bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First-Principles Study of the New Half-Metallic Ferromagnetic Quaternary-Heusler Alloys NaXNO (X=Ca, Sr, Ba)
Authors: Belkacem K. , Zaoui Y. , Amari S. , Beldi L. , Bouhafs B.
Published: July 2020

The first-principles approach based on density functional theory (DFT) and the full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave method were employed to investigate the structural, elastic, electronic and magnetic properties of Na[Formula: see text]NO ([Formula: see text], Sr and Ba) quaternary half-Heusler alloys. The generalized gradient approximation (GGA) as parameterized by Perdew, Burke and Ernzerhof (PBE) and the modified Becke–Johnson exchange potential were used. As far as we know, we present our results which for the first time quantitatively account for the electronic structures and magnetic properties of Na[Formula: see text]NO ([Formula: see text], Sr and Ba) quaternary half-Heusler alloys. From the total energy calculation using three possible atomic configurations ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]), it is found that the Na[Formula: see text]NO ([Formula: see text], Sr and Ba) quaternary half-Heusler alloys are more stable in the ferromagnetic [Formula: see text]-phase. From our estimated elastic constants [Formula: see text], it is found that all the considered Heusler alloys are mechanically stable in the [Formula: see text]-phase. We have also investigated the robustness of the half-metallicity with respect to the variation of lattice constants in these alloys. We have found that these alloys are half-metallic ferromagnets (HMFs) with a magnetic moment of 2[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] per formula unit at their equilibrium volumes. The spin-polarized electronic band structure and density of states of these quaternary half-Heusler alloys calculated by GGA (mBJ-GGA) show that the minority spin channels have metallic nature and the majority spin channels have a semiconductor character with half-metallic gaps of 0.49[Formula: see text]eV (2.17[Formula: see text]eV), 0.72[Formula: see text]eV (2.28[Formula: see text]eV) and 0.96[Formula: see text]eV (2.22[Formula: see text]eV) for NaCaNO, NaSrNO and NaBaNO quaternary half-Heusler alloys, respectively. Analysis of the density of states and the spin charge density of these quaternary alloys indicates that their magnetic moments mainly originate from the strong spin-polarization of 2[Formula: see text] states of N atoms and O atoms.
A theoretical study of the structural and electronic properties of poly(9-vinylcarbazole) interacting with small-diameter single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Elloh V. W. , Apalangya V. A. , Kan-Dapaah K. , Gebreyesus G. , Mishra Abhishek K. , Nyankson E. , Onwona-Agyeman B. , Yaya A.
Published: July 2020

Density functional perturbation theory (DFPT) and time-dependent density functional perturbation theory (TDDFPT) calculations were employed to study the molecular and electronic structures, linear and nonlinear optical properties, optical phonon modes and vibrational properties of the interaction of poly(9-vinylcarbazole) (PVK)–small-diameter single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) composites. Our calculations show that the chemical connection between PVK and SWCNTs is only through the relatively weak [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]–H bonds. PVK and SWCNTs have different electron accepting abilities and we believe this is the major factor responsible for the charge transfer processes we observe in the calculations. We notice an increase in polarizability value from 152 a.u. (PVK) to 517 a.u. (PVK–SWCNTs), making the PVK–SWCNT composite an ideal model for applications such as mechanical and optoelectronics. Also, the result of our calculations under the time-dependent density functional perturbation theory hinges on the idea that the large value of the polarizability calculated for our composite model is an attribute which can be inferred to processes of charge transfer. Our finding corroborates the fact that non-covalent functionalization is one of the effective chemical methods by which the nonlinear optical response properties of PVK–SWCNT composite may be enhanced.
Eigenvalue processes of Elliptic Ginibre Ensemble and their overlaps
Authors: Yabuoku Satoshi
Published: July 2020

We consider the non-hermitian matrix-valued process of Elliptic Ginibre Ensemble. This model includes Dyson's Brownian motion model and the time evolution model of Ginibre ensemble by using hermiticity parameter. We show the complex eigenvalue processes satisfy the stochastic differential equations which are very similar to Dyson's model and give an explicit form of overlap correlations. As a corollary, in the case of 2-by-2 matrix, we also mention the relation between the diagonal overlap, which is the speed of eigenvalues, and the distance of the two eigenvalues.
Age of the Sääksjärvi impact structure, Finland: reconciling the timing of small impacts in crystalline basement with regional basin development
Authors: Kenny Gavin G. , Mänttäri Irmeli , Schmieder Martin , Whitehouse Martin J. , Nemchin Alexander A. , Bellucci Jeremy J. , Merle Renaud E.
Published: July 2020

We report a new age for the Sääksjärvi impact structure, Finland, a 6 km diameter feature that formed in crystalline rocks of the Precambrian Baltic Shield. Two previous studies reported
40
Ar/
39
Ar data for Sääksjärvi and suggested conflicting formation ages of ≤330 Ma or
c.
560 Ma. The former age represents a possible complication for models which indicate that the region was covered by sediments of the Caledonian foreland basin throughout much of the Phanerozoic. We conducted a study combining imaging, microstructural analysis and U–Pb dating of shocked zircon from Sääksjärvi. The U–Pb dataset indicates a
c.
600 Ma impact into predominantly
c.
1850 Ma target rocks. A concordia age of 608 ± 8 Ma (2
σ
) confirms Sääksjärvi as the first known Ediacaran impact structure in the Baltic Shield and only the second worldwide. Our data indicate that the Sääksjärvi impact structure formed in exposed crystalline basement rocks of the Baltic Shield prior to the development of the Caledonian foreland basin. Given that most impact structures on Earth are relatively small features, radiometric dating of small impact structures in crystalline basement may place boundaries on the timing and spatial extent of palaeobasins that might otherwise be difficult to constrain.

Supplementary material:
Additional imaging and microstructural analysis of zircon, additional concordia plots, and U–Pb data tables are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5043462
Low Overhead Online Data Flow Tracking for Intermittently Powered Non-Volatile FPGAs
Authors: Zhang Xinyi , Patterson Clay , Liu Yongpan , Yang Chengmo , Xue Chun Jason , Hu Jingtong
Published: July 2020

Energy harvesting is an attractive way to power future Internet of Things (IoT) devices since it can eliminate the need for battery or power cables. However, harvested energy is intrinsically unstable. While Field-programmable Gate Array (FPGAs) have been widely adopted in various embedded systems, it is hard to survive unstable power since all the memory components in FPGA are based on volatile Static Random-access Memory (SRAMs). The emerging non-volatile memory-based FPGAs provide promising potentials to keep configuration data on the chip during power outages. Few works have considered implementing efficient runtime intermediate data checkpoint on non-volatile FPGAs. To realize accumulative computation under intermittent power on FPGA, this article proposes a low-cost design framework, Data-Flow-Tracking FPGA (DFT-FPGA), which utilizes binary counters to track intermediate data flow. Instead of keeping all on-chip intermediate data, DFT-FPGA only targets on necessary data that is labeled by off-line analysis and identified by an online tracking system. The evaluation shows that compared with state-of-the-art techniques, DFT-FPGA can realize accumulative computing with less off-line workload and significantly reduce online roll-back time and resource utilization.
Creating an Active Learning Environment using Reproducible Data Science Tools
Authors: Burns Randal
Published: July 2020

After a decade of struggle to help students install and launch machine virtual machines in the cloud, the author migrated his computer science course to the Gigantum data science platform, which automates the delivery of complex software configurations. The goal was to make it easier for students to complete projects so that they could focus on programming rather than system administration. In the process, lectures were redesigned into an active learning experience in Jupyter notebooks in which students run and modify examples as they are presented and can reproduce exactly all work that they have done or has been demonstrated.
Two-Step Mediated Electrosynthesis and Catalytic Activity of Au/Cu2O@poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) Nanocomposite
Authors: Nastapova Nataliya V. , Nasretdinova Gulnaz R. , Osin Yury N. , Gubaidullin Aidar T. , Yanilkin Vitaliy V.
Published: July 2020

Efficient two-step methylviologen (MV2+) — mediated electrosynthesis of a nanocomposite of gold nanoparticles with copper(I) oxide stabilized by a shell of poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (Au/Cu2O@PVP) was performed in DMF at room temperature at the potentials of MV.+ radical cation generation. At the first step, the mediated reduction of Cu2+ ions, generated in situ by dissolution of the copper anode, in the presence of dissolved oxygen or with subsequent oxidation with oxygen, leads to Cu2O@PVP composite containing Cu(0) and Cu2O in a different ratio. In the latter case, the resulting composite is in the form of stable nanoroses. When AuCl is added into the resulting solutions of Cu2O@PVP, the partial chemical reduction of AuCl by Cu(0) occurs to form Au(0) and CuCl. At the second step, the electrochemical reduction of AuCl leads to Au/Cu2O@PVP nanocomposite not containing Cu(0), but nanoroses are preserved. Cu2O@PVP nanoparticles are catalytically inactive in the reduction reaction of p-nitrophenol with sodium borohydride in water, and Au/Cu2O@PVP nanocomposites exhibit catalytic activity. In the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, the catalytic activity of both types of particles sharply increases; in the case of Cu2O@PVP, the increase is so high that the catalytic activity becomes the same as for Au/Cu2O@PVP.
Evaluation and Optimization of Dielectric Properties of PVDF/BaTiO3 Nanocomposites Film for Energy Storage and Sensors
Authors: Zazoum Bouchaib
Published: July 2020

Flexible nanodielectric are largely used in sensors and power sources for new generation of electronic devices. The most conventional methods used to design and manufacture these nanodielectric materials with desired properties are time-consuming and unable to determine interactions between the input parameters. In this study, a response surface methodology (RSM) is proposed to design polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/barium titanate (BT) nanocomposites film prepared by ball milling process with optimized dielectric breakdown strength. Interaction effects of three individual control variables on nanocomposites dielectric strength were studied using RSM. Numerical optimization was employed to obtain the optimum factors for maximum dielectric breakdown strength. It is indicated that the optimum value of dielectric breakdown strength was 219.01 kV mm−1, when input control factors were BT size of 6 nm, BT volume fraction of 10 vol% and milling time of 43.74 min.
Study the Association of Tumor Necrosis Factor Promoter Polymorphism with Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Emara Mahmoud , El-Edel Rawhia , Fathy Waleed M. , Aboelkhair Noran T. , Watany Mona M. , Abou-Elela Dalia H.
Published: July 2020

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is well known to include an inflammatory component that has been considered to be related to diabetic complications. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the significant complications as it constitutes the most frequent cause of end-stage renal disease. Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) is known as a multifunctional proinflammatory cytokine which is associated with some pathological processes such as immunoregulation, proliferation, inflammation, and apoptosis. The aim was to explore the association between the TNF-α promoter -1031T/C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and the serum TNF-α level in addition to nephropathy among type 2 diabetic patients. The study included 38 T2DM subjects without nephropathy (DM group), 40 subjects with DN, and 20 controls. Identification of TNF-α promoter gene polymorphism -1031T/C was done by PCR-RFLP, and genotyping was confirmed by direct sequencing. The serum TNF-α level was assessed by ELISA. Correlations were tested by Pearson’s correlation analysis. Logistic regression was used to detect the most independent factor for development of DN. The serum level of TNF-α in the DM group was significantly higher than controls (p<0.001); also, the DN group was considerably higher than controls and DM without nephropathy (p<0.001). Also, there was a significant positive correlation between serum levels of TNF-α with FBG (fasting blood glucose), creatinine, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HbA1c, and microalbumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) among the DN group (p=0.042, <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, 0.027, and 0.043, respectively). Mutant homozygous CC and heterozygous TC genotypes were higher in DN than in DM and controls. C allele was more represented in DN than in DM and controls (p=0.003) while T allele was higher in controls than in DM and DN patients. The levels of TNF-α were higher in subjects who had mutant CC than the wild TT genotype among DN (p<0.001). C allele was more risky for DN than T allele between DN and controls by 5.4-fold (CI: 1.75-16.68) as well as between DN and DM by 2.25-fold (CI: 1.1-4.59). Conclusion. Serum levels of TNF-α were higher in individuals with mutant CC genotype of -1031T/C TNF-α gene, and C allele could be associated with increased risk for nephropathy among patients with T2DM.
A Proposal for Revisiting Ćirić and Caristi Type Theorems in Metric Spaces
Authors: Seddoug Belkassem , Chaira Soumia , Chaira Karim
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we revisit the renowned fixed point theorems of Ćirić and Caristi. We propose some new fixed point theorems in a metric space with partial order. To make our results effective, several examples are presented.
A Satellite Observation Data Transmission Scheduling Algorithm Oriented to Data Topics
Authors: Chen Hao , Zhai Baorong , Wu Jiangjiang , Du Chun , Li Jun
Published: July 2020

The scheduling of Earth Observation Satellite (EOS) data transmission is a complex combinatorial optimization problem. With the development of remote sensing applications, a new special requirement named data transmission oriented to topics has appeared. It supposes that the data obtained from each observation activity by satellites belong to certain observation data topics, and every observation data topic has completeness and timeliness requirements. Unless all of the observation data belonging to one topic has been transmitted to the ground before the expected time, the value of the observation data will be decayed sharply and only a part of the rewards (or even no reward) for the data transmission will be obtained. Current researches do not meet the new data topic transmission requirements well. Based on the characteristics of the problem, a mathematic scheduling model is established, and a novel hybrid scheduling algorithm based on evolutionary computation is proposed. In order to further enhance the performance and speed up the convergence process of our algorithm, a domain-knowledge-based mutation operator is designed. Quantitative experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is more effective to solve the satellite observation data topic transmission scheduling problem than that of the state-of-the-art approaches.
Carpometacarpal Dislocation of the Third to Fifth Fingers and an Associated Fracture of the Hamate in a Military Paratrooper
Authors: Kalinterakis Georgios , Antonogiannakis Emmanouil , Abdi Arezoo , Demetriades Georgios , Koulouktsis Alexandros , Syllaios Athanasios , Koutras Antonios , Vrouva Sotiria , Papagiavis Anastasios , Ziogas Miltiadis
Published: July 2020

Multiple carpometacarpal dislocations with a simultaneous fracture of the hamate represent less than 1% of all injuries to the hand and wrist regions, with a scarcity of published cases. These injuries usually require a great force, and diagnosis can be missed or delayed because of the high likelihood of other severe concomitant injuries. We report a case of acute closed dislocation of the third through fifth carpometacarpal joints and an associated fracture of the hamate in a military paratrooper. The injury was caused by a wrong landing technique during parachuting. The patient was managed with primary surgical repair, and after a six-month follow-up, he has excellent functional results. The fact that both this clinical entity and the mechanism of injury are very unusual a high index of suspicion is needed, especially for orthopedic surgeons working in military hospitals. Additionally, given that there is a paucity of published cases and optional treatment is controversial, this study corroborates the superiority of surgical repair in a long-term basis.
A Use of Fuzzy TOPSIS to Improve the Network Selection in Wireless Multiaccess Environments
Authors: Mansouri Mouad , Leghris Cherkaoui
Published: July 2020

Constantly faster, mobile terminals are developing, as well as wireless networks, to satisfy the growth of “Always Best Connected” demand. Users nowadays want to access the best available wireless network, either from 3GPP or IEEE group technologies, wherever they are, without losing their sessions. Consequently, mobile terminals must seamlessly transfer the communications to another access technology (vertical handover) if needed, as they often move into heterogeneous wireless environments. This work aims to optimize the network selection step in the vertical handover process. Multiattribute Decision-Making methods naturally fit this context. Nevertheless, they make wrong handover decisions sometimes, due to imprecise data collected from the metrics. This manuscript presents the use of a hybrid method, combining the fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal situation and fuzzy analytic network process, in the network selection, to improve the quality of service and avoid, as much as possible, unnecessary handovers. The results demonstrate that this combination is the best, compared to the other methods of the same type in the network selection context.
Identification of Novel Bioactive Compound Derived from Rheum officinalis against Campylobacter jejuni NCTC11168
Authors: Yosri Mohammed , Amin Basma H. , Abed Nermine N. , Elithy Amal S. , Kareem Sayed M. , Sidkey Nagwa M.
Published: July 2020

Gastric diseases are increasing with the infection of Campylobacter jejuni. Late stages of infection lead to peptic ulcer and gastric carcinoma. C. jejuni infects people within different stages of their life, especially childhood, causing severe diarrhea; it infects around two-thirds of the world population. Due to bacterial resistance against standard antibiotic, a new strategy is needed to impede Campylobacter infections. Plants provide highly varied structures with antimicrobial use which are unlikely to be synthesized in laboratories. A special feature of higher plants is their ability to produce a great number of organic chemicals of high structural diversity, the so-called secondary metabolites. Twenty plants were screened to detect their antibacterial activities. Screening results showed that Rheum officinalis was the most efficient against C. jejuni. Fractionation pattern was obtained by column chromatography, while the purity test was done by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The chemical composition of bioactive compound was characterized using GC-MS, nuclear magnetic resonance, and infrared analysis. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the purified compound was 31.25 µg/ml. Cytotoxicity assay on Vero cells was evaluated to be 497 µg/ml. Furthermore, the purified bioactive compound activated human lymphocytes in vitro. The data presented here show that Rheum officinalis could potentially be used in modern applications aimed at the treatment or prevention of foodborne diseases.
Development of Combinational Circuits by Encoding on the Basis of Developmental Biology
Authors: Sivasubramaniyan S. B. , Seshasayanan R. , Ramadass N.
Published: July 2020

The present work visualizes the evolution of primitive digital circuits as a development problem. The development of the digital circuit is implemented similar to the development of a human embryo from a single cell to the complete organism. The constituent parts making up a primitive digital circuit are encoded into binary strings. Each binary string is viewed as a cell, and several such cells are allowed to adhere and multiply before culminating into a developed organism. The binary string of the cell is further mapped to a particular attribute which defines the constituent of the complete digital circuit implemented. The present work illustrates the development of a 4-input combinational digital circuit. The development of 2-input majority function is illustrated, and the results are shown for the 2-input Ex-OR gate, 2-input majority function with 4 input variables, and a 2-to-1 multiplexer circuit. The development of the digital circuit resembles the development of an embryo in a living organism.
Potential of IMU-Based Systems in Measuring Single Rapid Movement Variables in Females with Different Training Backgrounds and Specialization
Authors: Marković Stefan , Dopsaj Milivoj , Tomažič Sašo , Umek Anton
Published: July 2020

The aim of this paper is to determine the discriminative potential of the IMU-based system for the measurement of rapid hand movement properties, i.e., relevant kinematic variables in relation to different groups of participants. The measurement of the kinematics of the rapid hand movement was performed using a standard hand tapping test. The sample in this research included a total of 70 female participants and was divided into 3 subsamples. The discriminant analysis has identified two functions, DF1 and DF2, that explain 91.1 and 8.1% of the variance, respectively. The differences between the examined subsamples originate from the variables grouped in DF1, which were statistically significant (p≤0.000). In relation to this function, the national volleyball team centroid position was shifted with -1.108 and -1.968 standard deviation values from the control group and youth volleyball team, respectively. The difference between control and Voll_Youth groups was -0.860 standard deviation value. The factors with the greatest discriminative potential among the groups represent the temporal characteristics of the rapid hand movement, i.e., the time elapsed between the onset of the movement and the first and second tap, as defined by the variables t1 and t2, respectively. The established findings clearly indicate that IMU sensors are practically applicable in relation to the sensitive measurement of rapid arm movement capability of female athletes.
Moringa oleifera L. Extracts as Bioactive Ingredients That Increase Safety of Body Wash Cosmetics
Authors: Nizioł-Łukaszewska Zofia , Furman-Toczek Dominika , Bujak Tomasz , Wasilewski Tomasz , Hordyjewicz-Baran Zofia
Published: July 2020

The work attempts to obtain a multifunctional plant extract derived from Moringa tree leaves. Obtained results indicate a strong antioxidant potential of the tested extracts. It was shown that Moringa oleifera leaf extract is a rich source of flavonoid and phenolic compounds. Furthermore, it shows a strong antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals. In vitro toxicity studies showed that the tested extracts in concentrations up to 5% showed a positive effect on cell proliferation and metabolism and may contribute to the reduction of oxidative stress in cells. It was noted that the tested model formulation of cosmetic (1% SCS) with the addition of different types of extracts might contribute to the reduction of skin irritation and improve the safety of the product.
Malignant Gastrointestinal Neuroectodermal Tumor (GNET) with Prolonged Disease-Free Survival after Platinum-Based Chemotherapy
Authors: Singh Daulath , Atieh Mohammed K. , Russell Mark A. , Kittaneh Muaiad
Published: July 2020

Malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumor (GNET) is a rare disease with a handful of cases described in literature. GNET has only become a well-known/widely accepted entity in the recent years, but it is still not listed in the database of rare diseases. Due to the rarity of disease, there are no guidelines on standard therapeutic approaches in the adjuvant or metastatic setting. Here, we describe a unique case of GNET with a 7-year disease-free survival following adjuvant cisplatin and etoposide chemotherapy. This is the longest disease-free survival that has ever been described in literature and may support using this combination in a larger cohort of patients in the context of a global clinical trial. We will also review the histopathologic features of GNET and potential therapeutic options in the metastatic setting.
Applying Queuing Theory and Mixed Integer Programming to Blood Center Nursing Schedules of a Large Hospital in China
Authors: Luo Li , Liu Xiaofei , Cui Xinyuan , Cheng Yuanjun , Yu Xinzhu , Li Yue , Jiang Li , Tan Mingying
Published: July 2020

Blood centers in large hospitals in China are facing serious problems, including complex patient queues and inflexible nursing schedules. This study is aimed at developing a flexible scheduling method for blood center nurses. By systematically analyzing the constraints that affect scheduling, a flexible scheduling model is established based on queuing theory and mixed integer programming. This combined model can reasonably determine the number of nurses required during a given working period and flexibly arrange nursing schedules while ensuring sufficient rest periods for individual nurses. Results of numerical studies conducted using data from a large hospital in China show a significant improvement in patient waiting time performance metrics over the hospital’s current practice. In addition, the nurses’ workloads and rest periods are well balanced, indicating that the proposed method can effectively and flexibly arrange nursing shifts in blood centers.
Not Black or White but Shades of Gray: Homologous Recombination Deficiency as a Continuous Variable Modulated by RNF168
Authors: Wang Lin , Wulf Gerburg M.
Published: July 2020

In this issue of Cancer Research, the study by Krais and colleagues underscores that DNA damage repair by homologous recombination (HR) is not an all-or-nothing phenomenon, but that HR competency comes on a spectrum, ranging from complete deficiency to proficiency. Residual low-level HR in BRCA1-mutant cancer cells turns out to be critically important for their survival and is afforded by low levels of Histone 2A (H2A) ubiquitination resulting from lowered RNF168 levels. The findings raise the possibility that, if ubiquitination of H2A could be enforced by inhibition of deubiquitinases, residual HR in BRCA1mt cells might be extinguished. Extinction of residual HR might improve the therapeutic efficacy of the emerging inhibitors of DNA damage repair. The development of methods to measure HR directly and quantitatively is crucial to develop this field.

See related article by Krais et al., p. 2848
Heterogeneity in Trust of Cancer Information among Hispanic Adults in the United States: An Analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey
Authors: Camacho-Rivera Marlene , Gonzalez Christopher J. , Morency Jason Amilcar , Blake Kelly D. , Calixte Rose
Published: July 2020

Background:

Hispanics are differentially burdened by inequities in cancer outcomes. Increasing knowledge about cancer and cancer services among Hispanics may aid in reducing inequities, but little is known about what information sources are considered most effective or most trusted by this diverse population. The goal of this study was to examine heterogeneity in trust of cancer information from various media sources among U.S. Hispanic adults.

Methods:

Using data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 4, Cycles 2 and 4 and HINTS 5, Cycle 2, we examined nine trust questions, divided into four domains of health communication sources [doctor, government health/charitable organizations, media (including Internet), and family/friends and religious organizations]. Independent variables examined were gender, Hispanic ethnic categories (Mexican American, Cuban/Puerto Rican, and other Hispanics), age, education, income, language, and nativity. We used multivariable logistic regression with survey weights to identify independent predictors of cancer information source use and trust.

Results:

Of the 1,512 respondents, trust in sources ranged from 27% for radio to 91% for doctors. In multivariable models, Cubans/Puerto Ricans were twice as likely to trust cancer information from print media compared with Mexican Americans. Hispanics 75 years and older were nearly three times as likely to trust cancer information from religious organizations compared with those ages 18 to 34. Hispanic women were 59% more likely to trust cancer information from the Internet compared with men.

Conclusions:

Subgroup variability in source use and trust may be masked by broad racial and ethnic categories.

Impact:

Among Hispanics, there is significant variation by ethnicity and other sociodemographics in trust of sources of cancer information across multiple constructs, with notable implications for disseminating cancer information.
The Association of MUC16 Mutation with Tumor Mutation Burden and Its Prognostic Implications in Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Wang Xuefeng , Yu Xiaoqing , Krauthammer Michael , Hugo Willy , Duan Chunzhe , Kanetsky Peter A. , Teer Jamie K. , Thompson Zachary J. , Kalos Denise , Tsai Kenneth Y. , Smalley Keiran S.M. , Sondak Vernon K. , Chen Y. Ann , Conejo-Garcia Jose R.
Published: July 2020

Background:

MUC16 is a mucin marker that is frequently mutated in melanoma, but whether MUC16 mutations could be useful as a surrogate biomarker for tumor mutation burden (TMB) remains unclear.

Methods:

This study rigorously evaluates the MUC16 mutation as a clinical biomarker in cutaneous melanoma by utilizing genomic and clinical data from patient samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and two independent validation cohorts. We further extended the analysis to studies with patients treated with immunotherapies.

Results:

Analysis results showed that samples with MUC16 mutations had a higher TMB than the samples of wild-type, with strong statistical significance (P < 0.001) in all melanoma cohorts tested. Associations between MUC16 mutations and TMB remained statistically significant after adjusting for potential confounding factors in the TCGA cohort [OR, 9.28 (95% confidence interval (CI), 5.18–17.39); P < 0.001], Moffitt cohort [OR, 31.95 (95% CI, 8.71–163.90); P < 0.001], and Yale cohort [OR, 8.09 (95% CI, 3.12–23.79); P < 0.01]. MUC16 mutations were also found to be associated with overall survival in the TCGA [HR, 0.62; (95% CI, 0.45–0.85); P < 0.01] and Moffitt cohorts [HR, 0.49 (95% CI, 0.28–0.87); P = 0.014]. Strikingly, MUC16 is the only top frequently mutated gene for which prognostic significance was observed. MUC16 mutations were also found valuable in predicting anti–CTLA-4 and anti–PD-1 therapy responses.

Conclusions:

MUC16 mutation appears to be a useful predictive marker of global TMB and patient survival in melanoma.

Impact:

This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first systematic evaluation of MUC16 mutation as a clinical biomarker and a predictive biomarker for immunotherapy in melanoma.
Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Breast Cancer before Surgery: Results from a CANTO Cohort Subgroup
Authors: Lange Marie , Hardy-Léger Isabelle , Licaj Idlir , Pistilli Barbara , Rigal Olivier , Le Fel Johan , Lévy Christelle , Capel Aurélie , Coutant Charles , Meyer Jonathan , Lerebours Florence , Petrucci Jean , Vanlemmens Laurence , Brion Marine , Campone Mario , Soulié Patrick , Blain Maxime , Vaz-Luis Ines , Giffard Bénédicte , Martin Anne-Laure , Everhard Sibille , André Fabrice , Dauchy Sarah , Joly Florence
Published: July 2020

Background:

Twenty to 30% of patients with breast cancer have cognitive impairment after surgery and before adjuvant treatment, but very few studies have focused on cognition before any treatment. This study used a subgroup of women with newly diagnosed breast cancer from the French cancer and toxicities (CANTO) cohort to describe cognition before any treatment in comparison with a group of healthy controls (HC).

Methods:

Cognitive assessment was performed before any breast cancer treatment (surgery or neoadjuvant treatment) on women with newly diagnosed invasive stage I–III breast cancer and HCs. Objective cognitive performance, cognitive complaints, anxiety, depression, and fatigue were assessed. Objective cognitive impairment was defined according to International Cognition and Cancer Task Force recommendations.

Results:

Of the 264 included patients with breast cancer (54 ± 11 years) and 132 age-matched HCs (53 ± 9 years), overall objective cognitive impairment was observed in 28% of patients with breast cancer and 8% of HCs (P < 0.001). Cognitive complaints were reported by 24% of patients versus 12% of HCs (P < 0.01). Patients reported significantly more anxiety and emotional and cognitive fatigue than HCs (P < 0.01). After adjustment, significantly more patients with breast cancer had overall objective cognitive impairment than HCs [OR = 3.01; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31–6.88] without significant difference between groups for cognitive complaints (OR = 1.38; 95% CI: 0.65–2.92). Cognitive complaints were positively associated with fatigue (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 1.02–1.05).

Conclusions:

In this prospective study, compared with HCs, patients with localized breast cancer had more objective cognitive impairment before any treatment. Cognitive complaints were mostly related to fatigue.

Impact:

Baseline assessment before treatment is important to assess the impact of each cancer treatment on cognition.
It Takes a Village to Overcome KRAS Dependence in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Carr Ryan M. , Fernandez-Zapico Martin E.
Published: July 2020

In this issue, Hou and colleagues present their exciting work demonstrating that, through remodeling of the local tumor microenvironment (TME), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma forms a tumor-supportive niche capable of liberating cancer cells from dependence on oncogenic KRAS signaling. Through extensive experimentation both in vitro and in vivo, the authors reveal that the HDAC5–CCL2 axis drives the recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages to the TME to provide trophic signaling.

See related article by Hou et al., p. 1058.
Sub-Staging-Specific Differences in Recurrence-Free, Progression-Free, and Cancer-Specific Survival for Patients with T1 Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Guanqiu , Yang Tao , Shao Qiuya , Zhang Mengzhao , Yang Bo , Zhang Pu , Fan Jinhai
Published: July 2020

Introduction: The efficiency of the T1 sub-staging system on categorizing bladder cancer (BC) patients into subgroups with different clinical outcomes was unclear. We summarized relevant evidences, including recurrence-free survival (RFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS), to analyze the prognostic significance of T1 sub-stage. Methods: Systematic literature searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were performed. We pooled data on recurrence, progression, and CSS from 35 studies. Results: The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) indicated the difference in RFS between T1a sub-stage and T1b sub-stage (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.14–1.43, p < 0.001). The significant difference was observed in PFS between the 2 arms (HR 2.18, 95% CI 1.95–2.44, p < 0.001). Worse CSS was found in T1b patients than in T1a patients (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.21–1.54, p < 0.001). Conclusions: T1 sub-staging system based on the invasion depth into muscularis mucosae can be a significant prognostic factor for RFS, PFS, and CSS of patients with T1 BC. Urologists and pathologists are encouraged to work together to give a precise sub-stage classification of T1 BC, and T1 sub-staging system should be a routine part of any histopathological report when possible. Different treatment strategies need to be developed for both T1a BC and T1b BC.
A Novel Autologous Topical Serum Based on Plasma Rich in Growth Factors Technology Counteracts Ultraviolet Light-Derived Photo-Oxidative Stress
Authors: Anitua Eduardo , Troya Maria , Goñi Felipe , Gómez Paloma , Tierno Roberto , Pino Ander
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Skin as the major barrier between the internal and external environments protects our body from external injuries. Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is majorly responsible for photoaging and is closely associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage. The progression in the field of biological therapies has led to the emergence of new autologous therapies based on growth factors. An autologous topical serum (ATS) based on the plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) technology has also been developed with regenerative properties. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate this new topical formulation in protecting skin against UVB-induced photodamage using dermal fibroblast cultures and 3D skin models. Methods: ATS was assessed over the main mechanisms underlying photodamage including oxidative stress, cell viability, DNA damage, cell death, and biosynthetic activity. Three different irradiation protocols were tested. Results: ATS application showed to significantly reduce free radical production and cell death caused by ultraviolet radiation. It also increased cell viability and promoted the proliferative activity and fibronectin biosynthesis of dermal fibroblasts. DNA double-strand cleavage that occurs after photo-oxidative stress was reduced. Photoexposed 3D explants showed higher levels of metabolic activity and collagen synthesis. Histomorphometric analysis also revealed a reduction in UV-derived edema, hyperkeratosis, and apoptosis and an increase in collagen and cell bioactivity. Conclusion: This preliminary study suggests that this novel ATS might counteract the harmful effects of UV radiation.
Pronoun Use during Patient-Caregiver Interactions: Associations with Caregiver Well-Being
Authors: Connelly Dyan E. , Verstaen Alice , Brown Casey L. , Lwi Sandy J. , Levenson Robert W.
Published: July 2020

Introduction:Caring for a spouse with dementia can be extremely challenging. Many caregivers experience profound declines in well-being; however, others remain healthy. Objective: This study determined whether the personal pronouns used in interactions between persons with dementia (PWDs) and their spousal caregivers were associated with caregiver well-being. Methods: Fifty-eight PWDs and their spousal caregivers engaged in a 10-min conversation about an area of disagreement in a laboratory setting. Verbatim transcripts of the conversation were coded using text analysis software, and caregivers and PWDs each received scores for (a) I-pronouns, (b) you-pronouns, and (c) we-pronouns. Caregivers’ well-being was assessed using a composite measure of depression, anxiety, burden, and strain. Results: Results revealed that less use of we-pronouns by caregivers and PWDs and greater use of I-pronouns by PWDs were ­associated with lower caregiver well-being. Conclusions: These findings indicate that less use of pronouns that refer to the couple (we-pronouns used by either partner) and greater use of pronouns that refer to the PWD (I-pronouns used by the PWD) are indicative of caregivers at heightened risk for lower well-being.
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Potential to Detect Posttraumatic Neurodegeneration
Authors: Eisele Amanda , Hill-Strathy MaryJane , Michels Lars , Rauen Katrin
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most relevant external risk factor for dementia and a major global health burden. Mild TBI (mTBI) contributes to up to 90% of all TBIs, and the classification “mild” often misrepresents the patient’s burden who suffer from neuropsychiatric long-term sequelae. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) allows in vivo detection of compromised brain metabolism although it is not routinely used after TBI. Objective: Thus, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to elucidate if MRS has the potential to identify changes in brain metabolism in adult patients after a single mTBI with a negative routine brain scan (CCT and/or MRI scan) compared to aged- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) during the acute or subacute postinjury phase (≤90 days after mTBI). Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted from the first edition of electronic databases until January 31, 2020. Group analyses were performed per metabolite using a random-effects model. Results: Four and 2 out of 5,417 articles met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis and systematic review, respectively. For the meta-analysis, 50 mTBI patients and 51 HC with a mean age of 31 and 30 years, respectively, were scanned using N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), a marker for neuronal integrity. Glutamate (Glu), a marker for disturbed brain metabolism, choline (Cho), a marker for increased cell membrane turnover, and creatine (Cr) were used in 2 out of the 4 included articles. Regions of interests were the frontal lobe, the white matter around 1 cm above the lateral ventricles, or the whole brain. NAA was decreased in patients compared to HC with an effect size (ES) of –0.49 (95% CI –1.08 to 0.09), primarily measured in the frontal lobe. Glu was increased in the white matter in 22 mTBI patients compared to 22 HC (ES 0.79; 95% CI 0.17–1.41). Cho was decreased in 31 mTBI patients compared to 31 HC (ES –0.31; 95% CI –0.81 to 0.19). Cr was contradictory and, therefore, potentially not suitable as a reference marker after mTBI. Conclusions: MRS pinpoints changes in posttraumatic brain metabolism that correlate with cognitive dysfunction and, thus, might possibly help to detect mTBI patients at risk for unfavorable outcome or posttraumatic neurodegeneration early.
Proinflammatory α-Adrenergic Neuronal Regulation of Splenic IFN-γ, IL-6, and TGF-β of Mice from Day 15 onwards in Arthritis
Authors: Straub Rainer H. , Dufner Bianca , Rauch Luise
Published: July 2020

Introduction: In arthritic mice, a sympathetic influence is proinflammatory from the time point of immunization until the onset of disease (days 0–32), but reasons are unknown. Disruption of the major anti-inflammatory pathway through Gαs-coupled receptors probably play a role. For example, noradrenaline cannot operate via anti-inflammatory β2-adrenoceptors but through proinflammatory α1/2-ad­renoceptors. This might happen, first, through a loss of sympathetic nerve fibers in inflamed tissue with low neurotransmitter levels (noradrenaline only binds to high-affinity α-adrenoceptors) and, second, through an alteration in G-protein receptor coupling with a predominance of α-adrenergic signaling. We hypothesized that both mechanisms play a role in the course of collagen type II-induced arthritis (CIA) in the spleen in mice. Methods: In CIA mice, nerve fiber density in the spleen was quantified by immunohistochemistry techniques. The functional impact of sympathetic nerve fibers in the spleen was studied by a micro­superfusion technique of spleen slices with a focus on the secretion of IFN-γ and IL-6 (proinflammatory) and TGF-β (anti-inflammatory). Results: During CIA, sympathetic nerve fibers get increasingly lost from day14 until day 55 after immunization. The influence of electrically released noradrenaline diminishes in the course of arthritis. At all investigated time points (days 14, 32, and 55), only proinflammatory neuronal α-adrenergic effects on cytokine secretion were demonstrated (i.e., stimulation of IFN-γ and IL-6 and inhibition of TGF-β). Conclusion: Sympathetic nerve fibers are rapidly lost in the spleen, and only proinflammatory α-adrenergic neuronal regulation of cytokine secretion takes place throughout the course of arthritis. These results support a predominance of a proinflammatory α-adrenergic sympathetic influence in arthritis.
Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Use of Early Supportive Measures in PHACE Syndrome: A European Multinational Observational Study
Authors: Disse Sigrid Claudia , Toelle Sandra P. , Schroeder Simone , Theiler Martin , Weibel Lisa , Broser Philip , Langner Cornelia , Siegel Dawn , Brockmann Knut , Schoenfelder Ines , Meyer Sascha
Published: July 2020

Background: PHACE syndrome is a rare inborn condition characterized by large facial hemangiomas and variable malformations of the arterial system, heart, central nervous system, and eyes. According to Orphanet estimates, the prevalence is <1.0 per million. Data from Europe are limited to small case series, and there are no population-based data available. Objectives: We conducted the present study to provide population-based estimates of the disease prevalence of PHACE syndrome in children in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. We compared these first systematic data on PHACE syndrome from Europe to published data from the PHACE Syndrome International Clinical Registry and Genetic Repository (USA). Clinical features in our cohort with PHACE syndrome were assessed in detail, including the need for early supportive measures. Methods: We used a population-based approach by means of a previously well-established network of child neurologists from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria (“ESNEK”) to identify potential patients. The patients’ guardians and child neurologists were asked to fill in questionnaires developed in collaboration with the International PHACE Registry. Results: We identified 19 patients with PHACE syndrome. Estimated prevalence rates were 6.5 per million in Switzerland, 0.59 per million in Germany, and 0.65 per million in Austria. A subset of 10 patients from Germany and Switzerland participated in our study, providing detailed clinical assessment (median age: 2.5 years; 9 females, 1 male). Cerebrovascular involvement was frequent (80%). Facial hemangioma extent correlated significantly with the number of organs involved (p = 0.011). In 9 out of 10 patients, facial hemangiomas were treated successfully with oral propranolol. Baseline demographic data as well as the rate of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular anomalies were in line with those from the US International PHACE Registry and other published PHACE cohorts. Conclusions: Our study provides population-based estimates for PHACE syndrome in 3 German-speaking countries. The data from Switzerland indicate that PHACE syndrome may be more prevalent than demonstrated by previous reports. Underreporting of PHACE syndrome in Germany and Austria likely accounts for the differences in prevalence rates. The clinical observation of a potential association between the size of facial hemangioma and extent of organ involvement warrants further investigation.
Diabetes and covid-19: more than the sum of two morbidities
Authors: Pititto Bianca De Almeida , Ferreira Sandra Roberta G.
Published: July 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19) pandemic has caused a public health emergency worldwide. Risk, severity and mortality of the disease have been associated with non-communicable chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus. Accumulated evidence has caused great concern in countries with high prevalence of this morbidity, such as Brazil. This text shows the picture of diabetes in Brazil, followed by epidemiological data and explanatory hypothesis for the association between diabetes and covid-19. We emphasized how the burden of these two morbidities in a middleincome country has aggravated this pandemic scenario. The comprehension of this association and biological plausibility may help face this pandemic and future challenges.