bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic Prescribing Practice in a Paediatric Outpatient Clinic in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Nwolisa Emeka , Ikejiaku Udochukwuka , Ezeogu Joseph , Asinobi Kingsley , Odinaka Kelechi , Nwankwo Ezinne 
Published: November 2023

Background: Antibiotics are amongst the most frequently prescribed drugs for children in outpatient clinics but irrational prescribing can cause medication errors, antibiotic resistance and treatment failure. Examples of irrational prescribing includes poly-pharmacy, over use of injections, inappropriate use of antimicrobials and failure to prescribe in accordance with treatment guidelines.
This study sought to assess antibiotic prescribing practice in the children’s outpatient clinic of the Federal university teaching hospital Owerri, Imo state.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive prospective study carried out in the Children’s Outpatient Clinic (CHOP) of the Federal university teaching hospital Owerri, Imo state Nigeria between April and June 2021. During the study period, medical record of patients who attended the CHOP and who had antibiotic(s) prescribed were collated. Prescribing practice was assessed using the World Health Organization prescribing indicators.
Results: A total of 495 antibiotic prescriptions were made for 478 patients. This gave 1.04 as the average number of medicines prescribed per patient encounter. 1.6% of the antibiotics were prescribed as injections and 79.2% of the prescriptions were in generic names. While only 96.8% of the prescriptions were from the Nigerian essential drug list, the three most prescribed antibiotics Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid, Cefuroxime and Amoxicillin are all listed in it.
Conclusion: The antibiotic prescribing practice in the children’s outpatient clinic was rational with regards to average number of medications per patient encounter and percentage of encounters with injection prescribed. It was irrational in terms of percentage of antibiotics prescribed in generic names and percentage of antibiotics prescribed from the Nigerian essential drug list.
A Decision Support System for Computer Chair Selection: Leveraging the Simple Additive Weighting Method
Authors: Hadi Aldi Yusup , Istiono Wirawan 
Published: November 2023

Aims: The objective of this study is to develop and construct a decision support system utilizing the simple additive weighting method to aid in the selection of a computer chair. Subsequently, user satisfaction with the created decision support system for computer chair selection will be assessed.
Study Design: This research is motivated by the challenges frequently encountered in the furniture industry, as uncovered through interviews with the proprietor of a furniture store.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Informatics, Universitas Multimedia Nusantara, between January 2023 and July 2023.
Methodology: Problem identification with the furniture owner is the initial step in this research. A literature review is then conducted to gather information about the research's theory. Design and analysis are then conducted based on the findings of the literature review. Subsequently, an application is developed, followed by testing and comparison. Finally, evaluation and documentation are completed to draw conclusions from this research.
Results: The research study employed the EUCS technique to obtain conclusions, and a questionnaire was administered to assess user satisfaction with the system being investigated. The result obtained suggests a satisfaction rate of 80.47%. Based on the findings acquired, it can be deduced that the execution of the development of the decision support system for the selection of computer chairs was efficiently carried out.
Conclusion: Based on the outcomes of the user satisfaction test utilising the EUCS questionnaire, it can be inferred that the design of the decision assistance system for selecting computer chairs is deemed acceptable and effectively utilized by users.
Multiscale Engineered Waste Wood Particles toward a Sustainable, Scalable, and High‐Performance Structural Material
Authors: Dong Xiaofei , Song Rui , Wang Peiru , Tang Jianfu , Wang Yaoxing , Shang Ying , Xie Yanjun , Li Jian , Song Jianwei , Gan Wentao 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDeveloping sustainable and lightweight structural materials is a promising strategy for reducing carbon emissions in transportation and buildings. However, producing high‐performance bulk structural materials from sustainable biomass materials while maintaining excellent mechanical strength remains a major challenge, especially for further scale‐up. Herein, a scalable and robust bottom‐up strategy is reported to fabricate bulk wooden plate (W‐plate) with a typical “brick‐and‐mortar” structure from engineered wood particles via moderate delignification and in situ LiCl/DMAc treatment followed by hot‐pressing. The W‐plate constructed by delignified wood particles and regenerated cellulose nanofibers can achieve a confluence of mechanical strengthening and toughening by the ordered lamination structure and multiscale cellulose micro/nanofiber crosslinking interactions, resulting in high flexural strength (225.17 ± 12.18 MPa) and high fracture toughness (4.01 ± 0.53 MPa m0.5) while maintaining a low density (1.34 g cm−3), superior to typical metals and ceramics. Moreover, the W‐plate exhibits advantageous thermal properties, including a low thermal expansion coefficient (<19 × 10−6 K−1) and a high storage modulus (>7.5 GPa) compared to those of petroleum‐based polymers. Coupled with abundant and renewable raw materials, all‐cellulose components, and scalable and recyclable fabrication, the W‐plate can potentially be used as a high‐performance, cost‐effective, and environmentally friendly alternative for engineering applications.
Probiotic Biofilm Modified 3D‐Printing Scaffolds for Improving Chemo‐Immunotherapy of Bone Tumor and Promoting Osteogenesis
Authors: Gu Hui‐Yun , Fan Jin‐Xuan , Bao Peng , Qu Wen‐Qiang , Hu Zhong‐Bao , Qi Bai‐Wen , Zhang Xian‐Zheng , Yu Ai‐Xi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTumor recurrence and unfavorable bacterial biofilm formation on implants after bone tumor resection remain challenging in clinical settings. However, this dilemma also provides inspiration for the development of bioactive implants and a new route for the management of bone tumors through biofilm formation. Here, based on the characteristic that bacteria prefer to adhere to implants, 3D‐printing bioceramic scaffolds modified with probiotic biofilms are designed to augment antitumor immunity. In comparison with Akkermansia muciniphila, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is demonstrated to more easily form biofilms on bioceramics and is selected to engineer etched bioceramics. The LGG biofilm subjected to pasteurization guarantees good biocompatibility and enhanced doxorubicin (Dox) loading. Furthermore, the LGG biofilm combined with Dox imparts the scaffolds with multiple properties of direct chemo‐killing for tumor cells and potent immune activation. The modified scaffolds efficiently inhibit bone tumor recurrence and bone metastasis in murine tumor model receives surgical resection. Moreover, based on 3D‐printing technology, the probiotic biofilm modified scaffolds with adjustable shapes are also demonstrated to repair shape‐specific bone defects after tumor elimination. Collectively, the multifunctional 3D‐printing scaffolds realize the integrated treatment of tumor elimination and bone repair, providing a promising strategy for clinical treatment of bone tumors.
Residual herbicides in corn and their effect on fall‐planted cover crop species
Authors: Ley Ethan , Johnson Gregg , Wells Samantha , Becker Roger , Stahl Lizabeth , Miller Ryan , Sarangi Debalin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe use of residual herbicides as a part of preemergence (PRE) and in‐season layered treatments has proven to be an effective strategy for controlling late‐emerging broadleaf weed species in annual crops. However, the use of residual PRE herbicides has the potential to negatively affect other crops within an annual two‐crop rotation, such as fall‐planted cover crops. The intent of this study was to determine if PRE herbicides commonly used in the upper Midwest United States would affect stand density, height, and biomass production of fall‐planted cover crops. Field studies were conducted at three locations that differed in soil type and climate. Four PRE herbicides were applied in silage corn (Zea mays L.) in the spring: dimethenamid‐P (single application), dimethenamid‐P + saflufenacil, acetochlor + clopyralid + mesotrione, and a layered treatment of dimethenamid‐P at planting and 30 days after first application. Three cover crops were planted in the fall following silage corn harvest with a no‐till drill: winter cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), winter camelina (Camelina sativa L.), and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.). Although some of the PRE HBs tested affected cover crop spring plant density and height in sandy soils, there was no difference in cover crop biomass production at termination between herbicide treatments, regardless of soil type. These results indicate that the application of these residual PRE herbicides for control of late‐emerging weed species did not interfere with cover crop biomass production as long as soil moisture was not limiting.
Effect of mixed manure on selected chemical properties, and phosphorus adsorption characteristics of Vertisols in Haramaya district, eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Gutema Dejene Teressa , Kibret Kibebew , Robi Nigussie Dechasa , Mirkena Lemma Wogi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe phosphorus (P) fixing behaviors of Vertisols have been identified as one of the key drivers of crop response to fertilizer application. More than 75% of applied P in tropical soil was found to be inaccessible to crops due to adsorption and precipitation reactions. A pot experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of mixed manure (MM) on P adsorption characteristics and other selected Vertisol properties. The soil was amended with 0, 5, 10, and 15 t ha−1 of MM. Changes in selected soil parameters and P adsorption characteristics were evaluated after a 30‐day incubation period. An analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. The results demonstrated a substantial drop in soil pH and an increase in soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available P, and cation exchange capacity compared to the control. The overall quantity and efficiency of adsorbed P were drastically reduced as a result of MM rates. Moreover, the interaction effect of MM and added P concentration demonstrated a considerable increase in both the quantity and efficiency of adsorbed P. Both parameters increased with increased rates of added P concentration but decreased with increasing rates of MM. Despite the fact that all treatments fit well to both the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms, the former was used due to its greaterR2value. When compared with the control, the Freundlich adsorption coefficient and intensity were found substantially lower. As a result, MM treatment boosted P availability by decreasing adsorption and associated Vertisols characteristics.
Development of europium(III) complex fluorescent probe for hydrogen sulfide detection and its application in water samples
Authors: Cai Wenjuan , Chen Xiaoxia , Xie Ling , Yu Yanhong , Liu Gang , Fan Congbin , Pu Shouzhi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a crucial endogenous signaling component in organisms that is involved in redox homeostasis and numerous biological processes. Modern medical research has confirmed that hydrogen sulfide plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Herein, a fluorescent probe Eu(ttbd)3abt based on europium(III) complex was designed and synthesized for the detection of H2S. Eu(ttbd)3abt exhibited significant quenching for H2S at long emission wavelength (625 nm), with rapid detection ability (less than 2 min), high sensitivity [limit of detection (LOD) = 0.41 μM], and massive Stokes shift (300 nm). Additionally, this probe showed superior selectivity for H2S despite the presence of other possible interference species such as biothiols. Furthermore, the probe Eu(ttbd)3abt was successfully applied to detect H2S in water samples.
Investigation of electrocatalytic activity of palladium nanoparticle for ammonia borane oxidation via single‐entity electrochemistry
Authors: Park Seungyoung , Kim Ki Jun , Kwon Seong Jung 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAmmonia borane (AB) has garnered significant attention as a high‐efficiency energy source, prompting extensive investigations into its electrochemical oxidation. One prominent avenue of research focuses on the development of electrocatalysts to enhance the oxidation of AB. Employing the novel approach of single‐entity electrochemistry (SEE), the electrocatalytic properties of gold (Au), silver (Ag), and palladium (Pd) nanoparticles (NPs) for AB oxidation were explored. In the case of Au and Ag NPs, SEE experiments yielded no discernible current signal, in contrast to the electrocatalytic currents observed with bulk electrodes. However, when Pd NPs were utilized, characteristic staircase signals in the SEE measurements were observed. The variation of the SEE current signal for Pd NPs under different applied potentials, AB concentrations, and NP concentrations was further investigated. An analysis of the SEE signal elucidated the conditions under which Pd NPs can effectively catalyze AB oxidation at the single NP level.
Positioning determines function: Wandering PKM2 performs different roles in tumor cells
Authors: He Shuo , Liang Yan , Tan Yiyi , Liu Qing , Liu Tao , Lu Xiaomei , Zheng Shutao 
Published: November 2023

AbstractShort for pyruvate kinase M2 subtype, PKM2 can be said of all‐round player that is notoriously known for its metabolic involvement in glycolysis. Holding a dural role as a metabolic or non‐metabolic (kinase) enzyme, PKM2 has drawn extensive attention over its biological roles implicated in tumor cells, including proliferation, migration, invasion, metabolism, and so on. wandering PKM2 can be transboundary both intracellularly and extracellularly. Specifically, PKM2 can be nuclear, cytoplasmic, mitochondrial, exosomal, or even circulate within the body. Importantly, PKM2 can function as an RNA‐binding protein (RBP) to self‐support its metabolic function. Despite extensive investigations or reviews available surrounding the biological roles of PKM2 from different angles in tumor cells, little has been described regarding some novel role of PKM2 that has been recently found, including, for example, acting as RNA‐binding protein, protection of Golgi apparatus, and remodeling of microenvironment, and so forth. Given these findings, in this review, we summarize the recent advancements made in PKM2 research, mainly from non‐metabolic respects. By the way, PKM1, another paralog of PKM2, seems to have been overlooked or under‐investigated since its discovery. Some recent discoveries made about PKM1 are also preliminarily mentioned and discussed.
Game or Learning Opportunity? – An Analytical View on the Use of Educational Escape Games in Chemistry Education
Authors: Groß Katharina , Prewitz Niklas , Belova Nadja , Lathwesen Chantal , Semmler Luzie , Hansel Marie , Strippel Christian , Engstler Valentin , Schumacher Andrea 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIm Sinne des Game Based Learnings verfolgen Educational Escape Games (EEGs) das Ziel, den unterrichtlichen Lernprozess mit Spielelementen zu verbinden, um so die Motivation der Schüler:innen für eine fachliche Auseinandersetzung zu steigern und ihnen einen veränderten Zugang zu den Fachinhalten anzubieten. Verschiedene Forschungsprojekte können zeigen, dass derartige Lernsettings insbesondere auch einen Beitrag zur Steigerung überfachlicher Kompetenzen leisten. Um jedoch als adäquate Alternative zum regulären Chemieunterricht eingesetzt werden zu können, bedarf es neben dem Blick auf das Spielkonzept einer starken Fokussierung auf die fachinhaltliche Perspektive sowie die sich daraus ergebenen unterrichtlichen Konsequenzen. Der Artikel liefert eine theoretische Ausdifferenzierung von EEGs aus Fachinhaltsperspektive und zeigt auf, wie einzelne Facetten miteinander wechselwirken. Daraus werden Planungs‐ und Forschungskonsequenzen unter Bezug auf die Unterrichtsqualitätsbereiche abgeleitet.
A high‐speed, low‐power SOI CMOS circuit with variable threshold voltages
Authors: Higuchi Hisayuki , Ikeda Takahide 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe have proposed a high‐speed, low‐power CMOS circuit that controls the substrate voltage of the SOI MOSFET by the output voltage of a CMOS inverter circuit. This circuit operates at a power supply voltage of 1 V or lower with a nearly constant delay for rise times and fall times of the input signal from 10 ps to 500 ps and has a maximum reduction of 60% in the delay time compared to a conventional circuit. We defined the structure to speed up this circuit and illustrated the relationship between the MOSFET device parameters and the circuit characteristics. The power consumption during standby in this circuit can be reduced to 1 nW by adjusting the supply voltage to the MOSFET substrate. © 2001 Scripta Technica, Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 84(5): 20–28, 2001
Development of SQUID sensor for nondestructive evaluation: Optimization of the integrated concentric DC‐SQUID gradiometer
Authors: Morooka Toshimitsu , Chinone Kazuo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe have developed concentric multiloop DC‐SQUID gradiometers for nondestructive evaluation, which were integrated on a 3 × 3 mm2 Si chip using Nb thin‐film fabrication technology. In order to obtain high spatial resolution and to cancel magnetic noise, a coplanar concentric second‐order derivative coil was adopted for the pick‐up coil. The gradiometer has obtained a perfectly symmetrical structure by directly using the pick‐coil coil as the SQUID loop. Moreover, the self‐inductance of the SQUID loop was reduced by forming the SQUID loop from the parallel‐connected multiloop coil. We confirmed by experiment using a current line that the output of the gradiometer was independent of the scanning direction and that the gradiometer was effective in quantitative evaluations. In addition, the magnetic field sensitivity was raised by the multiloop coil, designed optimally. © 2001 Scripta Technica, Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 84(5): 37–45, 2001
Enhancement of photoelasticity assisted by surface acoustic wave and its application to the optical modulator
Authors: Nakagawa Yasuhiko , Yawata Mitsuhiro , Kakio Shoji 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIf a surface acoustic wave is excited on the substrate when an optical thin‐film waveguide is fabricated on it, the photoelasticity of the thin film is found to nearly double. The present research investigates both theoretically and experimentally this enhancement of photoelasticity by surface acoustic waves. The structure used is (Ta2O5/SiO2/128°YX‐LiNbO3) with a thin‐film waveguide made of tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5), the most stable among the oxides. A photoacoustic deflector is fabricated in which both the TE and TM modes can propagate. From the deflection efficiency, the photoelasticity (p11, p12) is estimated. It is found that p11 is increased by a factor of 2.27 and p12 by a factor of 2.19. As an application of this phenomenon, an optical deflector driven at low power for the TM guided mode is realized. © 2001 Scripta Technica, Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 84(5): 46–54, 2001
Evaluation of risk factors for cytomegalovirus DNAemia after end of regular prophylaxis after heart transplantation
Authors: Immohr Moritz Benjamin , Oehler Daniel , Jenkins Freya Sophie , Kalampokas Nikolas , Hettlich Vincent Hendrik , Sigetti Dennis , Voß Fabian , Dalyanoglu Hannan , Aubin Hug , Akhyari Payam , Lichtenberg Artur , Boeken Udo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundCytomegalovirus (CMV) infections after heart transplantation (HTx) can cause cardiac allograft vasculopathy. Consequently, monitoring and prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus deoxyribonucleic acid (CMV‐DNAemia) within the first weeks after HTx is recommended.MethodsAll patients who underwent HTx between September 2010 and 2021 surviving the first 90 days (n = 196) were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided on the prevalence of CMV‐DNAemia during the first postoperative year after the end of the prophylaxis. A total of n = 35 (20.1%) developed CMV‐DNAemia (CMV group) and were compared to patients without CMV‐DNAemia (controls, n = 139). The remaining patients (n = 22) were excluded due to incomplete data.ResultsPositive donors and negative recipients (D+/R−) and negative donors and positive recipients (D−/R+) serology was significantly increased and D−/R− decreased in the CMV group (p < .01). Furthermore, the mean age was 57.7 ± 8.7 years but only 53.6 ± 10.0 years for controls (p = .03). Additionally, the intensive care unit (p = .02) and total hospital stay (p = .03) after HTx were approximately 50% longer. Interestingly, the incidence of CMV‐DNAemia during prophylaxis was only numerically increased in the CMV group (5.7%, respectively, 0.7%, p = .10), the same effect was also observed for postoperative infections. Multivariate analyses confirmed that D+/R− and D−/R+ CMV immunoglobulin G match were independent risk factors for postprophylaxis CMV‐DNAemia.ConclusionOur data should raise awareness of CMV‐DNAemia after the termination of regular prophylaxis, as this affects one in five HTx patients. Especially old recipients as well as D+/R− and D−/R+ serology share an elevated risk of late CMV‐DNAemia. For these patients, prolongation, or repetition of CMV prophylaxis, including antiviral drugs and CMV immunoglobulins, may be considered.
Efficacy of Vardenafil and Sildenafil in Facilitating Penile Erection in an Animal Model
Authors: CHOI SEONG , O'CONNELL LUKE , MIN KWEONSIK , KIM NOEL N. , MUNARRIZ RICARDO , GOLDSTEIN IRWIN , BISCHOFF ERWIN , TRAISH ABDULMAGED M. 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTVardenafil and sildenafil are potent and specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE 5) inhibitors. In human penile cavernosal smooth muscle cells, we have previously shown that vardenafil has a lower biochemical inhibition constant (Ki) than sildenafil. In this study, we compared the efficacy of vardenafil and sildenafil in facilitating penile erection in a rabbit model. Penile erections were elicited by submaximal (2.5 or 6 Hz) pelvic nerve stimulation (PNS) repeated every 5 minutes for 30 minutes with or without intravenous (IV) administration of vardenafil (1–30 μg/kg) or sildenafil (10–30 μg/kg). Erectile response was assessed by continuously recording intracavernosal pressure (ICP) and systemic arterial pressure (SAP). All data were expressed as a ratio of ICP:SAP. IV administration of either PDE 5 inhibitor facilitated PNS‐induced erection and increased ICP:SAP in a dose‐dependent manner, reaching peak response at approximately 5 minutes. However, the threshold dose at which facilitation of erection occurred was lower for vardenafil (3 μg/kg) than for sildenafil (10 μg/kg). At the 10‐μg/kg dose (IV), the response duration was significantly greater with vardenafil (169 ± 23 seconds) than with sildenafil (137 ± 31 seconds). Direct intracavernosal (IC) injection of 1–30 μg/kg vardenafil or sildenafil also caused dose‐dependent increases in ICP: SAP in the absence of PNS. Response durations increased in a dose‐dependent manner and lasted more than 5 times that of IV drug administration coupled with PNS. Irrespective of the route of administration (IC or IV), at equivalent doses, vardenafil was significantly more efficacious than sildenafil in facilitating pelvic nerve‐mediated penile erection and in eliciting erection in the absence of PNS. The increases in ICPs occurred more quickly, were of larger magnitude, and were sustained for longer durations for vardenafil than for sildenafil. On the basis of the biochemical data and physiological responses from this study, further clinical evaluation of vardenafil as treatment for erectile dysfunction is warranted.