bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Walking outside Improves Mood for Healthy Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Teas Jane , Hurley Thomas , Msph Santosh Ghumare , Mph Kisito Ogoussan 
Published: September 2017

Background Exercise has been shown to decrease breast cancer risk and slow the progression of breast cancer. Physician recommendations and clinical research data most often are for gym-based exercise programs. However, the importance of exercise location on mood and stress hormones that may influence adherence to exercise has not been addressed. Methods Women first walked for an hour outdoors along a university path and then a week later, for an hour indoors on a treadmill in a typical gym environment. Pre and post outdoor and indoor exercise moods (happy, pleased, sad, frustrated, worried, angry, delighted, and joy) were assessed by a 6 point Likert questionnaire, and saliva samples were collected for analysis of cortisol, and alpha amylase (a surrogate for serum norepinephrine). Results Nineteen healthy, non-smoking, postmenopausal women (average age 58 ± 4) participated. Compared with scores after walking outdoors, walking indoors was associated with higher scores of worry (p = 0.02; mean difference 0.9; 95% CI (0.17, 1.6) and frustration (p = 0.03; mean difference 0.9; 95% CI (0.12, 1.6), and lower scores for feelings of being pleased (p = 0.03; mean difference -0.8; 95% CI: -1.7, 0.1) and delighted (p = 0.05; mean difference -0.9; 95% CI: -1.75, -0.02). Changes in salivary hormone levels did not vary significantly between the two environments. Conclusion Walking outdoors was associated with improved mood, but walking indoors was not. Improved mood may reduce breast cancer risk indirectly by promoting regular exercise. Physician recommendations for exercise should include gym and non-gym based exercise options.
Successful Downstaging of High Rectal and Recto-Sigmoid Cancer by Neo-Adjuvant Chemo-Radiotherapy
Authors: O'neill Brian , Brown Gina , Wotherspoon Andrew , Burton Sarah , Norman Andy , Tait Diana 
Published: September 2017

Purpose The benefit of neoadjuvant therapy for tumours above the peritoneal reflection is not clear. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility and downstaging of treating locally advanced tumours from high rectum to distal sigmoid with preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Methods and Materials Seventeen patients with high rectal, recto-sigmoid or distal sigmoid tumours above the peritoneal reflection received neo-adjuvant CRT, selected on MRI findings indicating T4 disease or threatened circumferential resection margin. All patients were administered neoadjuvant chemotherapy, with Oxaliplatin or Mitomycin C and a Fluoropyrimidine. The pelvis received long-course CT-planned conformal RT, 45 Gy in 25 fractions, with a boost of 5.4–9 Gy in 3–5 fractions. Thirteen patients were treated with concomitant oral or intravenous Fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy. Results Median follow-up was 37 months. Overall survival was 82.35% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 54.7–93.9) and disease free survival 81.25% (95% CI 52.5–93.5). Only 1 patient suffered loco-regional relapse. Chemotherapy regimens were well tolerated, though some patients required dose reductions. Nine patients (52.9%) lowered pathologic disease AJCC stage, i.e. ‘downstaged’. Six patients (35.3%) achieved complete pathological response. Clear margins were attained in all but 1 patient. Three patients were converted from cT4 to ypT3. No patient required a gap during CRT. One patient suffered a grade III acute toxicity, but no grade IV (RTOG). There were 3 grade III and 3 grade IV late toxicities (LENT-SOMA). Conclusions Locally advanced high rectal and recto-sigmoid tumours may be treated with pre-operative CRT with acceptable toxicity, impressive down-staging, and clear surgical margins.
A Comparison of Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma: Results from the California Cancer Registry
Authors: Grabowski Julia , Saltzstein Sidney L , Sadler Georgia Robins , Tahir Zunera , Blair Sarah 
Published: September 2017

Introduction Melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) are both aggressive skin malignancies associated with immunosuppression and possible UV exposure. Both tumors get similar surgical treatment; however, MCC is a relatively rare tumor in which less is known about prognosis and clinical behavior. Methods The California Cancer Registry (CCR), a population-based registry, was reviewed from the years 1988-2003. Merkel cell carcinoma and melanoma were compared with relation to gender, age, ethnicity, disease stage, site, and survival. Results A total of 113,187 cases of melanoma and 1,878 cases of MCC were identified in the CCR. Though both cancers are more common in men than in women, MCC had a higher incidence in men than melanoma (63% vs 57% p < 0.005). MCC occurs in the more elderly, with 73.6% of cases occurring in people over 70 years. In contrast, 69% of melanoma cases occurred in people younger than 70 years (p < 0.005). MCC shows a predilection for the head and neck compared to melanoma (47% vs 25.8%) Additionally, melanoma occurs more frequently on the trunk than MCC (30% vs 8.7%). Finally, the 10-year cumulative survival is lower for MCC than for melanoma (17.7% vs 61.3%, p < 0.005). Conclusion Many clinicians assume MCC and melanoma behave similarly. However, MCC occurs in an older population, more frequently on the head and neck, in a higher percentage of men. Additionally, MCC has a higher rate of regional metastasis and thus may have more of a benefit from regional staging procedures. Overall, MCC has a worse prognosis.
Pemetrexed, Carboplatin, and Concomitant Radiation followed by Surgery for Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer: Results of a Planned Interim Toxicity Analysis of North Central Cancer Treatment Group Study N044E
Authors: Katipamula Rajini , Jatoi Aminah , Foster Nathan R. , Nichols Francis , Rubin Joseph , Callister Matthew , Gunderson Leonard , Alberts Steven 
Published: September 2017

Purpose This brief report describes a planned, interim, 6-patient toxicity analysis that confirms the safety of pemetrexed, carboplatin, radiation with subsequent surgery, as prescribed in the North Central Cancer Treatment Group trial N044E, in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer. Methods Six patients with locally advanced, potentially resectable esophageal cancer received pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC = 6 on days 1 and 22 with 5040 centigray of concomitant radiation in 28 fractions over 5.5 weeks followed by esophagectomy as a prelude to a phase II multi-institutional trial. Results Only 1 of the 6 patients experienced a grade 4 adverse event (neutropenia). This patient also experienced a grade 3 depression. Of the remaining 5 patients, three experienced at least one grade 3 adverse event (neutropenia, nausea/vomiting, and esophagitis). There were no deaths. Incidentally, one patient manifested a complete pathologic response, three a partial pathologic response, and one stable disease. Conclusion These preliminary observations on safety suggest that this regimen can be further studied in this clinical setting.
A Comparison of Clinicopathological Features and Molecular Markers in British and Nigerian Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Gukas Isaac D. , Girling Anne C. , Mandong Barnabas M. , Prime Wendy , Jennings Barbara A. , Leinster Samuel J. 
Published: September 2017

Background Some studies have suggested that breast cancer in black women is more aggressive than in white women. This study's aim was to look for evidence of differences in tumour biology between the two cohorts. Methods This study compared the stage, grade and pathological expression of five immunohistochemical markers (oestrogen receptor [ER], progesterone receptor [PR], ERBB2, P53 and cyclin D1 [CCND1]) in tumour biopsies from age-matched cohorts of patients from Nigeria and England. Sixty-eight suitable samples from Nigerian (n = 34) and British (n = 34) breast cancer patients were retrieved from histology tissue banks. Results There were significant differences between the two cohorts in the expression of ER and CCND1; and stark differences in the clinical stage at presentation. But no significant differences were observed for tumour grade. Conclusion There was a significantly, low ER expression in the Nigerian cases which also predicts a poor response to hormonal therapy as well as a poorer prognosis. Differences in clinical stage at presentation will most likely influence prognosis between Nigerian and British women with breast cancer.
No Relation between Therapeutic Response to Methylphenidate and its Cardiovascular Side Effects in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Bhat Venkataramana , Grizenko Natalie , Sanche Steven , Joober Ridha 
Published: September 2017

Objective The aim of this study was to examine the relation between therapeutic response to methylphenidate (MPH) and its associated short term cardiovascular side effects (Systolic Blood Pressure-SBP, Diastolic Blood Pressure-DBP and Heart Rate-HR changes) in children with ADHD, based on the hypothesis that these parameters share common underlying mechanisms. Method A double-blind placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial of children 6 to 12 years old diagnosed with ADHD was done. The children were given one week of 0.5 mg/kg MPH and one week of placebo (divided into two equal doses, given twice every day). On the morning of the third day of each week, Blood Pressure (BP) and HR were recorded immediately before (at time 0) and after (at time 10 and 45 minutes) administration of MPH. Children were grouped into 4 categories according to their therapeutic response (large, moderate, mild or no response) to MPH. A mixed model analysis of variance was performed to determine whether response groups were different with regard to cardiovascular side effects. Results All variables were comparable among the four groups 10 min after treatment with MPH and with placebo. Small but significant (p < 0.001) increases were seen in SBP (3.65 mm of Hg) and DBP (3.99 mm of Hg) 45 minutes after administration of MPH. A small but significant decrease in HR (3.3 beats per minute) was observed 45 min after administration of placebo. No significant differences in SBP, DBP and HR were found between response groups. Conclusions MPH causes a small but significant change in BP at 45 minutes after administration. No changes in HR were observed with MPH at 45 minutes. Responders to MPH treatment do not differ from non-responders in occurrence of BP and HR changes, at least within 45 minutes after administration and with the MPH dosage used in the study.
Hydronephrosis in Infants and Children: Natural History and Risk Factors for Persistence in Children Followed by a Medical Service
Authors: Van Dervoort Kristy , Lasky Stephanie , Sethna Christine , Frank Rachel , Vento Suzanne , Choi-Rosen Jeanne , Goilav Beatrice , Trachtman Howard 
Published: September 2017

Background Infants with neonatal hydronephrosis and a normal voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) are presumed to have ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). There is little current information about the natural history of children with hydronephrosis or clinical factors that predict resolution of the radiological abnormality. Objective To determine the time course until spontaneous resolution of neonatal hydronephrosis and define risk factors for persistence of the abnormality. Methods This retrospective single center review examined infants and children <5 years of age with hydronephrosis who were followed for at least 12 months. Results 136 children were identified (96 male:40 female). The mean age at diagnosis of hydronephrosis was 3.3 ± 9.7 months and 76% of the patients were diagnosed at birth. The hydronephrosis was unilateral in 98 (72%) of cases, and hydronephrosis was at least moderate in severity in 22% of affected kidneys. At last follow-up at 30 ± 10 months, the abnormality had resolved in 77 out of 115 (67%) available patients, 30 (26%) had been referred to urology, and 12 (10%) had persistent hydronephrosis. Severity of hydronephrosis was the only clinical feature that predicted persistence of the abnormality (P < 0.001). There was an association between detection at birth and lack of resolution of hydronephrosis. Conclusions Children with hydronephrosis and presumed UPJO and normal kidney parenchyma can be followed for at least 2 years to allow for spontaneous resolution before referral to urology. Serial sonography can be performed at 6 month intervals in uncomplicated cases. More severe hydronephrosis and presence of the lesion at birth may predict infants and children requiring closer observation and referral for possible surgical correction of the hydronephrosis.
A Novel Homozygous Frameshift Mutation in Exon 2 of LEP Gene Associated with Severe Obesity: A Case Report
Authors: Altawil Ashwaq Shukri , Mawlawi Horia Ahmad , Alghamdi Khalid Ateeq , Almijmaj Faten Fohaid 
Published: September 2017

Background Monogenic obesity is a rare type of obesity caused by a mutation in a single gene. Patients with monogenic obesity may develop early onset of obesity and severe metabolic abnormalities. Case Presentation A two-and-half-year-old girl was presented to our clinic because of excessive weight gain and hyperphagia. She was born at full term, by normal vaginal delivery with birth weight of 2.82 kg and no complications during pregnancy. The patient was the second child of two healthy, non-obese Saudis with known consanguinity. She gained weight rapidly leading to obesity at the age of three months. Methods The demographic data and clinical features were recorded. Blood samples were collected and tested for endocrine and metabolic characteristics and genetic studies. Mutations of the LEP gene were screened. The coding exons 2 and 3 and the corresponding exon–intron boundaries were amplified by polymerase chain reaction using specific primers, analyzed by direct sequencing using an ABI sequencer 3500 xL GA (Applied Biosystems), and evaluated using the JSI SeqPilot software. The resulting sequence data were compared with the reference MM_0002302. Conclusion We report a novel homozygous frameshift mutation c.144delin TAC (G1n49Thrfs*23) in exon 2 of the LEP gene associated with extreme obesity.
Validity of Some Anthropometric Indicators in the Prediction of High Systolic Blood Pressure among Indian Adolescents
Authors: Rao Shobha , Kanade Asawari N. , Apte Priti P. 
Published: September 2017

Background In view of the increasing prevalence of obesity in children, it is necessary to investigate the relative performance of different indicators used for its assessment and health consequences. Objectives To examine concordance between various indicators used for assessing obesity among adolescents and to examine their ability to predict risk of high systolic blood pressure. Design Cross-sectional study, from two schools catering to affluent class. Subjects Children in age 9–16 yr (n = 1146 boys and 1036 girls). Measurements Body weight, height, skinfold thickness at triceps (TSFT) and body fat percent by trained investigators and blood pressure measurement by a pediatrician using sphygmomanometer. Results Prevalence of overweight was lowest with criterion of TSFT (11.7% in boys; 7.6% in girls) and was highest using criterion of body fat percent (53.7% in boys and 28.4% in girls). Body mass index (BMI) had high significant correlation with each of the indicator and with systolic blood pressure (SBP) as well, in both sexes. All the indicators with conventional cut offs showed poor sensitivity for predicting high SBP. However, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) cut-offs improved sensitivity considerably, but the values were much lower compared to conventional cut-offs. Conclusions There is considerable disparity in the estimates of overweight children obtained by different indicators. Lower values of ROC cut-offs highlights the need for population specific customized classification systems for assessing obesity in view of the probable population differences in relative risks of non-communicable adult diseases.
Beyond Television: Children's Engagement with Online Food and Beverage Marketing
Authors: Brady Jennifer , Farrell Amber , Wong Sharon , Mendelson Rena 
Published: September 2017

Background Food and beverage marketing has been implicated in the childhood obesity “pandemic.” Prior studies have established the negative impact of television advertising on children's dietary intake, yet few have considered the role of online food and beverage marketing, particularly within the Canadian context. Objective This study explores children's engagement in online marketing and investigates the potential impact on their dietary intake. Methods Participants were recruited from the Ryerson University Summer Day Camp to participate in a single one-on-one semi-structured interview. Results A total of 83 children (age 7 to 13 years; mean 9.99 years; 56.3% boys, 43.8% girls) participated in the study. Fewer children thought that there is food, drink, or candy advertising on the internet (67.7%) than on television (98.8%) (p > 0.001). Awareness of online marketing increased with age: 7 to 8 year olds (23.67%; 4), 9 to 10 years (63.89%; 23), 11 to 12 years (86.96%; 20); 13 years (100%; 9). Over one-third of children had visited a website after seeing the address advertised on television (n = 32; 38.55%) or on product package (n = 29; 34.94%). Conclusions Branded internet sites, commonly featured on television and product packaging, offer new opportunities for marketers to reach children with messages promoting commercial food and beverage items. These websites are subsequently spread via word-of-mouth through children's peer networks. The independent impact of web-based food, drink and candy marketing, as well as the synergistic effect of multi-channel product promotion, on children's dietary intake merits further investigation.
The effects of Fetal Surgery on Retinopathy of Prematurity Development
Authors: Nallasamy Sudha , Davidson Stefanie L. , Howell Lori J. , Hedrick Holly , Flake Alan W. , Crombleholme Timothy M. , Adzick N. Scott , Young Terri L. 
Published: September 2017

Background Fetal surgery is selectively offered for severe or life-threatening fetal malformations. These infants are often born prematurely and are thus at risk for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). It is not known whether fetal surgery confers an increased risk of developing severe ROP relative to published rates in standard premature populations ≤37 weeks of age grouped by birth weight (<1500 grams or ≥1500 grams). Design This is a retrospective chart review. Methods We reviewed the charts of 137 patients who underwent open fetal/fetoscopic surgery from 1996–2004. Surgical indications included twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), myelomeningocele (MMC), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT), cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung (CCAM), and twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence (TRAP). Of these, 17 patients had local ROP examination data. Binomial tests were performed to assess whether rates of ROP in our fetal/fetoscopic surgery cohort were significantly different from published rates. Results There were 5 patients each with an underlying diagnosis of TTTS and MMC, 2 patients each with CDH and TRAP, and 1 patient each with SCT, CCAM, and mediastinal teratoma. The mean gestational age at surgery was 23 4 /7 ± 2 3 /7 weeks, mean gestational age at birth was 30 ± 2 5 /7 weeks, and mean birth weight was 1449 ± 510 grams (610–2485). Compared to published rates of ROP and threshold ROP, our fetal surgery patients had significantly higher rates of ROP and threshold ROP in both the <1500 grams and the ≥1500 grams group (all p-values <0.05). Conclusions Fetal/fetoscopic surgery appears to significantly increase the rate of ROP and threshold ROP development. Greater numbers are needed to confirm these observations.
Pharmacokinetics of Stereoisomeric Dipeptide Prodrugs of Acyclovir following Intravenous and Oral Administrations in Rats: A study Involving in vivo corneal Uptake of Acyclovir following Oral Dosing
Authors: Talluri Ravi S. , Gaudana Ripal , Hariharan Sudharshan , Mitra Ashim K. 
Published: September 2017

Objective To delineate the plasma pharmacokinetics and determine the corneal uptake of valine based stereoisomeric dipeptide prodrugs of acyclovir (ACV) in rats. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the study. Pharmacokinetics of ACV, L-valine-acyclovir (LACV), L-valine-D-valine-acyclovir (LDACV) and D-valine-L-valine acyclovir (DLACV) prodrugs were delineated. These compounds were administered intravenously as a bolus via jugular vein cannula and orally by gavage. Samples were purified by protein precipitation method and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Pertinent pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained by using WinNonlin. Corneal uptake studies of LDACV and LACV were studied following oral administration. Results Following i.v. administration, the area under the curve (AUC) in μM*min of generated ACV was in the order of LACV > LDACV > DLACV indicating their rate of metabolism. The AUC values of total drug obtained in the systemic circulation after oral administration LACV and LDACV were 1077.93 ± 236.09 and 1141.76 ± 73.67 μM*min, respectively. DLACV exhibited poor oral absorption. Cmax (μM) and AUC of the intact prodrug obtained in the systemic circulation following oral administration of LDACV were almost 4–5 times higher than LACV. Moreover, concentrations achieved in the cornea after oral administration of LDACV were almost two times of LACV. Conclusions LDACV increased both the oral bioavailability and subsequent in vivo corneal uptake of ACV Hence, LDACV can be considered as the most promising drug candidate for delivery of ACV, in treatment of both genital herpes and ocular herpes keratitis after oral administration.
Technical note: Cascade of submerged reservoirs as a rainfall–runoff model
Authors: Kurnatowski Jacek 
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The rainfall–runoff conceptual model as a cascade of submerged linear reservoirs with particular outflows depending on storages of adjoining reservoirs is developed. The model output contains different exponential functions with roots of Chebyshev polynomials of the first kind as exponents. The model is applied to instantaneous unit hydrograph (IUH) and recession curve problems and compared with the analogous results of the Nash cascade. A case study is performed on a basis of 46 recession periods. Obtained results show the usefulness of the model as an alternative concept to the Nash cascade.