bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
T Cell Subsets in Human Colostrum
Authors: Keller Margaret A. , Faust Judy , Rolewic Lawrence J. , Stewart Diana D.
Published: February 2024

Summary: Lymphocytes from 10 paired colostrum and peripheral blood specimens were examined to determine if the colostral T cell population differs from the peripheral blood T cell population in subset distribution. The percentages of lymphocytes staining with OKT3, OKT4, and OKT8 murine monoclonal antibody were determined. Lymphocytes from colostrum were 74.7 ± 2.5% OKT3+, 50.6 ± 2.3% OKT4+, 24.0 ± 1.7% OKT8+, whereas peripheral blood lymphocytes were 78.7 ± 1.9% OKT3+, 48.4 ± 1.4% OKT4+, and 29.8 ± 1.6% OKT8+. The percentage of colostrum lymphocytes positive for OKT3 was significantly although not strikingly lower than the OKT3 percentage for blood lymphocytes (p < 0.05). This difference was due to the lower percentage of OKT8 positive lymphocytes in colostrum compared with blood (p < 0.01). Although the T cell subset distribution of colostrum generally appears to be similar to that in the peripheral blood, there were small differences in OKT3 and OKT3 percentages that were statistically significant suggesting the possibility of some selectivity of the colostral T cell population.
Diffuse Hepatic Fibrosis in Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Zuppan Craig W. , Bui Hong Dang , Grill Bruce G.
Published: February 2024

Summary: Liver dysfunction in congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is common but usually self‐limited. We describe a patient with congenital CMV infection that resulted in diffuse (noncirrhotic) hepatic fibrosis and liver failure. Morphologic patterns of liver disease in congenital CMV are briefly discussed.
Ontogeny of EGF Receptors During Postnatal Development of Mouse Small Intestine
Authors: Gallo‐Payet N. , Pothier P. , Hugon J. S.
Published: February 2024

This study was aimed at characterizing epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors during postnatal development of the maturing mouse small intestine at a time when this tissue is in the constant presence of high levels of intraluminal EGF. Binding studies with [125I]EGF on isolated epithelial cells demonstrate the continued presence of EGF receptors along the entire length of the small intestine with minimal binding at birth (3.67 ± 0.30%/mg protein) and increasing steadily throughout postnatal life to reach adult values (10.39 ± 0.90%/mg protein) by the 26th day, with maximum binding on the 21st day (13.4 ± 2.2%/mg protein). This EGF binding pattern is similar for all three segments studied but was more pronounced for duodenum and jejunum, especially from day 14 on when binding capacity is more elevated in the proximal segments than in the ileum. Competition‐inhibition curves of [125I]EGF by EGF reveal the presence of two classes of binding sites for which the number of sites and affinity constants are lower at birth than in adults. The continued presence of EGF receptors in mouse small intestine throughout the postnatal period thus provides support for the possible role of EGF as a modulator in the functional development of the maturing gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Immature Circulating Lymphocytes In Severely Malnourished Guatemalan Children
Authors: Keusch Gerald T. , Cruz Jose R. , Torun Benjamin , Urrutia Juan J. , Smith Harry , Goldstein Allan L.
Published: February 2024

The percentage of peripheral blood lymphocytes forming rosettes with sheep erythrocytes (E‐rosettes) was determined in 33 severely malnourished Guatemalan children, and in two groups of clinically well but mildly growth retarded children from the same environment. Mean E‐rosettes in the acutely ill patients was lower than the value observed in the mildly malnourished children, although there was considerable overlap between groups. These data differ from previously published studies of severely malnourished children from other parts of the world in that not all patients had decreased values for E‐rosettes, in contrast to the uniform depression reported by others. As all patients were clinically similar, the results suggest that there may be specific nutrient defects associated with protein‐energy malnutrition that particularly affect immune function. In addition, in vitro incubation of lymphocytes from the acutely malnourished children with the thymic factor, thymosin fraction 5, increased the percentage of E‐rosettes in a dose‐dependent fashion. These data suggest that immature, thymosin‐responsive T cells are present in circulation. It is possible that in vivo thymosin administration may be beneficial for malnourished individuals.
Ontogenic Development of Neurotensin‐Like Immimoreactivity in the Gastrointestinal Tract and the Influence of Dietary Changes in Rats
Authors: Muraki Koutarou , Nishi Yoshikazu , Okahata Hiroyasu , Arai Masaru , Yamada Hiroyasu , Fujita Susumu , Miyachi Yukitaka , Ueda Kazuhiro
Published: February 2024

The ontogenic development of neurotensinlike immunoreactivity (NTLI) in the gastrointestinal tract was studied in three groups of male rats on different diets. Group I rats were weaned physiologically. Group II rats received only mother's milk until 25 days of age. Group III rats were fed mother's milk alone for 20 days and then switched abruptly to laboratory chow. The NTLI concentration in the gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the small intestine was almost the same as that in adult rats before weaning. It increased after weaning to a peak on day 20 or 25, and then decreased to the adult level. The NTLI concentration in the cecum and large intestine, however, decreased from high neonatal level, reaching the adult level on day 20 or 25, and it remained constant thereafter. Prolonged mother's milk feeding alone enhanced neurotensin production in the esophagus and postponed the physiological decrement of NTLI concentrations in the duodenum and small intestine. The sudden change from mother's milk to laboratory chow accelerated the decrement of intestinal NTLI concentrations.
Immunohistochemical Localization of Lactoferrin in Duodenojejunal Mucosa From Celiac Children
Authors: Tedeschi A. , Tuccari G. , Magazzù G. , Arena F. , Ricciardi R. , Barresi G.
Published: February 2024

The immunohistochemical localization of lactoferrin (LF) was investigated in the duodenojejunal mucosa of children with untreated and treated celiac disease and in a control group of children of short stature and of children with postenteritis syndrome. In subtotal villous atrophy, LF was present in all epithelial cells of the luminal surface with a lower degree of positivity in crypts, whereas a variable degree of reactivity for LF was observed in epithelial cells of reconstituted villi and crypts. The LF mucosal distribution, however, was not specific for celiac disease since the LF pattern was similar in untreated celiac disease and also in postenteritis syndrome. Moreover, LF was detectable only in 7 of 18 duodenojejunal juice samples obtained from untreated and treated celiac patients and normal controls, the observed values being irrespective of the mucosal morphological status. We conclude that the immunohistochemical evidence of LF in the enterocyte may derive from an autochthonous production since our histochemical findings cannot be related to the concentration of LF in duodenal juice.
Lactose Malabsorption and Small‐Intestinal Lactase in Normal Chinese Children
Authors: Chang Mei‐Hwei , Hsu Hong‐Yuan , Chen Chien‐Jen , Lee Chung‐Hsian , Hsu Juei‐Yun
Published: February 2024

A total of 852 healthy Chinese children from 1 month to 14 years of age were investigated for lactose malabsorption using the breath hydrogen test. A lactose load of 2 g/kg was administered to 528 children and 1 g/kg to another 324 children. The incidence of lactose malabsorption was significantly different among various age groups and between the two different lactose dosages. While the incidence of malabsorption increased strikingly from the age of 3 to the age of 5 years, the age effect remained constant after the age of 6 years. The lactose load of 2 g/kg induced a higher incidence of malabsorption in study subjects than 1 g/kg did, and the dose effect increased for those aged below 5 years and decreased above 5 years. Small‐intestinal lactase was also studied in 34 children aged from 2 months to 15 years. The lactase activity was highest in children 2 years old or younger, gradually decreasing with increasing age. In conclusion, lactase activity in Chinese children decreases gradually after 3 years of age, a finding that correlates well with the results of the breath hydrogen test.
Polymorphonuclear Neutrophil Leucocytes in Childhood Crohn's Disease
Authors: Lewis D. C. , Walker‐Smith J. A. , Phillips A. D.
Published: February 2024

Light and electron microscopy was applied to surgical resections and endoscopic biopsies from the ileum and colon of 15 children with Crohn's disease in order to investigate the involvement of neutrophils in the disease process. Clear evidence was found of neutrophil infiltration of the lamina propria and epithelium, neutrophil migration into the gut lumen through epithelial breaks and intact epithelium, neutrophil phagocytosis of luminal and lamina propria bacteria, and the presence of intracellular neutrophils in enterocytes. Similar findings were seen in 5 of 6 children with ulcerative colitis and in a case of an E. coli colitis, but not in 8 controls. The observations demonstrate the involvement of neutrophils in Crohn's disease in childhood and suggest that the response is directed, in part, against luminal enterobacteria and enterocytes.
Portal Hypertension Secondary to Congenital Arterioportal Fistula
Authors: Iñon Alberto E. , D'Agostino Daniel
Published: February 2024

An infant boy with severe portal hypertension developed failure to thrive and malabsorption. Clinical findings and ultrasonography suggested the presence of an arteriovenous shunt, and hepatic angiography confirmed the diagnosis and outlined the anatomy of the vascular malformation, which was an intrahepatic arterioportal fistula. Ligature of the hepatic artery gave excellent results as demonstrated by disappearance of portal hypertension and malabsorption and subsequent growth catch‐up. Portal hypertension
Nonnutritive Sucking in Tube‐Fed Preterm Infants
Authors: Widström A. ‐M. , Marchini G. , Matthiesen A. ‐S. , Werner S. , Winberg J. , Uvnäs‐Moberg K.
Published: February 2024

The present study investigated the way that sucking of a pacifier influences gastric secretory and motor functions in connection with tube feeding. Experiments were performed on eight preterm infants who were tube fed twice—once with and once without sucking of a pacifier. The time for tube feeding was significantly decreased and gastric retention decreased in five of seven infants when sucking a pacifier. Maternal milk was found to contain gastrin‐17, somatostatin‐14, and a somatostat‐in‐like peptide larger than somatostatin‐28. Somatostatin levels were significantly reduced in connection with nonnutritive sucking. Gastrin levels were increased in six of ten experiments 2 h and/or 3 h after bolus feeding, suggesting that these peptides were not only supplied by the milk, but were also released from the gastric mucosa. The presence of gastrin and somatostatin in gastric aspirates was established by use of chromatographic methods. The results indicate that somatostatin and gastrin are released into the gastric lumen in preterm infants and that sucking of a pacifier, in connection with bolus feeding, stimulates the gastric motor functions and facilitates the digestion process, probably via activation of vagal mechanisms.
Endoscopic Capsule Biopsy of the Small Intestine
Authors: Sullivan Peter B. , Phillips Marianne B. , Neale Graham
Published: February 2024

In this article, we describe a technique for obtaining jejunal biopsies endoscopically using an infant Crosby or Watson capsule. The method is quick, safe, and may be particularly useful if radiological screening is unavailable.
The Bowel Habit of Milk‐Fed Infants
Authors: Weaver Lawrence T. , Ewing Gail , Taylor Linda C.
Published: February 2024

A prospective study of the bowel habits of 240 infants aged 2–20 weeks was performed. Half of the infants were breast fed and half were fed cow's milk formula (CMF). Breast‐fed infants had a higher mean frequency of defaecation than did CMF‐fed infants at 2, 4 and 8 weeks (p < 0.02). By 16 weeks the mean frequency of bowel actions per day of infants of both feeding groups was 2. With increasing age, infants produced fewer stools of greater firmness (p < 0.05) though the breast fed tended to pass larger, softer stools than did the CMF‐fed infants until the introduction of weaning foods (p < 0.05). Stool colour was uniformly yellow in both feeding groups until the introduction of weaning foods, when it changed to brown. Weaning foods were introduced at an earlier age in the CMF‐fed infants (p < 0.05), though by 20 weeks 93% of all infants had received some. These data define the normal range of the bowel habits of milk‐fed infants and may reflect differences in gastrointestinal function between those fed on the breast and with CMF.
Early Follow‐Up of Very Low Birth Weight Infants After Hospital Discharge with Respect to Growth and Mineral Homeostasis
Authors: Cooper Peter A. , Rothberg Alan D. , Pettifor John M.
Published: February 2024

Very low birth weight infants from two previous in‐hospital feeding studies were investigated at follow‐up after hospital discharge at a mean postnatal age of 12 weeks. Of infants who had received human milk in hospital (own mother's or pooled), 26 were seen at follow‐up, of whom only 8 remained exclusively breast fed. Of those fed a formula in hospital, 31 were seen at follow‐up. Those infants who had been fed human milk while in hospital demonstrated slower linear growth over the 6‐week period of this study. Only those fed exclusively human milk from birth to the time of follow‐up showed elevated serum alkaline phosphatase and low serum phosphate values, while those fed human milk in hospital, but completely or partially formula fed thereafter, had values similar to those fed formula throughout. Alkaline phosphatase values <675 IU/L were associated with either exclusive breast feeding or vitamin D depletion. Of the two cases of rickets diagnosed on wrist x‐rays, one infant had been exclusively breast fed and the other was vitamin D depleted.
Development of Acid Secretory Function in the Rat Stomach
Authors: Hervatin F. , Moreau E. , Ducroc R. , Garzon B. , Geloso J. P.
Published: February 2024

Gastric acid secretion was studied in anesthetized rats from day 6 of the postnatal period up to the time of weaning. Basal H+ secretion was detected from day 6 in the first group studied (2.4 ± 0.2 μEq of H+/10 min/100 g of bodyweight, BW) and remained constant up to the time of weaning (day 18: 2.5 ± 0.2 μEq of H+/10 min/100 g of body weight) except for the period between days 10 and 12, when it fell significantly (1.5 ± 0.06 μEq H+/10 min/100 g of BW on day 12). Both histamine H2 receptor sensitivity and intracellular transduction mechanism activities were evaluated by studying the secretory responses to histamine, impromidine (an H2 receptor agonist), cimetidine (an H2 receptor antagonist), forskolin (a direct adenylate cyclase activator), and dibutyryl (db) cAMP (an analogue of cAMP, the intracellular messenger mediating the response to histamine). The effects of pentagastrin and carbachol were also determined. The secretory responses obtained on days 6, 8, and 18 were similar and represented about threefold increases over basal secretion for all the secretagogues used. After weaning on day 20, both the basal secretion and the response to secretagogues were significantly increased compared with those of unweaned animals. On day 12, the responses were always weaker than on both days 8 and 18. Injection of 1 mg/kg of corticosterone 21 acetate daily from day 8 resulted on day 12 in a basal secretion and a response to histamine equivalent to those measured in 18‐day‐old pups not injected. The results described in this article represent a potentially useful set of baseline data concerning the development of gastric acid secretion in the rat stomach. They reinforce the finding previously established in our laboratory that there is a regression of secretory activity on days 10‐12 of life in the rat.
Rechallenge Following an Early Life Exposure to a High‐Cholesterol Diet Enhances Diet‐Associated Alterations in Intestinal Permeability
Authors: Thomson A. B. R. , Keelan M.
Published: February 2024

This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that the intestinal transport response to a highcholesterol (2%) diet (HCD) is influenced by prior exposure to HCD at an earlier age. Uptake was assessed using an in vitro technique, and rabbits were fed one of four dietary regimens: chow for 20 weeks, chow for 14 weeks followed by HCD for 6 weeks, chow for 2 weeks followed by 4 weeks HCD followed by chow for 14 weeks, or 2 weeks chow followed by 4 weeks HCD followed by 8 weeks chow and then 6 further weeks with HCD. The passive jejunal uptake of octanoic, lauric, cholic, and taurocholic acids was greater in animals previously exposed at an earlier age to HCD, as compared with those first exposed to HCD at a later age. Furthermore, the effect of HCD on the passive permeability properties of the intestine lasted for as long as 14 weeks after the animals were switched from HCD back to chow. These alterations in permeability properties occurred in the absence of changes in the intestinal mucosal surface area and were not explained by differences in the rabbits' body weight gain, food consumption, or mucosal surface area of the jejunum or ileum. Thus, (a) early changes in animals' dietary content of cholesterol may have prolonged effects on intestinal transport function, and (b) this early feeding experience with cholesterol may alter the adaptive pattern of the intestine when animals are exposed to a dietary cholesterol challenge at a later age.
Effects of Aluminum on the Liver Following High‐Dose Enteral Administration to Rats
Authors: Klein Gordon L. , Lee Thomas C. , Mann Peggy A. , Miller Nancy L. , Alfrey Allen C.
Published: February 2024

Parenteral administration of aluminum (Al) to animals can result in hepatobiliary dysfunction, including elevated total serum bile acid concentration, reduced bile flow, and reduction of mixed function oxidase activities. Despite substantial hepatic Al accumulation, biliary Al excretion is negligible. We studied the effects of enteral administration of pharmacologic doses of Al to rats in order to see if by this route Al also produced hepatobiliary dysfunction or if biliary Al excretion was enhanced following enteral administration, protecting the liver from the effects of Al. Six rats were given 100 mg/kg/day of Al for 14 days as Al citrate by duodenal cannula. Pair‐fed littermate controls were given sodium citrate. Serum Al and urinary Al/creatinine were significantly higher in Alfed rats than in controls. Liver Al was significantly increased in the Al‐fed group, but very low when compared to liver Al concentration with intravenous Al administration. Biliary Al was only 2 ± 1% of urinary Al in the experimental group. Serum bile acid concentration and bile flow were not different between groups. We conclude that Al given in pharmacologic doses is absorbed but does not accumulate in the liver. We hypothesize that a slow rate of Al absorption may not overwhelm plasma transferrin carrying capacity or renal Al excretory capacity.
Symptomatology and Pathogenesis of Migraine
Authors: Spierings Egilius L. H.
Published: February 2024

Migraine is a paroxysmal disorder of which headache is the central symptom. The headache is generally so intense that it is associated with other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, photo‐ and phonophobia. In socalled classic migraine or migraine with aura, the headache is preceded by transient focal neurological symptoms, generally referred to as aura symptoms. There is clinical experimental evidence for the involvement of at least three mechanisms in the pathogenesis of the migraine headache. These mechanisms are extracranial arterial vasodilation, extracranial neurogenic inflammation, and decreased inhibition of central pain transmission. The associated symptoms are possibly caused by sympathetic activation at a peripheral (nausea and vomiting) and central level (photo‐ and phonophobia). The aura symptoms are, in the author's opinion, most likely caused by a mechanism similar to spreading excitation and depression. An adaptation of the traditional concept of the pathogenesis of the migraine attack is presented.
The Relationship Between Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome and Abdominal Migraine
Authors: Symon David N. K. , Russell George
Published: February 2024

Abdominal migraine and cyclic vomiting are both self‐limiting episodic conditions of children, with periods of complete normality between episodes. The clinical features of both syndromes show considerable similarity, and resemble those found in association with migraine headaches. It is proposed that cyclic vomiting is a condition related to migraine.
Polyethylene Glycol for Constipation in Children Younger Than Eighteen Months Old
Authors: Michail Sonia , Gendy Elizabeth , Preud'Homme Daniel , Mezoff Adam
Published: February 2024

Background:

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a safe and effective treatment for constipation in children older than 18 months. Data on its safety and efficacy in infants are lacking. The goal of this study was to determine safety, efficacy, and optimal dose of polyethylene glycol powder for treatment of constipation in patients younger than 18 months.

Methods:

The authors reviewed the charts of patients younger than 18 months treated with PEG 3350 for constipation. The initial dose, effective maintenance dose, response to therapy, duration of therapy, and side effects were recorded.

Results:

Twenty‐eight patients younger than 18 months of age treated with PEG were identified (3, age 0–5 months; 9, age 6–11 months; 16, age 12–17 months). Mean duration of therapy was 6.2 ± 5 months (range, 3 weeks–21 months). Mean initial dose was 0.88 g/kg/day (range, 0.26–2.14 g/kg/day). Mean effective maintenance dose was 0.78 g/kg/day (range, 0.26–1.26 g/kg/day). PEG relieved constipation in 97.6% of patients. One infant experienced increased gas per rectum and four others experienced transient diarrhea that resolved after adjusting the dose.

Conclusion:

Oral powdered polyethylene glycol at a maintenance dose of 0.78 g/kg/day is safe and effective for patients younger than 18 months. Dose and safety profiles are similar for those reported in older children.
Thirty Years of the ESPGAN/ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition
Authors: Rey Jean , Aggett Peter , Koletzko Berthold
Published: February 2024

The creation of the Committee on Nutrition of ESPGAN (later ESPGHAN) in 1974 was stimulated by the need to define generally acceptable standards for infant feeding and for dietetic products for infants. Since the late 1970s the Committee has published a series of widely respected authoritative comments that have provided guidance for pediatricians, regulatory bodies and manufacturers of food products in Europe and other parts of the world. The Committee and its members have also contributed to the development of standards by the Codex Alimentarius Committee of the World Health Organization and of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and of standards in the European Union. Among the further aims of the Committee aims is the stimulation and support of young researchers entering the field of nutrition and metabolism, as well as the lobbying for public and private funding that supports pediatric nutrition research. The strong tradition of 30 successful years with the achievements made, and the appreciation of the vision and determination of the pioneers who had built the Committee, provide a major stimulus to strive for continued excellence in achieving the Committee's mission.
Matrilysins‐1 and ‐2 (MMP‐7 and ‐26) and Metalloelastase (MMP‐12), Unlike MMP‐19, are Up‐Regulated in Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Bister Ville , Salmela Mikko T. , Heikkilä Päivi , Anttila Annaleena , Rintala Risto , Isaka Keichi , Andersson Sture , Saarialho‐Kere Ulpu
Published: February 2024

Objectives:

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common gastrointestinal disease of premature infants characterized histologically by extensive tissue injury and inflammation. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are involved in tissue remodeling and cell migration, both being important aspects of inflammatory disease. The aim of this study was to investigate whether MMPs play a role in the pathogenesis of NEC.

Methods:

Expression of MMP‐1, ‐7, ‐9, ‐10, ‐12, ‐19 and ‐26 was studied using in situ hybridization/immunohistochemistry in samples intestinal tissue removed from 15 patients with NEC; in 7 of them control samples were obtained at closure of stomas. Six intestinal samples from patients with intestinal atresia and four samples of necrosis were also included in the material examined. Laminin‐5 was immunostained to find migrating enterocytes and cytokeratin to delineate mucosal epithelium.

Results:

MMP‐7 protein was upregulated in the epithelium of 12/18 NEC samples. MMP‐26 was induced in stromal cells of 12/17 NEC specimens. Stromal expression was found for MMP‐1 and ‐12 mRNAs in 7/18 samples. MMP‐1 was also detected in the epithelium of regenerating areas. Both NEC and stoma samples expressed MMP‐9 in inflammatory cells. Epithelial MMP‐19 was downregulated in NEC.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that several MMPs may be major factors in tissue destruction and remodeling in NEC. Targeted inhibition of matrilysins, using synthetic MMP inhibitors or blockers of their signal transduction pathways, may represent a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of intestinal inflammation associated with NEC.
Pediatric NAFLD
Authors: Putignani Lorenza , Alisi Anna , Nobili Valerio
Published: February 2024

Purpose of review:

Clinical evidence of the use of probiotics in pediatric NAFLD, framed within gut microbiota response, is herein discussed.

Recent findings:

The assistance of a new microbiological approach in probiotics’ design is playing a central role in NAFLD clinical management. Experimental studies demonstrated the effect of gut microbiota manipulation in NAFLD and recent clinical evidence reported their beneficial effect in pediatric patients.

Epidemiology suggests that NAFLD is the most frequent pediatric chronic liver disease evolving from simple steatosis to a more severe form that may progress toward fibrosis. The goal of pharmacological treatment of NAFLD‐related fibrosis is to stop and eventually to reverse liver damage, but no drug tested so far seem to be able to reach this endpoint. A few encouraging clinical studies demonstrated an improvement of hepato‐metabolic milieu under probiotic treatment suggesting that they could exert an anti‐fibrotic activity.

Currently, new insights onto probiotics can be deduced by ad hoc generated NAFLD gut microbiota profiles. These functional maps may unveil gut ecosystem dynamics under probiotics’ treatment, selecting the most appropriate for NAFLD gut microbiota amelioration.
Indications and Recommendations by Societies and Institutions for the Use of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Paediatric Functional Intestinal Disorders
Authors: Francavilla Ruggiero , Cristofori Fernanda , Indrio Flavia
Published: February 2024

Purpose of review:

To report the indications and/or recommendations by Societies and Institutions for the use of probiotics and prebiotics in functional intestinal disorders in childhood.

Recent findings:

A position by Societies and Institutions is available only for infant colic, irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. Supplementation with the probiotic L reuteri DSM 17938 in breastfed term infants with colic appears to be effective in reducing crying, while still debated is its role in the prevention of colic. Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder in children and at present no specific treatments are available; existing data show that although high‐quality studies are still needed, some evidence support the efficacy of LGG and VSL#3 in paediatric IBS. At present there is no evidence for the use of pre‐ or probiotics in childhood constipation.

Probiotics in a near future may have a definite role is some FGIDs of infants and children. The main limitations for the recommendation by Societies and Institutions are the methodological issues that limit the quality of the evidence and the heterogeneity of treatments (probiotic strain and dose, mode, dose and duration of supplementation, primary outcomes, etc). Some specific strains are promising for infant colic (L. reuteri DSM 17938) and irritable bowel syndrome (LGG) while at present there is no indication for their use in the treatment of childhood constipation.
Experimental and computational studies on isolation of cardanol from cashew nut shell liquid using diethanolamine‐based deep eutectic solvent at different molar ratios
Authors: Malaiyarasan Vichitra , Devakumar Vethakkan J Deeva , Ramalingam Anantharaj , Vijayan Nithya Varshith
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Amine‐based deep eutectic mixtures composed of choline chloride and a DEA‐based hydrogen‐bond donor (HBD) can be used in various molar ratios such as 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6 and 1:7 for isolation of cardanol from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL).

RESULTS

In this study, green techniques were created to extract cardanol from CNSL by utilizing a deep eutectic solvent (DES) based on diethanolamine with various molar ratios [hydrogen‐bond acceptor (HBA): HBD] of 1:2, 1:3,1:4,1:5, 1:6 and 1:7. To enhance cardanol's solubility in DES, promote phase separation, and increase cardanol yield, ethyl acetate (EA) and isobutyl methyl ketone (IBMK) could be utilized as co‐solvents. At temperatures ranging from 293 to 343.15 K and 1 atm, the density of various molar ratios of DES was determined. Additionally, the prepared DES pH behaviour as well as the relationship between pH and temperature were investigated. All investigated DES temperature increases caused a decrease in pH value. By using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), similar molar ratios of amine‐based DESs were studied for their thermal stability in terms of decomposition temperature, mass loss and melting temperature. The melting temperature and thermal stability were both increased when the HBD increased. The thermal stability of DES, which mostly depends on intermolecular interactions, is greatly influenced by HBD. Finally, at T = 298.15 K and 1 atm, cardanol was extracted from 50 mL CNSL using different volumes of various molar ratios of DES (100 mL, 75 mL, 50 mL and 25 mL) together with 25 mL IBMK and 25 mL EA. The extracted cardanol was evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

CONCLUSION

It was observed that the yields of cardanol from each prepared molar ratios ratio of 100 mL DES were 96.57%, 95.38% and 92.87%, respectively. In this study, the sigma potential and sigma profile of chosen HBA and HBD were determined using conductor‐like screening model for real solvents (COSMO‐RS), and the interactions between the molecules during the extraction process were analyzed. The findings demonstrated the viability of using the chosen DESs for the polyphenol extraction process. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Identification of specific markers for human pluripotent stem cell‐derived small extracellular vesicles
Authors: Chen Zhengsheng , Luo Lei , Ye Teng , Zhou Jiacheng , Niu Xin , Yuan Ji , Yuan Ting , Fu Dehao , Li Haiyan , Li Qing , Wang Yang
Published: February 2024

Pluripotent stem cell‐derived small extracellular vesicles (PSC‐sEVs) have demonstrated great clinical translational potential in multiple aging‐related degenerative diseases. Characterizing the PSC‐sEVs is crucial for their clinical applications. However, the specific marker pattern of PSC‐sEVs remains unknown. Here, the sEVs derived from two typical types of PSCs including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC‐sEVs) and embryonic stem cells (ESC‐sEVs) were analysed using proteomic analysis by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS), and surface marker phenotyping analysis by nanoparticle flow cytometry (NanoFCM). A group of pluripotency‐related proteins were found to be enriched in PSC‐sEVs by LC‐MS/MS and then validated by Western Blot analysis. To investigate whether these proteins were specifically expressed in PSC‐sEVs, sEVs derived from seven types of non‐PSCs (non‐PSC‐sEVs) were adopted for analysis. The results showed that PODXL, OCT4, Dnmt3a, and LIN28A were specifically enriched in PSC‐sEVs but not in non‐PSC‐sEVs. Then, commonly used surface antigens for PSC identification (SSEA4, Tra‐1‐60 and Tra‐1‐81) and PODXL were gauged at single‐particle resolution by NanoFCM for surface marker identification. The results showed that the positive rates of PODXL (>50%) and SSEA4 (>70%) in PSC‐sEVs were much higher than those in non‐PSC‐sEVs (<10%). These results were further verified with samples purified by density gradient ultracentrifugation. Taken together, this study for the first time identified a cohort of specific markers for PSC‐sEVs, among which PODXL, OCT4, Dnmt3a and LIN28A can be detected with Western Blot analysis, and PODXL and SSEA4 can be detected with NanoFCM analysis. The application of these specific markers for PSC‐sEVs identification may advance the clinical translation of PSCs‐sEVs.
Application of microbial agents in organic solid waste composting: a review
Authors: Duan Zhongxu , Wang Quanying , Wang Tianye , Kong Xiangfen , Zhu Guopeng , Qiu Guankai , Yu Hongwen
Published: February 2024

The rapid growth of organic solid waste has recently exacerbated environmental pollution problems, and its improper treatment has led to the loss of a large number of biomass resources. Here, we expound the advantages of microbial agents composting compared with conventional organic solid waste treatment technology, and review the important role of microbial agents composting in organic solid waste composting from the aspects of screening and identification, optimization of conditions, mechanism of action, combination with other technologies and ultra‐high‐temperature and ultra‐low‐temperature microbial composting. We discuss the value of microorganisms with different growth conditions in organic solid waste composting, and put forward a seasonal multi‐temperature composite microbial composting technology. Provide new ideas for the all‐round treatment of microbial agents in organic solid waste in the future. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Differential effects of four laboratory animal control diets on gut microbiota in mice
Authors: Guo Jingya , Zhao Yuhan , Kang Seong‐Gook , Huang Kunlun , Tong Tao
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

The gut microbiota is intricate and susceptible to multiple factors, with diet being a major contributor. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of four commonly used laboratory animal control diets, namely Keao Xieli's maintenance diet (KX), HFK's 1025 (HF), Research Diets' D12450B (RD), and Lab Diet's 5CC4 (LD), on the gut microbiota of mice.

RESULTS

A total of 40 mice were randomly assigned to four groups, and each group was fed one of the four diets for a duration of 8 weeks. The assessment of gut microbiota was conducted using 16S rRNA sequencing both at the beginning of the study (week 0) and the end (week 8), which served as the baseline and endpoint samples, respectively. Following the 8‐week feeding period, no significant differences were observed in physiological parameters, including body weight, visceral weight, and blood biochemical indices, across the four groups. Nonetheless, relative to the baseline, discernible alterations in the gut microbiota were observed in all groups, encompassing shifts in beta‐diversity, hierarchical clustering, and key genera. Among the four diets, HF diet exhibited a significant influence on alpha‐diversity, RD diet brought about notable changes in microbial composition at the phylum level, and LD diet demonstrated an interconnected co‐occurrence network. Mantel analysis indicated no significant correlation between physiological parameters and gut microbiota in the four groups.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our study demonstrated that the four control diets had a minimal impact on physiological parameters, while exerting a distinct influence on the gut microbiota after 8 weeks. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Thermal and salt stress effects on the survival of plant growth‐promoting bacteria Azospirillum brasilense in inoculants for maize cultivation
Authors: da Cunha Elisandra Triches , Pedrolo Ana Marina , Arisi Ana Carolina Maisonnave
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

The plant growth‐promoting bacteria (PGPB) Azospirillum brasilense is widely used as an inoculant for important grass crops, providing numerous benefits to the plants. However, one limitation to develop viable commercial inoculants is the control of PGPB survival, requiring strategies that guarantee their survival during handling and field application. The application of sublethal stress appears to be a promising strategy to increase bacterial cells tolerance to adverse environmental conditions since previous stress induces the activation of physiological protection in bacterial cell. In this work, we evaluated the effects of thermal and salt stresses on the survival of inoculant containing A. brasilense Ab‐V5 and Ab‐V6 strains and we monitored A. brasilense viability in inoculated maize roots after stress treatment of inoculant.

RESULTS

Thermal stress application (> 35 °C) in isolated cultures for both strains, as well as salt stress [sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations > 0.3 mol L−1], resulted in growth rate decline. The A. brasilense enumeration in maize roots obtained by propidium monoazide quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PMA‐qPCR), for inoculated maize seedlings grown in vitro for 7 days, showed that there is an increased number of viable cells after the salt stress treatment, indicating that A. brasilense Ab‐V5 and Ab‐V6 strains are able to adapt to salt stress (0.3 mol L−1 NaCl) growth conditions.

CONCLUSION

Azospirillum brasilense Ab‐V5 and Ab‐V6 strains had potential for osmoadaptation and salt stress, resulting in increased cell survival after inoculation in maize plants. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Assessing Diagnostic Performance Using the Transverse Plane Plus Coronal Plane Compared With the Transverse Plane Alone in Screening Automated Breast Ultrasound
Authors: Wang Yin , Yue Jinzhuo , Xing Yangfeng , Ju Yan , Gao Xican , Shu Rui , Wang Zhenfang , Liu Bo , Xiao Yao , Zhang Ge , Li Hui , Wang Tian , Guan Xiangping , Song Zhangjun , Song Hongping
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The coronal plane is the unique display mode of automated breast (AB) ultrasound (US), which has valuable features of showing the entire breast anatomy and providing additional diagnostic value for breast lesions. However, whether adding the coronal plane could improve the diagnostic performance in screening breast cancer remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the value of adding the coronal plane in interpretation for AB US screening.

Methods

In this retrospective study, AB US images from 644 women (396 in the no‐finding group, 143 with benign lesions, and 105 with malignant lesions) aged 40–70 years were collected between January 2016 and October 2020. Four novice radiologists (with 1–5 years of experience with breast US) and four experienced radiologists (with >5 years of experience with breast US) were assigned to read all AB US images in the transverse plane plus coronal plane (T + C planes) and transverse plane (T plane) alone in separate reading sessions. Diagnostic performance, lesion conspicuity, and reading time were compared using analysis of variance.

Results

The mean reading time of all radiologists was significantly shorter in the T + C planes reading mode than in the T plane alone (115 ± 32 vs 128 ± 31 s, respectively; P < .05), and cancers had a higher conspicuity (odds ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–3.08; P = .04). No significant differences were noted in the two reading modes (T + C planes vs T plane) in the sensitivity (82% [95% CI, 74–89%] vs 81% [95% CI, 74–88%], respectively; P = .68) and specificity (68% [95% CI, 62–75%] vs 70% [95% CI, 64–75%], respectively; P = .39) when Breast Imaging‐Reporting and Data System (BI‐RADS) 3 was set as the threshold. There were also no significant differences in the two reading modes (T + C planes vs T plane) in the sensitivity (70% [95% CI, 64–76%] vs 69% [95% CI, 63–75%], respectively; P = .39) and specificity (91% [95% CI, 87–96%] vs 91% [95% CI, 88–95%], respectively; P = .90) when BI‐RADS 4 was set as the threshold. In addition, the mean areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of all radiologists in the two reading modes (T + C planes vs T plane) were not significantly different (0.84 [95% CI, 0.79–0.89] vs 0.83 [95% CI, 0.78–0.89], respectively; P = .61).

Conclusions

Adding a coronal plane in the AB US screening setting saved the reading time and improved the conspicuity of breast cancers but not the diagnostic performance.
A multiple baseline approach for marine heatwaves
Authors: Giménez Luis , Boersma Maarten , Wiltshire Karen H.
Published: February 2024

Marine heatwaves and other extreme temperature events can drive biological responses, including mass mortality. However, their effects depend on how they are experienced by biological systems (including human societies). We applied two different baselines (fixed and shifting) to a time series of North Sea water temperature to explore how slowly vs. quickly adapting systems would experience extreme temperatures. We tested if the properties of marine heatwaves and the association with atmospheric heatwaves were robust to a change in baseline. A fixed baseline produced an increase in the frequency and duration of marine heatwaves, which would be experienced as the new normal by slowly adapting systems; 7 of the 10 most severe heatwaves occurred between 1990 and 2018. The shifting baseline removed the trend in the frequency but not duration of heatwaves; the 1990s appeared as a period of change in the frequency of strong and severe heatwaves as compared to the 1980s. There were also common patterns among baselines: marine heatwaves were more frequent in late summer when temperatures peak; temperature variability was characterized by low frequency, large amplitude fluctuations (i.e., as red noise), known to drive extinction events. In addition, marine heatwaves occurred during or just after atmospheric heatwaves. Our work highlights the importance of identifying properties of marine heatwaves that are robust or contingent on a change in baseline.
Management of peripheral nerve injuries using natural based biomaterials and their derivatives: Advances and prospective
Authors: Kumar Suraj , Malviya Rishabha , Sundram Sonali
Published: February 2024

The management of peripheral nerve injuries is an important concern due to the their incidence of nerve lesions and inappropriate regeneration that follows severe injuries, which ultimately reduces the lives of patients with this condition. Different strategies have been investigated to repair severe nerve injuries with the improvement of motor and sensory regeneration. Although autograft remains the gold standard technique, an emerging number of research articles concerning nerve conduit use have been reported in the last few years. Nerve conduits aim to overcome autograft disadvantages, but they satisfy some requirements to be suitable for nerve repair. A universal ideal conduit does not exist since conduit properties have to be evaluated case by case; nevertheless, because of their high biocompatibility and biodegradability, natural‐based biomaterials have great potential to be used to produce nerve guides. Although they have many characteristics with synthetic biomaterials, natural‐based biomaterials are preferable because of their extraction sources; indeed, these biomaterials are obtained from different renewable sources or food waste, thus reducing environmental impact and enhancing sustainability in comparison to synthetic ones. This review highlights the recent progress in the development of natural‐based biomaterials and their derivatives for the management of peripheral nerve injuries.
The time‐harmonic electromagnetic wave scattering by a biperiodic elastic body
Authors: Zhu Tielei , Wei Changkun , Yang Jiaqing
Published: February 2024

This paper concentrates on an interaction scattering problem between the time‐harmonic electromagnetic waves and an unbounded periodic elastic medium. The uniqueness results of the interaction problem are established for small frequencies or all frequencies except a discrete set in both the absorbing and nonabsorbing medium, and then the existence of solutions is derived by the classical Fredholm alternative. The perfectly matched layer (PML) method is proposed to truncate the unbounded scattering domain to a bounded computational domain. We prove the well‐posedness of the solution for the truncated PML problem, where a homogeneous boundary condition is imposed on the outer boundary of the PML. The exponential convergence of the PML method is established in terms of the thickness and parameters of the PML. The proof is based on the PML extension and the exponential decay properties of the modified fundamental solution.
α‐Ketoglutarate Improves Ovarian Reserve Function in Primary Ovarian Insufficiency by Inhibiting NLRP3‐Mediated Pyroptosis of Granulosa Cells
Authors: Liu Ke , Wu Yafei , Yang Wenqin , Li Tianlong , Wang Zhongxu , Xiao Shu , Peng Zhenghua , Li Meng , Xiong Wenhao , Li Meixiang , Chen Xi , Zhang Shun , Lei Xiaocan
Published: February 2024

Scope

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a common female infertility problem, with its pathogenesis remains unknown. The NOD‐like receptor family pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3)‐mediated pyroptosis has been proposed as a possible mechanism in POI. This study investigates the therapeutic effect of α‐ketoglutarate (AKG) on ovarian reserve function in POI rats and further explores the potential molecular mechanisms.

Methods and results

POI rats are caused by administration of cyclophosphamide (CTX) to determine whether AKG has a protective effect. AKG treatment increases the ovarian index, maintains both serum hormone levels and follicle number, and improves the ovarian reserve function in POI rats, as evidence by increased the level of lactate and the expression of rate‐limiting enzymes of glycolysis in the ovaries, additionally reduced the expression of NLRP3, Gasdermin D (GSDMD), Caspase‐1, Interleukin‐18 (IL‐18), and Interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β). In vitro, KGN cells are treated with LPS and nigericin to mimic pyroptosis, then treated with AKG and MCC950. AKG inhibits inflammatory and pyroptosis factors such as NLRP3, restores the glycolysis process in vitro, meanwhile inhibition of NLRP3 has the same effect.

Conclusion

AKG ameliorates CTX‐induced POI by inhibiting NLRP3‐mediated pyroptosis, which provides a new therapeutic strategy and drug target for clinical POI patients.