bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classroom social networks, students' peer‐related social experiences and sense of belonging: The specific case of students with SEN
Authors: Freire Sofia , Roçadas Cláudia , Pipa Joana , Aguiar Cecília
Published: February 2024

One main argument for inclusion refers to the social benefits that students with SEN might have from being in contact with typically developing classmates. Students' sense of belonging to the classroom is also a relevant dimension of inclusion, given its importance for positive emotional and social development and academic motivation. Yet, studies specifically focused on students with SEN show mixed results regarding their sense of belonging. While some studies have highlighted the effect of classroom social networks on peer‐related social experiences, to our knowledge no study has examined its effect on the sense of belonging. Thus, the goal of the current study is to examine the associations between the structure of classroom social networks, peer‐related social experiences in the classroom and the sense of belonging of students with and without SEN. The participants were 914 students (56% boys, 10% SEN, average age 12.68) attending Portuguese schools. Contrary to what was expected, although students with SEN were, on average, more rejected and less accepted by the peer group than students without SEN, they did not differ in their levels of sense of belonging. In addition, the structure of classroom social networks was associated with students' belonging in unexpected ways. Results point to the importance of creating social conditions in the classroom to facilitate positive peer interactions and relationships, and the need for teachers to pay attention to the social structure of the classroom in order to create a positive atmosphere where all students feel accepted, respected, valued and a part of the classroom.
The long‐term consequences of early school absences for educational attainment and labour market outcomes
Authors: Dräger Jascha , Klein Markus , Sosu Edward
Published: February 2024

School absences can negatively impact a child's schooling, including the loss of teacher‐led lessons, peer interactions, and, ultimately, academic achievement. However, little is known about the long‐term consequences of school absences for overall educational attainment and labour market outcomes. In this paper, we used data from the 1970 British Cohort Study to examine long‐term associations between school absences in late childhood and individuals’ educational attainment, social class, unemployment and earnings at age 42 while adjusting for a comprehensive set of confounders. Our findings show that school absences are associated with lower educational attainment but are not associated with social class destination except for increasing the likelihood of being out of the labour force after adjusting for confounders. Individuals who missed five days of school at age 10 were 5.2% more likely to have obtained no qualifications and 4.1% more likely to be out of the labour force. However, we did not find a significant association between school absences and individuals’ earnings or duration of unemployment. Our findings suggest that the detrimental consequences of school absences persist beyond schooling into adulthood. Overall, this study highlights the importance of addressing school absenteeism to promote educational and labour market participation over the life course.
Vesicovaginal and vesicorectal fistula in a patient with systemic sclerosis: A case report
Authors: Quteineh Mohammad , Obeid Sajedah N. , Al‐Shami Khayry , Hanifa Hamdah
Published: February 2024

Key Clinical Message

This case highlights the need for further research to explore a potential link between systemic sclerosis and fistula development, and the importance of raising awareness among clinicians about this possibility for timely appropriate management.

The primary diagnosis in this case is systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) in a 47‐year‐old female patient with various clinical manifestations, including vesicovaginal and vesicorectal fistulas. The medical interventions and diagnostic workup involved an electrocardiogram, cardiac echocardiogram, pulmonary function tests, beta blockers, aspirin, inhaled corticosteroids, albuterol, endoscopy, biopsy, treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection, fluconazole for candida esophagitis, endoscopic dilation for achalasia, anticholinergic therapy for mixed urinary incontinence, gabapentin for neuropathic symptoms, analgesia for knee pain, and psychiatric treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The outcomes described in the case report include the diagnosis of systemic sclerosis, the identification of vesicovaginal and vesicorectal fistulas, the patient's medical history and symptoms over the years, and various treatments and management strategies.
Current Advances in the Enzyme Engineering of O2‐Dependent Enzymes – Boosting the Versatility and Applicability of Oxygenases and Oxidases
Authors: Al‐Shameri Ammar , Schmermund Luca , Sieber Volker
Published: February 2024

Oxidation reactions catalysed by O2‐dependent enzymes are gaining increasing interest in the chemical industry due to their potential to provide a more selective and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical oxidation methods. O2‐dependent enzymes, like oxidases and oxygenases, catalyse a versatile range of oxidative reactions using only molecular oxygen as an oxidant. However, their practical application on a larger scale has been limited up to this point, primarily due to factors like their low catalytic rates combined with a narrow substrate spectrum and low stability. Nonetheless, enzyme engineering studies have significantly addressed these challenges in recent years and moved O2‐dependent enzymes closer towards industrial utilisation. This review aims to concisely overview the most recent engineering approaches to O2‐dependent enzymes. We will highlight recent studies that have targeted various aspects of O2‐dependent enzymes, including activity, selectivity, stability, and substrate spectrum, focusing on engineering studies where the engineered enzymes catalysed synthetically valuable reactions.
(Diazomethyl)dimethylphosphine Oxide – A Diazoalkane Reagent for [3+2] Cycloadditions
Authors: Slobodyanyuk Evgeniy Y. , Tarasiuk Ilona , Pasichnyk Taras , Volochnyuk Dmitriy M. , Sibgatulin Dmytro O. , Grygorenko Oleksandr O.
Published: February 2024

A safe and efficient method for the in‐situ preparation of (diazomethyl)dimethylphosphine oxide – a hereto unexplored diazoalkane reagent – is developed. The method is based on the diazotization of the corresponding P(O)Me2‐substituted amine (readily available in multigram quantities) in non‐aqueous media. The protocol provides the target product as ca. 1.5 M CHCl3 solution which is stable at −18 °C. The utility of the synthesized diazoalkane is illustrated by its [3+2] cycloaddition with electron‐poor alkynes and alkenes providing the corresponding P(O)Me2‐substituted pyrazoles and pyrazolines with moderate to good efficiency. In this view, the title compound represents and an important extension of medicinally relevant phosphine oxide reagents.
Ionic strength alters crosslinker‐driven self‐organization of microtubules
Authors: Chauhan Prashali , Lee Hong Beom , Goodbee Niaz , Martin Sophia , Branch Ruell , Sahu Sumon , Schwarz Jennifer M. , Ross Jennifer L.
Published: February 2024

The microtubule cytoskeleton is a major structural element inside cells that directs self‐organization using microtubule‐associated proteins and motors. It has been shown that finite‐sized, spindle‐like microtubule organizations, called “tactoids,” can form in vitro spontaneously from mixtures of tubulin and the antiparallel crosslinker, MAP65, from the MAP65/PRC1/Ase family. Here, we probe the ability of MAP65 to form tactoids as a function of the ionic strength of the buffer to attempt to break the electrostatic interactions binding MAP65 to microtubules and inter‐MAP65 binding. We observe that, with increasing monovalent salts, the organizations change from finite tactoids to unbounded length bundles, yet the MAP65 binding and crosslinking appear to stay intact. We further explore the effects of ionic strength on the dissociation constant of MAP65 using both microtubule pelleting and single‐molecule binding assays. We find that salt can reduce the binding, yet salt never negates it. Instead, we believe that the salt is affecting the ability of the MAP65 to form phase‐separated droplets, which cause the nucleation and growth of tactoids, as recently demonstrated.
Knowledge distillation representation and DCNMIX quality prediction‐based Web service recommendation
Authors: Cao Buqing , Huang Hao , Liu Shanpeng , Liu Yizhi , Wen Yiping , Zhou Dong , Tang Mingdong
Published: February 2024

Web service recommendation as an emerging topic attracts increasing attention due to its important practical significance. As the number of available Web services continues to grow, users face the challenge of searching the most suitable services that meet their specific needs. Quality of service (QoS)‐based service recommendation becomes a popular approach to address this issue. However, existing QoS‐based service recommendation methods are inability to effectively capture valuable content and structural information from services. These methods often rely solely on low‐order explicit feature intersections in QoS information, do not fully utilize the high‐order implicit feature intersections, and ignore the rich semantic information existing in service descriptions and user preferences. To address this problem, this paper proposes a Web service recommendation method via combining knowledge distillation representation and DCNMIX quality prediction. This method combines content‐based and structure‐based service classification and service prediction based on multi‐dimensional service quality information. First, it builds a service relationship network using semantic features extracted from service descriptions. Second, it designs a graph neural network knowledge distillation framework. The teacher model extracts the knowledge of the graph neural network model, and the student model learns the structure‐based and feature‐based prior knowledge of the service relationship network. Then the student model is used to learn the knowledge of the teacher model, classify Web services, and obtain service representations. Finally, based on service representations and multi‐dimensional QoS information, it exploits the DCNMIX model to learn the explicit and implicit features intersections of Web services and obtain the prediction score and ranking of Web services. The experimental results on the ProgrammableWeb dataset show that the proposed method outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art baselines in terms of Recall, F1, Logloss, and AUC_ROC.
Semi‐Automated MicroCT Analysis of Bone Anatomy and Mineralization in Mouse Models
Authors: Spoutil Frantisek , Dlugosova Sylvie , Varga Igor , Aranaz‐Novaliches Goretti , Novosadova Vendula , Prochazkova Michaela , Sedlacek Radislav , Prochazka Jan
Published: February 2024

The skeletal system mirrors several processes in the vertebrate body that impact developmental malfunctions, hormonal disbalance, malfunction of calcium metabolism and turn over, and inflammation processes such as arthrosis. X‐ray micro computed tomography is a useful tool for 3D in situ evaluation of the skeletal system in a time‐related manner, but results depend highly on resolution. Here, we provide the methodological background for a graduated evaluation from whole‐body analysis of skeletal morphology and mineralization to high‐resolution analysis of femoral and vertebral microstructure. We combine an expert‐based evaluation with a machine‐learning‐based computational approach, including pre‐setup analytical task lists. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: In vivo microCT scanning and skeletal analysis in mice

Basic Protocol 2: Ex vivo high‐resolution microCT scanning and microstructural analysis of the femur and L4 vertebra
Facies analysis and depositional model of the Midcontinent Rift System in Kansas, USA
Authors: Azmi Iffat , Goldberg Karin
Published: February 2024

The Midcontinent Rift System of North America is one of the oldest continental rifts but rifting ceased before continental breakup. The southern segment of the Midcontinent Rift System lies in Kansas, USA, where the stratigraphic succession and rift evolution are largely unknown. This study analysed the rift basin infill in this part of the Midcontinent Rift System to propose a depositional model. The Precambrian rift succession was described in discontinuous cores drilled in the Texaco Noel Poersch#1 well in Washington County. Sixteen lithofacies were identified and grouped into four different facies associations (fluvial, aeolian, lacustrine and alluvial fan). Overall, the studied succession comprises continental deposits accumulated dominantly in alluvial and aeolian settings, with the intermittent development of lacustrine systems. The proposed depositional models for the available core intervals indicate cyclic patterns of overfilled and underfilled phases within the rift basin. These changes in the accommodation‐to‐supply ratio were controlled by tectonism and probably modulated by climate during evolution in the syn‐rift phase. This study advances our understanding of variations across the Midcontinent Rift System.
Reading problems and their connection with visual search and attention
Authors: Sigurdardottir Heida Maria , Omarsdottir Hilma Ros , Valgeirsdottir Anna Sigridur
Published: February 2024

Attention has been hypothesized to act as a sequential gating mechanism for the orderly processing of letters and words. These same visuoattentional processes are often assumed to partake in some but not all types of visual search. In the current study, 24 dyslexic and 36 typical readers completed an attentionally demanding visual conjunction search. Visual feature search served as an internal control. It has been suggested that reading problems should go hand in hand with specific problems in visual conjunction search—particularly elevated conjunction search slopes (time per search item)—often interpreted as a problem with visual attention. Results showed that reading problems were associated with slower visual search, especially conjunction search. However, reading deficits were not associated with increased conjunction search slopes but instead with increased search intercepts, traditionally not interpreted as reflecting attention. We discuss these results in the context of hypothesized visuoattentional problems in dyslexia. Remaining open to multiple interpretations of the data, the current study demonstrates that difficulties in visual search are associated with reading problems, in accordance with growing literature on visual cognition problems in developmental dyslexia.
Recent advances of metal suboxide catalysts for carbon‐neutral energy applications
Authors: Ding Shan , Duan Jingjing , Chen Sheng
Published: February 2024

Metal suboxides have emerged as a class of promising candidates for many electrocatalytic applications owing to their enhanced electrical conductivity and chemical activities. In this review, we have summarized the recent progress of metal suboxides. We have firstly introduced the discovery of metal suboxides, and their categories according to element tables. Then various metal suboxides synthetic methods have been systematically illustrated involving solid‐state synthesis, high‐temperature synthesis, low‐temperature synthesis and plasma‐driven synthetic methods, etc. In addition, their applications have been demonstrated in the field of water, carbon and nitrogen cycle‐based energy catalysis technologies involving electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, carbon dioxide reduction, urea oxidation reaction, methanol oxidation reaction, nitrogen reduction reaction and nitrate reduction reaction, etc. Finally, we make a brief conclusion about the developments of metal suboxides, giving an outlook for future research challenges. These insights are expected to hold promise for developing metal suboxide catalysts toward practical applications.
Environment predicts Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis lineage distribution and zones of recombination in South Africa
Authors: Verster Ruhan , Ghosh Pria N. , Sewell Tom R. , Garner Trenton W. J. , Fisher Matthew C. , Muller Wynand , Cilliers Dirk , Weldon Ché
Published: February 2024

The amphibian‐infecting chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is widespread throughout Africa and is linked to declines of populations and species across the continent. While it is well established that the lineage of Bd encodes traits which determine disease severity, knowledge around how lineages are distributed according to environmental envelope is unclear. We here studied the distribution of Bd in South Africa based on the two lineages found, BdGPL and BdCAPE, in terms of their genome and environmental envelope statistically associated with their distribution. We used Bd surveillance data from published studies, as well as data collected during fieldwork from across South Africa, Lesotho, and eSwatini with samples collected along a transect spanning most of South Africa from Lesotho to the west coast. We utilized lineage‐typing qPCR to resolve the spatial distribution of BdGPL and BdCAPE across South Africa and used the resulting surveillance data to create a predictive ecological niche model for Bd lineages in South Africa. Phylogenomic analyses were performed on isolates sourced from across the transect. We show that BdGPL demonstrates a strong isolation by distance suggestive of stepping‐stone dispersal, while BdCAPE showed two distinct clusters within their genomic structure that appear geographically and temporally clustered, indicating two separate invasions. Our predictive niche model revealed that the two lineages tended to occur in different ecotypes; BdGPL was associated with lower altitude, arid regions while BdCAPE occurred across cooler, higher altitude environs. Niche predictions identified a zone of lineage contact, where genomics identified inter‐lineage recombinants. We argue that this zone of recombination should be prioritized for disease surveillance as it is a potential hotspot for the evolution of variants of amphibian chytrid with novel traits that may be epidemiologically relevant.
Patterns of lithic procurement strategies in the Pre‐Pyrenean Middle Magdalenian sequence of Cova del Parco (Alòs de Balaguer, Spain)
Authors: Jiménez Luis M. , Mangado Xavier , González Cynthia B. , Le Bourdonnec François‐Xavier , Gratuze Bernard , Fullola Josep M. , Sánchez de la Torre Marta
Published: February 2024

Archaeological studies carried out in recent decades have demonstrated that the Pre‐Pyrenees, a mountain range in north‐east Iberia, were regularly frequented by several human groups during the Late Pleistocene. The Cova del Parco archaeological site is an example of this large‐scale and regular human presence. The site was discovered and first excavated in the 1970s, and since the 1980s, a team from the University of Barcelona has been conducting archaeological work. So far, we have found that the site was at least frequented from the Middle Magdalenian upon historical times. In this paper, we present the results of the archaeopetrological, geochemical and geographic information system (GIS) analyses of chert tools ascribed to the Middle Magdalenian sequence. The textural, micropalaeontological and geochemical analysis of the lithic artefacts has allowed us to identify several chert types from local, regional and long‐distance sources. Some of these cherts had their origin in the northern slopes of the Pyrenean chain, suggesting that this mountain chain was regularly crossed by Magdalenian groups. Next, we performed GIS analyses to determine the paths and connections that may have linked the archaeological site with the different chert outcrops, and to identify the best routes for crossing the Pyrenean Mountain range. Moreover, this study provides a larger vision of the mobility and the complex economic interactions between the different Magdalenian groups that settled Cova del Parco at the end of the Late Pleistocene.
Improved Steatocrit Results Obtained by Acidification of Fecal Homogenates Are Due to Improved Fat Extraction
Authors: Tran M. , Forget P. , Van den Neucker A. , Van Kreel B.
Published: February 2024

Conflicting results have been reported on the value of the steatocrit as a screening test for steatorrhea. We recently modified the test procedure by fecal acidification with the hope of improving fat extraction and consequently the sensitivity of the test. The aim of the present study was to ascertain whether or not fecal acidification led to improved fat extraction by comparing the fat content of both fatty and solid layers obtained by centrifugation of 12 acidified (acid steatocrit) and unacidified (classical steatocrit) steatorrheal stool samples. The fat content of fatty and solid layers was evaluated using the semiquantitative (+ = 1, + + = 2, + + + = 3) scoring system described by Drummey for the interpretation of the Sudan microscopic method for fecal fat. The fatty layers sum of scores for the 12 samples examined was 31 and 16 for the acid and classical steatocrit, respectively. The solid layers sum of scores for the 12 samples was 13 and 24 for the acid and classical steatocrit, respectively. Fat extraction from stool samples was significantly improved after fecal sample acidification (p < 0.005). Acid steatocrit results agreed better with chemically measured fecal fat than classical steatocrit results. We conclude that fecal acidification, by improving fat extraction, increases the reliability of the steatocrit method for the detection of steatorrhea.
Cysteine Supplementation Increases Glutathione, but not Polyamine, Concentrations of the Small Intestine and Colon of Parenterally Fed Newborn Rabbits
Authors: Pollack Paul F. , Rivera Audelio , Rassin David K. , Nishioka Kenji
Published: February 2024

The glutathione precursor cysteine is not contained in most total parenteral nutrition (TPN) formulations, and premature infants may not be capable of synthesizing cysteine because of a deficiency of cystathionase. Glutathione depletion may have negative effects on host defense against oxidative damage. Several studies have suggested that glutathione depletion induces ornithine decarboxylase activity and increases in polyamine concentrations. Since an inverse relationship between polyamine and glutathione concentrations has been suggested, the concentrations of both of these compounds may be altered in premature infants receiving TPN. We measured glutathione and polyamine concentrations of the small intestine and colon of prematurely delivered newborn rabbits administered TPN for 7 days after birth with or without added cysteine (75 or 150 mg kg‐ 1 day‐ 1). Maternally reared kits were also studied. Total glutathione concentrations in the gastrointestinal tract were significantly lower in kits administered cysteine‐free TPN than in kits receiving cysteine or who were maternally reared. Polyamine concentrations did not differ among groups. Glutathione depletion of the small intestine and colon does occur during cysteine‐free parenteral nutrition and may compromise intestinal defense against oxidant damage.
Characteristics of Gallbladder Bile of Infants and Children
Authors: Halpern Z. , Vinograd Z. , Laufer H. , Gilat T. , Moskowitz M. , Bujanover Y.
Published: February 2024

In the past, biliary lipids of infants and children were studied in duodenal aspirates. This study was performed on original bile aspirated from the gallbladder. The analysis of lipids in bile demonstrated a significantly lower total lipid content in the bile of infants than in children (3.3 g/dl vs. 9.1 g/dl). The most prominent difference was demonstrated in the bile salt concentration (43.2 mM vs. 126.7 mM) and thereafter in the phospholipid content. Infants had a shorter nucleation time and a higher cholesterol saturation index than did children. These results may explain the increased tendency of infants to produce sludge and gallstones during total parenteral nutrition.
Surface Features of Small‐Intestinal Mucosa in Childhood Diarrheal Disorders
Authors: McClean P. , Dodge J. A. , Nunn S. , Carr K. E. , Sloan J. M.
Published: February 2024

The pathophysiology of diarrhea, especially in the otherwise healthy child, is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to use the scanning electron microscope (SEM) to examine the surface of the jejunal mucosa of children with chronic nonspecific diarrhea (CNSD) (n = 9) and to compare the findings with specimens obtained from children with (n = 21) and without (n = 11) other gastrointestinal diseases. Light microscopy of the specimens from children with CNSD was normal. However, SEM showed the presence of bacterial colonization with predominantly coccoid organisms in 100% of cases. This colonization was associated with loss of glycocalyx and clumping of the microvilli. The children with celiac disease (n = 9) all showed characteristic appearances with light microscopy, but only one had bacterial colonization on SEM. The surface features of specimens from children with other gastrointestinal disorders (food intolerance, postenteritis syndrome, protracted diarrhea of infancy, and immune deficiency states) were very similar to those from the CNSD group. Bacteria were visible on 89% of specimens, and in half of these cases the organisms were bacilli. SEM of specimens from children with no gastrointestinal disease (ages 11‐107 months) suggested an increased density of villi/unit area with advancing age. Bacteria were present in only two cases and did not include bacilli. The findings suggest that bacterial colonization of the surface of the small intestine is common in children with several gastrointestinal diseases and may play a part in their pathogenesis. Routine SEM examination of jejunal biopsies provides information not available from standard light microscopy, which may be relevant to the treatment of children with chronic diarrhea.
HM‐PAO‐Labeled Leukocyte Scintigraphy in Pediatric Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Papós Miklós , Várkonyi Ágnes , Láng Jenõ , Buga Klára , Tímár Erzsébet , Polgár Mariann , Bódi Ildikó , Csernay László
Published: February 2024

Leukocyte scintigraphy (LS) was performed in 20 pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD: 10 with ulcerative colitis, 2 with indeterminate colitis, and 8 with Crohn disease) in different stages of clinical activity. Leukocytes were separated from 15 to 60 ml venous blood and were labeled in vitro with [99mTc]HMPAO. The segmental extent (small intestine; ascending, transverse, and descending colon; and recto‐sigmoideum) of the process was determined by LS. The uptake of each bowel segment was scored in relation to the bone marrow uptake. The scintigraphic activity, calculated by summing the segment scores, was compared with laboratory parameters. The mean labeling efficacy was 76% (60‐86%). The segmental extent of the process determined by LS was compared with the results of barium enema or colonoscopy with regard to 32 bowel segments. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of LS were 93, 88, and 91%, respectively. Two extraintestinal manifestations (abdominal abscess and joint involvement) were also detected by LS. These lesions were verified by computed tomography (CT) (abscess) and on the basis of the clinical outcome (arthritis). The scintigraphic activity correlated with the C‐reactive protein (CRP) level (r = 0.82, p < 0.001), the α2‐globulin level (r = 0.63, p < 0.02), the sedimentation rate (r = 0.51, p < 0.05), and the fS iron level (r = ‐0.66, p < 0.005). LS is applicable in pediatric patients. The method is an excellent technique for assessment of the extent of IBD in children. Extraintestinal manifestations of IBD can also be investigated by LS. The scintigraphic activity is a useful parameter for determination of the activity of IBD in children.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Diagnosis of Shwachman's Syndrome
Authors: Lacaille Florence , Mani Tania Mamou , Brunelle Francis , Lallemand Denis , Schmitz Jacques
Published: February 2024

Shwachman's syndrome is a rare disease characterized by the association of chronic diarrhea due to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, metaphyseal dysostosis, and neutropenia. The diagnosis requires demonstration of lipomatosis, or fatty replacement of the pancreas, which is the typical pathological feature of the disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 13 patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, 7 with Shwachman's syndrome, 2 with Pearson's syndrome, 1 with normal sweat test later diagnosed as cystic fibrosis, and 3 without identified syndrome, and in 7 control children. Ultrasonography in the patients did not differentiate between atrophy and lipomatosis and could not be performed in 3. MRI visulized the pancreas in all. The same image was noted in all patients with Shwachman's syndrome with a normal‐sized or enlarged pancreas, a hyperintense signal on T1‐ and T2‐weighted image, and a null signal on short time inversion recovery (STIR)‐weighted image, characteristic of fat. In all other patients, the findings were very different: The pancreas was a small structure surrounded with fat. In 1 patient without identified syndrome, the pancreas appeared to be partially replaced with fat. MRI is an excellent imaging technique to correlate the nature of a tissue and its radiological representation, especially fat, which gives a very typical signal. In our brief series of patients with Shwachman's syndrome, MRI had 100% positive predictive value in demonstrating lipomatosis. In atypical cases of pancreatic insufficiency in which some of the clinical features of Shwachman's syndrome are absent, MRI is an invaluable aid in the diagnostic procedure.
Nonoperative Treatment of Achalasia
Authors: Perisic Vojislav N. , Scepanovic Dusan , Radlovic Nedeljko
Published: February 2024

Twelve children with achalasia were treated by the technique of balloon dilatation in the years 1984‐1991. Follow‐up from 2 to 8 years (mean 3.5 years) showed complete relief of obstruction in 10 patients, while two required esophagomyotomy. Balloon dilatation is effective in the treatment of achalasia.
A Critical Analysis of Total Sialic Acid and Sialoglycoconjugate Contents of Bovine Milk‐Based Infant Formulas
Authors: Sánchez‐Díaz Alberto , Ruano María‐José , Lorente Felix , Hueso Pablo
Published: February 2024

Background:

Several infant formulas are bovine milk‐based products. Mature bovine milk has a very low sialoglycoconjugate content compared with human milk from the first phases of lactation.

Methods:

The present study was undertaken to determine total sialic acid and oligosaccharide, glycoprotein, and ganglioside sialic acid contents of bovine milk‐based formulas.

Results:

Starter formulas, designed for the first days/weeks after birth, have very similar sialic acid contents (233‐266 mg/L fresh milk). We found more oligosaccharide‐bound sialic acids (167‐174 mg/L fresh milk) than those bound to proteins (53‐84 mg/L fresh milk) in these formulas. The ganglioside sialic acid contents of starter formulas (952‐1135 μg/L fresh milk) vary slightly from formula to formula. However, all the above‐mentioned contents are lower than in human colostrum or transitional milk.

Conclusions:

Infants fed starter formulas have total sialic acid and oligosaccharide, glycoprotein, and ganglioside sialic acid intakes of 36, 28, 50, and 20%, respectively, of those fed human colostrum or transitional milk. By contrast, follow‐on formulas, used from 4 to 5 months of age, provide total sialic acid and oligosaccharide, glycoprotein, and ganglioside sialic acid contents similar to those furnished by mature human milk. Since the reference standard for optimal nutrition in the early months of infancy is human milk, a supplementation with sialic acid‐containing glycoconjugates of infant formulas recomended for the first daysafter delivery could be advisable when breast‐feeding is not possible.
Insulin Resistance with Altered Secretory Kinetics and Reduced Proinsulin in Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Holl R. W. , Wolf A. , Thon A. , Bernhard M. , Buck C. , Missel M. , Heinze E. , von der Hardt H. , Teller W. M.
Published: February 2024

Background

Impaired glucose tolerance and secondary diabetes are frequent in older patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), associated with increased frequency of infections and reduced life expectancy. Studies on the pathophysiology of islet cell secretion in CF are a prerequisite for a scientifically based therapeutic approach.

Methods

Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed in 71 patients (14.2 ± 0.5 years; mean ± SE) and 56 control subjects (16.5 ± 0.9 years). Glucose, insulin, C‐peptide, and proinsulin were measured every 30 min.

Results

Glucose tolerance in CF patients was classified as normal (NGT, n = 48), impaired (IGT, n = 14), or diabetic (DM, n = 9). Even in CF patients with NGT, blood glucose was significantly elevated at 30, 60, and 90 min of the test. Surprisingly, the secretory responses of insulin and C‐peptide were not reduced in CF patients with IGT or DM compared with both healthy controls or CF patients with normal glucose tolerance. However, peak insulin concentration was reached at 90 min in CF‐IGT or CF‐DM patients compared with 30 min in controls. The ratio of glucose to insulin, an indicator of insulin resistance, increased in CF patients with progression of carbohydrate intolerance. Proinsulin was significantly reduced in all CF patients compared with controls (p < 0.001; Wilcoxon's rank sum test).

Conclusions

In CF patients with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes, integrated insulin release is not diminished, indicating that insulin resistance is likely to contribute to hyperglycemia in CF patients with IGT or DM. Reduced proinsulin levels in CF patients are compatible either with enhanced conversion of proinsulin to insulin in compensation for reduced β‐cell mass, or enhanced clearance of proinsulin.
Use of Cisapride in Treatment of Constipation in Children
Authors: Odeka E. B. , Sagher F. , Miller V. , Doig C.
Published: February 2024

Background

Chronic constipation is a common problem in children. We observed the effects of cisapride in the management of idiopathic constipation in children.

Methods

Thirty‐seven children with a history of constipation (i.e.. pain and difficulty or delay in defecation for >3 months) were recruited and randomly assigned to 8 weeks of treatment with either cisapride, 0.2 mg/kg three times daily, or matching placebo after a 2‐week run‐in period in a double‐blind, parallel‐group study design. In phase 1 (2 weeks), patients had plain abdominal radiographs to assess degree of faecal load, and those with impaction were given laxatives. After satisfactory clearance of faeces, total gastrointestinal transit time and orocaecal transit time were measured. In phase 2, after 8 weeks of treatment with either cisapride or placebo (0.2 mg/kg t.d.s.), the transit studies were repeated.

Results

Compared with placebo, cisapride did not improve either stool frequency or transit time in this study population.

Conclusion

This study did not demonstrate a clinical role for the use of cisapride in the treatment of idiopathic constipation in children.
Digestive Enzymes in Human Milk: Stability at Suboptimal Storage Temperatures
Authors: Hamosh Margit , Henderson Theresa R. , Ellis Lorie A. , Mao Jee‐In , Hamosh Paul
Published: February 2024

Background:

Women who return to work outside of the home while still breastfeeding must often store the expressed milk at less than optimal temperatures. Human milk provides digestive enzymes (amylase and lipase) that compensate in the newborn for immature pancreatic function.

Methods:

We have assessed the stability of amylase and bile salt‐dependent lipase after storage for 1‐24 h at 15, 25, and 38°C.

Results:

Both enzymes were stable at 15 and 25°C for 24 h, whereas at 38°C there was a 15 and 20% decrease in lipase and amylase activity, respectively. The stability of milk lipoprotein lipase was also tested. This very labile enzyme was more stable in milk than previously reported for blood and tissues, i.e., 20 and 50% decrease in activity after storage at 15 or 25°C for 24 h, respectively. A two‐unit drop in milk pH by 24 h of storage would not affect the activity of digestive enzymes, which are stable at pH >3.5.

Conclusions:

We conclude that milk provides the same compensatory digestive activity after short‐term storage, even at relatively high temperature, as when fed fresh to the infant.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Quantitative Determination of Pancreatic Elastase 1 in Feces of Children
Authors: Soldan W. , Henker J. , Sprössig Christa
Published: February 2024

Background:

The secretin‐pancreozymin test has been accepted as the gold standard for testing exocrine pancreatic function. However, this test is invasive, time‐consuming, and expensive. Therefore, in daily practice, more simple, indirect methods are proposed.

Methods:

The fecal concentration of human pancreatic elastase (E1) has been assessed for diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. For sensitivity, fecal E1 determination in 23 healthy children were studied.

Results:

Sensitivity to detect pancreatic insufficiency was 100% and specificity 96%.

Conclusions:

Fecal E1 concentration appears to be a more sensitive and specific test of pancreatic function than other tests.
Superior Mesenteric Artery Blood Flow in Children with Celiac Disease
Authors: Ertem Deniz , Tüney Davut , Baloglu Hüseyin , Pehlivanoglu Ender
Published: February 2024

Background:

Knowledge of splanchinic hemodynamics in celiac disease is scarce. The hemodynamic parameters of the superior mesenteric artery were evaluated by duplex Doppler ultrasonography in children with celiac disease to show whether histomorphologic changes in small bowel mucosa led to any alteration in splanchinic blood flow.

Methods:

The hemodynamic parameters of the superior mesenteric artery were evaluated by Doppler ultrasonography in 23 children with celiac disease. Ten patients were studied at the time of diagnosis. The remaining 13 children were studied after complete clinical and histologic recovery induced by gluten‐free diet. Additionally, 9 patients out of 13 who were on a gluten‐free diet for about 2 years were given gluten challenge, and superior mesenteric artery blood flow was measured after the challenge. The results were compared with those of healthy children.

Results:

Peak systolic velocity of the superior mesenteric artery was higher in untreated celiac patients than in healthy controls and treated celiac patients. Peak systolic velocity of the superior mesenteric artery in the treated group of children was close to that of control subjects, implying that successful treatment with gluten‐free diet improves hemodynamic changes. The comparison of Doppler ultrasonographic measurements of the challenge group before and after the gluten challenge revealed that the peak systolic velocity, resistive index, and blood flow of the superior mesenteric artery were changed significantly.

Conclusions:

The pathophysiologic events in small bowel mucosa during the active phase of celiac disease induce some hemodynamic changes that can be detected noninvasively by duplex Doppler ultrasonography.
Growth of Prepubertal Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Saha Marja‐Terttu , Ruuska Tarja , Laippala Pekka , Lenko Hanna Liisa
Published: February 2024

Background:

Growth retardation has been reported in children with chronic inflammatory bowel disease, especially in those with Crohn's disease. Most of these studies concern adolescent patients.

Methods:

The growth of 47 prepubertal children (20 boys and 27 girls, mean age at diagnosis 7 years) with inflammatory bowel disease was studied at Tampere University Hospital, Department of Paediatrics. The mean height and height velocity standard deviation scores were calculated at diagnosis and, after that, yearly. The cumulative doses of oral and rectal prednisone per year were calculated. The severity of the disease was scored. The statistical analysis was carried out using the analysis of variance for repeated measurements.

Results:

During the year preceding the diagnosis, children with inflammatory bowel disease had grown more slowly than their healthy peers. At diagnosis, they were slightly shorter as a group than are healthy children. During treatment and follow‐up the mean height velocity of children with inflammatory bowel disease increased (change in the mean height velocity standard deviation scores from ‐0.84 to +1.08), normalizing the mean heights of these children compared with those of their healthy peers (change in the mean height standard deviation scores from ‐0.32 to +0.05). In the analysis of covariance, the poorest growth was seen in children with Crohn's disease, scored as severe, and the best growth in children with mild ulcerative colitis. No difference was seen in groups with or without prednisone treatment.

Conclusions:

Growth retardation is an important sign of chronic inflammatory bowel disease in prepubertal as well as adolescent children. During treatment, increasing growth velocity brings these children as a group to normal heights for age and sex.
In Vitro Digestion of Proteins in Human Milk Fortifiers and in Preterm Formula
Authors: Lindberg Tor , Engberg Staffan , Sjöberg Lars Börje , Lönnerdal Bo
Published: February 2024

Background:

Knowledge about the digestibility of the proteins in new products designed for feeding preterm infants is limited. The purpose of this study was to observe in vitro the hydrolysis of the bovine and human whey proteins in such products.

Methods:

Proteins in human milk, in human milk fortifiers (Presemp [Semper AB, Stockholm, Sweden] and Enfamil [Mead Johnson, Evansville, IN, U.S.A.] human milk fortifiers), in preterm formulas (Similac Special Care [Ross, Columbus, OH, U.S.A.] and Enfalac [Mead Johnson]), and whey protein concentrates with varying degrees of denaturation were digested by duodenal juice from healthy preterm infants, from a 3‐year‐old child, and from adults. Digestion was studied in vitro using polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis, electroimmunoassay, and nonprotein nitrogen analysis.

Results:

Casein was the protein most rapidly degraded in all products. Human and bovine whey proteins were more slowly digested; as much as 68% of human lactoferrin was still immunoreactive after 40 minutes of digestion. The corresponding figure for bovine serum albumin was 24‐69%; for B‐lactoglobulin, 20‐40%; for bovine α‐lactalbumin, 20‐51%; and for humanα‐lactalbumin, 41%. Contrary to common belief, digestibility of bovine whey proteins decreased with a high degree of denaturation of the proteins.

Conclusions:

Bovine whey proteins in human milk fortifiers and in preterm formulas are relatively slowly digested in vitro by normal duodenal juice. The results may have implications for the design of products for feeding preterm infants.
Classifying Complex Pediatric Feeding Disorders
Authors: Burklow Kathleen A. , Phelps Anne N. , Schultz Janet R. , McConnell Keith , Rudolph Colin
Published: February 2024

Background:

This study defines the multiple characteristics associated with complex pediatric feeding problems and determines the relative frequency of each classification in a population referred to an interdisciplinary feeding team.

Methods:

The written reports from team evaluations on 103 children (64 males, 39 females; age range 4 months to 17 years) were reviewed. Prematurity and/or presence of developmental delay was coded. Identified factors related to current feeding problems were coded according to five categories: structural abnormalities, neurological conditions, behavioral issues, cardiorespiratory problems, metabolic dysfunction.

Results:

Interrater reliability for the classification coding was 88%. Thirty‐eight percent of the children had a history of prematurity and 74% were reported to have evidence of developmental delay. The following five categories or combinations were coded most frequently: structural‐neurological‐behavioral(30%), neurological‐behavioral (27%), behavioral (12%), structural‐behavioral(9%), and structural‐neurological (8%). Overall, behavioral issues were coded more often (85%) than neurological conditions (73%), structural abnormalities(57%), cardiorespiratory problems (7%), or metabolic dysfunction (5%).

Conclusions:

Data analysis using this classification system revealed that the majority of children in this sample had a behavioral component to their complex feeding problem, regardless of concurrent physical factors. These findings suggest that complex pediatric feeding problems are biobehavioral conditions in which biological and behavioral aspects mutually interact, and both need to be addressed to achieve normal feeding.
Differences in testing for drugs of abuse amongst racial and ethnic groups at children's hospitals
Authors: Herrera Adriana , Hall Matt , Alex Ahearn Marshall , Ahuja Arshiya , Bradford Kathleen K. , Campbell Robert A. , Chatterjee Ashmita , Coletti Hannah Y. , Crowder Virginia L. , Dancel Ria , Diaz Melissa , Fuchs Jennifer , Guidici Jessica , Lewis Emilee , Stephens John R. , Sutton Ashley G. , Sweeney Alison , Ward Kelley M. , Weinberg Steven , Zwemer Eric K. , Harrison Wade N.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Racial and ethnic differences in drug testing have been described among adults and newborns. Less is known regarding testing patterns among children and adolescents. We sought to describe the association between race and ethnicity and drug testing at US children's hospitals. We hypothesized that non‐Hispanic White children undergo drug testing less often than children from other groups.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of emergency department (ED)‐only encounters and hospitalizations for children diagnosed with a condition for which drug testing may be indicated (abuse or neglect, burns, malnutrition, head injury, vomiting, altered mental status or syncope, psychiatric, self‐harm, and seizure) at 41 children's hospitals participating in the Pediatric Health Information System during 2018 and 2021. We compared drug testing rates among (non‐Hispanic) Asian, (non‐Hispanic) Black, Hispanic, and (non‐Hispanic) White children overall, by condition and patient cohort (ED‐only vs. hospitalized) and across hospitals.

Results

Among 920,755 encounters, 13.6% underwent drug testing. Black children were tested at significantly higher rates overall (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.18; 1.05–1.33) than White children. Black–White testing differences were observed in the hospitalized cohort (aOR: 1.42; 1.18–1.69) but not among ED‐only encounters (aOR: 1.07; 0.92–1.26). Asian, Hispanic, and White children underwent testing at similar rates. Testing varied by diagnosis and across hospitals.

Conclusions

Hospitalized Black children were more likely than White children to undergo drug testing at US children's hospitals, though this varied by diagnosis and hospital. Our results support efforts to better understand and address healthcare disparities, including the contributions of implicit bias and structural racism.
Quantum Capacitance of Mo2N MXene for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Beniwal Bharti , Kumar Yogesh , Gupta Meenal , Sharma Shatendra
Published: February 2024

MXenes for supercapacitor (SC) electrodes is a very promising area of research. Supercapacitors are still behind batteries when to be used as primary energy source due to their low energy densities. Hence, additional research is vital to explore materials like MXenes for SC electrodes. The electronic properties of molybdenum nitride Mo2N are studied and its quantum capacitance (QC) is calculated to explore its potential for SC electrodes. The MXene is found to be metallic in nature. The QC values for Mo2N MXene are extremely high around Fermi level. Maximum value of 746.69 µF cm−2 is achieved which is way higher than that of graphene. The value remains high for the negative bias voltage as well.