cysteine, IS, and GSH-Px levels were significantly associated with kidney function, only plasma IS levels still had a significant association with kidney function after these parameters were simultaneously adjusted. In addition, plasma IS could interact with GSH-Px activity to be associated with kidney function. CONCLUSIONS: IS plays a more dominant role than homocysteine and GSH-Px activity in relation to kidney function.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.47-57
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• 2022

A number of different methods have been used for modeling the sorption of volatile organic chlorinated compounds such as tetrachloroethylene/perchloroethylene (PCE). In this study, PCE was adsorbed in several natural sorbents, i.e., Pahokee peat, vermicompost, BionSoil^®, and natural soil, in the batch experiments. Several sorption models such as linear, Freundlich, solubility-normalized Freundlich model, and Polanyi-Manes model (PMM) were used to analyze sorption isotherms. The relationship between sorption model parameters, organic carbon content (f_oc), and elemental C/N ratio was studied. The organic carbon normalized partition coefficient values (log K_oc = 1.50-3.13) in four different sorbents were less than the logarithm of the octanol-water partition coefficient (log K_ow = 3.40) of PCE due to high organic carbon contents. The log K_oc decreased linearly with log f_oc and log C/N ratio, but increased linearly with log O/C, log H/C, and log (N+O)/C ratio. Both log K_F,oc or log K_F,oc decreased linearly with log f_oc (R² = 0.88-0.92) and log C/N ratio (R² = 0.57-0.76), but increased linearly with log (N+O)/C (R² = 0.93-0.95). The log q_max,oc decreased linearly as log f_oc and log C/N increased, whereas it increased with log O/C, log H/C and log (N+O)/C ratios. The log q_max,oc increased linearly with (N+O)/C indicating a strong dependence of q_max,oc on the polarity index. The results showed that PCE sorption behaviors were strongly correlated with the physicochemical properties of soil organic matter (SOM).

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.365-373
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• 2022

Purpose: This study investigated whether the relationship between the maxillary sinus and the root of the maxillary premolar is correlated with the root position and whether there is a difference in the long axis angle of premolars and the buccal bone thickness according to the sinus-root relationship and root position. Materials and Methods: Cone-beam computed tomographic images of 587 maxillary first premolars and 580 second premolars from 303 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The maxillary sinus floor-root relationship was classified into 4 types, and the root position in the alveolar bone was evaluated as buccal, middle, or palatal. The long axis angle of the maxillary premolars in the alveolar bone and the buccal bone thickness were measured. The correlation between these parameters was analyzed. Results: The maxillary sinus floor-root relationship showed a statistically significant correlation with the root position in the alveolar bone. Most maxillary first premolars were buccally located, and more than half of the second premolars had their roots in the middle. The long axis angle of the premolars was significantly larger in buccal-positioned teeth than in middle-positioned teeth, and the buccal bone was thinner. Conclusion: When the root of the maxillary premolar was separated from the sinus floor, the premolar was often located on the buccal side. Most of the maxillary first premolars had a thinner buccal bone and larger inclination than the second premolars. It is recommended to evaluate the root position, sagittal angle and buccal bone thickness using CBCT for implant treatment planning.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.509-521
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• 2022

Purpose: Systemic health has a profound effect on dental treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate peri-implant bone loss and health screening data to discover factors that may influence peri-implant diseases. Methods: This study analyzed the panoramic X-rays of patients undergoing health screenings at the Health Promotion Center at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital in 2018, to investigate the relationship between laboratory test results and dental data. The patients' physical data, such as height, weight, blood pressure, hematological and urine analysis data, smoking habits, number of remaining teeth, alveolar bone level, number of implants, and degree of bone loss around the implant, were analyzed for correlations. Their associations with glycated hemoglobin, glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and severity of periodontitis were evaluated using univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Results: In total, 2,264 patients opted in for dental health examinations, of whom 752 (33.2%) had undergone dental implant treatment. These 752 patients had a total of 2,658 implants, and 129 (17.1%) had 1 or more implants with peri-implant bone loss of 2 mm or more. The number of these implants was 204 (7%). Body mass index and smoking were not correlated with peri-implant bone loss. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis revealed that the severity of periodontal bone loss (moderate bone loss: odds ratio [OR], 3.154; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.175-8.475 and severe bone loss: OR, 7.751; 95% CI, 3.003-20) and BUN (OR, 1.082; 95% CI, 1.027-1.141) showed statistically significant predictive value. The severity of periodontitis showed greater predictive value than the biochemical parameters of blood glucose, renal function, and liver function. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that periodontal bone loss was a predictor of peri-implant bone loss, suggesting that periodontal disease should be controlled before dental treatment. Diligent maintenance care is recommended for patients with moderate to severe periodontal bone loss.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.119-123
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• 2023

Although various imaging evaluation methods have been developed and utilized, thoracic radiography remains essential and is the top priority for diagnosing and managing cardiac diseases. Thoracic radiographic measurements associated with the vertebral heart scale (VHS) and caudal vena cava (CVC) can objectively diagnose cardiac disease in many animals. In particular, VHS measurement is primarily used to evaluate the dimensions of the heart size on thoracic radiographs and can measure cardiomegaly more objectively. Additionally, the value of the CVC compared with the aorta (Ao) and the length of vertebrae (VL) can be used as valuable parameters in right congestive heart failure. To describe the CVC/Ao and CVC/VL ratios in 10 long-tailed gorals (Naemorhedus caudatus) without subjective radiographic evidence of cardiac diseases. The VHS, CVC, Ao, and VL of gorals were measured in the right lateral (RL) view of the thoracic radiographs. In the RL view of 10 gorals, the VHS was 9.31 ± 0.55 vertebrae (v), the CVC/Ao ratio was 0.84 ± 0.13, and the CVC/VL ratio was 0.67 ± 0.09. Additionally, the thoracic morphology of gorals was determined to be intermediate (thoracic depth-to-width ratio, 1.04 ± 0.09, 0.75-1.25). This study confirmed that VHS was significantly correlated with CVC and Ao, and measuring and comparing each value would help diagnose cardiac diseases in gorals. The radiographic measurements in this study will allow veterinarians to diagnose several cardiac diseases in gorals.

• Advances in environmental research
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.31-38
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• 2022

The current observational epidemiological study analyzed blood lead levels (BLLs) in occupationally exposed workers from Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia and correlated them with the alterations in the differential cell populations of the WBC panel (lymphocytes [Lym %], mixed [Mid %] cells, and neutrophils [Neu %]). In addition, we examined the effect of confounding factors and their relation to BLLs. BLLs were estimated using the LeadCare II analyzer and hematological parameters using the ADVIA 120 analyser. An inferential analysis was conducted to detect association between the observations and the subjects' clinical characateristics. A total of 132 male subjects were included in the final analyses. Based on CDC guidelines, the subjects were categorized as Group I (BLL <10 ㎍/dL; n=118) or Group II (BLL >10 ㎍/dL; n=14) with average BLLs of 4.4 ㎍/dL and 18.1 ㎍/dL, respectively (p <0.0001). The percentages of Mid cells (p <0.0001) and neutrophils (p=0.048), were significantly altered in subjects with High BLL. A regression analysis indicated that subjects > 50 years of age had significantly higher BLLs (53.2 ㎍/dL) than younger age sub-groups (p <0.0001). Age, education, and profession were significant predictors for lead toxicity. Pb exposure is a major public health issue in Saudi Arabia and calls for further investigations on the cellular and molecular effects on hematological system.

• Journal of Audiology & Otology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.8-14
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• 2019

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to analyze risk factors for positional vertigo (PV) and the influence thereof on daily life and subjective quality-of-life (QoL). Subject and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data of the 2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The study population consisted of 1,274 individuals aged >40 years for whom complete dizziness-related data were available. Blood and urine tests were performed, and nutritional intake, QoL, and subjective health status were measured using a questionnaire. The associations between PV and blood/urine test data and nutritional intake were evaluated via multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: A history of PV within the previous year was reported by 98 individuals (7.7%). Advanced age and female gender were both significantly associated with such a history. Serum hemoglobin, creatinine, and triglyceride levels correlated significantly with a history of PV. Carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin B2 intakes were significantly lower in individuals with PV. Multivariate analysis revealed that only age was significantly associated with a history of PV (p=0.003). Although subjective health status score was not significantly lower in subjects with PV, subjective impairments in mobility, self-care, the performance of usual activities, and anxiety/depression were more prominent in individuals with PV. A fall history and limitations of activity were also significantly higher in individuals with PV (p<0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). Conclusions: Age was a risk factor for PV, which affected most QoL parameters, fall frequency, and the performance of normal activities.