bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘EMI Is a War’ – Lecturers’ Practices of, and Insights Into English Medium Instruction Within the Context of Sri Lankan Higher Education
Authors: Jayathilake Chitra , Hettiarachchi Sujeewa , Pereira Sujeeva S. 
Published: November 2021

English Medium Instruction (EMI) is a growing educational praxis in the world. Sri Lanka also practises EMI in primary, secondary and university education contexts. Nevertheless, EMI is not adequately researched: the existing scholarship alludes to the significance of its context-dependency (e.g., Snchez-Prez, Maria del Mar 2020). Moreover, there is a lacuna of scholarly knowledge of how EMI works in Sri Lankan educational contexts. Hence, this exploratory study examined lecturers’ practices of, and insights into, EMI within the context of Sri Lankan higher education. The data were drawn from in-depth qualitative interviews with ten lecturers who teach Social Sciences through EMI at three state universities in the country. Interviewees – encompassing males and females and belonging to varying age groups – have a range of EMI teaching experience and different professional and educational qualifications. Qualitative thematic analysis was utilised to uncover themes related to EMI in the data. Findings disclose a few issues and problems associated with EMI. They underscore the belief that EMI enhances L2 (Second Language) proficiency, thus creating a space for job opportunities for undergraduates, and higher education and professional development for both lecturers and students. Nevertheless, EMI is problematic mainly due to (i) low L2 proficiency in both lecturers and students, (ii) lecturers’ inconsistent praxis in assessing and teaching students, (iii) the shortage of training programmes on EMI, and (iv) arbitrary administration issues including the recruitment of EMI lecturers. The paper provides insights into EMI implementation in English as L2 contexts and adds new vocabulary to EMI praxis and research.
Modeling of hydraulic shock as one of the main risk factors of main arteries atherosclerosis in arrhythmias
Authors: Germanova Olga A. , Germanov Vladimir A. , Shchukin Yuriy V. , Germanov Andrey V. , Piskunov Maxim V. , Burmistrov Andrey E. , Yusupov Rinat Yu. , Galati G. 
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Atherosclerosis is the main reason of cardiocerebral events, its mechanisms and reasons are still being studied. Hydraulic shock in arrhythmias has not been studied before.
Aim. To perform the modeling of hydraulic shock as a risk factor of the main arteries in arrhythmias with original experimental model created by the authors.
Materials and methods. We created the original experimental model, it was used to imitate hydraulic shock in arrhythmias. It imitated the real arterial vessel and it allowed to make intra-vessel circulation of liquid in the regular rhythm and in arrhythmias (extrasystole).
Results. In extrasystolic arrhythmia imitation in the first post-extrasystolic contraction the speed of liquid flow was revealed to rise in mean value 158% in comparison with the regular rhythm.
Conclusion. In extrasystolic arrhythmia during the spread of the wave of the first post-extrasystolic contraction, blood flow accelerates and reflected waves and standing waves form. These hemodynamic changes are characterized by the term hydraulic shock. The use of our original experimental model helps to make the wide range of investigations and studies connected with intra-arterial hemodynamics in different conditions of functioning of cardiovascular system.
A 40-year-old Woman with Hypercalcemia Crisis Caused by Bone Metastasis in Stage IV Breast Cancer
Authors: Hadisuwarno Wiharjo , Savitri Merlyna , Ashariati Ami , Bintoro S. Ugroseno Yudho , Diansyah M. Noor , Amrita Putu Niken Ayu , Romadhon Pradana Zaky 
Published: November 2021

Breast cancer is still global burden especially for woman with 2.3 million cases every year dan 15% mortality among cancer diseases. In developing countries, most of the cases are diagnosed at terminal stage when metastasis already found. Bone metastasis is the highest among other metastasis sites such as: lung, liver and brain. Bone metastasis will cause hypercalcemia and bone pain as complications. Both will gradually decrease patient’s quality of life. Comprehensive and holistic management for these complications will reduce deterioration and hopefully increase patient’s quality of life even they were at terminal stage. We describe a 40-year-old woman who got hypercalcemia crisis. Hypercalcemia usually manifest as a consequence of other diseases. Epidemiologically, majority come from metastasis, but can be other diseases, such as multiple myeloma. Interestingly, during medical investigation through her medical history, and physical examination, and laboratory examinations, we conclude that her hypercalcemia crisis was caused by bone metastasis from breast cancer.
Full-Field Deformation Characteristics of Anisotropic Marble under Compression Revealed by 3D Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhu Chun , Zhang Bo , Hou Zhiqiang 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This work is aimed at revealing the anisotropic full-field displacement and the progressive failure behaviors of interbedded marble under uniaxial compression using a three-dimensional digital image correlation (3D DIC) technique. The effects of the interbed orientation on the field displacement and strain pattern and the crack evolution were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Testing results show that different stress-strain responses can be generated depending on the interbed orientation, and the interbeds influence the localized deformation and high strain concentration pattern. The field displacement evolution curves present different patterns and are impacted by the localized deformation. In addition, the strain localization takes place progressively and develops at a lower rate for rock with 0° and 90° interbed than those of 30° and 60° interbed rock. The quick shear-sliding along the interbed leads to the minimum strength of rock having 30° interbed orientation. It is suggested that rock anisotropic field deformation is structure dependent.
A Hybrid Technique to Treat Inguinal wound Infection after Arterial Surgery with Lateral Femoral Bypass and Intra-incisional Negative Pressure wound Therapy
Authors: Wu Yi-Fan , Zhang Dong , Yu Ai-Xi , Qi Baiwen , Jian Chao 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Patients with the inguinal wound infection after arterial surgery remains clinical challenge. Sustaining lymphatic leakage have been shown as a common and potentially serious complication. However, it remains clinical challenge for surgery to deal with this tough problem. Methods: This study describes a hybrid technique of using radical debridement, lateral femoral bypass (LFB) and intra-incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) for single-staged treatment of complex inguinal wound infection after arterial surgery (IWI-AS).Results: Between January 2017 and June 2021, 5 IWI-AS cases treated with this new method were identified. Of the patients, 3 were males and 2 were females. The average age was 49.4 years (range, 33 to 77 years). 4 cases suffered emergent operations due to the sudden bleedings. after vascular bypass reconstructions and an average of 2.2 (range:1-3) iNWPT, all cases achieved wound healing at an average duration of 4.6 weeks (range: 3-6weeks). Moreover, all cases showed no bacterial growth and grafts patency as indicated by doppler ultrasound or CT angiography postoperatively. One case did not receive bypass imaging evaluation at postoperative 12 months. Weakness of quadriceps femoris was observed in one case. Conclusion: single-staged therapy of LFB and iNPWT hybridization is a technically handy and effective method for treatment of inguinal wound infection after arterial surgery.
Factors Associated With Early Failure of The Femoral Neck System (FNS) in Patients With Femoral Neck Fractures
Authors: Chen Jialei , Jiang Jiabao , Zhang Xiang , Yu Xi 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe femoral neck system (FNS) is a novel internal fixation system for the treatment of femoral neck fractures (FNFs). However, there is a paucity of literature looking at the factors associated with early failure of the FNS (EFFNS) in patients with FNFs. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of EFFNS and identify risk factors for EFFNS in patients with FNFs.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed 62 patients who presented with intracapsular neck femur fractures and underwent FNS fixation between 2019 and 2021. Demographic, clinical characteristics and radiographic features are described. Multifactor logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the different influencing factors.ResultsOf the 62 FNFs, 10 patients (16.1%) developed early failures after FNS fixation, including 6 cases of severe femoral neck shortening, 1 case of avascular necrosis of the femoral head, 1 case of nonunion, and 2 cases of screw-out. In the failure group, all patients were younger than 65 years old. The proportion was significantly higher than the 59.6% in the healing group (P = 0.012). However, we found that Garden classification (P = 0.464) and age (P = 0.128) were not statistically significant risk factors for EFFNS. ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that age was an important factor influencing EFFNS. However, we cannot determine whether age and Garden classification are independent risk factors for EFFNS in the treatment of FNFs.Trial registration: ChiCTR2100051360. Registered on 21 September, 2021. https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx.
Two useful Python tools and their application in Physics
Authors: Deb Dwaipayan 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Python has become a popular programming language among physicists and students/researchers of other fields as well. However, Python still needs improvement to provide ease of use in physical problems. One such case is Python’s list array which is more powerful than conventional arrays in other languages like C, C++, Fortran, or Java, but, it becomes tedious and complicated to construct a list array of larger dimensions in Python in certain physical problems. Another such case may be — reading column-wise data from a data-file consisting of multiple columns - which may be simplified with the introduction of a Python class in a package. This article discusses the difference and limitations of array variables in various languages and introduces a new Python tool to make the construction of N-dimensional list arrays easier. This also introduces a way to handle data-file in Python in a simpler way and with some analytical features. It is also shown – how these two tools may improve our experience in dealing with Python in physics problems.
Identification of a Hypoxia-Related Gene Signature and Establishment of a Nomogram for Predicting Prognosis in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Xiao Wanyi , Tang Peng , Sui Zhilin , Wu Xianxian , Yang Yueyang , Zhu Ningning , Han Youming , Gong Lei , Yu Zhentao , Zhang Hongdian 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
BackgroundEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), the major subtype of esophageal cancer in China, has a dismal prognosis. Tumor hypoxia, a typical characteristic of many solid tumors, leads to tumor invasion and poor prognosis. We aimed to develop a hypoxia-based gene signature to assist in the diagnosis and prognosis prediction of ESCC.MethodsWe integrated gene expression files from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases to identify potential hypoxia-related genes (HRGs). Euclidean-based consensus clustering was performed on the GSE53625 ESCC samples. Immune cell infiltration, differential expression, and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed. Candidate modules were screened using weighted gene coexpression network analysis and then intersected with differentially expressed genes from clustered subgroups to construct the gene signatures that were verified in internal and external datasets. A nomogram was developed with risk scores and clinicopathological variables. Finally, immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expression level of relevant genes. Additionally, the relationships between risk scores and the tumor microenvironment were explored.ResultsA total of 5 potential differentially expressed HRGs and 6 critical HRGs were identified. A prognostic model was constructed by screening key HRGs, and higher risk scores were associated with poorer prognosis. The nomogram based on risk scores predicted the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates well, thus determining prognostic risk stratification. The p53, Wnt, and hypoxia signaling pathways may be some of the regulatory mechanisms of hypoxia associated with the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, the high expression of BGN and low expression of IL-18 in ESCC tissues was verified and was associated with a shorter survival time.ConclusionsOur study systematically explored HRGs and determined the prognostic value of a 6-hypoxia gene signature. A prognostic model was developed and validated based on this, providing potential prognostic predictors and therapeutic targets for ESCC.
microRNA-590-3p regulates inflammation and organ dysfunction in sepsis mouse model via the Syap1-mediated TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway
Authors: Li Yiming , Huang Yanjing , Lin Zhihong , Huang Xiaofeng 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Sepsis is a common cause of death among patients in intensive care unit. Recent evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRs) might serve as potential biomarkers facilitating an early diagnosis of sepsis. Herein, we aimed to examine the mechanisms by which miR-590-3p may regulate inflammatory response and organ dysfunction during sepsis progression. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to identify differentially expressed genes in an established sepsis mouse model, and the related miRNAs and downstream regulatory pathways were predicted using web-available microarrays. A sepsis animal model was induced in mice by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Indices of cardiac function, serum myocardial enzymes, and organ function were measured to confirm successful generation of the sepsis mouse model. Cell apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine levels in lung and liver tissues were observed by TUNEL staining and ELISA. Furthermore, the interaction between miR-590-3p and Synapse-associated protein 1 (Syap1) was identified by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. The effect of miR-590-3p on inflammation and organ dysfunction was examined using gain- and loss-of-function experiments. Syap1 was found poorly expressed, whereas miR-590-3p was highly expressed in the sepsis-affected mice. Moreover, the elevation of miR-590-3p markedly downregulated the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL10, Syap1, TGF-β, Smad3, and NF-кB p65 in modeled mice. Indices of cardiac and organ function were decreased, serum myocardial enzyme indices were notably increased, and cell apoptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokines of lung and liver tissues were increased in modeled mice. Together these results demonstrated that miR-590-3p can block the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway through downregulation of Syap1 and, thereby, contribute to sepsis inflammation and organ dysfunction.
Improved the in-Situ Remediation Effect of Sediment Microbial Fuel Cells by Optimizing the Anode Structure
Authors: Li Henan , Liu Guohong , Li Chao , Sun Yongli , Feng Yujie 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Six 60-L benthic microbial electrochemical systems (BMES) were built for the bioremediation of river sediment. Carbon mesh anodes with honeycomb-structure supports were compared with horizontal anodes, and the system was tested using different cover depths and anode densities. The pollutant removal, electricity generation, and electrochemistry of the six BMES with different anodes was examined using the Ashi River (Harbin, China) as a case study. Total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) removal from sediments in BMES with three-dimensional anodes were 20%~30% and 20%~33% higher for the other reactors. Moreover, the honeycomb-structure of the anode also resulted in higher power density and improved humus removal.
Downregulated ZC3H13 by miR-362-3p/miR-425-5p is Associated with Poor Prognosis and Adverse Outcomes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: wu shuang , Liu Shihai , Cao Yongxian , Geng Chao , Wang Peng , Pan Huazheng 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is notorious for its poor prognosis. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) related genes plays key roles in initiation and progression of several types of human cancer. However, the specific role and mechanism of m6A RNA modification in HCC remains not fully determined. Previous studies identified that several m6A-related genes, especially ZC3H13, could be a high candidate as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma. In liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), the low expression of ZC3H13 was reported but the molecular reason is unclear.Methods: Oncomine and GEPIA databases were used to explore the differential expression of ZC3H13 in multiple cancers. Kaplan–Meier plotter was selected to explore the prognostic value of ZC3H13. The GSCALite database was used to analyze the genetic variation of the m6A-related genes. StarBase was selected to predict and analysis of upstream miRNAs of ZC3H13. MiR-362-3p/miR-425-5p mimics and inhibitors results detected by Quantitative Real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis and western blotting. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) identified the potential regulatory mechanism of ZC3H13. In addition, we investigated the relationship between ZC3H13 and tumor infiltrating immune cells (TIICs). Finally, we determined the expression correlation of ZC3H13 with biomarkers of immune cells in HCC using GEPIA database.Results: In this study, we found that ZC3H13 expression was significantly correlated with both overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (RFS) in LIHC patients based on a comprehensive analysis of the m6A family. Our experimental results indicate that inhibiting miR-362-3p/miR-425-5p expression in the LIHC cell line significantly restored the expression of ZC3H13, which is consistent with bioinformatic studies. Further, we noticed that there is a possible relationship between ZC3H13 high expression and tumor microenvironment infiltrating immune cells.Conclusions: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that ZC3H13 is a direct target of miR-362-3p/miR-425-5p in LIHC that regulates the immune modulations in the microenvironment of LIHC.
Attitudes Toward Posthumous Assisted Reproduction in China: A Multi-Dimensional Survey
Authors: Huang Jiliang , Li Jue , Xiao Wanfen , Li Zhiling 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background

Professional legislation and ethics guidelines for posthumous assisted reproduction (PAR) are lacking in China. This study aims to measure the attitudes of the general public, IVF couples, and ART practitioners toward PAR in China.
Methods

A multi-dimensional survey was designed, and electronic questionnaires were used. General demographic data, reproductive viewpoints, attitudes toward PAR, interactive predictive attitudes in couples, and the legal attribute and disposition right of posthumous embryos were evaluated.
Results

The study found that the traditional Chinese viewpoints of fertility had changed. The approval rates for PAR were 79.10%, 55.32%, and 58.89%, respectively, in the general public, IVF couples, and ART practitioners. Most participants agreed that the psychological well-being of offspring should be prior considered before making a PAR decision (81.84%, 73.61%, and 76.98%, respectively). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age, marital status, and gender were common influencing factors while occupation, religion, and pregnancy history showed no support. Males and females showed similar predictive abilities for his/her partner’s attitudes toward PAR (57.87% for males, 61.12% for females). Intercouple agreement analysis showed that the consistent rate was 65.28% in the attitude toward PAR.
Conclusion

The findings suggested that the approval rate toward PAR was relatively high in China. Legislation and ethics guidelines for PAR maybe be considered in China. The psychological well-being of offspring should be considered before the PAR execution. Due to the huge regional and population differences in China, investigation of larger participants is necessary.
Exploration of the Amino Acid Metabolic Signature in Anthracycline-induced Cardiotoxicity Using an Optimized Targeted Metabolomics Approach Based on UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Li Wendi , Li Shanshan , Cao Zhenju , Sun Yi , Qiu Wei , Jia Mei , Su Ming 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Although anthracyclines improve the long-term survival rate of patients with cancer, severe and irreversible myocardial damage limits their clinical application. Amino acids (AAs) play critical roles in protein synthesis, energy generation, and metabolism, as well as maintenance of the normal structure of cardiomyocytes. Conversely, AA metabolism in cardiomyocytes can be altered under pathological conditions. Therefore, exploring the AA metabolic signature in anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) is important for identifying novel mechanisms.Methods: We established mouse and cellular models of Adriamycin (ADR)-induced cardiac injury. Using a targeted AA metabolomics approach based on ultra-performance lipid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), we quantified more than 120 AA metabolites through derivatization-assisted sensitivity enhancement with 5-aminoisoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate (5-AIQC). The AA metabolic signatures in the sera of AIC mice and supernatant samples of ADR-treated H9c2 cardiomyocytes were analyzed. Results: The levels of 14 AA metabolites were altered in ADR-treated mice (p < 0.05). l-2-aminoadipic acid (2-AA) was one of the most suppressed metabolites in AIC. Pre-treatment with 2-AA failed to alter ADR-induced cardiac function impairment, but it exacerbated the ADR-induced decrease of left ventricular anterior wall thickness, indicating that 2-AA might contribute to AIC. Via bioinformatics analysis, we identified nine differential AA metabolites in mice, namely l-glutamic acid, l-lysine, l-serine, l-tryptophan, l-methionine, l-histidine, l-asparagine, l-tyrosine, and O-phosphorylethanolamine, and five differential AA metabolites in ADR-treated H9c2 cardiomyocytes, specifically l-tyrosine, l-alanine, l-glutamine, l-serine, and l-glutamic acid. Three AAs with increased levels (l-glutamate, l-serine, and l-tyrosine) overlapped in the two models, suggesting a possible mechanism of AA metabolic impairment during AIC. The metabolic pathways perturbed by AIC involved aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. Conclusions: These data indicate that a targeted AA metabolomics approach based on UPLC-MS/MS can be used to explore the AA metabolic signature and identify novel mechanisms of AIC, which may provide new clues for the prevention and treatment of this condition in the early clinical stage.