Potential Measurements Research Articles

Measuring the individualization potential of treatment individualization rules: Application to rules built with a new parametric interaction model for parallel-group clinical trials.

For personalized medicine, we propose a general method of evaluating the potential performance of an individualized treatment rule in future clinical applications with new patients. We focus on rules that choose the most beneficial treatment for the patient out of two active (nonplacebo) treatments, which the clinician will prescribe regularly to the patient after the decision. We develop a measure of the individualization potential (IP) of a rule. The IP compares the expected effectiveness of the rule in a future clinical individualization setting versus the effectiveness of not trying individualization. We illustrate our evaluation method by explaining how to measure the IP of a useful type of individualized rules calculated through a new parametric interaction model of data from parallel-group clinical trials with continuous responses. Our interaction model implies a structural equation model we use to estimate the rule and its IP. We examine the IP both theoretically and with simulations when the estimated individualized rule is put into practice in new patients. Our individualization approach was superior to outcome-weighted machine learning according to simulations. We also show connections with crossover and N-of-1 trials. As a real data application, we estimate a rule for the individualization of treatments for diabetic macular edema and evaluate its IP.

Phase Preparation of Xiao-chai-hu Decoction and its Pharmacodynamics of Acute Liver Injury.

Self-emulsifying nano-phase of traditional Chinese medicine are a research hotspot. Xiao-Chai-Hu decoction is a commonly used compound decoction in clinical practice, which is of great research significance. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize the self-emulsifying nano-phase and other phases of Xiao-Chai-Hu decoction, and to study the effects of each phase on acute liver injury. The liquid medicine was prepared employing centrifugation followed by dialysis. Single- factor investigation methodology was utilized to optimize the preparation parameters for both phases. Characterization of the formulated phase involved analyses such as surface morphology assessment, measurement of nanoparticle size and Zeta potential using an analyzer, observation of the Tyndall effect, conducting diffusion and dilution tests, examination under a microscope, and structural visualization via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, an acute liver injury model was established in rats through intraperitoneal injection of D-Galactosamine (D-Gal- N). To assess hepatic function and oxidative stress status, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in liver tissue were quantified. The liver coefficients for each group were calculated as an additional parameter. For histopathological evaluation, liver tissue sections from the experimental group were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and examined microscopically under light conditions. These revisions aim to enhance clarity, correct minor grammatical errors (such as capitalization of "HE" to "H&E"), and ensure a smoother flow of information without altering the scientific content of your original text. Successful establishment and separation of four distinct phases were achieved, including the self-emulsifying nano-phase, precipitation phase, suspension phase, and true solution phase. The self-emulsifying nano-phase was characterized as spherical particles with an average diameter of approximately 100 nm. Pharmacodynamic assessments revealed that both Xiao-Chai-Hu decoction and its self-emulsifying nano-phase significantly reduced liver coefficients and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels compared to controls (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in regards to aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, or superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity between the treatment groups and control (P>0.05). These findings indicate that both Xiao-Chai-Hu decoction and its self-emulsifying nano-formulation ameliorated D-GalN-induced acute liver injury, albeit without statistically distinguishable efficacy between them (P>0.05). The presence of a self-emulsifying nano-phase within Xiao-Chai-Hu decoction is confirmed, and this nano-phase emerges as a therapeutically efficacious component in mitigating acute liver injury.

Rethinking time-lagged emissions and abatement potential of fluorocarbons in the post-Kigali Amendment era

The Montreal Protocol has been successful in safeguarding the ozone layer and curbing climate change. However, accurately estimating and reducing the time-lagged emissions of ozone-depleting substances or their substitutes, such as produced but not-yet-emitted fluorocarbon banks, remains a significant challenge. Here, we use a dynamic material flow analysis model to characterize the global stocks and flows of two fluorocarbon categories, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), from 1986 to 2060. We assess emission pathways, time-lagged emission sizes, and potential abatement measures throughout different life cycle stages while focusing on the role of banked fluorocarbons in global and regional decarbonization efforts in the post-Kigali Amendment era. Although fluorocarbon releases are expected to decline, the cumulative global warming potential (GWP)-weighted emissions of HCFCs and HFCs are significant; these will be 6.4 (±1.2) and 14.8 (±2.5) gigatons CO2-equivalent, respectively, in 2022–2060 in our business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. Scenario analysis demonstrates that implementing currently available best environmental practices in developed economies can reduce cumulative GWP-weighted emissions by up to 45% compared with the BAU scenario.

Dynamic soil hydraulic resistance regulates stomata.

The onset of stomatal closure reduces transpiration during drought. In seed plants, drought causes declines in plant water status which increases leaf endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) levels required for stomatal closure. There are multiple possible points of increased belowground resistance in the soil-plant atmospheric continuum that could decrease leaf water potential enough to trigger ABA production and the subsequent decreases in transpiration. We investigate the dynamic patterns of leaf ABA levels, plant hydraulic conductance and the point of failure in the soil-plant conductance in the highly embolism-resistant species Callitris tuberculata using continuous dendrometer measurements of leaf water potential during drought. We show that decreases in transpiration and ABA biosynthesis begin before any permanent decreases in predawn water potential, collapse in soil-plant hydraulic pathway and xylem embolism spread. We find that a dynamic but recoverable increases in hydraulic resistance in the soil in close proximity to the roots is the most likely driver of declines in midday leaf water potential needed for ABA biosynthesis and the onset of decreases in transpiration.

Process Monitoring of Gold Recovery from a Thiosulfate Leaching Solution Using Silicon Powder: Measurement of Gold Potential

Process Monitoring of Gold Recovery from a Thiosulfate Leaching Solution Using Silicon Powder: Measurement of Gold Potential

Modeling embryo survival: Genetic and environmental influences on eye-up rate in a north American Atlantic salmon selective breeding program

Selective breeding programs improve target traits but can also unintentionally change genetically correlated traits in the selected strain. The U.S. Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Research Service National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center (NCWMAC) in Franklin, Maine maintains a North American Atlantic salmon selective breeding program focused on improving commercially important traits (e.g., carcass weight). However, the program has experienced a significant decline in the percent of eyed embryos over its 14 years of operation, leading to concerns that reproductive performance was being unintentionally changed by selection for the target traits. The aims of this study were to 1) model eye up success as a potentially heritable trait utilizing the recorded pedigree and 2) assess the relationship between eye-up rate and environmental conditions experienced by the broodstock. Over 14 years of data encompassing 1537 full-sib families produced by 1537 dams and 885 sires was analyzed. Counts of eyed embryos and carcass weight were analyzed with a linear multi-trait trait model that included maternal genetic effects and a spawn year effect to determine the strength of genetic and environmental influences on the eyed embryo rate. To investigate the environmental influences in more detail, we assessed the correlation between water quality parameters in the broodstock rearing system observed over the same 14-year time period and the estimated spawn year effects. There was small heritability of the direct genetic effect (0.059 ± 0.009) and the maternal genetic effect (0.039 ± 0.013). Comparatively, the proportion of phenotypic variance explained by the maternal environmental effect was moderate (0.165 ± 0.012). The genetic correlations between carcass weight and eye up rate were very small and had a large amount of uncertainty. The correlation between the direct genetic effects on eye-up and carcass weight was −0.0528 ± 0.1469 while the correlation between the maternal genetic effect on eye-up and the direct genetic effect on carcass weight was 0.2030 ± 0.1791. The correlation between maternal common environmental effects on the two traits was also low at 0.0676 ± −0.0804. The effect of spawn year was statistically significant (p < 0.01), and the values were negatively correlated with mean un-ionized ammonia (mg/L, −0.56, p = 0.04,), nitrate concentrations (mg/L r = −0.65, p = 0.01) and temperature (°C, r = −0.61, p = 0.02) experienced by the broodstock prior to spawning. Overall, the results suggest that the decrease in eyed embryos over time was not caused by inadvertent selection but instead due to increases in water temperature and/or nitrogenous waste concentrations in the broodstock rearing system. Further investigation of the mechanisms behind these apparent environmentally induced declines and potential mitigation measures to prevent decreases in eye-up rates are needed.

Evaluating the influence of digital strategy on the interplay between quality certification and sales performance using data science and machine learning algorithms

In the context of international trade with information asymmetries, business certifications can serve as signals of product quality and reliability for customers and stakeholders. Recognizing this, the current study unbraces “signalling theory” to explore the impact of digital transformation strategy (DTS) on firm’s international quality certification status and sales performance in the global economy. To this end, treating quality certification endogenously, the study relies on bivariate copula regression modeling of 121429 firms’ responses data extracted from the World Bank’s Enterprise Surveys. Consistent with the hypothesized theoretical predictions, the findings revealed that DTS, in the form of website ownership, has a significantly positive impact on sales performance due to increasing firm’s reach, visibility, engagement, conversion, and retention of customers across different channels and touchpoints. As theoretically conjectured, quality certification is also found to positively impact sales performance by enhancing the firm’s reputation, trustworthiness, and attractiveness in the global marketplace. Most importantly, the study found empirical evidence that DTS significantly moderates the relationship between quality certification and sales performance, such that quality certification has a stronger effect on sales performance for firms with a well-defined DTS (web=1) than those without (web=0); leading therefore to the conclusion that DTS can amplify the signal of quality certification by making it more visible, transparent, and consistent across different digital channels and touchpoints. Hence, the study provides valuable empirical and theoretical insights that inform current business practices, future research, and potential policy measures to support business growth, and enhanced competitiveness in the global market place.

Effectiveness of nutritional supplements (vitamins, minerals, omega-3, and probiotics) in preventing and treating COVID-19 and viral respiratory infections

BackgroundViral respiratory infections (VRIs) continue to be among the most common illnesses and are known to be one of the main reasons of medical consultations worldwide.COVID-19 remains a major public concern and a threat to global health. The current focus lies on the pivotal role of the human host's immunologic response in combating viral threats.This critical review aims to examine the current evidence on the potential benefit of nutritional supplements in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and viral respiratory infections (VRIs). MethodsThe study was performed in the Google-Scholar and PubMed databases with a main emphasis on publications between January 2000 and September 2023. Consequently, a total of 202 articles were included in this literature review, distributed as follows: 62 meta-analyses and systematic reviews, 20 randomized clinical trials, 11 clinical trials, 28 observational cohorts and 81 others. Of these, 44 % were published between 2020 and 2023. ResultsThe research indicates that Vitamin C may have a mitigating effect on VRIs, whereas a deficiency in Vitamin D might heighten susceptibility to COVID-19. Understanding the roles of Vitamins A, B, and E is hampered by limited data availability. Zinc supplementation and probiotics emerge as potential preventive measures for both COVID-19 and VRIs, with selenium and magnesium demonstrating promising results in treating VRIs. The recommendation for omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for COVID-19 treatment awaits further evidence. ConclusionCurrently, there is insufficient clinical evidence to definitively establish the efficacy of vitamin, mineral, probiotic and/or omega-3 supplementation for combating COVID-19 and VRIs.

Test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change in pelvis and lower limb coordination during running assessed with modified vector coding

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of Modified Vector Coding in assessing the coordination of the lower limbs and pelvis during running and to determine the Minimal Detectable Change (MDC). Twenty-five healthy runners participated in a biomechanical analysis of treadmill running using a motion capture system. Modified vector coding was applied to assess the three-dimensional coordination among various pelvis and lower limb segmental couplings. Reliability was assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), MDC, and Bland-Altman analysis to ascertain measurement consistency, agreement, and the smallest clinically meaningful change that exceeds measurement error. The test–retest reliability for 33 of 42 segmental couplings analyzed was good to excellent, with ICC values ranging from 0.613 to 0.928 (p <0.05), which substantiates the robustness of modified vector coding in running biomechanics. However, nine couplings, particularly femur-tibia in the sagittal plane during midstance and foot in the frontal plane-tibia in the transverse plane during late stance, exhibited poor to moderate reliability. These findings underscore the need for cautious interpretation due to significant proportional bias (p <0.05). SEM and MDC provided insights into the precision and minimal clinically significant changes for each coupling. The findings confirm the reliability of modified vector coding for biomechanical analysis in running, with most couplings demonstrating consistent high reliability. Nevertheless, specific couplings should be interpreted with caution due to potential measurement errors. The application of MDC highlights the precision of modified vector coding in biomechanical analyses and emphasizes the importance of careful interpretation to improve clinical and research outcomes in running-related injuries.

Mechanical and physicochemical characteristics of sub-millimeter and macrobubbles: Insights from AFM analysis, zeta potential measurements and rise velocity

This study presents the change in mechanical and physicochemical behaviour of macrobubbles and sub-millimeter bubbles with respect to pH. While macrobubbles conventionally range from 100 μm to 2 mm in diameter, this study focuses on the comparatively less-explored sub-millimeter bubble range, centered around a median diameter of 500 μm. The difference in sub-millimeter bubbles (500 μm) compared to their larger counterparts (1100 μm) within macrobubble size range were evidenced through atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis, zeta potential measurements, and rise velocity experiments. The adhesion force and energy between bubbles and the silicon nitride cantilever tip showed a decreasing trend with increasing pH, notably diminishing by about 50% beyond pH 9. Although no significant differences were statistically revealed between the two bubble sizes at lower pH, the adhesion force and energy were consistently smaller for macrobubble compared to sub-millimeter bubble at higher pH beyond pH 9. This finding suggests that the electrical double layer (EDL) interactions are influenced by the specific surface area, particularly in the alkaline region. Zeta potential measurements exhibited a cubic trend, with an isoelectric point at pH 3.5 and a minimum zeta potential at pH 11. The study also depicted a similar trend in the rise velocity of bubbles, suggesting a direct relationship between bubble stiffness and its rise velocity. Therefore, changes in pH affected the bubbles' properties, while on the other hand, certain physicochemical properties are also influenced by bubble sizes.

Preparation of PVA-based charged mosaic membrane using screen-printed method and evaluation of ion transport properties

In this study, a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based charged mosaic membrane (CMM) with a stripe-shaped charged structure from PVA-modified block copolymers was fabricated on a non-fabric support using a screen-printed method. The membrane structure of the stained CMM indicated that the striped negatively (N)- and positively (P)-charged layers with 20 m thickness were formed on the support. The domain sizes of the N and P layers were 173 and 203 m, respectively. Membrane potential measurements revealed that the charge density in the N layers of the fabricated CMM (CM-1) was almost the same as that in the P layers. A diffusion dialysis test indicated that the CM-1 had an electrolyte permselectivity of 986 between 0.1 M KCl and 0.1 M sucrose; a value which is approximately 20 times higher than that of Desalton® which is the only commercially available CMM. A water permeation test showed that CM-1 exhibited negative osmosis, which is a unique behavior of CMMs with high electrolyte permselectivity. Absolute flux in the negative osmosis was maximum when the electrolyte concentration was 0.1 M. A piezo dialysis test at an initial concentration of 500 ppm NaCl and applied pressure of 0.7 MPa, indicated that the rejection of CM-1 yielded negative value, confirming that the membrane can desalt salty water via piezo dialysis.

Copper and nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots as green nano-probes for fluorimetric determination of delafloxacin; characterization and applications

BackgroundCarbon quantum dots (CQDs) have gained much interest recently for being efficient probes. Their cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and unique photocatalytic activities made them distinctive alternatives to other luminescent approaches like fluorescent dyes and luminous derivatization. Meanwhile, delafloxacin (DLF) is a recently approved antibacterial medicine. DLF has been authorized for the treatment of soft-tissue and skin infections as well as pneumonia. Therefore, new eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sensitive tools are needed its estimation in different matrices. ResultsIn the proposed study, green copper and nitrogen carbon dots (Cu-N@CDs) were synthesized from a green source (plum juice with copper sulphate). Cu-N@CQDs were then characterized using multiple tools including X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS), FTIR and UV-VIS spectroscopy, Zeta potential measurements, High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and fluorescence spectroscopy. After gradually adding DLF, the developed quantum dots’ fluorescence was significantly enhanced within the working range of 0.5–100.0 ng mL−1. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.08 and 0.27 ng mL−1, respectively. The accuracy of the proposed method ranged from 96.00 to 99.12 % in recovery%, when recovered from milk and plasma samples. SignificanceCu-N@CDs were utilized and validated for selectively determining DLF in several matrices including pharmaceutical forms, human plasma and in milk samples using spectrofluorimetric technique. The bio-analytical method is simple and could be used in content uniformity testing as well as in therapeutic drug monitoring in human plasma.

Hydroxyapatite derived from eggshell embedded on functionalized g-C3N4 for synergistic extraction of U(VI) from aqueous solution

In this paper, we report hydroxyapatite derived from egg-shell biowaste embedded on diglycolamic acid functionalized graphitic carbon nitride nanocomposite (abbreviated as HAp@D-gCN). The compositional and morphological characteristics of HAp@D-gCN were evaluated using scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, BET, FTIR techniques and surface charge using zeta potential measurement. The sorption of U(VI) species on HAp@D-gCN was investigated through batch studies as a function of pH, contact time, initial U(VI) concentration, adsorbent dosage and ionic strength. The adsorption of U(VI) onto HAp@D-gCN was confirmed by FTIR, XRD and EDS elemental mapping. Adsorption kinetics follow pseudo second order model and it attains equilibrium within 20 min. Adsorption isotherm data correlates well with Langmuir isotherm model with a maximum sorption capacity of 993.6 mg of U(VI) per gram of HAp@D-gCN at 298K. U(VI) can be leached from the loaded adsorbent using 0.01 M Na2CO3 as desorbing agent and its sorption capacity remains unaffected even after 4 adsorption-desorption cycles. Hence, the present study reveals that HAp@D-gCN nanocomposite could serve as an environmental friendly material with potential application in environmental remediation.

Cytotoxic effects of NIR responsive chitosan-polymersome layer coated melatonin-upconversion nanoparticles on HGC27 and AGS gastric cancer cells: Role of the ROS/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway

In this study, a formulation of NaGdF4:Tm/Er@NaGdF4 (core@shell) UCNPs loaded with melatonin drug was synthesized. The novel melatonin-loaded UCNPs were then encapsulated within NIR-responsive biopolymeric chitosan (CS) based polymersome and investigated against gastric cancer (HGC27 & AGS) cells. The photolysis of the ONB moiety and disruption of the disulfide linkage in the polymersome induced by NIR light facilitated by the NaGdF4:Tm/Er@NaGdF4 UCNPs and GSH results in an increased release of melatonin drug. The DLS and zeta potential measurements exhibit a reduced particle size (21.9 ± 3.56 nm) and a low zeta potential (17.91 mV). Furthermore, drug release profiles demonstrated superior melatonin drug release (79.78 %) at pH 5.0 for CS-polymersome-coated melatonin-UCNPs resembling the Hixson-Crowell model. Remarkably, CS-polymersome-coated melatonin-UCNPs exhibit excellent anti-proliferative properties for HGC27 (IC50 = 0.096 μM) and AGS (IC50 = 0.16 μM) cancer cells. The flow cytometry data demonstrate a significant elevation in ROS levels which promoted cell death in both HGC-27 and AGS cells. The observed cell mortality in HGC-27 and AGS cells is primarily caused by the destruction of the nucleus, mtDNA, rupture of disulfide (R-S-S-R) bonds, and nuclear DNA. Contrarily, L929 and HUVECs cells incubated with CS-polymersome coated melatonin-UCNPs (100 μg/mL) reveal a notable cell viability of 88.7 % and 93 % indicating superior biocompatibility. The western blotting analysis revealed the induction of autophagy by CS-polymersome-coated melatonin-UCNPs which subsequently led to apoptosis by regulating the ROS/PI3K/Akt/mTOR molecular signaling pathway.

Public health use and lessons learned from a statewide SARS-CoV-2 wastewater monitoring program (MiNET)

The global SARS-CoV-2 monitoring effort has been extensive, resulting in many states and countries establishing wastewater-based epidemiology programs to address the spread of the virus during the pandemic. Challenges for programs include concurrently optimizing methods, training new laboratories, and implementing successful surveillance programs that can rapidly translate results for public health, and policy making. Surveillance in Michigan early in the pandemic in 2020 highlights the importance of quality-controlled data and explores correlations with wastewater and clinical case data aggregated at the state level. The lessons learned and potential measures to improve public utilization of results are discussed.The Michigan Network for Environmental Health and Technology (MiNET) established a network of laboratories that partnered with local health departments, universities, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and other stakeholders to monitor SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater at 214 sites in Michigan. MiNET consisted of nineteen laboratories, twenty-nine local health departments, 6 Native American tribes, and 60 WWTPs monitoring sites representing 45 % of Michigan's population from April 6 and December 29, 2020. Three result datasets were created based on quality control criteria. Wastewater results that met all quality assurance criteria (Dataset Mp) produced strongest correlations with reported clinical cases at 16 days lag (rho = 0.866, p < 0.05).The project demonstrated the ability to successfully track SARS-CoV-2 on a large, state-wide scale, particularly data that met the outlined quality criteria and provided an early warning of increasing COVID-19 cases. MiNET is currently poised to leverage its competency to complement public health surveillance networks through environmental monitoring for new and emerging pathogens of concern and provides a valuable resource to state and federal agencies to support future responses.

Immunomodulatory activity of polycaprolactone nanoparticles with calcium phosphate salts against Leishmania infantum infection

Objective: To prepare and characterize polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles loaded with sonicator fragmented (SLA) and freeze- thaw Leishmania antigens (FTLA) and to investigate the in vitro immunogenicity of antigen-encapsulated nanoparticles with calcium phosphate adjuvant. Methods: The water/oil/water binary emulsion solvent evaporation method was used to synthesize antigen-loaded PCL nanoparticles. Particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and zeta potential measurements. Their cytotoxicity in J774 macrophages in vitro was determined by MTT analysis. In addition, the amount of nitric oxide and the level of cytokines produced by macrophages were determined by Griess reaction and ELISA method, respectively. The protective effect of the developed formulations was evaluated by determining the infection index percentage in macrophages infected with Leishmania infantum. Results: Compared to the control group, SLA PCL and FTLA PCL nanoparticles with calcium phosphate adjuvant induced a 6- and 7-fold increase in nitric oxide, respectively. Additionally, the vaccine formulations promoted the production of IFN-γ and IL-12. SLA PCL and FTLA PCL nanoparticles combined with calcium phosphate adjuvant caused an approximately 13- and 11-fold reduction in infection index, respectively, compared to the control group. Conclusions: The encapsulation of antigens obtained by both sonication and freeze-thawing into PCL nanoparticles and the formulations with calcium phosphate adjuvant show strong in vitro immune stimulating properties. Therefore, PCL-based antigen delivery systems and calcium phosphate adjuvant are recommended as a potential vaccine candidate against leishmaniasis.

The influence of withdrawal-recharging pattern on the deformation characteristics of sand in confined aquifer

Land subsidence caused by excessive groundwater withdrawal has become a global hazard, which demands further researches and the potential measures to control. Using the FlowTrac Ⅱ consolidation test system, six compression tests were designed to investigate the stress state and stress paths of sand within confined aquifers under conditions of withdrawal and recharging. The deformation characteristics of aquifer sand were studied under different withdrawal-recharging patterns. During pumping and recharge processes, sand deformation responses were observed to lag behind changes in applied stress. The characteristics of this hysteresis effect on deformation were summarized. The alternating phenomenon of rebound and compression of sand deformation under the recharging process is analyzed. When the recharging effect was relatively small than withdrawing effect under the stable withdrawal-recharging pattern, the compression deformation was observed in the recharging process. The research results provide a rational explanation for the continuous compression deformation of the aquifer during groundwater level recovery and offer experimental evidence for the rational design of artificial groundwater recharge in engineering construction.

Flotation collector lauryldiethanolamine: Adsorption configuration impact on collecting efficiency

In the reverse flotation separation of apatite and its associated siliceous gangue minerals, the common collector dodecylamine (DDA) exhibits a poor selectivity. To remedy this issue, this study implements a change to DDA molecular structure by integrating two 2-hydroxyethyl groups at the N atom position, ultimately producing a freshly developed collector, lauryldiethanolamine (LDEA). Micro-flotation experiments reveal that, relative to DDA, LDEA showcases an advanced selectivity in separating apatite from its associated siliceous gangue minerals quartz and K-feldspar through reverse flotation. This difference primarily stems from the weaker collecting ability of LDEA for apatite particles relative to DDA. Nevertheless, zeta potential measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic tests consistently show that, under identical dosage conditions, LDEA and DDA exhibit similar adsorption quantities on apatite surfaces. This observation implies that factors beyond its adsorption quantities inevitably influence the collecting ability of LDEA for apatite particles. First-principles calculations unveil markedly different adsorption configurations of LDEA and DDA on apatite surfaces, suggesting that the difference in the adsorption configurations of LDEA and DDA accounts for the significant variance in their collecting abilities for apatite particles.

"If you cannot measure it, you cannot improve it". Outcome measures in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: current and future perspectives.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive neuromuscular disorder primarily affecting males, caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. The absence of dystrophin protein leads to progressive skeletal muscle degeneration. Recent advances in the therapeutic landscape underscore the need to identify appropriate outcome measures to assess treatment efficacy in ambulant and non-ambulant DMD patients, across clinical and research settings. This is essential for accurately evaluating new treatments and attributing therapeutic benefits.It is crucial to establish a robust correlation between outcome scores and disease progression patterns. This task is challenging since functional test performance may be influenced by different patient's characteristics, including the physiological evolution of the neurodevelopment together with the disease progression. While widely used DMD outcomes such as the North Star Ambulatory Assessment, the 6-Minute Walking Test, the 4 stairs climbed, and the Performance of the Upper Limb exhibit reliability and validity, their clinical significance is influenced by the wide phenotype and progression variability of the disease.We present and discuss the features (relevance, quantifiability, validity, objectivity, reliability, sensitivity, specificity, precision) of available DMD outcome measures, including new potential measures that may be provided by digital tools and artificial intelligence.

Water relations and photosystem II efficiency of the intertidal macroalga Fucus virsoides

Intertidal macroalgae are sessile poikilohydric organisms exposed to desiccation stress during emersion. Water relations parameters are useful tools to evaluate an organism's capacity to withstand water scarcity conditions, but such information on marine intertidal macroalgae is scarce. We assessed the water relations of the intertidal relict Fucus virsoides, the unique Fucus species endemic to the Mediterranean. We combined measurements of water potential (Ψ) parameters derived from pressure-volume curves and chlorophyll a fluorescence (Fv/Fm) in juvenile and adult thalli sampled in three different dates between March and April 2023. F. virsoides exhibited remarkable water stress tolerance, as evidenced by the low water potential at turgor loss point (Ψtlp, -7.0 MPa on average), and the maintenance of high Fv/Fm at low water potentials indicating a prolonged maintenance of healthy physiological status. While no differences were observed between growth stages, Ψtlp, capacitance (C) and the bulk modulus of elasticity (ε) varied significantly according to the sampling dates, whereas the osmotic potential at full turgor did not significantly change. Ψ measured on thalli collected after a typical prolonged emersion period was markedly lower (−12.3 MPa on average) than the estimated Ψtlp, suggesting that the population is frequently undergoing turgor loss. Further investigations are required to determine environmental tolerance ranges based on water status characteristics to enhance our understanding of F. virsoides responses and vulnerability to climate change, thus providing insight into the possible causes of its widespread decline.