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[Objective] To investigate the water purification capabilities of Polygonum species and assess their suitability for the remediation of domestic sewage. [Methods] Polygonum hydropiper, Polygonum orientale, Polygonum divaricatum and Polygonum lapathifolium were selected as the research objects. The removal effects of total nitrogen (TN), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N), and total phosphorus (TP) in two concentrations of domestic sewage by these four species of Polygonum were discussed through a simulated hydroponic experiment. Additionally, the accumulation ability of Polygonum species to nitrogen and phosphorus in sewage was examined. [Results] (1) All four species of Polygonum exhibited good removal effects on nitrogen and phosphorus in two concentrations of domestic sewage. (2) Under high concentration sewage treatment, the removal rates of TN, NH4+-N and TP by Polygonum orientale, Polygonum divaricatum and Polygonum lapathifolium were 96.04%~97.41%, 94.60%~97.79% and 98.78%~99.68% (28 days), respectively, which were significantly higher than those of Polygonum hydropiper (p

Computational thinking (CT) is a set of cognitive skills that every child should acquire. K-12 classrooms are expected to provide students opportunities (tasks) to think computationally. We introduce a CT competency assessment for middle school students. The assessment design process started by establishing a cognitive model of CT domain mastery, in which three broad skill types were identified to represent CT competency. After multiple-choice item prototypes were written, pilot tested, and revised, 15 of them were finally selected to be administered to 564 students in two middle schools in the Midwestern United States. Using a cognitive diagnostic scoring model, mastery classifications for each student were determined that can be used diagnostically by teachers as a pretest and, perhaps in the future, to compare the outcomes of CT instructional programs. The results inform an initial understanding of typical learning progressions in CT at the middle school level.

This research is motivated by the perspective that when empirical studies and assessment frameworks inform each other, assessments can enrich science education and strengthen its connections to modern science. The research proposes a bioenergy competency assessment for science education. It uses an argument-based approach to validation. Multiple types of validity evidence were collected to support the proposed scores use and scores interpretation. Along with reporting a series of psychometric properties of response data, the findings indicated that empirical response data corresponded to the hypothesized data structure. The latent logistic scale established through a generalized partial credit model (GPCM) seemed useful in measuring students' bioenergy competency.

During the development of large-scale school achievement tests, panels of independent subject-matter experts use systematic judgmental methods to rate the correspondence between a given test's items and performance objective statements. The individual experts' ratings may then be used to compute summary indices to quantify the match between a given test and its target item domain. The magnitude of alignment index variability across experts within a panel, and randomly-sampled panels, is largely unknown, however. Using rater-by-item data from alignment reviews of 14 US states' achievement tests, we examine observed distributions and estimate standard errors for three alignment indices developed by Webb. Our results suggest that alignment decisions based on the recommended criterion for the balance-of-representation index may often be uncertain, and that the criterion for the depth-of-knowledge consistency index should perhaps be reconsidered. We also examine current recommendations about the number of expert panelists required to compute these alignment indices.

Periodontitis involves hyperactivated stromal cells that recruit immune cells, exacerbating inflammation. This study presents an ATP-responsive metal–organic framework (Mg/Zn-MOF) designed for periodontitis treatment, utilizing ion interference to modulate immune responses and prevent tissue destruction. Addressing the challenges of synergistic ion effects and targeted delivery faced by traditional immunomodulatory nanomaterials, the Mg/Zn-MOF system is activated by extracellular ATP—a pivotal molecule in periodontitis pathology—ensuring targeted ion release. Magnesium and zinc ions released from the framework synergistically inhibit membrane pore formation by attenuating Gasdermin D (GSDMD) expression and activation. This action curtails pyroptosis, lactate dehydrogenase and IL-1β release, thwarting the onset of inflammatory cascades. Mechanistically, Mg/Zn-MOF intervenes in both the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD and Caspase-11/GSDMD pathways to mitigate pyroptosis. In vivo assessments confirm its effectiveness in diminishing inflammatory cell infiltration and preserving collagen integrity, thereby safeguarding against periodontal tissue damage and bone loss. This investigation highlights the promise of ion-interference strategies in periodontitis immunotherapy, representing a significant stride in developing targeted therapeutic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐overexpressing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) necessitates more effective therapies due to its elevated metastasis risk compared to the conventional CSCC. While photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising way to treat CSCC, effectively administering photosensitizers to reach deeper skin malignancies remains a challenge. Herein, BE‐TEL is reported, a transethosome formulation designed to enhance skin and cutaneous tumor permeability, for targeted treatment of EGFR‐overexpressed CSCC. The formulation is co‐loaded with Erlotinib (Erb), a hydrophobic EGFR inhibitor, and BODIPY (BPY), a photosensitizer. Upon skin penetration and subsequent exposure to 660 nm light, BE‐TEL induces tumor cell apoptosis by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and EGFR pathway inhibition. ROS and Erb‐induced metabolic oxidative stress by upregulating the expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) can enhance immunogenic cell death (ICD) and promote dendritic cell maturation for tumor‐specific immune response. Furthermore, the EGFR downregulation further mitigated the risk of metastasis and recurrence. In conclusion, BE‐TEL's superior penetration ability together with its combined PDT and EGFR targeted approach paves the way for an efficient strategy against EGFR‐overexpressed CSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]