bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soluzioni Concentrate per Emodialisi: Normativa Vigente, Processo Produttivo e di Controllo Qualità
Authors: Ravizza L. , Pernigo N. , Cavallini C. , Rizzi R.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Anatomia Della Membrana Peritoneale
Authors: Di Paolo N. , Sacchi G.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Come Ridurre L'assorbimento Intestinale Di Fosfato: Vecchie e Nuove Soluzioni
Authors: Gallieni M. , Padovese P. , Brancaccio D.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
AT III - Ruolo e Significato in Nefrologia e Nell'unità di Terapia Intensiva
Authors: Menta R. , Mottola L. , Invernizzi E.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Encefalopatia Acuta Da Alluminio: Occhio al Citrato!
Authors: Brancaccio D.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Dialisi Con Sodio ed Ultrafiltrazione Variabile
Authors: Splendiani G. , Sturniolo A. , Costanzi S. , Passalacqua S. , Barbera G. , Fulignati P.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Assistenza e Tecnologia: Possono Interagire?
Authors: Parisotto M. T.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Agenti Osmotici Tradizionali e Alternativi in Dialisi Peritoneale
Authors: Fracasso A. , Bazzato G.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Il Bicarbonato Concentrato Sterile: Soluzione Di un Problema
Authors: Osmetti G.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Diagnostica Dei Disturbi Oculari E Della Visione Nel Paziente Uremico
Authors: Staurenghi G. , Porta A.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
La Densitometria Ossea Nel Paziente Uremico
Authors: Guarnieri A. , Garosi G.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
La Sindrome Del Tunnel Carpale Del Paziente Uremico
Authors: Bandini S. , Ceruso M. , Lauri G. , Mancini G. , Salvadori M.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Il Prurito Uremico
Authors: Ghezzi P.M. , Besso L.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Filtri a Piastra o Filtri Capillari?
Authors: Imperiali P. , Duranti E. , Sasdelli M.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Accertamenti Diagnostici Delle Glomerulopatie Ereditarie
Authors: Battini G. , Sessa A. , Torri Tarelli L. , Meroni M.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Valutazione Della Biocompatibilità Delle Tecniche Emodialitiche
Authors: Palla R. , Panichi V. , Bianchi A. M. , Cirami C. , Parrini M. , Finato V. , Andreini B.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Le Masse Solide Renali All'ecotomografia
Authors: Zanazzi M. , Cavallotti P. , Scarpioni R. , Scarpioni L.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Problematiche Inerenti L'epatite C Nei Centri Dialisi
Authors: Beccari M.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Un Sistema Informativo in Nefrologia E Dialisi
Authors: Mastrangelo F. , Alfonso L. , Bellisario F.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Vantaggi, Svantaggi, Esecuzione e Indicazioni Della Dialisi ad Ago Singolo
Authors: Garosi G. , Biagioli M. , Di Paolo M. , Di Paolo N.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Rassegna Della Letteratura Recente
Authors: Guarnieri A.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Il Calcio Ionizzato: Problematiche Ed Utilita' in Nefrologia
Authors: Gaiter A.M.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
La Diagnostica Della Nefropatia Diabetica
Authors: Signorini A.M. , Fondelli C. , Gragnoli G.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
Il Caso Clinico Encefalopatia Sensibile Al Naloxone Nell'Insufficienza Renale Cronica Avanzata
Authors: Garosi G.
Published: July 2023

Abstract non disponibile
The Effect of Tip Placement on Fibrin Sheath Formation in Poorly Functioning Tunnelled Haemodialysis Lines
Authors: Loon Jordan , Woodley-Cook Joel
Published: July 2023

Background and Objectives: Fibrin sheath formation is a common cause of haemodialysis (HD) line dysfunction requiring frequent interventional line exchanges. This study assessed HD tip and line placement, line length, and demographics in poorly functioning HD lines due to fibrin sheath formation, to determine if there is a correlation between these factors and repeatedly poor function.

Patients and Methods: Patient medical records were retrospectively reviewed to include those who have had poorly functioning HD lines with fluoroscopic evidence of a fibrin sheath from 2011–2019. Analysis of variance and t-tests were performed to determine the significance of various factors on the time until a line exchange was required.

Results: Patients with an HD tip placed in the inferior vena cava underwent an exchange the soonest (130.23 days), while tips in the superior vena cava went the longest without required intervention (968.80 days; p=0.007). Lines in the left internal jugular vein had the most days without intervention, and lines in the femoral vein had the least (1,132.80 versus 142.50 days, respectively; p=0.007). Furthermore, 19 cm lines went 816.75 days without intervention, and 42 cm lines went 114.73 days without intervention (p=0.049). Intervention-free days decreased if the patient had undergone previous interventions (p<0.001). Patients with diabetes required intervention before those without diabetes (694.09 versus 917.08 days, respectively; p=0.033).

Conclusion: Factors such as HD tip and line placement, line length, previous interventions, and diabetic status demonstrated a correlation with how frequently tunnelled HD lines required intervention due to fibrin sheath formation.
‘A Walking Study in Demonology’: Postfeminism and Popular Misogyny in Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Authors: Casey Máiréad
Published: July 2023

This article analyses the 2009 horror-comedy directed by Karyn Kusama, Jennifer’s Body. I describe how this female-centred horror film critiques the postfeminist or neoliberal feminine subject from an angle that aligns most comfortably with antifeminist sentiments and arguments from the centre-right and right. I discuss how a gendered neoliberal discourse of individualism, and the idea that the individual must be ultimately bear responsibility for their own biography, renders the titular character as an illegible subject of sexualised violence. I argue that the film naturalises threats of sexual violence, attributes blame to the violated female body, and renders her illegible as a victim or as person worthy of sympathy and support. I demonstrate how the film is prescient of secular forms of exclusion, specifically popular misogyny and conforms to some of popular misogyny’s circulated myths and philosophies regarding female sexuality.
Peter Tuesday Hughes: Forgotten Pioneer of the Gay Gothic
Authors: Tate Justin
Published: July 2023

Vincent Virga’s Gaywyck (1980) has enjoyed sustained critical and commercial interest due to the claim that it is the first Gothic novel to depict unambiguous same-sex romance. While enthusiasm for Gaywyck is warranted, there is an earlier ‘gay Gothic’ novel which should be recognized as the first. Peter Tuesday Hughes’s Gay Nights at Maldelangue (1969) is a literary fantasia of same-sex desire and classic gothic storytelling. Published shortly after the Stonewall Uprising, it is also among the first creative interactions with the gay liberation movement of the late 1960s. Although Hughes wrote at least thirty-two novels, was a critical success and top seller for his publisher, he is largely forgotten today – to the extent that we do not know whether he is alive or even if that is his real name.
The concept of the “Free Тravel” project in the context of the development of recreation tourism
Authors: Cherchyk L. , Cherchyk O.
Published: July 2023

Modern realities in Ukraine require adaptation of the tourism and recreation sphere to the new needs ofpost-war reconstruction, taking into account social, economic and environmental factors. This necessitates further development and the formation of alternative approaches to meeting the needs of rehabilitation, recovery, rest and development. The purpose of the research: determination of the features of recreational tourism and ways of providing it in the concept of “Free Travel”. The main results of the work consist in determining: the main factors of the functioning of the tourism and recreation sphere of Ukraine; tasks for the development of the tourist and recreational sphere in the regions that can currently provide recreational services; meaningful content of recreational tourism and active recreation. The concept of the “Free Travel” project is substantiated, where the emphasis is placed on the development of short-term active recreation, mainly of one-day duration, namely: the requirements for the travel area are defined; alternative travel planning options (linear, circular, combined, transit) have been developed; methods of movement are proposed; requirements that must be observed in certain territories are defined. Approbation of the author’s methodology was carried out on the example of the territory of the Baiv, Ratniv, and Hirkopolonkiv starostinties of the Boratyn community of the Lutsk district of the Volyn region. A basic map has been developed, where the natural, cultural-historical, architectural objects of this territory are marked, as well as travel options: linear water route “Journey along the Chornoguzka River through ancient settlements and hillforts”, circular bicycle route “Baiv — Polonka”, transit bicycle route “Тo sources of the Chornohuzka River”. The author’s methodology of the “Free Travel” concept takes into account the modern realities of the formation and implementation of tourist and recreational needs, includes the definition of the features of active recreation, ways of providing it, alternative options for planning trips. Approbation of the author’s methodology made it possible to confirm the identified features of recreational tourism and active recreation, to ascertain the realization of the recreational effects (health, emotional, aesthetic, ecological) defined in the concept.
Essential and substantive features of balanced spatial development of rural areas: national and global aspects
Authors: Mishenin Ye. , Yarova I.
Published: July 2023

The article examines theoretical and conceptual approaches to understanding the balanced spatial development of rural areas in the context of transformational economic processes in the agricultural sector of Ukraine and global environmental challenges. The purpose of the study is to further form a systematic view of balanced sustainable development of rural areas with an emphasis on the specifics of agrarian natural resource management. The essence of the economic space of rural areas is revealed through the peculiarities of balanced agricultural management, as well as the use of natural resource potential, in particular, land and resource potential. A system of socio-ecological, economic and institutional directions of management of a conceptual nature has been formed in order to intensify the balanced and continuous transformation of the economic space of rural areas. The developed conceptual directions are a prerequisite for ensuring the economisation and ecologisation of the territorial-spatial organisation of the rational use and reproduction of agricultural potential (in particular, land and resource, natural resource). Particular attention is paid to the issues of determining the structural and functional construction of the space of rural areas on the basis of balanced agricultural management. The proposed structuring of the economic space of agriculture by various criteria is a generalised characteristic of the balanced spatial development of rural areas. The characteristics by means of which the economic space of rural areas receives its qualitative definition (capacity, saturation, density, development, connectivity, tension) are given.
ALÉM-DO-HOMEM
Authors: Stigar Robson , Roberta Massambani Ruthes Vanessa
Published: July 2023

O presente artigo procurar analisar a questão da transvaloração dos valores e a afirmação da vida a partir da concepção de mundo em Nietzsche. O homem, que está inserido neste mundo, também é considerado em Nietzsche, por Vontade de Poder. E para isso necessita estar, em constante contraposição, para que seu quantum de força, de afirmação, não só se mantenha, mas se expanda e desta forma, por meio da grande saúde o homem pode se colocar além de bem e mal, que permite efetivamente ao homem, se inserir no processo do eterno retorno do mundo. Analisaremos a questão da contraposição e o experimentalismo como remédios que possibilitam ao homem a grande saúde e um estudo sobre a possibilidade de caracterização do além-do-homem
VIDA, ARTE E DEVIR
Authors: Da Silva Antonio Joel Lima
Published: July 2023

Este artigo busca justificar, a partir de O Nascimento da Tragédia, a famosa frase de Nietzsche que diz: “só como fenômeno estético a existência e o mundo justificam-se eternamente”. Nesse sentido, traçaremos um caminho com dois momentos: 1) a exposição dos princípios apolíneo e dionisíaco como impulsos naturais criadores da arte trágica. Este primeiro momento traz a importância de se compreender o movimento antagônico e conciliador que envolve tais princípios, bem como demonstrar que os gregos criaram a tragédia com objetivo de suportar os horrores da vida; o segundo momento traça um parâmetro comparativo entre os conceitos nietzschianos de a vida, a arte e o devir. Pretendemos com isso, dizer que a vida é, para Nietzsche, devir, e o que confirma tal proposição é o próprio modo em que Nietzsche vê a vida: como uma luta entre forças opostas, ou seja: como vontade de poder. Assim, o devir seria o que, também, definiria o movimento da arte através da dinâmica alternante dos impulsos apolíneo e dionisíaco.
Genomic analysis of Sinorhizobium meliloti LPU63, an acid-tolerant and symbiotically efficient alfalfa-nodulating rhizobia
Authors: Cafiero Juan Hilario , Salvetti Casasco María , Lozano Mauricio Javier , Vacca Carolina , López García Silvina Laura , Draghi Walter Omar , Lagares Antonio , Del Papa María Florencia
Published: July 2023

The growth and persistence of alfalfa (Medicago sativa), a perennial legume capable of producing high yields of high-quality forage, is reduced in moderately acidic soils. The low performance of alfalfa at low pH is due to numerous factors that affect the host plant, their rhizobia, and the symbiotic interaction. Sinorhizobium meliloti LPU63 was isolated from acid topsoil (in Argentina) and showed to be a highly competitive and efficient N2-fixing rhizobium under both neutral and moderately acidic soil conditions. In this study, we obtained a draft of the LPU63 genome sequence using Illumina HiSeq4000. The whole genome phylogenetic analysis confirmed the taxonomic position of LPU63 as a S. meliloti strain and the multilocus sequence analysis confirmed that LPU63 is not related to the strains used in Argentina in bioformulations. The genomic analysis showed that beyond the canonical chromosome, pSymA, and pSymB, LPU63 strain has an accessory plasmid that codes for a repABC origin of replication and a conjugative T4SS, suggesting that this plasmid could be self-transmissible. In addition, the complete denitrification pathway (i.e., the gene clusters nap, nir, nor, and nos), including napC and nosZ, which could be used as an alternative respiration route under hypoxic conditions with moderate N2O emissions was found. Also, genes associated with plant growth-promoting activities (PGPR) and the degradation of phenylacetic acid (PAA) were identified. LPU63 is a highly melanogenic strain, a property that could enhance its survival under soil conditions, and the genome data showed a particular arrangement of the genes involved in melanin production. The information regarding LPU63 activities compatible with plant-growth promotion phenotypes, together with other characteristics mentioned here (melanin production, potential moderate N2O emissions), constitute the basis of future experiments toward the rational design of a novel bioinoculant for the environmentally sustainable production of alfalfa.
Iodine intake and excretion from sheep supplemented with macroalgae (Laminaria hyperborea) by-product
Authors: Lind Vibeke , Opheim Margareth , Sandvik Jorid Thorvaldsen , Aasen Inga Marie
Published: July 2023

Macroalgae, or seaweeds, have potential for use as feed ingredients and are currently unexploited despite their content of vitamins, minerals, and protein. Brown species can accumulate iodine from seawater and there are strict limits set by the European Food Safety Authority and the FDA regarding iodine content in animal feeds. Iodine can cause health problems for consumers if over or under-consumed and its presence in end food products is strictly regulated. The aim of the present experiment was to gain knowledge on intake, distribution, and excretion of iodine in sheep supplemented with Laminaria hyperborea by-product known to contain iodine. Twelve Norwegian White Sheep male lambs, four months of age, were blocked according to initial live weight (average 37.8 kg) and randomly allocated to two diet groups. Animals were fed gras silage and concentrate, without (CTR) and including the alga by-product at a 6% inclusion rate (HYP). The iodine concentrations were 4.1 and 476 mg/kg dry matter in the CTR and HYP concentrate, respectively. After 26 days of adaptation in a barn, animals were placed in metabolism crates for three consecutive days (Period 1) with collection of rumen fluid (via esophagus), grass silage, feces, urine, and blood for iodine content. After 5 weeks in the barn, animals returned to the metabolism crates for a subsequent three consecutive day sampling and iodine analyzes (Period 2). Data were analyzed via ANOVA using a repeated measure mixed model procedure. Dry matter intake (P = 0.001) and live weight (P = 0.001) increased from Period 1 to Period 2. Lambs fed CTR had higher daily growth rate than those fed HYP (P = 0.001). Iodine intake and excretion in feces and urine increased from Period 1 to Period 2 (P < 0.001, P = 0.010, P = 0.007, respectively). Iodine excreted in feces was 37% and 67% for lambs in fed the CTR and HYP diets, respectively. None of the animals showed signs of iodine poisoning during ten the experiment. We found that most of the iodine excreted from lambs fed the HYP diet was in feces.
3′ RNA-seq is superior to standard RNA-seq in cases of sparse data but inferior at identifying toxicity pathways in a model organism
Authors: McClure Ryan S. , Rericha Yvonne , Waters Katrina M. , Tanguay Robyn L.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The application of RNA-sequencing has led to numerous breakthroughs related to investigating gene expression levels in complex biological systems. Among these are knowledge of how organisms, such as the vertebrate model organism zebrafish (Danio rerio), respond to toxicant exposure. Recently, the development of 3′ RNA-seq has allowed for the determination of gene expression levels with a fraction of the required reads compared to standard RNA-seq. While 3′ RNA-seq has many advantages, a comparison to standard RNA-seq has not been performed in the context of whole organism toxicity and sparse data.

Methods and results: Here, we examined samples from zebrafish exposed to perfluorobutane sulfonamide (FBSA) with either 3′ or standard RNA-seq to determine the advantages of each with regards to the identification of functionally enriched pathways. We found that 3′ and standard RNA-seq showed specific advantages when focusing on annotated or unannotated regions of the genome. We also found that standard RNA-seq identified more differentially expressed genes (DEGs), but that this advantage disappeared under conditions of sparse data. We also found that standard RNA-seq had a significant advantage in identifying functionally enriched pathways via analysis of DEG lists but that this advantage was minimal when identifying pathways via gene set enrichment analysis of all genes.

Conclusions: These results show that each approach has experimental conditions where they may be advantageous. Our observations can help guide others in the choice of 3′ RNA-seq vs standard RNA sequencing to query gene expression levels in a range of biological systems.
Signatures of disease progression in knee osteoarthritis: insights from an integrated multi-scale modeling approach, a proof of concept
Authors: Mohout Ikram , Elahi Seyed Ali , Esrafilian Amir , Killen Bryce A. , Korhonen Rami K. , Verschueren Sabine , Jonkers Ilse
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is characterized by articular cartilage degeneration. It has been widely accepted that the mechanical joint environment plays a significant role in the onset and progression of this disease. In silico models have been used to study the interplay between mechanical loading and cartilage degeneration, hereby relying mainly on two key mechanoregulatory factors indicative of collagen degradation and proteoglycans depletion. These factors are the strain in collagen fibril direction (SFD) and maximum shear strain (MSS) respectively.

Methods: In this study, a multi-scale in silico modeling approach was used based on a synergy between musculoskeletal and finite element modeling to evaluate the SFD and MSS. These strains were evaluated during gait based on subject-specific gait analysis data collected at baseline (before a 2-year follow-up) for a healthy and progressive early-stage KOA subject with similar demographics.

Results: The results show that both SFD and MSS factors allowed distinguishing between a healthy subject and a KOA subject, showing progression at 2 years follow-up, at the instance of peak contact force as well as during the stance phase of the gait cycle. At the peak of the stance phase, the SFD were found to be more elevated in the KOA patient with the median being 0.82% higher in the lateral and 0.4% higher in the medial compartment of the tibial cartilage compared to the healthy subject. Similarly, for the MSS, the median strains were found to be 3.6% higher in the lateral and 0.7% higher in the medial tibial compartment of the KOA patient compared to the healthy subject. Based on these intersubject SFD and MSS differences, we were additionally able to identify that the tibial compartment of the KOA subject at risk of progression.

Conclusion/discussion: We confirmed the mechanoregulatory factors as potential biomarkers to discriminate patients at risk of disease progression. Future studies should evaluate the sensitivity of the mechanoregulatory factors calculated based on this multi-scale modeling workflow in larger patient and control cohorts.
Microfluidic one-step synthesis of a metal−organic framework for osteoarthritis therapeutic microRNAs delivery
Authors: Yang Kaiyuan , Ni Min , Xu Chao , Wang Liangliang , Han Long , Lv Songwei , Wu Wenbo , Zheng Dong
Published: July 2023

As a class of short non-coding ribonucleic acids (RNAs), microRNAs (miRNA) regulate gene expression in human cells and are expected to be nucleic acid drugs to regulate and treat a variety of biological processes and diseases. However, the issues with potential materials toxicity, quantity production, poor cellular uptake, and endosomal entrapment limit their further applications in clinical practice. Herein, ZIF-8, a metal-organic framework with noncytotoxic zinc (II) as the metal coordination center, was selected as miRNA delivery vector was used to prepare miR-200c-3p@ZIF-8 in one step by Y-shape microfluidic chip to achieve intracellular release with low toxicity, batch size, and efficient cellular uptake. The obtained miR-200c-3p@ZIF-8 was identified by TEM, particle size analysis, XRD, XPS, and zeta potential. Compared with the traditional hydrothermal method, the encapsulation efficiency of miR-200c-3p@ZIF-8 prepared by the microfluidic method is higher, and the particle size is more uniform and controllable. The experimental results in cellular level verified that the ZIF-8 vectors with low cytotoxicity and high miRNAs loading efficiency could significantly improve cellular uptake and endosomal escape of miRNAs, providing a robust and general strategy for nucleic acid drug delivery. As a model, the prepared miR-200c-3p@ZIF-8 is confirmed to be effective in osteoarthritis treatment.
Tailoring mSiO2-SmCox nanoplatforms for magnetic/photothermal effect-induced hyperthermia therapy
Authors: Liang Xinqiang , Xu Wenting , Li Siyi , Kurboniyon Mekhrdod S. , Huang Kunying , Xu Guilan , Wei Wene , Ning Shufang , Zhang Litu , Wang Chen
Published: July 2023

Hyperthermia therapy is a hotspot because of its minimally invasive treatment process and strong targeting effect. Herein, a synergistic magnetic and photothermal therapeutic nanoplatform is rationally constructed. The well-dispersive mSiO2-SmCox nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized through a one-step procedure with the regulated theoretical molar ratio of Sm/Co among 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 for controlling the dispersion and magnetism properties of SmCox NPs in situ growth in the pore structure of mesoporous SiO2 (mSiO2), where mSiO2 with diverse porous structures and high specific surface areas serving for locating the permanent magnetic SmCox NPs. The mSiO2-SmCox (Sm/Co = 1:2) NPs with highly dispersed and uniform morphology has an average diameter of ∼73.08 nm. The photothermal conversion efficiency of mSiO2-SmCox (Sm/Co = 1:2) NPs was determined to be nearly 41%. The further in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor evaluation of mSiO2-SmCox (Sm/Co = 1:2) NPs present promising potentials for hyperthermia-induced tumor therapy due to magnetic and photothermal effects.
Leveraging extreme scale analytics, AI and digital twins for maritime digitalization: the VesselAI architecture
Authors: Ilias Loukas , Tsapelas Giannis , Kapsalis Panagiotis , Michalakopoulos Vasilis , Kormpakis Giorgos , Mouzakitis Spiros , Askounis Dimitris
Published: July 2023

The modern maritime industry is producing data at an unprecedented rate. The capturing and processing of such data is integral to create added value for maritime companies and other maritime stakeholders, but their true potential can only be unlocked by innovative technologies such as extreme-scale analytics, AI, and digital twins, given that existing systems and traditional approaches are unable to effectively collect, store, and process big data. Such innovative systems are not only projected to effectively deal with maritime big data but to also create various tools that can assist maritime companies, in an evolving and complex environment that requires maritime vessels to increase their overall safety and performance and reduce their consumption and emissions. An integral challenge for developing these next-generation maritime applications lies in effectively combining and incorporating the aforementioned innovative technologies in an integrated system. Under this context, the current paper presents the architecture of VesselAI, an EU-funded project that aims to develop, validate, and demonstrate a novel holistic framework based on a combination of the state-of-the-art HPC, Big Data and AI technologies, capable of performing extreme-scale and distributed analytics for fuelling the next-generation digital twins in maritime applications and beyond.
Students’ acceptance on computer-adaptive testing for achievement assessment in Japanese elementary and secondary school
Authors: Goto Takayuki , Kano Kei , Shiose Takayuki
Published: July 2023

The present research aimed to investigate whether Japanese elementary and secondary schools can accept computer-adaptive tests, which is an important issue under consideration for its future introduction to achievement assessments. We conducted two studies that asked elementary and secondary school students to take a computer-adaptive test and complete the questionnaires. We assessed individual differences in achievement goals and tested whether they predicted achievement scores on a computer-adaptive test. Moreover, we asked the students about their attitudes toward different forms of tests. The study results were twofold. First, those with high performance-avoidance goals did not perform worse than those with low performance-avoidance goals after controlling for individual differences in the approach to learnings, the mediating variable. This implies that the computer-adaptive test does not reinforce students’ anxiety about test taking. Second, students did not exhibit a more negative attitude toward the computer-adaptive test than the traditional fixed-item test but had a negative perception of human-adaptive tests (tests tailored by the teacher). Our results provide practical implications that a computer-adaptive test could be carefully introduced into the achievement assessment for Japanese elementary and secondary school children while considering their acceptance of the test.
Investigating students’ development of mechanistic reasoning in modeling complex aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Ryan Zach , Danish Joshua , Zhou Jinzhi , Stiso Christina , Murphy Danielle , Duncan Ravit , Chinn Clark , Hmelo-Silver Cindy E.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

This study reports on a classroom intervention where upper-elementary students and their teacher explored the biological phenomena of eutrophication using the Modeling and Evidence Mapping (MEME) software environment and associated learning activities. The MEME software and activities were designed to help students create and refine visual models of an ecosystem based on evidence about the eutrophication phenomena. The current study examines how students utilizing this tool were supported in developing their mechanistic reasoning when modeling complex systems. We ask the following research question: How do designed activities within a model-based software tool support the integrations of complex systems thinking and the practice of scientific modeling for elementary students?

Methods

This was a design-based research (DBR) observational study of one classroom. A new mechanistic reasoning coding scheme is used to show how students represented their ideas about mechanisms within their collaboratively developed models. Interaction analysis was then used to examine how students developed their models of mechanism in interaction.

Results

Our results revealed that students’ mechanistic reasoning clearly developed across the modeling unit they participated in. Qualitative coding of students’ models across time showed that students’ mechanisms developed from initially simplistic descriptions of cause and effect aspects of a system to intricate connections of how multiple entities within a system chain together in specific processes to effect the entire system. Our interaction analysis revealed that when creating mechanisms within scientific models students’ mechanistic reasoning was mediated by their interpretation/grasp of evidence, their collaborative negotiations on how to link evidence to justify their models, and students’ playful and creative modeling practices that emerged in interaction.

Discussion

In this study, we closely examined students’ mechanistic reasoning that emerge in their scientific modeling practices, we offer insights into how these two theoretical frameworks can be effectively integrated in the design of learning activities and software tools to better support young students’ scientific inquiry. Our analysis demonstrates a range of ways that students represent their ideas about mechanism when creating a scientific model, as well as how these unfold in interaction. The rich interactional context in this study revealed students’ mechanistic reasoning around modeling and complex systems that may have otherwise gone unnoticed, suggesting a need to further attend to interaction as a unit of analysis when researching the integration of multiple conceptual frameworks in science education.
Environmental regulation promotes green development in China: from the perspective of technological innovation
Authors: Hao Feng , Zang Yuan , Fan Bokai , Zhang Yuan
Published: July 2023

Based on panel data of 286 prefecture-level cities in China, this study analyzes the direct impact of environmental regulation and its classified policies on green development, while exploring the indirect effects and threshold effects of technological innovation in the green development effect of environmental regulation. There are four main findings in this study. 1) The impact of environmental regulation on green development follows a U shaped pattern and its mode varies with the type of environmental regulation and the type of cities. 2) Environmental regulation can promote green development through technological innovation, and the industrial structure has a positive moderating effect. 3) Technological innovation is a threshold variable in the impact of environmental regulation on green development: when technological innovation surpasses the threshold value, the green development effect of environmental regulation changes from negative to positive. Therefore, governments should strengthen environmental regulation, effectively play the driving role of different environmental regulation policies, and transform the development driving force through strengthened technological innovation to achieve regional green development.
Impact of bias correction on climate change signals over central Europe and the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Ugolotti Alessandro , Anders Tim , Lanssens Benjamin , Hickler Thomas , François Louis , Tölle Merja H.
Published: July 2023

Vegetation models for climate adaptation and mitigation strategies require spatially high-resolution climate input data in which the error with respect to observations has been previously corrected. To quantify the impact of bias correction, we examine the effects of quantile-mapping bias correction on the climate change signal (CCS) of climate, extremes, and biological variables from the convective regional climate model COSMO-CLM and two dynamic vegetation models (LPJ-GUESS and CARAIB). COSMO-CLM was driven and analyzed at 3 km horizontal resolution over Central Europe (CE) and the Iberian Peninsula (IP) for the transient period 1980–2070 under the RCP8.5 scenario. Bias-corrected and uncorrected climate simulations served as input to run the dynamic vegetation models over Wallonia. Main result of the impact of bias correction on the climate is a reduction of seasonal absolute precipitation by up to −55% with respect to uncorrected simulations. Yet, seasonal climate changes of precipitation and also temperature are marginally affected by bias correction. Main result of the impact of bias correction on changes in extremes is a robust spatial mean CCS of climate extreme indices over both domains. Yet, local biases can both over- and underestimate changes in these indices and be as large as the raw CCS. Changes in extremely wet days are locally enhanced by bias correction by more than 100%. Droughts in southern IP are exacerbated by bias correction, which increases changes in consecutive dry days by up to 14 days/year. Changes in growing season length in CE are affected by quantile mapping due to local biases ranging from 24 days/year in western CE to −24 days/year in eastern CE. The increase of tropical nights and summer days in both domains is largely affected by bias correction at the grid scale because of local biases ranging within ±14 days/year. Bias correction of this study strongly reduces the precipitation amount which has a strong impact on the results of the vegetation models with a reduced vegetation biomass and increases in net primary productivity. Nevertheless, there are large differences in the results of the two applied vegetation models.
Do temperature and population size structure influence the quantity of fish eDNA in water?
Authors: Hervé Alix , Domaizon Isabelle , Baudoin Jean-Marc , Dejean Tony , Gibert Pierre , Valentini Alice , Logez Maxime
Published: July 2023

Various factors can influence the concentration of eDNA found in the environment and blur the link between eDNA results and in situ fish abundances, biomasses or even occurrences. We studied the influence of one abiotic factor, the temperature, and one biotic factor, the fish size class, on the amount of fish eDNA detectable in water. To do so, we conducted two controlled experiments using tench (Tinca tinca, L) placed into outdoor mesocosms during 1 week. The quantification of fish eDNA abundances was performed using quantitative PCR after filtrating a large volume of water (30 L). The Bayesian hierarchical ANOVAs performed on qPCR results did not detect the effect of size class on eDNA amount, but fish eDNA concentration was shown to increase significantly when temperature rose by 6°C (no effect detected at 3°C). This suggests that fish assemblage quantification of two thermally contrasting sites through eDNA is not directly comparable.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis provides key genetic resources in clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum) under cadmium stress
Authors: Wang Bin , Wang Yukun , Yuan Xiao , Jiang Yuanyuan , Zhu Yunna , Kang Xinmiao , He Jinming , Xiao Yanhui
Published: July 2023

Planting aromatic plant might be a promising strategy for safely utilizing heavy metal (HM)-contaminated soils, as HMs in essential oil could be completely excluded using some special technologies with ease. Clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum L.) is an important aromatic plant used in essential oil production. Improving cadmium (Cd) tolerance in clove basil can increase its production and improve the utilization efficiency of Cd-contaminated soils. However, the lack of genomic information on clove basil greatly restricts molecular studies and applications in phytoremediation. In this study, we demonstrated that high levels of Cd treatments (0.8, 1.6 and 6.5 mg/L) significantly impacted the growth and physiological attributes of clove basil. Cd contents in clove basil tissues increased with treatment concentrations. To identify Cd stress-responsive genes, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis using seedlings cultured in the Hoagland’s solution without Cd ion (control) or containing 1.6 mg/L CdCl2 (a moderate concentration of Cd stress for clove basil seedlings). A total of 104.38 Gb clean data with high-quality were generated in clove basil under Cd stress through Illumina sequencing. More than 1,800 differential expressed genes (DEGs) were identified after Cd treatment. The reliability and reproducibility of the transcriptomic data were validated through qRT-PCR analysis and Sanger sequencing. KEGG classification analysis identified the “MAPK signaling pathway,” “plant hormone signal transduction” and “plant-pathogen interaction” as the top three pathways. DEGs were divided into five clusters based on their expression patterns during Cd stress. The functional annotation of DEGs indicated that downregulated DEGs were mainly involved in the “photosynthesis system,” whereas upregulated DEGs were significantly assigned to the “MAPK signaling pathway” and “plant-pathogen interaction pathway.” Furthermore, we identified a total of 78 transcription factors (TFs), including members of bHLH, WRKY, AP2/ERF, and MYB family. The expression of six bHLH genes, one WRKY and one ERF genes were significantly induced by Cd stress, suggesting that these TFs might play essential roles in regulating Cd stress responses. Overall, our study provides key genetic resources and new insights into Cd adaption mechanisms in clove basil.
A chimeric protein-based vaccine elicits a strong IgG antibody response and confers partial protection against Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in mice
Authors: Montero David A. , Garcia-Betancourt Richard , Vidal Roberto M. , Velasco Juliana , Palacios Pablo A. , Schneider Daniela , Vega Carolina , Gómez Leonardo , Montecinos Hernán , Soto-Shara Rodrigo , Oñate Ángel , Carreño Leandro J.
Published: July 2023

Background

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a foodborne pathogen that causes gastrointestinal infections, ranging from acute diarrhea and dysentery to life-threatening diseases such as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. Currently, a vaccine to prevent STEC infection is an unmet medical need.

Results

We developed a chimeric protein-based vaccine targeting seven virulence factors of STEC, including the Stx2B subunit, Tir, Intimin, EspA, Cah, OmpT, and AggA proteins. Immunization of mice with this vaccine candidate elicited significant humoral and cellular immune responses against STEC. High levels of specific IgG antibodies were found in the serum and feces of immunized mice. However, specific IgA antibodies were not detected in either serum or feces. Furthermore, a significantly higher percentage of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells producing IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-17 was observed in the spleens of immunized mice. Notably, the immunized mice showed decreased shedding of STEC O157:H7 and STEC O91:H21 strains and were protected against weight loss during experimental infection. Additionally, infection with the STEC O91:H21 strain resulted in kidney damage in control unimmunized mice; however, the extent of damage was slightly lower in immunized mice. Our findings suggest that IgG antibodies induced by this vaccine candidate may have a role in inhibiting bacterial adhesion and complement-mediated killing.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that IgG responses are involved in the host defense against STEC. However, our results do not rule out that other classes of antibodies also participate in the protection against this pathogen. Additional work is needed to improve the protection conferred by our vaccine candidate and to elucidate the relevant immune responses that lead to complete protection against this pathogen.
Dupilumab effectively and rapidly treats bullous pemphigoid by inhibiting the activities of multiple cell types
Authors: Yan Tianmeng , Xie Yinghan , Liu Yuhua , Shan Ying , Wu Xiaoyan , Wang Jing , Zuo Ya-Gang , Zhang Zhenying
Published: July 2023

Background

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune skin-blistering disease. Systemic corticosteroids remain the first line treatment for moderate-to-severe BP with the potential for severe adverse events. Dupilumab has emerged as an alternative option for BP patients.

Objective

We evaluated the efficiency and safety of dupilumab on BP treatment and explored a mode of drug action in depth.

Methods and results

A multicenter retrospective cohort included 20 BP patients who received dupilumab with or without systemic corticosteroid in dupilumab group, and 20 matched BP patients who received corticosteroid alone in conventional group. Serum samples were collected from 20 patients (10 from dupilumab group and 10 from conventional group) at baseline and week 4. Compared to systemic corticosteroid alone, dupilumab with or without systemic corticosteroid was similarly efficacious in clinical remission at week4 (complete remission plus partial remission: 100%) and week24 (complete remission plus partial remission:100%), but allowing significant decreases in the cumulative doses of corticosteroids with reducing the incidence of adverse events. However, dupilumab did not decrease BP180 antibody despite an obvious clinical improvement. Comparative plasma proteomic analysis performed before and after treatment in 3 BP patients from dupilumab group revealed that drug use was associated with 30 differentially expressed proteins, including 26 down-regulated and 4 up-regulated proteins. The former consisted of immune related proteins involved in T/B cell interactions (inducible T-cell co-stimulator ligand, ICOSL) and in the activation of eosinophils (PRG2), mast cells (S100A12), and complement (CR2). TARC and ICOSL levels correlated with BP severity in patients who received either dupilumab or conventional treatment.

Conclusion

Dupilumab has similar efficacy in treating BP as conventional drugs, by inhibiting the activities of many types of immune cells and complement, and regulating the interactions between T and B cells.
Case Report: Successful treatment of advanced hepatocarcinoma with the PD-1 inhibitor Camrelizumab
Authors: Ye Wenling , Cai Lihong , Zhang Minjie , Wu Yali , Sun Huina , Wang Yan-Dong , Xia Yubing
Published: July 2023

Primary liver cancer is characterized by closely related with chronic liver inflammation, thereby reversing hypoxic immunosuppressive microenvironment of tumor cell growth by immunotherapy drug is a potentially effective strategy. Camrelizumab is an anti-PD-1 antibody being developed by Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. We reported a case of an adult critical Chinese patient with primary hepatocellular carcinoma and lung metastasis completely responding to Camrelizumab, most of the lesions were stable and no new lesions occurred after 1-year treatment, which provides us to reconsider the therapeutic effect of Camrelizumab on such patients. Camrelizumab had a safety profile for the patient in our case report, except for the occurrence of RCCEP. This case provides the evidence of the effective antitumor activity and manageable toxicities of Camrelizumab for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, which was the first application as far as we know.
Cross-reactive humoral and CD4+ T cell responses to Mu and Gamma SARS-CoV-2 variants in a Colombian population
Authors: Martel Fabiola , Cuervo-Rojas Juliana , Ángel Juana , Ariza Beatriz , González John Mario , Ramírez-Santana Carolina , Acosta-Ampudia Yeny , Murcia-Soriano Luisa , Montoya Norma , Cardozo-Romero Claudia Cecilia , Valderrama-Beltrán Sandra Liliana , Cepeda Magda , Castellanos Julio César , Gómez-Restrepo Carlos , Perdomo-Celis Federico , Gazquez Andreu , Dickson Alexandria , Brien James D. , Mateus José , Grifoni Alba , Sette Alessandro , Weiskopf Daniela , Franco Manuel A.
Published: July 2023

The SARS CoV-2 antibody and CD4+ T cell responses induced by natural infection and/or vaccination decline over time and cross-recognize other viral variants at different levels. However, there are few studies evaluating the levels and durability of the SARS CoV-2-specific antibody and CD4+ T cell response against the Mu, Gamma, and Delta variants. Here, we examined, in two ambispective cohorts of naturally-infected and/or vaccinated individuals, the titers of anti-RBD antibodies and the frequency of SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ T cells up to 6 months after the last antigen exposure. In naturally-infected individuals, the SARS-CoV-2 antibody response declined 6 months post-symptoms onset. However, the kinetic observed depended on the severity of the disease, since individuals who developed severe COVID-19 maintained the binding antibody titers. Also, there was detectable binding antibody cross-recognition for the Gamma, Mu, and Delta variants, but antibodies poorly neutralized Mu. COVID-19 vaccines induced an increase in antibody titers 15-30 days after receiving the second dose, but these levels decreased at 6 months. However, as expected, a third dose of the vaccine caused a rise in antibody titers. The dynamics of the antibody response upon vaccination depended on the previous SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Lower levels of vaccine-induced antibodies were associated with the development of breakthrough infections. Vaccination resulted in central memory spike-specific CD4+ T cell responses that cross-recognized peptides from the Gamma and Mu variants, and their duration also depended on previous SARS-CoV-2 exposure. In addition, we found cross-reactive CD4+ T cell responses in unexposed and unvaccinated individuals. These results have important implications for vaccine design for new SARS-CoV-2 variants of interest and concern.