bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of welding powder as a low‐cost adsorbent for waste motor oil removal
Authors: Eskikaya Ozan , Belibagli Pinar , Bouchareb Raouf , Isik Zelal , Dizge Nadir
Published: February 2024

Waste motor oil (WMO), which has no stable form or structure, causes major environmental problems and damage to the ecosystem once it is disposed to the environment. Because of the high toxicity of contents in such effluent, it must be treated before being discharged into the receiving environment. In recent years, the valorization and the use of waste materials to remove toxic pollutants is of great importance to researchers and diverse industries. In this study, the usability of waste welding powder (WWP) as an adsorbent for waste oil removal was investigated. For this purpose, investigating the usability of material, which is generated as industrial waste, in wastewater treatment will lead to the evaluation of waste. The effects of temperature, pH, WWP amount, and initial WMO amount were investigated. According to the adsorption studies, 1 g WWP/L of the processed adsorbent was able to effectively remove 95.05% of WMO (100 mg) at a pH of 2 at 30°C. Stereo microscopy images showed a large amount of oil adsorbed on the WWP surface. The different WWP properties were determined by adsorption isotherm (Harkins–Jura), kinetic (pseudo‐second order), and thermodynamic (ΔG: −5.1 kJ mol–1) experiments. It is thought that WWP, which is a low‐cost and waste material, can be used as a promising adsorbent in WMO removal.
A pattern‐based tool to support companies in sustainability‐oriented business strategies: grounded theory research in agribusiness
Authors: Latino Maria Elena , Menegoli Marta , De Lorenzi Maria Chiara
Published: February 2024

Sustainability is an issue that echoes in our daily lives, leading to a new post‐COVID‐19 crisis trend: sustainable business. Sustainability encompasses environmental, social, and economic aspects are reflected in corporate organizational practices and sustainable business models. Despite this, integrating sustainability into business practices presents a challenge. As indicated by the literature review, 90% of the existing sustainable business models are partially capable of covering the three dimensions of sustainability. This study proposes a pattern‐based tool to support companies in the implementation of sustainability‐oriented business strategies emerging from a grounded theory research in agribusiness. The proposed pattern‐based tool maps the current sustainable business models, the material topics, and Global Reporting Initiatives that a company can adopt to implement sustainability strategies. Sustainable business models came from literature review, material topics and GRIs were identified analyzing 107 European agribusiness companies. The proposed pattern‐based tool, can be explored through three patterns designed to implement economic, social, and environmental sustainability strategies. It was applied in a case study to better demonstrate how to use the proposed tool in the practice. Discussions and implications for academia and agribusinesses are provided.
Dynamic Restructuring of Cu7S4/Cu for Efficient CO2 Electro‐reduction to Formate
Authors: Yang Rui , Zheng Xiaozhong , Fu Hao , Cao Xinyue , Hu Yangguang , Huang Yiyin
Published: February 2024

Optimized catalytic properties and reactant adsorption energy played a crucial role in promoting CO2 electrocatalysis. Herein, Cu7S4/Cu underwent in situ dynamic restructuring to generate S−Cu2O/Cu hybrid catalyst for effective electrochemical CO2 reduction to formate that outperformed Cu2O/Cu and Cu7S4. Thermodynamic and in situ Raman spectra revealed that the optimized adsorption of the HCOO* intermediate on S−Cu2O/Cu was regulated and the H2 pathway (surface H) was suppressed by S‐doping. Meanwhile, Cu7S4/Cu nanoflowers created abundant boundaries for ECR and strengthened the CO2 adsorption by inducing Cu. These findings provide a new perspective on synthetic methods for various electrocatalytic reduction processes.
Estimation of actual evapotranspiration from different ecosystems on the Tibetan Plateau based on a generalized complementary evapotranspiration theory model
Authors: Dai Yanyu , Lu Fan , Liu Jintao , Ruan Benqing
Published: February 2024

Actual evapotranspiration constitutes a vital component of the exchange of energy and water vapour between the soil‐vegetation and atmospheric systems on terrestrial terrain. Nevertheless, the Tibetan Plateau, owing to its austere environmental conditions, harbours a scarcity of terrestrial monitoring stations. This circumstance presents a formidable challenge in attaining precise estimations of actual evapotranspiration. The complementary relationship method is a potential approach because it requires only routine meteorological data to estimate actual evapotranspiration on a regional or global scale. However, the suitability of the complementary relationship model across diverse ecosystems on the Tibetan Plateau necessitates further investigation. In this study, we scrutinized the simulation of daily and monthly actual evapotranspiration across 18 observation sites spanning eight distinct land use categories on the Tibetan Plateau. We employed the polynomial generalized complementary function introduced by Brutsaert (B2015), alongside its enhanced rendition proposed by Szilagyi (S2017) and Crago (C2018). The outcomes reveal that all three models adeptly replicate the fluctuations in actual evapotranspiration, irrespective of land use category or temporal scale—whether daily or monthly. This is true regardless of whether original or calibrated parameter values are applied. However, there exist significant variations in the performance of these models. In general, the C2018 model demonstrates superior performance across most ecosystems when original parameters are employed. Following parameter calibration, the simulation efficacy of the models experienced marked enhancement. Post parameter calibration, the B2015 model outperforms the other two models notably in desert and wetland environments. Furthermore, the simulation outputs from all three models display heightened sensitivity to parameter α, particularly in the context of the C2018 and S2017 models. These findings suggest that accurate estimation of parameter values is critical to improving the accuracy of estimating actual evapotranspiration. Calibrated parameter values, contingent on a fusion of vegetation, meteorology and surface roughness, exhibit variability across diverse ecosystems.
Is there a basis for a weight cut‐off point? A large‐scale investigation of atypical anorexia and anorexia nervosa subtypes among patients at a residential treatment centre
Authors: Wong Valerie Z. , Lowe Michael R.
Published: February 2024

Objective

There is debate surrounding how to differentiate between anorexia nervosa (AN) and atypical AN (atypAN) as diagnostic entities, and whether a distinction based on BMI is warranted. Better understanding eating disorder (ED) and emotional symptoms across atypAN and AN subtypes [AN‐restricting (AN‐R), AN‐binge/purge (AN‐BP)], with and without controlling for BMI, can elucidate how atypAN differs from AN subtypes and whether there is a basis for a BMI cut‐off.

Methods

1810 female patients at an ED treatment centre completed intake surveys. ANCOVAs assessed differences across AN‐R (n = 853), AN‐BP (n = 726), and atypAN (n = 231) groups on ED, depressive, and anxiety symptoms, anxiety sensitivity, experiential avoidance, and mindfulness, with and without controlling for BMI.

Results

Relative to AN‐R, atypAN and AN‐BP groups endorsed significantly higher ED and depressive symptoms, anxiety sensitivity, experiential avoidance, and significantly lower mindfulness (all p < 0.001), but atypAN and AN‐BP groups did not differ from one another. When controlling for BMI, all previously significant differences between atypAN and AN‐R did not remain significant.

Conclusion

Individuals with atypAN who have a higher BMI experience more pronounced ED and emotional symptoms, suggesting that relying solely on BMI as a marker of illness severity may be problematic.
Behavior, antioxidant, and metabolomics effects of Allium tuncelianum
Authors: Abbak Nigar , Nemutlu Emirhan , Reçber Tuba , Gul Asli San Dagli , Akkoyun H. Turan , Akkoyun Mahire Bayramoglu , Yilmaz Gulderen , Ekin Suat , Bakir Ahmet , Arihan Okan
Published: February 2024

Allium species are consumed extensively as folkloric medicine and dietary elements, but limited studies have been conducted on them. In this study, the effects of an ethanol–water extract obtained from the underground bulb of Allium tuncelianum (Kollmann) Özhatay, B. Mathew & Şiraneci (AT) on the behavioral, antioxidant, and metabolite parameters in rats were evaluated. AT was administered orally once a day at doses of 100 and 400 mg/kg to male Wistar albino rats for 10 consecutive days. The elevated plus maze, rotarod, and hotplate tests were used to examine anxiety‐like behaviors, locomotor activities, and pain perception in the rats, respectively. Additionally, untargeted metabolomic analyses were performed on plasma samples and AT extracts using two orthogonal analytical platforms. The phenolic components, mainly fumaric acid, malic acid, vanillic acid, quercetin‐3‐arabinoside, hydrocinnamic acid, and gallocatechin, were determined in the extract. In addition, arbutin, salicylic acid, trehalose, and nicotinic acid were analyzed in the extract for the first time. The AT extract did not decrease the catalase, glutathione peroxidase, or superoxide dismutase levels; however, diazepam decreased some of those parameters significantly in the brain, liver, and kidney. Although both the AT and diazepam treatments resulted in an increase in anxiolytic‐like effects compared to the control group, no significant differences were observed (p > .05). In the metabolomic analysis, significant changes were observed in the rats treated with AT and diazepam, and they caused significant changes in some metabolic pathways, including amino acid and fatty acid metabolism, compared to the control.
Fatty Acid Composition of Human Milk in Spain
Authors: de la Presa‐Owens S. , López‐Sabater M. C. , Rivero‐Urgell M.
Published: February 2024

The fatty acid composition of mature human milk obtained from 40 Spanish women was analyzed by capillary gas chromatography. The women were from two regions in Spain, Nevarre and Catalonia. Milk samples were collected between 20 and 30 days postpartum. The fatty acid composition was expressed as weight percentage (% wt/wt of all fatty acids detected with a C8 to C22 chain length). Monounsaturated fatty acids represent 41.97%, mostly 18:1 n‐9/n‐7 (38.39%). The second major fraction was formed by saturated fatty acids, 41.09%. Polyunsaturated fatty acid fraction (15.23%), included seven long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs; 2.21%). Among LCPs, 1.6% accounted for the n‐6 series and 0.64% for the n‐3 series. LCPn‐6/LCPn‐3 ratio was 2.51. Mothers reporting a high fish consumption showed higher (p < 0.05) 22:6 n‐3 and 20:5 n‐3 content. The use of olive oil as the preferential fat source showed higher 18:1 n‐9/n‐7 and lower 18:2 n‐6 content (p < 0.0001), while the use of sunflower oil instead of olive oil significantly (p < 0.0001) increased 18:2 n‐6 and decreased 18:1 n‐9/n‐7. Regional differences (p < 0.05) were detected only for the n‐6 LCP and the total LCP content. The higher n‐6 LCP and total LCP content was found in Navarre. This could have been due to different diet habits, like higher egg consumption.
Endogenous Methemoglobinemia Associated with Diarrheal Disease in Infancy
Authors: Hanukoglu Aaron , Danon Pinhas N.
Published: February 2024

Infantile diarrhea is sometimes associated with methemoglobinemia. To determine the significance of intestinal bacterial infection or overgrowth and other predisposing factors in this entity, we evaluated prospectively 45 consecutive patients who were admitted for gastroenteritis and methemoglobinemia between March 1980 and September 1992. All the patients were younger than 3 months of age. In 95% of them, methemoglobinemia occurred between the ages of 15 days to 2 months. The peak mean methemoglobin concentration was 9.4% (range, 2.4‐57%). Although stool cultures were positive in only 22% of the infants, the epidemiologic data strongly suggested a bacterial or viral etiology in our study population: for 12 years, there was a significant decrease in the annual incidence of methemoglobinemia associated with diarrhea in parallel to the decrease in infantile diarrhea due to known pathogens throughout the country in the same period. There was also a marked seasonal variation in the incidence of the disease, with two peaks in January and the summer months when viral and bacterial infections, respectively, are prevalent. Failure to thrive and low admission‐weight percentiles were associated with methemoglobinemia in most of the patients and diarrhea lasting ≥7 days in 22 (49%) patients. The blood pH and the degree of acidosis did not correlate with the severity of methemoglobinemia. All the patients were formula fed. In the etiology of methemoglobinemia in infants with enteritis, viral and bacterial pathogens appear to play an important role by altering intestinal flora. Breast feeding appears to protect against this entity.
Prognostic Factors in Hospitalized Children with Persistent Diarrhea: Implications for Diet Therapy
Authors: Bhatnagar Shinjini , Bhan Maharaj K. , Singh Kiran Deep , Shrivastav Ranjana
Published: February 2024

A dietary algorithm for management of persistent diarrhea in developing countries, using locally available foods, is yet to be standardized. We identified factors related to poor outcome among 75 malnourished hospitalized male patients aged 3‐48 months with persistent diarrhea (≥14 days) treated on soy and cereal‐based diet (Diet 1). The 28 patients with stool output >60 g/k body weight on the sixth or the seventh treatment day were considered diarrhea treatment failures on Diet I. In the univariate analysis, breast feeding (p < 0.001), carbohydrate malabsorption based on low stool pH or reducing substances >0.5% (p = 0.03), initial 24‐h purge rate (p = 0.001), pneumonia (p = 0.003), or probable septicemia (p = 0.03) were associated with diarrhea treatment failures. Although 16 of these 28 patients responded to systemic antibiotics without dietary modification, all but one of the remaining recovered on a chicken puree, glucose, and oil formulation. Twenty‐six children had weight loss after 7 days on Diet I as compared with the postrehydration weight. These children had lower mean age (p = 0.05), lower food intake in the first 24 h (p = 0.05) and during the initial 7 days (p < 0.01), and a higher initial excretion of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (32 vs. 8%; p = 0.01). In the logistic regression model, significant risk factors for diarrhea treatment failures were initial purge rates, carbohydrate malabsorption, and intercurrent systemic infection; only low food intake was associated with significant risk for weight loss. The significant association of diarrhea treatment failures with carbohydrate malabsorption suggests that in the initial diet itself, part of polysaccharide be substituted with sucrose or glucose to obtain the right balance between osmolarity and energy density. Our data suggest that prompt identification and treatment of systemic infection is critical, as its eradication achieved recovery in more than half of the treatment failures without a dietary change.
Management and Ultrasonographic Appearance of Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis with Intravenous Atropine Sulfate
Authors: Nagita Akira , Yamaguchi Jun , Amemoto Kanji , Yoden Atsushi , Yamazaki Takeshi , Mino Makoto
Published: February 2024

Some infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) have responded to oral atropine treatment. To achieve sufficient effect of atropine, it must be administered intravenously (i.v.). Therefore, with ultrasonography, we studied the changes in the pyloric muscle in HPS during and after intravenous administration of atropine. Twenty‐three infants were studied. Atropine sulfate was initially administered at a dose of 0.04 mg/kg day i.v., and the dose was increased by 0.01 mg/kg/day until vomiting ceased. When vomiting ceased after administration of intravenous atropine sulfate, the infants received oral atropine sulfate at twice the effective intravenous dose; this was continued for 2 weeks. Ultrasonography was repeated until pyloric muscles normalized. Twenty‐two infants were free from vomiting after 1‐8 days of intravenous atropine sulfate (dosages of 0.04‐0.11 mg/kg/day). In 21 infants, weight gain continued after atropine treatment even though no change in thickness of the pyloric muscles was demonstrated ultrasonographically. Only 2 infants required pyloromyotomy because of prolonged treatment or a mistake in underdosing of oral atropine. All of the 21 infants who recovered after intravenous atropine without surgery had normalization of pyloric muscle caliber, as shown by ultrasonography 4‐12 months after treatment. Atropine is an effective medicine for HPS. Regression of pyloric thickening after vomiting has been controlled implies that pyloric muscle hypertrophy could be worsened by the spasm that occurs in HPS.
Quality of Life in Children with Crohn's Disease
Authors: Rabbett H. , Elbadri A. , Thwaites R. , Northover H. , Dady I. , Firth D. , Hillier V. F. , Miller V. , Thomas A. G.
Published: February 2024

In a 10‐week randomised cross‐sectional study we used an 88‐item questionnaire to assess the quality of life in 16 children (ages 8‐17 years) with Crohn's disease and their families. The questionnaire covered six domains of health‐related quality of life, including disease and its treatment, social, emotional, family, education, and future aspects. Crohn's disease affected education, with absenteeism in 12 and distraction during school work in six. Three children had had a home tutor, and five stated their need for one. Engaging in sports was a problem for eight children, mainly because of a lack of energy in five and the presence of a stoma in three children. Three children had missed every PE lesson in 1 year. Five children cited the social problem of being unable to stay over at friends' houses. Bullying concerned parents more than the children. Holiday difficulties included long distance traveling or lack of toilet facilities during school trips. Elemental diet was the preferred treatment, although the majority complained about the taste. Surgery was the most effective method of symptom control, though the resulting stoma was upsetting and restricted sports activities. Children on steroids had more depressive symptoms. Using the Rutter A Questionnaire, five children were designated “neurotic.” Parents' views of the severity of symptoms significantly correlated with their children's views regarding rectal bleeding, poor growth, lack of energy, and poor appetite (p < 0.01). The main parental concerns were the side effects of medications and issues concerning their children's future, including schooling, job prospects, and marriage. The parents of 11 children cited problems with children's behaviour. The parents of seven cited disruption of work, and those of six named taking holidays. Crohn's disease in children, in addition to being a symptomatically disabling condition, has a great impact on the health‐related quality of life of both sufferers and their parents. The questionnaire was a useful instrument, and with some adjustment it can be used again in large group studies.
Neonatal and Infantile Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Using a New Small Diameter Fibreoptic Gastroscope
Authors: Ruuska Tarja , Fell John M. E. , Bisset William M. , Milla Peter J.
Published: February 2024

Using a new prototype (Olympus XPGIF 5.2/ N30) gastroscope, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was safely performed under sedation on 99 infants (weights 0.9 to 10.1 kg). No complications occurred. Macroscopic and microscopic abnormalities were found in 60%, including abnormal duodenal biopsies in 47% of cases with protracted diarrhoea. Duodenal biopsy material was, however, of suboptimal standard for histologic assessment in 25% of the cases. In 52% of those under 3.5 kg diagnoses were made that would not have otherwise been possible and, in 75% of those in the Intensive Care Unit, abnormalities were found. The use of this new endoscope represents a significant advance in clinical practice.
Indirect Parameters of Pancreatic Function in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) During a Controlled Double‐Blind Trial of Pancreatic Supplementation
Authors: Regele S. , Henker J. , Münch R. , Barbier Y. , Stern M.
Published: February 2024

During two treatment periods (4 weeks each), serum immunoreactive trypsin (IRT), immunoreactive human lipase in stool (IRL), and chymotrypsin (CT) activity in stool were determined in 16 cystic fibrosis patients and compared with fecal fat excretion (72‐h sampling). Fecal fat estimation revealed mild to severe steatorrhea in all 16 patients (X = 13.7 ± 9.0 g/24 h) in at least one study period. Stool fat excretion was highest in underweight adolescents and adults. Comparison of IRT and IRL with stool fat values showed no significant statistical correlation. IRT values revealed an inverse exponential correlation with age, with a steep decline at the age of 5 years. CT levels were very high in 14 of our 16 patients during supplementation therapy, whereas 2 patients showed subnormal CT values. We conclude that since indirect parameters of pancreatic function do not correlate with stool fat excretion, stool fat remains the best indirect parameter for the assessment of pancreatic insufficiency in cystic fibrosis. Leaving pancreatic enzyme supplementation in cystic fibrosis patients on the basis of normal serum trypsin or fecal lipase values does not appear to be adequate.
Lactose Maldigestion in Breast‐Feeding Gambian Infants
Authors: Northrop‐Clewes C. A. , Lunn P. G. , Downes R. M.
Published: February 2024

Background:

The ability of breast‐feeding infants to utilize lactose, the major carbohydrate in breast‐milk, is dependent on the presence of the enzyme lactase (E.C.3.2.1.108). Lactase is located in the brush border of the small intestine and because of its exposed position it is extremely vulnerable to pathogenic damage. Breast‐fed Gambian infants have poor growth associated with intestinal damage beyond 3‐4 months. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of Gambian infants aged 2‐15 months (N = 113) to digest lactose and to see how this varied with age, intestinal permeability, and growth performance.

Methods:

Lactose maldigestion was estimated by monthly measurements of urinary lactose and lactulose following an oral dose of the latter.

Results:

Both urinary lactose excretion and lactulose maldigestion increased with age (p < 0.0001 ANOVA). Up to 6 months the mean urinary lactose: lactulose excretion ratio was within the quoted normal range (< 0.4). Beyond this age, mean values were hypolactasic. Lactose maldigestion was related to poor growth in both weight and length (r =‐0.04, p < 0.0001, after age correction). Althogh a major part of this relationship was a reflection of the previously reported correlation between intestinal permeability and growth, more than 30% of the association was in addition to the permeability effect. Possible explanations are discussed.

Conclusions:

Moderate‐to‐severe hypolactasia does occur in breast‐fed Gambian infants and is related to poorer‐than‐expected growth. However, this does not mean that breast milk intake should be reduced as the nutritional and immunological benefits of breast milk continue to outweigh any disadvantages.
Alterations in Bone Metabolism in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Hyams Jeffrey S. , Wyzga Nancy , Kreutzer Donald L. , Justinich Christopher J. , Gronowicz Gloria A.
Published: February 2024

Background:

In patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), accelerated bone loss and osteopenia have been found. Potential etiologies of these bone abnormalities have included malnutrition, poor calcium intake or absorption, and the use of corticosteroids. Recent studies have suggested that circulating pro‐inflammatory cytokines, which are produced in inflamed bowel, can have a profound effect on bone metabolism, particularly bone resorption. Our aim was to characterize the effects of serum from subjects with IBD on bone metabolism in an in vitro bone culture system.

Methods:

Organ cultures of fetal rat parietal bones were treated with sera from 9 subjects with Crohn's disease, 7 with ulcerative colitis, and 10 controls with functional bowel disease (age range of all subjects 7‐16 years). Patients were also classified by disease activity, serum albumin level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and serum interleukin (IL) 6 levels. The effects of sera on bone formation and resorption were quantified.

Results:

Compared with control serum, serum from patients with Crohn's disease significantly decreased bone dry weight (p < 0.01) and calcium content (p < 0.001) during 96 h of culture, while serum from ulcerative colitis patients had no effect. While no difference in collagen synthesis was noted between any of the three experimental groups, noncollagen protein synthesis was lower in the ulcerative colitis group than in the control group or those with Crohn's disease (p < 0.05). DNA content was similar in all groups. There was no significant effect of serum from any experimental group on bone resorption. There was no demonstrable relationship between clinical disease activity, ESR, or serum IL‐6 levels and measures of bone metabolism. Histologic evaluation of cultured bone showed marked differences between control subjects and Crohn's disease patients, with the latter being characterized by disorganization of mineral and osteoid and morphologically abnormal osteoblasts.

Conclusions:

Serum from children with IBD has a significantly different effect than control serum on an in vitro model of bone metabolism. Our data suggest that circulating factors may affect osteoblasts and bone formation, leading to bone loss. Further work will be required to further characterize the nature of these factors and develop treatment strategies to minimize their effects.
Defective Interleukin‐2 Production in Children with Chronic Hepatitis B: Role of Adherent Cells
Authors: Guida Salvatore , Fiore Michele , Scotese Immacolata , Iorio Raffaele , Gaetaniello Lucia , Vegnente Angela , Pignata Claudio
Published: February 2024

Background:

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection is associated with functional abnormalities of cell‐mediated immunity, defective interferons α and γ synthesis, and interleukin‐2 receptor expression. In this study, interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) production and the role of adherent cells was evaluated in 25 children chronically infected with hepatitis B virus.

Methods:

IL‐2 activity was measured by bioassay in supernatants of phytohemoagglutinin‐stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In a few patients, IL‐2 concentration was also immunochemically determined. Coculture experiments using a mixture of adherent cells and lymphocytes from healthy children and patients with CHB were also performed.

Results:

Children with CHB showed lower IL‐2 production than healthy controls. In patients, IL‐2 activity was 34.7 ± 22.5 U/ml as compared to 152.6 ± 78.5 U/ml of controls. Immunochemical quantitation of IL‐2 confirmed a lower IL‐2 production in patients. No correlation was found between the functional T‐cell defect and the severity of liver damage, degree of viral replication, and duration of the disease. In co‐culture experiments, adherent cells from HBsAg‐positive patients inhibited IL‐2 production following mitogen stimulation of control non‐adherent cells by 67%. The inhibitory effect, mediated by patients' adherent cells, was abolished by blocking with indomethacin prostaglandins, that are potent local immunomodulators released by adherent cells.

Conclusions:

Our results further support the observation that in children with CHB virus infection, adherent cells play an important role in the inappropriate regulation of immune response, an effect being likely mediated by prostaglandins.
Fasting Gastric Fluid and Fecal Polyamine Concentrations in Premature Infants
Authors: Forget P. Ph. , Degraeuwe P. L. J. , Smeets C. , Deutz N. E. P.
Published: February 2024

Background:

The role of milk polyamines in the development of the gastrointestinal tract of human infants is presently unknown. Polyamine concentrations are higher in human milk than in infant formulas. The aim of the present study was to gather data on luminal polyamines by measuring gastric fluid and fecal polyamine concentrations in premature infants during the postnatal period. We further compared gastric fluid polyamine concentrations with those reported for milk and looked for possible relationships between luminal polyamine concentrations, age, and growth rate.

Methods:

High‐performance liquid chromatography was used for the measurement of polyamine concentrations in both fecal and gastric fluid samples.

Results:

Ninetieth centiles for gastric polyamines during the first week were 62, 28, 82, and 14 μM for putrescine, spermidine, spermine, and cadaverine, respectively. These values are higher than those reported for human milk and infant formulas. Polyamine concentrations were unrelated to either age or growth rate. Ninetieth centiles for fecal polyamines during the first week were 7668, 5176, 53, and 75 μM for cadaverine, putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, respectively.

Conclusions:

Fasting gastric fluid polyamine concentrations in premature infants are higher than those reported for either human milk or infant formulas. The high fecal cadaverine and putrescine concentrations are probably of bacterial origin.
Effects of Exogenous Neurotensin on Intestinal Postresectional Growth in the Suckling Rat
Authors: López J.‐de‐M. , de Segura I. A. Gómez , Zamorano A. , Villamediana J. , Guiral J. , Vázquez P. , De Miguel E.
Published: February 2024

Background:

In the suckling rat, massive bowel resection provokes intestinal malabsorption that leads to diminished growth. The object of this report was to test whether neurotensin, intestinal trophic peptide, enhances postresection intestinal adaptation, improving absorption and reducing the adverse effects of resection on growth.

Methods:

Fifty‐seven 15‐day‐old suckling Wistar rats were divided into four groups: 41 rats were subjected to resection of 90% of their small bowel, while the rest (n = 16) under went laparotomy. Half of the animals, resected and laparotomized, were treated with neurotensin for 30 days. The body weight was monitored, and samples of bone and intestinal mucosa were obtained at the end of the study period for analysis. Blood was tested to determine iron, ferritin, folic acid, and vitamin B12 levels.

Results:

The resected animals lost body weight regardless of neurotensin administration. In the resected animals, femur weight increased significantly when they received neurotensin. Bowel resection provokes significant increases in the intestinal mucosa (crypts and villi), but after neurotensin administration, significant increases were detected only in the jejunum of the resected animals but not in the ileum of laparotomized rats. In the resected animals, signficant decreases in iron, ferritin, folic acid, and vitamin B12 levels were observed. The postresection administration of neurotensin only produced a significant rise in the ferritin concentration.

Conclusions:

In the suckling rat, neurotensin enhances the intestinal proliferative phenomenon but does not improve the course of medium‐term postresection growth.
Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis Among the Arab Population in Israel
Authors: Naveh Yehezkel , Bassan Lucyna , Rosenthal Eldad , Berkowitz Drora , Jaffe Michael , Mandel Hanna , Berant Moshe
Published: February 2024

Background:

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, which constitutes a heterogeneous group of imperfectly delineated syndromes and appears to be inherited as an autosomal recessive condition, has not been hitherto reported from the Middle East, in spite of the high rate of consanguineous marriage in this region.

Methods:

Sixteen affected children from six Israeli Arab families were evaluated over 30 years. All were born to consanguineous parents.

Results:

Jaundice appeared during the first 3 weeks of life in 15 babies. When first referred, 10 had hepatomegaly and nine had splenomegaly. A progression toward cirrhosis was the rule. Serum levels of conjugated bilirubin, liver enzymes, and alkaline phosphatase were raised; γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase levels were normal in all three infants in whom it was examined, but elevated in two siblings of another family at ages 2 and 3 years. No abnormal bile acids were detected in the serum and urine of patients. Histologic examination of the liver showed giant‐cell transformation, paucity of intrahepatic bile ducts, cholestasis, fibrosis, or cirrhosis. The pattern of liver pathology differed at times among affected members within the same family. Therapeutic trials with phenobarbital, cholestyramine, or ursodeoxycholic acid were ineffective. Survival of the patients was from 5 to 18 months in four families; in the other two families, three children received liver transplants, and one is awaiting liver transplantation.

Conclusions:

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis should be included in the differential diagnosis of infants with cholestatic jaundice of unknown etiology, especially those born to consanguineous Arab parents.
The 13C‐Xylose Breath Test for the Diagnosis of Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth in Children
Authors: Dellert Susan F. , Nowicki Michael J. , Farrell Michael K. , Delente Jacques , Heubi James E.
Published: February 2024

Background

We evaluated the clinical utility of the 13C‐xylose breath test for the diagnosis of small bowel bacterial overgrowth in children.

Methods

To determine the optimal dose of 13C‐xylose, 29 healthy children, 3 to 12 years old, were randomly assigned to receive one of three doses of 13C‐xylose (10, 25, or 50 mg). After an overnight fast, the oral dose of 13C‐xylose was administered, and breath samples were collected every 30 minutes for 4 hours. Samples were analyzed for 13CO2 by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Using the 50 mg dose, we then performed nine breath tests with concurrent duodenal bacterial cultures in 6 children, 3 to 12 years old, with short‐bowel syndrome (n = 2), immunodeficiency states (n = 1), and motility disorders (n = 3).

Results

Excretion of 13CO2 in breath peaked at 2.5 hours in all three control groups. The 50‐mg dose produced the highest median peak and the smallest range of 13CO2 excretion in breath within each time period. The time of peak 13CO2 excretion in breath varied among the diseased children; however, the six patients with small‐bowel bacterial overgrowth (2 × 105 ‐ 3.5 × 108 gram negative rods) all had peak 13CO2 that exceeded the maximum breath 13CO2 level in breath of the control subjects at the corresponding time period (100% sensitivity). Of the three patients with negative cultures, two had negative breath test results and one had positive results (67% specificity). One subject had normalization of both duodenal culture and breath test results after antibiotic treatment of small‐bowel bacterial overgrowth.

Conclusions

Our preliminary results suggest that with a dose of 50 mg 13C‐xylose, breath test results reliably predict small‐bowel bacterial overgrowth in susceptible children.
The Effect of Triglyceride Positional Distribution on Fatty Acid Absorption in Rats
Authors: Lien Eric L. , Boyle Frances G. , Yuhas Rebecca , Tomarelli Rudolph M. , Quinlan Paul
Published: February 2024

Background

Human milk contains palmitic acid predominantly in the triglyceride sn‐2 position, and differs from the palmitic acid positional distribution found in most infant formulas (predominantly positions sn‐1 and sn‐3). Following lipolysis by pancreatic lipase, 2‐monoglycerides and free fatty acids are produced. All 2‐monoglycerides are well absorbed, including 2‐monopalmitin, thus providing one reason for the efficient absorption of palmitic acid in breast‐fed infants. If infants are fed fat blends with palmitic acid located in the sn‐1 and sn‐3 positions, the resulting free fatty acids may form poorly absorbed calcium soaps. Therefore, many infant formulas contain only modest levels of palmitic acid.

Methods

Fat absorption studies were conducted in rats with preparations containing various amounts of palmitic acid in the triglyceride sn‐2 position. Determining total fat absorption, specific fatty acid absorption, and the presence of calcium‐fatty acid soaps.

Results

Betapol, a new triacylglycerol, similar to human milk in its palmitic acid content and positional distribution, demonstrated excellent absorption characteristics compared to fat blends derived from either palm olein or oleo (similar in fatty acid profile to Betapol, but with most palmitic acid in the sn‐1 and sn‐3 positions). A five‐point dose response was used to further evaluate the relationship of positional distribution and fat loss. Palmitic acid excretion and fecal fatty acid soaps were negatively correlated to the presence of palmitic acid in the sn‐2 position.

Conclusion

These studies provide evidence that palmitic acid can be efficiently absorbed, avoiding fatty soap formation of it is present in the sn‐2 position.
Increased TIA1‐Expressing Intraepithelial Lymphocytes in Cow's Milk Protein Intolerance
Authors: Hankard G. Fromont , Matarazzo P. , Duong J. P. , Mougenot J. F. , Navarro J. , Cézard J. P. , Pauchmaur M.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Although a high level of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) has been demonstrated in intestinal biopsies from children with cow's milk protein intolerance (CMPI), the properties of IELs in food‐sensitive enteropathies remain unclear. In the present study, we analyzed the cytotoxic potential of IELs in CMPI, using a monoclonal antibody directed against the cytotoxic granule‐associated protein TIA1.

Methods:

The study included 18 duodenal biopsies from 10 children previously diagnosed with CMPI and on a cow's milk‐free diet of various duration. Six normal duodenal biopsies from children free of food intolerance served as controls. Immunostaining of formalin‐fixed tissues was used to determine in the intraepithelial compartment (1) the number of TIA1‐expressing cells per 100 epithelial cells, (2) the number of IELs per 100 epithelial cells, (3) the ratio of TIA1‐expressing IELs (TIA1/IEL ratio).

Results:

In CMPI, the number of IELs and TIA1‐positive cells, as well as the TIA1/IEL ratio was significantly increased compared with controls. Moreover, a negative correlation between the TIA1/IEL ratio and the duration of the diet was observed.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that the recruitment of IELs with cytotoxic potential is increased in CMPI, and that IEL‐mediated cytotoxicity could be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Nicaraguan Children with Persistent Diarrhea, Diagnosed by the 13C‐Urea Breath Test
Authors: Kehrt Rainer , Becker Michael , Brösicke Herbert , Krüger Norbert , Helge Hans
Published: February 2024

Background:

The impairment of gastric acid barrier caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) at the onset of infection may predispose to small bowel bacterial overgrowth, which could contribute to persistent diarrhea.

Methods:

Using the 13C‐urea breath test, we determined the prevalence of H. pylori infection in 123 Nicaraguan children from Tipitapa, aged 1 to 65 months, from a low socioeconomic background.

Results:

The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 77.2% (95/123). The prevalence varied with age and was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in infants ≤12 months than in children aged 13‐65 months, 91% (57/63) as against 63% (38/60). H. pylori infection was present in 44 of 59 (75%) children suffering from persistent diarrhea compared with 51 of 64 (80%) age‐matched asymptomatic controls. In the diarrheal group, 20 of 59 (34%) children presented with malnutrition, and 16 (80%) of them showed H. pylori infection. In the control group, 20 of 64 (31%) were malnourished, and 14 (70%) of them showed H. pylori infection.

Conclusions:

In Nicaragua, H. pylori is acquired in early infancy. The high prevalence among children in the first 12 months of life and the lower infection rate between 1 and 5 years of age suggest a loss or clearance of infection, also an occasional finding in adults. H. pylori infection appears to be not a risk factor for persistent diarrhea or malnutrition in Nicaraguan children.
A Urinary Radioisotope‐Binding Assay to Diagnose Gräsbeck‐Imerslund Disease
Authors: Dugué Benoit , Aminoff Maria , Aimone‐Gastin Isabelle , Leppänen Erik , Gräsbeck Ralph , Guéant Jean‐Louis
Published: February 2024

Background:

Gräsbeck‐Imerslund disease (congenital familial selective vitamin B 12‐malabsorption with proteinuria, MGA1, MIM No. 261100) is a rare disorder displaying autosomal recessive inheritance. This study was designed to investigate the usefulness of measuring the activity of the urinary receptor for the intrinsic factor‐cobalamin complex as a tool to diagnose this disease.

Methods:

The receptor activity was measured by a radioisotope‐binding assay, using phenyl‐Sepharose gel as the adsorbant solid phase of the receptor.

Results:

In 10 Finnish patients, urinary receptor activity was on the average 640 times (15‐1400 times) lower than that in 13 healthy control subjects: mean values of 0.1 nmol/mol (range, 0.01‐0.32 nmol/mol) and 6.4 nmol/mol (range, 3.8‐12.4 nmol/mol) creatinine, respectively. The mean value of urinary receptor activity in 11 first‐degree, healthy relatives of the patients was 4.6 nmol/mol (range, 1.1‐10.4 nmol/mol) creatinine, a difference from levels in control subjects that is not statistically significant. When the first‐degree relatives were divided into heterozygotes (parents and siblings heterozygous for the haplotype of genetic markers associated with the disease gene) and wild‐type homozygotes (siblings not displaying the disease haplotype), no difference was seen.

Conclusion:

Determination of receptor activity in the urine is a highly accurate method for diagnosis of Gräsbeck‐Imerslund disease at an early stage, but it does not detect carriers of the disorder.
Meat Intake and Iron Status in Late Infancy: An Intervention Study
Authors: Engelmann Mads D. M. , Sandström Brittmarie , Michaelsen Kim F.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Highly bioavailable dietary iron is needed to ensure optimal iron status in infants during weaning. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effect of increased meat intake on hemoglobin concentration (Hb), serum ferritin (SF), and serum transferrin receptors (TfR) in late infancy.

Methods:

Forty‐one healthy, term, partially breast‐fed 8‐month‐old infants were randomized into two groups: a lowmeat group (LMG), in which infants received a diet with a mean meat content of 10 g/day and a high‐meat group (HMG), in which infants received a diet with a mean meat content of 27 g/day. The intervention lasted for 2 months, and blood samples were drawn on the first and the last days of the intervention.

Results:

At the beginning of the intervention, no significant differences were found in Hb, SF, TfR values between the two groups. After the intervention, there was a significant (p = 0.008) difference in the change in hemoglobin(ΔHb) concentration. In the LMG ΔHb was ‐4.9 g/l (range, ‐12.9‐5.6 g/l) and in the HMG ‐0.6 g/l (range, ‐12.1‐7.3 g/l). There was no significant difference in change in SF or TfR concentrations between the LMG and the HMG. The intake of iron from meat (mean; range) was significantly higher(p = 0.0001) in the HMG (0.4 mg/day; 0.02‐0.7 mg/day) than in the LMG (0.1 mg/day; 0.03‐0.5 mg/day). However, there was no significant difference in total iron intake between the HMG (3.1 mg/day; 0.4‐6.2 mg/day) and the LMG (3.4 mg/day; 1.4‐6.1 mg/day).

Conclusion:

The results suggest that an increase in meat intake can prevent a decrease in Hb in late infancy, probably by enhancing iron absorption. However, there was no effect on iron stores or on cellular iron deficiency, evaluated by SF and TfR levels, respectively.
Whey Protein/Casein Ratio and Nonprotein Nitrogen in Preterm Human Milk During the First 10 Days Postpartum
Authors: Sánchez‐Hidalgo Víctor Manuel , Flores‐Huerta Samuel , Matute Guadalupe , Serrano Claudia , Urquieta Bárbara , Espinosa Rocío
Published: February 2024

Background:

This study was designed to describe the longitudinal changes in the casein and whey fractions and the total and nonprotein nitrogen contents of preterm human milk for the first 10 days postpartum.

Methods:

Eleven mothers delivering at 30 to 34 weeks of gestation were studied, six throughout the first 10 days and five on the first postpartum day. Four milk samples were collected every day by expression of one breast with an electric breast pump. Casein and whey protein were separated from the defatted milk by isoelectric precipitation in calcium chloride and by subsequent ultracentrifugation. The milk nitrogen content was determined before and after acid precipitation. Whey protein and casein were characterized by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel.

Results:

Total and protein nitrogen showed a sharp decrease during the first 3 postpartum days, whereas the nonprotein nitrogen did not change markedly (mean concentration, 0.58 mg·ml‐1). Casein content expressed as nitrogen in preterm human milk was 0.35 mg·ml‐1 between days 3 and 5 and 0.60 mg·ml‐1 between days 6 and 10. The whey protein‐casein ratio before day 2, was 100:0, at day 3, 86:14, at day 5, 76:24, and at day 10, 70:30. Three days after delivery, casein levels rose progressively, increasing markedly after day 6.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that delivering before term affects neither casein production nor its chemical characteristics.
Lack of Inhibitory Effect of Octreotide on Intestinal Adaptation in Short Bowel Syndrome in the Rat
Authors: Vanderhoof Jon A. , Kollman Kathryn A.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Octreotide is a long‐acting analogue of somatostatin, which is effective in the treatment of secretory diarrhea in a number of disorders including short bowel syndrome. Its use in this syndrome has been limited because of concerns about potential adverse effect on intestinal adaptation, because it inhibits a number of trophic hormones. This study was conducted to determine whether octreotide inhibits intestinal adaptation in a rat model of short bowel syndrome.

Methods:

Thirty male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into four treatment groups, eight receiving 80% small‐bowel resection and treated with 2.25μg/kg‐1 per day‐1 of octreotide, eight receiving 80% small‐bowel resection and treated with 25 μg/kg‐1 per day‐1 of octreotide, eight receiving 80% small‐bowel resection with saline control, and six receiving sham operation with saline control. Mucosal weight, protein, and sucrase levels were subsequently analyzed after 2 weeks of therapy.

Results:

Massive adaptation occurred in all three groups relative to sham‐operated controls. However, neither the pharmacologic nor the much higher dose of octreotide demonstrated any adverse effects on intestinal adaptation.

Conclusion:

In our animal model, octreotide does not inhibit intestinal adaptation after massive small‐bowel resection.