bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disrupted pattern of rich‐club organization in structural brain network from prediabetes to diabetes: A population‐based study
Authors: Zhou Yijun , Jing Jing , Zhang Zhe , Pan Yuesong , Cai Xueli , Zhu Wanlin , Li Zixiao , Liu Chang , Liu Hao , Meng Xia , Cheng Jian , Wang Yilong , Li Hao , Wang Suying , Niu Haijun , Wen Wei , Sachdev Perminder S. , Wei Tiemin , Liu Tao , Wang Yongjun
Published: February 2024

The network nature of the brain is gradually becoming a consensus in the neuroscience field. A set of highly connected regions in the brain network called “rich‐club” are crucial high efficiency communication hubs in the brain. The abnormal rich‐club organization can reflect underlying abnormal brain function and metabolism, which receives increasing attention. Diabetes is one of the risk factors for neurological diseases, and most individuals with prediabetes will develop overt diabetes within their lifetime. However, the gradual impact of hyperglycemia on brain structures, including rich‐club organization, remains unclear. We hypothesized that the brain follows a special disrupted pattern of rich‐club organization in prediabetes and diabetes. We used cross‐sectional baseline data from the population‐based PolyvasculaR Evaluation for Cognitive Impairment and vaScular Events (PRECISE) study, which included 2218 participants with a mean age of 61.3 ± 6.6 years and 54.1% females comprising 1205 prediabetes, 504 diabetes, and 509 normal control subjects. The rich‐club organization and network properties of the structural networks derived from diffusion tensor imaging data were investigated using a graph theory approach. Linear mixed models were used to assess associations between rich‐club organization disruptions and the subjects' glucose status. Based on the graphical analysis methods, we observed the disrupted pattern of rich‐club organization was from peripheral regions mainly located in frontal areas to rich‐club regions mainly located in subcortical areas from prediabetes to diabetes. The rich‐club organization disruptions were associated with elevated glucose levels. These findings provided more details of the process by which hyperglycemia affects the brain, contributing to a better understanding of the potential neurological consequences. Furthermore, the disrupted pattern observed in rich‐club organization may serve as a potential neuroimaging marker for early detection and monitoring of neurological disorders in individuals with prediabetes or diabetes.
Use of cross‐training in human–robot collaborative rescue
Authors: Pan Dan , Zhao Di , Pu Youchen , Wang Liang , Zhang Yijing
Published: February 2024

Human–robot collaboration has been widely used in postdisaster investigation and rescue. Human–robot team training is a good way to improve the team rescue efficiency and safety; two common training methods, namely, procedural training and cross‐training, are explored in this study. Currently, relatively few studies have explored the impact of cross‐training on human–robot collaboration in rescue tasks. Cross‐training will be novel to most rescuers and as such, an evaluation of cross‐training in comparison with more conventional procedural training is warranted. This study investigated the effects of these two training methods on rescue performance, situation awareness and workload. Forty‐two participants completed a path‐planning and a photo‐taking task in an unfamiliar simulated postdisaster environment. The rescue performance results showed that cross‐training method had significant advantages over procedural training for human–robot collaborative rescue tasks. During the training process, compared with procedural training, participants were more likely to achieve excellent photo‐taking performance after cross‐training; after training, the length of the route planned by the cross‐training group was significantly shorter than that of the procedural‐training group. In addition, procedural‐training marginal significantly increased the emotion demand, which proves that cross‐training can well control the emotions of the operators and make them more involved in the rescue task. The study also found that arousal level increased significantly after the first cross‐training session, and decreased to the same level as procedural training after multiple sessions. These results contribute to the application of cross‐training in human–robot collaborative rescue teams.
Exploration of multimodal alarms for civil aircraft flying task: A laboratory study
Authors: Cun Wenzhe , Yu Suihuai , Chu Jianjie , Chen Yanhao , Sun Jianhua , Fan Hao
Published: February 2024

Owing to the increasing amount of information presented in the cockpit, the visual and hearing channels are unable to adequately transmit information, which may increase the mental load on pilots. This study explores the benefits of multimodal alarms under high and low residual capacities during take‐off in civil aircrafts in a quasi‐experimental study. The performance of two modes of multimodal (visual and auditory [VA], and visual, auditory, and tactile [VAT]) alarms were tested. The results showed that the VAT alarms were superior to the VA alarms in terms of choice response times (CRTs) when the participants were exposed to low residual capacities of vision and hearing. However, this effect was not observed when the participants had high residual capacities for vision and hearing. Thus, we considered that an additional tactile alarm could play a significant role in the CRTs when VA resources were consumed. There was no significant difference in the number of response errors between the three multimodal alarm modes. This study provides a key comparison of the two modes of multimodal alarms, indicating that VAT alarms are ideal for use in alarm design strategies for next‐generation civil cockpits.
Assessing the reproducibility, stability, and biological interpretability of multimodal computed tomography image features for prognosis in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Jiajun , Dai Gang , Ren Xiufang , Shi Ruichuan , Luo Ruibang , Liu Jianhua , Deng Kexue , Song Jiangdian
Published: February 2024

Background

Despite the existence of proposed prognostic features on computed tomography (CT) for patients with advanced‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including radiologists' handcrafted (RaH) features, radiomics features, and deep learning features, comprehensive studies that examine their reproducibility, stability, and biological interpretability remain limited.

Methods

The Image Biomarker Standardization Initiative‐reported tolerance, Kappa, interclass correlation coefficient, and coefficient of variance were employed to identify reproducible features among RaH, radiomics, and deep learning features derived from NSCLC phantoms. The reproducible features were then input into six artificial intelligence algorithms to develop prognostic models for targeted therapy and immunotherapy using real‐world patients with advanced‐stage NSCLC to assess their capability and stability. Pathway enrichment was also conducted to explore the underlying biological pathways associated with these reproducible features.

Results

Reproducible features in advanced NSCLC included RaH features (9/9, 100%), radiomics features (572/1835, 31.17%), and deep learning features (3442/4096, 84.03%). Among the six artificial intelligence‐based prognostic methods, the RaH features exhibited least variability. We also observed that the optimal CT‐based prognostic approach differed depending on treatment regimens for advanced NSCLC. In analysis using the Cancer Genome Atlas Program lung adenocarcinoma dataset, the identified reproducible prognostic features, specifically tumor size‐derived radiomics and RaH features, showed significant associations with five key signaling pathways involved in NSCLC survival outcomes (false‐discovery rate p < 0.05).

Conclusions

By elucidating the reproducibility, stability, and biological associations of prognostic CT features, our study provides valuable evidence for future NSCLC studies and modeling approaches.
Intestinal Microflora and Bacterial Overgrowth in Early Life
Authors: Gracey Michael
Published: February 2024

At birth the gut is sterile but later is continually exposed to potentially harmful agents: infective, toxic, and antigenic. The development of a strictly contained intestinal microflora reflects an important aspect of control over potentially noxious, environmental influences. Control of the intestinal microecology is dependent on many factors including intestinal peristalsis, the intraluminal environment, and microbial interactions. When these regulating mechanisms are lost, microbial contamination of the gut occurs and leads to the so‐called “contaminated small‐bowel syndrome.” This has serious clinical consequences, including diarrhoea and malabsorption, and can occur in a wide range of clinical situations in infants and young children.
Antigenicity of Infant Formulas and the Induction of Systemic Immunological Tolerance by Oral Feeding
Authors: Eastham Edmund J. , Lichauco Tom , Pang Kam , Walker W. Allan
Published: February 2024

The relative antigenicity of whey fractions from milk, milk formula, soy‐based formula, and formula containing protein hydrolysate were compared by tanned hemagglutination and immunoprecipitation techniques. A significantly lower antibody response to representative cow's milk proteins (casein, bovine serum albumin, boxine ‐y‐globulin. and a‐lactalbumin) occurred in animals fed with milk formula compared to cow's milk, suggesting that these antigens had been modified during the preparation of the milk‐based formula. Antibody responses to protein in soy formulas were equivalent to the response to cow's milk protein, suggesting that soy proteins are as antigenic as milk proteins. The response with time to soy protein separated from crude soy powder had a gradual slope and was lower than those to formula, suggesting that the processing of crude soy powder may enhance its antigenicity. In contrast, the antibody response was negative to milk proteins from protein hydrolysate formula, suggesting no antigenicity of this special formula. Furthermore, prior oral feeding with milk formula resulted in a state of partial systemic immunological tolerance. This was even more prolonged using soy‐based formula. These data may explain why although as antigenic, soy‐based formulas are clinically hypoallergenic‐a more complete “low‐zone” tolerance being achieved by oral exposure. It is speculated that the handling of ingested soy proteins by the immunological system results in a hypoallergenic state by stimulation of specific suppressor T cells in Peyer s patches by the hapten effect of partially digested protein fragments or by effector cell blockade due to immune complexes present in slight antigen excess. Future work in this area will give pediatricians a sounder scientific basis on which to give advice about infant feeding practices.
Linoleic Acid Absorption in Children with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Chase H. Peter , Welch Nancy N. , Rabaglia Mary E. , Dupont Jacqueline
Published: February 2024

When safflower oil (triglyceride) was consumed without pancreatic enzymes by children with cystic fibrosis (CF), there was no rise in mean plasma linoleic acid levels over the next 4 h. When linoleic acid monoglyceride (LAM) was consumed, the increase in plasma linoleic acid levels was significantly greater than for safflower oil at 2 (p < 0.02), 3 (p < 0.01), and 4 h (p < 0.01). When free fatty acid (hydrolyzed safflower oil) was ingested, there was almost no increase in plasma linoleic acid levels in CF or control children. The absorption of linoleic acid from triglyceride, but not from LAM, was greater when the CF children also took pancreatic enzymes. Three children with CF had greater increases in plasma linoleic acid levels following ingestion of safflower oil when they took antacid and cimetidine with their pancreatic capsules, compared to when they only took the pancreatic capsules.
In Pursuit of the Etiology of Congenital Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis
Authors: Moazam Farhat , Kolts Byron E. , Rodgers Bradley M.
Published: February 2024

The etiology of congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis remains obscure. Dodge's success in producing this entity in newborn pups, by administering pentagastrin to the mothers, initiated interest in the possible role of gastrointestinal hormones in this condition. Results of the serum gastrin level estimations in infants with congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, however, have been equivocal. Recent studies have revealed secretin to have a profound contractile effect on the pyloric muscle. In the genetically predisposed infant, neonatal hyperacidity could provide the stimulus for hypersecretinemia, resulting in pyloric spasm and hypertrophy. To examine this hypothesis further, 15 infants with congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis underwent estimation of serum secretin levels preoperatively and following successful pyloromyotomy. Twelve normal infants of comparable age underwent similar estimations as controls. The mean serum secretin concentration in normal infants was found to be comparable to that in the normal fasting adult. The mean secretin concentration in infants with congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis was not significantly different from the values obtained in the control group. No significant changes occurred in these levels following pyloromyotomy. Our present study, therefore, fails to identify the presence of hypersecretinemia in infants with congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis and suggests that secretin is possibly of no significance in the etiology of this condition.
Esophageal Dysfunction in Down's Syndrome
Authors: Hillemeier Craig , Buchin Peter J. , Gryboski Joyce
Published: February 2024

Abnormalities in esophageal function were identified in seven children with Down's syndrome. Three had recurrent episodes of pneumonia from gastroesophageal reflux; two of these and one other patient had esophageal strictures. Two patients with Down s syndrome revealed no evidence of gastroesophageal reflux but did show significant abnormalities in esophageal peristalsis. These data would suggest that ambulatory children with Down's syndrome may be at risk of developing serious sequellae of gastroesophageal reflux. The spectrum of data of these seven patients is discussed, and pertinent prior reports from the literature are reviewed.
Intestinal Maturation
Authors: Younoszai M. K. , Nathan R. , Komnick K.
Published: February 2024

Intestinal permeability to Ca is greater in infant than in older rats, predisposing the infant rat to hypocalcemia. The present studies compared in suckling and adult rats the amount of Ca lost into the intestinal lumen in relation to plasma Ca during an acute 2‐h in vivo recirculation perfusion of the jejunum and ileum with an isotonic NaCl solution either free of or containing CaCl2Rats had been injected with radioactive 15CaCI2 24 h prior to the perfusion. Secretion of Ca was determined from rate of appearance of 15Ca into the lumen. During perfusion of the solution free of Ca, rate of secretion of Ca into the intestinal lumen (both jejunum and ileum) was about the same in the suckling and the adult rats, about 7.3 /xmol/2 h. However, rate of secretion based on body weight was 10‐fold greater in the suckling than in the adult rats. The relatively greater loss of Ca in suckling rats resulted in a significant drop of serum Ca, from 2.95 /xmol/ml to 2.02 jumol/ml. In adult rats serum Ca was maintained to within normal limits. During perfusion of solutions containing 2 mmol/L of CaCI2all rats absorbed Ca, and absorption rates were greater in the jejunum and ileum of the suckling than of the adult rats. Thus, because of the possibility of excessive loss of Ca through the intestinal tract, it appears advisable to allow young infants enough dietary Ca to maintain concentration of ionized Ca in the intestinal lumen to above that in serum.
Prolonged Neonatal Jaundice
Authors: Odièvre M. , Luzeau R. , Alagille D.
Published: February 2024

A prolonged but transient neonatal jaundice due to unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia was observed in two unrelated babies who were siblings of patients with Crigler–Najjar disease (Arias type I). The bilirubin‐UDP‐glucuronyl transferase activity measured in the liver of both patients, at the age of 6 and 7 months, respectively, was found to be low, suggesting a permanent deficiency in bilirubin glucuronidation, which might be the expression of a heterozygote state.
Pancreatitis as a Complication of Henoch–Schonlein Purpura
Authors: Branski David , Gross Varda , Gross‐Kieselstein Eva , Roll Doron , Abrahamov Abraham
Published: February 2024

A 5‐year‐old girl suffering from Henoch–Schonlein purpura developed severe abdominal pain accompanied by vomiting and fever. Concomitantly, the serum amylase level became elevated and leukocytosis developed, with a shift to the left. A diagnosis of pancreatitis complicating Henoch–Schonlein purpura was made. This rare complication is presented, along with a review of the literature.
Budd–Chiari Syndrome in a Child
Authors: Schwarz Kathleen B. , Wolverson Michael , deMello Daphne E. , King James , Nolan Brian , Lewis J. Eugene
Published: February 2024

We describe a 14‐month‐old female who presented with hepatomegaly 1 month after abdominal trauma. Eight years later, radiographic and histologic studies confirmed the diagnosis of Budd–Chiari syndrome with evolution to cirrhosis.
Effect of Infant Diets with Different Polyunsaturated to Saturated Fat Ratios on Circulating High‐Density Lipoproteins
Authors: Carlson Susan E. , DeVoe Phillip W. , Barness Lewis A.
Published: February 2024

A prospective study was undertaken to determine the effects of differing (a) dietary polyunsaturated to saturated fat (P/S) and (b) cholesterol intakes on human circulating high‐ and low‐density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL, respectively). The subjects were human infants, between 4 and 6 months of age, presumed normolipemic, and fed either human milk, SMA“ (Wyeth Laboratories), or Enfamil” with iron (Mead Johnson) from birth. These diets had similar amounts of total fat, but different ratios of P/S fat: human milk, 0.4; SMA, 0.3; and Enfamil, 1.6. SMA and Enfamil provided only approximately 20 mg/day of cholesterol compared to approximately 100–200 mg/day previously reported with human milk feeding. The major dietary difference between infants fed SMA and those fed Enfamil was in P/S ratio. With the higher ratio. HDL cholesterol. HDL apoproteins, and the combined low‐density and very‐low‐density lipoprotein (LDL‐VLDL) cholesterol concentrations were reduced: HDL cholesterol (32%), LDL VLDL cholesterol (8%), apoprotein A‐1 (apoA‐I) (19%), and apoprotein All (apoA‐II) (14%). Cholesterol concentration was the major difference in composition between human milk and SMA. Infants fed these diets had identical amounts of circulating HDL apoproteins (apoA‐I and All) and cholesterol, but the infants fed SMA had 30% lower LDL‐VLDL cholesterol than did breast‐fed infants. We conclude from this study that large intakes of polyunsaturated fat are associated with reduced HDL concentrations in normolipemic infants.
Longitudinal Growth and Late Morbidity of Survivors of Gastroschisis and Omphalocele
Authors: Berseth Carol Lynn , Malachowski Natalie , Cohn Roy B. , Sunshine Philip
Published: February 2024

Of 22 survivors of gastroschisis and omphalocele, most had poor weight gain. Although one‐third of gastroschisis babies were small‐for‐gestational age at birth, no other predisposing factors for poor growth could be demonstrated. No child had intrinsic gastrointestinal or metabolic sequelae at 3 years of age, as demonstrated by radiographic studies, fecal fat excretion, or serum chemistry screen. One‐third of those tested had IQs <90; five had abnormal electroencephalograms; one had impaired hearing. Intellectual impairment was related to length of hospitalization due to a variety of nongastrointestinal factors. Neither growth nor intellectual development was related to the type of lesion present, even when IQ is corrected for prematurity. Impairment of growth and intellectual outcome may be related to prematurity, small‐for‐gestation birth weight, and nongastrointestinal neonatal complications.
Immunoglobulin Levels in Human Colostrum and Milk
Authors: Mickleson K. N. P. , Moriarty K. M.
Published: February 2024

The levels of secretory IgA and of IgM and IgG in colostrums and milks obtained at various times postpartum were measured by radial immunodiffusion. Immunoglobulin A was the dominant immunoglobulin in all samples, and concentrations in colostrum ranged from 1.5 to 83.7 g/L (mean 32 g/L). Immunoglobulin M and IgG had mean colostrum concentrations of 1.13 and 0.53 g/L. respectively. Although the levels of each immunoglobulin declined with time postpartum, there was little change in the relative proportion of the immunoglobulin classes present.
Cell‐Mediated Immunity in Children with Chronic Cholestasis
Authors: Maggiore Giuseppe , De Giacomo Costantino , Scotta Maria Serenella , Siena Salvatore , Maccario Rita , Vitiello Antonella
Published: February 2024

Cell‐mediated immune response was evaluated in 14 children with long‐lasting intra‐ or extrahepatic cholestasis. Cell‐mediated immunity was clearly depressed in children with intrahepatic cholestasis while children with extrahepatic biliary obstruction had a more modest and variable degree of impairment. This finding may be related to the longer duration of cholestasis and the higher total bile acid level in the intrahepatic compared to the extrahepatic group. In particular, in children with Byler disease, long‐lasting, severe intrahepatic cholestasis was associated with depressed cell‐mediated immunity and recurrent severe infections.
Intestinal Bypass in the Rat
Authors: Maxwell J. D. , Ang Liza , Cleeve H. J. W. , McGouran R. C.
Published: February 2024

The role of small intestinal bacterial colonisation on growth, liver function, and survival was examined in young rats, by comparing the effects of 90% small intestinal resection (resulting in nutritional disturbance from loss of absorptive surface) with equivalent small intestinal bypass (where the nutritional disturbance is accompanied by bacterial overgrowth in the long bypassed segment of jejunoileum). Weight loss in bypass rats was double that seen in resected animals. This was not due to enhanced malabsorption, but was the result of reduced food intake. In addition, bypass rats developed hepatocellular dysfunction, the early onset of hypoproteinaemia (occasionally accompanied by ascites), and had high mortality. Adverse effects were due to bacterial overgrowth in the long excluded segment of small bowel, as they were modified by antibacterial drugs, and were riot seen in rats with nutritional disturbance (resection) alone, which adapted well and had negligible postoperative mortality. Persistent bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine can adversely affect the hosts appetite, growth, liver function, and survival. These abnormalities, which developed shortly after intestinal bypass in the rat, are reminiscent of marasmus and kwashiorkor, and suggest that bacterial overgrowth, rather than dietary deficiency, may be primarily responsible for the development of infant “malnutrition” in the developing world.
High‐Titer Glucagon Antibodies in a Hypoglycemic Child on Glucagon Therapy
Authors: Dupont Christophe , Chaussain Jean‐Louis , Boudaillez Bernard , Chenut Bernard
Published: February 2024

High‐liter (1:30.000) antiglucagon antibodies were detected in a 14‐month‐old patient with nesidioblastosis who had been treated by intramuscular long‐acting glucagon since age 5 months. In this patient no correct equilibrium of blood glucose level could be obtained without maintaining glucagon treatment, even alter subtotal pancreatectomy Antiglucagon antibodies titer remained stable at age 18 months.
High Incidence of Hypogammaglobulinemia in Infants with Diarrhea
Authors: Glassman Mark , Grill Bruce , Gryboski Joyce , Dwyer John
Published: February 2024

Examination of 136 children who were referred to the Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic at Yale‐New Haven Hospital for chronic or severe diarrhea between 1977 and 1981 revealed that 31 patients (22.8%) had serum immunoglobulin levels below the 5th percentile for age. Twenty‐four of these 31 patients (77.4%) had normal or near normal serum immunoglobulin levels by their third birthday and most could therefore be classified under the heading “transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy,” an unexpected finding, as this condition has previously been thought to be rare; only 27 patients with this disorder were reported prior to 1978. While the basic cause of the defect is unknown, it has been linked to a slower than normal maturation of the neonate's ability to secrete immunoglobulins. Comparison of our patients with hypogammaglobulinemia and those with chronic diarrhea but normal immunoglobulins revealed that the former group are younger at presentation (mean, 8.2 months) and at the onset of their diarrhea (3.1 months); the figures for patients without hypogammaglobulinemia were 18.2 and 8.2 months, respectively. Males and females were equally affected, and the diarrhea, which was responsive to a hypoallergenic diet, resolved by 3 years of age as did the hypogammaglobulinemia in nearly all cases. While the etiology of the diarrhea remains obscure, significant problems outside the gastrointestinal tract did not occur. Circumstantial evidence suggests that the most likely cause for the failure of production of IgG, and to a lesser extent IgA antibody, in infants seen with diarrhea may result from a failure of maturation of T cell helper systems rather than any intrinsic defect in the B cell system itself.
Giardiasis in Childhood and Its Effects on the Small Intestine
Authors: Jové Silvia , Fagundes‐Neto Ulysses , Wehba Jamal , Machado Nelson Lourenço. , da Silva Patrício Francy Reis.
Published: February 2024

The effects of Giardia lamblia on small bowel function were studied. Thirty‐three asymptomatic children were studied before and after treatment with metronidazole (Nimorazol®). Patients had a small intestinal biopsy, bile salt determinations, and the following absorptive tests: D‐xylose, triglyceride, and lactose and sucrose tolerance tests. Before treatment, 87% had unconjugated bile salts in duodenal fluid but afterwards only 60% did. Small bowel biopsy changes did not correlate with the pre‐ and posttreatment periods. Triglyceride absorption showed significant differences between patients at different periods of the study; D‐xylose absorption did not reveal differences between the periods of the study but was significantly impaired when compared with controls. Lactose malabsorption was detected in 56% and sucrose in 7% of the patients. G. lamblia may have some pathogenic role, although nonspecific to intestinal function. It probably acts more in a synergistic way with other pathogenic agents that inhabit the intestinal lumen of children living under unfavorable conditions producing the picture of tropical enteropathy.
Fecal Reducing Substances and Breath Hydrogen Excretion as Indicators of Carbohydrate Malabsorption
Authors: Caballero Benjamin , Solomons Noel W. , Torún Benjamin
Published: February 2024

Data from serial determinations of fecal volume, characteristics, pH, and reducing substances, and postprandial breath hydrogen (H2) concentrations in severely malnourished children receiving milk‐based recovery diets were used to evaluate the quality of the correspondence among diagnostic indices for carbohydrate malabsorption, with specific emphasis on the comparison of breath H2 excretion and fecal reducing substances. Only postprandial breath H2 results for subjects with a proven capacity to mount an H2 response to the nonabsorbable disaccharide, lactulose, were included. There was a poor correlation between the diagnostic indication provided by the breath test and fecal reducing sugars. Biological considerations about the metabolism of unabsorbed carbohydrates in relation to colonic transit time and fecal flora may explain the poor degree of correlation. The two indices should not be considered interchangeable, but should be used selectively in accordance with the clinical situation.
Lipolysis of Triglycerides of Human Milk During Storage at Low Temperatures
Authors: Bitman Joel , Wood Larry D. , Mehta Nitin R. , Hamosh Paul , Hamosh Margit
Published: February 2024

Human milk samples were divided at collection and stored at −70°C or −20°C, or extracted immediately with organic solvent, to compare lipid class composition. Storage at −20°C was not satisfactory for maintaining milk lipid composition, for it resulted in hydrolysis of triglycerides and the appearance of free fatty acids.
Plasmid‐Mediated Adhesion in Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Baldini Mary M. , Kaper James B. , Levine Myron M. , Candy David C. A. , Moon Harley W.
Published: February 2024

A survey of classical serotype enteropathogenic Escherichia coli has been made with respect to their plasmid profile and ability to adhere to HEp‐2 cells. Thirty‐one of the 32 strains examined contained a 50‐70 Md plasmid, and many exhibited HEp‐2 adherence. Strain E2348 (0127:H6), which causes diarrhea in volunteers and is HEp‐2‐adhesive, was chosen for further study. The large 55 Md plasmid in E2348, pMAR2, has been marked with a transposon coding for ampicillin resistance. E2348 that has been cured of pMAR2 loses the ability to adhere to HEp‐2 cells, while HB101, a nonadherent E. coli K12, acquires HEp‐2 adhesiveness after gaining this plasmid. Plasmid presence was also shown to correlate with in vivo adhesion to intestine, using the colostrum‐deprived piglet model.
Early Diagnosis of Intestinal Non‐Hodgkin Lymphoma by Endoscopy
Authors: Hintze Jürgen , Posselt Hans Georg , Walther Annemarie , Hinderfeld Ludger , Waag Karl Ludwig , Bender Steffen W.
Published: February 2024

The early diagnosis of intestinal non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, stages I and II, lymphoblastic of Burkitt's type, was made by colonoscopy combined with selective radiologic visualization of the tumor in two children, ages 4 and 5. This technique is recommended in patients with abdominal pain, iron‐deficiency anemia, intestinal blood loss, and an elevated sedimentation rate, when conventional radiologic and ultrasound techniques fail.
Transient Monosaccharide Intolerance in Infants with Acute and Protracted Diarrhoea
Authors: Manuel Peter D. , Lucas Mukhtar Deirdre J. , Walker‐Smith John A.
Published: February 2024

A retrospective clinical study was done of 38 infants with temporary monosaccharide intolerance who were admitted to hospital between November 1976 and August 1978. There were two clinical groups. Group 1 consisted of 31 infants who developed monosaccharide intolerance as a sequela to acute gastroenteritis (i.e., 4% of infants admitted with acute gastroenteritis). Rotavirus was the cause of gastroenteritis in 64% of cases of monosaccharide intolerance. Monosaccharide intolerance was easily managed by dietary manipulations and lasted a mean of 2.5 days. Group 2 consisted of seven infants who developed monosaccharide intolerance during the course of protracted diarrhoea. The monosaccharide in‐tolerance lasted up to 70 days, with a mean of 21 days, and required a period of total bowel rest followed often by complicated dietary manipulation.
Hepatitis B Virus Infections Transmitted from Retarded Children to Their Families During Brief Home Exposure
Authors: McPhillips John C. , Collins Janna C. , Spigland Ilya
Published: February 2024

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is endemic among institutionalized retarded patients, who usually have mild, anicteric hepatitis following nonparenteral exposure. We evaluated the risk of HBV infection (as evidenced by serologic studies) among their contacts, including noninstitutional caretakers, during brief home exposure. Caretakers shaved, bathed, and changed diapers for five patients during home visits or foster home placements. Seven of the 14 caretakers, who were exposed for 3–12 months, developed antibodies (anti‐HBe and/or anti‐HBs). A mother and her daughter's caretaker were found to have asymptomatic acute HBV infection, and the mother developed antibodies to HBs HBc, and HBc. In a second household, another caretaker became anti‐HBspositive. Only one of nine play contacts and none of seven casual contacts had markers of past or present HBV infection. The study was a unique opportunity to retrospectively and prospectively monitor HBV transmission. Our results show that noninstitutional caretakers deserve the protection of HBV vaccine to diminish the potential for chronic infection and transmission of HBV infection.
Neonatal Bilirubin Production Estimated from “End‐Tidal” Carbon Monoxide Concentration
Authors: Smith David W. , Hopper Andrew O. , Shahin Susan M. , Cohen Ronald S. , Ostrander Clinton R. , Ariagno Ronald L. , Stevenson David K.
Published: February 2024

The relationship between the pulmonary excretion rate of carbon monoxide (VECO) and the concentration of CO, in a sample of breath, drawn through a nasopharyngeal catheter at end‐expiration, was assessed in 25 studies of nine preterm and 14 term infants. The VECO and this approximate end‐tidal sample of CO (ETCO) correlated significantly over a wide range of CO elimination rates: VECO = 10.45 ETCO + 2.25 (n = 25, r = 0.95). The ETCO correctly predicted elevations in VECO > 2 SD of the mean VECO for normal infants (13.9 ± 3.5 μl/kg/h), with 90% sensitivity and 73% specificity (p < 0.01). Three subjects with Rh isoimmune hemolytic disease were easily identified by the ETCO as well as the VECO. The ETco is a simple, noninvasive measurement for rapidly identifying infants with significant hemolytic disease.
Serum IgG Antibodies to Gliadin in Children with Celiac Disease as Measured by an Immunofluorescence Method
Authors: Blazer Shraga , Naveh Yehezkel , Berant Moshe , Merzbach David , Sperber Shoshana
Published: February 2024

Antigliadin antibodies (AGAs) were studied in sera from 190 patients divided into five clinical groups. Group I included 28 sera from children with newly diagnosed celiac disease on a normal diet. Group II consisted of 43 sera from children with celiac disease who were fed a gluten‐free diet (GFD). Group III included 25 sera from children with celiac disease who had been in remission but exposed to a gluten‐containing diet (GCD). Group IV consisted of 46 sera from children with chronic diarrheal disorders other than celiac disease. Group V included 43 sera from healthy children. The observed p values proved that (a) mean titer levels of AGAs in Groups I and III were significantly higher than the mean values for all other groups (p < 0.001), and (b) the mean titer level of AGAs in Group II was significantly higher than the mean values for Groups IV and V A good correlation between the AGA titers and the morphology of the duodenal mucosa was found in children with celiac disease. The examination of IgG AGAs by the immunofluorescence technique used in our study appears to be a useful tool in the follow‐up of individual patients to determine adherence to a GFD.
Effect of Casein Versus Casein Hydrolysate on Mucosal Adaptation Following Massive Bowel Resection in Infant Rats
Authors: Vanderhoof Jon A. , Grandjean Carter J. , Burkley Karen T. , Antonson Dean L.
Published: February 2024

Little is known concerning the effects of elemental diets on bowel adaptation following massive resection. Fourteen of 28 Sprague‐Dawley rats (40–45 g) were subjected to a 60% jejunoileal resection. Seven of the resected animals and seven sham‐operated controls were then placed on a diet containing all protein in the form of casein hydrolysate. The remaining seven resected animals and seven sham‐operated controls were placed on a comparable diet in which all the protein was casein. Each control animal was paired with a resected animal. After 2 weeks, unidirectional glucose and leucine transport was determined from intestinal sacs made from the proximal 3 cm and distal 3 cm of the remaining bowel. The midportion was used for the determination of mucosal weight and protein and sucrase content. When expressed as a percent increase over control values per centimeter of bowel, only sucrase levels were significantly elevated in the distal bowel in casein hydrolysate‐ versus casein‐fed animals. The mucosal protein level, mucosal weight, and glucose uptake did not differ from control values when expressed as a percent change. Leucine uptake was significantly decreased in casein hydrolysatefed animals when compared to that in casein‐fed animals in both the proximal and distal bowel, again when expressed as a percent change from the control values. The administration of protein in the form of casein hydrolysate following massive bowel resection does not adversely affect mucosal hyperplasia occurring after resection but may have an adverse effect on the enhancement of amino acid absorption.
Transient Hypergastrinemia of 2 Years' Duration in a Young Pediatric Patient
Authors: Euler Arthur R. , Lechago Juan , Byrne William , France Gene L.
Published: February 2024

A 24‐month‐old female child experienced watery diarrhea, growth failure, and abdominal pain from age 3 months. Hypergastrinemia, hypochlorhydria, and fundic gastritis were documented. A secretin stimulation test was normal but protein meal stimulation revealed an abnormal serum gastrin response. Antral biopsies revealed G cell hyperplasia. Chronic treatment with antacids and an anticholinergic agent was unsuccessful. Spontaneous recovery occurred at age 29 months. Gastrin stimulation tests, gastric acid secretory tests, antral mucosal biopsies, and multiple basal serum gastrin levels were repeated. All were normal. Follow‐up of greater than 3 years has documented a completely normal clinical and laboratory course.
Coproporphyrin Excretion in Healthy Newborn Babies
Authors: Rocchi Emilio , Balli Fiorella , Gibertini Paolo , Trenti Tomaso , Pietrangelo Antonello , Cassanelli Marco , Frigieri Giuliana , Ventura Ezio
Published: February 2024

The urinary and fecal coproporphyrins (CP) undergo significant changes in cholestatic diseases of both adults and infants and their determination may provide a diagnostic tool. Little is known about CP excretion in the first days of life. The authors have studied the daily urinary and fecal excretion of CP as well as the I and III isomer distribution in 10 healthy newborn babies from 1 to 10 days old. CP were determined by the solvent partition method and the isomer distribution by thin‐layer chromatographic technique. Preliminary studies on urinary porphyrin pattern were performed using a personal high‐performance liquid chromatographic method. CP excretion was almost 10 times higher on the 1st day than on the 10th, when expressed by adult standards. The isomer I accounted for almost 80% of the total amount on the first days, whereas at the end of the study, both the CP total amount and isomer distribution overlapped the infant and adult pattern. The authors propose a personal interpretation based on a possible transient enzymatic defect in the metabolic chain of heme synthesis.
Essential Fatty Acid Status of the Premature Infant During Short‐Term Fat‐Free Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Cooke Richard J. , Zee Paulus , Yeh Yu‐Yan
Published: February 2024

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of fat‐free parenteral nutrition on the essential fatty acid status of a group of stable premature infants during the first 10 days of life. Nine infants had a gestational age of less than 32 weeks (Group 1), and 10 infants, 32–34 weeks (Group 2). Five of nine infants in Group 1 and two of 10 infants in Group 2 developed essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) (triene/tetraene ratio >0.4). In three infants, EFAD was present by 5 days of age; and in four, between 5 and 10 days of age. The difference in frequency of EFAD between Groups 1 and 2 is statistically significant (p < 0.05). The development of EFAD as a function of postnatal age could be predicted using a simple regression, y = −0.14 + 0.07x (r = 0.64, p < 0.0001), where y represents the triene/tetraene ratio and × the postnatal age in days. We conclude that (a) EFAD may develop rapidly in the premature infant; (b) the more immature the infant, the greater the risk of EFAD; (c) the degree of EFAD increases with the duration of fat‐free parenteral nutrition.
Sensitivity of the Sigmoid Colon and Rectum in Children Treated for Chronic Constipation
Authors: Loening‐Baucke Vera A.
Published: February 2024

Sensations in the sigmoid and rectum and the response of the anal canal to balloon distension were measured with a latex balloon and pressure transducer in 15 chronically constipated and 15 healthy control children. The constipated children received milk of magnesia and bowel training. Thirteen constipated children were restudied 7–12 months later and 11 were restudied 3 years later. Although thresholds of transient sensation and of the rectosphincteric reflex were not different in constipated and control children, the threshold of fullness, the critical volume, and the volume for constant relaxation were significantly higher in constipated than in control children (p < 0.05), and remained higher 1 year and 3 years later, even in the children who recovered. The initial data support the concept of a sigmoid and rectum so enlarged that a normal fecal bolus may not cause a sensation of fullness or a sensory stimulus for defecation. Despite improvement in clinical manifestations and normal rectal size, the abnormalities in sensitivity of the sigmoid and rectum persisted in five of eight recovered children. This may explain why these children are so vulnerable to recurrence of constipation and fecal soiling.
Prolactin and the Gut
Authors: Nusslé Daniel , Cox Jeremiah , Carmignac Danielle , Duhamel Dominique , Sizonenko Pierre C.
Published: February 2024

Previous reports suggest that prolactin could be one of the factors controlling intestinal mucosal growth. Therefore plasma levels of prolactin have been measured at the time of jejunal biopsy performed for suspicion of celiac disease. One hundred eighty‐seven biopsies from 166 children have been reviewed according to histology, age, diagnosis, and plasma prolactin. No difference in the plasma prolactin could be detected among a group of 117 normal biopsies (9.4 ± 0.4 ng/ml, mean ± SEM), 31 biopsies with partial atrophy of various degree (9.0 ± 0.9 ng/ml), and 39 biopsies with flat mucosa (9.1 ± 0.7 ng/ml), nor could we demonstrate an increase in prolactin according to age and diagnosis (celiac disease before and after treatment, cow's milk protein intolerance, isolated postenteritic syndrome, selective sugar intolerance, and functional gut problems). Prolactinlike material has been detected by immunoperoxidase in the jejunal mucosa. The intracellular granules are located in the infranuclear portion of isolated epithelial cells mainly in the crypts. This material could not be correlated with the corresponding prolactinemias, whatever the histological appearance of the mucosa. These results would suggest that plasma prolactin is not a marker of jejunal regeneration in children. The nature and function(s) of this prolactinlike material remain to be established.
Reliability of Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis
Authors: dell'Agnola Carlo Alberto , Tomaselli Vincenzo , Colombo Carla , Fagnani Anna Maria
Published: February 2024

An ultrasound (US) examination might be the best way to study the pylorus and its pathological states once the reliability of this technique has been demonstrated. In order to evaluate the reliability of a sonographic diagnosis of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), 17 randomly chosen patients with HPS were examined with both ultrasonography and radiography and then operated on or followed up clinically. Rank correlation between the size and morphological features of the pylorus was found in babies with HPS using US. No false positives or negatives were obtained, and all true positives and negatives were detected. Because of this and the safety of the US technique we wish to emphasize that it should be considered the method of choice in screening infants with severe vomiting. Whenever HPS is suspected from clinical observation, ultrasonography should precede a radiological examination before surgery.
Effect of Temperature and Length of Storage on Serum‐Stimulated and Serum‐Independent Lipolytic Activities in Human Milk
Authors: Clark Richard M. , Hundrieser Kenneth H. , Ross Sharon , Brown Peter B.
Published: February 2024

Milk was collected from five mothers. Upon collection, serum‐stimulated and serum‐independent lipolytic activities were determined. The milk samples were aliquoted and stored at 25, 4, —20, and −70°. After storage for 3, 6, 12, and 24 h, serum‐stimulated and ‐independent activities were again determined and compared with the initial activities. Storage at 25° resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in lipolytic activity. Serum‐stimulated activity decreased 83.4% and serum‐independent activity decreased 66.9% over the 24‐h period. Storage at 4° resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) decrease of 22.6% in serum‐stimulated activity and a 7.2% decrease in serum‐independent activity. No significant changes were observed in milk stored for 24 h at ‐ 20 and ‐ 70°. Milk was stored at ‐ 20 and ‐ 70° for an additional 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Serum‐stimulated lipolysis did not change significantly over the 4‐week period. Serum‐independent lipolysis increased significantly (p < 0.05) with storage time. Storage at −20° resulted in an increase of 20% and storage at ‐ 70° resulted in an increase of 36% over the 4 weeks.
Normal Cultivable Microflora in Upper Jejunal Fluid in Children Without Gastrointestinal Disorders
Authors: Justesen Tage , Nielsen Ole Haagen , Hjelt Karsten , Krasilnikoff Peter A.
Published: February 2024

Bacteriological studies of uncontaminated upper jejunal fluid were performed in 51 Danish children without gastrointestinal disorders. Thirty‐seven percent of the samples were sterile [<101 colony‐forming units (CFU)/ml]. In 25% of the cases, the total number of microorganisms exceeded 105 CFU/ml. The microorganisms isolated most frequently were: Streptococcus, sp. (“Viridans group‘’), Veillonella parvula, Hemophilus parainfluenzae, Lactobacillus, sp., Corynebacterium, sp., Actinomyces, sp., Bacteroides, sp., and Hemophilus influenzae, each found in more than 10% of the children. The upper range for the number of microorganisms isolated exceeded 105 CFU/ml for most of the species isolated of which the vast majority belonged to an “oral type‘’ of flora. Enterococci were isolated in small numbers in three children, and Enterobacteriaceae were not found.
Urea Utilization by the Intestinal Flora, of Infants Fed Mother's Milk and a Formula Diet, as Measured with the 15N‐Tracer Technique
Authors: Heine W. , Tiess M. , Stolpe H. J. , Wutzke K.
Published: February 2024

15N‐Incorporation by intestinal bacteria was measured under different feeding conditions in 16 infants after a single oral loading of 165 165 mg [15N2]urea kg‐1 body weight as a tracer. In five subjects on a mother's milk diet, the 15N‐excess in the isolated intestinal bacteria was 1.08 (0.17–1.85) atom‐%. The mean 15N‐excess in the intestinal flora of five formula‐fed subjects did not differ significantly from these values [0.63 (0.17–1.05) atom‐%]. A trend to a higher incorporation of 15N from labelled lurea by the intestinal flora was seen in four infants, who were adapted to an incresed nutritional urea supply on a special formula, containing 14 g of milk protein, 80 g lactose, 36 g fat, and 0.35 g urea L‐1. The same observation was made in two infants with chronic renal failure. The incorporation of urea nitrogen by the putrefactive intestinal flora of infants on a formula diet as well as by the bifidobacterial flora of those on mother's milk feeding indicates the utilization of urea as a source of bacterial protein and nucleic acid synthesis. The adaptive usage of urea for the bacterial metabolism can be considered as a sign of supportive detoxification by the intestinal flora.