bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monotonous Diets Protect Against Acute Colitis in Mice
Authors: Nagy‐Szakal Dorottya , Mir Sabina A.V. , Ross Matthew C. , Tatevian Nina , Petrosino Joseph F. , Kellermayer Richard 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTObjectives:Multiple characteristics of industrialization have been proposed to contribute to the global emergence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs: Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis). Major changes in eating habits during the last decades and the effectiveness of exclusive enteral nutrition in the treatment of Crohn disease indicate the etiologic importance of dietary intake in IBDs. A uniform characteristic of nutrition in developing countries (where the incidence of IBD is low) and exclusive enteral nutrition is their consistent nature for prolonged periods; however, the potentially beneficial effect of dietary monotony in respect to mammalian intestinal inflammation has not been examined.Methods:The association between alternating (2 different complete chows) and persistent regular diets, and dextran sulfate sodium colitis susceptibility in C57BL/6J mice was studied. Colonic mucosal microbiota changes were investigated by high‐throughput pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene.Results:The severity of colitis increased upon dietary alternation compared with consistent control feeding. The microbiota of the alternating nutritional group clustered discretely from both control groups.Conclusions:Our findings highlight that monotonous dietary intake may decrease mammalian vulnerability against colitis in association with microbiota separation. The epidemiologic and therapeutic implications of our results are also discussed.
Seasonal Patterns of Abdominal Pain Consultations Among Adults and Children
Authors: Saps Miguel , Hudgens Stacie , Mody Reema , Lasch Karen , Harikrishnan Venkatesh , Baum Charles 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and Aim:Consultations for chronic abdominal pain are frequent in adults and children. A seasonal pattern of abdominal pain consultations with winter predominance was shown in previous pediatric studies; however, no studies have investigated whether such a pattern exists in adult patients. Understanding the differences in seasonal patterns of abdominal pain consultations among adults and children may indicate that either different mechanisms exist for common chronic pain conditions or triggering factors may vary by age. The aim of the study was to investigate whether a seasonal variation in abdominal pain consultation patterns exists among adults and children.Methods:The number of outpatient consultations among children (5–17 years) and adults (18 years or older) with a diagnosis of abdominal pain of nonspecified origin (International Classification of Diseases‐9 code 789.0) from May 2000 to December 2008 was identified in an administrative claims database. The primary outcome measure was the rate of abdominal pain consultations (total number of abdominal pain consultations/total number of distinct patients by month × 1000) by season in children and adults. Seasons were defined as follows: winter (December–February), spring (March–May), summer (June–August), and fall (September–November). A trend test was conducted to determine the degree of linearity in the patterns between the 2 groups. Among children, subanalyses by age 5 to 11 years and 12 to 17 years and sex were conducted.Results:A total of 172.4 million distinct patients (13.4% children, 87.6% adults) were identified in the database between May 2000 and December 2008. During the same time period, 15.6 million patient consultations for abdominal pain were identified (10.1% children, 89.9% adults). Children demonstrated a seasonal pattern in abdominal pain consultations, which best fit a quadratic regression curve, with consultations less common during the summer months. Abdominal pain consultations in adults were linear with no seasonal predominance. The trend in seasonal variation of abdominal pain consultations among children stratified by age and sex remained consistent with the overall child population.Conclusions:Abdominal pain consultations in children are less common during summer months, whereas no evidence of seasonal pattern of consultation was found in adults. Factors involved in the pathogenesis of abdominal pain in adults and children may differ.
Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation May Restore Gluten Tolerance in Patients With Celiac Disease
Authors: Ciccocioppo Rachele , Bernardo Maria Ester , Russo Maria Luisa , Vanoli Alessandro , Franco Carla , Martinetti Myriam , Catenacci Laura , Giorgiani Giovanna , Zecca Marco , Piralla Antonio , Baldanti Fausto , Locatelli Franco , Corazza Gino Roberto 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTWe report on 2 patients affected by both celiac disease (CD) and β‐thalassemia major who underwent successful myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for the latter condition. After HSCT, the introduction of a gluten‐containing diet did not cause the reappearance of clinical, serological, and histological markers of CD in up to 5 years of follow‐up. After transplantation, in both patients, dendritic cells and regulatory FoxP3+T cells showed a recovery of normal values and no proliferative T‐cell response upon gliadin stimulation was found. These data suggest that allogeneic HSCT may lead to induction of gluten tolerance in patients with CD.
Long‐term Outcomes After Surgery on Pediatric Patients With Crohn Disease
Authors: Piekkala Maija , Pakarinen Mikko , Ashorn Merja , Rintala Risto , Kolho Kaija‐Leena 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTObjective:Of pediatric patients with Crohn disease, 20% to 30% undergo surgery within 10 years. Although disease relapses and reoperations are common, long‐term functional outcomes and quality of life (QoL) are unclear.Methods:In 2010, we reviewed the hospital records of all pediatric patients with CD who had undergone intestinal resections during childhood in 2 major tertiary care hospitals between 1985 and 2008 and mailed out questionnaires that asked about health outcomes and QoL. We compared the QoL of the patients and a group of matched controls randomly chosen from the Population Register Centre.Results:In total, 36 children had undergone bowel resection a median of 10 years earlier and had at least 2 years of follow‐up. Disease activation (verified at endoscopy) requiring medical or surgical treatment occurred in 94% (median 1.8 years after primary resection). At least 1 surgical complication occurred in 77%, and 54% underwent re‐resection. The patients reported a median stool frequency of 3 stools during the day and zero at night, with 33% being totally continent. Overall, 96% were completely or moderately satisfied with the outcome of the surgery. The QoL was comparable between the patients and controls, but school or work absences diminished the QoL of the patients.Conclusions:Surgery for pediatric‐onset CD is risky even under expert care. Disease relapses and bowel re‐resections are common during the first decade after primary surgery. In the long term, however, bowel function is acceptable and the QoL is comparable between patients and their peers.
Diffuse Esophageal Spasm in Children Referred for Manometry
Authors: Rosen John M. , Lavenbarg Teri , Cocjin Jose , Hyman Paul E. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTDiffuse esophageal spasm (DES) causes chest pain and/or dysphagia in adults. We reviewed charts of 278 subjects 0 to 18 years of age after esophageal manometry to describe the frequency and characteristics of DES in children. Patient diagnoses included normal motility (61%), nonspecific esophageal motility disorder (20%), DES (13%, n = 36), and achalasia (4%). Of patients with DES, the most common chief complaint was food refusal in subjects younger than 5 years (14/24, 58%) and chest pain in subjects older than 5 years (4/12, 33%). Comorbid medical conditions, often multiple, existed in 33 subjects. DES should be considered when young children present with food refusal.
Levels of Serum Ceruloplasmin Associate With Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Nobili Valerio , Siotto Mariacristina , Bedogni Giorgio , Ravà Lucilla , Pietrobattista Andrea , Panera Nadia , Alisi Anna , Squitti Rosanna 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTObjectives:Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adolescents and children is rapidly becoming one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. NAFLD varies from simple fatty liver to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with possible fibrosis. Several studies suggest that oxidative stress plays a central role in several metabolic abnormalities and cellular damage that characterize NAFLD. We investigated whether transition metals and their related proteins were related to NAFLD symptoms and their underlying processes.Methods:We measured copper, iron, ceruloplasmin (Cp) concentration and activity, transferrin (Tf), ferroxidase activity, and ferritin, and we calculated Tf saturation and Cp to Tf ratio (Cp/Tf) as an index of the activity of the antioxidant Cp‐Tf system in 100 children with biopsy‐proven NAFLD. Pediatric patients were grouped by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease score (NAS) ≥ 5 (30 subjects) and NAS < 5 (70).Results:Cp distinguished children with NAS ≥ 5 from those with NAS < 5 with an accuracy of 82%. Specifically, a receiver operator characteristics curve showed that a cutoff of 28.6 mg/dL separated NAS ≥ 5 from NAS < 5 with a specificity of 92% and a sensitivity of 76%. The Cp/Tf ratio, as well as copper concentration and Cp activity, decreased in the NAS ≥ 5 group, pointing out an imbalance in metal regulation. Either copper or Cp concentrations were lower in subjects having ballooning.Conclusions:Serum antioxidant capacity owing to Cp failure is strongly associated with NAFLD‐related damage. Further studies are, however, required to clarify the role of Cp in NAFLD pathogenesis and to evaluate its potential application as diagnostic marker.
Increased Procoagulant Function of Microparticles in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Deutschmann Andrea , Schlagenhauf Axel , Leschnik Bettina , Hoffmann Karl Martin , Hauer Almuthe , Muntean Wolfgang 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTObjectives:Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher risk for venous thromboembolism compared with non‐IBD subjects. The pathogenic mechanisms of the thrombotic events are not fully understood. We investigated levels of circulating microparticles and their influence on thrombin generation in pediatric patients with IBD during active and quiescent disease compared with healthy controls.Methods:Plasma samples were collected from 33 pediatric patients with Crohn disease (CD), 20 pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 60 healthy controls. Microparticles' procoagulant activity was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and the dependency of thrombin generation on microparticles‐derived tissue factor was determined by means of calibrated automated thrombography.Results:The procoagulant function of microparticles was significantly increased in patients with active and inactive CD, and active UC compared with controls. Endogenous thrombin potential was significantly higher in patients with CD and UC compared with controls. A minor influence of microparticles on thrombin generation was only observed for patients with active UC.Conclusions:Our study shows increased procoagulant function of microparticles in pediatric patients with active and quiescent CD and active UC compared with controls, but demonstrates that they are not a major cause for the higher thrombin generation in pediatric patients with IBD.
Association of Inflammatory Bowel Disease With Familial Mediterranean Fever in Turkish Children
Authors: Beşer Ömer F. , Kasapçopur Özgür , Çokuğraş Fügen Çullu , Kutlu Tufan , Arsoy Nil , Erkan Tülay 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and Aims:Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) share common clinical and biological features. The prevalence of other inflammatory diseases, including IBD, is increased in FMF. We investigated the presence of IBD accompanying FMF in patients who were being followed up with a diagnosis of FMF and the relation of IBD with the MEFV gene mutation.Methods:A total of 78 children with FMF were enrolled in the study. The patients were included in the study independent of the presence of complaints. Colonoscopy for IBD was performed if any of the following was present: blood mixed with mucus in the stool; chronic diarrhea (loose and frequent stools lasting >4 weeks); abdominal pain incompatible with FMF (localized in a certain part of the abdomen, not occurring during attacks, >3 days); and positive IgA and IgG anti‐Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies and perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. MEFV gene mutations were analyzed in patients diagnosed as having IBD and FMF.Results:Of the 78 patients with a diagnosis of FMF, colonoscopy was performed and biopsy samples were taken in 20 patients (25.6%) who had abdominal pain incompatible with FMF, chronic diarrhea, bloody stools, and/or positive perinuclear anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody or anti‐Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody. Histopathological examination resulted in a diagnosis of IBD in 12 of the 78 patients (15.4%). MEFV gene mutations were present in all 12 patients diagnosed as having IBD. We observed M694 V mutations in 5 of 12 patients (41.7%), M680I mutations in 3 (25%), K695R mutations in 3 (25%), and E148Q mutations in 1 (8.3%).Conclusions:We found that the number of patients with FMF was higher than the number with IBD in the general population. When IBD accompanied FMF, the most common mutation was M694 V; however, the high rate (25%) of K695R mutation in our patients with FMF and IBD was not observed in previous studies.
The Requirement for Carotenoids in the Assembly and Function of the Photosynthetic Complexes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Santabarbara Stefano , Casazza Anna Paola , Ali Kulsam , Economou Chloe K. , Wannathong Thanyanun , Zito Francesca , Redding Kevin E. , Rappaport Fabrice , Purton Saul 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
We have investigated the importance of carotenoids on the accumulation and function of the photosynthetic apparatus using a mutant of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii lacking carotenoids. The FN68 mutant is deficient in phytoene synthase, the first enzyme of the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway, and therefore is unable to synthesize any carotenes and xanthophylls. We find that FN68 is unable to accumulate the light-harvesting complexes associated with both photosystems as well as the RC subunits of photosystem II. The accumulation of the cytochrome b 6 f complex is also strongly reduced to a level approximately 10% that of the wild type. However, the residual fraction of assembled cytochrome b 6 f complexes exhibits single-turnover electron transfer kinetics comparable to those observed in the wild-type strain. Surprisingly, photosystem I is assembled to significant levels in the absence of carotenoids in FN68 and possesses functional properties that are very similar to those of the wild-type complex.
Molecular mechanisms of plant competition: neighbour detection and response strategies
Authors: Pierik Ronald , Mommer Liesje , Voesenek Laurentius ACJ 
Published: November 2012

Summary

Plant competition determines the diversity and species abundance of natural communities as well as potential yields in agricultural systems. Understanding the mechanisms of plant competition is instrumental to understanding plant performance in true vegetations.
In this review, we will address various components of competition between plant individuals with a specific focus on molecular aspects. As plant–plant interactions during competition are multiple and complex, we will focus here on a restricted set of examples of plant traits that are thought to enhance their performance during competition.
To respond to competition by neighbours, plants first need to detect these competitors in a reliable way. We discuss the various ways of molecular detection of competition through light‐quality signals, nutrient levels, soluble root exudates and volatile organic compounds emitted by neighbouring plants. Once perceived, these signals are translated into responses such as shade avoidance, root foraging and allelopathy.
We integrate the various molecular patterns of signal detection and subsequent plant responses, both above‐ and below‐ground and including their interaction. We outline research strategies towards creating a general, mechanistic understanding of how plants increase their performance during competition.
Metacommunity structure in a small boreal stream network
Authors: Göthe Emma , Angeler David G. , Sandin Leonard 
Published: November 2012

SummaryCurrent ecological frameworks emphasize the relative importance of local and regional drivers for structuring species communities. However, most research has been carried out in systems with discrete habitat boundaries and a clear insular structure. Stream networks deviate from the insular structure and can serve as excellent model systems for studying hierarchical community dynamics over different temporal and spatial extents.We used benthic invertebrate data from streams in a small northernSwedish catchment to test whether metacommunity dynamics change between seasons, across spatial hierarchies (i.e. at the whole catchment scale vs. the scales of first‐order and second/third‐order sites within the catchment) and between stream‐order groups.We assessed metacommunity structure as a function of three relevant dispersal dimensions (directional downstream processes, along‐stream dispersal and overland dispersal). These dispersal dimensions were related to species groups with relevant dispersal traits (flying capacity, drift propensity) and dispersal capacities (weak vs. strong) to elucidate whether the observed spatial signals were due to dispersal limitation or mass effects.Results showed complex community organization that varied between seasons, with the scale of observation, and with stream order. The importance of spatial factors and specific dispersal dimensions was highly dependent on the time of sampling and the scale of observation. The importance of environmental factors was more consistent in our analyses, but their effect on species community structure peaked at first‐order sites. Our analyses of species dispersal traits were not unequivocal, but indicated that both mass effects and dispersal limitation could simultaneously contribute to the spatial signal at the scale of the whole catchment through different dispersal pathways.We conclude that the study of hierarchically organized ecosystems uncovers complex patterns of metacommunity organization that may deviate substantially from those of systems with insular structure and discrete habitat boundaries. Moreover, we show that dispersal constraints imposed by the dendritic structure of stream networks and distinct dispersal mechanisms (e.g. dispersal limitation) may be evident also at very small spatial extents. Thus, even at this small scale, a landscape management approach that takes the dendritic nature of stream networks into account is needed to effectively conserve stream biodiversity.
Cortisol levels are influenced by sedation in the acute phase after subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: LINDGREN C. , DAHLQVIST P. , LINDVALL P. , NILSSON L. , KOSKINEN L.‐O. , NAREDI S. 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundSubarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a life‐threatening condition that may be aggravated by acute pituitary damage and cortisol insufficiency. Robust diagnostic criteria for critical illness‐related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) are lacking.The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of CIRCI in the acute phase (0–240 h) after SAH and to evaluate associations between cortisol levels and clinical parameters (sedation, circulatory failure, gender, age, severity of disease, treatment). CIRCI was defined as a single morning serum cortisol (mSC) < 200 nmol/L. The lower limit for calculated free cortisol (cFC) was set at < 22 nmol/L, and for saliva cortisol at < 7.7 nmol/L.MethodsFifty patients were included. Serum/saliva cortisol and corticosteroid‐binding globulin were obtained every second morning. A logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis comparing cortisol levels with clinical parameters.ResultsOf the patients, 21/50 (42%) had an mSC < 200 nmol/L and 30/50 (60%) had a cFC < 22 nmol/L. In patients with continuous intravenous sedation, the odds ratio for a mSC to be < 200 nmol/L was 18 times higher (95% confidence interval 4.2–85.0, P < 0.001), and the odds ratio for a cFC to be < 22 nmol/L was 2.4 times higher (95% confidence interval 1.2–4.7, P < 0.05) compared with patients with no continuous intravenous sedation.ConclusionsContinuous intravenous sedation was significantly associated with cortisol values under defined limits (mSC < 200, cFC < 22 nmol/L). The possibility that sedating drugs per se may influence cortisol levels should be taken into consideration before CIRCI is diagnosed.
Sex differences in decreased limbic and cortical grey matter volume in cocaine dependence: a voxel‐based morphometric study
Authors: Rando Kenneth , Tuit Keri , Hannestad Jonas , Guarnaccia Joseph , Sinha Rajita 
Published: November 2012

AbstractStructural neuroimaging studies have provided evidence of differences in local brain volume between cocaine‐dependent and healthy control individuals. While sex differences in aetiology, course and brain dysfunction associated with chronic cocaine abuse have been previously documented, evidence of sex‐specific differences in brain volume has not been examined thus far. This study examined sex‐related differences in grey matter volume between cocaine‐dependent and healthy control subjects using voxel‐based morphometry. High‐resolution T1 structural scans were obtained from 36 inpatient, treatment‐engaged 3‐week abstinent cocaine‐dependent (CD) individuals. Fifty healthy control subjects were also scanned. Segmentation and registration were performed in SPM8, using New Segment and DARTEL, respectively. The whole‐brain statistical analysis was conducted in SPM8 using random field‐based cluster‐size testing and family‐wise error rate correction for multiple comparisons. CD patients were found to have less grey matter volume in anterior prefrontal cortex, including frontopolar and orbitofrontal cortices, and a posterior region surrounding the parietal‐occipital sulcus. Female CD patients had less grey matter volume than female controls in left inferior frontal gyrus, insula, superior temporal gyrus and hippocampus. Male CD patients had less grey matter in a superior cortical region that included the precentral gyrus and the mid‐cingulate. These sex differences in lower grey matter volume add to the evidence from functional neuroimaging for sex‐specific differences in the neurophysiological changes associated with chronic cocaine use.