ABSTRACT
Microplastics (MPs) are a size-based category of plastic pollutants between 1 µm to 5 mm in particle size that are ubiquitous in land and water resources due to anthropogenic activity. Current methodologies for MPs identification and characterization require laboratory instruments and specialized training. In the present study, a miniaturized microfluidic triboelectric sensor (M-TES) is proposed for the rapid detection of MPs from water samples. The viability and versatility of this device is illustrated for in situ measurement of the size and concentration of polystyrene (PS) micro-particles in water. The M-TES sensor relies on inducing and measuring electrical charges generated by microplastic flow within water droplets passing through a microfluidic channel. The experimental samples encompass pure polystyrene (PS) microparticles ranging from 500 nm to 10 µm, as well as actual samples collected from a coffee machine. The results reveal that the sensor's response exhibits a linear correlation with the increase in both microplastic size and concentration. The proposed sensing system could distinguish between microplastics of different sizes and concentrations. The results demonstrate the applicability of the M-TES in the field of sensors for environmental monitoring.
ABSTRACT
A first study on nicotinamide riboside treatment of 24 individuals with ataxia telangiectasia with a mean age of 17.5 years showed improved ataxia scores and immunoglobulin levels. We here present the effect of nicotinamide riboside in another individual with ataxia and recurrent infections in whom treatment started as early as at the age of 3 years and 6 months.During 11 months of follow-up, mean total Scale-for-the-Assessment-and-Rating-of-Ataxia decreased from 27 to 9 points and mean total Score for the Gross-Motor-Function-Measure increased from 61 to 78%. Improvement in drawing skills was observed by ICF-based ergotherapeutic examination. Use of antibiotics and frequency of hospitalizations due to infections were reduced by more than 90%. Immunological parameters in blood remained unchanged. No adverse effects occurred.While the effects on motor and speech improvement might be partly explained by development, our study replicates the previous finding of a positive effect of nicotinamide riboside treatment in ataxia telangiectasia. One could even hypothesize that the early treatment will lead to even better outcome. Given the absence of adverse effects, we strongly encourage to consider nicotinamide riboside in all individuals with ataxia telangiectasia.
