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Purpose: Gambling disorder is highly prevalent, and harms individuals, families, interpersonal relationships, and society. However, the efforts to treat and recover from a gambling disorder are insufficient. The purpose of this study was to construct an integrated body of knowledge related to the recovery of gambling disorder, by synthesizing qualitative studies showing the recovery process in gambling.Methods: The qualitative meta-synthesis method was used to search for qualitative studies on recovery from gambling, and the experiences of 213 people of 22 articles were analyzed.Results: The overall theme representing the recovery of a gambling disorder was derived as ‘the journey of becoming the master of my life and growing together’. The process of recovery from a gambling disorder was subdivided into the decision-making phase, life-reconstruction phase, and life-fulfillment phase. The factors that enable as well as hinder recovery are presented in detail.Conclusion: It is expected that the results of this study can be used as an empirical basis, for planning gambling-related policies and programs in practice through the experiences of recovering gamblers.

A sustainable nanofabrication approach is developed for isolating hybrid nanocelluloses (Hy-NCs) comprised of both long flexible fibers (CNFs) and needle-like crystals (CNCs) from a hardwood wet pu...

A biodegradable poly(lactide) (PLA) plasticizer system derived from renewable feedstocks was deliberately designed with an ester structure identical to as many repeating units of the PLA matrix as possible for maximized compatibility, using two solvent-free one-pot synthetic routes, resulting in elastomeric performance as well as tunable plasticization. First, hydroxyl-ended lactide oligomers were precisely prepared with target molar mass values of 330–430 g mol−1 by controlled bulk ring opening oligomerization using 1-, 2-, and 3-arm initiators. They were subsequently esterificated with acetic anhydride to produce acetyl-terminated lactide oligomers (ALO) with enhanced thermal stability. Td,5% was increased by 23–43 °C and efficient biodegradation of 78–55% was achieved. The ALO series was added as plasticizers to PLA from 10 to 50 phr (9–33 wt%), and showed the ability to lower Tg,PLA to approximately 10–20 °C in DSC analysis and complete miscibility with PLA, as confirmed by visible or UV-vis transmittance, and SEM studies. The ALO had little contribution to changes in the PLA structure on SEC traces after the thermo-mixing process. The blends exhibited reasonable migration level, and controllable mechanical characteristics with ductile-to-elastomeric properties (E′ = 889–15 MPa, σy = 74–7 MPa, σb = 69–9 MPa, and eb = 13–658%), when compared to those of PLA. Interesting elastomeric behaviors were observed and then evidenced by stress relaxation moduli (2.4–9.8 MPa) and small residual strains (7–17%) after recovery tests, respectively. These results suggest that the ALO series can be practical “double green” and “dual performance” plasticizers for PLA.

A mechanically adjustable reinforced thermoplastic superelastomer system, with tunable gas-permeability, was developed. The superelastomer is based on a graft copolymer structure, using commercial ...

Background/Aims: The aim of this study is to compare Friedewald-estimated and directly measured low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) values and assess the concordance in guideline risk classification between the two methods. Methods: The data were derived from the 2009 to 2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We included subjects with triglyceride (TG) lev els < 400 mg/dL. Analysis was done for 6,454 subjects who had all lipid panels― total cholesterol, directly measured LDL-C, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and TG. Results: The subjects ranged in age from 10 to 87 years old. The mean age was 41.5 ± 17.3 years. For subjects with TG < 400 mg/dL, overall concordance in guideline risk classification was 79.1%. The Friedewald formula tended to underestimate LDL-C more at higher TG or lower HDL-C levels. Especially, the percent of sub jects who were misclassified into a lower risk category was 31% when TG were 200 to 299 mg/dL; and 45.6% when TG were 300 to 399 mg/dL. A greater underesti mation of LDL-C occurred at higher TG and lower Friedewald-estimated LDL-C levels. Of subjects with a Friedewald-estimated LDL-C < 70 mg/dL, 55.4% had a directly measured LDL-C ≥ 70 mg/dL when TG were 200 to 399 mg/dL. Conclusions: The Friedewald equation tends to underestimate LDL-C in high-risk subjects such as hypertriglyceridemia and hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia. For these individuals accurate assessment of LDL-C is crucial, and therefore addi tional evaluation is warranted.

The purpose of this study was to propose an effective model for recognizing the detailed mood of classical music. First, in this study, the subject classical music was segmented via MFCC analysis by tone, which is one of the acoustic features. Short segments of 5 s or under, which are not easy to use in mood recognition or service, were merged with the preceding or rear segment using an algorithm. In addition, 18 adjective classes that can be used as representative moods of classical music were defined. Finally, after analyzing 19 kinds of acoustic features of classical music segments using XGBoost, a model was proposed that can automatically recognize the music mood through learning. The XGBoost algorithm that is proposed in this study, which uses the automatic music segmentation method according to the characteristics of tone and mood using acoustic features, was evaluated and shown to improve the performance of mood recognition. The result of this study will be used as a basis for the production of an affect convergence platform service where the mood is fused with similar visual media when listening to classical music by recognizing the mood of the detailed section.

Solvent-free green chemical synthesis of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) block copolymers was achieved via a mechanochemical method from macroinitiators. High-speed ball-milling of the lactide, macroinitiator, and organocatalyst (1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene, DBU) eliminated the need for a chemical solvent and produced a series of di- and tri-block copolymers containing PLA blocks with an excellent efficiency. High impact collisions between balls and a vessel provided sufficient mixing such that reactive chain-ends buried in polymeric domains were able to react with DBU and lactides, thus eliminating the need for chemical solvents.

A hydrolytically degradable and mechanically reinforced thermoset elastomer system using plant-derived monomers was developed via three synthetic steps in one pot and a subsequent thermal curing process. First, through consecutive controlled ring-opening polymerization reactions, hydroxyl-terminated poly(carvomenthide) (–PCM–OH)2 homopolymers with desirable elastomeric properties were precisely prepared with target values of 10, 12, 14, and 16 kg mol−1 and were subsequently block-copolymerized with D,L-lactide (LA) for mechanical enhancement and degradability to synthesize hydroxyl-terminated poly(lactide)–poly(carvomenthide)–poly(lactide) (–PCM–PLA–OH)2 triblocks (total Mn = ∼20 kg mol−1). Second, the resulting triblock diols were functionalized by post-polymerization esterification using an organic acid anhydride to give thermoplastic carboxy-telechelic (–PCM–PLA–COOH)2 polyesters as thermoset precursors, having fPLA values of 0.20, 0.30, 0.40, and 0.45. Finally, the thermoset processing of the PLA hard domains was performed with multifunctional aziridine to yield crosslinked XL–(PLA–PCM–PLA) elastomers having gel fractions above 95%. The high thermal stability, well-defined microphase-separated morphology, superior and tunable mechanical strength, and controlled hydrolytic degradability were systematically investigated, when compared to those of the triblock prepolymers. The hard domain crosslinked thermoset elastomers with tunable mechanical strength and degradation capability can be practical candidates for sustainable elastomers to satisfy distinct and high-performance applications.

The emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) is a growing problem worldwide. However, little is known about the incidence, clinical features and outcomes of pyogenic liver abscesses (PLAs) caused by MDROs. A retrospective study of 833 patients with PLA admitted from 2008 to 2017 was performed. MDROs were found in 55 (6.6%) patients, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae was the most common causative microorganism. To evaluate the clinical features of and risk factors for MDRO-induced PLAs, propensity score matching (PSM) was performed in a 1:3 ratio (55 patients with MDROs and 165 patients without MDROs). After PSM, previous hepatobiliary procedure, preadmission exposure to antibiotics and elevated alkaline phosphatase levels were independent risk factors for MDRO-induced PLA. Sixteen patients (7.3%) died during hospitalization. Admission to intensive care unit (ICU), inadequate initial antibiotic treatment and use of inotropic agents were factors predictive of mortality. Although the presence of MDROs was not associated with in-hospital mortality, inadequate initial antibiotic treatment was prescribed to a large portion of the patients with MDRO-induced PLAs. We conclude that initial empirical antibiotic therapy for PLA should be based on the possibility of infection with MDROs, and close monitoring is necessary for patients with risk factors for in-hospital mortality.

An innovative system for extracting cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) was proposed that uses a two-step process that combines short-time pretreatment by electron-beam irradiation (EBI) in the solid state and disintegration using high pressure homogenization (HPH) and was compared with the classic production by tedious acid hydrolysis. EBI caused cellulose pulp to obviously degrade with a reduction of the degree of polymerization (DP) from 998 (raw) to 156 at 100 kGy, whereas the carboxylate content was significantly increased by oxidative activation from 0.04 to 0.84 mmol g−1 in the dose range of 200–3000 kGy. Subsequent alkaline treatment for facile HPH isolated high-purity dissociated cellulose pulp for CNC production. The EBI-induced CNCs in the suspensions displayed stable dispersion and background transparency, which was substantially obtained via HPH (10 passes at 25 000 psi and 25 °C) and centrifugation, had a uniform width and a tunable length of 23–31 nm and 128–747 nm, respectively, with a rod-like shape, a high crystallinity index of 71–81%, and a reasonable negative charge density similar to those of conventional CNCs. A higher yield of 35–67% and increased thermal stability (Td onset = 229–249 °C and Td max = 318–324 °C) could also be achieved. For re-dispersion after spray drying or additional chargeability, the irradiated cellulose pulp was further oxidized or cationized with sodium hypochlorite or glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride to increase or reverse charge on the surface, respectively, followed by HPH disintegration for CNC preparation. The combined EBI and HPH method offers a promising and efficient approach with a low environmental impact for CNC industry sustainability.

The Nardostachys jatamansi DC (NJ) root has been used as a sedative or analgesic to treat neurological symptoms and pain in traditional Korean medicine. Here, we investigate the potential effects of NJ on Alzheimer's disease (AD) and reveal the molecular mechanism through which NJ exerts its effects. The neuroprotective effect of the NJ root ethanol extract against β amyloid (Aβ) toxicity was examined in vitro using a cell culture system and in vivo using a Drosophila AD model. The NJ extract and chlorogenic acid, a major component of NJ, inhibited Aβ-induced cell death in SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, the NJ extract rescued the neurological phenotypes of the Aβ42-expressing flies (decreased survival and pupariation rate and a locomotor defect) and suppressed Aβ42-induced cell death in the brain. We also found that NJ extract intake reduced glial cell number, reactive oxygen species level, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, and nitric oxide level in Aβ42-expressing flies, without affecting Aβ accumulation. These data suggest that the neuroprotective activity of NJ might be associated with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its inhibitory action against ERK signaling; thus, NJ is a promising medicinal plant for the development of AD treatment.

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of thromboembolic stroke. An oral anticoagulant should be administrated to prevent stroke in patients with moderate stroke risk (ie, CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score > 2). If the stroke risk is low (i.e. the score = 1), however, antiplatelet agent such as aspirin is widely used. Aspirin can cause peptic ulcer disease (PUD) while its alternative, clopidogrel, theoretically does not. Objective To elucidate the efficacy and safety between aspirin and clopidogrel, a multicenter randomized controlled trial was designed in AF patients with low stroke risk. Methods According to sample size estimation based on previous literature, a total of 1560 AF patients with low stroke risk will be randomly assigned into 4 different groups dependent upon initial esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) results: two mono-antiplatelet treatment groups with either aspirin 100 mg or clopidogrel 75 mg for 1 year; two antiplatelet agent and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) combination groups. Follow-up EGD will be performed at 1 year. Results The clinical follow-up will be performed for 1 year after enrollment. The primary efficacy endpoint is to compare the annual stroke rate between aspirin and clopidogrel treatment groups. The primary safety endpoint is to compare the prevalence of drug-induced gastrointestinal (GI) and intracranial hemorrhage and upper-GI response including PUD based on EGD after 1 year. Conclusions This trial will determine whether clopidogrel is noninferior in stroke prevention and superior in reduction of GI events including PUD to aspirin in AF patients with low stroke risk. ( ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT02960126 ).

The Down syndrome critical region 1 (DSCR1), a Down syndrome-associated protein, is an endogenous inhibitor of the Ca2+-dependent phosphatase calcineurin. It has been also suggested to be associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) but the role of DSCR1 in the pathogenesis of AD still remains controversial. In this paper, we investigated the effects of knockdown of sarah (sra), a Drosophila DSCR1 ortholog, on the Aβ42-induced developmental phenotypes of Drosophila. Knockdown of sra showed detrimental effects on the rough eye phenotype and survival of Aβ42-expressing flies without altering the Aβ42 accumulation. Furthermore, the knockdown of sra increased glial cell numbers in the larval brains and its susceptibility to oxidative stress. Overexpression of an active form of calcineurin produced similar results to sra knockdown as they both exacerbated the Aβ42-induced rough eye phenotype. However, sra knockdown did not alter apoptosis or c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation in Aβ42-expressing flies. In conclusion, our results suggest that sra does play an important role in Aβ42-induced developmental defects in Drosophila without affecting its stress responses.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the physicochemical dissolution of chrysotile asbestos and to synthesize nano-sized materials and carbonate minerals from the asbestos via acid dissolution and pH changes. Chrysotile asbestos powder was dissolved in 3 different acids, HCl, HThe objectives of this study were to investigate the physicochemical dissolution of chrysotile asbestos and to synthesize nano-sized materials and carbonate minerals from the asbestos via acid dissolution and pH changes. Chrysotile asbestos powder was dissolved in 3 different acids, HCl, H₂SO₄, and HNO₃, and the solutions were then titrated using NH₄OH and reacted with CO₂. The residual material and precipitates were examined with XRD and TEM-EDS. ICP-AES analysis was also used to investigate the chemical makeup of the solution. The concentration of Mg in the solution was about 1,280 mg/L. The chrysotile became noncrystalline silica after acid treatment (pH = 0). At pH 8.6 and 9.5, the precipitates were amorphous iron oxide and nesquehonite [Mg(HCO3)(OH)·2(H₂O)] after reaction with CO₂. The particle size of the precipitates ranged from 2 to 500 nm. These results indicate that dissolution of chrysotile asbestos using HCl, H₂SO4, and HNO3 can chemically alter chrysotile fibers. Also, the dissolved materials can be used as precursors for other materials such as silica, iron oxide, and carbonates. This process may be useful for the synthesis of silica and iron oxides and for mineral carbonation for carbon sequestration. SO4, and HNO₃, and the solutions were then titrated using NH4OH and reacted with CO₂. The residual material and precipitates were examined with XRD and TEM-EDS. ICP-AES analysis was also used to investigate the chemical makeup of the solution. The concentration of Mg in the solution was about 1,280 mg/L. The chrysotile became noncrystalline silica after acid treatment (pH = 0). At pH 8.6 and 9.5, the precipitates were amorphous iron oxide and nesquehonite [Mg(HCO₃)(OH)·2(H₂O)] after reaction with CO₂. The particle size of the precipitates ranged from 2 to 500 nm. These results indicate that dissolution of chrysotile asbestos using HCl, H₂SO₄, and HNO3 can chemically alter chrysotile fibers. Also, the dissolved materials can be used as precursors for other materials such as silica, iron oxide, and carbonates. This process may be useful for the synthesis of silica and iron oxides and for mineral carbonation for carbon sequestration.

The Nardostachys jatamansi DC (NJ) root has been used as a sedative or analgesic to treat neurological symptoms and pain in traditional Korean medicine. Here, we investigate the potential effects of NJ on Alzheimer's disease (AD) and reveal the molecular mechanism through which NJ exerts its effects. The neuroprotective effect of the NJ root ethanol extract against β amyloid (Aβ) toxicity was examined in vitro using a cell culture system and in vivo using a Drosophila AD model. The NJ extract and chlorogenic acid, a major component of NJ, inhibited Aβ-induced cell death in SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, the NJ extract rescued the neurological phenotypes of the Aβ42-expressing flies (decreased survival and pupariation rate and a locomotor defect) and suppressed Aβ42-induced cell death in the brain. We also found that NJ extract intake reduced glial cell number, reactive oxygen species level, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, and nitric oxide level in Aβ42-expressing flies, without affecting Aβ accumulation. These data suggest that the neuroprotective activity of NJ might be associated with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its inhibitory action against ERK signaling; thus, NJ is a promising medicinal plant for the development of AD treatment.

KAI1/CD82, a member of the tetraspanin superfamily, is a tumor metastasis suppressor implicated in cell migration and adhesion in various tumor cells. Drosophila expresses an orthologue of KAI1/CD82, Tsp66E. However, the role of Tsp66E in cell migration and adhesion has not been studied. Here, we investigated the roles of Tsp66E in border cell migration and border cell adhesion, which are well-established in vivo models of cell migration and adhesion. Border cell migration was accelerated by loss of Tsp66E but delayed by Tsp66E overexpression. Deficiency of Tsp74F, a Drosophila orthologue of human Tspan11 and CD151, further increased the migration rate of Tsp66E mutant border cells. In addition, the premature detachment of border cells at stage 8 oogenesis induced by the loss of inflated, which encodes αPS2 integrin, was enhanced by Tsp66E deficiency. Interestingly, Tsp74F deficiency further enhanced the phenotype. αPS2 and βPS integrins were highly expressed in anterior follicle cells before border cell migration, consistent with an important role in border cell adhesion. The results suggest that Tsp66E and Tsp74F cooperate to negatively regulate border cell migration, support the integrin-mediated maintenance of border cell adhesion, and prevent premature migration.

Proteins in the forkhead box O (FOXO) family contain three Akt phosphorylation sites that are important for export of the protein from the nucleus to the cytosol. In mammalian FOXO1, phosphorylation of serine 256 (S256) is a prerequisite for the phosphorylation of the other two sites. Although Drosophila FOXO (dFOXO) contains three well-conserved Akt phosphorylation sites, their role in the regulation of Drosophila physiology is not well understood. In the present study, we examine the regulation and function of phosphorylation at serine 190 (S190), which corresponds to S256 of mammalian FOXO1. Insulin and Akt were shown to increase S190 phosphorylation of dFOXO. Moreover, dFOXO nuclear export was induced by insulin treatment in both fly tissues and transfected Drosophila and human cells, and a protein containing an alanine substitution at S190 (dFOXOS190A) was defective in these insulin-dependent responses, suggesting that S190 phosphorylation is required for dFOXO nuclear export. Interestingly, dFOXOS190A and dFOXOS190D mutants showed lower target gene expression and a reduced ability to induce cell death compared to wild-type dFOXO. These results suggest that the S190 residue is required for dFOXO translocation and is important for the pro-apoptotic function of dFOXO.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disease, has a complex and widespread pathology that is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid [Formula: see text]-peptide (A[Formula: see text]) in the brain and various cellular abnormalities, including increased oxidative damage, an amplified inflammatory response, and altered mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Based on the complex etiology of AD, traditional medicinal plants with multiple effective components are alternative treatments for patients with AD. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of an ethanol extract of Coriandrum sativum (C. sativum) leaves on A[Formula: see text] cytotoxicity and examined the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects. Although recent studies have shown the benefits of the inhalation of C. sativum oil in an animal model of AD, the detailed molecular mechanisms by which C. sativum exerts its neuroprotective effects are unclear. Here, we found that treatment with C. sativum extract increased the survival of both A[Formula: see text]-treated mammalian cells and [Formula: see text]42-expressing flies. Moreover, C. sativum extract intake suppressed [Formula: see text]-induced cell death in the larval imaginal disc and brain without affecting A[Formula: see text]42 expression and accumulation. Interestingly, the increases in reactive oxygen species levels and glial cell number in AD model flies were reduced by C. sativum extract intake. Additionally, C. sativum extract inhibited the epidermal growth factor receptor- and A[Formula: see text]-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). The constitutively active form of ERK abolished the protective function of C. sativum extract against the [Formula: see text]-induced eye defect phenotype in Drosophila. Taken together, these results suggest that C. sativum leaves have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and ERK signaling inhibitory properties that are beneficial for patients with AD.

Expression of the Down syndrome critical region 1 (DSCR1) protein, an inhibitor of the Ca2+-dependent phosphatase calcineurin, is elevated in the brains of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) or Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although increased levels of DSCR1 were often observed to be deleterious to neuronal health, its beneficial effects against AD neuropathology have also been reported, and the roles of DSCR1 on the pathogenesis of AD remain controversial. Here, we investigated the role of sarah (sra; also known as nebula), a Drosophila DSCR1 ortholog, in amyloid-β42 (Aβ42)-induced neurological phenotypes in Drosophila. We detected sra expression in the mushroom bodies of the fly brain, which are a center for learning and memory in flies. Moreover, similar to humans with AD, Aβ42-expressing flies showed increased Sra levels in the brain, demonstrating that the expression pattern of DSCR1 with regard to AD pathogenesis is conserved in Drosophila. Interestingly, overexpression of sra using the UAS-GAL4 system exacerbated the rough-eye phenotype, decreased survival rates and increased neuronal cell death in Aβ42-expressing flies, without modulating Aβ42 expression. Moreover, neuronal overexpression of sra in combination with Aβ42 dramatically reduced both locomotor activity and the adult lifespan of flies, whereas flies with overexpression of sra alone showed normal climbing ability, albeit with a slightly reduced lifespan. Similarly, treatment with chemical inhibitors of calcineurin, such as FK506 and cyclosporin A, or knockdown of calcineurin expression by RNA interference (RNAi), exacerbated the Aβ42-induced rough-eye phenotype. Furthermore, sra-overexpressing flies displayed significantly decreased mitochondrial DNA and ATP levels, as well as increased susceptibility to oxidative stress compared to that of control flies. Taken together, our results demonstrating that sra overexpression augments Aβ42 cytotoxicity in Drosophila suggest that DSCR1 upregulation or calcineurin downregulation in the brain might exacerbate Aβ42-associated neuropathogenesis in AD or DS., Drosophila Collection: Chronically increased levels of Sarah (Nebula), a calcineurin inhibitor, cause mitochondria dysfunction and subsequently increased Aβ42-induced cytotoxicity in Drosophila.

BACKGROUND In a patient underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) due to bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) insufficiency without marked dilation of ascending aorta, the development of delayed-typed aneurysmal complication of ascending aorta has been often reported because the dilated aorta tends to grow insidiously with age. CASE SUMMARY A 58-year-old man who underwent AVR with mechanical valve due to severe aortic regurgitation secondary to BAV 7 years previously presented with exertional chest discomfort for 1 year. An echocardiography showed a well-functioning mechanical aortic valve without any significant abnormal findings. Cardiac multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) revealed a huge saccular aortic root aneurysm (79.7 mm × 72.8 mm in size) compressing the proximal right coronary artery resulting in ∼90% eccentric diffuse luminal narrowing. The patient subsequently underwent open-heart surgery with resection of the ascending aortic aneurysmal sac and consecutive ascending aorta and hemi-arch replacement using a graft. CONCLUSION After successful AVR in the patient with BAV insufficiency and mildly dilated ascending aorta, a regular aortic imaging such as cardiac MDCT with aortography would be helpful to monitor the morphology and size of ascending aorta and related complications to guide future management.