bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Natural Dietary Spices for Reclamation of Food Quality Impairment by Aflatoxin
Authors: Negera Misgana , Washe Alemayehu P.
Published: February 2019

Certain natural dietary spices, in addition to their use in food flavoring and preservation, have the ability to detoxify or degrade a wide range of chemical carcinogens. In the present study, aqueous extracts of judiciously selected natural dietary spices were evaluated for their ability to degrade aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). A total of 9 spices including garlic (Allium sativum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), black cumin (Nigella sativum), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), sacred basil (Ocimum basilicum), lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratusL. (DC)Stapf)), thyme (Thymus schimperi), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), and lemon traditionally used by the Ethiopian Community for food flavoring and preservation were considered. Aflatoxin degradation efficacy of the spice extracts was studied through determination of the toxin in extract-treated and nontreated samples using LC-MS/MS. The degradation was characterized by electrochemical methods based on the characteristic oxidation peak of phenolic hydroxyl resulting from the degradation of the toxin after treatment with the extracts. Of the various spices, garlic showed the highest 35.8% (30 min) to 61.7% (1 hr) in spiked and 46.7% (30 min) to 68.3% (1 hr) and real-sample (contaminated maize) treatment reduction followed by lemon 34.2% (30 min) to 56.0% (1 hr) in spiked and 41.1% (30 min) to 60.6% (1 hr) in real-sample treatment at 25°C. The level of reduction was higher in real-sample treatment than that in spiked. This suggests adsorptive contribution by the matrix in addition to the chemical degradation. The current findings revealed nonobvious benefits of the use of natural dietary spices as effective solution for AFB1 degradation and decontamination of food.
An Efficient and Provably Secure Anonymous User Authentication and Key Agreement for Mobile Cloud Computing
Authors: Mo Jiaqing , Hu Zhongwang , Chen Hang , Shen Wei
Published: February 2019

Nowadays, due to the rapid development and wide deployment of handheld mobile devices, the mobile users begin to save their resources, access services, and run applications that are stored, deployed, and implemented in cloud computing which has huge storage space and massive computing capability with their mobile devices. However, the wireless channel is insecure and vulnerable to various attacks that pose a great threat to the transmission of sensitive data. Thus, the security mechanism of how the mobile devices and remote cloud server authenticate each other to create a secure session in mobile cloud computing environment has aroused the interest of researchers. In this paper, we propose an efficient and provably secure anonymous two-factor user authentication protocol for the mobile cloud computing environment. The proposed scheme not only provides mutual authentication between mobile devices and cloud computing but also fulfills the known security evaluation criteria. Moreover, utilization of ECC in our scheme reduces the computing cost for mobile devices that are computation capability limited and battery energy limited. In addition, the formal security proof is given to show that the proposed scheme is secure under random oracle model. Security analysis and performance comparisons indicate that the proposed scheme has reasonable computation cost and communication overhead at the mobile client side as well as the server side and is more efficient and more secure than the related competitive works.
A Multiconstrained QoS-Compliant Routing Scheme for Highway-Based Vehicular Networks
Authors: Lakas Abderrahmane , Fekair Mohamed El Amine , Korichi Ahmed , Lagraa Nasreddine
Published: February 2019

With the deployment of multimedia services over VANETs, there is a need to develop new techniques to insure various levels of quality of services (QoS) for real time applications. However, in such environments, it is not an easy task to determine adequate routes to transmit data with specific application QoS requirements. In this paper, we propose CBQoS-Vanet, a new QoS-based routing protocol tailored towards vehicular networks in a highway scenario. This protocol is based on the use of two techniques: first a clustering technique which organizes and optimizes the exchange of routing information and, second, a bee colony inspired algorithm, which calculates the best routes from a source to a destination based on given QoS criteria. In our approach, clusters are formed around cluster heads that are themselves elected based on QoS considerations. The QoS criteria here are based on the two categories of metrics: QoS metrics and mobility metrics. The QoS metrics consists of the available bandwidth, the end-to-end delay, and the jitter. The mobility metrics consists of link expiration time and average velocity difference. We have studied the performance of CBQoS-Vanet through simulation and compared it to existing approaches. The results that we obtained show that our technique outperforms, in many aspects, the approaches that it was compared against.
Acute Uric Acid Nephropathy following Epileptic Seizures: Case Report and Review
Authors: Patel Chinmay , Wilson Caitlin P. , Ahmed Naveed , Hattab Yousef
Published: February 2019

Acute hyperuricemia most commonly occurs in patients who experience tumor lysis syndrome. Hyperuricemia along with other electrolyte abnormalities like hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, and hyperphosphatemia leads to acute kidney injury (AKI) due to acute uric acid nephropathy which is associated with significant morbidity. High risk patients are thus closely monitored for signs of these laboratory abnormalities. Extreme exercise, rhabdomyolysis, and seizures are rare causes of acute hyperuricemia. Serum uric acid level is not routinely monitored as a part of postictal labs. We report an unusual case of AKI in a young male with recurrent seizures and no associated rhabdomyolysis who was found to have acute uric acid nephropathy. Timely administration of Rasburicase prevented the need for dialysis in this patient and led to complete renal recovery. This case illustrates the importance of doing a urine microscopy and checking uric acid level in patients with recurrent seizures who develop unexplainable AKI, as timely management helps improve outcome. We also briefly review the pathophysiology of seizure related hyperuricemia and acute uric acid nephropathy.
Gabapentin versus Transdermal Fentanyl Matrix for the Alleviation of Chronic Neuropathic Pain of Radicular Origin: A Randomized Blind Multicentered Parallel-Group Noninferiority Trial
Authors: Hwang Chang Ju , Lee Jae Hyup , Kim Jung-Hoon , Min Sang Hyuk , Park Kun-Woo , Seo Hyoung-Yeon , Song Kwang-Sup
Published: February 2019

A number of studies have been published proposing various approaches to the treatment of neuropathic pain; however, to our knowledge, no attempts have been made to compare gabapentin and fentanyl in patients with lumbar radiculopathy. We evaluated the relative efficacy and safety of fentanyl matrix and gabapentin for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain of radicular origin. The study was designed as a randomized blind multicentered parallel-group noninferiority trial. A total of 108 patients with moderate-to-severe pain (≥4 intensity on an 11-point numeric rating scale) were randomly prescribed either fentanyl matrix or gabapentin over a period of 56 days. In the primary analysis, the noninferiority of fentanyl matrix treatment was evaluated in relation to the efficacy of gabapentin based on the pain intensity difference (PID) at 56 days after the first dose of the drugs. Secondary endpoints included pain relief, improvement in functional status (the Korean-Oswestry Disability Index (K-ODI)), improvement in depressive symptoms (Korean-Beck Depression Index (K-BDI)) between the 28th and 56th day, and adverse events (AEs). Analysis of the primary efficacy endpoint established the noninferiority of fentanyl matrix compared with gabapentin, with no statistically significant difference observed in the PID after 56 days for the two treatment groups. Similarly, analysis of pain relief revealed no significant differences between the groups on days 28 and 56. There was no difference in the K-ODI and K-BDI between the groups during the study period. The overall incidence of at least one AE was similar for fentanyl matrix (67.3%) and gabapentin (69.6%). The most commonly reported AEs for patients treated with fentanyl matrix and gabapentin included dizziness (30.8% vs. 44.6%, respectively), somnolence (26.9% vs. 35.7%), and constipation (15.4% vs. 17.9%). This study demonstrated that the analgesic effect of fentanyl matrix is noninferior in comparison with gabapentin and supports the use of fentanyl matrix as an effective and safe treatment for moderate-to-severe chronic neuropathic pain. This trial is registered with NCT01127100.
Flexural Properties and Elastic Modulus of Different Esthetic Restorative Materials: Evaluation after Exposure to Acidic Drink
Authors: Scribante Andrea , Bollardi Marco , Chiesa Marco , Poggio Claudio , Colombo Marco
Published: February 2019

Background. Acidic beverages, such as soft drinks, can produce erosion of resin composites. The purpose of the present study was to investigate mechanical properties of different esthetic restorative materials after exposure to acidic drink. Methods. Nine different composites were tested: nanofilled (Filtek Supreme XTE, 3M ESPE), microfilled hybrid (G-ænial, GC Corporation), nanohybrid Ormocer (Admira Fusion, Voco), microfilled (Gradia Direct, GC Corporation), microfilled hybrid (Essentia, GC Corporation), nanoceramic (Ceram.X Universal, Dentsply De Trey), supranano spherical hybrid (Estelite Asteria, Tokuyama Dental Corporation), flowable microfilled hybrid (Gradia Direct Flo, GC Corporation), and bulk fill flowable (SureFil SDR flow, Dentsply De Trey). Thirty specimens of each esthetic restorative material were divided into 3 subgroups (n=10): specimens of subgroup 1 were used as control, specimens of subgroup 2 were immersed in 50 ml of Coca Cola for 1 week, and specimens of subgroup 3 were immersed in 50 ml of Coca Cola for 1 month. Flexural strength and elastic modulus were measured for each material with an Instron Universal Testing Machine. Data were submitted to statistical analysis. Results. After distilled water immersion, nanofilled composite showed the highest value of both flexural strength and elastic modulus, but its flexural values decreased after acidic drink immersion. No significant differences were reported between distilled water and acidic drink immersion for all other materials tested both for flexural and for elastic modulus values. Conclusions. Even if nanofilled composite showed highest results, acidic drink immersion significantly reduced flexural values.
Planar Lens Antenna for High Data Rate Applications
Authors: Santillán-Haro Daniel , Sánchez-Escuderos Daniel , Antonino-Daviu Eva , Ferrando-Bataller Miguel
Published: February 2019

A low-profile lens antenna formed by 2 metallic rings with strips short-circuiting both rings is presented. The theory of characteristic modes is used to facilitate the design, optimization, and analysis of the structure. Simulations and measurements are presented for the optimized single-layer metallic lens antenna. Measured results show a large operating bandwidth (14.7% relative -14 dB impedance bandwidth) with a maximum directivity above 13.70 dBi and a return loss better than 14 dB.
Improving Accuracy of Lung Nodule Classification Using Deep Learning with Focal Loss
Authors: Tran Giang Son , Nghiem Thi Phuong , Nguyen Van Thi , Luong Chi Mai , Burie Jean-Christophe
Published: February 2019

Early detection and classification of pulmonary nodules using computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems is useful in reducing mortality rates of lung cancer. In this paper, we propose a new deep learning method to improve classification accuracy of pulmonary nodules in computed tomography (CT) scans. Our method uses a novel 15-layer 2D deep convolutional neural network architecture for automatic feature extraction and classification of pulmonary candidates as nodule or nonnodule. Focal loss function is then applied to the training process to boost classification accuracy of the model. We evaluated our method on the LIDC/IDRI dataset extracted by the LUNA16 challenge. The experiments showed that our deep learning method with focal loss is a high-quality classifier with an accuracy of 97.2%, sensitivity of 96.0%, and specificity of 97.3%.
White Matter Biomarkers Associated with Motor Change in Individuals with Stroke: A Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation Study
Authors: Wadden K. P. , Peters S. , Borich M. R. , Neva J. L. , Hayward K. S. , Mang C. S. , Snow N. J. , Brown K. E. , Woodward T. S. , Meehan S. K. , Boyd L. A.
Published: February 2019

Continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) is a form of noninvasive repetitive brain stimulation that, when delivered over the contralesional hemisphere, can influence the excitability of the ipsilesional hemisphere in individuals with stroke. cTBS applied prior to skilled motor practice interventions may augment motor learning; however, there is a high degree of variability in individual response to this intervention. The main objective of the present study was to assess white matter biomarkers of response to cTBS paired with skilled motor practice in individuals with chronic stroke. We tested the effects of stimulation of the contralesional hemisphere at the site of the primary motor cortex (M1c) or primary somatosensory cortex (S1c) and a third group who received sham stimulation. Within each stimulation group, individuals were categorized into responders or nonresponders based on their capacity for motor skill change. Baseline diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) indexed the underlying white matter microstructure of a previously known motor learning network, named the constrained motor connectome (CMC), as well as the corticospinal tract (CST) of lesioned and nonlesioned hemispheres. Across practice, there were no differential group effects. However, when categorized as responders vs. nonresponders using change in motor behaviour, we demonstrated a significant difference in CMC microstructural properties (as measured by fractional anisotropy (FA)) for individuals in M1c and S1c groups. There were no significant differences between responders and nonresponders in clinical baseline measures or microstructural properties (FA) in the CST. The present study identifies a white matter biomarker, which extends beyond the CST, advancing our understanding of the importance of white matter networks for motor after stroke.
Ectoine-Containing Inhalation Solution versus Saline Inhalation Solution in the Treatment of Acute Bronchitis and Acute Respiratory Infections: A Prospective, Controlled, Observational Study
Authors: Tran Binh-Hai , Dao Van-Anh , Bilstein Andreas , Unfried Klaus , Shah-Hosseini Kija , Mösges Ralph
Published: January 2019

Purpose. This study investigated an inhalation solution containing ectoine, a bacterial-derived extremolyte, for the treatment of acute bronchitis and acute respiratory infections in comparison with saline inhalation solution. Methods. This prospective, controlled, observational study comprised an inclusion visit (day 1), a final visit (day 7), and a follow-up questionnaire (day 17). The treatment itself was administered from day 1 to day 7. The Bronchitis Severity Score, patients’ general health, general effectiveness of the treatment, tolerability, and adverse events were compared between two groups. Results. In total, 135 patients were recruited; 79 patients received ectoine inhalation solution and 56 saline inhalation solution. After treatment, symptom scores decreased significantly in both groups (P < 0.05); the reduction in symptom scores was slightly greater in the ectoine group than in the saline group. The first significant reduction in symptom scores (P < 0.05) occurred earlier in the ectoine group than in the saline group. The differences in the area under the curve for the symptoms of dyspnea and auscultation findings were significant in favor of ectoine (P < 0.05). After treatment, more patients and physicians in the ectoine group assessed their or their patients’ condition as “completely recovered” or “greatly improved” than those in the saline group. Almost all patients and physicians assessed the tolerability of both treatments as “good” or “very good”. Conclusions. Ectoine inhalation solution seems to be slightly more effective than saline inhalation solution for the treatment of acute bronchitis and acute respiratory infections.
Implementation of a Controller to Eliminate the Limit Cycle in the Inverted Pendulum on a Cart
Authors: Antonio-Cruz Mayra , Hernández-Guzmán Victor Manuel , Silva-Ortigoza Ramón , Silva-Ortigoza Gilberto
Published: February 2019

A frequency response‐based linear controller is implemented to regulate the inverted pendulum on a cart at the inverted position. The objective is to improve the performance of the control system by eliminating the limit cycle generated by the dead‐zone, induced by static friction, at the actuator of the mechanism. This control strategy has been recently introduced and applied by the authors to eliminate the limit cycle in the Furuta pendulum and the pendubot systems. Hence, the main aim of the present paper is to study the applicability of the control strategy to eliminate the limit cycle in the inverted pendulum on a cart. The successful results that are obtained in experiments corroborate that the approach introduced by the authors to eliminate the limit cycle in the Furuta pendulum and pendubot is also valid for the inverted pendulum on a cart.
Association of Autoantibodies against M2-Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor with Atrial Fibrosis in Atrial Fibrillation Patients
Authors: Ma Guiling , Wu Xuejiao , Zeng Lijun , Jin Jiawei , Liu Xingpeng , Zhang Jianjun , Zhang Lin
Published: February 2019

Objectives. To investigate the association of serum autoantibodies against M2-muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (anti-M2-R) with atrial fibrosis in long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Methods. Twenty-four long-standing persistent AF patients, scheduled to undergo hybrid ablation surgery, were enrolled in the study. Twenty-six patients with sinus rhythm, scheduled to undergo coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, were enrolled into the non-AF group. We detected serum anti-M2-R levels. Left atrial appendages were subjected to histological and molecular biological assays. Patients in the AF group received follow-up for two years. Results. The AF group showed significantly higher serum anti-M2-R levels compared to the non-AF group (496.2 ± 232.5 vs. 86.3 ± 25.7 pmol/L, p<0.001). The AF group exhibited severe fibrosis in the left atrial appendages, as indicated by increased collagen volume fraction (45.2 ± 4.7% vs. 27.6 ± 8.3%, p<0.001), and higher levels of collagen I (0.52 ± 0.04 vs. 0.24 ± 0.06, p<0.001) and collagen III (0.51 ± 0.07 vs. 0.36 ± 0.09, p<0.001). TGF-β1 and CTGF were also upregulated in the AF group. A positive correlation between serum anti-M2-R levels and fibrosis of the left atrial appendage and fibrogenic indexes was observed. Conclusions. Serum anti-M2-R levels are higher in AF patients and are associated with the severity of atrial fibrosis. In addition, serum anti-M2-R levels are positively correlated to TGF-β1 and CTGF expression in the left atrial appendage.
Effect of Gravity on Repose Angle and Contact Forces of Particulate Pile Composed of Non-monodispersed Particles
Authors: Chen H. , Chen Y. X. , Wei Q. S. , Shi Y. S.
Published: February 2019

Evaluating the repose angle of granular materials under different kinds of gravitational conditions is essential for in situ resource exploration on surfaces of other Earth-like planets in the next decades. The forming process of particulate pile under different kinds of gravitational accelerations was simulated by three-dimensional discrete element method (DEM), where the particulate piles composed of normally distributed particles and lognormally distributed particles were considered, respectively. The effects of gravity on the repose angle and contact forces of the particulate pile were investigated. The results show that, for particulate pile composed of normally or lognormally distributed particles, the effect of gravity force on the repose angle is ignorable. For particles with a certain kind of size distribution, the distribution functions of normalized contact forces in the particulate pile under different gravity accelerations show to be in mutual coincidence. No obvious effect of the particle size distribution on the relation between the gravity acceleration and repose angle is observed.
Sealing Performance of Bionic Striped Mud Pump Piston
Authors: Cong Qian , Gao Tianyu , Sun Yiwen , Tian Weijun
Published: February 2019

The mud pump piston is a key part for providing mud circulation, but its sealing performance often fails under complex working conditions, which shorten its service life. Inspired by the ring segment structure of earthworms, the bionic striped structure on surfaces of the mud pump piston (BW-160) was designed and machined, and the sealing performances of the bionic striped piston and the standard piston were tested on a sealing performance testing bench. It was found the bionic striped structure efficiently enhanced the sealing performance of the mud pump piston, while the stripe depth and the angle between the stripes and lateral of the piston both significantly affected the sealing performance. The structure with a stripe depth of 2 mm and angle of 90° showed the best sealing performance, which was 90.79% higher than the standard piston. The sealing mechanism showed the striped structure increased the breadth and area of contact sealing between the piston and the cylinder liner. Meanwhile, the striped structure significantly intercepted the early leaked liquid and led to the refluxing rotation of the leaked liquid at the striped structure, reducing the leakage rate.
A Novel TOPSIS Method Based on Improved Grey Relational Analysis for Multiattribute Decision‐Making Problem
Authors: Yang Wenguang , Wu Yunjie
Published: February 2019

Multiattribute decision‐making (MADM) problem is difficult to assess because of the large number of attribute indices and the diversity of data distribution. Based on the understanding of data dispersion degree, a new grey TOPSIS method for MADM is studied. The main idea of this paper is to redefine the grey relational analysis through the dispersion of data distribution and redesign the TOPSIS by using the improved grey relational analysis. As a classical multiattribute decision analysis method, traditional TOPSIS does not consider the data distribution of the degree of dispersion and aggregation when it is compared with the optimal and worst alternative solutions. In view of the limitations of traditional TOPSIS, this paper has made two major improvements to TOPSIS. Firstly, the new grey relational analysis is applied to evaluate the grey positive relational degree between each alternative and the optimal solution and compute the grey negative relational degree between each alternative and the worst solution. Secondly, the weights of every attribute index about the optimal and worst solutions are put forward based upon the distance standard deviation and the average distance. Finally, the comprehensive grey TOPSIS is utilized to analyze the ranking of weapon selection problem. The numerical results verify the feasibility of the improved grey relational analysis and also highlight the practicability of the grey comprehensive TOPSIS.
Single-Cell Profiling of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma Reveals Underlying Heterogeneity Associated with Disease Progression
Authors: Borcherding Nicholas , Voigt Andrew P. , Liu Vincent , Link Brian K. , Zhang Weizhou , Jabbari Ali
Published: February 2019

Purpose:

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL), encompassing a spectrum of T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders involving the skin, have collectively increased in incidence over the last 40 years. Sézary syndrome is an aggressive form of CTCL characterized by significant presence of malignant cells in both the blood and skin. The guarded prognosis for Sézary syndrome reflects a lack of reliably effective therapy, due, in part, to an incomplete understanding of disease pathogenesis.

Experimental Design:

Using single-cell sequencing of RNA and the machine-learning reverse graph embedding approach in the Monocle package, we defined a model featuring distinct transcriptomic states within Sézary syndrome. Gene expression used to differentiate the unique transcriptional states were further used to develop a boosted tree classification for early versus late CTCL disease.

Results:

Our analysis showed the involvement of FOXP3+ malignant T cells during clonal evolution, transitioning from FOXP3+ T cells to GATA3+ or IKZF2+ (HELIOS) tumor cells. Transcriptomic diversities in a clonal tumor can be used to predict disease stage, and we were able to characterize a gene signature that predicts disease stage with close to 80% accuracy. FOXP3 was found to be the most important factor to predict early disease in CTCL, along with another 19 genes used to predict CTCL stage.

Conclusions:

This work offers insight into the heterogeneity of Sézary syndrome, providing better understanding of the transcriptomic diversities within a clonal tumor. This transcriptional heterogeneity can predict tumor stage and thereby offer guidance for therapy.
Abstract A01: Standardizing tracking and evaluation in cancer disparities research: Utilizing REDCap to track training, education, and community engagement activities
Authors: Chukwudozie Ifeanyi Beverly , Watson Karriem S. , Rhodes Stacey , Al-Kodmany Ahlam , Martinez Erica , Gay Christopher , Fitzgibbon Marian L. , Grippo Paul , Winn Robert A. , Winn Robert A.
Published: February 2019

The Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is dedicated to enhancing the diversity of the scientific workforce through training and education and supporting community engagement. The utilization of standardized tools to track and assist in the evaluation of outcomes from training, education, and community engagement programs is important to grants supported by the CRCHD. This case study describes the utilization of a readily available and secure web-based electronic tool, REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture), to broadly track and evaluate community engagement activities and training and education milestones in an Academic Cancer Center. Aim 1 describes the online survey tool created in REDCap to track all community engagement activities for the Cancer Center. Aim 2 describes methods and assessment tools created to track and evaluate mentoring relationships, training, educational activities, and career outcomes of trainees in an emerging cancer center seeking NCI designation. Training programs in the University of Illinois (UI) Cancer Center occur across the pipeline and target high school and undergraduate students, graduate and pre- and post-doctoral students, and early-stage investigators with a focus on populations under-represented in health disparities research. The utilization of REDCap will allow outcomes from NCI CRCHD funded programs and other training, education, and community engagement programs to uniformly track outcomes and assess efficacy to ensure alignment with NCI priorities for cancer centers in community engagement and training and education. Our case study supports the NIH's efforts to ensure longitudinal tracking of training and education programs for a minimum of 10 years and to ensure community engagement targeting the cancer center's catchment area. This case study can provide generalizable information to other cancer centers and NCI CRCHD awardees.

Citation Format: Ifeanyi Beverly Chukwudozie, Karriem S. Watson, Stacey Rhodes, Ahlam Al-Kodmany, Erica Martinez, Christopher Gay, Marian L. Fitzgibbon, Paul Grippo, Robert A. Winn, Robert A. Winn. Standardizing tracking and evaluation in cancer disparities research: Utilizing REDCap to track training, education, and community engagement activities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr A01.
Abstract A10: Using cluster analysis to explore heart age among cancer survivors in Alabama
Authors: Vo Jacqueline B. , Raju Dheeraj , Meneses Karen
Published: February 2019

Introduction: More than 223,000 cancer survivors reside in Alabama. The five-year survival rate of all cancer survivors is approximately 67%. Cancer treatment and behavioral risk factors may contribute to increased cardiovascular disease risk among cancer survivors. Heart age estimates cardiovascular disease risk using chronologic age, systolic blood pressure, smoking status, diabetes status, antihypertensive use, height, and weight. The purpose of this poster is to explore heart age in Alabama using cluster analysis.

Methods: Data were from the CDC-established Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System using Alabama years 2011 and 2013. Records were included if between ages 30-74 years. Cluster analysis uses a k-means clustering algorithm to fit the data. The first step is to identify optimal number of clusters based on similar properties (e.g., chronologic age, heart age, and body mass index) using the plot within cluster error. The second step is to assess the plot using the “elbow method” by selecting the optimal number of clusters based on the “elbow.” SAS 9.4, SUDAAN 11.0.1, and RStudio 3.2.3 were used to conduct statistical analyses.

Results: Four clusters were identified. Cluster 1 (n = 2,523) comprised older participants (66 years), who had a higher heart age (86 years) and overweight body mass index (28). Cluster 1 included 50% of the cancer survivor participants. Cluster 2 (n = 2,088) and Cluster 3 (n = 2,405) were younger (means of 39 and 55) with a lower excess heart age (means of 2 and 6) and overweight body mass index (28 and 25). Cluster 4 (n = 1,137) participants were middle-aged (mean 54 years), mean excess heart age of 22 years, morbidly obese, 42% non-Hispanic Blacks, and high self-report rate of diabetes (33%).

Discussion: Cluster analysis provides for additional data not found through mean comparison tests. Obesity is not a sole factor in increased cardiovascular disease risk among cancer survivors. Cancer treatment, not accounted for in heart age calculations, may contribute to risk. Additionally, middle-aged Alabama residents in Cluster 4 may be at risk for both cancer and cardiovascular disease. Future considerations may include creating a cancer-specific heart age tool.

Citation Format: Jacqueline B. Vo, Dheeraj Raju, Karen Meneses. Using cluster analysis to explore heart age among cancer survivors in Alabama [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr A10.
Abstract A28: Current and future incidence rates of invasive breast cancer between Black and White women
Authors: Lynn Brittny C. Davis , Rosenberg Philip S. , Anderson William F.
Published: February 2019

Background: Though incidence rates for invasive breast cancer overall have been historically lower for Black than White women, recent reports show that rates have converged between the two groups. We used the age-period-cohort framework to verify the current trends and to forecast future implications.

Methods: Data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results (SEER) Program 13 registries and the age-period-cohort forecasting model were used to observe current incidence rates (1992 to 2014) and to predict future trends (2015 to 2030) of invasive breast cancer by ER status among non-Hispanic White, Hispanic, and Black women, ages 30 to 84 years. Trends in the age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) were quantitated with the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) in the ASR.

Results: Observed invasive breast cancer incidence rates from 1992 through 2014 show convergence between White and Black women but not between non-Hispanic White and Black women. Observed incidence rates for ER-positive breast cancer are rising for all races, but rising faster among Black women with an EAPC = 0.77 [0.26, 1.29] %/year. In contrast, observed incidence rates for ER-negative breast cancer are decreasing for all races, but decreasing slower among Black women with an EAPC = -2.00 [-2.55, -1.43] %/year. Forecasting for ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancers suggests a continuation of the observed trends without future convergence in overall breast cancer rates.

Conclusions: Incidence rates between Black and White women did not converge when non-Hispanic White women were separated from Hispanic White women. Whenever possible, future comparative breast cancer analyses should always attempt to analyze discrete populations separately, given the complexities of differential risk factor exposures by race and/or ethnicity. A better understanding of breast cancer in general and by race may be accomplished by accurately describing the similarities and disparities among different ethnic groups.

Citation Format: Brittny C. Davis Lynn, Philip S. Rosenberg, William F. Anderson. Current and future incidence rates of invasive breast cancer between Black and White women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr A28.
Abstract A89: Gender and racial disparities in non-small cell lung cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Alsaadoun Noor , Kopciuk Karen , Hao Desiree , Riabowol Karl , Hollenberg D. Morley , Bebb D. Gwyn
Published: February 2019

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and remains the least-funded cancer in North America. Many studies addressed disparities in lung cancer incidence rate among the races; however, few studies described the effect of both race and gender in the risk of manifesting this disease. These studies lack consensus for both the etiology and the magnitude of gender-based disparities and their impact on disease development on specific racial groups. These unknown race-associated characteristics between men and women might adversely affect the improvement of current therapies and patient outcomes. Characterizing gender as a possible risk modifier in lung cancer development among certain ethnic groups may aid in the development of targeted agents that improve patient outcomes.

This study aimed to investigate the global pattern of gender-based disparities in incidence of lung cancer and describe the etiologic factors associated with different racial groups in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), since it comprises 85% of all diagnosed cases. This aim was accomplished by analyzing data scrutinized using a systematic review approach for studies published between 1996 and 2016. We found a statistically significant effect of race on lung cancer incidence rate, and this effect varies by gender. We also found that certain races are more prone to develop adenocarcinoma in their histology than others, regardless of their sex. In addition, we found that Asian women have higher rates of NSCLC regardless of their living environment.

Our findings also show that the number of cases of NSCLC is rising among women of all races, regardless of their smoking status. By visualizing NSCLC pattern in both men and women among different countries and racial groups, we stimulate future findings to establish efficacious preventative strategies and will stimulate research advancements toward sex- and racial-designed diagnostics, including alternative treatments that could reduce the manifestation of this disease.

Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference.

Citation Format: Noor Alsaadoun, Karen Kopciuk, Desiree Hao, Karl Riabowol, D. Morley Hollenberg, D. Gwyn Bebb. Gender and racial disparities in non-small cell lung cancer: A systematic review [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr A89.
Abstract B55: Tumor-derived MCP-1 regulates invasiveness in triple-negative breast cancer via the MAP kinase pathway
Authors: Dutta Pranabananda , Paico Kimberly , Wu Yanyuan , Sarkissyan Marianna , Vadgama Jaydutt
Published: February 2019

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive type of breast cancer compared to other breast cancer subtypes. The frequency of TNBC expression is highest in young African-American women, leading to significant cancer health disparity in this population. Furthermore, TNBC is difficult to treat due to lack of known receptor targets at protein or gene level. Hence, it is imperative to identify novel therapeutic strategies for treatment of TNBC. Here we aim to show that the Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein -1 (MCP-1) is a reliable biochemical marker to assess TNBC progression.

Experimental Design: We employed ELISA method to measure secreted MCP-1 in cell conditioned media, and real-time PCR to determine the mRNA status of MCP-1 in different TNBC cell lines. Boyden chamber assay was used to determine the effect of recombinant MCP-1 on cellular invasiveness. Immunohistochemistry staining was utilized for detecting protein of interest in tissue samples from breast cancer patients. MCP-1 knockdown was performed using lentiviral vector with shRNA targeting MCP-1 coding regions. RNAseq was performed with recombinant human MCP-1.

Results: Our data show that MCP-1 is upregulated in TNBC cell lines, both transcriptionally and in secreted protein levels compared to ER-positive cell line, MCF-7. Breast cancer patients also showed high expression of MCP-1. MCP-1 treatment induced MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell invasion, without affecting cell proliferation. Small-molecule antagonists against chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2), cognate receptor for MCP-1, and the MAP kinase pathway inhibitor U0106 negatively affected MDA-MB-231 cell invasion as measured by the Boyden chamber assay. This suggests that MCP-1-CCR2 axis may regulate invasiveness via the MAP kinase pathway. Knocking down MCP-1 by shRNA decreased cell invasion in TNBC cell line, BT-549, along with downregulation of key epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers, N-cadherin and Vimentin. Recombinant MCP-1 treatment in TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells upregulated genes associated with cytokine signaling.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that a high MCP-1 level in TNBC cells may be responsible for increase in cell invasion via the MAP kinase pathway. Thus, MCP-1-mediated pathways could be potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of TNBC and reduce cancer health disparities.

Citation Format: Pranabananda Dutta, Kimberly Paico, Yanyuan Wu, Marianna Sarkissyan, Jaydutt Vadgama. Tumor-derived MCP-1 regulates invasiveness in triple-negative breast cancer via the MAP kinase pathway [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr B55.
Abstract B67: Overexpression of claudin-3 tight junction protein in endometrial cancer cell lines and tumor tissues derived from African American women
Authors: Cuevas Maria E. , Todd Maria C.
Published: February 2019

According to the American Cancer Society (2017), endometrial cancer is the most common type of reproductive tumor in the US. Notably, whereas the incidence of endometrial cancer is similar in women of different races, the mortality rate is significantly higher in African American women. Currently, the molecular etiology of this disease is not well understood nor is there an explanation as to the disparity between the clinical outcomes for African American women and women of other races. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to determine (1) the expression of claudin-3 mRNA and protein in a panel of endometrial cancer cell lines and (2) the expression of claudin-3 protein in matched pairs of normal and tumor tissues derived from African American women with endometrial cancer. RT-PCR was used to measure claudin-3 mRNA expression, and immunoblotting was used to evaluate claudin-3 protein levels. We observed overexpression of claudin-3 protein in 4 of the 10 endometrial cancer cell lines and in 4 of the 6 primary endometrial cancer tissues (relative to their matched normal control tissues). Consistent with the immunoblotting data, the levels of claudin-3 mRNA were elevated in the same 4 cell lines that showed overexpression of the protein. These data suggest that increased transcription of the claudin-3 gene is responsible for the elevated levels of the claudin-3 protein. Consistent observations of elevated claudin-3 gene expression may indicate its use as a diagnostic marker. The finding of claudin-3 overexpression in the majority of endometrial tumor tissues suggests a role for tight junction disruption in the development of endometrial cancer in African American women.

Citation Format: Maria E. Cuevas, Maria C. Todd. Overexpression of claudin-3 tight junction protein in endometrial cancer cell lines and tumor tissues derived from African American women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr B67.
Abstract B70: Thymoquinone regulates cytochrome P450 genes involved in prostate cancer disparity
Authors: Singh Santosh K. , Lillard James W. , Singh Rajesh
Published: February 2019

African American (AA) men have a higher incidence and greater mortality from prostate cancer (PCa) than Caucasian American (CA) men. The factor influencing the racial disparity is not clearly understood and is probably genetic variation attributed to the disease. Androgen and androgen receptor (AR) pathways have long been associated with prostate growth. Racial differences have also been found among variants of the genes of the enzymes involved in androgen biosynthesis and metabolism, such as CYP3A4, CYP3A7, and CYP17A1. Although several inhibitors are approved for CYPs genes, the major drawback of these inhibitors is they contain the steroid scaffold, which contributes to the undesirable side effects (dyspnea, edema, contusion, etc.) observed in patients. In this regard, using nonsteroid scaffolds such as natural compound acts as a more potent inhibitor and interacts more selectively with the cytochrome P450 family. In this study, our data showed the effect of natural compound thymoquinone (TQ), a constituent of Nigella sativa (black seed), on CYP3A4, CYP3A7, and CYP17A1 genes in PCa cells, and found that TQ-treated cells significantly downregulated the expression of CYP3A4, CYP3A7, and CYP17A1 in MDA PCa 2b and E006AA-hT (African American) compared to LNCaP (Caucasian) cell lines. These findings were further confirmed by flow cytometry, Western blots, and immunofluorescence. These studies suggested that TQ could be the potent inhibitor of the active sites of the cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are an important target in the treatment of PCa. Additionally, knowledge of the PCa susceptibility genes (CYPs) could be used to identify individuals at risk of developing PCa with poor outcomes for heightened screening or prevention modalities and to identify optimal treatment strategies for men of African descent.

Citation Format: Santosh K. Singh, James W. Lillard, Jr., Rajesh Singh. Thymoquinone regulates cytochrome P450 genes involved in prostate cancer disparity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr B70.
Abstract B88: [Advocate Abstract:] An anthropological approach to African American prostate cancer disparity
Authors: Green Gerald
Published: February 2019

Originally, my poster board was only addressing my prostate cancer advocacy and disparity work that I do with the Men's Health Committee/UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and Alameda County Office of Urban Male Health. And when the observer sees the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data, the alarming national disparity patterns will become more apparent. To combat that trend, our prostate support group has developed a socialization pattern we call “Men Talk” to help men make more informed decisions. We'll see if our local disparity decreases. If it does, then our model will become a candidate for national adoption. And since I'm engaged in other advocacy work, I decided to share those activities:

1. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ECOG-ACRIN), where I'm involved with the Head and Neck Cancer Committee and the Cancer Research Advocates Committee

2. Kaiser Permanente Community Action Board (CAB), where I'm chair of the Northern California CAB Tissue Bank and member of Kaiser's National CAB Tissue Bank

3. Sutter Health's Ethnic Health Cancer Committee, where we focus on colon, breast, and prostate cancers

I'll provide more detail on all four (4) advocacy activities on the poster board and hopefully by sharing my other advocacy voices, the viewer gains a more complete picture of my advocacy interest and needs.

Citation Format: Gerald Green. [Advocate Abstract:] An anthropological approach to African American prostate cancer disparity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr B88.