A feasibility study on the use of an intraoral optical coherence tomography system for scanning the subgingival finish line for the fabrication of zirconia crowns: An evaluation of the marginal and internal fit.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the marginal and internal fit of zirconia crowns were fabricated using scan data from an intraoral optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanner and an intraoral scanner (IOS) for scanning the subgingival finish line. METHODS: An extracted maxillary left central incisor was prepared for a zirconia crown. The prepared tooth was placed in artificial gingiva, created using silicone with a refractive index similar to that of the tooth, ensuring a subgingival depth of 0.50 to 0.70 mm from the labial finish line. Scanning data were obtained from four types of models as follows. (1) CAD reference model (CRM) excluding the gingiva and scanned using a laboratory scanner. (2) IOS group excluding the gingiva (IOS only, IOSO group). (3) IOS group with scanned attached artificial (IOS with gingiva, IOSG group). (4) OCT post-processed data of the subgingival finish line and IOSG data (OCT group). Zirconia crowns were fabricated based on these data, and their marginal and internal fit were evaluated using the silicone replica technique. Statistical analyses were conducted using one-way and two-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The OCT group exhibited a significantly smaller marginal gap than the IOSG group (P < 0.05). The marginal fit of the OCT group did not significantly differ from that of the CRM group (P > 0.05). The IOSG group exhibited a significantly larger chamfer gap, while both the IOSG and OCT groups had significantly larger axial gaps. Furthermore, the OCT group showed a significantly larger incisal gap (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: An intraoral OCT system can enhance the fabrication accuracy of zirconia crowns by achieving superior marginal fit for crowns with subgingival finish lines. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of an IOS for subgingival finish lines without gingival displacement cords may result in a suboptimal marginal fit. However, integrating OCT technology can effectively address this issue, leading to improved clinical outcomes.

Targeting the Hippo pathway in Schwann cells ameliorates peripheral nerve degeneration via a polypharmacological mechanism.

Peripheral neuropathies (PNs) are common diseases in elderly individuals characterized by Schwann cell (SC) dysfunction and irreversible Wallerian degeneration (WD). Although the molecular mechanisms of PN onset and progression have been widely studied, therapeutic opportunities remain limited. In this study, we investigated the pharmacological inhibition of Mammalian Ste20-like kinase 1/2 (MST1/2) by using its chemical inhibitor, XMU-MP-1 (XMU), against WD. XMU treatment suppressed the proliferation, dedifferentiation, and demyelination of SCs in models of WD in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo. As a downstream mediator of canonical and noncanonical Hippo/MST1 pathway activation, the mature microRNA (miRNA) let-7b and its binding partners quaking homolog (QKI)/nucleolin (NCL) modulated miRNA-mediated silencing of genes involved in protein transport. Hence, direct phosphorylation of QKI and NCL by MST1 might be critical for WD onset and pathogenesis. Moreover, p38α/mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (p38α) showed a strong affinity for XMU, and therefore, it may be an alternative XMU target for controlling WD in SCs. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the Hippo/MST pathway function in PNs and suggest that XMU is a novel multitargeted therapeutic for elderly individuals with PNs.

Delayed Milestones and Demographic Factors Relate to the Accuracy of Autism Screening in Females Using Spoken Language.

Examine how milestone development, demographics, and emotional/behavioral functioning predict autistic females meeting the cutoff on a commonly used Autism screening tool (Social Communication Questionnaire: SCQ). We hypothesized that autistic girls with fewer developmental delays, whose parents have lower education, or are Black or Multiracial would be less likely to meet the SCQ cutoff. Further, those with more symptoms of Withdrawal/Depression, Social Problems, Thought Problems, and Attention Problems on the (Child Behavioral Checklist: CBCL) would be more likely to screen positive. A subset of participants enrolled in a large national cohort (SPARK) were included (5,946 autistic females). A cutoff score on the SCQ of 11 was used to form groups: Meet (M: N = 5,186) and Not Meeting (NM: N = 760). Autistic girls who had delayed toileting and motor milestones and whose parents attained higher education were more likely to screen positive. Girls who scored within the clinical range on the CBCL Thought Problems and Attention Problems syndrome scales were more likely to screen positive. Race and reported symptoms on the Withdrawn/Depressed and Social Problems syndrome scales did not relate to screening status. Results further support the existing literature suggesting that autistic girls must present with more significant delays/symptoms to be screened and diagnosed with autism, which can could impact their access to early intervention services and future skill development. Future research should examine additional factors that specifically put females at a disadvantage for being accurately identified, particularly for those who are speaking and/or of average cognitive ability.

Is Low Polydispersity Always Beneficial? Exploring the Impact of Size Polydispersity on the Microstructure and Rheological Properties of Graphene Oxide.

Graphene oxide (GO) is a promising material widely utilized in advanced materials engineering, such as in the development of soft robotics, sensors, and flexible devices. Considering that GOs are often processed using solution-based methods, a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental characteristics of GO in dispersion states becomes crucial given their significant influence on the ultimate properties of the device. GOs inherently exhibit polydispersity in solution, which plays a critical role in determining the mechanical behavior and flowability. However, research in the domain of 2D colloids concerning the effects of GO's polydispersity on its rheological properties and microstructure is relatively scant. Consequently, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how GO's polydispersity affects these critical aspects remains a pressing concern. In this study, we aim to investigate the dispersions and structure of GOs and clarify the effect of polydispersity on the rheological properties and yielding behavior. Using a rheometer, polarized optical microscopy, and small-angle X-ray scattering, we found that higher polydispersity in the same average size leads to overall improved rheological properties and higher flowability during yielding. Thus, our study can be beneficial in the employment of polydispersity in the processing of GO such as 3D printing and fiber spinning.

The Ulaanbaatar agreement: Revising diabetes terminology in Asia to combat stigma.

Many Asian countries, including Japan, China, and South Korea, continue to use terms that reference sugar and urine, contributing to ongoing stigma, while most of the rest of the world seem to use terms related to the original "Diabetes," meaning "to pass through." The 16th Scientific Meeting of the Asian Association for the Study of Diabetes (AASD) was held, featuring a pivotal joint symposium organized by AASD and the Japanese Association of Diabetes Education and Care where an in-depth discussion was carried out on diabetes-related terminology across various Asian countries and regions, with a particular focus on the stigma associated with existing terms. The symposium participants reached a consensus on the necessity of revising the stigmatizing diabetes terminology across Asia and agreed to continue discussions and monitor progress at the 17th AASD Scientific Meeting, scheduled to be held in 2025.

Assessment of safety: In vitro reverse mutation and in vivo acute oral toxicity tests of three biomass products from amino acid-producing Corynebacterium glutamicum.

Microbial fermentation has emerged as a pivotal process for sustainable production of essential goods and chemicals. Corynebacterium glutamicum is a proficient platform organism that contributes significantly to amino acid production through microbial fermentation. Despite its recognized safety, challenges persist in efficiently biosynthesizing natural products compared with other organisms. This study evaluated the safety of biomass products from bioengineered C. glutamicum through two different toxicological studies: a bacterial reverse mutation test (AMES test) and an acute oral toxicity test in rats. Three types of dried fermentation biomass products, each engineered for the enhanced production of specific amino acids (L-lysine, L-threonine, and L-tryptophan), were examined. The tests were conducted in compliance with Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines and revealed no mutagenicity or acute toxicity at the tested doses. These findings suggest the safety of biomass products from bioengineered C. glutamicum as potential feed materials, although further toxicity studies are recommended for comprehensive evaluation. This study underscores the importance of stringent safety assessments for advancing biotechnological applications and provides valuable insights into the potential utilization of microbial fermentation products in various industries. Moreover, this study highlights the significance of regulatory compliance and adherence to international standards to ensure the safety and efficacy of novel biotechnological products.

Lactobacillus plantarum NCHBL-004 modulates high-fat diet-induced weight gain and enhances GLP-1 production for blood glucose regulation.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the therapeutic potential of Lactobacillus plantarum NCHBL-004 (NCHBL-004) in the treatment of obesity and associated metabolic disorders. METHODS: Mice were fed either a normal diet (ND) or a high-fat diet (HFD) with oral administration of NCHBL-004. After euthanasia, blood, liver and adipose tissue were collected. Furthermore, the microbiome and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were analyzed from feces. RESULTS: Oral administration of live NCHBL-004 to mice fed a HFD resulted in notable reductions in weight gain, improvements in glucose metabolism, and maintenance of balanced lipid levels. A comparative analysis with other Lactobacillus strains highlighted the superior efficacy of NCHBL-004. Moreover, heat-killed NCHBL-004 demonstrated beneficial effects similar to those of live NCHBL-004. Additionally, administration of live NCHBL-004 induced glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) production and increased the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetate and propionate, in feces, positively influencing liver lipid metabolism and mitigating inflammation. Consistent with this, analysis of the gut microbiome following NCHBL-004 administration showed increases in SCFA-producing microbes with increased proportions of Lactobacillus spp. and a significant increase in the proportion of microbes capable of promoting GLP-1 secretion. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the potential of both live and inactivated NCHBL-004 as potential therapeutic approaches to managing obesity and metabolic disorders, suggesting avenues for further investigation and clinical applications.

Modeling Behavior of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in Raw and Processed Vegetables.

Given the persistent occurrence of foodborne illnesses linked to both raw and processed vegetables, understanding microbial behavior in these foods under distribution conditions is crucial. This study aimed to develop predictive growth models for Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in raw (mung bean sprouts, onion, and cabbage) and processed vegetables (shredded cabbage salad, cabbage and onion juices) at various temperatures, ranging from 4 to 36 °C. Growth models were constructed and validated using isolated strains of Salmonella spp. (S. Bareilly, S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium) and L. monocytogenes (serotypes 1/2a and 1/2b) from diverse food sources. The minimum growth temperatures for Salmonella varied among different vegetable matrices: 8 °C for mung bean sprouts, 9 °C for both onion and cabbage, and 10 °C for ready-to-eat (RTE) shredded cabbage salad. Both pathogens grew in cabbage juice at temperatures above 17 °C, while neither demonstrated growth in onion juice, even at 36 °C. Notably, Salmonella spp. exhibited faster growth than L. monocytogenes in all tested samples. At 8 °C, the lag time (LT) and specific growth rate (SGR) for Salmonella spp. in mung bean sprouts were approximately tenfold longer and threefold slower, respectively, compared to those at 10 °C. A decrease in refrigerator storage temperature by 1 or 2 degrees significantly prevented the growth of Salmonella in raw vegetables. These findings offer valuable insights into assessing the risk of foodborne illness associated with the consumption of raw and processed vegetables and inform management strategies in mitigating these risks.

Effect of Illite Treatment on Quality Characteristics and Antioxidant Activity of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) Sprouts.

Microgreens have recently gained popularity owing to their reliable economic and nutritional value. This study aimed to increase the quality of microgreen broccoli via treatment with different concentrations (1%, IPB-1; 3%, IPB-3; 5%, IPB-5; or 7%, IPB-7 w/v) of illite-a natural mineral powder. The results showed that the illite treatments considerably increased the content of mineral elements, such as Ca, P, and K; of vitamin C; and of free amino acids; and also increased the total weight of the broccoli sprouts. The content of sulforaphane, a bioactive compound, also increased by up to 47% with illite treatment, with the highest increase being in the IPB-5 group. However, several of the parameters were lower in the IPB-7 group. Aromatic compounds were categorized by functional groups such as hydrocarbons which numbered 36, 30, 34, 28, and 30 in the control, IPB-1, IPB-3, IPB-5, and IPB-7 groups, respectively. We found 16, 15, 15, 13, and 14 sulfides, including dimethyl sulfide, in the control, IPB-1, IPB-3, IPB-5, and IPB-7 groups, respectively. Additionally, aldehydes, comprising seven compounds, were detected in the IPB-1, IPB-3, IPB-5, and IPB-7 groups. Illite treatment significantly increased the activities of antioxidants such as DPPH and the polyphenol content of the microgreens. These results indicate a potential role for appropriate illite doses in microgreen treatment to address multinutrient deficiencies and to increase the quality of microgreen vegetables.

Significance of changes in cavity after treatment in Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease.

Cavities are characteristic radiological features related to increased mycobacterial burden and poor prognosis in Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD). However, cavity changes following treatment and their clinical implications remain unknown. We aimed to elucidate whether cavity obliteration or reduction in cavity size or wall thickness correlates with microbiological cure. In total, 136 adult patients with cavitary MAC-PD treated for ≥ 6 months between January 1st, 2009, and December 31st, 2021, in a tertiary referral centre in South Korea were enrolled. The cavity with the largest diameter at treatment initiation was tracked for size and thickness changes. Following median treatment of 20.0 months, 74 (54.4%) patients achieved microbiological cure. Cavity obliteration, achieved in 58 (42.6%) patients at treatment completion, was independently associated with microbiological cure. In patients with persistent cavities, size reduction of ≥ 10% was significantly associated with microbiological cure, whereas thickness reduction was not. Five-year mortality rates in patients with cavity obliteration, persistent but reduced cavity, and persistent cavity without shrinkage were 95.6%, 72.1%, and 65.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). In conclusion, cavity obliteration or shrinkage at treatment completion is associated with microbiological cure and reduced mortality in MAC-PD, suggesting that cavity changes could serve as a proxy indicator for treatment response.

Consolidation ALK Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Versus Durvalumab or Observation After Chemoradiation in Unresectable Stage III ALK-Positive NSCLC.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with advanced ALK-positive NSCLC typically have poor response to immunotherapy; the benefit of consolidation durvalumab in patients with unresectable stage III ALK-positive NSCLC remains unclear. Herein, we compare the efficacy and safety of consolidation ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) versus durvalumab or observation after concurrent chemoradiation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study using a multicenter study of 17 institutions globally. Patients with unresectable stage III ALK-positive NSCLC treated between 2015 and 2022 were included. Patients received ALK TKI, durvalumab, or observation after concurrent chemoradiation. Real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier method. Treatment-related adverse events (trAEs) were classified by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. Outcomes were assessed by multivariable Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 67 patients were included, of whom 39 (58%) were female. Median age was 57 (interquartile range: 49-67) years. Furthermore, 15 received consolidation ALK TKI, 30 received durvalumab, and 22 underwent observation. Baseline characteristics were similar across the three groups other than differences in race. After adjusting for stage, age, and nodal status, median rwPFS was significantly longer for ALK TKI (rwPFS not reached, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.7- not reached) versus durvalumab (11.3 mo, 95% CI: 8.9-18.5, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.026-0.5, p-adjusted [p-adj] = 0.006) or observation (7.2 mo, 95% CI: 3.4-10.6, HR = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.009-0.2, p-adj < 0.0001). Durvalumab significantly improved median rwPFS compared with observation (HR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.19-0.71, p-adj = 0.002). Median OS in the ALK TKI and durvalumab cohorts was significantly improved compared with patients on observation (ALK TKI-observation: p = 0.04; durvalumab-observation: p = 0.03). TrAE of any grade occurred in eight (53%) and 11 (37%) patients treated with ALK TKI and durvalumab, respectively. Grade greater than or equal to three trAEs occurred in 27% (n = 4) of patients treated with ALK TKI and 6.7% of patients treated with durvalumab. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ALK-positive NSCLC experience significantly improved rwPFS when treated with consolidation ALK TKI therapy, surpassing outcomes found with either durvalumab or observation. Although both ALK TKI therapy and durvalumab offer an extension in OS compared with observation alone, it seems that ALK TKI therapy is the superior choice, underscoring its pivotal role in enhancing patient survival.

Computed tomography-based measurements associated with rapid lung function decline in severe asthma.

BACKGROUND: Patients with severe asthma are susceptible to lung function decline (LFD), but biomarkers that reliably predict an accelerated LFD have not been fully recognized. OBJECTIVE: To identify variables associated with previous LFD occurrences in patients with severe asthma by exploring the computed tomography (CT) imaging features within predefined LFD groups. METHODS: We obtained inspiratory and expiratory CT images of 102 patients with severe asthma and derived 2 airway structural parameters (wall thickness [WT] and hydraulic diameter) and 2 parenchymal variables (functional small airway disease and emphysema). We retrospectively calculated the annual changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 second and grouped participants by their values determined. The 4-imaging metrics, along with levels of several biomarkers, were compared among the LFD groups. RESULTS: Patients with severe asthma with enhanced LFD exhibited significantly lower WT and smaller hydraulic diameter compared with those with minimal change or slight decline in lung function, after an adjustment of smoking status. Conversely, CT-based percentages of emphysema and functional small airway disease did not significantly differ according to LFD. Furthermore, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) level and the blood matrix metalloproteinase-9/TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 ratio were significantly higher in patients with severe asthma with enhanced LFD compared with those in the others. CONCLUSION: Lower WT on CT scans with increased FeNO that may represent increased airway inflammation significantly correlated with enhanced LFD in patients with severe asthma. Consequently, active management plans may help to attenuate LFD for patients with severe asthma with lower WT and high FeNO.

Operating Mechanism Principles and Advancements for Halide Perovskite-Based Memristors and Neuromorphic Devices.

With the advent of the generation of artificial intelligence (AI) based on big data-processing technologies, next-generation memristor and memristive neuromorphic devices have been actively studied with great interest to overcome the von Neumann bottleneck limits. Among various candidates, halide perovskites (HPs) have been in the spotlight as potential candidates for these devices due to their unique switching characteristics with low energy consumption and flexible integration compatibility across various sources for scalability. We outline the characteristics and operating principles of HP-based memristors and their neuromorphic devices. We explain filamentary- and interface-type switching according to the type of conducting pathway occurring inside the active HP layer and the operating mechanisms depending on the species that make up this conducting pathway. We summarize the types and mechanisms of current changes beneficial for neuromorphic device applications and finally organize various suggested analysis tools and physical models to enable experimental determination of switching mechanisms from various perspectives.

Feasibility of automated measurement of fetal right ventricular modified myocardial performance index with development of reference values and clinical application.

To establish normal reference ranges for fetal right ventricular modified myocardial performance index (RV Mod-MPI) using automatic synchronization of the RV inflow and outflow images (MPI+TM). Additionally, we aimed to clinically apply RV Mod-MPI to investigate its changes in fetal right congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) compared to normal fetuses. This prospective study included uncomplicated singleton pregnancies between 16 and 38 weeks of gestational age. Cases with any maternal or fetal complications that developed during the enrollment period were excluded. Two experienced operators measured the RV Mod-MPI using the automated and manual methods. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for intra- and inter-operator reproducibility. The mean differences between the manual and automated measurements were also compared. The RV Mod-MPI was then compared between the right CDH fetuses and normal fetuses. Seventy normal fetuses were analyzed for the feasibility of an automated system, and 364 examinations from 272 fetuses were analyzed for developing the normal references. The automated system showed significantly higher intra- and inter-operator reproducibility of Mod-MPI than those of manual measurements (ICC = 0.962 vs. 0.913 and 0.961 vs. 0.889, respectively). The mean difference in Mod-MPI between the manual and automated method was 0.0002 ± 0.0586 with a 95% confidence interval of -0.0095-0.0099. The Mod-MPI and isovolumetric relaxation time increased throughout the gestational weeks. The isovolumetric contraction time increased until 24 weeks of gestation and then slightly decreased afterwards, and the ejection time also increased until 31 weeks of gestation and then decreased. There was no significant difference in the Mod-MPI between right CDH and normal fetuses. The automated system showed high inter- and intra-operator reproducibility. Furthermore, the normal reference values of Mod-MPI for each gestational age were established. Our results suggest that the automated system might be clinically feasible for evaluating fetal cardiac function.

Gottman's sound relationship house and relational resilience through infertility for couples.

Some couples report that their relationship satisfaction increases through the experience of infertility. Few studies exist which explain how this phenomenon occurs through specific variables. We hypothesized that John Gottman's constructs of friendship and intimacy as well as shared meaning could explain how couples can achieve increased relationship satisfaction. We examined a regression analysis of cross-sectional retrospective individual data for couples who are either experiencing infertility currently or have done so in the recent past. In our nonclinical sample (n = 903), mediation analyses indicated significant influencing pathways for the Gottman shared meaning system, indicating that this construct may explain how couples achieve greater emotional bonding and couple satisfaction through infertility. These findings provide couple therapists with potential areas of focus for couples navigating infertility through the lens of Gottman Method Couple Therapy, including ways to encourage deeper mutual shared meaning amidst the infertility experience.

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of liver metastases from colorectal cancer: Development of a prognostic score to predict overall survival.

PURPOSE: To develop a model for pretreatment prediction of overall survival (OS) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). METHOD: This retrospective study included 491 patients (median age, 61 years; 348 men) who underwent percutaneous RFA for CRLM between 2000 and 2021. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate OS rates. Independent factors affecting OS were investigated using multivariable Cox regression analysis. Risk scores were assigned to the risk factors and pretreatment prediction models were created using the risk factors. RESULTS: After RFA, the 5-, 10-, and 20-year OS rates were 44 %, 31 %, and 24 %, respectively, and the median OS was 46 months. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that a largest tumor size ≥ 2 cm (P<0.001), positive nodal status of primary tumor (P<0.001), carcinoembryonic antigen level > 30 ng/mL (P=0.049), multiple tumors (P=0.008), and T4 stage of the primary tumor (P=0.029) were independently associated with OS. In patients with a single CRLM, tumor diameter (P<0.001), positive nodal status of primary tumor (P=0.001), disease-free interval <12 months (P=0.045), and subcapsular location (P=0.03) were risk factors affecting OS. According to our prediction models, which included the aforementioned risk factors, OS rates progressively decreased as the risk scores increased, with significantly different OS rates between contiguous groups (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our prediction models can be used as a prognostic stratification tool in patients with CRLM, and can help select those candidates who will benefit most from RFA.

Additive-Free Gelation of Graphene Oxide Dispersions via Mild Thermal Annealing: Implications for 3D Printing and Supercapacitor Applications.

Herein, a mild thermal annealing (MTA) process is presented for additive-free gelation of graphene oxide (GO) dispersions. This process transitions the GO from a nematic liquid crystal phase to a random network structure, significantly enhancing its rheological properties by order of magnitude. This transition is facilitated by the diffusion of functional groups on the GO surface, which induces hydrophobic attractions, leading to a stable network structure. Employing rheo-SAXS experiments, detailed insights are provided into the microstructural changes of GO gel under shear stress, establishing a direct correlation between its rheological behavior and microstructure. The distinctive properties of MTA-processed inks are illustrated, seamlessly integrating with 3D printing, to yield a highly porous lattice structure that demonstrates promising potential as a supercapacitor electrode. The MTA process, an additive-free approach to gelation, maintains the inherent dispersion properties of GO while offering scalability. Thus, this method brings significant economic and environmental advantages compared to conventional gelation techniques. The findings not only advance the fundamental understanding of 2D colloidal network gels but also increase the potential of GO for a wide range of applications, from gas and liquid absorbers to electrodes for energy storage and conversion, and biomedical fields.

Ionic Liquid-Based Hybrid Gel Microcolumns for Enhanced Narcotic Detection in Portable Micro-Gas Chromatography.

As the societal issue of increasing global illicit drug usage emerges, there is a growing demand for more portable and versatile drug detectors. Traditional drug analysis techniques such as gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) face significant challenges in adapting to diverse real-world applications due to their size, cost, and power requirements. While advancements have been made in the development of on-site drug detection methods such as fluorescence, stereoresonance energy transfer (FRET), colorimetric, electrochemical sensing, and lateral flow assays (LFAs), their reliance on specific reactive materials poses limitations in effectively detecting a wide range of narcotics. Therefore, this study proposes the development of specialized microcolumns with optimized stationary phases for next-generation portable microfabricated GC-based narcotic detectors. The stationary phase consists of a hybrid gel incorporating the ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM][BF4]) and OV-1. The stationary phase not only enhances interactions between drug analytes but also demonstrates improved separation characteristics among various narcotic substances. Additionally, the principles of the separation results were validated through density functional theory (DFT) analysis, and the effective separation of over seven types of narcotics was demonstrated through temperature optimization. This research lays the groundwork for the advancement of next-generation portable drug analyzers, offering significant potential in the field.

Whole genome sequencing analysis identifies sex differences of familial pattern contributing to phenotypic diversity in autism.

BACKGROUND: Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analyses have found higher genetic burden in autistic females compared to males, supporting higher liability threshold in females. However, genomic evidence of sex differences has been limited to European ancestry to date and little is known about how genetic variation leads to autism-related traits within families across sex. METHODS: To address this gap, we present WGS data of Korean autism families (n = 2255) and a Korean general population sample (n = 2500), the largest WGS data of East Asian ancestry. We analyzed sex differences in genetic burden and compared with cohorts of European ancestry (n = 15,839). Further, with extensively collected family-wise Korean autism phenotype data (n = 3730), we investigated sex differences in phenotypic scores and gene-phenotype associations within family. RESULTS: We observed robust female enrichment of de novo protein-truncating variants in autistic individuals across cohorts. However, sex differences in polygenic burden varied across cohorts and we found that the differential proportion of comorbid intellectual disability and severe autism symptoms mainly drove these variations. In siblings, males of autistic females exhibited the most severe social communication deficits. Female siblings exhibited lower phenotypic severity despite the higher polygenic burden than male siblings. Mothers also showed higher tolerance for polygenic burden than fathers, supporting higher liability threshold in females. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that genetic liability in autism is both sex- and phenotype-dependent, expanding the current understanding of autism's genetic complexity. Our work further suggests that family-based assessments of sex differences can help unravel underlying sex-differential liability in autism.