bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PDNA of Post Flood Event in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Zulkhairy Wan Syazanabila Wan , Bakar Rabieahtul Abu 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Extreme rainfall variations generally result in either extreme precipitation accompanied by flood risk events. Globally, flooding has been a major worry, particularly in Malaysia. In recent years, the frequency and magnitude of floods have grown substantially. Severe precipitation has caused significant devastation to human life and property. Exposure, vulnerability, and risk analysis use inventories of elements-at-risk (EaR), also known as assets, to determine who and what is at risk. The recent occurrence that occurred in February and December 2022 were unprecedented and cause RM29.8 million of economic losses in Kelantan. Numerous problems that range from structural, social, environmental, economical to psychological impacts strike over the community in this flood prone area. Almost 230, 424 people and 54, 924 houses were directly impacted by this flood event. The primary objective is to determine the entire amount of a disaster’s effect on a nation and based on these findings, to develop an executable and sustainable Recovery Plan for mobilising financial and technical resources. The methodology and procedure for a full evaluation of damages, losses, and requirements, leading to the establishment of a Recovery Strategy. Assessment and Recovery Strategy produced during the PDNA is a necessity as it is a more thorough recovery planning, especially in the event of large-scale disasters. Mapping the impact of the flood catastrophe and gathering all information related to the communities to get back to their daily lives a comprehensive assessment is imperative. With these building back better is feasible for this exposed community. The PDNA analyses disaster consequences and implications. It uses analytical approaches, tools, and strategies for post-disaster evaluations and recovery planning to ensure comparability and uniformity. It provides complete picture of the post-disaster situations highlighting the various requirements and goals of different sectors, social groups, and sub-groups.
Analyze the Relationship Between Aboveground Biomass and NDVI Values Derived from UAV Multispectral Imagery
Authors: Anuar Nur Izzati , Khalid Nafisah , Tahar Khairul Nizam , Othman Ainon Nisa 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAboveground biomass is usually estimated using an allometric method. Diameter at breast height (DBH) is one of the important variables that is used in estimating aboveground biomass. There is a relationship between aboveground biomass values with size of trees, DBH, tree height, crown diameter and greenness of trees. In remote sensing, the tree biophysical parameters can be derived from digital image processing and greenness of the trees can be assessed using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between aboveground biomass and NDVI values using UAV-based multispectral imagery. Three developed allometric equations were used to analyse the relationship between aboveground biomass and NDVI values. The results show that there is a moderate relationship between the NDVI values derived from multispectral imagery and estimated aboveground biomass with average R2is 0.55. Altogether, 347 samples of data have been successfully collected at the study in Seksyen U11, Bukit Bandaraya, Shah Alam with the average diameter at breast height (DBH) is 29.457cm.
Rainfall Analysis at Klang District in December 2021
Authors: Tugi Astina , Abdullah Nazirah Mohamad , Din Ami Hassan Md , Supardi Izyan Hakimah Kamar 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In December 2021, the worst flood outbreak in Malaysia occurred in Selangor and Pahang States. Focused on the Klang district, the rainfall amount during the flooding month, which happened in December, has been analyzed. This study aims to examine the rainfall data in this area during the occurrence of the flood. Hourly rainfall data were obtained from four rainfall stations: JPS Pulau Lumut station, Kg. Sg. Kembong station, Pintu Kawalan P/S Telok Gong station, and Ladang Sg. Kapar station has been computed to daily rainfall data by using averaging formula and analyzed using Pearson’s correlation formula. The result shows that the highest amount of rainfall occurred on December 17, 2021, with 18.4 mm at JPS Pulau Lumut station. The correlation analysis values between each station show a good correlation since they exceed the value of 0.650. A strong correlation is indicated by JPS Pulau Lumut and Ladang Sg. Kapar with 0.893. Rainfall analysis and accurate rainfall measurement are important for a wide spectrum of assessments, such as flood forecasting, effective water resources management, and agriculture.
The effect of plasma exchange on serum levels of lacosamide: A case report
Authors: Peters Bradley J , Brown Andrew E , Thornton Nathaniel M , Winters Jeffrey L , Chalmers Sarah J 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Purpose
We describe the case of a 22-year-old male who developed thyroid storm necessitating therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). The patient’s past medical history was complicated by epilepsy, for which he took lacosamide. Little evidence was available to guide lacosamide dosing during TPE. Because of an exacerbation of the patient’s underlying epilepsy in the context of the thyroid storm, we conducted therapeutic medication monitoring of lacosamide concentrations to guide management.

Summary
We arranged for measurement of the lacosamide concentration immediately before TPE (5.1 μg/mL) and 2.5 hours after the initial measurement (3.4 μg/mL) to determine the amount of lacosamide removed by TPE. Utilizing population pharmacokinetic parameters, we calculated the expected concentration and compared this to the measured concentration. The difference between these values was used to determine the percentage removed via TPE compared to the expected post-TPE concentration. We found that one TPE session removed an additional 20% of serum lacosamide.

Conclusion
TPE appeared to remove an additional 20% of lacosamide when compared to the expected post-TPE concentration.
Resveratrol inhibits basic fibroblast growth factor-induced macrophage colony-stimulating factor synthesis via the PI3-kinase/Akt pathway in osteoblasts
Authors: Kuroyanagi Gen , Hioki Tomoyuki , Tachi Junko , Matsushima-Nishiwaki Rie , Iida Hiroki , Tokuda Haruhiko , Kozawa Osamu 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACTResveratrol is a natural polyphenol found in grapes and beneficial for human health. Resveratrol regulates basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-induced osteoprotegerin synthesis through Akt pathway in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. In this study, we investigated resveratrol effects on bFGF-induced macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) synthesis in MC3T3-E1 cells. bFGF significantly stimulated release and mRNA expression of M-CSF, which was reduced by resveratrol and SRT1720, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activator. Inauhzin, SIRT1 inhibitor, reversed inhibitory effects of resveratrol on bFGF-induced mRNA expression of M-CSF. Deguelin, Akt inhibitor, and LY294002, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) inhibitor, reduced bFGF-induced M-CSF synthesis. Inauhzin reversed inhibitory effects of resveratrol on bFGF-induced Akt phosphorylation. Suppressive effect of resveratrol on bFGF-induced osteoprotegerin mRNA expression was confirmed in the identical samples using in experiment of M-CSF mRNA expression. Therefore, resveratrol reduces bFGF-induced M-CSF synthesis in addition to osteoprotegerin synthesis by inhibiting PI3-kinase/Akt pathway and suppressive effects are mediated through SIRT1 activation in osteoblasts.
Between incursions and appropriations: digital technologies and pluriversal modernities in the Global South
Authors: Nemmani Sreedhar , Rodriguez Clemencia 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Based on a recent body of scholarship that addresses the epistemologies of the South, our goal is to incite a shift in how we conceptualize technology adoption in the Global South. We interrogate the notion that the role of digital technologies in these regions follows a linear model of progress from traditional lifeways toward industrial modernity. Joining a recent shift toward decolonizing the study of the flow of digital technologies in the Global South, this article calls for a new approach that prioritizes specific historical, cultural, and epistemological contexts in the Global South and acknowledges the fragmentation left behind by colonization and divergent economic policies. We argue that communities appropriate digital communication technologies in complex ways and weave them into their existing ancestral epistemologies.
Counter-documentation tactics: participatory, visual, and walking research with undocumented migrants
Authors: Smets Kevin , Ahenkona Lisa 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The mediation of migration has inspired ample scholarship in the past decades for understanding global power dynamics and the role of communication processes in maintaining, questioning, and reverting those very dynamics. This article sheds light on the experiences of migrants and their tactics for creating more humane, inclusive, and authentic media representations. It reports on one year of participatory action research (PAR) with six undocumented migrants living in Brussels, Belgium, which included participatory video-making and a combination of walking interviews and visual artefact production. The findings revolve around three counter-documentation tactics developed during the study to oppose hegemonic ways of representing (undocumented) migrants. The article aims to make a methodological contribution by reflecting on ethics and the pragmatic combination of different participatory methods while offering a conceptual vocabulary for approaching mediation, migration, and alterity from the perspective of progressive social change.
Incidence, management, and prognostic impact of arrhythmias in patients with Takotsubo syndrome: a nationwide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Isogai Toshiaki , Matsui Hiroki , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Makito Kanako , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Aims
Arrhythmia is a major complication of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). However, its incidence, management, and prognostic impact remain to be elucidated in a large cohort.

Methods and results
We retrospectively identified 16 713 patients hospitalized for TTS between July 2010 and March 2021 from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. Serious arrhythmias were defined as ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF), 2nd-/3rd-degree atrioventricular block (AVB), sick sinus syndrome (SSS), or unspecified arrhythmias requiring device treatment. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared based on the occurrence of serious arrhythmias. The overall incidence proportion of serious arrhythmias was 6.2% (n = 1036; 449 VT/VF, 283 2nd-/3rd-degree AVB, 133 SSS, 55 multiple arrhythmias, 116 others), which remained stable over 11 years. The arrhythmia group was younger, more often male, and exhibited greater impairment in activities of daily living (ADLs) and consciousness than the non-arrhythmia group. Although crude in-hospital mortality was higher in the arrhythmia group (9.6% vs. 5.0%, P &lt; 0.001), the significant association between arrhythmias and mortality disappeared after adjustment for confounders (odds ratio = 1.15, 95% confidence interval = 0.90–1.49). Meanwhile, age, sex, ADLs, consciousness level, and Charlson comorbidity index were significantly associated with mortality. In the arrhythmia group, 254 (24.5%) patients received pacemakers (18.4%) or defibrillators (6.1%), which were implanted at a median of 8 and 19 days after admission, respectively.

Conclusion
Arrhythmias are not uncommon in TTS. Patients’ background characteristics, rather than arrhythmia itself, may be associated with in-hospital mortality. Given the reversibility of cardiac dysfunction in TTS, there may be unnecessary device implantations for arrhythmias occurring as sequelae to TTS, warranting further investigations.
Germline founder variant c.1998delinsTTCT in the RET oncogene: a cohort study in 15 Belgian families
Authors: Vuylsteke Axelle , Hannes Laurens , Brems Hilde , Devis Koen , Renard Marleen , Uyttebroeck Anne , Legius Eric , Decallonne Brigitte 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objective
The c.1998delinsTTCT variant in the RET gene (codon 666) is linked to medullary thyroid carcinoma in Belgium. We aimed to study the clinical phenotype and the age-dependent penetrance in predictive variant carriers.

Design
Retrospective study of index patients and predictive variant carriers, identified through familial cascade testing between 2001 and 2020.

Results
The total cohort comprised 119 patients: 15 index patients, 102 heterozygous, and 2 homozygous predictive variant carriers. Among heterozygous carriers, high suspicion of clinical disease was present in 25 patients at initial evaluation and in 3 patients during follow-up. No high suspicion of clinical disease was observed during surveillance in 56 patients, and 18 patients did not proceed to screening for clinical disease. Compared to index patients, surgically treated heterozygous predictive variant carriers had a lower presurgical basal calcitonin, a lower disease stage, less need for adjuvant therapy, and higher chances of remission. In heterozygous carriers, median age at developing high suspicion of disease is 52 years (range 7-75), with a predicted penetrance of 62% (9% SE) at the age of 70 years. Two patients were identified with pheochromocytoma and 1 patient with primary hyperparathyroidism. The 2 homozygous predictive variant carriers presented with higher disease severity at first clinical evaluation.

Conclusion
The c.1998delinsTTCT variant in the RET gene is pathogenic and associated with a moderate risk for medullary thyroid carcinoma and rarely with other multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) manifestations. Active surveillance is a possible option in heterozygous gene carriers with a negative first clinical evaluation.
Unmasking the Term 'Dual Use' in EU Spyware Export Control
Authors: Riecke Lena 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Spyware has been heralded as an essential tool for law enforcement and intelligence operations. However, examples abound of states that use it in a manner that violates human rights as well as undermines democracy and the rule of law. Against this backdrop, the European Union (EU) Dual-use Regulation was recast in 2021. It now makes an effort to control the export of cyber surveillance technologies, including spyware, which it defines as dual use. What narrative is created by framing spyware as ‘dual use’? This article illustrates how the term 'dual use' roots in a distinction between ‘peaceful’ and ‘non-peaceful’, or ‘civil’ and ‘military’ uses, and has gradually become associated with a broader dichotomy between ‘legitimate’ and ‘illegitimate’ purposes. Historically, this duality served not only to articulate the risks posed by certain technologies and indicate the rationale for their export control but also to justify their trade. Yet recourse by EU actors to dual use tilts the EU discourse on spyware export control towards state-centric security considerations and commercial interests over human rights. Unmasking how the term transposes a conceptually flawed, deceptive and empty duality to the spyware context, this article shows that the very concept of dual use may undermine human rights safeguards in spyware export control.
Characterization of novel recombinant mycobacteriophages derived from homologous recombination between two temperate phages
Authors: Mohammed Hamidu T , Mageeney Catherine , Korenberg Jamie , Graham Lee , Ware Vassie C 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Comparative analyses of mycobacteriophage genomes reveals extensive genetic diversity in genome organization and gene content, contributing to widespread mosaicism. We previously reported that the prophage of mycobacteriophage Butters (cluster N) provides defense against infection by Island3 (subcluster I1). To explore the anti-Island3 defense mechanism, we attempted to isolate Island3 defense escape mutants on a Butters lysogen, but only uncovered phages with recombinant genomes comprised of regions of Butters and Island3 arranged from left arm to right arm as Butters-Island3-Butters (BIBs). Recombination occurs within two distinct homologous regions that encompass lysin A, lysin B, and holin genes in one segment, and RecE and RecT genes in the other. Structural genes of mosaic BIB genomes are contributed by Butters while the immunity cassette is derived from Island3. Consequently, BIBs are morphologically identical to Butters (as shown by transmission electron microscopy) but are homoimmune with Island3. Recombinant phages overcome antiphage defense and silencing of the lytic cycle. We leverage this observation to propose a stratagem to generate novel phages for potential therapeutic use.
The high-quality sequencing of the Brassica rapa ‘XiangQingCai’ genome and exploration of genome evolution and genes related to volatile aroma
Authors: Liu Zhaokun , Fu Yanhong , Wang Huan , Zhang Yanping , Han Jianjun , Wang Yingying , Shen Shaoqin , Li Chunjin , Jiang Mingmin , Yang Xuemei , Song Xiaoming 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
‘Vanilla’ (XQC, brassica variety chinensis) is an important vegetable crop in the Brassica family, named for its strong volatile fragrance. In this study, we report the high-quality chromosome-level genome sequence of XQC. The assembled genome length was determined as 466.11 Mb, with an N50 scaffold of 46.20 Mb. A total of 59.50% repetitive sequences were detected in the XQC genome, including 47 570 genes. Among all examined Brassicaceae species, XQC had the closest relationship with B. rapa QGC (‘QingGengCai’) and B. rapa Pakchoi. Two whole-genome duplication (WGD) events and one recent whole-genome triplication (WGT) event occurred in the XQC genome in addition to an ancient WGT event. The recent WGT was observed to occur during 21.59–24.40 Mya (after evolution rate corrections). Our findings indicate that XQC experienced gene losses and chromosome rearrangements during the genome evolution of XQC. The results of the integrated genomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed critical genes involved in the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway and terpene synthase (TPS) family genes. In summary, we determined a chromosome-level genome of B. rapa XQC and identified the key candidate genes involved in volatile fragrance synthesis. This work can act as a basis for the comparative and functional genomic analysis and molecular breeding of B. rapa in the future.
Evaluation of a novel phytase derived from Citrobacter braakii and expressed in Aspergillis oryzae on growth performance and bone mineralization indicators in nursery pigs
Authors: Reeb Macie E , Woodworth Jason C , Goodband Robert D , Tokach Mike D , DeRouchey Joel M , Gebhardt Jordan T , Bergstrom Jon R 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
A total of 297 pigs (DNA 241 × 600; initially 8.64 ± 0.181 kg) were used in a 21-d trial to determine the efficacy of a novel phytase derived from Citrobacter braakii and expressed in Aspergillis oryzae (HiPhorius; DSM Nutritional Products, Animal Nutrition & Health, Parsippany, NJ) on pig growth and bone mineralization indicators. Pens of pigs were assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 5 pigs per pen and 12 pens per treatment. The trial was initiated 14-d after weaning. The first three treatments were formulated to contain 0.09% aP; without added phytase (control), or the control diet with 600 or 1,000 FYT/kg of added phytase (considering a release of 0.15% or 0.18% aP, respectively). The remaining two treatments were formulated to contain 0.27% aP, one without added phytase and the other with 1,000 FYT/kg. From days 0 to 21, pigs fed increasing phytase in diets containing 0.09% aP had increased (linear, P ≤ 0.002) ADG, ADFI, and G:F, but added phytase in the 0.27% aP diet did not impact growth performance. Increasing phytase in diets containing 0.09% aP increased percentage bone ash in metacarpals and 10th ribs (linear, P &lt; 0.001; quadratic, P = 0.004, respectively), and increased grams of Ca and P in metacarpals, 10th ribs, and fibulas (linear, P ≤ 0.027). Adding 1,000 FYT/kg phytase in diets with 0.27% aP increased (P ≤ 0.05) percentage bone ash and grams of Ca and P in fibulas and 10th ribs compared with pigs fed 0.27% aP without added phytase. Increasing aP from 0.09% to 0.27% in diets without added phytase increased (P &lt; 0.001) ADG, ADFI, and G:F. Increasing aP from 0.09% to 0.27% in diets without added phytase increased bone density (P ≤ 0.002) in fibulas and metacarpals, percentage bone ash in all bones (P ≤ 0.074), and increased (P &lt; 0.05) grams of Ca and P in fibulas and 10th ribs. Pigs fed diets containing 0.09 or 0.27% aP, both with 1,000 FYT added phytase, had increased (P &lt; 0.05) bone density in fibulas and metacarpals, percentage bone ash in all bones, and increased grams of Ca and P in fibulas and 10th ribs. For growth performance (average of ADG and G:F), aP release was calculated to be 0.170% for 600 FYT/kg and 0.206% for 1,000 FYT/kg. For the average of all bone measurements (average of 3 bones for both bone density and percentage bone ash), aP release was calculated to be 0.120% and 0.125% for 600 and 1,000 FYT/kg, respectively.
Adjuvant activities of immunostimulating natural products: Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. and Coriolus versicolor in BNT162b2 vaccination against COVID-19 infection
Authors: Chan Ben Chung-Lap , Li Peiting , Tsang Miranda Sin-Man , Sung Johnny Chun-Chau , Kwong Keith Wai-Yeung , Zheng Tao , Hon Sharon Sze-Man , Lau Ching-Po , Ho Ronald Chi-Yan , Chen Fang , Lau Clara Bik-San , Leung Ping-Chung , Wong Chun-Kwok 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The global pandemic of COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been developing all over the world for more than 3 years. In late 2020, several variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2 virus emerged, with increased viral fitness and transmissibility by mutations of the spike proteins of the viral particle, denting hopes of the use of early-generation vaccines for a widespread protective immunity against viral infection. The use of adjuvants may enhance the immune responses of the conventional application of the COVID-19 vaccine. We have shown that the water extract of 2 β-glucan–enriched immunostimulating natural products, Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. (AM) and Coriolus versicolor (CV), could induce innate immunity-related cytokines from human monocytes (CCL5, interleukin [IL]-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor α) and monocyte-derived dendritic cells (IL-1β, IL-10, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor α). Using BALB/c mice, orally administrated AM and CV (1,384 and 742 mg/kg/d) for 4 d after vaccination, respectively, could enhance (1) the immunoglobulin G binding activities of BNT162b2 vaccination against ancestral and Delta SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins by 5.8- and 4.3-fold, respectively; (2) the immunoglobulin G3 subclass production of BNT162b2 vaccination against ancestral and variant SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins; and (3) the in vitro antibody-neutralizing activities of BNT162b2 vaccinated mice. In conclusion, combining AM and CV was effective in acting as an oral adjuvant with the messenger RNA vaccine BNT162b2 to improve the antigen binding activities against SARS-CoV-2 ancestral and variant SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins, probably via trained immunity of macrophages and dendritic cells.