In order to extend the business viability of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), research on CNT dispersion in a solvent as well as in polymer matrix should be established. Herein, three kinds of dispersing agents, sodium deoxycholate (DOC), sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (NaDDBS), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), are selected and applied to quantify the dispersibility and dispersion stability of CNT aqueous dispersion. The dispersibility of CNT dispersion with the PVP, evaluated via viscosity and particle size analyses, are superior to those with the DOC and NaDDBS dispersing agents. CNT aqueous solution dispersed with PVP showed slightly higher viscosity and narrower particle size distribution than those with DOC and NaDDBS dispersing agents. In addition, the dispersion stability of CNT dispersion with the PVP, measured via lumisizer analyses, are superior to those with the DOC and NaDDBS dispersing agents. HR-TEM analysis verifies that the outstanding dispersibility and dispersion stability of CNTs in aqueous solution are due to the effect of the robust polymer wrapping of the PVP dispersing agent on the CNT surface. From the results of this study, the guidelines for the selection of the suitable dispersing agents and the systematic evaluation of dispersibility and dispersion stability of CNT dispersions can be suggested.

Pleurotus citrinopileatus was successfully cultivated and commercially available in Korea. The antioxidant, xanthine oxidase, tyrosinase inhibitory activities and polyphenol contents of fruiting bodies of Pleurotus citrinopileatus extracted with acetone, hot water and methanol (hereinafter referred to Fr. Ace, Fr. HW and Fr. MeOH). The antioxidant activities on β-carotene-linoleic acid in the Fr. Ace, Fr. HW and Fr. MeOH were 96.12%, 94.21% and 96.52%, respectively at the concentration of 20 mg/ml. Xanthine oxidase inhibition activity in the Fr. Ace, Fr. HW and Fr. MeOH were 30.12%, 35.42% and 29.02%, respectively at the concentration of 5 mg/ml. Tyrosinase inhibition activity in the Fr. Ace, Fr. HW and Fr. MeOH were 58.78%, 49.25% and 63.29%, respectively at the concentration of 1.0 mg/ml. Total polyphenol contents in the Fr. Ace, Fr. HW and Fr. MeOH were 18.99 mgGAEs/g, 16.73 mgGAEs/g and 18.66 mgGAEs/g. These experimental results suggested that fruiting bodies of P. citrinopileatus contained good physio-chemical substances for promoting human health.

Comparative effect of oyster mushrooms on plasma, fecal lipid profiles, liver and kidney functions were evaluated in hyper and normocholesterolemic rats. The feeding of hypercholesterolemic rats with 5% powder of fruiting bodies of oyster mushrooms i.e., Pleurotus ostreatus, P. sajor-caju and P. florida reduced the plasma total cholesterol level by 37%, 21% and 16%, respectively and triglyceride level by 45%, 24% and 14%, respectively. LDL/HDL ratio decreased by 64%, 45% and 41% for P. sajor-caju, P. ostreatus and P. florida fed rats, respectively. Mushroom feeding also reduced body weight in hypercholesterolemic rats. However, it had no adverse effect on plasma bilirubin, creatinin and urea nitrogen level. Mushroom feeding also increased the total lipid and cholesterol excretion through the feces. The present study reveals that feeding of 5% oyster mushroom powder do not have detrimental effects on the liver and kidneys rather may provide health benefits for the cardiovascular-related complication by decreasing the atherogenic lipid profiles.

Methanol and hot water extracts of Daedalea bien-nis were investigated for its antioxidant activity, poly- phenol content and tyrosinase inhibitory effect. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 1, 1-diphenyl -2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay. The antioxidant activities of hot water and 80% methanol extracts of Daedalea biennis fruiting body were 52.06%. and 92.62% at 1.5mg/ml concentration. Total polyphenol content of hot water and 80% methanol extracts were 12.26㎍ GAEs/mg and 13.69㎍ GAEs/mg. Tyrosinase inhibitory activity of water extract was 19.70% while 80% methanol extract was 15.75% at 1mg/ml concentration.

Methanol and hot water extracts of Suillus granulatus were investigated for its antioxidant activity, polyphenol content and tyrosinase inhibitory effect. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 1, 1- dipheny l-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay. The antioxidant activities of hot water and 80% methanol extracts of Suillus granulatus fruiting body were 51.49%. and 90.58% at 1.5mg/ml concentration. Total polyphenol content of hot water and 80% methanol extracts were 33.21㎍ GAEs/mg and 27.97㎍ GAEs/mg. Tyrosinase inhibitory activity of water extract was 7.8% while 80% methanol extract was 20.88% at 1mg/ml concentration.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) still has a high associated mortality. Anticoagulation should be continued until the benefit of preventing recurrent PE is outweighed by the risks of bleeding. Furthermore, D-dimer values and residual clot burden may predict recurrent thromboembolic events in patients that have completed anticoagulation therapy. The authors describe the case of a 69-year-old female who suffered multiple recurrent PE on aspirin, her medical history included idiopathic PE, and she had been on anticoagulant for a considerable time before switching to aspirin. It is important the possibility of recurrent PE be borne in mind to prevent secondary prevention, and that other treatment options be considered in cases of recurrent PE.

Acinetobacter baumannii is usually considered an opportunistic pathogen that it responsible for a variety of nosocomial infections, such as, pneumonia, tracheobronchitis, meningitis, endocarditis, peritonitis, skin and soft tissue infections, and urinary tract infections. However, over the years, the organism has developed substantial antimicrobial resistance, and thus, the management of infections has become more difficult. The less common infective endocarditis is one of the more serious consequences of nosocomial bacteremia. Here, we report the successful treatment of the first case of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii endocarditis in a 33-year-old patient.