bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amelioration of Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury in Rat Intestine by Pentoxifylline‐Mediated Inhibition of Xanthine Oxidase
Authors: Hammerman Cathy , Goldschmidt Doris , Caplan Michael S. , Kaplan Michael , Schimmel Michael S. , Eidelman Arthur I. , Branski David , Hochman Ayala 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Intestinal ischemia‐reperfusion (IR) injury results in cell destruction, which may be mediated by the generation of reactive oxygen species, potentially toxic metabolites of xanthine oxidase. Pentoxifylline (PTX) possesses a variety of biochemical and antioxidant properties that can improve capillary flow and tissue oxygenation. Because of these combined effects, it has been hypothesized that pentoxifylline would protect against intestinal IR.Methods:Young adult rats were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups: IR/Placebo (n = 12) in which superior and inferior mesenteric arteries were clamped for 45 minutes and then reopened; IR/PTX (n = 11) in which IR was induced as in the Placebo group, but with 25 mg/kg PTX at 0, 30, and 60 minutes; No IR/Placebo (n = 12); and No IR/PTX (n = 6) in which placebo and PTX were applied with no IR. Blood and intestinal samples were taken for serial thiobarbituric acid‐reducing substances (TBARS; index of lipid peroxidation), for xanthine oxidase‐xanthine dehydrogenase ratios, glutathione, myeloperoxidase, and histopathology.Results:Animals in the IR/PTX group had lower TBARS and the least severe histopathologic injury. Xanthine oxidase‐xanthine dehydrogenase ratios were elevated only in IR/Placebo (0.67 ± 0.22 vs. 0.45 ± 0.14 in IR/PTX; 0.42 ± 0.22 in No IR/Placebo; and 0.40 ± 0.11 in No IR/PTX; p = 0.0009). Reduced glutathione was diminished in IR/PTX animals (38.9 ± 1.35 vs. 46.1 ± 7.0 in IR/Placebo; 41.1 ± 2.5 in No IR/Placebo; 43.6 ± 1.0 in No IR/PTX; p = 0.048). No differences were recorded in myeloperoxidase levels among groups.Conclusions:Pentoxifylline ameliorates histopathologic signs of injury and decreases lipid peroxidation (TBARS). Normal xanthine oxidase‐xanthine dehydrogenase ratios in the treated compared with IR‐only animals imply that the protective effect of PTX is at least partially mediated through inhibition of xanthine oxidase.
Dietary Intake of Austrian Diabetic Children 10 to 14 Years of Age
Authors: Schober Edith , Langergraber Barbara , Rupprecht Gabriele , Rami Birgit 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:The dietary intake of 63 children with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM; age 10 to 14 years) was weighed by dietitians for 2 days during a summer camp for youth with diabetes. Data were analyzed for the content of macronutrients with the help of a computer database program.Methods:The dietary intake of children with diabetes was compared with that of healthy Austrian school children and with the current nutritional recommendations for children with IDDM.Results:The mean intake of carbohydrate did not meet the recommended level, whereas sucrose, fiber, and protein intake approximated the recommendations. The total consumption of fat and cholesterol, however, exceeded the recommended values. The nutritional intake of Austrian children with IDDM was similar to that of healthy children of the same age and thus reflected regional dietary habits.Conclusion:Dietary educational measures on a national basis are needed to change harmful local eating patterns.
Triglyceride Oxidation in Cystic Fibrosis: A Comparison Between Different 13C‐Labeled Tracer Substances
Authors: Wutzke Klaus D. , Radke Michael , Breuel Katja , Gurk Steffen , Lafrenz Jan‐D. , Heine Willi E. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:For indirect evaluation of pancreatic lipase activity in cystic fibrosis, different 13C‐labeled triglycerides may be used.Methods:Triglyceride oxidation in patients with cystic fibrosis was investigated after administration of different 13C‐labeled triglycerides by comparing 13CO2 breath exhalation. In the comparative study, five patients with cystic fibrosis (age, 8‐15 years; body weight, 22.5‐39.8 kg) were treated with Pangrol (individual dosages: 1‐3 capsules per morning meal; Berlin‐Chemie, Berlin, Germany). [1,1,1‐13C3]Glyceryl tripalmitate and [1,1,1‐13C3]glyceryl trioleate were administered as a single oral pulse at 8:00 A.M. (dosage, 4 mg/kg each) with the standard diet Fresubin (dosage, 10 ml/kg; Fresenius, Bad Homburg, Germany). Alternately, the same subjects were given the synthetic mixed triglyceride 1,3‐distearyl, 2[13C]octanoyl glycerol (dosage, 12.5 mg/kg) contained in the standard diet Nutri‐Mix (dosage, 10 ml/kg; Nutricia, Zoetemeer, The Netherlands). Breath samples were taken in 15‐ and 30‐minute intervals over 8 hours. The 13CO2 enrichment was measured by continuous‐flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry.Results:After administration of the 13C‐labeled tripalmitin‐triolein mixture and the mixed triglyceride, mean maximum 13CO2 enrichments were 4.70 and 7.37 δ over baseline, occurring at 7.0 and 3.5 hours, respectively. The corresponding percentage cumulative 13CO2 exhalations were 12.25% and 29.19%, respectively, and differed significantly in the five paired subjects (p = 0.003).Conclusions:After using different 13C‐labeled triglycerides the resultant 13CO2 exhalation reflected the triglyceride hydrolysis and subsequent oxidation. It is concluded that the different cumulative 13CO2 exhalations were mainly caused by the rate‐limiting step of triglyceride hydrolysis to free fatty acids and 2‐monoglycerides and by fat deposition. Noninvasive 13C breath tests using different 13C‐labeled triglycerides can be used for evaluation of pancreatic lipase activity before and during enzyme supplementation.
Constipation in School‐Aged Children at Public Schools in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: de Araújo Sant' Anna Ana Maria Guilhon , Calçado Antonio Celso 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Constipation in childhood is a significant problem worldwide; however, understanding of its epidemiology is limited. Some investigators in the United States have estimated the prevalence of constipation to be 1.2% to 8.0% in the general population. In Brazil, some have found a prevalence of up to 36%.Methods:This cross‐sectional, descriptive, observational prevalence study included 391 pupils (age range, 8‐10 years) who were attending three public education centers in Rio de Janeiro. The prevalence of constipation, associated symptoms, and dietary fiber intake were evaluated by questionnaire. A child was considered to be constipated when he or she reported difficulty in defecating two or more times per week. The children were divided into constipated and nonconstipated groups, and the presence of fecal soiling, blood in the feces, and shape of the feces were assessed.Results:Twenty‐eight percent of the children were constipated. There was no significant difference between the sexes. Blood in the stools was significantly more frequently reported by the constipated children (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the prevalence and frequency of fecal soiling or in the stool shape between the constipated and nonconstipated children (p > 0.1). Fiber content in the diet ranged from 3.4 to 4.8 g per day, which is below the range recommended.Conclusions:The prevalence of constipation in Rio de Janeiro is similar to the rates reported in all of Brazil and in a recent study from the United Kingdom but is much higher than that in the United States. In addition, the school menu was found to contain inadequate dietary fiber content.
Macronutrient and Energy Intakes in Young Children Fed Milk Products Containing Different Quantities and Qualities of Fat and Protein
Authors: Svahn Johan C. E. , Axelsson Irene E. M. , Räihaä Niels C. R. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Milk is the major source of protein and saturated fats in the diet after infancy. In the present study, the effects of different fat and protein quantity as well as fat quality in milk and dairy products on nutrient intake and growth in young children were determined.Methods:Thirty‐eight healthy children were randomly assigned to one of four feeding groups at 12 months of age: 1) Low‐fat milk (1.0 g fat/dl, 3.3 g protein/dl); 2) standard‐fat milk (3.5 g fat/dl, 3.3 g protein/dl); 3) partially vegetable fat and protein‐reduced milk (3.5 g fat/dl, 50% vegetable; 2.2 g protein/dl); and 4) full‐vegetable‐fat milk (3.5 g fat/dl, 100% vegetable; 3.0 g protein/dl). Nutrient intake and growth were measured at 12, 15, and 18 months.Results:The protein intake was significantly reduced with the protein‐reduced milks. The intake of saturated fat was significantly lower with low‐fat milk (11% of energy) or milks containing vegetable fat (13%) than in standard‐fat milk (19.6%). However, the total fat intake was below 30% of energy in low‐fat milk, whereas the total fat intake remained more than 30% in the other groups. Energy intake and growth were similar in all groups.Conclusions:A modified milk with reduced protein content for young children results in protein intakes closer to recommendations. A modified milk with either 50% or 100% vegetable fat and dairy products with low milk fat and high vegetable fat content results in intakes of total and saturated fats closer to international recommendations, compared with standard or low‐fat milk and dairy products.
Differing Patterns of Transforming Growth Factor‐β Expression in Normal Intestinal Mucosa and in Active Celiac Disease
Authors: Lionetti Paolo , Pazzaglia Anna , Moriondo Maria , Azzari Chiara , Resti Massimo , Amorosi Andrea , Vierucci Alberto 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Growth‐inhibitory autocrine polypeptides such as transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β may play a role in the control of normal epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. In addition, TGF‐β has a central role in extracellular matrix homeostasis and regulates the immune response at the local level. In this study immunohistochemistry was used to examine the pattern of TGF‐β protein distribution and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) to determine levels of TGF‐β messenger RNA expression in normal intestinal mucosa and in the flat mucosa of children with celiac disease.Methods:Small intestinal biopsies were performed in children with active celiac disease and in histologically normal control subjects. Frozen sections were single stained using an anti‐TGF‐β monoclonal antibody and were double stained for TGF‐β and T cell, macrophages, and the activation marker CD25. Total RNA was extracted from frozen specimens and competitive quantitative RT‐PCR performed for TGF‐β mRNA using internal synthetic standard RNA.Results:In normal intestinal mucosa, by immunohistochemistry, TGF‐β expression was most prominent in the villous tip epithelium, whereas in the lamina propria, weak immunoreactivity was present. The celiac mucosa showed weak and patchy epithelial TGF‐β immunoreactivity. In contrast, an intense staining positivity was present in the lamina propria localized mostly in the subepithelial region where T cells, macrophages, and CD25+ cells were detected by double staining. By quantitative RT‐PCR, levels of TGF‐β mRNA transcripts appeared to be increased in celiac intestinal mucosa compared with that in control subjects, although the difference did not reach statistical significance.Conclusions:These observations suggest that TGF‐β expression is associated with differentiated enterocyte function. In celiac disease the lower TGF‐β epithelial cell expression could be a consequence of the preponderance of a less differentiated epithelial cell phenotype also present in the surface epithelium. In contrast, the prominent TGF‐β positivity of the subepithelial lamina propria suggests an association with the local immune and inflammatory response, as well as a potential role of these peptides in mesenchymal‐epithelial cell interaction.
13C and H2 Breath Tests to Study Extent and Site of Starch Digestion in Children with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Amarri Sergio , Harding Marilyn , Coward W. Andrew , Evans T. John , Weaver Lawrence T. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Starch is an important source of energy for children with cystic fibrosis, but little is known about their capacity to digest it.Methods:A 13C breath test was used to measure starch digestion and oxidation in 16 children with cystic fibrosis (median [range] age, 7.9 [4‐15] years; 7 girls, 9 boys) and 5 normal healthy control subjects (median age, 8.3 [7‐13] years; 3 girls, 2 boys). A test meal of 13C flour and lactulose was consumed and breath samples were obtained half‐hourly thereafter for 6 hours to measure 13C enrichment by isotope ratio mass spectrometry and H2 by electrochemistry. The test was repeated on 10 children with cystic fibrosis when they were taking pancreatic supplements.Results:The median (range) cumulative percentage 13C dose recovery (cPDR), was 35% (18‐52%) in control subjects, 18% (9‐33%) in children with cystic fibrosis without enzymes, and 29% (22‐51%) in those with pancreatic supplements. cPDR differed significantly between healthy control subjects and children with cystic fibrosis without enzymes (p = 0.01) and between children with cystic fibrosis with and without enzymes (p < 0.0001), but there was no difference between control subjects and children with cystic fibrosis taking enzymes (p = 0.5). Eight children with cystic fibrosis had a cPDR within control range, and in six there was a second peak in 13CO2 enrichment coincident with an increase in H2.Conclusions:Starch digestion and oxidation are diminished in children with cystic fibrosis, but pancreatic enzymes restored them to near normal levels. A second peak in 13CO2 enrichment, suggestive of colonic starch fermentation was absent in healthy children, but present in some children with cystic fibrosis and abolished by pancreatic enzymes.
Individualized Protein Fortification of Human Milk for Preterm Infants: Comparison of Ultrafiltrated Human Milk Protein and a Bovine Whey Fortifier
Authors: Polberger Staffan , Räihä Niels C. R. , Juvonen Pekka , Moro Guido E. , Minoli Iolanda , Warm Amiel 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:To improve the nutritional management of preterm infants, a new individualized human milk fortification system based on presupplementation milk protein analyses was evaluated.Methods:In an open, prospective, randomized multicenter study, 32 healthy preterm infants (birth weights, 920‐1750 g) were enrolled at a mean of 21 days of age (range, 9‐36 days) when tolerating exclusive enteral feedings of 150 ml/kg per day. All infants were fed human milk and were randomly allocated to fortification with a bovine whey protein fortifier (n = 16) or ultrafiltrated human milk protein (n = 16). All human milk was analyzed for protein content before fortification with the goal of a daily protein intake of 3.5 g/kg. During the study period (mean, 24 days) daily aliquots of the fortified milk were obtained for subsequent analyses of the protein content.Results:Both fortifiers were well tolerated, and growth gain in weight, length, and head circumference, as well as final preprandial concentrations of serum urea, transthyretin, transferrin, and albumin were similar in both groups. The ultimate estimated protein intake was equivalent in both groups (mean 3.1 ± 0.1 g/kg per day). Serum amino acid profiles were similar in both feeding groups, except for threonine (significantly higher in the bovine fortifier group) and proline and ornithine (significantly higher in the human milk protein group).Conclusions:Protein analyses of the milk before individual fortification provides a new tool for an individualized feeding system of the preterm infant. The bovine whey protein fortifier attained biochemical and growth results similar to those found in infants fed human milk protein exclusively with the corresponding protein intakes.
Effect of Gum Arabic in an Oral Rehydration Solution on Recovery From Diarrhea in Rats
Authors: Teichberg Saul , Wingertzahn Mark A. , Moyse Jeffrey , Wapnir Raul A. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:It has been shown that gum arabic, a soluble fiber, enhances water, electrolyte, and glucose absorption from oral rehydration solutions in jejunal perfusion of healthy rats and in animals with theophylline‐induced secretion or chronic osmotic‐secretory diarrhea. This report concerns a study of the effectiveness of an oral rehydration solution supplemented with gum arabic, during recovery from chronic osmotic secretory diarrhea in free‐living rats.Methods:Chronic diarrhea was induced in 60‐ to 80‐g juvenile rats by providing a magnesium citrate‐phenolphthalein solution as the sole fluid source for 7 days. This led to diarrhea characterized by dehydration, soft stools, increased cecal volume, decreased food and fluid intake and failure to gain weight. After 7 days of diarrhea, rats recovered for 24 hours with either tap water or an oral rehydration solution (90 mM Na, 111 mM glucose, 20 mM K, 80 mM chloride, 20 mM citrate) with or without 2.5 g/l gum arabic.Results:Although all three solutions improved the diarrhea, optimal recovery from diarrhea was achieved with the gum arabic‐supplemented oral rehydration solution. After 4 hours and 24 hours, rats drinking the gum arabic‐supplemented solution gained more weight and had lower fecal output than rats receiving water or the rehydration solution without gum arabic. All three solutions normalized plasma osmolality after 24 hours.Conclusions:The positive effects of the gum arabic‐supplemented rehydration solution on fluid and electrolyte absorption seen during jejunal perfusion also occurred during recovery from chronic osmotic secretory diarrhea, when free‐living animals drank the solution ad libitum.
High Viral Load and Mild Liver Injury in Children with Hemophilia Compared with Other Children with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Zellos Aglaia , Thomas David L. , Mocilnikar Cathleen , Perlman Elizabeth J. , Boitnott John K. , Casella James F. , Schwarz Kathleen B. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:In adults with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the severity of liver disease may be influenced by the mode of transmission. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the mode of transmission affects liver injury and viral load in children with chronic HCV infection, independent of duration of infection and/or HCV genotype.Methods:Thirty‐nine anti‐HCV (EIA‐2) positive patients, were divided into three groups: group 1, children with a history of blood transfusion (n = 9; age, 13.3 ± 1.3 years), group 2, children with hemophilia (n = 19; age, 11.6 ± 0.8 years); and group 3, children with maternal‐fetal transmitted disease (n = 10; age, 4.7 ± 1.1 years). Serum alanine aminotransferase, HCV viral load, HCV genotype, and liver histology were assessed.Results:Serum HCV viral load was higher in group 2 (4.27 ± 1.0 × 106 copies/ml; p = 0.006) than in group 1 (0.73 ± 0.3 × 106 copies/ml) and in group 3 (0.83 ± 0.2 × 106 copies/ml). Conversely, group 2 had less severe liver injury compared with children of similar age in group 1 (p = 0.022). Despite a shorter duration of infection, group 3 had liver injury similar to that in group 1. Hepatitis C virus genotype did not influence the level of viremia or liver injury.Conclusions:Although children with hemophilia exhibited a high HCV viral load, liver histopathology was less severe than in children who had acquired HCV by blood transfusion or maternal‐fetal transmission. These observations support the need to investigate the role of host immune response rather than the virus per se in the pathogenesis of HCV infection in children.
Characteristics and Prevalence of Helicobacter heilmannii Infection in Children Undergoing Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Authors: Mention Karine , Michaud Laurent , Guimber Dominique , Martin De Lasalle Elisabeth , Vincent Pascal , Turck Dominique , Gottrand Frédéric 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Helicobacter heilmannii, described in 1983 as a new cause of chronic gastritis, has been reported rarely in children. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics and the prevalence of H. heilmannii infection, in comparison with Helicobacter pylori infection in children undergoing upper digestive endoscopy.Methods:Diagnosis of H. heilmannii was based on its morphologic characteristics in gastric biopsy specimens (two from the antrum, one from the fundus), whereas H. pylori infection was defined by histology and/or culture (one specimen from the antrum, one from the fundus). Respective prevalences of H. heilmannii and H. pylori were calculated in 518 patients studied prospectively who underwent systematic biopsies.Results:The prevalence of H. pylori was 8.9% (46/518) and increased with age (from 2% before 3 years of age to 18% after 10 years). On the contrary, the prevalence of H. heilmannii infection was low, 0.4% (2/518), and no different from that published in adults. After completion of the study period, a third H. heilmannii‐infected child was diagnosed. Characteristics of H. heilmannii infection could be studied in these three children 5, 9, and 14 years old. Two of three had abdominal pain and one had dysphagia. Nodular gastritis was observed at endoscopy in two children. H. heilmannii chronic active gastritis (n = 3) was localized in the antrum, associated with an interstitial infiltrate, and could not be distinguished from H. pylori gastritis (n = 46).Conclusion:Clinical characteristics, endoscopic features and gastric histopathology did not allow H. heilmannii to be distinguished from H. pylori gastritis in our pediatric population. H. heilmannii infection should be considered and carefully looked for during histologic examination of gastric specimens in cases of H. pylori‐negative gastritis.
Dietary Modulation of Intestinal Fructose Transport and GLUT5 mRNA Expression in Hypothyroid Rat Pups
Authors: Monteiro Iona M. , Jiang Lan , Ferraris Ronaldo P. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Intestinal fructose transport rates or GLUT5 mRNA levels typically show a two‐ to threefold increase after weaning in rats allowed to wean normally but can be enhanced precociously by high‐fructose diets during early weaning. Developmental increases in serum thyroxine levels coincide with the onset of weaning and have been linked to changes in intestinal sucrase and lactase activities.Methods:Rat pups were made hypothyroid by giving the dam 0.01% propylthiouracil as drinking water from day 18 of gestation. The hypothyroid pups and age‐matched euthyroid control pups were then fed high‐fructose or high‐glucose solutions by gavage, twice a day starting at 17 days of age for 3 days, and then killed at 20 days of age.Results:Serum thyroxine levels were five times lower in the hypothyroid pups. Rates of intestinal fructose uptake in the proximal and middle small intestine were 2.0 to 2.5 times higher in the hypothyroid and euthyroid pups fed high‐fructose solution than in littermates fed high‐glucose solution or those allowed to wean normally with the dam. Intestinal glucose uptake also increased in hypothyroid but not in euthyroid pups fed high‐fructose or high‐glucose solutions. GLUT5 mRNA levels increased in euthyroid and hypothyroid pups fed high fructose and paralleled the increase in fructose uptake.Conclusion:During weaning, dietary fructose can precociously enhance intestinal fructose uptake and GLUT5 mRNA expression, independent of developmental increases in serum thyroxine levels. Modest changes in glucose transport rates indicate that nonspecific mechanisms may provide a minor contribution to diet‐induced changes in nutrient absorption in hypothyroid pups.