Serum cystatin C and stroke risk: a national cohort and Mendelian randomization study.

Purpose: The debate over the causal and longitudinal association between cystatin C and stroke in older adults persists. Our aim was to assess the link between cystatin C levels, both measured and genetically predicted, and stroke risk. Methods: This study employed a retrospective cohort design using samples of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), which is a nationally representative cohort recruiting individuals aged 45 years or above. A multivariate logistic model and the two-sample Mendelian randomization framework were used to investigate the longitudinal and genetically predicted effect of serum cystatin C on stroke. Results: The study population had a mean age of 59.6 (SD ±9.5), with 2,996 (46.1%) women. After adjusting for confounding factors, compared to those in the first quartile of cystatin C, those in the last quartile had the greatest risk of stroke incidence [odds ratio (OR), 1.380; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.046-1.825]. The Mendelian randomization analysis showed that a genetically predicted cystatin C level was positively associated with total stroke (OR by inverse variance-weighted method, 1.114; 95% CI, 1.041-1.192). Conclusions: This national cohort study suggests that higher serum cystatin C is associated with an increased risk of total stroke, which is further supported by Mendelian randomization.

Tribological behavior and in vitro biocompatibility of powder metallurgical Ti-15Mo/HA composite for bone repair.

Ti-15Mo/HA composite was prepared by powder metallurgy, and the influence of Hydroxyapatite (HA) on the microstructure, tribological behavior and in vitro biocompatibility was studied by comparison with TC4. The results show that the Ti-15Mo/HA composite consists of increased α-Ti, decreased ß-Ti and a variety of ceramic phases (CaTiO3, Ca3(PO4)2, CaO, etc.) with the increase of HA content. The friction coefficient and wear rate of Ti-15Mo/HA composite is apparently lower than those of TC4 due to solid solution strengthening of Mo in Ti and dispersion strengthening of ceramic phases. Ti-15Mo/5HA displays more excellent wear resistance than the other composite. TC4 alloy is dominated by adhesive wear, however, Ti-15Mo alloy is a combination of adhesive wear and abrasive wear. Ti-15Mo/HA composite is mainly subjected to abrasive wear, together with adhesive wear. The viability and the number of mouse osteoblasts in Ti-15Mo/5HA extract are higher than that of Ti-15Mo. The morphology of the osteoblasts is clear and full, and the growth and proliferation are satisfactory with the increased cell pseudopodia with the culture time. The Ti-15Mo/HA composite displays good wear resistance and biocompatibility, and accordingly has a potential application in bone repair materials.

Recognition and maturation of IL-18 by caspase-4 noncanonical inflammasome.

The canonical (caspase-1) and noncanonical (comprising caspases 4, 5 and 11; hereafter, caspase-4/5/11) inflammasomes both cleave gasdermin D (GSDMD) to induce pyroptosis1,2. Whereas caspase-1 processes IL-1ß and IL-18 for maturation3-6, no cytokine target has been firmly established for lipopolysaccharide-activated caspase-4/5/117-9. Here we show that activated human caspase-4, but not mouse caspase-11, directly and efficiently processes IL-18 in vitro and during bacterial infections. Caspase-4 cleaves the same tetrapeptide site in pro-IL-18 as caspase-1. The crystal structure of the caspase-4-pro-IL-18 complex reveals a two-site (binary) substrate-recognition mechanism; the catalytic pocket engages the tetrapeptide, and a unique exosite that critically recognizes GSDMD10 similarly binds to a specific structure formed jointly by the propeptide and post-cleavage-site sequences in pro-IL-18. This binary recognition is also used by caspase-5 as well as caspase-1 to process pro-IL-18. In caspase-11, a structural deviation around the exosite underlies its inability to target pro-IL-18, which is restored by rationally designed mutations. The structure of pro-IL-18 features autoinhibitory interactions between the propeptide and the post-cleavage-site region, preventing recognition by the IL-18Rα receptor. Cleavage by caspase-1, -4 or -5 induces substantial conformational changes of IL-18 to generate two critical receptor-binding sites. Our study establishes IL-18 as a target of lipopolysaccharide-activated caspase-4/5. The finding is paradigm shifting in the understanding of noncanonical-inflammasome-mediated defences and also the function of IL-18 in immunity and disease.

Structural insights into FSP1 catalysis and ferroptosis inhibition.

Ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1, also known as AIMF2, AMID or PRG3) is a recently identified glutathione-independent ferroptosis suppressor1-3, but its underlying structural mechanism remains unknown. Here we report the crystal structures of Gallus gallus FSP1 in its substrate-free and ubiquinone-bound forms. The structures reveal a FAD-binding domain and a NAD(P)H-binding domain, both of which are shared with AIF and NADH oxidoreductases4-9, and a characteristic carboxy-terminal domain as well. We demonstrate that the carboxy-terminal domain is crucial for the catalytic activity and ferroptosis inhibition of FSP1 by mediating the functional dimerization of FSP1, and the formation of two active sites located on two sides of FAD, which are responsible for ubiquinone reduction and a unique FAD hydroxylation respectively. We also identify that FSP1 can catalyze the production of H2O2 and the conversion of FAD to 6-hydroxy-FAD in the presence of oxygen and NAD(P)H in vitro, and 6-hydroxy-FAD directly inhibits ferroptosis in cells. Together, these findings further our understanding on the catalytic and ferroptosis suppression mechanisms of FSP1 and establish 6-hydroxy-FAD as an active cofactor in FSP1 and a potent radical-trapping antioxidant in ferroptosis inhibition.

Association of the triglyceride-glucose index with subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a simple and reliable indicator of insulin resistance, and is associated with the development and poor outcomes of cardiovascular disease. Subclinical left ventricular dysfunction (SLVD) is frequently detected in approximately one-third of diabetes patients, but it has not been established whether the TyG index correlates with SLVD. We carried out this research to evaluate the relationship between the TyG index and SLVD in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional and observational study of 183 type 2 diabetes mellitus inpatients at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China. The TyG index and homeostasis model assessment 2 estimates for insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) were calculated from biochemical measurements, and speckle-tracking echocardiography was carried out. According to global longitudinal strain (GLS) by echocardiography, participants were categorized into the SLVD (GLS <18%) group or the non-SLVD (GLS ≥18%) group. RESULTS: In comparison with non-SLVD participants, SLVD participants had higher insulin resistance, as reflected by elevated TyG and HOMA2-IR indices, as well as a higher body mass index, waist circumference and triglyceride level (P < 0.05 for each). When grouped by TyG index tertiles, an elevated TyG index was correlated with other cardiometabolic risk factors, as well as a decrease in GLS. In the multivariate logistic regression analyses, the TyG index was an independent risk factor for SLVD in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (odds ratio 2.047, 95% confidence interval 1.07-3.914, P = 0.03), whereas HOMA2-IR was not. CONCLUSIONS: The TyG index is independently associated with SLVD in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and is a more reliable indicator of SLVD than HOMA2-IR.

Experimental Full Network Nonlocality with Independent Sources and Strict Locality Constraints.

Nonlocality arising in networks composed of several independent sources gives rise to phenomena radically different from that in standard Bell scenarios. Over the years, the phenomenon of network nonlocality in the entanglement-swapping scenario has been well investigated and demonstrated. However, it is known that violations of the so-called bilocality inequality used in previous experimental demonstrations cannot be used to certify the nonclassicality of their sources. This has put forward a stronger concept for nonlocality in networks, called full network nonlocality. Here, we experimentally observe full network nonlocal correlations in a network where the source-independence, locality, and measurement-independence loopholes are closed. This is ensured by employing two independent sources, rapid setting generation, and spacelike separations of relevant events. Our experiment violates known inequalities characterizing nonfull network nonlocal correlations by over 5 standard deviations, certifying the absence of classical sources in the realization.

Fat Mass is Associated with Subclinical Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Without Established Cardiovascular Diseases.

INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) is considered to be the first marker of diabetes mellitus-related subclinical cardiac dysfunction, but whether it is attributable to fat mass and distribution remains uncertain. In this study, we explored whether fat mass, especially fat mass in the android area, is associated with subclinical systolic dysfunction before the onset of cardiac disease. METHODS: We conducted a single-center prospective cross-sectional study between November 2021 and August 2022 on inpatients of the Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. We included 150 patients aged 18-70 years with no signs, symptoms, or history of clinical cardiac disease. Patients were evaluated with speckle tracking echocardiography and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The cutoff values for subclinical systolic dysfunction were set at a global longitudinal strain (GLS) < 18%. RESULTS: After adjusting for sex and age, patients with GLS < 18% had a higher mean (± standard deviation) fat mass index (8.06 ± 2.39 vs. 7.10 ± 2.09 kg/m2, p = 0.02), higher mean trunk fat mass (14.9 ± 4.9 vs. 12.8 ± 4.3 kg, p = 0.01), and higher android fat mass (2.57 ± 1.02 vs. 2.18 ± 0.86 kg, p = 0.02) than those in the GLS ≥ 18%. Partial correlation analysis showed that the fat mass index, truck fat mass, and android fat mass were negatively correlated with GLS after adjusting for sex and age (all p < 0.05). Adjusted for traditional cardiovascular metabolic factors, fat mass index (odds ratio [OR] 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.55, p = 0.02), trunk fat mass (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.03-1.24, p = 0.01), and android fat mass (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.16-2.82, p = 0.01) were independent risk factors for GLS < 18%. CONCLUSION: Among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without established clinical cardiac disease, fat mass, especially android fat mass, was associated with subclinical systolic dysfunction independently of age and sex.

Molecular Simulation for Guiding the Design and Optimization of Mixed Matrix Membranes (MMMs) in the Pervaporation Process.

Molecular simulation has been used extensively in the study of pervaporation membranes as a new economical and environmentally friendly research method. In this paper, A-SiO2/PDMS-PTFE mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were prepared by molecular-simulation-guided experiments to achieve the separation of dimethyl carbonate/methanol (DMC/MeOH)) azeotropes. The interaction energy, X-ray diffraction pattern mean square displacement, and density field between PDMS and inorganic particles were analyzed by molecular dynamics simulations. The dissolution and diffusion processes of the DMC/MeOH azeotropes system in the MMM were simulated, and the surface-silylated silica (A-SiO2) with relatively better performance was screened. Based on the simulation results, A-SiO2/PDMS-PTFE MMMs were prepared by the coblending method, and the pervaporation separation performance of MMM membranes for DMC/MeOH azeotropes with different A-SiO2 loadings was investigated. When the A-SiO2 loading was 15 wt %, the separation factor of DMC/MeOH azeotropes at 50 °C was 4.74 and the flux was 1178 g m-2 h-1, which was consistent with the expected results of the simulation. The MMMs showed good stability in pervaporation over a period of up to 120 h. This study demonstrates that molecular simulations can provide a viable means for pretest screening and validation of experimental mechanisms, and to a certain extent, guide the design and optimization of pervaporation membranes.

Wrinkled Interfaces: Taking Advantage of Anisotropic Wrinkling to Periodically Pattern Polymer Surfaces.

Periodically patterned surfaces can cause special surface properties and are employed as functional building blocks in many devices, yet remaining challenges in fabrication. Advancements in fabricating structured polymer surfaces for obtaining periodic patterns are accomplished by adopting "top-down" strategies based on self-assembly or physico-chemical growth of atoms, molecules, or particles or "bottom-up" strategies ranging from traditional micromolding (embossing) or micro/nanoimprinting to novel laser-induced periodic surface structure, soft lithography, or direct laser interference patterning among others. Thus, technological advances directly promote higher resolution capabilities. Contrasted with the above techniques requiring highly sophisticated tools, surface instabilities taking advantage of the intrinsic properties of polymers induce surface wrinkling in order to fabricate periodically oriented wrinkled patterns. Such abundant and elaborate patterns are obtained as a result of self-organizing processes that are rather difficult if not impossible to fabricate through conventional patterning techniques. Focusing on oriented wrinkles, this review thoroughly describes the formation mechanisms and fabrication approaches for oriented wrinkles, as well as their fine-tuning in the wavelength, amplitude, and orientation control. Finally, the major applications in which oriented wrinkled interfaces are already in use or may be prospective in the near future are overviewed.

Amelioration of diabetic kidney injury with dapagliflozin is associated with suppressing renal HMGB1 expression and restoring autophagy in obese mice.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major cause of chronic and end-stage renal disease in diabetic patients. Here, we investigated protective effects and possible mechanisms of dapagliflozin on renal injury in diabetic mice. DKD mice were established by high fat diet (HFD) feeding. Half of DKD mice were randomly assigned to receive dapagliflozin treatment (200 µg/day) for 8 weeks. Renal lipid droplets, fibrosis, oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress were evaluated. Glomerular injury was assessed by immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. Dapagliflozin led to marked inhibition of ROS levels and endoplasmic reticulum stress in diabetic mice. HFD-induced loss of Podocin and Nephrin, and impaired podocytes were also improved with the treatment. Importantly, overexpression of HMGB1 and suppressed autophagy in the kidney were partly reversed by dapagliflozin. Therefore, we speculate that protective effects of dapagliflozin on DKD may be associated with suppression of HMGB1 expression and restoration of autophagy in the kidney.

Longitudinal association between triglyceride glucose index and depression progression in middle-aged and elder adults: A national retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Psychological symptoms are prevalent among individuals with non-communicable diseases, while the longitudinal association between triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, an indicator of metabolic health, and depression progression remains unclear yet. This study aims to investigate the association of baseline TyG index and depression progression in middle-aged and elder adults. METHODS AND RESULTS: This retrospective cohort study enrolled 8287 participants aged 45 years or above from national China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in visit 1 (2011-2012), which were biennially followed for depression score until visit 4 (2017-2018). Multivariate-adjusted regression models were used to evaluate the association of baseline TyG index with the individual level change rate and slope of depression score. The mean age (±SD) of participants was 58.25 ± 9.10 years, and 3806 (45.9%) were men. There was no significant difference of depression score at baseline across TyG quartile groups (P = 0.228). Participants in the highest quartile of TyG index had a 0.124 (95% CI: 0.018-0.230) higher change rate of depression score, and a 0.127 (95% CI: 0.019-0.235) higher change slope, compared to those in the lowest. The observed associations were consistent in multiple sensitivity analyses, and stable in men, the elder, and overweight people. CONCLUSION: TyG index is positively associated with depression progression especially in men, the elder and overweight people, which provides new insights for the primary prevention of depression disorder.

Research of a Thermodynamic Function (∂p∂x)T, x→0: Temperature Dependence and Relation to Properties at Infinite Dilution

In this work, we propose the idea of considering (∂p∂x)T, x→0 as an infinite dilution thermodynamic function. Our research shows that (∂p∂x)T,x→0 as a thermodynamic function is closely related to temperature, with the relation being simply expressed as: ln(∂p∂x)T, x→0=AT+B. Then, we use this equation to correlate the isothermal vapor−liquid equilibrium (VLE) data for 40 systems. The result shows that the total average relative deviation is 0.15%, and the total average absolute deviation is 3.12%. It indicates that the model correlates well with the experimental data. Moreover, we start from the total pressure expression, and use the Gibbs−Duhem equation to re-derive the relationship between (∂p∂x)T,x→0 and the infinite dilution activity coefficient (γ∞) at low pressure. Based on the definition of partial molar volume, an equation for (∂p∂x)T,x→0 and gas solubility at high pressure is proposed in our work. Then, we use this equation to correlate the literature data on the solubility of nitrogen, hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide in water. These systems are reported at temperatures ranging from 273.15 K to 398.15 K and pressures up to 101.325 MPa. The total average relative deviation of the predicted values with respect to the experimental data is 0.08%, and the total average absolute deviation is 2.68%. Compared with the Krichevsky−Kasarnovsky equation, the developed model provides more reliable results.

Experimental Refutation of Real-Valued Quantum Mechanics under Strict Locality Conditions.

Quantum mechanics is commonly formulated in a complex, rather than real, Hilbert space. However, whether quantum theory really needs the participation of complex numbers has been debated ever since its birth. Recently, a Bell-like test in an entanglement-swapping scenario has been proposed to distinguish standard quantum mechanics from its real-valued analog. Previous experiments have conceptually demonstrated, yet not satisfied, the central requirement of independent state preparation and measurements and leave several loopholes. Here, we implement such a Bell-like test with two separated independent sources delivering entangled photons to three separated parties under strict locality conditions that are enforced by spacelike separation of the relevant events, rapid random setting generation, and fast measurement. With the fair-sampling assumption and closed loopholes of independent source, locality, and measurement independence simultaneously, we violate the constraints of real-valued quantum mechanics by 5.30 standard deviations. Our results disprove the real-valued quantum theory to describe nature and ensure the indispensable role of complex numbers in quantum mechanics.

Experimental Demonstration of Genuine Tripartite Nonlocality under Strict Locality Conditions.

Nonlocality captures one of the counterintuitive features of nature that defies classical intuition. Recent investigations reveal that our physical world's nonlocality is at least tripartite; i.e., genuinely tripartite nonlocal correlations in nature cannot be reproduced by any causal theory involving bipartite nonclassical resources and unlimited shared randomness. Here, by allowing the fair sampling assumption and postselection, we experimentally demonstrate such genuine tripartite nonlocality in a network under strict locality constraints that are ensured by spacelike separating all relevant events and employing fast quantum random number generators and high-speed polarization measurements. In particular, for a photonic quantum triangular network we observe a locality-loophole-free violation of the Bell-type inequality by 7.57 standard deviations for a postselected tripartite Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger state of fidelity (93.13±0.24)%, which convincingly disproves the possibility of simulating genuine tripartite nonlocality by bipartite nonlocal resources with globally shared randomness.

Closing the Locality and Detection Loopholes in Multiparticle Entanglement Self-Testing.

First proposed by Mayers and Yao, self-testing provides a certification method to infer the underlying physics of quantum experiments in a black-box scenario. Numerous demonstrations have been reported to self-test various types of entangled states. However, all the multiparticle self-testing experiments reported so far suffer from both detection and locality loopholes. Here, we report the first experimental realization of multiparticle entanglement self-testing closing the locality loophole in a photonic system, and the detection loophole in a superconducting system, respectively. We certify three-party and four-party GHZ states with at least 0.84(1) and 0.86(3) fidelities in a device-independent way. These results can be viewed as a meaningful advance in multiparticle loophole-free self-testing, and also significant progress on the foundations of quantum entanglement certification.

The Magnetic Genome of Two-Dimensional van der Waals Materials.

Magnetism in two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) materials has recently emerged as one of the most promising areas in condensed matter research, with many exciting emerging properties and significant potential for applications ranging from topological magnonics to low-power spintronics, quantum computing, and optical communications. In the brief time after their discovery, 2D magnets have blossomed into a rich area for investigation, where fundamental concepts in magnetism are challenged by the behavior of spins that can develop at the single layer limit. However, much effort is still needed in multiple fronts before 2D magnets can be routinely used for practical implementations. In this comprehensive review, prominent authors with expertise in complementary fields of 2D magnetism (i.e., synthesis, device engineering, magneto-optics, imaging, transport, mechanics, spin excitations, and theory and simulations) have joined together to provide a genome of current knowledge and a guideline for future developments in 2D magnetic materials research.

Association between visceral adiposity index and incident stroke: Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Visceral adiposity index (VAI), an indicator of visceral fat, is associated with metabolic health and arterial stiffness. However, studies correlating VAI and stroke are limited. This study aimed to explore the association between VAI and incident stroke in the Chinese population. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively analysed the data of 9127 individuals enrolled in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The first survey of the study was conducted during 2011-2012 and the individuals were followed up until Survey 4 (2017-2018). Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models were used to evaluate the association between VAI and stroke. The mean age of the study population was 59.3 ± 9.5 years and 4938 (54.1%) participants were women. During the median follow-up of 5.2 [1.0-7.0] years, 833 (9.1%) participants developed stroke, and the cumulative incidence of stroke increased with increasing quartiles of VAI (8.6%, 8.7%, 9.2%, and 10.0%). Compared to those in the first quartile of VAI, individuals in the fourth quartile had an increased risk of stroke (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.15-1.75). The results were stable in several sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a positive association between VAI and incident stroke in the Chinese population.

Direct visualization of magnetic domains and moiré magnetism in twisted 2D magnets.

Moiré superlattices of twisted nonmagnetic two-dimensional (2D) materials are highly controllable platforms for the engineering of exotic correlated and topological states. Here, we report emerging magnetic textures in small-angle twisted 2D magnet chromium triiodide (CrI3). Using single-spin quantum magnetometry, we directly visualized nanoscale magnetic domains and periodic patterns, a signature of moiré magnetism, and measured domain size and magnetization. In twisted bilayer CrI3, we observed the coexistence of antiferromagnetic (AFM) and ferromagnetic (FM) domains with disorder-like spatial patterns. In twisted double-trilayer CrI3, AFM and FM domains with periodic patterns appear, which is in good agreement with the calculated spatial magnetic structures that arise from the local stacking-dependent interlayer exchange interactions in CrI3 moiré superlattices. Our results highlight magnetic moiré superlattices as a platform for exploring nanomagnetism.

Performance Evaluation of the Glunovo® Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring System in Chinese Participants with Diabetes: A Multicenter, Self-Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The present study was aimed to evaluate the performance and safety of the Glunovo® real-time continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) in monitoring interstitial fluid glucose in adult participants with diabetes (at least 18 years old) using venous blood glucose as control. METHODS: This was a multicenter, self-controlled clinical trial, conducted in participants with diabetes from China, between March 2019 to October 2019. The CGMS was used by all the participants for a 14-day wear-in period. The real-time glucose values measured by Glunovo® CGMS were compared with venous blood glucose values measured by the Entwicklung, Konstruktion und Fertigung (EKF) blood glucose detector. The primary outcomes were the consistency rate of CGMS readings and venous blood glucose values (20/20% standard). RESULTS: A total of 78 participants (41 men, 37 women) and 156 CGMS sensors were included in the study. Among the included participants, 25 and 53 participants had type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively, with median age of 52.50 years (range 32-62 years). The overall agreement rate (20/20%) was 89.71% (95% CI 89.18-90.24%). It was observed that 99.08% (95% CI 98.91-99.24%) and 99.82% (95% CI 99.74-99.89%) of the measuring points fell within the A + B zones of the Clarke error grid analysis and Parkes/consensus error grid analysis, respectively. The mean absolute relative difference was 10.30% ± 4.86%. The probability of a glucose measurement falling within a range, when stratified by venous glucose measurements, ranged from 7.14% for 19.44-22.22 mmol/L to 79.21% for 4.44-6.67 mmol/L. There were 73 (41.24%) and 27 (57.45%) successful CGMS alarms for hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic events, respectively. CONCLUSION: From the results, Glunovo® CGMS had excellent accuracy and limited clinical risk compared with venous blood glucose in the range of 2.2-22.2 mmol/L over 14 days.

Magnetic domains and domain wall pinning in atomically thin CrBr3 revealed by nanoscale imaging.

The emergence of atomically thin van der Waals magnets provides a new platform for the studies of two-dimensional magnetism and its applications. However, the widely used measurement methods in recent studies cannot provide quantitative information of the magnetization nor achieve nanoscale spatial resolution. These capabilities are essential to explore the rich properties of magnetic domains and spin textures. Here, we employ cryogenic scanning magnetometry using a single-electron spin of a nitrogen-vacancy center in a diamond probe to unambiguously prove the existence of magnetic domains and study their dynamics in atomically thin CrBr3. By controlling the magnetic domain evolution as a function of magnetic field, we find that the pinning effect is a dominant coercivity mechanism and determine the magnetization of a CrBr3 bilayer to be about 26 Bohr magnetons per square nanometer. The high spatial resolution of this technique enables imaging of magnetic domains and allows to locate the sites of defects that pin the domain walls and nucleate the reverse domains. Our work highlights scanning nitrogen-vacancy center magnetometry as a quantitative probe to explore nanoscale features in two-dimensional magnets.