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Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) are considered alternatives to lithium-ion batteries because of their comparatively cheaper manufacturing costs and lower potential (2.936 V compared to standard hydrogen electrodes). However, their large ionic radii and unstable structures hindered their satisfactory electrochemical performance. In this study, F–Sn/SnO x @C, a novel porous layered composite material, was prepared using NaCl as a template for in situ etching to obtain a promising negative electrode material for PIBs. The significant specific surface area of the composite material and the uniform embedding of tin nanoparticles within the layered porous carbon shell, contributed to its excellent potassium intercalation/deintercalation performance. Fluorine doping enhanced electron transfer, prevented nanoparticle aggregation, and improved electrolyte penetration and potassium ion migration. The PIBs prepared from this electrode showed high potassium storage capacity, outstanding cycle stability (retaining 263 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 100 mA g−1), and remarkable rate capability (505.6, 288.4, 193.5, 134.1, and 83.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 A g−1, respectively). These results provide a straightforward solution for improving the electrochemical performance of PIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a new type of energy, hydrogen-enriched methane mixed fuel has a high risk of deflagration in the application process. In order to better understand the deflagration and inhibition characteristics of hydrogen-enriched methane fuel, the effect of potassium salt modified dry water material (DW) on the deflagration characteristics of hydrogen-enriched methane fuel was studied by 20 L spherical explosive apparatus, combined with pyrolysis characteristics and kinetic model. The results show that when the addition of different modifier concentrations, it can be divided into three types: small curvature, medium curvature and large curvature according to the change of pressure rising rate. With the increase of the proportion of potassium salt modifiers, the number of areas with small curvature is gradually increasing, the number of large curvature is gradually decreasing, and the number of medium curvature is almost unchanged. When the proportion of potassium salt modifier is 15% and ϕ ≤ 0.7, all enter the area below the medium curvature. When the addition of different modifiers, 15%KCl-DW has the best inhibition effect on P max and (dP/dt) max , while CH 3 COOK-DW and K 2 CO 3 -DW have better inhibition effect on Δ t 2 and Δ t 2. In general, when the hydrogen addition ratio is less than 70%, the addition of inhibitors can significantly reduce the explosion intensity. In terms of inhibition mechanism, we established the decomposition model of potassium salt modified dry water and found that potassium salt modified dry water will produce a large amount of gaseous K and KOH in the explosion system. And gaseous K and KOH will catalyze each other and combine with H and OH to form stable H 2 O, which significantly reduces the mass fraction of H and OH radicals in the chain reaction. The results of this paper provide a theoretical basis for the safe use of hydrogen-enriched methane fuel and the research and development of explosion emergency prevention and control technology. • The explosion suppression of potassium salt modified dry water on H 2 /CH 4 was studied. • The hierarchical inhibition model of H 2 /CH 4 explosion by dry water was defined. • Particle swarm optimization is adopted to optimize the decomposition parameters of DW. • Suppression mechanism of potassium salt modified dry water was analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium ion transport across myocardial cell membrane is essential for type 2 long QT syndrome (LQT2). However, the dysfunction of potassium ion transport due to genetic mutations limits the therapeutic effect in treating LQT2. Biomimetic ion channels that selectively and efficiently transport potassium ions across the cellular membranes are promising for the treatment of LQT2. To corroborate this, we synthesized a series of foldamer-based ion channels with different side chains, and found a biomimetic ion channel of K+ (BIC K) with the highest transport activity among them. The selected BIC K can restore potassium ion transport and increase transmembrane potassium ion current, thus shortening phase 3 of action potential (AP) repolarization and QT interval in LQT2. Moreover, BIC K does not affect heart rate and cardiac rhythm in treating LQT2 model induced by E4031 in isolated heart as well as in guinea pigs. By restoring ion transmembrane transport tactic, biomimetic ion channels, such as BIC K , will show great potential in treating diseases related to ion transport blockade. Type 2 long QT syndrome (LQT2) is a disease caused by K+ transport disorder, which can cause malignant arrhythmia and even death. There is currently no radical cure, so it is critical to explore ways to improve K+ transmembrane transport. In this study, we report that a small-molecule biomimetic ion channel BIC K can efficiently simulate natural K+ channel proteins on the cardiomyocyte and cure E4031-induced LQT2 in guinea pig by restoring K+ transport function for the first time. This study found that the potassium transmembrane transport by BIC K significantly reduced the QT interval, which provides a conceptually new strategy for the treatment of LQT2 disease. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium sodium niobates (KNNs) have garnered significant attention owing to their lead-free nature and potential for use in self-cleaning membranes. This paper presents the synthesis of (K 0.5 Na 0.5)NbO 3 materials for the fabrication of porous membranes, which enable in situ ultrasonic resonance to effectively eliminate contaminants from the membrane surface. KNN powder was synthesized via solid-state reactions, and the membranes were prepared using conventional sintering techniques. The effects of ball-milling time and calcination temperature on the phase structure, pore size, permeance, flexural strength, chemical stability, and piezoelectric properties were comprehensively investigated. The optimal membranes exhibited an average pore size of approximately 300 nm, a porosity of 23 %, and permeance of 220 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 at a sintering temperature of 1050 °C. A polarized electrical field with a strength of 1 kV/mm was applied to the membranes, resulting in an ultrasonic response of 20 mV at an excitation voltage of 20 V with a frequency of 200 kHz. Furthermore, the in situ anti-fouling performance was evaluated by conducting filtration tests on a 500 ppm oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion, demonstrating that the stationary flux increased by 46.7 % when subjected to an excitation voltage of 60 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A potassium silicate coating cured by calcium hydrogen phosphate was prepared on Ti–6Al–4V, and its protection behavior against NaCl-induced corrosion was investigated at 700 °C for 500 h by the means of thermogravimetry, SEM, EMPA, XRD and TEM. The bare Ti–6Al–4V alloy suffered severe corrosion as the thickness of corrosion production layer exceeded 2 mm after 500 h. The major corrosion production was TiO 2 , and sodium titanates was observed within 100 h while disappeared after long-term tests. Accordingly, a novel model for NaCl-induced corrosion of Ti alloys at high temperatures was proposed. That is, the porosity of the corrosion product is strongly correlated with the reaction between water vapor in air and sodium titanates at high temperatures. The coating exhibited excellent protection as the corroded substrate layer, which is Ti 5 Si 3 resulted from coating-substrate reaction, is ∼6.6 μm only, and no oxide scale was formed. Dissolution of Na in the coating was identified and is believed to be associated with the protective mechanism of the potassium silicate coating, i.e. this dissolution avoids chlorination-oxidation of Ti alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escherichia coli FocA and FocB formate channels export formate or import it for further disproportionation by the formate hydrogenlyase (FHL) complex to H 2 and CO 2. Here, we show that under pH and osmotic stress FocA and FocB play important roles in regulating proton and potassium fluxes and couple this with H 2 production in stationary-phase cells. Using whole-cell assays with glucose as electron donor, a focB mutant showed a 50 % decrease in V H2 , while N'N' -dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) treatment of osmotically stressed cells underlined the role of F O F 1 ATPase in H 2 production. At pH 7.5 and under osmotic stress FocB contributed to the proton flux but not to the potassium flux. At pH 5.5 both formate channels contributed to the proton and potassium fluxes. Particulalry, a focA mutant had 40 % lower potassium flux whereas the proton flux increased approximately two-fold. Moreover, at pH 5.5H 2 production was totally inhibited by DCCD in the focA mutant. Taken together, our results suggest that depending on external pH, the formate channels play an important role in osmoregulation by helping to balance proton/potassium fluxes and H 2 production, and thus assist the proton F O F 1 -ATPase in maintenance of ion gradients in fermenting stationary-phase cells. [Display omitted] • At pH 7.5 and under osmotic stress FocB contributed to the proton flux but not to the potassium flux. • At pH 5.5 both formate channels contributed to the proton and potassium fluxes. • At low pH H 2 production was totally inhibited by DCCD in the focA mutant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial investigated the impact of diclofenac potassium, prednisolone, and placebo as oral premedication on postendodontic pain and pulpal interleukin (IL)-8 expression in patients with irreversible pulpitis. Thirty-six patients undergoing conventional endodontic treatment were assigned into one of 3 groups (n = 12). Pulpal blood samples were taken after access cavity preparation and stored until they were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent asssay for quantification of IL-8. Postendodontic pain was scored using the visual analogue scale. Outcome data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, Friedman's, Dunn's, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests and Spearman's correlation coefficient. The significance level (α) was set at 0.05. Apart from preoperative pain scores, all groups had similar baseline characteristics (P >.05). Immediate postendodontic pain scores had a significant difference between all groups (P <.05) where placebo group showed the highest score. There was no significant difference between all groups at 6 and 12 hours postoperatively (P >.05). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the incidence of postendodontic pain and in mean IL-8 levels between the 3 groups (P >.05). The only impact the premedications had was on the immediate postendodontic pain intensity, and they had no influence on the later time points, incidence of postendodontic pain or pulpal IL-8 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sb 2 O 3 is regarded as an ideal anode material for potassium-ion batteries for its high theoretical specific capacity. However, the potassiation and depotassiation during cycling causes large volume change which will result in cracking of the electrode and irreversible loss of capacity. Here, we prepared graphene-modified Sb 2 O 3 porous carbon nanofiber by electrospinning and subsequent annealing in air as anode material of potassium-ion batteries. The mechanical properties of the electrode materials are greatly enhanced owing to the introduction of graphene with the Young's modulus increased to 3045.5 MPa from 1367.9 MPa. Ultimately, the as-prepared Sb 2 O 3 @GPCN-100 porous fibers delivered a high specific capacity of 327 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at a current density of 500 mA g−1. Even at a high current density of 1000 mA g−1, the electrode exhibits a specific capacity of 292 mAh g−1 after 600 cycles, showing excellent reversible stability and high specific capacity. This graphene modification strategy can also provide a feasible solution for the modification of other anode materials for potassium-ion batteries. The potassium ion storage performance can be significantly improved after the introduction of graphene in Sb2O3/porous carbon fibers. [Display omitted] • Graphene modified Sb2O3/porous carbon nanofibers were prepared via electrospinning and subsequent treating in air rather than inert atmospheres. • The graphene modified Sb2O3/porous carbon nanofibers exhibit excellent potassium ion storage performance. • The improved electrochemical performances are attributed to the enhanced mechanical properties owing to the introduction of graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Topping induces redistribution of potassium ions among different tissues of tobacco. • Topping-induced potassium redistribution is closely related to plant hormones. • IAA and CBL-CIPK pathway play key roles in the regulation of potassium metabolism. Topping is typically used in tobacco production to reduce reproductive consumption. However, following topping, declines in potassium content in tobacco leaves often have adverse effects on leaf growth, development, and quality. In this study, the mechanism of the topping-induced redistribution of potassium in the tobacco was studied based on physiological and ecological theories and molecular biology techniques. Our findings showed that the changes in potassium content in different parts of the tobacco after topping were closely correlated to the content of endogenous hormones, and the gray relational coefficient between potassium content and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content was the highest. Transcriptome sequencing and qRT-PCR analysis verified that the redistribution of potassium in tobacco plants induced by topping was mediated by the IAA signaling pathway and the CBL-CIPK signaling pathway. In addition, the genes of the NtPIN, NtPOT, NtSKOR , and NtCIPK families were found to play a significant role in the regulation of endogenous hormones and potassium metabolism in tobacco plants. Our study provides an important theoretical basis and data for elucidating the mechanism by which potassium metabolism is regulated in plants. The study also proposes a new approach for balancing the yield and quality of tobacco leaves using appropriate topping methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High sodium and low potassium intake are positively associated with blood pressure, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The mean intake of sodium among United States adults exceeds the chronic disease risk reduction level of 2300 mg/d, whereas potassium intake remains lower than the recommended levels. From 2008 through 2019, there were several local and national initiatives to reduce sodium in New York City (NYC). Objectives: We aimed to update and compare estimates of sodium intake among NYC adults overall and by covariates from the 2010 Heart Follow-Up Study (HFUS) with the 2018 HFUS. We also estimated the 2018 sodium-to-potassium ratio to understand overall diet quality among demographic groups. Methods: This cross-sectional study used sodium and potassium measurements from 24-h urine collection and self-reported data from 2509 and 1656 participants in the 2018 and 2010 HFUS, respectively. The weighted mean daily intake of sodium and the sodium-to-potassium ratio were estimated. T-tests and multivariable linear regression models with tests for interactions were used to compare changes in sodium intake. Results: The mean sodium intake of adult New Yorkers in 2018 was 3292 mg/d. Sodium intake did not change from 2010 (3234 mg/d, P = 0.45) to 2018 in the overall population, although there was a decrease in sodium intake among adults 18-24 y old (3445 mg/d to 2957 mg/d, P = 0.05). The daily mean sodium-to-potassium ratio was 1.7 mg/mg. The highest sodium-to-potassium ratios were among Black females 18-44 y old (2.0) and 45-64 y old (2.2) and Black (2.1) and Latino (2.1) males between 18 and 44 y old. Conclusions: The lack of population-level changes in sodium intake and the high sodium-to-potassium ratios among Black females and younger Black and Latino males suggest that further efforts to reduce sodium in the food supply and address persistent inequities are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) such as extracellular ATP and nigericin (a bacterial toxin) not only act as potassium ion (K+) efflux inducers to activate NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to pyroptosis, but also induce cell death independently of NLRP3 expression. However, the roles of energy metabolism in determining NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis and -independent necrosis upon K+ efflux are incompletely understood. Here we established cellular models by pharmacological blockade of energy metabolism, followed by stimulation with a K+ efflux inducer (ATP or nigericin). Two energy metabolic inhibitors, namely CPI-613 that targets α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase (a rate-limiting enzyme) and 2-deoxy- d -glucose (2-DG) that targets hexokinase, are recruited in this study, and Nlrp3 gene knockout macrophages were used. Our data showed that CPI-613 and 2-DG dose-dependently inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, but profoundly increased cell death in the presence of ATP or nigericin. The cell death was K+ efflux-induced but NLRP3-independent, which was associated with abrupt reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential, and oligomerization of mitochondrial proteins, all indicating mitochondrial damage. Notably, the cell death induced by K+ efflux and blockade of energy metabolism was distinct from pyroptosis, apoptosis, necroptosis or ferroptosis. Furthermore, fructose 1,6-bisphosphate, a high-energy intermediate of glycolysis, significantly suppressed CPI-613+nigericin-induced mitochondrial damage and cell death. Collectively, our data show that energy deficiency diverts NLRP3 inflammasome activation-dependent pyroptosis to Nlrp3 -independent necrosis upon K+ efflux inducers, which can be dampened by high-energy intermediate, highlighting a critical role of energy metabolism in cell survival and death under inflammatory conditions. [Display omitted] • ATP or nigericin induces potassium ion (K+) efflux, thus inducing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. • K+ efflux leads to exaggerated cell death when energy metabolism is pharmacologically blocked. • The cell death induced by K+ efflux and energy metabolism blockade is independent of Nlrp3. • K+ efflux induces oxidative burst in mitochondria under condition of energy metabolism blockade. • K+ efflux induces exaggerated mitochondrial damage when energy metabolism is blocked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium magnesium phosphate cement (MKPC) can be used in the fields of solidification of heavy metal ions in hazardous waste. Scholars have demonstrated that MKPC has a good curing effect on Cu2+. However, Cu2+ can lead to a significant decrease in the mechanical properties of solidified matrix, resulting in a decrease in compressive strength and even fragility. In view of the existing problems in the current research, a method of MgKPO 4 ·6H 2 O strengthening MKPC solidifying Cu2+ is proposed to solve the problem of significant mechanical property loss of solidified matrix in the later stage, while also ensuring excellent solidifying effect. The evolution process and morphology of MKPC products after solidifying Cu2+ are studied. In addition, the long-term solidifying effect of MKPC is also tested. The results shows that MKPC with MgKPO 4 ·6H 2 O has a relatively stable 180d solidifying effect on Cu2+, with a leaching concentration of 7.64 mg/L, which meet the standard requirements. The products of MKPC solidified Cu2+ include Mg.95 Cu.05 O and Cu 3 (PO 4) 2. The process of strengthening and solidifying Cu2+ by MKPC with MgKPO 4 ·6H 2 O includes adsorption, chemical bond and physical encapsulation. MgKPO 4 ·6H 2 O provides an auxiliary alkaline environment for the solidification of Cu2+ and has adsorption properties, improving the immobilization effect of Cu2+ and achieving long-term immobilization stability. This study provides a new idea for the solidification of other waste containing divalent heavy metal ions using MKPC with MgKPO 4 ·6H 2 O. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MKPC with low M/P ratios between 2 and 3 are more suitable for compressive strength development and heavy metal solidification/stabilization (S/S). • Pb had the highest S/S efficiency compared to Cu, Zn and Cd. • Presence of Pb 2 Cu (PO 4) 3 (OH)·4H 2 O promotes the S/S of Cu. • Heavy metals could increase the MgKPO 4 ·6H 2 O content and alter its morphology. Magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKPC) is increasingly used in the solidification/stabilization (SS) of heavy metal (HM) pollutants. However, research on composite HM pollutants remains limited. In this study, four heavy metals (Pb/Zn/Cu/Cd) were individually and simultaneously introduced into MKPC systems with different magnesium/phosphorus (M/P) molar ratios. The introduction of HMs altered the extent of hydration and morphology of MgKPO 4 ·6H 2 O. Among the MKPC pastes, those with M/P = 2 and 3 had the highest HM solidification efficiency and strength, respectively. The HM solidification efficiency of all specimens exceeded 99 %. In samples with M/P = 3, the codoping of four HMs slightly increased the M/P ratio, thereby increasing MgKPO 4 ·6H 2 O content and enhancing strength. Pb could generate additional low-solubility precipitates, such as PbHPO 4 , Pb 3 (PO 4) 2 , Pb 5 (OH) (PO 4) 3 , and Pb (OH) 2 , which easily accumulated in pores and were encapsulated by MgKPO 4 ·6H 2 O, leading to the highest solidification efficiency of Pb by MKPC. Pb and Cu could also form the composite phosphate products Pb 2 Cu (PO 4) 3 (OH)·4H 2 O, thus promoting the S/S effect of Cu. Therefore, the use of MKPC with M/P ratio of 2–3 for the S/S of complex pollutants containing Pb and Cu is a promising approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome-wide association studies have reported a correlation between a SNP of the RING finger E3 ubiquitin protein ligase rififylin (RFFL) and QT interval variability in humans (Newton-Cheh et al., 2009). Previously, we have shown that RFFL downregulates expression and function of the humanlike ether-a-go-go-related gene potassium channel and corresponding rapidly activating delayed rectifier potassium current (IKr) in adult rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes. Here, we report that RFFL also affects the transient outward current (Ito), but in a peculiar way. RFFL overexpression in adult rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes significantly decreases the contribution of its fast component (Ito,f) from 35% to 21% and increases the contribution of its slow component (Ito,s) from 65% to 79%. Since Ito,f in rabbits is mainly conducted by Kv4.3, we investigated the effect of RFFL on Kv4.3 expressed in HEK293A cells. We found that RFFL overexpression reduced Kv4.3 expression and corresponding Ito,f in a RING domain-dependent manner in the presence or absence of its accessory subunit Kv channel-interacting protein 2. On the other hand, RFFL overexpression in Kv1.4-expressing HEK cells leads to an increase in both Kv1.4 expression level and Ito,s, similarly in a RING domain-dependent manner. Our physiologically detailed rabbit ventricular myocyte computational model shows that these yin and yang effects of RFFL overexpression on Ito,f, and Ito,s affect phase 1 of the action potential waveform and slightly decrease its duration in addition to suppressing IKr. Thus, RFFL modifies cardiac repolarization reserve via ubiquitination of multiple proteins that differently affect various potassium channels and cardiac action potential duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mn-based layered oxides with high theoretical capacity are one of the most promising cathode materials for potassium-ion batteries. However, the Jahn-teller distortion of Mn3+ in Mn-based layered cathodes always brings about harmful disordered structure and irreversible phase transition, resulting in severe degradation of electrochemical performance. Herein, we synthesized P3–K 0.5 Mn 0.6 Ni 0.2 M 0.2 O 2 (M = Fe, Co, FeCo) and systematically investigate the effect of component regulation on the layered structure and electrochemical properties. The P3–K 0.5 Mn 0.6 Ni 0.2 Co 0.2 O 2 exhibits a discharge capacity of 73.77 mAh g−1, demonstrating an excellent capacity retention rate of 70.17 % after 120 cycles at 50 mA g−1. In-depth analysis reveals that P3–K 0.5 Mn 0.6 Ni 0.2 Co 0.2 O 2 possesses a larger K+ layer spacing, making the insertion/extraction of potassium ions become much easier. Furthermore, the introduction of Co into the transition metal layer enhances the content of Mn4+, thereby inhibiting Jahn-Teller distortion and improving structural stability. Especially, the P3–K 0.5 Mn 0.6 Ni 0.2 Co 0.2 O 2 shows a highly reversible single-phase solid solution reaction during the initial cycle, which means the detrimental phase transition of P3–O3 caused by Jahn-Teller effect is effectively suppressed. This work contributes to a better understanding of the effect of component design and regulation on the performance of the layered oxides cathode and provide insight into the design of high-performance cathode materials for potassium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium sodium niobate (KNN) is suitable for the preparation of lead-free piezoelectric ceramics, and thus the elastic properties and damping behavior should be reliably known for practical applications. In this work we compare partially sintered KNN ceramics prepared by uniaxial and conventional sintering from three different KNN powders and show that the impulse excitation technique (IET) is perfectly suited to determine Young's modulus at room temperature as well as the temperature dependence of Young's modulus and damping (heating-cooling cycles with maximum temperature 800 °C). Room temperature values of the effective Young's modulus of partially sintered KNN ceramics are below the predictions for convex pores and above a recently published numerical benchmark relation for concave pores. The phase transition temperatures determined by the IET are 160–190 °C for the low-temperature orthorhombic-tetragonal / tetragonal-orthorhombic transition and 388–412 °C for the high-temperature tetragonal-cubic / cubic-tetragonal transition, with hysteresis 12–25 K. • KNN ceramics are prepared by uniaxial pressing and conventional partial sintering. • Young's modulus and damping determined by the impulse excitation technique (IET). • Young's modulus values are between the predictions for convex and concave porosity. • Phase transition temperatures are 160–190 °C and 388–412 °C with hysteresis 12–25 K. • Impulse excitation technique is a useful tool for monitoring KNN phase transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Chronic stress increases expression of Kv3.1 channels on parvalbumin neurons in female mice. • Female mice lacking Kv3.1 channels display reduced baseline anxiety-like behaviors. • Female mice lacking Kv3.1 channels are resilient to stress-induced anxiety. Inhibitory parvalbumin (PV) interneurons regulate the activity of neural circuits within brain regions involved in emotional processing, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Recently, rodent studies have implicated a stress-induced increase in prefrontal PV neuron activity in the development of anxiety behaviors, particularly in females. However, the mechanisms through which stress increases activity of prefrontal PV neurons remain unknown. The fast-spiking properties of PV neurons in part come from their expression of voltage-gated potassium (K+) ion channels, particularly Kv3.1 channels. We therefore suggest that stress-induced changes in Kv3.1 channels contribute to the appearance of an anxious phenotype following chronic stress in female mice. Here, we first showed that unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) increased expression of Kv3.1 channels on prefrontal PV neurons in female mice, a potential mechanism underlying the previously observed hyperactivity of these neurons after stress. We then showed that female mice deficient in Kv3.1 channels displayed resilience to UCMS-induced anxiety-like behaviors. Altogether, our findings implicate Kv3.1 channels in the development of anxiety-like behaviors following UCMS, particularly in females, providing a novel mechanism to understand sex-specific vulnerabilities to stress-induced psychopathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute Clinical Practice Update (CPU) is to summarize the available evidence and offer expert Best Practice Advice on the integration of potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs) in the clinical management of foregut disorders, specifically including gastroesophageal reflux disease, Helicobacter pylori infection, and peptic ulcer disease. This expert review was commissioned and approved by the AGA Institute Governing Board and CPU Committee to provide timely guidance on a topic of high clinical importance to the AGA membership. This CPU expert review underwent internal peer review by the CPU Committee and external peer review through the standard procedures of Gastroenterology. These Best Practice Advice statements were developed based on review of the published literature and expert consensus opinion. Because formal systematic reviews were not performed, these Best Practice Advice statements do not carry formal ratings of the quality of evidence or strength of the presented considerations. Best Practice Advice Statements Based on nonclinical factors (including cost, greater obstacles to obtaining medication, and fewer long-term safety data), clinicians should generally not use P-CABs as initial therapy for acid-related conditions in which clinical superiority has not been shown. Based on current costs in the United States, even modest clinical superiority of P-CABs over double-dose proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may not make P-CABs cost-effective as first-line therapy. Clinicians should generally not use P-CABs as first-line therapy for patients with uninvestigated heartburn symptoms or nonerosive reflux disease. Clinicians may use P-CABs in selected patients with documented acid-related reflux who fail therapy with twice-daily PPIs. Although there is currently insufficient evidence for clinicians to use P-CABs as first-line on-demand therapy for patients with heartburn symptoms who have previously responded to antisecretory therapy, their rapid onset of acid inhibition raises the possibility of their utility in this population. Clinicians should generally not use P-CABs as first-line therapy in patients with milder erosive esophagitis (EE) (Los Angeles classification of erosive esophagitis grade A/B EE). Clinicians may use P-CABs in selected patients with documented acid-related reflux who fail therapy with twice-daily PPIs. Clinicians may use P-CABs as a therapeutic option for the healing and maintenance of healing in patients with more severe EE (Los Angeles classification of erosive esophagitis grade C/D EE). However, given the markedly higher costs of the P-CAB presently available in the United States and the lack of randomized comparisons with double-dose PPIs, it is not clear that the benefits in endoscopic outcomes over standard-dose PPIs justify the routine use of P-CABs as first-line therapy. Clinicians should use P-CABs in place of PPIs in eradication regimens for most patients with H pylori infection. Clinicians should generally not use P-CABs as first-line therapy in the treatment or prophylaxis of peptic ulcer disease. Although there is currently insufficient evidence for clinicians to use P-CABs as first-line therapy in patients with bleeding gastroduodenal ulcers and high-risk stigmata, their rapid and potent acid inhibition raises the possibility of their utility in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]