bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Duodenal Bulb Biopsies in Celiac Disease: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Bonamico Margherita , Thanasi Enina , Mariani Paolo , Nenna Raffaella , Luparia Rita Pia Lara , Barbera Cristiana , Morra Isabella , Lerro Pietro , Guariso Graziella , De Giacomo Costantino , Scotta Serenella , Pontone Stefano , Carpino Francesco , Magliocca Fabio Massimo ,   Società Italiana di Gastroenterologica, Epatologia, e Nutrizione Pediatrica
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTObjectives:Celiac disease (CD)–related lesions have been reported in duodenal bulb biopsies, sometimes the bulb mucosa being the only one affected. The aim was to verify in a significant series whether histological lesions are always present in the bulb of celiac patients, what is the prevalence of lesions when isolated to the bulb, and if similar lesions are present in nonceliac subjects.Methods:We studied 665 children with CD (241 males, range 9 months–15 years, 8 months), at diagnosis on a gluten‐containing diet, and 348 age‐ and sex‐matched gastroenterological controls submitted to upper endoscopy for gastroenterological complaints. During endoscopy, multiple biopsies (1 bulb and 4 distal duodenum samples) were taken. Anti‐endomysium antibodies were evaluated by immunofluorescence method, anti–human tissue–transglutaminase antibodies by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay or radioimmunoassay. Human leukocyte antigen‐DRB1, ‐DQA1, and ‐DQB1 genes were typed by polymerase chain reaction sequence–specific primers repeat method.Results:In all of the patients with CD, histological lesions were present in the bulb sample; in 16 of them, the lesions were present only in the bulb. Patchy villous atrophy was found in 20 children. All of the patients with CD were anti‐endomysium and/or anti‐transglutaminase positive. The controls showed neither autoantibody positivity nor mucosal changes compatible with CD.Conclusions:This study demonstrated that CD‐related histological lesions are always present in the bulb; sometimes this specific site is the only one affected. Therefore, we suggest taking 2 biopsies from the bulb and 2 from the distal duodenum for CD diagnosis.
Induction of Arginase II by Intestinal Epithelium Promotes the Uptake of L‐Arginine From the Lumen ofCryptosporidium parvum–infected Porcine Ileum
Authors: Gookin Jody L , Stauffer Stephen H , Stone Maria R 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTObjectives:To determine the specific transport system activities and expression of transporter genes responsible for uptake of L‐arginine from the lumen of normal andCryptosporidium parvum–infected neonatal porcine ileum and the influence of L‐arginine catabolic pathways on L‐arginine uptake.Methods:Intact sheets of ileal mucosa from control andC parvum–infected neonatal piglets were mounted in Ussing chambers and the uptake of14C‐L‐arginine was determined under initial rate conditions and in the presence of transport system–selective inhibitors. Epithelial expression of L‐arginine transporter genes was quantified by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. L‐Arginine catabolic enzyme expression was examined by immunoblotting epithelial lysates for arginase I and II. The role of intracellular catabolism in promoting the uptake of L‐arginine was determined by pharmacological inhibition of nitric oxide synthase and arginase activities.Results:C parvum–infected ileum transported L‐arginine at rates equivalent to uninfected epithelium despite profound villous atrophy. This was attributed to enhanced uptake of L‐arginine by individual epithelial cells in the infection. There were no differences in L‐arginine transport system activities (y+and B0,+) or level of transporter gene expression (CAT‐1, CAT‐2A, and ATB0,+) between uninfected andC parvum–infected epithelial cells. However, infected epithelia had induced expression of the L‐arginine hydrolytic enzyme arginase II and lower concentrations of L‐arginine. Furthermore, transport of L‐arginine by the infected epithelium was significantly inhibited by pharmacological blockade of arginase.Conclusions:Intracellular catabolism by arginase II, the induction of which has not been described previously for intestinal epithelium, facilitates uptake of L‐arginine by infected epithelium using transport systems that do not differ from those of uninfected cells. Induction of arginase II may limit nitric oxide synthesis by competing with nitric oxide synthase for utilization of L‐arginine or promote use of L‐arginine for the synthesis of reparative polyamines.
Drug‐related Hepatotoxicity and Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Murray Karen F , Hadzic Nedim , Wirth Stefan , Bassett Mikelle , Kelly Deirdre 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTDrug‐induced acute liver failure (ALF) accounts for approximately 20% of ALF in children and a higher percentage of ALF in adults. Although most patients experience milder drug hepatotoxic reactions such as hepatitis, cholestasis, or asymptomatic enzyme elevation, it is important to recognize the potential for progression to ALF. The most common cause of drug‐induced ALF in children is acetaminophen (15% of all ALF in children in the United Kingdom and the United States), whereas other drugs such as antituberculous and antiepileptic therapy account for 5%. The pathogenesis of liver injury includes direct hepatotoxicity and idiosyncratic reactions for most drugs, although for others the mechanism of injury is assumed on the basis of clinical presentation and hepatic histological findings. We review the adult and pediatric literature of drug‐induced hepatotoxicity and ALF, with special attention to commonly used or offending medications, mechanism of the toxicity, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Although most of the available information is based on experience in adult patients, we have included that which is applicable to children, or we have cited pediatric examples. Enhanced awareness of the potential hepatotoxicity of commonly prescribed medications may minimize the frequency of serious hepatotoxicity and ALF in pediatric patients.
Irreversible Intestinal Failure: Prevalence and Prognostic Factors
Authors: Diamanti Antonella , Sole Basso Maria , Castro Massimo , Di Ciommo Vincenzo , Bracci Fiammetta , Ferretti Francesca , Pietrobattista Andrea , Gambarara Manuela 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTBackground and Aim:Parenteral nutrition (PN) is the primary treatment for intestinal failure, which is considered irreversible in patients who remain partially or fully dependent on PN. Causes of irreversible intestinal failure are short bowel syndrome (SBS), motility disorders (MD), and severe protracted diarrhea (SPD). The aim of this study was to report the clinical outcome in these patients in relation to the underlying disease.Patients and Methods:From January 1, 1989 to December 31, 2006, 218 intestinal failure patients were observed in our center, but only 96 (48 SBS, 39 SPD, and 9 MD) were included because they required at least 50% of their total calories as PN for not less than 3 months. In these patients, survival and complication rates were evaluated.Results:The survival rate was significantly higher in SBS patients than in the other groups (P < 0.01). SBS patients showed a higher rate of major complications, although only intestinal failure–associated liver disease was significantly higher (P < 0.001). In our series, MD was the main cause of irreversible intestinal failure.Conclusions:The potential for bowel adaptation is higher in surgical than in medical causes of intestinal failure and does not seem to be influenced by complications of intestinal failure. SBS, although worsened by the major number of complications, was not the main category contributing to intestinal failure.
MRI in Identifying Hepatic Steatosis in Obese Children and Relation to Ultrasonography and Metabolic Findings
Authors: Pozzato Carlo , Radaelli Giovanni , Dall'Asta Chiara , Verduci Elvira , Villa Anna , Villa Chiara , Scaglioni Silvia , Riva Enrica , Pontiroli Antonio E , Cornalba Gianpaolo , Giovannini Marcello 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTObjectives:The aim of this study was to identify nonalcoholic fatty liver in obese children by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to compare the findings with the data from ultrasonography and from clinical and laboratory testing.Patients and Methods:Sixty obese children, 6 to 14 years old, underwent hepatic MRI and abdominal ultrasonography. Biochemistry determinations included serum aminotransferases, lipid profile, glucose, and insulin. Anthropometry included body mass index, total and trunk fat, and fat‐free mass obtained by dual‐energy radiographic absorptiometry. Hepatic steatosis, judged as hepatic fat fraction by MRI, was ≥9%.Results:By MRI, 14 (23%) children had hepatic steatosis; of those, 5 had a fat fraction of 9% to 18%, and 9 had a fat fraction >18%. At univariate analysis, fat fraction was positively associated with being male, serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and γ‐glutamyltransferase, body mass indexzscore, insulin, systolic pressure, and total and trunk fat mass. Hepatic steatosis was independently associated with alanine aminotransferase (P< 0.01). Overall, liver echogenicity on ultrasonography correlated well with fat fraction by MRI (correlation coefficient 0.527,P< 0.0001). Among the 27 children with increased liver echogenicity, 13 (48%) had hepatic fat fraction ≥9%, and 89% of children with echogenicity graded 2 or 3 had fat fraction >18%. All of the children (n = 9) with fat fraction >18% had increased liver echogenicity, and in 8 of them it was graded 2 or 3, but the MRI fat fraction ranged greatly (28%–45%).Conclusions:In obese children, nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis may be associated with the metabolic syndrome. Ultrasonography may be valuable in identifying high hepatic fat accumulation, but its ability to identify lower fat accumulation in the liver is scanty compared with MRI.
Antigliadin Immunoglobulin A Best in Finding Celiac Disease in Children Younger Than 18 Months of Age
Authors: Lagerqvist Carina , Dahlbom Ingrid , Hansson Tony , Jidell Erik , Juto Per , Olcén Per , Stenlund Hans , Hernell Olle , Ivarsson Anneli 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTObjectives:The aim was to investigate age‐dependent serum levels and occurrence of elevated celiac disease (CD)–related antibodies in young children, to define the optimal serological procedure when selecting for small intestinal biopsy.Patients and Methods:Included were 428 children with biopsy verified CD (median age 16 months; range 7.5 months–14 years) and 216 controls (median age 2.7 years; range 8.5 months–14.6 years). Immunoglobulin (Ig) A antibodies against gliadin (AGA‐IgA), tissue transglutaminase (tTG‐IgA), and endomysium (EMA‐IgA) were analysed.Results:Increased serum AGA‐IgA levels were found in 411 of 428 CD cases, tTG‐IgA in 385 of 428, and EMA‐IgA in 383 of 428. In the control group, 11 of 216 had increased levels of AGA‐IgA, 5 of 216 of tTG‐IgA, and 8 of 216 of EMA‐IgA. In CD children younger than 18 months, elevated AGA‐IgA occurred in 97% and elevated tTG‐IgA and EMA‐IgA were found in 83% of the cases. Conversely, in CD children older than 18 months, elevated AGA‐IgA occurred in 94%, and elevated tTG‐IgA and EMA‐IgA were found in 99% of the cases.Conclusions:In children older than 18 months, both tTG‐IgA and EMA‐IgA are sufficiently accurate to be used as a single antibody marker, whereas a large proportion of younger children with CD lack these antibodies. Therefore, when selecting children for small intestinal biopsy, the detection of a combination of AGA‐IgA and tTG‐IgA is optimal for identifying untreated CD in children younger than 18 months.
Altered Eicosanoid Metabolism in the Cystic Fibrosis Mouse Small Intestine
Authors: De Lisle Robert C , Meldi Lauren , Flynn Maureen , Jansson Kyle 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTObjectives:Imbalances in essential fatty acid levels have been reported in cystic fibrosis (CF), which may relate to elevated proinflammatory eicosanoid generation. The aim of this work was to better define eicosanoid metabolism in the CF intestine.Materials and Methods:We used the small intestine of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator knockout mouse (CF mouse) to measure eicosanoid metabolic gene expression by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, and eicosanoid levels by enzyme immunoassay, as compared with wild‐type (WT) littermates.Results:In the CF small intestine, expression of the secretory phospholipase A2Pla2g5 mRNA was upregulated to 980% of WT levels. The following were downregulated: leukotriene C4 synthase Ltc4s (mRNA 55% of WT); ω‐hydroxylase cytochrome P450s Cyp2c40 (mRNA 54% of WT), and Cyp4a10 (mRNA 4% of WT); and the major prostaglandin degradative enzymes prostaglandin dehydrogenase Hpgd (mRNA 27% of WT) and leukotriene B4 12‐hydroxydehydrogenase/15‐oxo‐prostaglandin 13‐reductase Ltb4dh (mRNA 64% and protein 30% of WT). The prostaglandins PGE2 and PGF2α were increased to 400% to 600% of WT levels in the CF mouse intestine, and the hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) 12‐, 15‐, and 20‐HETE were decreased to 3% to 20% of WT levels.Conclusions:There are changes in eicosanoid metabolic gene expression that are accompanied by significant changes in specific eicosanoid levels. These changes are expected to play important roles in the pathophysiology of CF in the intestine.
Cytokeratin 18, a Marker of Cell Death, Is Increased in Children With Suspected Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Vos Miriam B , Barve Shirish , Joshi‐Barve Swati , Carew John D , Whitington Peter F , McClain Craig J 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTObjectives:Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease associated with obesity, and is now the most common liver disease in the United States. Cytokeratin 18 (CK18) is an intracellular protein released into the blood by both necrosis and apoptosis of hepatocytes. Levels of CK18 have not been reported previously in children with NAFLD.Methods:In a cross‐sectional analysis of 62 children (28 normal weight, 14 obese, and 20 suspected NAFLD), we measured CK18 levels as well as alanine aminotransferase, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and tumor necrosis factor‐α.Results:CK18 was significantly elevated in the children with suspected NAFLD compared with obese controls and normal weight controls (median = 424 U/L compared with 243 and 214 respectively, P < 0.001). In multiple logistic regression analysis, CK18 was the best single predictor of suspected NAFLD (prediction accuracy = 84.1%).Conclusions:CK18 is elevated in children with suspected NAFLD and should be investigated as a potential diagnostic marker of NAFLD.
Mast Cell–Nerve Interactions in Children With Functional Dyspepsia
Authors: Schäppi Michela G , Borrelli Osvaldo , Knafelz Daniela , Williams Sue , Smith Virpi V , Milla Peter J , Lindley Keith J 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTBackground and Aims:Functional dyspepsia in childhood is commonly triggered by food allergen in sensitised individuals. We investigated the topography of eosinophils and mast cells in gastric antral lamina propria, the interaction of mast cell products with mucosal nerve fibres, and changes in gastric antral muscle slow wave activity in children with atopy and non–atopy‐related functional dyspepsia.Patients and Methods:Open label study of gastric mucosal cow's milk challenge in 10 atopic and 6 nonatopic children (ages 2–12 years) investigated consecutively with gastroscopy for functional dyspepsia. Simultaneous surface electrogastrography and milk challenge were undertaken and laser scanning fluorescence microscopy used to examine the association of mast cell tryptase with mucosal nerves in the gastric mucosa before and after challenge.Results:Eosinophils and mast cells within the lamina propria were increased in number in children with atopic functional dyspepsia and degranulated rapidly after cow's milk challenge in the atopic group. For degranulating eosinophils, median = 13.0% (interquartile range = 3.7–31.0) premilk versus 32.0% (12.0–42.0) after milk biopsies (P < 0.05); for degranulating mast cells, 5.35% (2.7–10.9) premilk biopsies versus 18.75% (12.9–22.1) after milk biopsies (P < 0.05). No such differences were seen in nonatopic patients. Mast cells were closely associated with mucosal nerve fibres and released tryptase, which colocalised with proteinase‐activated receptors on mucosal nerve fibres. The gastric antral slow wave became abnormal within 2 minutes of antigen challenge in atopics with an increase in dominant frequency instability coefficient (P < 0.005), decrease in 3 cycles per minute myoelectrical activity (P < 0.01), and increase in bradygastria (P < 0.01).Conclusions:Early‐onset neuroimmune interactions induced by cow's milk in the gastric mucosa of atopic children are associated with rapid disturbance of gastric myoelectrical activity and dyspeptic symptoms.
NAC Family Proteins NARS1/NAC2 and NARS2/NAM in the Outer Integument Regulate Embryogenesis inArabidopsis
Authors: Kunieda Tadashi , Mitsuda Nobutaka , Ohme-Takagi Masaru , Takeda Seiji , Aida Mitsuhiro , Tasaka Masao , Kondo Maki , Nishimura Mikio , Hara-Nishimura Ikuko 
Published: October 2008

AbstractSeed morphogenesis consists of embryogenesis and the development of maternal tissues such as the inner and outer integuments, both of which give rise to seed coats. We show that expression of chimeric repressors derived from NAC-REGULATED SEED MORPHOLOGY1 and -2 (NARS1 and NARS2, also known as NAC2 and NAM, respectively) caused aberrant seed shapes in Arabidopsis thaliana. Double knockout mutant nars1 nars2 exhibited abnormally shaped seeds; moreover, neither nars1 nor nars2 produced abnormal seeds, indicating that NARS1 and NARS2 redundantly regulate seed morphogenesis. Degeneration of the integuments in nars1 nars2 was markedly delayed, while that of the wild type occurred around the torpedo-shaped embryo stage. Additionally, nars1 nars2 showed a defect in embryogenesis: some nars1 nars2 embryos were developmentally arrested at the torpedo-shaped embryo stage. Unexpectedly, however, neither NARS1 nor NARS2 was expressed in the embryo at this stage, although they were found to be expressed in the outer integument. Wild-type pistils pollinated with nars1 nars2 pollen generated normal seeds, while the reverse crossing generated abnormal seeds. Taken together, these results indicate that NARS1 and NARS2 regulate embryogenesis by regulating the development and degeneration of ovule integuments. Our findings suggest that there is an intertissue communication between the embryo and the maternal integument.
Technology usage and innovation
Authors: Hamilton Leonora C. , Asundi Ramachandra 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine if firms that invest in information technology (IT) and innovate are more profitable than those that do not and to analyze how firms in general and on the island of Puerto Rico, in particular, have found an avenue to compete, grow, and become profitable using technology in production and service, and by extending into the use of electronic commerce. Some recent investigations find that investments in IT do not lead to productivity improvements as measured by accounting standards. Earlier research identified four factors that can lead to such a paradoxical finding.Design/methodology/approachThe present investigation was undertaken to evaluate, utilizing a case method approach, the extent to which small and medium firms in different industries are prone to this paradoxical condition. Six firms identified in Puerto Rico were contacted to obtain both qualitative and quantitative information from senior officers and CEOs through personal and telephone interviews.FindingsUtilizing the four factor influence on productivity output of IT investment in each of the present case, the findings show that their effect and subsequent limitations on the broadly defined output measure is minimal. Thus the findings show improved productivity and growth in each of the cases.Research limitations/implicationsA major limitation of the present study is the lack of (proper) quantitative data both at the input stage of IT investment and the output stage of quantitative measures.Originality/valueThe paper is of value in illustrating how small and medium enterprises can successfully adopt and incorporate IT while assuming the necessary investment costs, reaping the benefits of productivity, profitability, and growth within a reasonable span of time.
Multi‐objective harmonious colony‐decision algorithm for more efficiently evaluating assembly sequences
Authors: Zhang Kai‐Fu , Cheng Hui , Li Yuan 
Published: October 2008

PurposeComplex products, such as aircrafts and ships, are assembled from many parts and there are many available assembly sequences. Selecting the best from the available assembly sequences is challenging because of many factors, such as assembly performance, assemblability, assembly cost, assembly quality and assembly time. The purpose of this paper is to investigate a new and efficient algorithm aimed at this goal.Design/methodology/approachA new and efficient algorithm evaluating assembly sequences based on multi‐objective harmonious colony‐decision method is presented. This algorithm mainly includes three key steps: first, presenting the priority relationship between assembly sequences and the coefficient matrix for these objectives: assembly performance, assemblability, assembly cost, assembly quality, assembly time, and so on by several experts; second, calculating the maximum of harmonious values and harmonious priority value; third, if the maximum of harmonious priority value is not negative, the algorithm ends. Then the priority relationships of assembly sequences are obtained and the optimal assembly sequence can be selected.FindingsThis algorithm can efficiently support several experts to evaluate assembly sequences according to plenty of evaluation objectives and then to output a harmonious and recognized priority relationship of assembly sequences.Practical implicationsThe algorithm is applied successfully to evaluate assembly sequences and select the optimal assembly sequence for component of aircraft's wing with fixtures.Originality/valueThis algorithm provides a new method to synthetically evaluate assembly sequences for complex product according to multi‐objectives.
Weeding: facing the fears
Authors: Dubicki Eleonora 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide librarians with an approach to weeding, which reduces librarians' fears and concerns of withdrawing books from an academic collection.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes the form of a case study.FindingsThe paper outlines specific steps for implementing a weeding project, including developing criteria and procedures, garnering the support of administration, building librarian confidence in performing weeding, and encouraging teaching faculty involvement.Originality/valueThe paper provides insights into the nature of the concerns and fears librarians face in weeding an academic library collection, and offers suggestions on how to build confidence and support for weeding among both librarians and academic faculty.