Improvement In Sensitivity Research Articles

The impact of physical exercise with additional visual tasks on UDVA and accommodation sensitivity in children: the mediating role of kinetic visual acuity

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of physical exercise supplemented with visual tasks on children’s uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), kinetic visual acuity (KVA), and accommodative sensitivity, with an analysis of the mediating role of KVA.MethodsA total of 168 third-grade students from four natural classes in a primary school in Suzhou City were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 86) or a control group (n = 82). The experimental group engaged in 30 cycles of ciliary muscle training tasks with visual targets presented for 3 s during physical exercises, while the control group participated in regular physical exercises. The intervention lasted 16 weeks, during which KVA, UDVA, and accommodative sensitivity of children were measured before and after the intervention using a kinetic visual acuity tester, a standard logarithmic visual acuity chart lightbox, and a lens flipper.ResultsPost-intervention, the experimental group showed significant improvements in KVA, UDVA, and accommodative sensitivity (p < 0.05). The control group did not show significant changes in KVA and UDVA (p > 0.05), but did exhibit a significant improvement in accommodative sensitivity (p < 0.05). Additionally, children in the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher levels of KVA, UDVA, and accommodative sensitivity compared to the control group after the intervention (p < 0.05). A moderate positive correlation was found between KVA and both UDVA and accommodative sensitivity. KVA partially mediated the effect of additional visual tasks during physical exercise on UDVA in children (left eye 95% CI: 0.011—0.180; right eye 95% CI: 0.023—0.167). Moreover, KVA partially mediated the effect of additional visual tasks during physical exercise on accommodative sensitivity (95% CI: 0.021—0.245).ConclusionIncorporating additional visual tasks into physical exercise effectively enhances KVA, UDVA, and accommodative sensitivity in children. There is a significant positive correlation between KVA and UDVA as well as between KVA and accommodative sensitivity. These visual tasks directly impact UDVA and accommodative sensitivity and indirectly influence them through the mediating effect of KVA.

Optical field modulation-enhanced cantilever sensor-based photoacoustic spectroscopy gas detection system

Abstract This study presents an approach to enhance the sensitivity of cantilever sensor-based photoacoustic (PA) spectroscopy gas detection systems through optical field modulation. Theoretical investigations into the mechanism and method of optical field modulation are followed by experimental validation. Acetylene is selected as the target molecule, with a near-infrared DFB LD laser serving as the light source. A dual-lens configuration was constructed to yield a better optical field distribution compared to the single-lens configuration. In the near-field of the laser, the setup of the dual-lens configuration has a better sensitivity than that of the single-lens setup, with a limit of detection reaching 0.52 μl l−1. In the far-field of the laser, however, the PA signals are significantly lower than that of near-field measurements, indicating that far-field measurement is not preferred. The results can provide references to the sensitivity improvement of the PA spectroscopy-based gas sensing system.

Metamodel-based Hybrid Parametric Optimization with Static Prototype Validation for a Six-Axle Wheel Load Cell Design

The accurate measurement of forces and torques acting on a vehicle’s chassis, originating from wheel-pavement interactions, is essential for optimizing suspension systems, axles, and other structural components. A critical challenge in optimizing wheel load cell (WLC) design is to enhance sensitivity without compromising mechanical robustness. To address this question, this study developed a six-axis load cell designed to decouple force and torque measurements, achieving high sensitivity and reliability. The objective was to design an optimized WLC for multi-axis force measurement by maximizing sensitivity through a metamodel-based hybrid optimization framework. The methodology began with a fractional factorial Design of Experiments (DOE) to identify key parameters affecting load cell sensitivity and to define the optimization search space. This was followed by a dual-step parametric optimization process, utilizing the finite element method (FEM) to evaluate load cell performance and an inner-point optimization algorithm for convergence. After completing the DOE and FEM stages, the load cell was physically constructed and calibrated using a universal testing machine MTS 810, where experimental data closely matched simulation results, validating the design’s effectiveness. The main findings indicate that the optimized load cell can reliably measure six components, with a sensitivity increase of 14% compared to conventional designs. Numerical results from FEM analyses showed stress levels at 215 MPa, displacements around 0.16 mm, and a first-mode vibration frequency of 1351 Hz, meeting all structural integrity and performance requirements. Calibration confirmed minimal cross-talk effects, supporting the robustness of the final design. The developed load cell met optimal design criteria, showing substantial improvements in sensitivity and accuracy over existing designs, with potential applications in automotive, aerospace, and engineering testing.

A Novel Sensitivity Maximization at a Given Specificity Method for Binary Classifications

Abstract In the cancer early detection field, logistic regression is a frequently used approach to establish a combination rule that differentiates cancer from non-cancer. However, the application of logistic regression relies on a maximum likelihood approach, which may not yield optimal combination rules for maximizing sensitivity at a clinically desirable specificity and vice versa. Here, we have developed an improved regression framework, Sensitivity Maximization At a Given Specificity, SMAGS, for binary classification that finds the linear decision rule yielding the maximum sensitivity for a given specificity or the maximum specificity for a given sensitivity. We additionally expand the framework for feature selection that satisfies sensitivity and specificity maximizations. We compare our SMAGS method with normal logistic regression using two synthetic datasets and reported data for colorectal cancer (CRC) from the 2018 CancerSEEK study. In the CRC CancerSEEK dataset, we report 14% improvement in sensitivity at 98.5% specificity (0.31 vs 0.57; p-value:<0.05). The SMAGS method provides an alternative to logistic regression for modeling combination rules for biomarkers and early detection applications.

Evidence for a Sharp CO Snow Line Transition in a Protoplanetary Disk and Implications for Millimeter-wave Observations of CO Isotopologues

Observations of CO isotopologue emission from protoplanetary disks at millimeter wavelengths are a powerful tool for probing the CO snow line, an important marker for disk chemistry, and also for estimating total disk gas mass, a key quantity for planet formation. We use simple models to demonstrate that the vertical thickness of an isothermal layer around the disk midplane has important effects on the CO column density radial profile, with a thick layer producing a sharp CO snow line transition. We simulate next-generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) and Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) images to show that this sharp change in the CO column density can be detected in the derivative of the radial profile of emission from optically thin CO isotopologue lines. We apply this method to archival ALMA observations of the disk around the Herbig Ae star HD 163296 in the C17O and C18O J = 1–0 and J = 2–1 lines to identify a sharp CO snow line transition near ∼80 au (0.″8 at 101 pc), and show the CO column density decreases by more than a factor of 20. This finding is consistent with previous inferences from the steep rise of N2H+ emission, which marks the location where CO depletes. We also demonstrate that the disk’s thermal structure introduces significant systematic uncertainty to estimates of total disk gas mass derived from these lines. The substantial improvement in sensitivity envisioned for the ngVLA over ALMA for observations of ground-state lines of CO isotopologues has the potential to extend this approach to a much larger population of disks.

Microwave Hall measurements using a circularly polarized dielectric cavity.

We have developed a circularly polarized dielectric rutile (TiO2) cavity with a high quality-factor that can generate circularly polarized microwaves from two orthogonal linearly polarized microwaves with a phase difference of ±π/2 using a hybrid coupler. Using this cavity, we have established a new methodology to measure the microwave Hall conductivity of a small single crystal of metal in the skin-depth region. Based on the cavity perturbation technique, we have shown that all components of the surface impedance tensor can be extracted under the application of a magnetic field by comparing the right- and left-handed circularly polarized modes. To verify the validity of the developed method, we performed test measurements on tiny Bi single crystals at low temperatures. As a result, we have successfully obtained the surface impedance tensor components and confirmed that the characteristic field dependence of the ac Hall angle in the microwave region is consistent with the expectation from the dc transport measurements. These results demonstrate a significant improvement in sensitivity compared to previous methods. Thus, our developed technique allows for more accurate microwave Hall measurements, opening the way for new approaches to explore novel topological quantum phenomena, such as time-reversal symmetry breaking in superconductors.

The role of exosomes for sustained specific cardiorespiratory and metabolic improvements in males with type 2 diabetes after detraining

BackgroundHigh-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to improve cardiorespiratory fitness (V˙ O2max) but may ameliorate insulin sensitivity only in insulin-resistant humans. It is yet unclear whether these benefits persist after detraining and to which extent duration and effectiveness of metabolic improvements differ between individuals without and with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes (T2D). Understanding these differences is relevant for developing targeted exercise training modes for individuals with different stages of dysglycemia. MethodsMen with (20 T2D) and without T2D (12 insulin-sensitive, IS-NDM; 10 insulin-resistant, IR-NDM) underwent hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps, spiroergometry, ectopic lipid quantification and muscle biopsies at baseline, after 12-week HIIT and after 4-week detraining. FindingsAfter detraining, the HIIT-stimulated V˙ O2max declined in T2D and IR-NDM, but remained higher compared to baseline in all groups. The HIIT-induced changes in hepatic insulin sensitivity and ectopic lipid content were sustained after detraining in T2D and IR-NDM, whereas improvements of whole-body insulin sensitivity were abolished in T2D. T2D and IR-NDM showed persistent increases in the number of small extracellular vesicles, which carry among others antioxidant proteins. The ratio of reduced-to-oxidized glutathione further decreased after detraining in all groups, whereas changes in proteins involved in mitochondrial turnover were dependent on insulin sensitivity, with some evidence for upregulation of fusion and mitophagy in T2D and IR-NDM and upregulation of fission in IS-NDM. Levels of different lipolytic proteins were reduced in all participants after detraining. InterpretationHIIT offers sustained improvement of energy metabolism and hepatic insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant humans, but long-term adherence is required to maintain these benefits. FundingFunding bodies that contributed to this study are listed in the acknowledgements section.

Subretinal Gene Therapy Drug AGTC-501 for XLRP Phase 1/2 Multicenter Study (HORIZON): 24-Month Safety and Efficacy Results: Subretinal Gene Therapy AGTC-501 for XLRP Ph 1/2 24M Results

PurposeTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of subretinal gene therapy using AGTC-501 (rAAV2tYF-GRK1-RPGR) in male participants with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP). DesignPhase 1/2, open-label, dose-escalation study. MethodsSetting: Four centers in the United States. Patient or Study Population: Twenty-nine males with XLRP and confirmed pathogenic RPGR variants. Mean age was 31.6 years (range 15-55). Intervention: Subretinal injection of AGTC-501 at doses ranging from 2.48 × 1010 to 1.99 × 1012 vg/eye administered in one eye per participant. Subretinal injection sites initially targeted the peripheral retina and then transitioned to the macula with successive cohorts. Main Outcome Measures: Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), serious adverse events (SAEs), laboratory parameters, and immunological responses. Efficacy was evaluated by mesopic microperimetry mean sensitivity. ResultsAll 29 participants experienced ≥1 TEAE. Eleven (38%) experienced ≥1 grade 3 TEAE. Six (21%) experienced ≥1 ocular SAE related to AGTC-501, including retinal detachment (n=4), subcapsular cataract (n=1), and glaucoma (n=1). Two (6.9%) experienced non-ocular treatment-emergent SAEs. Immunological findings did not indicate safety concerns. Three of 4 participants at the highest dose exhibited concerning retinal pigment epithelial changes. Half the participants at the highest tolerated dose (6.8 × 1011vg/eye) maintained ≥7 dB improvement in ≥5 loci at 24 months. ConclusionsSubretinal AGTC-501 was generally well-tolerated. Despite all participants experiencing at least one TEAE, most of these events were mild in nature, exhibited complete resolution, and were associated with the subretinal injection procedure itself rather than the study agent. The highest dose exhibited an unfavorable risk-benefit profile due to the development of RPE changes. Although this group had the highest improvement in retinal sensitivity, our team has decided not to continue this dose in future clinical trials. Preliminary efficacy was observed at the maximum tolerated dose. Further studies are warranted to assess long-term safety and efficacy of AGTC-501 for XLRP treatment.

Expression of PPAR-γ TF by newly synthesized thiazolidine-2,4-diones to manage glycemic control: Insights from in silico, in vitro and experimental pharmacology in wistar rats.

In pursuit of novel antidiabetic agents to combat type II diabetes mellitus, our study focused on identifying pharmacophoric features responsible for PPAR-γ expression, a key regulator of glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism. This goal was achieved through pharmacophore model generation and screening of rationally designed library of thiazolidine-2,4-dione hybrids (7a-7f). The top hits were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for their in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic activities. Among these, compounds 7b and 7c emerged as promising candidates, exhibiting significant in vitro inhibitory activity against human pancreatic α-amylase (HPA) and human liver α-glucosidase (HLAG) enzymes, along with enhanced glucose uptake in L6 myotube cell lines. Specifically, compound 7b showed 29.04±1.13µM HPA inhibition, 34.21±1.16µg/mL HLAG inhibition, and 77.12±1.02% glucose uptake, while compound 7c displayed 28.35±1.01µM HPA inhibition, 26.21±1.17µM HLAG inhibition, and 78.54±0.54% glucose uptake. Mechanistic studies revealed a dose-dependent increase in PPAR-γ transcription factor expression, supported by molecular docking that showed favorable interactions with key residues TYR473, SER289, and HIE323. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of these interactions, and MM/GBSA binding free energy calculations indicated potential for further optimization. In vivo studies in STZ-induced diabetic Wistar rats demonstrated significant improvements in glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and lipid metabolism, with a notable decrease in triglycerides and VLDL levels. Compound 7c also showed an improved pharmacokinetic profile with a half-life of 4.01h and an elimination rate constant of 0.325, compared to compound 7b. Both compounds enhanced glycogen content and antioxidant biomarkers, with a high safety profile (LD50 of 500mg/kg). Overall, compound 7c stands out as a promising lead for further development, with compound 7b also showing strong potential, providing valuable insights for future antidiabetic drug development efforts.

Effect of Weight Loss on Skeletal Muscle Bioactive Lipids in People With Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.

Muscle sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) and C18:0 ceramide accumulation in sarcolemmal and mitochondrial compartments have been proposed to regulate muscle insulin sensitivity. Here, we evaluated whether weight loss-induced improvements in insulin sensitivity were associated with changes in muscle sn-1,2-DAG and ceramide content in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. We measured skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity, assessed by using the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp procedure in conjunction with stable isotopically labeled glucose tracer infusion, and skeletal muscle sn-1,2-DAG and ceramide contents by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry after subcellular fractionation and DAG isomer separation in 14 adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes before and after marked (18.6 ± 2.1%) weight loss. Whole-body insulin sensitivity doubled after weight loss. Sarcolemmal sn-1,2-DAG and C18:0 ceramide contents after weight loss were not different than values before weight loss. In contrast, mitochondrial/ER C18:0 ceramide content decreased by ∼20% after weight loss (from 2.16 ± 0.08 to 1.71 ± 0.13 nmol/g, P<0.005). These results suggest a decrease in muscle mitochondrial/ER C18:0 ceramide content could contribute to the beneficial effect of weight loss on skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity.

BSA-seq and transcriptome analysis reveal GhDSA05 as a candidate gene responsible for sensitivity to defoliants in Gossypium hirsutum L.

With the development of machine-harvested cotton, the application of defoliants is a key technology that can promote defoliation and reduce impurities in cotton fibers. Therefore, sensitivity to defoliants is a very important trait in machine-harvested cotton. In this study, to uncover the genetic basis of defoliant sensitivity in cotton, bulked segregant analysis by sequencing was used with a F2 population derived from Xinluzao 57 (XLZ57, defoliant sensitive) and Nan 2 (N2, defoliant insensitive) to mapped the quantitative trait locus (QTL) to a 3.66-Mb interval at chromosome A05. Then, 284 F2 individuals were used to validate and narrow the QTL to a 1.6-Mb interval and was named qSD-A05. To identify the candidate genes, dynamic transcriptome analysis of the abscission zone (AZ) in XLZ57 and N2 after defoliant treatment was performed. A total of 132 and 142 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at all time points in N2 and XLZ57, respectively, and were enriched in the defense response pathway and abscisic acid-activated signaling pathway. More importantly, 15 DEGs were identified in the qSD-A05 interval, among which, Ghi_A05G23601 was significantly upregulated after defoliant treatment. There were multiple variants between N2 and XLZ57, including missense and frameshift mutations. Therefore, Ghi_A05G23601 was regarded as the key candidate gene and was named GhDSA05, which encodes a Facilitator superfamily transporter protein. To verify the function of GhDSA05, virus-induced gene silencing was performed, which showed that the GhDSA05-silenced plants exhibited decreased defoliant sensitivity. Additionally, the expression of organ abscission-related genes was downregulated in the GhDSA05-silenced plants. In summary, GhDSA05 positively regulates the formation of AZ under defoliant treatment and promotes leaf abscission in cotton. The results of this study not only enhance our knowledge of the defoliation mechanism of cotton but also provide a target for the genetic improvement of defoliant sensitivity.

High-protein vegan and omnivorous diets improve peripheral insulin sensitivity to a similar extent in people with type 2 diabetes.

High-protein diets have been recognized as a potential strategy in the nutritional management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Mycoprotein is a high-fibre, high-protein food ingredient previously shown to improve acute glycaemic control. We determined whether incorporating mycoprotein into a high-protein vegan diet would improve glycaemic control to a greater extent than an isonitrogenous omnivorous diet in people with T2D. Seventeen adults (f = 5, age = 58.3 ± 8.3 years, BMI = 32.9 ± 4.7 kg∙m-2, HbA1c = 60 ± 15 mmol∙mol-1) with T2D were randomly allocated to a 5-week eucaloric high-protein (30% energy from protein) diet, either an omnivorous diet (OMNI; 70% protein from omnivorous sources) or an isonitrogenous, mycoprotein-rich, vegan diet (VEG; 50% protein from mycoprotein). Glycaemic control was assessed using a two-step hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp (HEC) with D-[6,6-2H2] glucose infusion, a mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT) and continuous glucose monitoring. The rate of glucose disappearance (RdT), glucose disposal rate and endogenous glucose production, as well as postprandial time-course of blood glucose, serum insulin and C-peptide were assessed during the HEC and MMTT, respectively. Both groups had improved peripheral insulin sensitivity (intervention effect, p = 0.006; increased RdT/Insulin of 1.0 ± 0.6 and 1.0 ± 0.3 mg kg-1 min-1 in OMNI and VEG, respectively), HbA1c (intervention; p = 0.001) and glycaemic variability (intervention; p = 0.040; increased time in-range of 11.8 ± 9.3% and 23.3 ± 12.9% in OMNI and VEG). There were no improvements in hepatic insulin sensitivity or in postprandial blood glucose and serum C-peptide (p > 0.05) during the MMTT. High-protein diets, whether predicated on vegan or omnivorous proteins, can improve glycaemic control by increasing peripheral insulin sensitivity in people with T2D.

A fuzzy cognitive map approach to selecting the best knowledge management strategy

Purpose Selecting an appropriate strategy can significantly influence an organization’s direction, but numerous interrelated factors make this decision complex and uncertain. Identifying these relationships and making informed decisions often involves navigating uncertainty. This paper aims to assist managers in leveraging the organization’s intellectual assets to select the most suitable knowledge management strategy. Design/methodology/approach This research proposes fuzzy cognitive maps to model and select the appropriate strategy. Given that knowledge is a company’s most valuable asset and its management is critical, the proposed method for selecting a knowledge management strategy was tested in one of Iran’s largest logistics companies. The factors influencing strategy adoption were treated as concepts in the fuzzy cognitive network, with evaluation criteria applied to three strategies: human-oriented, system-oriented and dynamic. Findings The model’s output identifies the most suitable strategy based on knowledge management principles and the specific characteristics of the target project within the organization. Compared to the most cited paper in this field, the proposed model shows a 0.15% improvement in sensitivity and a 0.22% improvement in separation degree. Originality/value This study proposes a novel method using fuzzy cognitive maps to assist organizations in selecting the best knowledge management strategy, even amidst multiple influencing factors and uncertain conditions.

The impact of high-intensity interval training on insulin sensitivity and quality of life in women with overweight polycystic ovary syndrome

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, characterized by menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. Insulin resistance is central to its pathophysiology, contributing to metabolic disturbances and increased cardiometabolic risks. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has emerged as a promising intervention to improve metabolic health. Objective This study aimed to investigate the specific effects of HIIT on insulin sensitivity, body composition, metabolic profile, and quality of life in women with overweight PCOS. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 107 female patients with overweight PCOS who were divided into two groups: the Regular Interval Training Group (n = 54) and the HIIT Group (n = 53). Baseline data, including insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, body composition, metabolic profile, and quality of life, were measured and compared between the two groups. Results The HIIT Group demonstrated significantly improved insulin sensitivity, reduced fasting glucose levels, lower HOMA-IR index, lower body fat percentage, decreased waist and hip circumferences, improved favorable changes in metabolic profile, and significant improvements in quality of life compared to the Regular Interval Training Group. These findings suggest that HIIT led to beneficial outcomes across various metabolic and clinical parameters in women with overweight PCOS. Conclusion The findings of this study highlight the potential of personalized exercise prescriptions, such as HIIT, in optimizing health outcomes in women with overweight PCOS. The observed improvements in insulin sensitivity, body composition, metabolic profile, and quality of life underscore the promising role of HIIT in addressing the multifaceted implications of PCOS and its associated metabolic and reproductive implications.

Reinforcement learning for rotation sensing with ultracold atoms in an optical lattice

In this paper, we investigate a design approach of reinforcement learning to engineer a gyroscope in an optical lattice for the inertial sensing of rotations. Our methodology is not based on traditional atom interferometry, that is, splitting, reflecting, and recombining wavefunction components. Instead, the learning agent is assigned the task of generating lattice shaking sequences that optimize the sensitivity of the gyroscope to rotational signals in an end-to-end design philosophy. What results is an interference device that is completely distinct from the familiar Mach-Zehnder-type interferometer. For the same total interrogation time, the end-to-end design leads to a twentyfold improvement in sensitivity over traditional Bragg interferometry. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Optimizing parenting and child outcomes following parent–child interaction therapy – toddler: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundParent–Child Interaction Therapy—Toddler (PCIT-T) is an attachment-informed intervention model designed to meet the specific developmental needs of toddlers aged 12–24 months presenting with challenging behaviors.MethodsThis study used a randomized controlled design to evaluate outcomes of PCIT-T for children aged 14–24 months with disruptive behaviors. Ninety toddlers with parent-reported disruptive behavior were randomly allocated to PCIT-T (intervention), an active control condition (Circle of Security– Parenting™; COS-P), or a non-treatment control condition (wait-list; WL). Outcomes were assessed at baseline (Time 1), post treatment/post waitlist (Time 2) and 4-month follow-up (Time 3).ResultsAt follow-up, the PCIT-T group displayed the highest levels of parenting sensitivity and positive parental verbalizations, and the lowest levels of negative child-directed verbalizations and non-attuned mind-minded statements. Of the three groups, the PCIT-T group showed the greatest degree of change on these variables, followed by the COS-P group and then the non-treated controls. The PCIT-T group were also the only group to show significant within-group improvements in sensitivity, self-reported parental reflectiveness, empathy and emotional understanding, parent-reported child social competence, child internalizing problems, and general behavior issues. Significant reductions in parental stress, child externalizing behaviors and parenting behaviors were seen for both the PCIT-T and COS-P groups.ConclusionsDelivered in the early intervention period of toddlerhood, Parent–Child Interaction Therapy—Toddler has the potential to bring about significant changes for children presenting with early onset behavioral issues.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), 12,618,001,554,257. Registered 24 September 2018 – retrospectively registered, https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12618001554257.

Improved ion detection sensitivity in mass spectrometry imaging using tapping-mode scanning probe electrospray ionization to visualize localized lipids in mouse testes.

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a promising analytical method to visualize the distribution of lipids in biological tissues. To clarify the relationship between cellular distribution and lipid types in a tissue, it is crucial to achieve both an improvement in ion detection sensitivity and a reduction in the ionization area. We report methods for improving the efficiency of ion transfer to a mass spectrometer and miniaturizing the extraction area of a sample for tapping-mode scanning probe electrospray ionization (t-SPESI), atmospheric pressure sampling, and ionization methods. To verify the efficacy of the new t-SPESI measurement system, MSI was performed on mouse testes with a pixel size of 5µm. Lipid images of the testes from wild-type (WT) and lysophospholipid acyltransferase 3 (LPLAT3) knockout mice revealed the characteristic distribution of docosahexaenoic acid-containing phospholipids (DHA-PLs). A comparison of the ion images obtained by MSI and optical images of the same tissues stained with hematoxylin and eosin suggested that the distribution of DHA-PLs was significantly altered by spermatogenesis in the WT mouse testes.

Constraint on an Exotic Parity-Odd Spin- and Velocity-Dependent Interaction with Atom Interferometer.

We present a high-precision atom-interferometric test of the parity-odd spin- and velocity-dependent (SVD) interaction between the spin-polarized proton and unpolarized nucleons. The test utilizes the Bragg atom interferometer loaded with ^{87}Rb atoms, of which the single unpaired proton within the nuclei plays the role of the test spin. The differential measurement of the acceleration of the atom in two well-chosen inner states is designed to eliminate the influence from the polarized electron in the ^{87}Rb atom. Moreover, the atom interferometer is particularly placed in the cave laboratory within the Yujia Mountain in the campus, and the mountain source of unpolarized nucleons allows to improve test of the SVD on the length scale around 5-100m. Our experiment improves the test precision of the universality of free fall to 9.2×10^{-9}, which is about 10 times better than the previous experiment with polarized atoms. More importantly, it provides a new constraint on the coupling of the SVD interaction exerting to the spin-polarized proton |g_{A}^{p}g_{V}^{N}|≤6.5×10^{-32} at λ=10 m, resulting in a substantial sensitivity improvement over the previous limit. Our work extends the scope of atom interference measurements and shines a new light on the testing of new physics with polarized-atom interferometers.

Ultrasound S-detect system can improve diagnostic performance of less experienced radiologists in differentiating breast masses. A retrospective dual-center study.

To compare the performance of radiologists when assisted by an S-detect system with that of radiologists or an S-detect system alone in diagnosing breast masses on US images in a dual-center setting. US images were retrospectively identified 296 breast masses (150 benign, 146 malignant) by investigators at two medical centers. Six radiologists from the two centers independently analyzed the US images and classified each mass into categories 2 to 5. The radiologists then re-reviewed the images with the assistance of the S-detect system. The diagnostic value of radiologists alone, S-detect system alone, and S-detect alone, and radiologists + S-detect were analyzed and compared. Radiologists had significantly decreased the average false negative rate (FNR) for diagnosing breast masses using S-detect system (- 10.7%) (P < 0.001) and increased the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) from 0.743 to 0.788 (P < 0.001). Seventy-seven out of 888 US images from six radiologists in this study were changed positively (from false negative to true positive or from false positive to true negative) with the S-detect, while 39 out of 888 US images were altered negatively. Radiologists had better performance for the diagnosis of malignant breast masses on US images with an S-detect system than without. The study used a dual-center design and compared the performance of the radiologists alone, the S-detect alone, and the radiologists combined with the S-detect. The study reported an improvement in sensitivity and AUC particularly for low to intermediate-level radiologists, involved cases and radiologists from two different centers, and compared the diagnostic value of using S-detect system for masses of different sizes.

Blood biomarkers in Down syndrome: Facilitating Alzheimer's disease detection and monitoring.

Blood-based biomarkers continue to be explored for disease detection, monitoring of progression, and therapeutic outcomes as the diagnostic determination of Alzheimer's Disease in Down Syndrome (DS-AD) remains challenging in clinical settings. This perspective highlights the current status of this effort. Overall, amyloid (A), tau (T), and neurodegeneration (AT[N]) blood-based biomarkers have been shown to increase with disease pathology for individuals with DS. Phosphorylated tau biomarkers (p-tau217, p-tau181) have been consistently shown to track disease progression for DS-AD and are likely good candidates for use in clinical settings. Biomarkers of inflammation (glial fibrillary acidic protein) also show promise; however, additional work is needed. Findings from stability work of blood-based biomarkers conducted among non-DS also supportthe potential longitudinal utility of biomarkers such as neurofilament light chain and p-tau181 in DS. Gaps in our knowledge are highlighted, and a potential role for sex differences in biomarker outcomes is noted, along with recommendations for determining the appropriate context of use when translating biomarkers into clinical applications. HIGHLIGHTS: An overview of blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) was provided for consideration of their utility among individuals with Down syndrome when looking toward potential clinical applications. Longitudinal stability of many blood biomarkers and improvement in detection sensitivity make blood such as plasma a viable source for exploring AD pathology. Variability in reviewed findings regarding the application of blood biomarkers highlights the importance of understanding and defining the appropriate context of use, particularly when translating them into clinical practice.