bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Photocatalytic Performances of WO3/TiO2 Composite Nanofibers
Authors: Han Xiuping , Yao Binghua , Li Keying , Zhu Wenjing , Zhang Xuyuan
Published: August 2020

The use of sunlight for photocatalytic oxidation is an ideal strategy, but it is limited by factors such as insufficient light absorption intensity of the photocatalyst and easy recombination of photogenerated electron holes. TiO2 is favored by researchers as an environment-friendly catalyst. In this paper, TiO2 is combined with WO3 to obtain a nanofiber with excellent catalytic performance under sunlight. The WO3/TiO2 composite nanofibers were synthesized by using the electrospinning method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that WO3 was successfully integrated onto the surface of TiO2. The photodegradation performance and photocurrent analysis of the prepared nanofibers showed that the addition of WO3 really improved the photocatalytic performance of TiO2 nanofibers, methylene blue (MB) degradation rate increased from 72% to 96%, and 5% was the optimal composite mole percentage of W to Ti. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-Vis DRS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis further characterized the properties of 5% WO3/TiO2 nanofibers. The H2 generation rate of 5% WO3/TiO2 nanofibers was 107.15 μmol·g−1·h−1, in comparison with that of TiO2 nanofibers (73.21 μmol·g−1·h−1) under the same condition. The 5% WO3/TiO2 produced ·OH under illumination, which played an important role in the MB degradation. Also, the enhanced photocatalytic mechanism was also proposed based on the detailed analysis of the band gap and the active species trapping experiment. The results indicated that the effective separation of Z-scheme photogenerated electron-hole pairs and transfer system constructed between TiO2 and WO3 endowed the excellent photocatalytic activity of 5% WO3/TiO2 nanofibers.
Overexpression of miR‐150‐5p Alleviates Apoptosis in Sepsis‐Induced Myocardial Depression
Authors: Zhu Xiao Geng , Zhang Tie Ning , Wen Ri , Liu Chun Feng
Published: August 2020

Sepsis‐induced myocardial depression has high mortality and is very common in intensive care units. Previous studies have found that microRNAs play an important role in regulating sepsis‐induced myocardial depression. miR‐150‐5p is involved in many biological processes; however, the mechanism underlying its role in sepsis‐induced myocardial depression is still unclear. In this study, we generated rat models of septic shock induced by lipopolysaccharide. Whole genomic RNA sequencing was performed on 12 left ventricles collected after LPS treatment to identify miRNAs. Most of the target genes of the differently expressed microRNAs were involved in apoptosis, according to Gene Ontology. We also observed apoptosis in the heart tissue and in H9C2 cardiomyocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, indicating that cell apoptosis may be an important mechanism in sepsis‐induced myocardial depression. Furthermore, the expression of miR‐150‐5p was reduced, and overexpression of miR‐150‐5p with mimics resulted in a decrease in apoptosis, decreased expression of cleaved caspase3 and Bax, and increased expression of Bcl‐2. Additionally, after H9C2 cells were transfected with miR‐150‐5p mimics or an inhibitor, the expression of Akt2 decreased or increased, respectively. These findings suggest that miR‐150‐5p can alleviate apoptosis and may be a novel therapeutic target for sepsis‐induced myocardial depression.
Studying and Optimizing the Effect of Process Parameters on Machining Vibration in Turning Process of AISI 1040 Steel
Authors: Al-Shayea Adel , Abdullah Fawaz M. , Noman Mohammed A. , Kaid Husam , Abouel Nasr Emad
Published: August 2020

The turning, which consists of the removal of metal from the outer diameter of a rotating cylindrical workpiece, is one of the most common techniques for cutting, especially when finishing the product. The values of the cutting parameters, such as feed rate, cutting speed, and depth of cut, in a turning operation must be selected carefully to improve the profit of operations by enhancing productivity and reducing the total manufacturing cost for each component. A high vibration leads to poor surface finish and reduced productivity and shortens the tool life; therefore, this parameter should be controlled. In this study, an experiment is conducted to investigate the effects of these cutting parameters in the turning process of a workpiece, composed of AISI 1040 steel, using the response surface method. Statistical tools were used to design the experiments. These parameters are optimized by using analysis of variance, regression, and optimization techniques to achieve the condition of minimum vibration and chip frequency, therefore improving the surface roughness after the turning process.
Influence of 3D Urban Dense Building Groups on Magnification of Ground Motion in Homogeneous Sedimentary Basin
Authors: Jiang Ping-Lin , Jiang Hua , Yu Tian-Yi , Sun Tian-Yu , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2020

By using the harmonic response analysis in the finite element analysis method, the seismic dynamic interaction of the three-dimensional urban building group-homogeneous sedimentary basin is studied. The viscoelastic artificial boundary is introduced, which can overcome both the defects of low-frequency drift and high-frequency instability, and the equivalent load in frequency domain is obtained by fast Fourier transform for loading, to explore the influence of the different incident frequencies (0.5–5.0 Hz), different numbers (196, 400, 676), and spacing (55 m, 62.5 m, 70 m) of building groups on the ground motion of homogeneous sedimentary basin under the incidence of SV wave. Numerical results illustrate that at low frequency, the displacement cloud image of the homogeneous sedimentary basin model shows an obvious phenomenon of “central focusing.” With the increase of frequency, the displacement cloud image gradually changes from “central focusing” to “multipoint focusing.” Meanwhile, the displacement peak gradually moves from the surface to the center of the basin. At a certain incident frequency, the existence of dense building groups will change the spatial distribution of displacement amplitude in the basin. Under the action of high-frequency incident waves, denser building groups with more buildings and smaller building spacing have a more pronounced weakening effect on the seismic response of homogeneous sedimentary basins. The displacement response of the center of the basin is generally large. When planning important buildings, the center area should be avoided as much as possible. For existing buildings, structural reinforcement is needed. It is of great significance for the planning and layout of buildings in the soft sedimentary basin and the reasonable spacing of buildings to reduce the risk of urban earthquake disaster.
A Pilot Study on Structural Responses of Normal Concrete‐UHPC Composite Bridge Decks w/wo Rebars through an Experimental‐Numerical Approach
Authors: Yuan Siqi , Liu Zhao , Tong Teng , Fu Chung C.
Published: August 2020

Ultra‐high‐performance concrete (UHPC) is already gaining in‐field applications in bridge deck rehabilitation. On the other aspect, an innovative NC‐UHPC composite deck system was motivated to promote accelerated bridge construction (ABC) implementation of a newly built bridge, of which the precast UHPC substrate serves as the formwork for the cast‐in‐place NC overlay. Performance characterizations were investigated by loading five decks, of various UHPC thickness and w/wo longitudinal or transverse rebars. Their effects on the composite decks’ failure patterns and load‐deflection curves were quantitatively analyzed. Besides, digital image correlation (DIC) technique was adopted to adequately capture their damage evolutions. Moreover, analytical solutions for predicting a composite deck’s flexural and shear strengths are tentatively derived. Finally, 3D finite element (FE) models are developed within ATENA framework, capable of embracing the NC‐UHPC interface’s behaviors. Numerical predictions agree well with the experimental results and can benefit further researches evolving a NC‐UHPC composite deck system.
Evaluating Security of Internet of Medical Things Using the Analytic Network Process Method
Authors: Huang Xucheng , Nazir Shah
Published: September 2020

Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) plays an important role in healthcare. Different devices such as smart sensors, wearable devices, handheld, and many other devices are connected in a network in the form of Internet of Things (IoT) for the smooth running of communication in healthcare. Security of these devices in healthcare is important due to its nature of functionality and efficiency. An efficient and robust security system is in dire need to cope with the attacks, threats, and vulnerability. The security evaluation of IoMT is an issue since couple of years. Therefore, the aim of the proposed study is to evaluate the security of IoMT by using the analytic network (ANP) process. The proposed approach is applied using ISO/IEC 27002 (ISO 27002) standard and some other important features from the literature. The results of the proposed research demonstrate the effective IoMT components which can further be used as secure IoMT.
Statistical Characteristics of Polymer Grouting Material Microstructure
Authors: Wang Juan , Li Xun , Fang Hongyuan , Zhang Juan , Li Jinping
Published: August 2020

The two‐component foaming polyurethane is a kind of grouting material that has recently been widely used in engineering structural repair. Its physical and mechanical properties are closely related to its microstructure. Therefore, the qualitative and quantitative analysis of polymer microstructure has always been a research hotspot. The statistical characteristics of polymer grouting material microstructure are investigated by six groups of specimens with different densities, and the density varies from 0.1 to 0.6 g/cm3. The microstructure morphology of polymer was observed and described by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the microstructure feature parameters were extracted and calculated by image processing technology. The quantitative analysis of section cell roundness distribution, cell diameter distribution, and polymer porosity shows that low‐density polymer materials have anisotropy. While the density exceeds 0.3 g/cm3, the cell structure tends to be spherical. The section cell diameters obey a normal distribution, and when the density increases, the cell diameter decreases. The porosity of the polymer has a linear negative correlation with the density. The polymer matrix has a density of 1.21 g/cm3. The microstructural information obtained in this study will help establish a cell‐based model to explain the mechanical response of rigid polymer foams.
Artificial Ground Motions and Nonlinear Response of RC Structures
Authors: Ferrotto Marco Filippo , Basone Francesco , Asteris Panangiotis G. , Cavaleri Liborio
Published: August 2020

The selection of seismic inputs for nonlinear dynamic analysis is widely debated, mainly focusing on the advantages and disadvantages provided by the choice of natural, simulated, or artificial records. This work proves the differences in the structural behavior of RC buildings when using accelerograms with different levels of stationarity. Initially, nonlinear response under three sets of accelerograms equivalent in terms of pseudo acceleration spectrum is evaluated and compared. Then, the results of incremental dynamic analyses are compared by the statistical point of view considering different levels of irregularity for the reference structure.
A Comparative Performance Investigation of Swarm Optimisers on the Design of Hydrostatic Thrust Bearing
Authors: Sahin Ismail
Published: September 2020

In the design of hydrostatic thrust bearings, power loss that occurs during operation is an important parameter that affects the design, and due to such features, it falls within the interest of design optimisation studies. The fact that the decimal places of the constraints and design variables used for minimum power loss optimisation of hydrostatic thrust bearings are highly effective on the result is a challenge for the design optimisation studies carried out on the problem and has yet made it rather attractive for the researchers. In this study, it is this feature of the problem that makes it the most important motivator in researching the performance of different metaheuristic optimisers in solving the minimum power loss problem. To this end, 7 different optimisers, four of them for the first time, were applied under equal conditions with various pop sizes and a number of iterations, and their performances were addressed under this challenging benchmark problem. The performances of these methods were compared to each other. In addition to the success of optimisers in reaching a solution, their performance in different populations and iterations is also discussed in the study. Considering the results, it is seen that MVO is the most effective optimiser in solving the problem and is followed by the WOA, PSO, and GWO. The application of WOA, MVO, CS, and SSA, for the first time, on the problem has exhibited that these methods could be used in optimisation of such delicate engineering problems.
Dental Tissue-Derived Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Potential in Therapeutic Application
Authors: Gan Lu , Liu Ying , Cui Dixin , Pan Yue , Zheng Liwei , Wan Mian
Published: September 2020

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are multipotent cells, which exhibit plastic adherence, express specific cell surface marker spectrum, and have multi-lineage differentiation potential. These cells can be obtained from multiple tissues. Dental tissue-derived hMSCs (dental MSCs) possess the ability to give rise to mesodermal lineage (osteocytes, adipocytes, and chondrocytes), ectodermal lineage (neurocytes), and endodermal lineages (hepatocytes). Dental MSCs were first isolated from dental pulp of the extracted third molar and till now they have been purified from various dental tissues, including pulp tissue of permanent teeth and exfoliated deciduous teeth, apical papilla, periodontal ligament, gingiva, dental follicle, tooth germ, and alveolar bone. Dental MSCs are not only easily accessible but are also expandable in vitro with relative genomic stability for a long period of time. Moreover, dental MSCs have exhibited immunomodulatory properties by secreting cytokines. Easy accessibility, multi-lineage differentiation potential, and immunomodulatory effects make dental MSCs distinct from the other hMSCs and an effective tool in stem cell-based therapy. Several preclinical studies and clinical trials have been performed using dental MSCs in the treatment of multiple ailments, ranging from dental diseases to nondental diseases. The present review has summarized dental MSC sources, multi-lineage differentiation capacities, immunomodulatory features, its potential in the treatment of diseases, and its application in both preclinical studies and clinical trials. The regenerative therapeutic strategies in dental medicine have also been discussed.
A Remarkable Coexistence of Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome and Diabetes in an 11-Year-Old Boy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ata Aysun , Özen Samim , Gökşen Damla , Edeer Karaca Neslihan , Aksu Güzide , Kütükçüler Necil , Onay Hüseyin , Darcan Şükran
Published: September 2020

Systemic capillary leak syndrome (ISCLS) is a rare disease characterized by unexplained reversible capillary hyperpermeability followed by hypoperfusion, hemoconcentration, and either hypoalbuminemia or total hypoproteinemia. An 11-year-old boy was admitted with vomiting, generalized edema, and hyperglycemia, which was preceded by 5 days of coryzal symptoms, lethargy, and oral aft, without fever. On physical examination, he had tachycardia and hypotension, with severe generalized systemic nonitchy edema, and the laboratory tests supported the conclusion that he had severe hemoconcentration with hemoglobin: 184 g/L, hematocrit: 51.3 %, urea: 20 mmol/L, blood glucose: 11.1 mmol/L, and albumin: 19 gr/L, with normal urine analysis. On the fourth day, the patient was diagnosed with ISCLS, by ruling out other causes of shock and hypoalbuminemia. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment regimen was administered on two consecutive days (day five and day six). His edema decreased on the fifth day, and the patient was deemed clinically well. There was no compartment syndrome, rhabdomyolysis, or pulmonary edema in the recovery period. However, respiratory virus panel PCR was positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and enterovirus, which were thought to be the triggering cause of ISCLS. For the differential diagnosis of diabetes, his fasting serum glucose was 13.4 mmol/L, simultaneous C-peptide was 0.44 nmol/L, and HbA1c was 64 mmol/mol, and urine ketone was positive. However, antiglutamic acid decarboxylase, anti-insulin antibody, and islet cell antibody were negative. At the last outpatient visit, 22 months after the diagnosis, his insulin dose was still 0.4 IU/kg/day and HbA1c was 40 mmol/mol, and without prophylaxis, there was no ISCLS attack. Conclusion. Early recognition of ISCLS is important for therapeutic awareness, since it is very rare in childhood and occurs usually without any prior provoking factors in healthy children. With the increase in awareness of the disease, knowledge and experiences about pediatric patients may also increase. We think that our case will contribute to the literature since there have been no pediatric diabetic patients with ISCLS reported.
Investigation of Biogas Energy Yield from Local Food Waste and Integration of Biogas Digester and Baking Stove for Injera Preparation: A Case Study in the University of Gondar Student Cafeteria
Authors: Bicks Ashenafi Tesfaye
Published: August 2020

Energy shortage is the main problem while preparing food at the university in Ethiopia. Baking of injera consumes a lot of firewood due to the nature of baking mitad and layout of the system. The daily average firewood consumption is 8600 kg which is equivalent to 790.3 m3 of gas. In this study, an investigation of energy yield from food waste is examined by assessing the daily waste generation rate from the university student cafeteria and configuring the baking stove (mitad) that utilizes biogas energy. CFD is used to investigate the performance and heat distribution of baking mitad. In the study, the measured average daily biodegradable food waste and kitchen waste generation rate in the campus is around 863 kg/day. The conversion of this food waste using the anaerobic digestion system yields 43.2 m3 biogas per day. Utilizing the daily biogas generated for baking injera improves the overall food making process and reduces firewood consumption by 5.4%. This biogas energy yield is considered to be utilized for baking injera in the kitchen. The designed biogas mitad (stove) does not generate smoke due to the type of fuel used and configuration of baking mitad. Furthermore, the stove has an insulation mechanism considered to conserve the heat loss to the surrounding. Generally, the utilization of the biogas system and integration of the biogas injera baking stove will improve the overall food processing mechanism in the university.
Study of the Impact Energy Releasing Characteristics of Al/PTFE/W Energetic Jets
Authors: Li Fuhai , Liu Hantao , Xiao Yanwen
Published: August 2020

Compared with traditional jets, energetic jets have more efficient damage effects. To study the reaction characteristics of polytetrafluoroethylene- (PTFE-) based energetic jets under impact loading, the static mechanical properties of Al/PTFE/W composite energetic materials are studied by using a universal testing machine at a strain rate of 0.01 s−1, and the dynamic mechanical properties are tested on a slip Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) system at a strain rate of 1000∼5500 s−1. A dynamic energy acquisition system is established to quantify the energy generated by the response of the Al/PTFE/W energetic jets to impact targets. The effects of the material proportion and impact energy on the mechanical and energy release properties of the Al/PTFE/W energetic jets are analyzed. The results show that the Al/PTFE/W composite has an obvious strain rate effect. As the W content in the composite increases, the yield strength and compressive strength of the material increase gradually, but the strain at break decreases. When the W content is 45%, the peak pressure, total release energy, pressure platform duration, and total pressure duration of the Al/PTFE/W energetic jets are the highest. As the impact energy increases, the pressure peak and energy release values of the energetic jets increase. At an impact energy threshold of 106.1 MJ/m2, the chemical reaction of the Al/PTFE/W (45%) energetic jets is saturated. The results provide a theoretical and experimental basis for the application of energetic jets.
Evaluating Clinical Outcomes for Determining the Optimal Delay to Skin Incision under WALANT: A Prospective Series of 34 Patients from a Low-Resource Tertiary Setting
Authors: Hernandez Alvin , Rosario Mamer , Mendoza-Torres Romina , Taguba Carl Ryan Marino , Garcia Abigail , Battad Geoffrey
Published: September 2020

Background. Additional studies on clinical outcomes to determine the optimal time delay from injection of local anesthesia to skin incision for WALANT surgeries are needed. The authors aimed to propose the optimal time delay from local injection to skin incision for WALANT surgeries of the hand and wrist by analyzing intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain scores, and complication rates. Methods. Thirty-four patients were consecutively recruited and allocated by either 7-min or 30-min delay for skin incision from local injection of epinephrine with lidocaine. Intraoperative bleeding and postoperative pain scores were analyzed between both groups by Mann–Whitney U-test, while complication rates were compared using Fisher’s exact test. Results. The present study did not find significant differences in mean intraoperative blood loss (8 ± 5.8 mL vs. 5 ± 2.2 mL, p=0.074), complication rates (18% vs. 0%, p=0.227), and mean pain scores (1.2 ± 0.5 vs. 1.4 ± 0.5, p=0.307) between the 7-min and 30-min groups. Conclusion. The authors conclude that a waiting time of 7 min from the injection of local anesthesia is sufficient to achieve comparable clinical outcomes for minor hand and wrist surgeries under WALANT.
Direction of Groove Detection for Wear Image of Four‐Ball Friction Test Based on Gray Difference of Inclination Angle
Authors: Xiao Mei , Zhang Ying , Wang Haiming , Zhang Lei
Published: September 2020

In order to avoid subjective estimation of the direction of groove by using a tester in the four‐ball friction test, an automatic wear angle detection method based on gray difference of inclination angle is proposed in this paper. First, the gray difference between the pixel and its W × 2W neighborhood pixels is acquired, in which each neighborhood pixel corresponds to an inclination angle. Second, a row’s grayscale difference of inclination angle is calculated, which is the sum of grayscale difference of all pixels in the same row with the same inclination angle. Third, the inclination angle corresponding to the minimum row’s grayscale difference is defined as the approach angles. Finally, the first t approaching angles with the highest frequency determine the wear angles. Compared with true angles determined manually, the simulation results of 200 samples show that the average absolute error is 2.1238° and the average running time is 1.3 s per frame. The influence of the algorithm parameters on detection precision is also analyzed.
Model and Algorithm for Dependent Activity Schedule Optimization Combining with BIM
Authors: Ma Guofeng , Liu Xiaoye
Published: August 2020

The project duration can be shortened by overlapping construction activities. However, the continuous changing of the environment tends to cause problems such as rework and the failure of the overlapping plan. In order to solve these problems, communication strategies for the overlapping of dependent activities are first introduced and optimized from a revenue perspective. We first consider the different maturities of upstream activity before and after the overlapping, the downstream sensitivity which is decided by involving communication strategies, and the learning and error‐correcting ability of workers. Then, the overlap and communication strategies are decided by calculating the maximum revenue using Monte Carlo simulation and MATLAB based on overlap cost, communication cost, rework cost, and reward amount. Finally, the algorithm and BIM are combined to provide a visual overlap plan and dynamic control platform framework. This research is valuable for practitioners as it provides a dynamic overlap plan which can maximize the revenue in changing the environment and ensure the duration of the project. This research also provides researchers a new insight into combining overlap problems and BIM technology.
Abstract A017: Cancer information seeking across four categories of an urban/rural continuum: The intersection of place, race, and health information in rural America
Authors: Lopez Gilberto , Mattie Heather
Published: September 2020

Introduction. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Despite decreases in cancer mortality overall, rural populations continue to have higher prevalence and slower reduction of cancer death rates. As a preventive approach to combat cancer, the National Cancer Institute continues to prioritize providing the public with health information. Yet, little is known about cancer information-seeking across rural America and even less about its ethnic/racial distribution. Methods. Using Rural-Urban Commuting Area Codes (RUCAs), from the 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS-5) Cycle 2 database we analyze the odds of looking for information about cancer across four geo-political contexts (n=2,625): urban, large-rural, small-rural, and isolated-rural areas, thus giving us a potentially more detailed understanding of place and health across the urban-rural continuum. We test for the interaction of race and rurality to see if the association between RUCAs and health seeking differs for Whites and non-Whites. Using an established social determinants framework, a series of logistic regression models were fitted to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. Across all models, those living in isolated rural areas had approximately 0.4 times the odds of seeking cancer information compared to urban-dwellers (p<0.05). Interestingly, this association is worse for ethnic minorities as the odds drops to 0.11 for non-Whites in isolated rural areas compared to Whites living in isolated rural areas. Conclusions. In this study, compared to urban-dwellers, those living in isolated rural areas have lower odds of seeking cancer information. This relationship was worse for ethnic minorities. Understanding this relationship between place and health has implication for the allocation of resources and the design of interventions aimed at increasing information about cancer.

Citation Format: Gilberto Lopez, Heather Mattie. Cancer information seeking across four categories of an urban/rural continuum: The intersection of place, race, and health information in rural America [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr A017.
Abstract A052: Multilevel determinants of financial toxicity in breast cancer care: Perspectives of healthcare professionals and Latina survivors
Authors: Chebli Perla , Lemus Jocelyne , Avila Corazón , Peña Kryztal , Mariscal Bertha , Merlos Sue , Guitelman Judy , Molina Yamilé
Published: September 2020

Purpose: Financial toxicity is a multidimensional side effect of cancer treatment. Most relevant research has focused on patient perspectives in characterizing individual-level determinants of financial toxicity. This study examines the multi-level determinants of financial toxicity from the perspectives of Latina breast cancer survivors and healthcare professionals. Methods: We analyzed qualitative data from focus groups with 19 Latina breast cancer survivors and interviews with 10 healthcare professionals recruited through community partners and venues in Chicago. Results: At the individual level, lack of knowledge of treatment-related costs and insurance coverage were shared concerns among survivors and healthcare professionals; healthcare professionals viewed this lack of knowledge as driving delays in financial planning, while survivors prioritized survival over financial concerns after diagnosis. At the interpersonal level, both groups viewed social networks as platforms for disseminating information on financial resources. At the community level, healthcare professionals identified community norms and dynamics as barriers to seeking financial assistance, while survivors suggested that access to culturally-astute community-based organizations may eliminate these barriers. At the organizational/health policy level, healthcare professionals reported that Latina patients’ access to financial assistance programs is compromised by restrictive eligibility criteria, leading to worse financial burden among ineligible patients according to survivors. Healthcare professionals noted the limited availability and instability of financial assistance programs, and both groups agreed that such programs were limited post-treatment. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that multi-level interventions at the patient, clinical team, healthcare, and policy levels may be needed to adequately address financial toxicity in cancer survivors.

Citation Format: Perla Chebli, Jocelyne Lemus, Corazón Avila, Kryztal Peña, Bertha Mariscal, Sue Merlos, Judy Guitelman, Yamilé Molina. Multilevel determinants of financial toxicity in breast cancer care: Perspectives of healthcare professionals and Latina survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr A052.
Abstract A106: Preexisting mental illness on all-cause and cause-specific mortality among Medicaid-insured women diagnosed with breast cancer
Authors: Lawrence Wayne R , Hosler Akiko , Gates Margaret , Leinung Matthew , Zhang Xiuling , Zhang Wangjian , Schymura Maria , Boscoe Francis
Published: September 2020

Background: Research suggests mental illness contributes to poor survival among cancer patients. In New York State (NYS), Medicaid is the largest single insurer for individuals with mental illness. We investigated the influence of preexisting mental illness on all-cause and cause-specific mortality among Medicaid-insured women diagnosed with breast cancer. Methods: 9,479 women aged <65 years diagnosed with breast cancer and reported to the NYS Cancer Registry from 2004-2016 were linked with NYS Medicaid claims. Women were grouped as having depression or severe mental illness if they had at least three diagnosis claims for mental illness with at least one claim within three years prior to breast cancer diagnosis. Severe mental illness included schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychotic disorders. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated with Cox regression, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Women with severe mental illness had greater risks of all-cause (HR 1.49; 95% CI 1.25, 1.78), cancer (HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.09, 1.68), and cardiovascular (HR 2.14; 95% CI 1.22, 3.74) mortality compared to women without mental illness. No association was observed for depression. The association between severe mental illness and all-cause mortality was strongest among Asians (HR 3.85; 95% CI 1.55, 9.60) but also observed in White (HR 1.50; 95% CI 1.17, 1.93) and Black (HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.02, 1.80) women. Additionally, associations were also observed among obese (HR 1.83; 95% CI 1.42, 2.36) and postmenopausal (HR 1.64; 95% CI 1.35, 2.01) women with preexisting severe mental illness, but no association was observed for premenopausal women. Conclusion: Women with preexisting severe mental illness diagnosed with breast cancer have an elevated mortality risk and should be monitored and treated by a coordinated cross-functional clinical team.

Citation Format: Wayne R Lawrence, Akiko Hosler, Margaret Gates, Matthew Leinung, Xiuling Zhang, Wangjian Zhang, Maria Schymura, Francis Boscoe. Preexisting mental illness on all-cause and cause-specific mortality among Medicaid-insured women diagnosed with breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr A106.
Abstract B002: Restoring Balance, a physical activity intervention for Native cancer survivors, preliminary analysis (NNR.14.192)
Authors: Bea Jennifer W , de Heer Hendrik , Lane Taylor , Charley Brenda , Yazzie Etta , Hudson Jennifer , Mitchell Mishayla , Wertheim Betsy , Schwartz Anna
Published: September 2020

Physical activity has been shown to improve quality of life, body composition, metabolic and physical function, and survival among cancer survivors. However, no studies have focused on Native American cancer survivors. Methods: Native cancer survivors and family members were enrolled in a 12-week multi-site, randomized supervised and home-based physical activity intervention (n = 63). The intervention includes 1d/wk supervised resistance, aerobic, flexibility, and balance and 2-3 days/wk of home-based exercise. National guidelines for survivorship exercise training were culturally tailored based focus groups and interviews, as well as cultural expert program review by representatives from 10 tribes. Preliminary descriptive statistics (mean, SD) and six and twelve week changes in weight (kg), fat mass (%), HbA1c (%), fitness by 6min walk test (meters), and quality of life by PROMIS10 questionnaire score have been assessed by paired t-test for survivors only (n = 30). Though currently under powered, data collection is ongoing and will be updated as participants complete the 12-week intervention. Results: Participants were 58.4 ± 12.2 years of age. Tumor types were breast (n = 7), colorectal (n = 7), stomach (n = 2), lung (n = 2), and other varied cancers. Reasons for loss to follow-up were: repeat surgeries or change in clinical care plan (n=3), loss of family members (n=1), and loss of contact (n=3). Comorbidities for cancer survivors included: diabetes (n=7), cardiovascular disease (N=13). Twenty-two Native cancer survivors have completed six weeks of intervention and 14 Native cancer survivors have completed twelve weeks of intervention thus far. Weight loss was significant at six weeks (-1.0 ± 2.2kg; p=0.04), but not twelve weeks. Fitness and quality of life were improved by twelve weeks, 31.9 ± 132m and 1.6±0.4, respectively, though not significant. Conclusions: Tailored exercise programs present opportunities to restore health and balance among Native cancer survivors. This ongoing trial will provide important information on the effects of physical activity in Native cancer survivorship, unaddressed to date.

Citation Format: Jennifer W Bea, Hendrik de Heer, Taylor Lane, Brenda Charley, Etta Yazzie, Jennifer Hudson, Mishayla Mitchell, Betsy Wertheim, Anna Schwartz. Restoring Balance, a physical activity intervention for Native cancer survivors, preliminary analysis (NNR.14.192) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr B002.
Abstract C027: A survey of NCI’s extramural microbiome and cancer grant portfolio: Assessing methodologic differences
Authors: Bhattacharjee Prema , Lai Gabriel , Divi Rao , Mahabir Somdat
Published: September 2020

Background. Over the last decade, studies have reported that changes in composition of microbiome may be associated with certain disease states in humans, raising the possibility that managing microbial communities may become important in disease prevention and control. Human microbiome refers to all microorganisms on or in the human body, their genes, and surrounding environmental conditions. Studies on the microbiome suggest that errors at each step in the microbiome analysis pipeline, such as sample collection, transport, storage, DNA extraction/sequencing, bioinformatics, statistical methods, and covariates can contribute to variation in microbiome results. Use of different methods and tools may also impede comparison of microbiome results across studies. It is imperative that we capture microbiome information with high accuracy so that we can understand the microbiome’s role in cancer. The National Cancer Institute has funded several studies focused on the human microbiome and cancer. The purpose of our study was to present our assessment of consistency of the methods and technologies used by the cancer epidemiology studies for capturing the microbiome. Methods. We reviewed studies funded between 2013-2018 and extracted information on basic covariates such as demographics and diet; type of biospecimens collected; and the methods used for biospecimen collection, storage, shipping, DNA extraction and sequencing, and bioinformatic tools used for microbiome analysis. We identified 46 relevant funded studies and our assessment found widespread differences in methodologies and technologies used, and in important covariate information collected. Results. For the differences in methodologies and technologies, the results suggest that there is a need for standardization and harmonization of microbiome protocols to minimize variation in results for improving rigor and reproducibility of the findings. In addition, majority of the studies included predominantly non-Hispanic white participants. There is a need to include diverse groups of participants as it is probable that the microbial composition could vary within other racial/ethnic groups due to differing exposures. Conclusion. Given the link between microbiome and cancer, our findings emphasize the need for improving rigor and reproducibility of microbiome analyses by using standardized methods and racially diverse samples in future research studies.

Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference.

Citation Format: Prema Bhattacharjee, Gabriel Lai, Rao Divi, Somdat Mahabir. A survey of NCI’s extramural microbiome and cancer grant portfolio: Assessing methodologic differences [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr C027.
Abstract C056: Application of precision public health approaches to maximize limited resources for community-based liver cancer prevention educational sessions
Authors: Gonzalez Evelyn T , Nguyen Min , Lynch Shannon
Published: September 2020

Objectives: To address the growing liver cancer burden in the city of Philadelphia and support precision public health, we utilized existing data resources from our community health partners and the PA Department of Public Health to conduct a geospatial analysis that identified communities at the census tract level with both a higher than expected rate of liver cancer and a strong community partner presence to target for liver cancer prevention education. Methods: Pennsylvania(PA) Liver Cancer Registry data from 2007-2014 were linked to the address location of community partners associated with the Fox Chase Cancer Center at the census tract (CT) level using ArcGIS software. Space-time scan statistics (SatScan software) identified CTs with significantly elevated rates of incident liver cancer (p-value<0.05), adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, diagnosis year. Point locations of community partners were plotted against liver cancer cluster maps to identify existing community partners in those areas where liver cancer rates were higher than expected in Philadelphia. The Office of Community Outreach (OCO) worked with community partners in high risk areas to deliver bilingual (English-Spanish) liver cancer education sessions. Plain language materials were then developed by the OCO to support the program. Pre-post tests were administered utilizing automatic response system to assess the impact and utility of the educational sessions and the likelihood to change behavior. Results: Of the 386 census tracts in Philadelphia, 153 were found to have higher than expected rates of liver cancer. 15 of 65 existing community partners were located in a high risk census tract. OCO staff have embarked on an educational outreach initiative, working with the identified community partners, offering bilingual education. Preliminary results from pre-post surveys will be analyzed and presented. Conclusions: Coupling disease cluster and community partner data improves the identification of areas with a liver cancer burden and reduces intervention targets. These methods could be utilized in other cancer control settings to maximize limited resources and prioritize cancer prevention efforts.

Citation Format: Evelyn T Gonzalez, Min Nguyen, Shannon Lynch. Application of precision public health approaches to maximize limited resources for community-based liver cancer prevention educational sessions [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr C056.
Abstract C061: Neighborhood racial context and race- and subtype-specific breast cancer incidence among non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White women in California, 2006-2015
Authors: Michaels Eli K. , Beyer Kirsten M.M. , Zhou Yuhong , Canchola Alison J. , Shariff-Marco Salma , Gomez Scarlett L.
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Determinants of racial inequities in risk of subtype-specific breast cancers are poorly understood. Features of the neighborhood context may contribute to racial inequities along the breast cancer continuum, however few have examined subtype-specific incidence. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the association between the neighborhood racial context (housing discrimination and racial composition) and race- and subtype-specific breast cancer incidence among NH Black and NH White women in California. METHODS: We merged data from the California Cancer Registry on women aged 20+ diagnosed with primary breast cancer between 2006-2015 with neighborhood racial context at time of diagnosis: census tract % NH Black and a new racial bias index derived using 2007-2013 data from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. We used Poisson regression to estimate associations between neighborhood racial context and race- and Luminal A and TNBC (triple-negative breast cancer)-specific incidence rates, adjusting for neighborhood confounders. RESULTS: We identified n=104,716 cases of Luminal A and n=15,739 cases of TNBC over the study period. Among Black women, living in a high % Black census tract was associated with higher incidence of Luminal A (IRRadj=1.16 (1.08, 1.24)) and TNBC (IRRadj=1.17 (1.04, 1.32)) subtypes, relative to residence in low % Black tracts. No statistically significant association between neighborhood racial composition and either subtype was observed among NH Whites, nor between racial bias in mortgage lending and breast cancer among either racial group. CONCLUSION: Neighborhood racial composition may proxy cross-cutting social and environmental risk factors for breast cancer, regardless of subtype. These exposures may disproportionately burden Black versus White women with respect to breast cancer risk.

Citation Format: Eli K. Michaels, Kirsten M.M. Beyer, Yuhong Zhou, Alison J. Canchola, Salma Shariff-Marco, Scarlett L. Gomez. Neighborhood racial context and race- and subtype-specific breast cancer incidence among non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White women in California, 2006-2015 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr C061.
Abstract C073: The association between 27-hydroxycholesterol metabolizing enzymes, CYP27A1 and CYP7B1, expression and mortality in a multiethnic U.S. population of breast cancer patients
Authors: Loo Lenora WM , Shvetsov Yurii B , Cheng Iona , Hernandez Brenda Y
Published: September 2020

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S. Obesity is one of the most significant risk factors for breast cancer in postmenopausal women and is a key predictor for poor prognosis. Postulated mechanisms underlying the association between obesity and post-menopausal breast cancer include higher levels of estradiol, hypercholesterolemia, and inflammation. 27-hydroxychlolesterol (27HC) is produced when cholesterol is metabolized by the enzyme, sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1), a conversion that is reversed by the catabolizing enzyme, oxysterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7B1). Laboratory studies established that 27HC is an endogenous selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) capable of promoting breast cancer growth by binding to the estrogen receptor (ER) and by increasing the metastatic potential of breast tumors through the activation of the liver X receptor (LXR). However, there are significant gaps in the understanding of 27HC’s complex role in breast cancer pathobiology and breast cancer survival, particularly in multiethnic populations. We examined the association between protein expression profiles for CYP27A1 and CYP7B1 with breast cancer-specific and overall mortality in a multiethnic U.S. population by conducting immunohistochemical analyses, utilizing commercially available antibodies to CYP27A1 and CYP7B1, on a total of 787 invasive breast tumors included in a population-based tissue microarray. Based on Cox proportional hazards regression analysis with adjustment for age, stage, ER and progesterone receptor (PR) status, and first course treatment, we did not observe significant associations between expression of CYP27A1 or CYP7B1 and mortality across all cases. However, in subgroup analyses within major racial/ethnic groups (Caucasian, Japanese, and Native Hawaiian) we observed a significant negative association for CYP7B1 expression for both breast cancer-specific (HR=0.057, 95% CI: 0.012-0.264) and overall mortality (HR=0.119, 95% CI: 0.028-0.509) among Native Hawaiian women, but not among Caucasian or Japanese women. This is the first report to demonstrate racial/ethnic differences in the association between the levels of these cholesterol regulating enzymes in breast tumors and survival in a multiethnic population of breast cancer patients.

Citation Format: Lenora WM Loo, Yurii B Shvetsov, Iona Cheng, Brenda Y Hernandez. The association between 27-hydroxycholesterol metabolizing enzymes, CYP27A1 and CYP7B1, expression and mortality in a multiethnic U.S. population of breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr C073.