bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Position and Amount of Palmitic Acid in Infant Formulas: Effects on Fat, Fatty Acid, and Mineral Balance
Authors: Carnielli Virgilio P. , Luijendijk Ingrid H. T. , Van Goudoever Johannes B. , Sulkers Eric J. , Boerlage Anneke A. , Degenhart Herman J. , Sauer Pieter J. J.
Published: February 2024

The structure of the triglycerides (TG) in human milk (HM) differs from those of vegetable oils used in infant formulas. In HM, palmitic acid is predominantly esterified to the center or β‐position of the TG, in vegetable oil, it is mainly at the external or α‐positions. These differences in configuration affect intestinal fat absorption. Fat and mineral balances were investigated in three groups of 9 healthy term infants aged 5 weeks. Infants were randomly assigned to receive one of the three study formulas from birth: (a) formula beta, resembling the structure of HM fat most closely (24% palmitic acid, 66% esterified to β‐position), (b) formula intermediate (24% palmitic acid, 39% esterified to the β‐position), and (c) regular formula (20% palmitic acid; 13% esterified to the β‐position). Fat absorption was highest in infants fed the beta formula (97.6 ± 0.9%), intermediate in those fed with the intermediate formula (93.0 ± 1.8%), and lowest in infants receiving the regular formula (90.4 ± 4.6%). Fecal calcium excretion was significantly lower in the beta group than in the other two groups (43.3 ± 18.1 vs. 59.9 ± 15.1 vs. 68.4 ± 22.3 mg · kg‐1 · day‐1 for beta, intermediate, and regular respectively). Dietary TG containing palmitic acid predominantly at the β‐position, as in HM, have significant beneficial effects on the intestinal absorption of fat and calcium in healthy term infants.
Simplified Preparation of a Refined Milk Formula Comparable to Rat's Milk: Influence of the Formula on Development of the Gut and Brain in Artificially Reared Rat Pups
Authors: Kanno Takahiro , Koyanagi Namiko , Katoku Youli , Yonekubo Akie , Yajima Takaji , Kuwata Tamotsu , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Harada Etsumori
Published: February 2024

Background:

Milk formulas for artificially reared (AR) rat pups are mostly based on complex cow's milk products, prepared by laborious and time‐consuming processes. The aim of this study was to develop a simplified procedure for preparing a refined formula and to examine its influences on gut and brain development.

Methods:

The formula comprised a combination of purified cow's casein and whey proteins, five kinds of edible oil, minerals, and vitamins. Detailed analyses showed that the composition of macro‐ and micro‐nutrients, osmolarity, and pH of the new formula closely resembled those of rat's milk. Rat pups, each with an intragastric cannula implanted at age 5 days, were artificially reared for the following 10‐15 days.

Results:

The body weight gain of AR pups matched that of mother‐reared (MR) pups. Histoplanimetrical analyses showed that the small intestine in AR pups was more developed in relation to area of a transverse section, number and length of villi, and thickness of tunica muscularis than that of MR pups. Fat components in the formula influenced the fatty acid composition and the cholesterol‐to‐phospholipid ratio in the small intestinal microvillus membrane (MVM) of AR pups, but not the MVM fluidity. Brain weight was not significantly different between the two groups at age 15‐20 days.

Conclusion:

This formula is useful for artificial rearing of rats and for identifying dietary components contributing to metabolic adaptation during the suckling period.
Effect of Prenatal Exposure to Ethanol on Intestinal Development of Rat Fetuses
Authors: Camps L. , Kédinger M. , Simon‐Assmann P. M. , López‐Tejero D.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Chronic alcoholism in pregnant animals and humans lead to general growth impairment in their offspring, which show multiple birth defects and delayed grown (fetal alcohol syndrome). Here we study the maturation of the intestine under the effect of chronic exposure to ethanol in utero together with associated malnutrition.

Methods:

Lactase, acid β‐galactosidase, maltase, and alkaline phosphatase activity profiles were monitored in 18‐, 19‐, 20‐, and 21‐day‐old fetuses from rats kept under three nutritional treatments before and during gestation: alcohol‐treated (25% ethanol in drinking water), fiber‐treated (50% cellulose‐diluted diet) as a control of the malnutrition associated with chronic alcoholism, and control or normal diet. Serum corticosterone determination and lactase immunolocalization were carried out. To detect possible direct effects of ethanol during the period of mucosa development, intestinal explants from 18‐, 19‐, and 20‐day‐old control fetuses were cultured either in the basal medium alone or in a medium containing 25 mM ethanol for 72, 48, and 24 h of incubation, respectively.

Results:

Following chronic ethanol exposure in utero, intestinal weight and brush‐border protein content and the specific activities of lactase, acid β‐galactosidase, maltase, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly lower than those of nutritional controls. Organ culture results, under the assay conditions stated, did not show a direct effect of ethanol 25 mM on prenatal mucosal functionality.

Conclusions:

All these results suggest that maternal malnutrition is not primarily responsible for the impaired intestinal maturation in rat fetuses from alcohol‐treated mothers; indirect effects of ethanol and/or its derivatives throughout embryo‐fetal development could be necessary to promote this intestinal delay.
Effect of Vitamin K1 Supplementation on Vitamin K Status in Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Beker Leila T. , Ahrens Richard A. , Fink Robert J. , O'Brien Maureen E. , Davidson Kenneth W. , Sokoll Lori J. , Sadowski James A.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Patients with cystic fibrosis are at risk for impaired vitamin K status due to fat malabsorption from pancreatic insufficiency. This study was designed to assess vitamin K status and measure the effect of vitamin K1 supplementation in cystic fibrosis patients.

Methods:

Eighteen outpatients participated in a crossover study to determine the effect of vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) supplementation. After obtaining initial data, each subject was randomly assigned to either a 4‐week study treatment of 5 mg oral vitamin K1 supplementation per week, or no supplementation and then crossed over to the other treatment for a second 4 week period. Plasma, serum and urine samples were collected and analyzed pre‐study and at the end of each study period.

Results:

The mean concentration of plasma vitamin K1 for the supplemented group was significantly higher than the unsupplemented group, [0.34 nmol/L and 0.21 nmol/L, respectively (p < 0.05)]. The percent of undercarboxylated osteocalcin increased on supplementation from 17% to 31%, (p < 0.005). Prothrombin induced in vitamin K absence (PIVKA‐II) increased on supplementation from 5 ng/mL to 22 ng/mL, (p < 0.005). The ratio of urinary gammacarboxyglutamic acid/creatinine was similar for both study periods.

Conclusions:

In contrast to other studies in cystic fibrosis, this study demonstrated a need for vitamin K1 supplementation. The carboxylation state of osteocalcin and PIVKA‐II were the most sensitive indices of changes in vitamin K1 status. Although the 5 mg vitamin K1/week dose improved these vitamin K parameters, normal levels were not achieved.
Oral Bacterial Therapy Reduces the Duration of Symptoms and of Viral Excretion in Children with Mild Diarrhea
Authors: Guarino Alfredo , Canani Roberto Berni , Spagnuolo Maria Immacolata , Albano Fabio , Di Benedetto Linda
Published: February 2024

Background:

Oral administration of live Lactobacillus casei strain GG is associated with the reduction of duration of diarrhea in children admitted to the hospital because of diarrhea. The purposes of this work were to investigate the clinical efficacy of oral administration of Lactobacillus in children with mild diarrhea who were observed as outpatients, and to see whether Lactobacillus GG can reduce the duration of rotavirus excretion.

Methods:

Duration of diarrhea was recorded in 100 children seen by family pediatricians and randomly assigned to receive oral rehydration or oral rehydration followed by the administration of lyophilized Lactobacillus casei, strain GG. Rotavirus was looked for in the stools of all children and, in those in whom results were positive, stools were examined again 6 days after the onset of diarrhea.

Results:

In 61 children results were positive for rotavirus and in 39 results were negative. Duration of diarrhea was reduced from 6 to 3 days in children receiving Lactobacillus GG, with a similar pattern in rotavirus‐positive and ‐negative children. Six days after the onset of diarrhea, stools in only 4 out of 31 children that received Lactobacillus GG were positive for rotavirus compared with positive findings in 25 out of 30 control subjects.

Conclusions:

Oral administration of Lactobacillus GG is effective in rotavirus‐positive and rotavirus‐negative ambulatory children with diarrhea. Furthermore, it reduces the duration of rotavirus excretion.
Extrahepatic Portal Vein Obstruction in Children: Anthropometry, Growth Hormone, and Insulin‐Like Growth Factor I
Authors: Mehrotra Rabindera N. , Bhatia Vijayalakshmi , Dabadghao Preeti , Yachha Surender K.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction has been shown to cause growth retardation in children, though literature is scant. No information is available regarding the cause of growth retardation in these patients.

Methods:

To document the presence of growth retardation in this disease, we studied growth and nutrition in 33 consecutive prepubertal patients. Anthropometry, fasting growth hormone, and insulin‐like growth factor I levels were compared in 22 well‐nourished patients from this group with 35 age‐matched well‐nourished controls.

Results:

Mean ± SD height standard deviation score of well‐nourished patients (‐1.88 ± 1.33) was significantly below that of the controls (‐1.06 ± 0.64, p < 0.01). Patients also had significantly lower midarm muscle circumference z scores (‐2.65 ± 1.09) than controls (‐1.17 ± 1.09, p < 0.0001), though triceps skinfold thickness z scores were comparable in the two groups (‐1.60 ± 0.68 vs ‐1.24 ± 0.79, p = NS). Insulin‐like growth factor I z scores were significantly lower in patients (‐1.48 ± 0.88) than in controls (‐0.49 ± 1.09, p < 0.001), whereas basal growth hormone was significantly higher in patients (4.60 ± 3.70 mIU/L) compared with controls (2.66 ± 0.82, p < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction in children leads to growth retardation. Anthropometric and preliminary hormonal evaluation suggest resistance to the action of growth hormone as a possible mechanism.
An Evaluation of the Role of Suction Rectal Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Intestinal Neuronal Dysplasia
Authors: Cord‐Udy C. L. , Smith V. V. , Ahmed S. , Risdon R. A. , Milla P. J.
Published: February 2024

Background:

German pathologists have developed a consensus for histological features of intestinal neuronal dysplasia.

Methods:

A blind reevaluation of ganglionic suction rectal biopsies from infants and children who initially presented with symptoms of intestinal dysmotility was made.

Results:

84 of 411 specimens had sufficient depth of submucosa for adequate assessment. Questionnaires or clinical interviews were employed 3‐5 years after biopsy in these 84 patients to assess the relationship between histological changes and persistent symptomology. Eighteen children were lost to follow‐up, 4 others had Hirschsprung's disease the study biopsy specimen having been taken from the pulled‐through bowel after surgical resection of the aganglionic segment. The remaining 62 patients were divided into three groups. There were six patients in group A (both obligatory criteria) and 28 in group B (nonessential, or just one of the obligatory criteria), and 28 in group C (normal appearances). On follow‐up, two of the 28 (7%) in group B, and six of the 28 (21%) in group C had persistent dysmotility symptoms.

Conclusions:

Histological criteria of the consensus of German Pathologists for intestinal neuronal dysplasia was unhelpful in predicting the clinical outcome and therefore, should not influence clinical management. As one of the obligatory criteria, hyperplasia of the submucosal plexus was significantly more common in neonates (<4 weeks), it is concluded that this is an age‐related variation.
Recurrence of Autoimmune Hepatitis in Children After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Birnbaum Audrey H. , Benkov Keith J. , Pittman Nanci S. , McFarlane‐Ferreira Yvonne , Rosh Joel R. , LeLeiko Neal S.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Liver transplantation is recognized as the appropriate treatment for end‐stage liver disease due to chronic active autoimmune hepatitis. While it was initially thought that the disease did not recur after transplant, it is now generally accepted that adult patients may develop recurrent disease, with studies reporting a recurrence rate of ≤25%. We have noted a higher incidence of recurrent autoimmune hepatitis in our pediatric patients undergoing liver transplant, with a high incidence of associated morbidity.

Methods:

We reviewed the records of six children followed up for autoimmune hepatitis who underwent orthotopic liver transplant for complications of end‐stage liver disease.

Results:

Of the six, five developed recurrent autoimmune hepatitis at a mean time of 11.4 months after transplant. The disease was aggressive, leading to cirrhosis and retransplant in three patients, within 1 year of recurrence. A second recurrence of disease occurred in all three retransplanted patients. One patient has received a third liver transplant, one has died, and one patient is asymptomatic on medical therapy. Autoimmune hepatitis recurred in all four patients receiving tacrolimus.

Conclusion:

We conclude that liver transplant for autoimmune hepatitis is likely to be palliative for most pediatric patients. Potent immunosuppressives such as tacrolimus do not protect against the development of recurrent autoimmune hepatitis.
A Position Paper of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
Authors: Colletti Richard B. , Winter Harland S. , Sokol Ronald J. , Suchy Frederick J. , Klish William J. , Durie Peter R.
Published: February 2024

Background:

The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition(NASPGN) performed a Workforce Survey to determine the current number and distribution of pediatric gastroenterologists in the United States and Canada and to estimate the supply and demand in the future in the United States.

Methods:

The response rate was more than 90%. There were 624 pediatric gastroenterologists in the United States, and 48 in Canada.

Results:

There were 2.4 pediatric gastroenterologists per million population in the United States, ranging from 3.1 per million in the Northeast to 1.9 per million in the West, and 1.6 per million in Canada. In the United States, fewer than 5 pediatric gastroenterologists retire each year, but more than 40 fellows per year complete training. In the United States, 30% of pediatric gastroenterologists believe there is already an excess supply; only 12% believe there is a shortage (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

If the number of fellows who complete training each year remains unchanged, in 10 years there will be more than 950 pediatric gastroenterologists in the United States (3.3 per million population). At the same time, if the demand for pediatric gastroenterologists remains 2.4 per million population, there will be a demand for only 675.

If these assumptions are correct, it is necessary to reduce the number of fellows to be trained. Although it is difficult to predict future workforce needs reliably, we recommend that the number of fellowship positions in training programs in the United States be reduced by 50% to 75%. Changes in health care in the coming years will be challenging, and effective planning is necessary for pediatric gastroenterologists to achieve their clinical, research, and educational missions.
Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism in Three‐ to Twelve‐Month‐Old Infants Fed Human Milk or Formulas with Varying Protein Concentrations
Authors: KarlslandÅkeson Pia M. , Axelsson Irene E. M. , Räihä Niels C. R.
Published: February 2024

Background:

The metabolic response to different protein intakes from breast milk and/or formulas varying in protein concentrations, in combination with supplementary foods, has not been studied in infants who are in the second half of infancy.

Methods:

Healthy infants, exclusively breast‐fed until 3 months old, were randomly assigned to one of three groups, F13, F15, or F18, and were given formulas with 13, 15, or 18 g/l of protein, respectively. Infants breast‐fed (B) and mixedfed (M) (breast milk and formula) at months formed the fourth and fifth groups. All infants received the same supplementary foods and were studied from ages 3 to 12 months.

Results:

The concentrations of albumin, prealbumin, and transferrin were similar in all groups. At 6 months, serum and urine urea concentrations were lower in B and M, compared with urea levels in the formula‐fed groups of infants. At 12 months, urine urea was lower in B + M than it was in F18. At 6 months, plasma concentrations of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and methionine were higher in all formula‐fed groups; and those of valine, isoleucine, and threonine were higher in F18 and F15 than they were in B and M. Plasma concentrations of methionine, valine, and threonine were higher in F18 than in F13. At 12 months, plasma levels of tyrosine, methionine, valine, isoleucine, and leucine were higher in F18 than they were in B + M.

Conclusion:

Many indexes of protein metabolism were similar in groups F13, B, and M, particularly at 6 months. In contrast, the provision of a formula with 18 g/l of protein resulted in a different metabolic pattern, which could indicate unnecessarily high protein intakes.
Alpha‐1 Antichymotrypsin Levels Are Actively Increased in Normal Colostrum
Authors: Urueña C. , Tellería J. J. , Blanco‐Quirós A. , Arranz E. , Gomez‐Carrasco J. A.
Published: February 2024

Background:

It is well known that human colostrum has important antinflammatory functions. The purpose of the current study was to determine antiprotease levels in colostrum and serum and to assess the importance of local synthesis and the electrophoretic differences in both locations.

Methods:

Five protease inhibitors were determined by radical immunodiffusion in colostrum and serum samples taken simultaneously from 50 healthy women, 36 to 72 hours after delivery.

Results:

Antithrombin III, inter‐α trypsin inhibitor, and α‐2 macroglobulin levels were undetectable in colostrum. Mean antitrypsin levels in colostrum were 6% of serum levels, but colostrum α‐1 antichymotrypsin was higher than expected (0.39 ± 0.34 g/l) in relation according to the albumin passive transport, and their mean value was 41% of serum levels. Colostrum antichymotrypsin levels did not correlate with serum antichymotrypsin levels or with colostrum albumin levels. The antichymotrypsin molecule in colostrum had a slower electrophoretic mobility when compared with that of serum antichymotrypsin, and it showed a different pattern in Western blot analysis, with a predominating 80‐kDa molecule.

Conclusions:

Although the origin of colostral antichymotrypsin is unclear, local production in breast epithelial cells is likely. Antichymotrypsin is increased in colostrum, and its molecule has some characteristic differences, suggesting that it has an important and specific role in infant nutrition during breast milk feeding.
Infection and Cholestasis in Neonates with Intestinal Resection and Long‐Term Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Sondheimer Judith M. , Asturias Edwin , Cadnapaphornchai Melissa
Published: February 2024

Objectives:

This retrospective study was conducted to determine the incidence of cholestasis and liver failure in patients with intestinal resection in the neonatal period who subsequently become dependent on parenteral nutrition support and to assess the significance of associated clinical factors‐gestational age, birth weight and length; length of bowel resected; presence of ileocecal valve; enteral feeding history; and infection to the incidence and severity of cholestasis.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of all patients in a single institution from May 1984 to February 1997 with neonatal small intestinal resection dependent on parenteral nutrition for at least 3 months.

Results:

Forty‐two patients fitting the inclusion criteria were the subjects of this review. Cholestasis developed in 28 (67%) while they were receiving parenteral nutrition (direct serum bilirubin more than 2mg/dl). In 21, the elevated direct bilirubin normalized while patients continued to receive parenteral nutrition. Seven patients progressed to liver failure. In 14 patients, serum direct bilirubin never rose above 2 mg/dl. The cholestatic patients did not differ from the noncholestatic in gestational age, birth weight, and length; primary diagnosis; length of bowel resected; or presence of ileocecal valve. The duration of dependence on parenteral nutrition was longer in noncholestatic (33.2 ± 9 months) than in cholestatic patients progressing to liver failure (19.4 ± 3 months) or in cholestatic patients who recovered (16.1 ± 1.9 months) (p < 0.05). Invasive fungal or bacterial infections occurred in all but one noncholestatic patient. The number of infections per patient was similar in all groups. The mean age (days) at first infection was significantly younger in cholestatic patients progressing to liver failure (28.5 ± 5) and cholestatic patients who recovered (48.2 ± 14.2) than in noncholestatic patients(167 ± 43.2) (p 0.01). Infection preceded the onset of cholestasis in all but 3 patients by an average of 13.5 days. Infecting organisms and site of first infection were similar in all patients.

Conclusions:

Cholestasis is common in infants with neonatal intestinal resection. Liver failure develops in 16.6%. Bacterial infection early in life characterized the cholestatic patients, and cholestasis developed shortly after the first infection in 90% of patients.
Total and Segmental Colonic Transit Time with Radio‐Opaque Markers in Adolescents with Functional Constipation
Authors: Zaslavsky Carlos , Reverbel da Silveira Themis , Maguilnik Ismael
Published: February 2024

Background:

In most instances, constipation is considered idiopathic or functional. The total and segmental colonic transit time, traced by radio‐opaque markers, makes possible the identification of the colon segment that has the motility alteration that causes constipation.

Methods:

A study was performed of 13 adolescents, aged 12 to 18, with functional chronic constipation and 13 without constipation. In all of them the total and segmental colonic transit times were measured with radio‐opaque markers. The adolescents ingested 20 markers each on three successive days, and on the fourth day a plain abdominal radiograph was performed.

Results:

In the nonconstipated adolescents the total colonic transit time (mean± SD) was 30.2 ± 13.1 hours, in the right colon 5.7 ± 3.9 hours, in the left colon 7.9 ± 7.8 hours, and in the rectosigmoid 15.5 ± 10.6 hours. In the constipated adolescents, the total colonic transit time was 58.3 ± 17.4 hours, in the right colon 15.9 ± 12.4 hours, in the left colon 14.7 ± 13.4 hours, and in the rectosigmoid 17.2 ± 16.2 hours. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the total colonic transit time, and in both the right and left colon transit times between constipated and nonconstipated adolescents.

Conclusions:

The measurement of total and segmental colonic transit times is a simple method that allows one to distinguish constipation due to colonic dysfunction(right colon and left colon) from constipation due to distal obstruction(rectosigmoid).
The Effects of a Psychological Preparation Program on Anxiety in Children and Adolescents Undergoing Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Authors: Mahajan Lori , Wyllie Robert , Steffen Rita , Kay Marsha , Kitaoka Gary , Dettorre Jeff , Sarigol Samra , McCue Kathleen
Published: February 2024

Background:

Like adults, children often experience anxiety associated with medical procedures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a program of psychological preparation for children undergoing endoscopy.

Methods:

Sixty patients aged 6 to 19 years (mean, 12.2 years) were randomized into one of two groups. Group 1 received routine preparation before endoscopy. Group 2 received psychological preparation consisting of demonstration of materials that would be encountered during the procedure, use of a doll as a model, or use of a book with photographs of a child who had previously undergone endoscopy. Patients in both groups completed the Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory in the clinic and just before endoscopy. The Observational Scale of Behavioral Distress was completed by a blinded observer during each procedure. The attending physician (blinded) assessed patient cooperation. Vital signs were recorded in clinic and just before endoscopy. Parents and patients completed questionnaires after endoscopy.

Results:

Analysis of the Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory showed patients in group 2 were significantly less anxious before endoscopy (p< 0.0001). They also required less meperidine (p < eq 0.04) per kilogram body weight and were more cooperative during the examination(p = 0.042). There was significantly less autonomic nervous system stimulation in those who had undergone psychological preparation (change in heart rate, p < 0.001; change in systolic blood pressure,p = 0.04). Statistically significant differences were found in the patients' response to questions after endoscopy regarding perceived anxiety during the procedure (p = 0.003) and the parents' response to questions regarding their own conditions (p = 0.026) and that of their child (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Psychological preparation before endoscopy significantly decreases patient and parental anxiety. Such preparation may allow for a reduction in sedative medications and thereby enhance procedural safety.
Oxygen Saturation during Esophagogastroduodenoscopy in Children: General Anesthesia versus Intravenous Sedation
Authors: Lamireau Thierry , Dubreuil Marc , Daconceicao Manuel
Published: February 2024

Background:

Hypoxia may occur in children undergoing upper digestive endoscopy under sedation. The purpose of this study was to compare the occurrence of desaturation during intravenous sedation with that which occurs during general anesthesia.

Methods:

Thirty‐six patients between 3 months and 6 years old underwent a diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy under sedation (n = 18) or general anesthesia (n = 18). Oxygen pulse oximetry, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure were monitored throughout the procedure. At the end of the procedure, the operator gave the value of the endoscopy satisfaction score on a scale of I (very good conditions) to IV (impossible procedure).

Results:

The minimum oxygen pulse oximetry value was significantly lower in the sedation group compared with that in the general anesthesia group (89± 5 vs. 97 ± 1; p < 0.001). In the general anesthesia group, the oxygen pulse oximetry level declined to less than 95% in only one child; but in the sedation group, it declined to less than 95% in 16 patients (5.5% vs. 89%). Nine patients had a profound desaturation in sedation group (oxygen pulse oximetry <90%); no patients in the general anesthesia group had desaturation (50% vs. 0%). In the general anesthesia group, heart rate and mean arterial pressure remained stable during the whole procedure, whereas in the sedation group, heart rate and mean arterial pressure increased significantly during the procedure. The endoscopy satisfaction score was I in all 18 patients in the general anesthesia group, whereas in the sedation group, it was I in only 2 patients, II in 8 patients, and III in 10 patients.

Conclusions:

These results confirm that hypoxia during upper digestive endoscopy in patients under sedation is a frequent occurrence in children. When compared with sedation, general anesthesia is a safer technique that prevents hypoxia and allows the gastroenterologist to perform the endoscopy under better conditions.
Reference Values of Body Composition Obtained by Dual Energy X‐Ray Absorptiometry in Preterm and Term Neonates
Authors: Rigo Jacques , Nyamugabo Kindja , Picaud Jean Charle , Gerard Paul , Pieltain Catherine , De Curtis Mario
Published: February 2024

Background:

As previously reported, dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry provides reliable and accurate values for bone mineralization in piglets and infants, but overestimates fat content in small infants. The purpose of the current study was to determine an appropriate equation of correction for at mass measurement and to establish reference values of body composition of preterm and term neonates.

Methods:

Fat mass and chemical whole‐body fat content were evaluated by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry in eight piglets with a body weight between 1408 and 5151 g. The results were combined with previous data obtained in 13 piglets, and two correction equations were determined according to fat mass content. Close to birth, 106 healthy appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age preterm and term infants were scanned by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry to determine bone mineral content, bone area, and fat mass. Fat mass content determined by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry was corrected using the equations obtained in piglets after which lean body mass was recalculated.

Results:

Multivariate analysis showed that dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry body weight was the best predictor of bone mineral content (r2= 0.94), bone area (r2 = 0.95), lean body mass(r2 = 0.98), and fat mass (r2 = 0.84). Gender was an additional significant independent variable for fat mass and lean body mass. Body weight related curves of percentiles for bone mineral content, bone area, fat mass, and lean body mass, were constructed. In vivo dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry values of fat mass and calcium content estimated from bone mineral content were in accordance with previously reported whole‐body carcass reference values in preterm and term neonates.

Conclusion:

Normative data of dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry body composition for healthy preterm and term infants are provided and can therefore be used in research and in clinical practice.
Significantly Increased Levels of Nitric Oxide Products in Urine of Children with Celiac Disease
Authors: Sundqvist Tommy , Laurin Pia , Fälth‐Magnusson Karin , Magnusson Karl‐Eric , Stenhammar Lars
Published: February 2024

Background:

Celiac disease is characterized by morphologic and functional aberrations of the small intestinal mucosa, i.e. crypt hyperplasia, villous atrophy, infiltration of intraepithelial lymphocytes, and alteration of permeability. Nitric oxide has been shown to affect mucosal permeability after ischemia‐reperfusion, but little is known about the regulatory role of nitric oxide in celiac disease. The purpose of this study was to assess nitric oxide production in children with celiac disease and in control subjects.

Methods:

The sum of nitrite and nitrate in the urine was measured with a colorimetric method in 137 children with a median age of 3 years, 84 patients and 53 reference children, all of whom underwent a small intestinal biopsy to confirm or overrule suspicion of celiac disease.

Results:

Median urinary nitrite‐nitrate concentration in celiac children was 3323µM (4147 ± 1102; mean ± SEM) at first clinical examination and 2501 µM (2939 ± 386) after gluten challenge, which was significantly higher than concentrations in reference children(1029 µM; 1174 ± 116) and in children with celiac disease on a gluten‐free diet (882 µM; 1369 ± 360) (p< 0.0001).

Conclusions:

A gluten‐containing diet is associated with an increased nitrite‐nitrate secretion in the urine in children with celiac disease, presumably as a result of nitric oxide synthase activation and nitric oxide production in the diseased small intestinal mucosa.
Plasma Somatostatin and Cholecystokinin Levels in Response to Feeding in Preterm Infants
Authors: Törnhage Carl‐Johan , Serenius Fredrik , Uvnäs‐Moberg Kerstin , Lindberg Tor
Published: February 2024

Background:

The functions of the gut are modulated by the autonomic nervous system and gut peptides, such as somatostatin and cholecystokinin, which have opposite functions. This study reports plasma somatostatin and cholecystokinin levels in response to feeding in preterm infants.

Methods:

In 76 infants‐gestational age 23 to 36 weeks, birth weight 460 to 2867 g‐blood samples were taken on day 1 before the first meal in life, and 30 minutes after the end of the meal. Samples were again taken on days 3 and 4. The infants were fed human milk by nasogastric tube, by breast, or by bottle. In 10 additional infants, (gestational age 27‐36 weeks) who were studied at a median postnatal age of 15 days, the response of the peptides to breast‐feeding was compared with that of tube‐feeding. Plasma somatostatin and cholecystokinin were analyzed by specific radioimmunoassays.

Results:

On day 1, the median plasma somatostatin level increased after feeding in small‐for‐gestational‐age infants but not in appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age infants. On days 3 and 4, the somatostatin level decreased in infants with a gestational age of 32 weeks or more. On day 1, plasma cholecystokinin levels increased in infants with a gestational age of 32 weeks or more: The response was more pronounced in small‐for‐gestational‐age infants. On days 3 and 4, plasma cholecystokinin levels increased only in breast‐feeding infants. In the 10 infants fed by breast and by tube, plasma cholecystokinin levels increased after breast‐feeding and tended to increase after tube‐feeding. The plasma somatostatin levels were unaffected after feeding.

Conclusions:

Plasma somatostatin and cholecystokinin increased after feeding in small‐for‐gestational‐age infants on day 1. On days 3 and 4, the responses to feeding seemed to be dependent on the infant's gestational age. Breast‐feeding enhanced the release of cholecystokinin but not that of somatostatin.
Detection of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children with a Standardized and Simplified 13C‐Urea Breath Test
Authors: Cadranel Samy , Corvaglia Luigi , Bontems Patrick , Deprez Carine , Glupczynski Youri , Van Riet Ann , Keppens Eddy
Published: February 2024

Background:

The 13C‐urea breath test, a reliable noninvasive method of detection of Helicobacter pylori in adults, needs validation in children.

Methods:

In order to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 13C‐urea breath test in children, the results of this test performed in 144 children were correlated with the histology and culture of contemporaneous gastric (antral and fundic) biopsy specimens. The test was performed with 2 mg/kg body weight13 C‐Urea (maximum, 100 mg) ingested after a fat‐rich test meal. Samples of expired breath taken at 0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes were assayed with mass spectrometry. Results were considered positive when the curve of excretion of labeled carbon dioxide in the expired breath increased by 5‰ or more above the baseline.

Results:

Discrepancies in H. pylori status were observed in 14 children. To improve and simplify the test, the results were reanalyzed using different cutoff values for each sampling time. The best results, with sensitivity of 95.7% and specificity of 95.2%, were obtained with a cutoff of 3.5‰ at 20 minutes.

Conclusions:

The 13C‐urea breath test is a reliable method for the noninvasive detection of H. pylori infection in children. The test can be simplified and its accuracy improved using only the 0‐ and 20‐minute breath samples and a cutoff of 3.5‰ instead of the classical 5‰ used in adults. The need for modification of the cutoff value may reflect the higher production of endogenous CO2 in children.
Development of the Arabic Inventory of Parent and Domestic Worker Attachment (A‐IPDWA): A tool to assess adolescents' attachment to secondary figures
Authors: Mohammed Ahmed , Alonso‐Arbiol Itziar
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Adolescents' attachment security toward parental figures has been assessed in multiple cultures and languages. In some cultural contexts, the presence of a secondary parental figure is ubiquitous, though its effect on children's and adolescents' well‐being has been understudied. The present study aimed to validate a culture‐specific Arabic instrument of attachment security, in an adolescent sample of Qatar. Since foreign domestic workers (Khadama) play a key role as secondary caring figures in Middle Eastern countries, the new instrument included parents (i.e., mother and father) and domestic workers as providers of attachment security.

Methods

A sample of 387 adolescents (ages 12–17 years; 48.3% females) participated in the study in the 2020–2021 school term. While 286 students completed the version in modern Arabic, 101 counterparts attending international schools filled in the English version for comparison purposes.

Results

Confirmatory Factor Analysis for all three forms (i.e., mother, father, and domestic worker) showed the one‐dimension of the Arabic tool. Optimal Tucker's Phi coefficient indicated a comparable one‐factor structure of attachment security across linguistic versions. Moderate correlations (positive and negative, respectively) of attachment security towards father and mother (but not towards domestic workers) with family cohesion and family conflict dimensions of the Family Environment Scale provided evidence for the concurrent validity.

Discussion

Gender differences in the links between adolescents' attachment security and family conflict were observed; culturally relevant relationship family patterns are stressed. The practical implications of the Arabic Inventory of Parent and Domestic Worker Attachment (A‐IPDWA) validation are discussed.
Cross‐border regulatory cooperation and corporate tax avoidance
Authors: Yu Miao , Hsieh Chih‐Chieh , Tsang Albert
Published: February 2024

We examine whether improved cross‐border regulatory cooperation and information exchange affect corporate tax avoidance. We find that the improvement in the regulators’ capacity to access to information in foreign countries through their entrance into the Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MMoU) effectively reduces corporate tax avoidance. Moreover, the effect of the MMoU on corporate tax avoidance is stronger for firms that are less income mobile and have no significant subsidiaries in tax havens. Collectively, these findings support the conjecture that the strengthened cross‐border regulatory cooperation and information exchange provided by the MMoU creates a positive externality in reducing corporate tax avoidance behavior.
The volatile organic compounds generated from the Maillard reaction between l‐ascorbic acid and l‐cysteine in hot compressed water
Authors: Feng Liang , Yang Yan , Xie Ya‐ting , Yan Wen‐yi , Ma Ying‐ke , Hu Sheng , Yu Ai‐nong
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Hot compressed water (HCW), also known as subcritical water (SCW), refers to high‐temperature compressed water in a special physical and chemical state. It is an emerging technology for natural product extraction. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) generated from the Maillard reaction between l‐ascorbic acid (ASA) and l‐cysteine (Cys) have attracted significant interest in the flavor and fragrance industry. This study aimed to explore the formation mechanism of VOCs from ASA and Cys and examine the effects of reaction parameters such as temperature, time, and pH in HCW.

RESULTS

The identified VOCs were predominantly thiophene derivatives, polysulfides, and pyrazine derivatives in HCW. The findings indicated that thiophene derivatives were formed under various pH conditions, with polysulfide formation favored under acidic conditions and pyrazine derivative formation preferred under weak alkaline conditions, specifically at pH 8.0.

CONCLUSION

The Maillard reaction between ASA and Cys mainly produced thiophene derivatives, polysulfides, and pyrazine derivatives in HCW. The generation mechanism was significantly dependent on the surrounding pH conditions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Dielectric‐Metasurface‐Enhanced Kerr Self‐Modulation for Passively Q‐Switching
Authors: Sun Pu , Sun Yuwei , Yang Haolin , Xu Xinan , Jin Yi , He Sailing
Published: February 2024

Dielectric metasurfaces are highly sought‐after since they have found a variety of linear and nonlinear applications. Here, a novel transmission modulation is presented for pulsed laser generation by directly exploiting the enhanced Kerr effect from a periodic array of silicon nanodisks. The Mie resonance of the unit cells enhances the Kerr effect of the silicon material and is redshifted by the latter, so that the transmission of the metasurface at the working wavelength is strongly modulated (the observed modulation depth is above 3% under moderate exciting power). By inserting the fabricated metasurface as a self‐modulator into a ring cavity fiber laser, stable Q‐switched pulse laser output is achieved with a duration of 1.4 µs and a repetition rate of 60 kHz. This work opens a door for ultra‐thin low‐loss dielectric metasurfaces to efficiently shape the operation of pulsed lasing based on their enhanced nonlinear effects and flexible propagation manipulation.
Unsupervised Deep Learning Enables 3D Imaging for Single‐Shot Incoherent Holography
Authors: Wang Yuheng , Wang Huiyang , Liu Shengde , Huang Tao , Zhang Weina , Di Jianglei , Rosen Joseph , Lu Xiaoxu , Zhong Liyun
Published: February 2024

Incoherent digital holography no longer requires spatial coherence of the light field, breaking through the imaging resolution of coherent digital holography. However, traditional reconstruction methods cannot avoid the inherent contradiction between temporal resolution and signal‐to‐noise ratio, which is mitigated by deep learning methods, and there are problems such as dataset labeling and insufficient generalization ability. Here, a self‐calibrating reconstruction approach with an untrained network is proposed by fusing the plug‐and‐play nonlinear reconstruction block, the forward physics imaging model, and a physically enhanced neural network. Measurement consistency and total variation kernel function regularization are used to optimize the network parameters and invert the potential process. The results show that the proposed method can achieve high fidelity, high signal‐to‐noise ratio, dynamic, and artifact‐free 3D reconstruction using a single hologram without the need for datasets or labels. In addition, the peak signal‐to‐noise ratio of the reconstructed image with the proposed method is improved by a factor of 4.6 compared to the previous methods. The proposed method leads to considerable performance improvement on the imaging inverse problem, bringing new enlightenment for high‐precision unsupervised incoherent digital holographic 3D imaging.
Novel Bio‐Based Epoxy Resins with Long‐Silicone Chain from Honokiol
Authors: Chen Ansheng , Nie Xiulong , Liu Baohua , Song Lina , Liu Jinming , Xie Haiyi , Ai Jiaoyan
Published: February 2024

In order to explore more sustainable epoxy resins, a series of novel bio‐based epoxy resins with long silicone‐chain are synthesized from honokiol. First, honokiol epoxy (HOEP) is synthesized from honokiol. Then, the hydrogen‐containing siloxane (HS) is copolymerized with honokiol epoxy, and the bio‐based epoxy resins with long silicone‐chain are prepared through the hydrosilylation reaction. Before curing with methyl hexahydrophthalic anhydride (MHHPA), the structure of silicone honokiol epoxy (SIHOEP) is confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR). The molecular weight of SIHOEP is analyzed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The results show that the toughness of SIHOEP‐MHHPA is enhanced after curing, the maximum elongation at break reached 45.75%, and the glass transition temperature (Tg) is up to 92.9 °C. Long silicone‐chain segment can enhance the toughness of bio‐based epoxy. By adjusting the hydrogen content of long‐chain hydrogen‐containing siloxane and the reaction ratio, the overall performance of bio‐based epoxy silicone resins can be effectively controlled, which provides a valuable guide for the design of bio‐based epoxy materials with excellent mechanical properties. Meanwhile, the curing kinetics of bio‐based silicone/epoxy hybrid resins with methyl hexahydrophthalic anhydride (MHHPA) as curing agent is studied.
The strongest Banach–Stone theorem for C0(K,ℓ22)$C_{0}(K, \ell _2^2)$ spaces
Authors: Galego Elói Medina
Published: February 2024

As usual denote by the real two‐dimensional Hilbert space. We prove that if and are locally compact Hausdorff spaces and is a linear isomorphism from onto satisfying
then and are homeomorphic.

This theorem is the strongest of all the other vector‐valued Banach–Stone theorems known so far in the sense that in none of them the distortion of the isomorphism , denoted by , is as large as .

Some remarks on the proof method developed here to prove our theorem suggest the conjecture that it is in fact very close to the optimal Banach–Stone theorem for spaces, or in more precise words, the exact value of the Banach–Stone constant of is between and .
Thermophysical Properties of SWCNT Nanofluid
Authors: Das Supreeti
Published: February 2024

The current paper has the objective of exploring the thermophysical properties (TPPs) of single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) nanofluids (NFs) for heat transfer applications. The effect of dispersing the nanotubes in conventional heat transfer fluids (HTFs) has been investigated. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have exceptionally high thermal conductivities. Using the effective medium theory, density, specific heat, thermal conductivity, and viscosity has been evaluated as functions of volume fractions. The base fluids considered in this work are water, ethylene glycol, engine oil, and kerosene oil as these are the commonly used HTFs for industrial applications. Theoretical predictions from this study show an increase in density, thermal conductivity, and viscosity with volume fraction while there is a decrease in specific heat with volume fraction. The effect of the aspect ratio (AR) of CNTs on the thermal conductivity of NF is also investigated. For low volume fractions of SWCNT, the thermal conductivity has been found to increase with AR. Further, this study has been extended for a real‐world application of heat transfer using SWCNT. In this paper, a numerical investigation of heat transfer in a square enclosure with differentially heated vertical walls, filled with SWCNT‐water NF under natural convection is carried out. Due to low concentrations of SWCNT in water, single phase flow is assumed. Velocity and temperature distributions are obtained as solutions to the energy and Navier–Stoke's equations. A comparison of the temperature and velocity profile has been represented by simulating the system over a range of Rayleigh numbers.
Analytical Modeling for Photocurrent and Detectivity of TiO2/ZnS Core‐Shell Quantum Dot Photodetectors
Authors: Paul Payal , Biswas Joydeep , Kabi Sanjib , Chattopadhyay Saikat
Published: February 2024

In this paper, a theoretical model has been presented to calculate the photocurrent and detectivity in a TiO2/ZnS core‐shell quantum dot (CSQD) photodetector. Analytical modeling permits to calculate the available photocurrent and corresponding detectivity from the CSQD structures. In this theoretical model, the subband energy levels of the CSQD are estimated using the 3D symmetric quantum box structures with a finite potential barrier. The finite band offset determines the number of available subband energy levels in the CSQD structures depending on the size of the core. Theoretical results show the variation of photocurrent and corresponding detectivity with different core sizes of the CSQD for a constant shell thickness. The calculations indicate that for electronic intersubband transitions detectivity is higher compared with the hole transitions.