bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knockdown times in a simple assay determination of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors
Authors: Charlwood Jacques D , Kampango Ayubo 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Determining the insecticide resistance status of malaria vectors, particularly to insecticides used on mosquito nets, is important but is limited to a relatively small number of locations. We describe a simple assay that enables this information to be obtained over a much wider area.

Methods
The time to knockdown of mosquitoes in an insecticide-treated netting-covered metal frame cage were recorded. The shape of the curve of the proportion of knocked down mosquitoes provides information on resistance status.

Results
Resistant Anopheles funestus took significantly longer for knockdown than did susceptible Anopheles arabiensis.

Conclusions
This simple technique will enable a wide range of locations to be sampled, enhancing our understanding of the spread of resistance to pyrethroids.
Performance and safety of the induced sputum procedure in young children in Malawi: a prospective study
Authors: Nyangulu Wongani , Thole Herbert , Chikhoza Angella , Msakwiza Mike , Nyirenda James , Chisala Mphatso , Iroh Tam Pui-Ying 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Collecting sputum specimens is a challenge in infants and young children. We assessed the performance and safety of induced sputum (IS) collection in this population, embedded in a prospective study evaluating respiratory cryptosporidiosis in Malawian children with diarrheal disease.

Methods
We assessed the sputum quality and correlation with detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and evaluated safety and adverse events in 162 children.

Results
Among 159 stool specimens tested, 34 (21%, 95% CI 15.0 to 28%) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. There were 160 IS and 161 nasopharyngeal (NP) specimens collected. IS and NP specimen collection was performed for each patient. The majority of IS specimens (122/147; 83%) were clear in appearance and 132/147 (90%) were of good quality. Among the respiratory specimens tested, 10 (6.3%, 95% CI 2.5 to 10%) IS and 4 (3%, 95% CI 0 to 5%) NP were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. When stool cryptosporidium PCR was the gold standard, IS PCR sensitivity was higher (29%, 95% CI 22 to 37%) compared with NP PCR (12%, 95% CI 7 to 17%) for detection of Cryptosporidium spp. One (0.4%) adverse event occurred, consisting of a drop in oxygen saturations at the 30-min postprocedure evaluation. Consciousness level, median respiratory rate and oxygen saturations were unchanged, before or after IS.

Conclusions
IS provides good quality specimens, is more sensitive than NP specimens for diagnosis of respiratory cryptosporidiosis, and collection can be performed safely in children hospitalized with diarrheal disease.
Upscaling of lignin precursor melt spinning by bicomponent spinning and its use for carbon fibre production
Authors: Bostan Lars , Hosseinaei Omid , Fourné Renate , Herrmann Axel S. 
Published: September 2021

Upscaling lignin-based precursor fibre production is an essential step in developing bio-based carbon fibre from renewable feedstock. The main challenge in upscaling of lignin fibre production by melt spinning is its melt behaviour and rheological properties, which differ from common synthetic polymers used in melt spinning. Here, a new approach in melt spinning of lignin, using a spin carrier system for producing bicomponent fibres, has been introduced. An ethanol extracted lignin fraction from LignoBoost process of commercial softwood kraft black liquor was used as feedstock. After additional heat treatment, melt spinning was performed in a pilot-scale spinning unit. For the first time, biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used as a spin carrier to enable the spinning of lignin by improving the required melt strength. PVA-sheath/lignin-core bicomponent fibres were manufactured. Afterwards, PVA was dissolved by washing with water. Pure lignin fibres were stabilized and carbonized, and tensile properties were measured. The measured properties, tensile modulus of 81.1 ± 3.1 GPa and tensile strength of 1039 ± 197 MPa, are higher than the majority of lignin-based carbon fibres reported in the literature. This new approach can significantly improve the melt spinning of lignin and solve problems related to poor spinnability of lignin and results in the production of high-quality lignin-based carbon fibres.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Bio-derived and bioinspired sustainable advanced materials for emerging technologies (part 2)’.
A life cycle assessment of hard carbon anodes for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Haoyu , Xu Zhen , Guo Zhenyu , Feng Jingyu , Li Haoran , Qiu Tong , Titirici Magdalena 
Published: September 2021

Waste management is one of the biggest environmental challenges worldwide. Biomass-derived hard carbons, which can be applied to rechargeable batteries, can contribute to mitigating environmental changes by enabling the use of renewable energy. This study has carried out a comparative environmental assessment of sustainable hard carbons, produced from System A (hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) followed by pyrolysis) and System B (direct pyrolysis) with different carbon yields, as anodes in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). We have also analysed different scenarios to save energy in our processes and compared the biomass-derived hard carbons with commercial graphite used in lithium-ion batteries. The life cycle assessment results show that the two systems display significant savings in terms of their global warming potential impact (A1: −30%; B1: −21%), followed by human toxicity potential, photochemical oxidants creation potential, acidification potential and eutrophication potential (both over −90%). Possessing the best electrochemical performance for SIBs among our prepared hard carbons, the HTC-based method is more stable in both environmental and electrochemical aspects than the direct pyrolysis method. Such results help a comprehensive understanding of sustainable hard carbons used in SIBs and show an environmental potential to the practical technologies.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Bio-derived and bioinspired sustainable advanced materials for emerging technologies (part 2)’.
Synthesis of bio-based 2-thiothiophenes
Authors: Qiu Yichen , Feng Yunchao , Lindsay Ashley C. , Zeng Xianhai , Sperry Jonathan 
Published: September 2021

While the synthesis of bio-based compounds containing carbon, oxygen and (to a lesser extent) nitrogen is well studied, the production of organosulfur compounds from biomass has received virtually no attention, despite their widespread application throughout the chemical industry. Herein, we demonstrate that a range of bio-based 2-thiothiophenes are available from the biopolymer cellulose, proving that functionally diverse small-molecule organosulfurs can be prepared independent of fossil carbon.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Bio-derived and bioinspired sustainable advanced materials for emerging technologies (part 2)’.
Out-of-Pocket expenditures associated with Congenital Zika Syndrome in Brazil: an analysis of household health spending
Authors: de Aguiar Pereira Claudia Cristina , de Goes Cavalcanti Luciano Pamplona , Hofer Cristina Barroso , de Barros Reis Carla 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe study aims to estimate out-of-pocket household expenditures associated with the diagnosis and follow-up treatment of Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) in children affected during the 2015-2016 epidemic in Brazil.MethodsNinety-six interviews were held in the cities of Fortaleza and Rio de Janeiro in a convenience sample, using a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and private household expenditures associated with the syndrome, which also allowed estimating catastrophic expenditures resulting from care for CZS.ResultsMost of the mothers interviewed in the study were brown, under 34 years of age, unemployed, and reported a monthly family income of two minimum wages or less. Spending on medicines accounted for 77.6% of the out-of-pocket medical expenditures, while transportation and food were the main components of nonmedical expenditures, accounting for 79% of this total. The mean annual out-of-pocket expenditures by households was equivalent to almost a quarter of the annual minimum wage.ConclusionsThe affected households were largely low-income and suffered catastrophic expenditures due to the disease. Public policies should consider the financial and healthcare needs of these families to ensure adequate support for individuals affected by CZS.
Trans-ancestry genome-wide analysis of atrial fibrillation provides new insights into disease biology and enables polygenic prediction of cardioembolic risk
Authors: Miyazawa Kazuo , Ito Kaoru , Zou Zhaonan , Matsunaga Hiroshi , Koyama Satoshi , Ieki Hirotaka , Nomura Seitaro , Akiyama Masato , Kurosawa Ryo , Yoshida Hiroki , Ozaki Kouichi , Onouchi Yoshihiro ,   BioBank Japan Project, Takahashi Atsushi , Matsuda Koichi , Murakami Yoshinori , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Kubo Michiaki , Momozawa Yukihide , Terao Chikashi , Oki Shinya , Akazawa Hiroshi , Kamatani Yoichiro , Komuro Issei 
Published: September 2021

AbstractTo understand the genetic underpinnings of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the Japanese population, we performed a large-scale genome-wide association study comprising 9,826 cases of AF among 150,272 individuals and identified five new susceptibility loci, including East Asian-specific rare variants. A trans-ancestry meta-analysis of >1 million individuals, including 77,690 cases, identified 35 novel loci. Leveraging gene expression and epigenomic datasets to prioritize putative causal genes and their transcription factors revealed the involvement of IL6R gene and transcription factor ERG besides the known ones. Further, we constructed a polygenic risk score (PRS) for AF, using the trans-ancestry meta-analysis. PRS was associated with an increased risk of long-term cardiovascular and stroke mortality, and segregated individuals with cardioembolic stroke in undiagnosed AF patients. Our results provide novel biological and clinical insights into AF genetics and suggest their potential for clinical applications.
Autoantibodies against IL-1-receptor-antagonist in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children
Authors: Pfeifer Jochen , Thurner Bernhard , Kessel Christoph , Fadle Natalie , Regitz Evi , Hoffmann Marie-Christin , Kos Igor , Preuss Klaus-Dieter , Fischer Yvan , Roemer Klaus , Lohse Stefan , Heyne Kristina , Detemple Marie-Claire , Fedlmeier Michael , Juenger Hendrik , Sauer Harald , Meyer Sascha , Rohrer Tilman , Wittkowski Helmut , Masjosthusmann Katja , Becker Sören L. , Smola Sigrun , Bewarder Moritz , Boehm Michael , Anton Jordi , Pino-Ramirez Rosa Maria , Abdul-Khaliq Hashim , Foell Dirk , Thurner Lorenz 
Published: September 2021

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C or PIMS) is a rare but serious complication after an infection with SARS-CoV-2. A possible involvement of pathogenetically relevant autoantibodies has been discussed. Recently neutralizing autoantibodies against anti-inflammatory receptor antagonists progranulin (PGRN) and IL-1-receptor antagonist (IL-1-Ra) were discovered in adult patients with critical COVID-19.Plasma of an index case with severe PIMS/MIS-C was analyzed for autoantibodies against IL-1-Ra and PGRN. The study was extended by a case series of 12 additional patients. In addition to ELISA for of antibodies, IL-1-Ra plasma levels were determined and IL-1-Ra was analyzed by Western-blot and isoelectric focusing. Functional activity of the autoantibodies was examined in vitro with IL-1ß reporter assays.Antibodies against IL-1-Ra could be detected in 10 of 13 (76.9%) patients with PIMS/MIS-C, but not in controls. In contrast to critical COVID-19 in adults, no IL-1-Ra antibodies of the IgM class were detected in PIMS/MIS-C. IL-1-Ra-antibodies exclusively belonged to IgG1. No antibodies directed against PGRN were detected. Western blots and ELISA showed a concomitant reduction of free IL-1-Ra plasma levels in the presence of IL-1-Ra-antibodies. The antibodies inhibited IL-1-Ra function in IL-1ß reporter cell assays. Notably, an additional, hyperphosphorylated, transiently occurring atypical isoform of IL-1-Ra was observed in all IL-1-Ra autoantibody-positive patients.To conclude, IL-1-Ra autoantibodies were observed in high frequency in children with PIMS/MIS-C. They may represent a diagnostic and pathophysiologically relevant marker for PIMS/MIS-C. Their generation is likely to be triggered by an atypical, hyperphosphorylated isoform of IL-1-Ra.
In silicocancer immunotherapy trials uncover the consequences of therapy-specific response patterns for clinical trial design and outcome
Authors: Creemers Jeroen , Ankan Ankur , Roes Kit C.B. , Schröder Gijs , Mehra Niven , Figdor Carl G. , de Vries I. Jolanda M. , Textor Johannes 
Published: September 2021

AbstractLate-stage cancer immunotherapy trials often lead to unusual survival curve shapes, like delayed curve separation or a plateauing curve in the treatment arm. It is critical for trial success to anticipate such effects in advance and adjust the design accordingly. Here, we usein silicocancer immunotherapy trials – simulated trials based on three different mathematical models – to assemble virtual patient cohorts undergoing late-stage immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or combination therapies. We find that all three simulation models predict the distinctive survival curve shapes commonly associated with immunotherapies. Considering four aspects of clinical trial design – sample size, endpoint, randomization rate, and interim analyses – we demonstrate how, by simulating various possible scenarios, the robustness of trial design choices can be scrutinized, and possible pitfalls can be identified in advance. We provide readily usable, web-based implementations of our three trial simulation models to facilitate their use by biomedical researchers, doctors, and trialists.
Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 variants from 24,181 patients exemplifies the role of globalisation and zoonosis in pandemics
Authors: Colson Philippe , Fournier Pierre-Edouard , Chaudet Hervé , Delerce Jérémy , Giraud-Gatineau Audrey , Houhamdi Linda , Andrieu Claudia , Brechard Ludivine , Bedotto Marielle , Prudent Elsa , Gazin Céline , Beye Mamadou , Burel Emilie , Dudouet Pierre , Tissot-Dupont Hervé , Gautret Philippe , Lagier Jean-Christophe , Million Matthieu , Brouqui Philippe , Parola Philippe , Drancourt Michel , Scola Bernard La , Levasseur Anthony , Raoult Didier 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTAfter the end of the first epidemic episode of SARS-CoV-2 infections, as cases began to rise again during the summer of 2020, we at IHU Méditerranée Infection in Marseille, France, intensified the genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2, and described the first viral variants. In this study, we compared the incidence curves of SARS-CoV-2-associated deaths in different countries and reported the classification of SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in our institute, as well as the kinetics and sources of the infections. We used mortality collected from a COVID-19 data repository for 221 countries. Viral variants were defined based on ≥5 hallmark mutations shared by ≥30 genomes. SARS-CoV-2 genotype was determined for 24,181 patients using next-generation genome and gene sequencing (in 47% and 11% of cases, respectively) or variant-specific qPCR (in 42% of cases). Sixteen variants were identified by analysing viral genomes from 9,788 SARS-CoV-2-diagnosed patients. Our data show that since the first SARS-CoV-2 epidemic episode in Marseille, importation through travel from abroad was documented for seven of the new variants. In addition, for the B.1.160 variant of Pangolin classification (a.k.a. Marseille-4), we suspect transmission from mink farms. In conclusion, we observed that the successive epidemic peaks of SARS-CoV-2 infections are not linked to rebounds of viral genotypes that are already present but to newly-introduced variants. We thus suggest that border control is the best mean of combating this type of introduction, and that intensive control of mink farms is also necessary to prevent the emergence of new variants generated in this animal reservoir.
Anthropometric measures and their relationship to corneal refractive power in the United States population
Authors: Valluru Girish , Henick Daniel , Klawe Janek , Liu Bian , Pasquale Louis R. , Ahmad Sumayya 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPurposeTo determine the relationship between anthropometric measures and corneal refractive power (CRP).MethodsParticipants from the 1999-2008 United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) visual exam with demographic, ocular, and anthropometric data (20,165 subjects) were included. Cases with steep cornea were defined by corneal power ≥ 48.0 diopters (n = 171) while controls had dioptric power < 48.0 D (n = 19,994). Multivariable analyses were performed for pooled and sex-stratified populations. Separate models assessed body mass index, height, and weight in relation to steep cornea.ResultsA relationship between BMI and steep cornea in the pooled population was not detected (P for trend = 0.78). There was a strong inverse relationship between height and steep cornea in the pooled population (P for trend <0.0001) and women (P for trend <0.0001). For every 1-inch increase in height, there was a 16% reduced odds of steep cornea in the pooled population (OR, 0.84; 95% CI: 0.78-0.91). There was also a significant inverse relationship between weight and steep cornea in the pooled population (P for trend = 0.01) and in men (P for trend = 0.02). For each 10-pound increase in weight there was a 7% reduced odds of steep cornea (OR, 0.927; 95% CI: 0.882-0.975) in the pooled analysis.ConclusionsGreater height and greater weight were associated with a lower risk of steep cornea. These findings can contribute to an improved understanding of the pathogenesis of corneal ectasias.
Clinical Trial Data Sharing: A Cross-Sectional Study of Outcomes Associated with Two NIH Models
Authors: Rowhani-Farid Anisa , Egilman Alexander C. , Zhang Audrey D. , Gross Cary P. , Krumholz Harlan M. , Ross Joseph S. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe impact and value of clinical trial data sharing, including the number and quality of publications that result from shared data – “shared data publications” – may differ depending on the data sharing model used.MethodsWe characterized the outcomes associated with two data sharing models previously used by Institutes of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH): NHLBI’s centralized model, which uses a repository to manage data sharing requests, and NCI’s decentralized model, which entrusted research groups to independently manage data sharing requests. We identified trials completed in 2010 that met NIH data sharing criteria and matched studies sponsored by each Institute based on cost or size, determining whether trial data were shared and the frequency of shared data publications.ResultsWe identified 14 NHLBI-funded trials and 48 NCI-funded trials that met NIH data sharing criteria. We matched 14 NCI-funded trials to the 14 NHLBI-funded trials; among these, 4 NHLBI-sponsored trials (29%) and 2 NCI-sponsored trials (14%) shared data. From the 2 NCI-sponsored trials sharing data, we identified 2 shared data publications, one per trial, both of which were meta-analyses. From the 4 NHLBI-sponsored trials sharing data, we identified 7 shared data publications, all using data from 1 trial, 5 of which were pooled analyses and 2 reported secondary outcomes.ConclusionWhen characterizing the outcomes associated with two NIH data sharing models, both the NHLBI and the NCI models resulted in only 21% of trials sharing data and few shared data publications. There are opportunities to optimize clinical trial data sharing efforts both to enhance clinical trial data sharing and increase the number of shared data publications.
Accumulation of auranofin in white adipose tissues lowers leptin levels and exerts anti-diabetic effects
Authors: Cox Aaron R. , Masschelin Peter M. , Saha Pradip K , Felix Jessica B. , Sharp Robert , Lian Zeqin , Xia Yan , Chernis Natasha , Bader David A. , Kim Kang Ho , Li Xin , Yoshino Jun , Li Xin , Sun Zheng , Wu Huaizhu , Coarfa Cristian , Moore David D. , Klein Samuel , Sun Kai , Hartig Sean M. 
Published: September 2021

SUMMARYLow-grade, sustained inflammation in white adipose tissue (WAT) characterizes obesity and frequently coincides with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, pharmacological targeting of WAT inflammation lacks durable therapeutic effects. Through a computational screen, we identified the FDA-approved rheumatoid arthritis drug auranofin is a putative small molecule for obesity treatment. We discovered that allometrically scaled safe auranofin doses homed to WAT and improved insulin sensitivity in obese wild-type mice. Auranofin treatment also normalized other obesity-associated abnormalities, including hepatic steatosis and hyperinsulinemia. Surprisingly, the anti-diabetic effects of auranofin required leptin lowering and beta-adrenergic receptors in WAT. These metabolic benefits of leptin reduction were superior to any immune impacts of auranofin in WAT. Our studies reveal important metabolic properties of anti-inflammatory treatments and contribute to the notion that leptin reduction in the periphery can be accomplished to treat obesity and T2D.
Performance tradeoffs for spare parts supply chains with additive manufacturing capability servicing intermittent demand
Authors: McDermott Kyle C. , Winz Ryan D. , Hodgson Thom J. , Kay Michael G. , King Russell E. , McConnell Brandon M. 
Published: September 2021

PurposeThe study aims to investigate the impact of additive manufacturing (AM) on the performance of a spare parts supply chain with a particular focus on underlying spare part demand patterns.Design/methodology/approachThis work evaluates various AM-enabled supply chain configurations through Monte Carlo simulation. Historical demand simulation and intermittent demand forecasting are used in conjunction with a mixed integer linear program to determine optimal network nodal inventory policies. By varying demand characteristics and AM capacity this work assesses how to best employ AM capability within the network.FindingsThis research assesses the preferred AM-enabled supply chain configuration for varying levels of intermittent demand patterns and AM production capacity. The research shows that variation in demand patterns alone directly affects the preferred network configuration. The relationship between the demand volume and relative AM production capacity affects the regions of superior network configuration performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis research makes several simplifying assumptions regarding AM technical capabilities. AM production time is assumed to be deterministic and does not consider build failure probability, build chamber capacity, part size, part complexity and post-processing requirements.Originality/valueThis research is the first study to link realistic spare part demand characterization to AM supply chain design using quantitative modeling.