bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abstract IA9: Vitamin D: Shining light on pancreatic cancer
Authors: Sherman Mara H. , Ding Ning , Collisson Eric A. , Downes Michael , Evans Ronald M. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) occurs in the context of an exuberant desmoplastic response that produces a ‘living chimera’ of tumor and activated stromal components. A prominent feature of the stromal response is the transformation of the Vitamin A storing pancreatic stellate cell (PSC) to activated myofibroblasts. We hypothesized that restoration of the quiescent PSC phenotype could disrupt tumor-stroma crosstalk and thus improve response to chemotherapy. Recently, we have shown that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) is expressed at high levels in activated human pancreatic tumor stroma and, in response to ligand, acts as a master transcriptional regulator of PSCs to reprise the quiescent state. In vivo, a synthetic VDR agonist (Cal) induced signal-dependent transcriptional remodeling of tumor stroma, enhancing the anti-tumor effects of gemcitabine by increasing intratumoral concentration to reduce tumor growth.
Secreted factors are key drivers of the communication between tumor and stroma. To explore the impact of PSC secreted factors on gene expression in pancreatic cancer, PDAC cell lines were grown in the presence of stromal conditioned media (StCM). Addition of StCM was sufficient to induce expression of thousands of PDAC genes linked to epigenetic reprograming including genome wide histone hyperacetylation. The gene expression profile induced by stromal factors overlap with those previously identified following oncogenic Kras, suggesting functional complementarity between cell-autonomous and micro-environmental cues. As epigenome modification results in changes in gene expression through histone modifications, we tested a small molecule inhibitors epigenetic regulators for the capacity to inhibit gene expression changes downstream of stromal factors. Paracrine induction of pro-growth and inflammatory genes was inhibited by this small molecule, suggesting that acetyl-lysine readers serve as key transducers of stromal inputs to drive alterations in gene expression in pancreatic cancer cells. This work describes a molecular strategy through which transcriptional reprogramming of tumors and tumor stroma by Vitamin D or epigenetic regulators may serve as a therapeutic portal in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Citation Format: Mara H. Sherman, Ning Ding, Eric A. Collisson, Michael Downes, Ronald M. Evans. Vitamin D: Shining light on pancreatic cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Innovations in Research and Treatment; May 18-21, 2014; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(13 Suppl):Abstract nr IA9.
Abstract PR14: PTEN-Long and gemcitabine combination treatment as a therapeutic for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ahmed Roshan Ara , Hopkins Benjamin , Palermo Carmine , Sastra Steve A. , Rapp Zachary , Parsons Ramon , Olive Kenneth P. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
PTEN is the second most frequently altered tumor suppressor found in human cancer, and is downregulated in a majority of pancreatic tumors. PTEN-Long is an endogenously expressed translational variant of this tumor suppressor that is identical to PTEN with the exception of an additional N-terminal region that gives this variant the ability to cross the cell membrane. Purified PTEN-Long can be used therapeutically to restore lost PTEN function, and has provoked profound regressions in PTEN null xenograft models. Here we explore the effect of PTEN-Long therapy in pancreatic cancer, both in the presence and absence of endogenous PTEN.
In preliminary data, we found that combining PTEN-Long with chemotherapy extended overall survival in a clinically predictive genetically engineered mouse model of PDA (K-rasLSL.G12D/+; p53LSL.R172H/+;PdxCre, called KPC). To explore PTEN-Long’s ability to enter various tissues we performed pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic experiments. We also utilized a surgical biopsy technique to obtain paired pre- and post-treatment tumor samples. These experiments demonstrated that PTEN-Long is able to alter canonical PTEN/PI3K signaling within pancreatic tumor tissues. Finally, we treated PTEN deficient mice (K-rasLSL.G12D/+; PTENFlox/+; PdxCre) with PTEN-Long in an attempt to model the therapeutic response of the ~5% of human pancreatic tumors that are genetically PTEN null. Longitudinal ultrasound imaging of the first of these mice suggests that these mice have more significant and prolonged regressions compared to KPC mice following PTEN-Long treatment.
This abstract is also presented as Poster A86.
Citation Format: Roshan Ara Ahmed, Benjamin Hopkins, Carmine Palermo, Steve A. Sastra, Zachary Rapp, Ramon Parsons, Kenneth P. Olive. PTEN-Long and gemcitabine combination treatment as a therapeutic for pancreatic cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Innovations in Research and Treatment; May 18-21, 2014; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(13 Suppl):Abstract nr PR14.
Abstract A21: Developing a model for engaging underserved breast cancer survivors: Expanding a financial assistance program to include support and education
Authors: Henry Catherine Creme , Hanson Arin Ahlum , Guglielmino Janine 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Background: Living Beyond Breast Cancer's grant assists with the financial hardship of breast cancer treatment. Since 2006, the grant has funded more than 1,200 women by paying household bills. $1.1 million has been distributed in the Philadelphia region. 90% of recipients earn less than 300% of the federal poverty line; 63% are women of color. A 2010 needs assessment indicated that recipients were unfamiliar with LBBC's programs and had limited interactions with the organization. Personal and financial crises made seeking information and support a low priority.
Methods: Interventions developed increase contact time with recipients and provide personalized invitations to other LBBC education and support programs. Applicants receive a peer support phone call from an LBBC Breast Cancer Helpline volunteer to share information about upcoming programs and refer to resources to meet their needs. Special invitations to recipients offer registration fee waivers to LBBC conferences and invite them to tailored programs for low-income families.
Results: 65% of applicants were previously unaware of Living Beyond Breast Cancer and its programs. All applicants receive 10-20 minutes of phone peer support and invitations to two local programs. Applicants receive breast cancer publications on topics related to their concerns or experience. A nutrition-on-a-budget series was piloted in 2013 to address recipients' other wellness needs and provide meals. 14 women participated and reported that the program increased their knowledge of other nutrition resources available and increased their likelihood of using other LBBC services.
Conclusions: A financial assistance program provides a unique opportunity to engage underserved breast cancer survivors who may not otherwise seek support and education from an organization. The addition of peer support interventions helps assess and alleviate other concerns and connects recipients to a support system that they can access throughout their experience. These interventions can act as a model for other regional and national grant programs.
Citation Format: Catherine Creme Henry, Arin Ahlum Hanson, Janine Guglielmino. Developing a model for engaging underserved breast cancer survivors: Expanding a financial assistance program to include support and education. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A21.
Abstract A77: PVT1 exon 9 overexpression as a potential biomarker of prostate cancer in black men
Authors: Ogunwobi Olorunseun O. , Ilboudo Adeodat 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is disproportionately aggressive in Black men and is associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms around regions 2 and 3 of the 8q24 human chromosomal region. Variants of this region interact with the non-protein coding gene locus, PVT1, in PC. And, PVT1 is overexpressed in PC. The PVT1 gene locus has at least 12 exons that make separate transcripts. It is possible that these transcripts may have different functions. However, the role of PVT1 transcripts in PC is unknown. Our aim is to determine if PVT1 transcripts play a role in aggressiveness and racial disparity in PC. We used a panel of five PC cell lines: PC-3 (from a White man with aggressive androgen-independent PC); MDA PCa 2b (from a Black man with aggressive androgen-dependent PC (ADPC)); RWPE-1 (epithelial prostate cells from normal prostate of a White man); WPE1-NA22 (tumorigenic cells derived from RWPE-1 cells from a White man, tumors are ADPC and indolent), and VCaP (from a White man with ADPC). Ribonucleic acid (RNA) extraction, complimentary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) synthesis, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were performed to evaluate expression of all twelve PVT1 exons. Each qPCR was performed in quadruplicates. Four separate qPCR experiments were performed. Expression of PVT1 exons was inconsistent except for exon 9. There was no significant difference in exon 9 expression between RWPE1, WPE1-NA22, PC-3, and VCaP cells derived from White men. However, exon 9 expression in the MDA PCa 2b cell line derived from a Black man was significantly higher than in the other four cell lines by at least 61%. Consequently, we observed differential expression of exon 9 of PVT1 in a manner that suggests that exon 9 may be associated with PC in Black men. These data provide a basis for further examining the function and mechanisms of action of PVT1 exon 9 in PC in Black men.
Citation Format: Olorunseun O. Ogunwobi, Adeodat Ilboudo. PVT1 exon 9 overexpression as a potential biomarker of prostate cancer in black men. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A77.
Abstract A82: Identifying differentially expressed microRNAs as investigational tools in postpartum breast cancer in Hispanic women
Authors: Muñoz-Rodríguez José L. , Vrba Lukas , Hu Chengcheng , Thompson Patricia A. , Martinez Maria Elena , Futscher Bernard W. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The risk of breast cancer transiently increases immediately following pregnancy; peaking between 3-7 years. The biology that underlies this risk window and the effect on the natural history of the disease is unknown. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that have been shown to be dysregulated in breast cancer. Utilizing a quantitative RT-PCR approach, we profiled the expression pattern of 355 miRNAs across 56 formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded breast tumor tissue samples from multiparous Hispanic women. Based on a data-driven splitting of the expression pattern of the 355 miRNAs, the case series was separated into two groups based on time since last full-term pregnancy (TSLFTP): a) an early group representing women diagnosed with breast cancer ≤ 5.2 years postpartum (n=12); and b) a late group representing women diagnosed with breast cancer ≥ 5.3 years postpartum (n=44). We identified 15 miRNAs with significant differential expression between the early and late postpartum groups. Ten miRNAs had a two-fold or higher difference in expression, with miR-138, miR-660, miR-31, miR-135b, miR-17, miR-454, and miR-934 overexpressed in the early versus the late group; while miR-892a, miR-199a-5p, and miR-542-5p were overexpressed in the late versus the early postpartum group. Further analysis of the miRNA expression data demonstrated that 60% of the identified differentially expressed miRNAs are encoded on the X chromosome, with several miRNAs found together in miRNA gene clusters. Additionally, DNA methylation, measured using a Sequenom MassARRAY, demonstrated that three out of five tested miRNA genes (mir-31, mir-135b, and mir-138-2) had a lower mean methylation in the early versus late postpartum group, and negatively correlated with miRNA expression. In summary, we have identified miRNAs that are differentially expressed and differentially methylated between tumors of the early versus late postpartum, suggesting that potential differences in epigenetic regulation may exist in the postpartum breast cancers.
Citation Format: José L. Muñoz-Rodríguez, Lukas Vrba, Chengcheng Hu, Patricia A. Thompson, Maria Elena Martinez, Bernard W. Futscher. Identifying differentially expressed microRNAs as investigational tools in postpartum breast cancer in Hispanic women. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A82.
Abstract B27: Overweight/obesity and physical activity rates in an ethnically diverse sample of breast cancer survivors
Authors: Cunningham Joan E. , Bauza Colleen E. , Brown Erika T. , Anthony Alberg J. , Kistner-Griffin Emily , Spruill Ida J. , Bryant Debbie C. , Esnaola Nestor F. , Jefferson Melanie S. , Whitfield Keith , Kramer Rita M. , Bolick Susan , Hurley Deborah , Mosley Catishia , Hazelton Tonya R. , Bea Vivian J. , Burshell Dana R. , Knight Kendrea D. , Ford Marvella E. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Background: High body mass index (BMI) is linked to poorer survival after breast cancer diagnosis. Physical activity (PA) could moderate this association.
Objectives/Hypothesis: Prevalence of high BMI (overweight/obesity) and level of PA were evaluated in a statewide sample of women within 18 months of breast cancer diagnosis.
Methods: In an ongoing study, 73 women (35 EA and 38 AA) were identified through the SC Central Cancer Registry, and were interviewed to obtain their self-reported body weight, height, PA and other data.
Results: Age: Age ranged from 26 to 90 years (mean 61 years, SD 13.0), with AAs 2.1 years younger than EAs (p=0.49). Education: 62% had more than a high school (HS) diploma (58% of AAs and 66% of EAs, p=0.49). BMI: 77% were overweight/obese; 42% of AAs and 31% of EAs were overweight, 45% of AAs and 34% of EAs were obese (p=0.03). PA: 23% reported no PA (29% of AAs and 17% of EAs, p=0.23). Only 38% met CDC PA guidelines of at least 150 min/week of moderate PA (29% of AAs and 47% of EAs; p=0.11). PA and BMI: PA &lt;90 min/week was associated with 4-fold higher risk of overweight/ obesity (p=0.023). No significant associations were seen by race. PA and Education: No significant association was observed between &gt;HS education and meeting PA guidelines (p=0.15), or between &gt;HS education and greater PA per week (p=0.57). Education and BMI: No significant association was seen (p=0.77).
Conclusions: Prevalence of overweight/obesity was high, especially among AAs.
Future Recommendations: It is imperative to identify strategies to reduce obesity/overweight in BRCA survivors.
Citation Format: Joan E. Cunningham, Colleen E. Bauza, Erika T. Brown, Alberg J. Anthony, Emily Kistner-Griffin, Ida J. Spruill, Debbie C. Bryant, Nestor F. Esnaola, Melanie S. Jefferson, Keith Whitfield, Rita M. Kramer, Susan Bolick, Deborah Hurley, Catishia Mosley, Tonya R. Hazelton, Vivian J. Bea, Dana R. Burshell, Kendrea D. Knight, Marvella E. Ford. Overweight/obesity and physical activity rates in an ethnically diverse sample of breast cancer survivors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B27.
Abstract B55: Elevation of oxidative expression proteins in colorectal adenomatous polyps
Authors: Wallace LaShanale M. , Mehrabi Sharifeh , Cohen Shakeria , Aikhionbare Felix O. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The optimal management of patients with colorectal adenomatous polyps depends on the accuracy of appropriate staging strategies because patients with similar colorectal adenocarcinoma architecture display heterogeneity in the course and outcome of the disease. Chronic oxidative stress may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancers, given that a major promutagenic threat faced by colonic epithelial cells is that of chronic oxidative stress. Although reactive oxygen species arise in most cells as a result of normal metabolic processes, additional sources of oxidative stress in colonic cells may include enzymes such as cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and ATPase 6 and 8. High levels of COX-2 and ATPase protein expression have been detected in human colorectal polyps, which are lesions that can progress to colorectal carcinomas. This study applied spectrophotometric, dinitrophenylhydrazone (DNPH) assay, two dimensional gel electrophoresis, and Western blot analyses to assess the levels of oxidatively modified carbonyl proteins in 37 pairs of normal/surrounding and colorectal adenomatous polyps and cancer tissues. Our data showed that the levels of reactive protein carbonyl groups increased as level of malignancy increased. The level of carbonyl protein was 58% and 26% less in N/S tissues as compare to tumor tissue in adenocarcinoma, and colorectal adenomatous polyps tissues respectably. The differences between the level of carbonyl potion in N/S and tumor tissues was more pronounced in African American patient than in Caucasians. Also the levels of carbonyl proteins were notably higher in tissue contained higher number of tumor cells in different tissues blocks obtained from same patient. Our results may suggest that oxidative stress is involved in oxidatively modification of carbonyl proteins, leading to increased aggressiveness of colorectal polyps.
This study was supported by NIGMS grant # GM099663- awarded to Dr. Felix O. Aikhionbare
Citation Format: LaShanale M. Wallace, Sharifeh Mehrabi, Shakeria Cohen, Felix O. Aikhionbare. Elevation of oxidative expression proteins in colorectal adenomatous polyps. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B55.
Abstract B57: The success of the Black and Blues Brunch
Authors: Jackson Kim Hall 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
KHJ Enterprise, LLC presents:
The Black & Blues Brunch @ Warmdaddy's Restaurant
An event to increase awareness and screening for colorectal cancer in the African American community. The black represents African American and the blue(s) is for the color associated with colorectal cancer.
The purpose of this project is to increase awareness about the critical need for colorectal screening in the African American community, in addition to understanding what early detection, diagnosis, and treatment options are available. The hope is that by providing critical information in a nontraditional, relaxed, “edu-tainment” setting more Philadelphians of African American descent will leave equipped with information to improve their health outcomes and the willingness and commitment to participate in a life-saving cancer screening
Citation Format: Kim Hall Jackson. The success of the Black and Blues Brunch. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B57.
Abstract B83: Predictors of cervical cancer screening among women receiving care in a safety-net health system
Authors: Ogunwale Abayomi N. , Sangi-Haghpeykar Haleh , Montealegre Jane , Nosek Margaret A. , Jibaja-Weiss Maria , Anderson Matthew L. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Objective: To identify factors impacting rates of cervical cancer screening among women receiving medical care through a safety-net health system.
Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess knowledge regarding cervical cancer, as well as individual attitudes, beliefs and perceptions among women presenting to two publically-funded community clinics. Sample size was powered to detect a 15% difference in screening prevalence (p &lt;0.05).
Results: Of 1,094 women invited to participate, 983 subjects completed a questionnaire. Eighty two percent of subjects reported having had a Pap test in the past 3 years. Hispanic ethnicity and being born outside the U.S. were significantly associated with the lowest rates of screening, while African-American women had the highest screening rates. The majority of respondents had accurate knowledge regarding the Pap test and its role in cervical cancer screening. In addition to knowledge of the Pap test, we found that knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors, continuity of care and a sense of fatalism were each associated with higher rates of cervical cancer screening. We also found that a partner's opinion regarding the importance of testing was robustly associated with screening in Hispanic women (OR=10.7 p&lt;0.0001). Low rates of screening among African-American and Caucasian women correlated with perceptions of poor provider communication, less social support and having multiple sexual partners.
Conclusions: In the absence of health access barriers, multiple socio-cultural factors significantly impact cervical cancer screening rates. Among Hispanic women, perceived attitudes of partners is strongly associated with participation in cervical cancer screening.
Citation Format: Abayomi N. Ogunwale, Haleh Sangi-Haghpeykar, Jane Montealegre, Margaret A. Nosek, Maria Jibaja-Weiss, Matthew L. Anderson. Predictors of cervical cancer screening among women receiving care in a safety-net health system. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B83.