bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fostering critical thinking: Features of powerful learning environments
Authors: Elen Jan , Verburgh An 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCritical thinking is a recurrent educational ambition. At the same time, it is not self‐evident how that ambition can be realised. This is partly due to the different perspectives from which Critical Thinking can be approached. The literature on critical thinking is extensive and diverse, different meanings and aspects of critical thinking have been explored. However, there is agreement among several researchers that critical thinking entails both ability and attitudinal components. Research in psychology on different types of cognitive processing has similarly pointed to the importance of both skills and attitudes. This article builds on a tripartite notion of disposition that has been proposed in the context of education. The tripartite dispositional perspective on which we elaborate highlights the importance of ability, inclination and sensitivity. We describe and discuss an educational protocol aligned with the tripartite conceptualisation of disposition. The protocol identifies characteristics of powerful learning environments. We propose that the proposed educational protocol—aligned to Critical Thinking education goals, conditions and interventions—can be used for fostering critical thinking. More specifically, the use of four types of interventions are recommended: (1) modelling, (2) inducing, (3) declaring and (4) surveillance. Finally, we underscore that there is a need for further research on the use of the educational protocol.
Conceptualisation of learning to learn competence and the challenges of implementation: The Estonian experience
Authors: Kikas Eve , Eisenschmidt Eve , Granström Mikk 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe importance of students' learning to learn competence for academic achievement, as well as their well‐being at school and in life, is increasingly emphasised by educators and policy makers in national curricula and educational strategies. In an uncertain and complex world, learners need to become autonomous, be able to analyse challenges and apply knowledge in different contexts, address complex tasks, and create new knowledge. This article explores concepts and approaches to the development of students' learning to learn competence in the context of education in Estonia. First, the conceptualisation, model and dimensions of learning to learn competence are described and related challenges for teachers are analysed. Second, an overview of Estonian teachers' current practices, beliefs, knowledge, skills and occupational standards relevant to students' learning to learn competence is provided. We discuss how Estonian teacher education policy may enhance or inhibit the work of teachers when supporting students to develop learning to learn competence. Future directions for teacher educators and how to prepare teachers to support the development of students' learning to learn competence are suggested.
Mechanical thrombectomy in young patients with large vessel occlusion‐related ischemic stroke: Data from the Italian Registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke
Authors: Nicolini Ettore , Saia Valentina , Lorenzano Svetlana , Pracucci Giovanni , Iacobucci Marta , De Michele Manuela , Vallone Stefano , Bergui Mauro , Diomedi Marina , Nencini Patrizia , Tassi Rossana , Saletti Andrea , Puglielli Edoardo , Naldi Andrea , Vinci Sergio Lucio , Giannini Nicola , Malfatto Laura , Roberto Menozzi , Romano Daniele G. , Cappellari Manuel , Zini Andrea , Sallustio Fabrizio , Casetta Ilaria , Fainardi Enrico , Mangiafico Salvatore , Toni Danilo ,   the IRETAS Group
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeThe weight of outcome predictors in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients older than 60 years is not necessarily mirrored in the younger population, posing the question of whether outcome determinants specific for the latter might vary. Very few data are available on predictors of outcome in young AIS patients receiving endovascular treatment (EVT).MethodsWe analyzed data for patients aged between 16 and 55 years from the Italian Registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke. We divided our population into patients <45 years old and patients aged between 45 and 55 years. After testing the differences between groups in terms of 90‐day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2, mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, we looked for predictors of poor outcome (mRS 3–6), death, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage in the two groups.ResultsA total of 438 patients younger than 45 years and 817 aged 45–55 years were included; 284 (34.8%) patients aged 45–55 years and 112 (25.6%) patients younger than 45 years old showed poor 90‐day functional outcome (p = 0.001). Predictors of poor outcome in the older group were baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS; p < 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.027), poor collateral status (p = 0.036), and groin puncture‐to‐recanalization time (p = 0.010), whereas Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2b–3 had an inverse association (p < 0.001). Predictors of poor outcome in patients younger than 45 years were baseline NIHSS (p < 0.001) and groin puncture‐to‐recanalization time (p = 0.015), whereas an inverse association was found for baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (p = 0.010) and TICI 2b–3 (p < 0.001).ConclusionsApproximately one third of young adults treated with EVT do not reach a good functional outcome. Fast and successful recanalization, rather than common risk factors, has a major role in determining clinical outcome.
Determining patient value profiles in psoriasis
Authors: Hilhorst N. T. , Abatih E. , Deprez E. , Lambert J. L. W. , Hoorens I. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundHealthcare professionals (HCPs) should strive to create the maximum value for their patients in which value is defined as the patient‐relevant health outcomes achieved per costs made. However, currently it remains difficult to determine which outcomes matter to an individual psoriasis patient.ObjectiveTo define outcome profiles, or so called ‘patient value profiles’, within a cohort of psoriasis patients that can be translated to daily practice to increase value for the individual patient.MethodsHierarchical clustering on principal components (HCPC) was used to identify groups of patients sharing the same profile within an outcome ranking exercise. Once the clusters were defined, their characterization was provided based on a V‐test. In a final step, a multi‐class decision tree (MDT) based on relevant socio‐demographic and clinical variables was built to allocate patients to a cluster.ResultsIn the ranking exercise 120 patients participated. The median age was 50.0 (IQR 25.0) years and 36.7% were female. Median PASI score was 2.4 (IQR 5.2) and median duration of psoriasis was 17.0 (IQR 20.0) years. Primary treatment varied from topicals to biologicals. We found three distinct patient value profiles in this cohort (QoL, cost and treatment). A MDT was built which had an accuracy of 64%.ConclusionWe found three distinct patient value profiles in a cohort of psoriasis patients and patients can be easily assigned to one of these profiles based on a MDT. HCPs can use these profiles to steer psoriasis management accordingly allowing for a more goal‐orientated approach.
Permafrost thaw causes large carbon loss in boreal peatlands while changes to peat quality are limited
Authors: Harris Lorna I. , Olefeldt David , Pelletier Nicolas , Blodau Christian , Knorr Klaus‐Holger , Talbot Julie , Heffernan Liam , Turetsky Merritt 
Published: August 2023

AbstractRapid, ongoing permafrost thaw of peatlands in the discontinuous permafrost zone is exposing a globally significant store of soil carbon (C) to microbial processes. Mineralization and release of this peat C to the atmosphere as greenhouse gases is a potentially important feedback to climate change. Here we investigated the effects of permafrost thaw on peat C at a peatland complex in western Canada. We collected 15 complete peat cores (between 2.7 and 4.5 m deep) along four chronosequences, from elevated permafrost peat plateaus to saturated thermokarst bogs that thawed up to 600 years ago. The peat cores were analysed for peat C storage and peat quality, as indicated by decomposition proxies (FTIR and C/N ratios) and potential decomposability using a 200‐day aerobic laboratory incubation. Our results suggest net C loss following thaw, with average total peat C stocks decreasing by ~19.3 ± 7.2 kg C m−2 over <600 years (~13% loss). Average post‐thaw accumulation of new peat at the surface over the same period was ~13.1 ± 2.5 kg C m−2. We estimate ~19% (±5.8%) of deep peat (>40 cm below surface) C is lost following thaw (average 26 ± 7.9 kg C m−2 over <600 years). Our FTIR analysis shows peat below the thaw transition in thermokarst bogs is slightly more decomposed than peat of a similar type and age in permafrost plateaus, but we found no significant changes to the quality or lability of deeper peat across the chronosequences. Our incubation results also showed no increase in C mineralization of deep peat across the chronosequences. While these limited changes in peat quality in deeper peat following permafrost thaw highlight uncertainty in the exact mechanisms and processes for C loss, our analysis of peat C stocks shows large C losses following permafrost thaw in peatlands in western Canada.
Evaluation of treatment and outcome for patients with haemophilia A and haemophilia B on extended half‐life (EHL) factor products: A 12‐month data analysis
Authors: George Carly , Parikh Sumit , Carter Tina , Mccosker Joanna , Carlino Sara , Tran Huyen 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroductionExtended half‐life (EHL) factor VIII and IX concentrates as prophylaxis against bleeds have been available to selected persons with haemophilia (PWH) in Australia since March 2018. Preliminary analysis of switching to EHL demonstrated increased treatment adherence, fewer injections and improved bleeding outcomes.AimsTo characterise clinical practices regarding the use of EHL in Australia, to further evaluate treatment regimens and bleeding outcomes, and to analyse the influence of EHL product pharmacokinetics on clinical decision‐making.MethodsA national, retrospective study was conducted using the Australian Bleeding Disorders Registry (ABDR). Patients on EHL products during the entire 2019 calendar year were included for analysis.ResultsA complete and validated dataset of 174 PWH was analysed, 115 Haemophilia A (HA) and 59 Haemophilia B (HB). Adherence to EHL therapy was 85.7% in HA and 87.2% in HB. About 63.5% of HA and 64.4% of HB PWH reported zero spontaneous bleeds over 12months. Ankles were the most frequent spontaneous bleed site. Approximately one‐third patients underwent dose adjustments, with most frequent reasons being pharmacokinetics, body weight change and breakthrough bleeds. About 19.5% of PWH had target joint history, with spontaneous bleeds reported in 58% of that cohort on EHL. Multivariate regression showed significant impact of non‐adherence, target joint history and short half‐life on spontaneous bleeds in the HA cohort; however only short half‐life had significant impact in the HB cohort.ConclusionEHL usage in Australia shows excellent treatment adherence and bleeding outcomes. This study affirms the use and value of widely available population‐based pharmacokinetics as a clinical tool.
Probing the effectiveness of barrier creams against human skin penetration of nickel powder
Authors: Magnano Greta Camilla , Marussi Giovanna , Crosera Matteo , Hasa Dritan , Adami Gianpiero , Lionetti Nicola , Larese Filon Francesca 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectiveBarrier creams (BCs) are marketed as locally applied medical devices or cosmetic products to protect the skin from exposure to chemicals and irritants. Generally, the mechanism of action of such products is mainly due to the formation of a superficial thin film between the skin and the irritant or sensitizer, thus reducing or totally blocking the cutaneous penetration of such agents. Specifically, studies focusing on the effectiveness of commercial protective creams to prevent nickel cutaneous penetration are extremely scarce. The aim of the current work, therefore, is to evaluate the protective role of a commercially available barrier cream for nickel and compare the results with a simple moisturizing, following exposure to Ni powder.MethodsMarketed BCs were evaluated and tested. Human skin absorption of Ni was studied in vitro using static Franz diffusion cells.ResultsOur results demonstrate that the application of both formulations caused a reduction of Ni inside the skin (8.00 ± 3.35 μg cm−2 for the barrier cream and 22.6 ± 12.6 μg cm−2 for the general moisturizing product), with the specialized barrier cream being statistically (p = 0.015) more efficient on forming a protective barrier, thus evidencing the importance of some ingredients in such formulations on the nickel dermal accumulation.ConclusionsThe composition of the formulations based on film‐forming or chelating agents may play an imperative role in reducing the cutaneous penetration of Ni.
Quasi‐3D dynamic photoelastic analysis of stress distribution during preparation of simulated canals with 13 mechanical preparation systems
Authors: Moriya Paulo Takeji , de Carvalho Kleber Kildare Teodoro , Kishen Anil , Souza Erick M. , Versiani Marco A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimThe aim of this study is to compare the stress produced on the internal walls of simulated canals by nine rotary and four reciprocating systems.MethodologySixty‐five isotropic transparent blocks containing a 60° curved and tapered simulated canal were selected and distributed into 13 groups (n = 5) according to the preparation system: BioRace, HyFlex EDM, iRaCe, Mtwo, One RECI, ProTaper Next, RaCe EVO, Reciproc, Reciproc Blue, R‐Motion, VDW.ROTATE, XP‐Endo Rise Shaper, and XP‐Endo Shaper. Each resin block was mounted in a vice and a digital camera recorded the entire sequence of each preparation system through a circular polariscope set for dark field analysis. The video frames when each instrument reached the end of the coronal, middle, and apical thirds of the canal were extracted from the recordings and analysed by two independent observers regarding the stress generated on the canal walls using a semi‐quantitative evaluation on a 0–5 scale. Intra‐ and inter‐observer agreement were subjected to the Cohen's Kappa coefficient test, whilst the experimental results were compared using Kruskal‑Wallis test post hoc pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni correction (α = 5%).ResultsThe inter‐ and intra‐observer agreement were 0.98 and 1, respectively. Most instruments demonstrated acceptable performance (scores ≤ 2) in all thirds. Other instruments, such as the HyFlex EDM 25.12 (coronal and middle thirds), Reciproc Blue R25 and Reciproc R25 (coronal and apical thirds), R‐Motion 30.04 (apical third), and VDW.ROTATE 20.05 (apical third) showed scores higher than 3. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference amongst the tested systems at the coronal, middle, and apical thirds (p < .05).ConclusionNone of the canal instrumentation protocols were stress‐free, showing varying levels of stress concentrations. Various factors seemed to influence the magnitude of stress and its distribution pattern on the canal walls. Overall, instruments characterized by a larger taper, lower speed, reciprocating motion, and made of heat‐treated NiTi alloy exhibited higher patterns of stress distribution.
Improvement of nutritional and bioactive properties of barley β‐glucan‐based food products using Bacillus subtilis 168 endo‐β‐1,3‐1,4‐glucanase
Authors: Šokarda Slavić Marinela , Kojić Milan , Margetić Aleksandra , Ristović Marina , Pavlović Marija , Nikolić Stefan , Vujčić Zoran 
Published: August 2023

SummaryThe combination of β‐oligosaccharides from enzymatically hydrolysed barley β‐glucan has attracted interest recently due to its positive effects on human health. This study aimed to assess the impact of the endo‐β‐1,3‐1,4‐glucanase enzyme from Bacillus subtilis 168 on improving the nutritional and bioactive properties of barley β‐glucan. A new procedure for the isolation of β‐glucan was developed, at a lower temperature (45 °C), enabling purity from starch contamination, without affecting the yield (6 g β‐glucan from 100 g of barley flour). The endo‐β‐1,3‐1,4‐glucanase is cloned into E. coli pQE_Ek enables the high production and purification (82% yield, 1.8 mg mL−1 and 440 U mg−1) of an enzyme identical to the natural one (25.5 kDa). The enzymatic reaction showed high efficiency of β‐glucan degradation by recombinant enzyme, giving a mixture of products (of which 3‐O‐β‐cellobiosyl‐D‐glucose and 3‐O‐β‐cellotriosyl‐D‐glucose are the most abundant), the reduction of viscosity (17%) and increase in antioxidant capacities by 15.2%, 30.9% and 44.0% assessed by ABTS, DPPH and ORAC, respectively. These results indicate the possible application of endo‐β‐1,3‐1,4‐glucanase enzyme in improving the properties of barley β‐glucan used as functional foods.
Wastewater from maize lime‐cooking as growth media for alkaliphilic microalgae–cyanobacteria consortium to reduce chemical oxygen demand and produce biomass with high protein content
Authors: Del Valle‐Real Marinat , Franco‐Morgado Mariana , García‐García Rebeca , Guardado‐Félix Daniela , Gutiérrez‐Uribe Janet A. 
Published: August 2023

SummaryWastewater from maize lime‐cooking (nejayote) was fermented with an alkaliphilic microalgae–cyanobacteria consortium (AMC) or mixed with a mineral salt medium (MSM) to reduce its chemical oxygen demand (COD). Four sets of experiments in 1 L Erlenmeyer flasks were done with and without previous nejayote sterilisation (NE and N) inoculated with AMC and as controls MSM (M) and non‐sterile without AMC (NB). Total soluble carbohydrates (TSC), proteins and COD were analysed in the culture broth and in dried biomass. The pH decreased for N, NE and NB to 8.8 ± 0.1, 9.2 ± 0.2 and 8.9 ± 0.1, respectively, but increased to 10.4 ± 0.1 for M. NE showed more than 50% COD removal efficiency after 12 days. NB had a protein content (ICP) of 24% ± 2% DW, followed by NE with 19% ± 0.4%, N with 16% ± 1% and M with 1% ± 0%. COD reduction was not related to AMC growth but to TSC consumption. Intracellular protein contents for NE (19%) or N (16%) were higher than the observed for M (1%), but further analysis of the amino acid profile, functionality and stability of this potential single‐cell protein (SCP) should be considered to promote its use in functional foods.
PE_PGRS45 (Rv2615c) protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis perturbs mitochondria of macrophages
Authors: Medha   , Priyanka   , Sharma Sadhna , Sharma Monika 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe PE_PGRS proteins have coevolved with the antigenic ESX‐V secretory system and are abundant in pathogenic Mycobacterium. Only a few PE_PGRS proteins have been characterized, and research suggests their role in organelle targeting, cell death pathways, calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. The PE_PGRS45 (Rv2615c) protein was predicted to contain mitochondria targeting sequences by in silico evaluation. Therefore, we investigated the targeting of the Rv2615c protein to host mitochondria and its effect on mitochondrial functions. In vitro experiments showed the Rv2615c protein colocalized with the mitochondria and led to morphological mitochondrial perturbations. Recombinant Rv2615c was observed to cause increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species and the adenosine diphosphate‐to‐adenosine triphosphate ratio. The Rv2615c protein also induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization and the generation of mitochondrial superoxide. We observed the release of cytochrome C into the cytoplasm and increased expression of proapoptotic genes Bax and Bim with no significant change in anti‐apoptotic Bcl2 in Rv2615c‐stimulated THP1 macrophages. Ca2+ is a key signaling molecule in tuberculosis pathogenesis, modulating host cell responses. As reported for other PE_PGRS proteins, Rv2615c also has Ca2+‐binding motifs and thus can modulate calcium homeostasis in the host. We also observed a high level of Ca2+ influx in THP1 macrophages stimulated with Rv2615c. Based on these findings, we suggest that Rv2615c may be an effector protein that could contribute to disease pathogenesis by targeting host mitochondria.
Dendrite microstructure formation and enhanced toughness in high‐entropy REAlO3–RE2Zr2O7 eutectic oxide
Authors: Feng Yingjie , Liu Xiangyang , Zhang Peng , Han Yi , Zhai Shuoyan , Pan Wei , Wan Chunlei 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this study, complex GdAlO3–Gd2Zr2O7 and high‐entropy REAlO3–RE2Zr2O7 (RE = Nd, Sm, Gd, Eu, and Dy) composites with an equiaxed dendrite structure at eutectic composition are successfully fabricated using a gas levitation containerless solidification method. The unique microstructure of the composites is characterized, and the evolution process of the dendritic structure is explained. The formation of dendrites at eutectic composition is attributed to the rapid cooling induced by the shutoff of lasers and the homogeneous temperature field and nucleation achieved through gas levitation. The GdAlO3–Gd2Zr2O7 and high‐entropy oxide composites exhibit enhanced fracture toughness compared to the bulk samples fabricated by solid‐state sintering methods. The fracture toughness increases by 44% for GdAlO3–Gd2Zr2O7 bulk sample and 34% for high‐entropy REAlO3–RE2Zr2O7 bulk sample, which can be attributed to the complicated interfaces introduced by the equiaxed dendritic microstructure and the high thermal mismatch stress between two phases. Additionally, the high‐entropy REAlO3–RE2Zr2O7 oxides exhibit excellent high‐temperature stability, with no significant change in dendritic microstructure or fracture toughness even after holding at 1573 K for 100 h. These findings suggest the potential of high‐entropy eutectic oxide ceramics with dendrite microstructure for advanced engineering applications.
Purifying selection against spurious splicing signals contributes to the base composition evolution of the polypyrimidine tract
Authors: Yıldırım Burçin , Vogl Claus 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAmong eukaryotes, the major spliceosomal pathway is highly conserved. While long introns may contain additional regulatory sequences, the ones in short introns seem to be nearly exclusively related to splicing. Although these regulatory sequences involved in splicing are well-characterized, little is known about their evolution. At the 3′ end of introns, the splice signal nearly universally contains the dimer AG, which consists of purines, and the polypyrimidine tract upstream of this 3′ splice signal is characterized by over-representation of pyrimidines. If the over-representation of pyrimidines in the polypyrimidine tract is also due to avoidance of a premature splicing signal, we hypothesize that AG should be the most under-represented dimer. Through the use of DNA-strand asymmetry patterns, we confirm this prediction in fruit flies of the genus Drosophila and by comparing the asymmetry patterns to a presumably neutrally evolving region, we quantify the selection strength acting on each motif. Moreover, our inference and simulation method revealed that the best explanation for the base composition evolution of the polypyrimidine tract is the joint action of purifying selection against a spurious 3′ splice signal and the selection for pyrimidines. Patterns of asymmetry in other eukaryotes indicate that avoidance of premature splicing similarly affects the nucleotide composition in their polypyrimidine tracts.AbstractThe base composition of the polypyrimidine tract of short introns in Drosophila is influenced by purifying selection against a spurious 3′ splice signal and selection for pyrimidines, as shown by analysis of asymmetry patterns and population genetic modelling. Similar patterns in other eukaryotes suggest a common mechanism of base composition evolution.