bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of diet complexity on intestinal adaptation following massive small bowel resection in a preclinical model
Authors: Bines Julie E , Taylor Russell G , Justice Frances , Paris Monique C J , Sourial Magdy , Nagy Eva , Emselle Sarah , Catto‐Smith Anthony G , Fuller Peter J 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Aims:
To investigate the effect of dietary complexity on intestinal adaptation using a preclinical model.
Methods:
Four‐week‐old piglets underwent a 75% proximal small bowel resection or transection operation (control). Post‐operatively, animals received either pig chow (n = 15), polymeric formula (n = 9), polymeric formula plus fiber (n = 6), or elemental formula (n = 7).
Results:
The weight gain of all groups was reduced compared with controls that were fed the same diet. Animals that had a resection, which were fed elemental formula, had significantly reduced weight gain compared with the other groups (4.7  4.2 vs 30.7  7.1 kg chow and 11.5  1.3 kg polymeric formula). Villus height was increased in the jejunum, ileum and terminal ileum of resected animals compared with controls in animals fed with pig chow, polymeric formula and elemental formula. The animals that had a resection had a significant reduction in the transepithelial conductance (10.4  5.5 vs 25.4  6.5 mS/cm2) and 51Chromium‐EDTA flux (2.8  1.9 vs 4.8  4.9 µL/h per cm2) compared with the controls.
Conclusions:
A complex diet was found to be superior to an elemental diet in terms of the morphological and functional features of adaptation following massive small bowel resection.© 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Delayed gastrointestinal transit in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: CHEN CHIH‐YEN , LU CHING‐LIANG , CHANG FULL‐YOUNG , LIH‐JIUN KANG , LUO JIING‐CHYUAN , LU REI‐HWA , LEE SHOU‐DONG 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background and Aim:
Disturbed gastrointestinal (GI) motility exists in cirrhotic patients; however, less is known about the character of GI transit in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. It is interesting to study the GI transit in HCC patients and to explore the patient factors modulating GI transit.
Methods:
A non‐invasive hydrogen breath test, which measured the orocecal transit time (OCTT), was used to study GI transit in 40 HCC patients, 20 cirrhotics and 40 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy volunteers with normal bowel habits. Meanwhile, their clinical manifestations and various blood parameters, such as platelet count, prothrombin time, erythrocyte sedimentation rate etc. were collected. The plasma endothelin‐1 and nitrate/nitrite levels were also measured.
Results:
The OCTT were delayed in HCC and cirrhotic patients compared with controls (116.3 ± 7.8 and 104.5 ± 10.6 vs 75.3 ± 5.1 min, P < 0.05). Neither the severity of liver damage, presence of ascites, tumor size, portal hypertension, nor various blood parameters, such as nitrate/nitrite, endothelin‐1, platelet count etc., had any influence on GI transit. Only serum α‐fetoprotein levels exhibited a trend toward positive correlation with the OCTT (r = 0.271, P = 0.091).
Conclusions:
Hepatocellular carcinoma patients have delayed GI transit. The confounding factor responsible for the disturbance of GI transit in HCC patients needs further exploration.© 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Effects of oxymatrine on the serum levels of T helper cell 1 and 2 cytokines and the expression of the S gene in hepatitis B virus S gene transgenic mice: A study on the anti‐hepatitis B virus mechanism of oxymatrine
Authors: DONG YUHONG , Xi HONGLI , YU YANYAN , Wang QINHUAN , JIANG KAN , LI LIUZHE 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Background:
Oxymatrine has been shown to have a remarkable inhibitory activity to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with a hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg) serum conversion rate of approximately 45%. In order to explore the anti‐HBV mechanism of oxymatrine, the effects of oxymatrine on serum levels of T helper (h)1 cytokines (interferon (IFN)‐γ and interleukin (IL)‐2) and Th2 cytokines (IL‐4 and IL‐10), and the expression of S gene in HBV S gene transgenic mice were studied.
Methods:
Each transgenic mouse was either injected with oxymatrine or saline intraperitoneally once a day for 30 days. Serum levels of IFN‐γ, IL‐2, IL‐4 and IL‐10 were quantitated and compared to the data before the treatment. The expression of HBV S gene in transgenic mice was analyzed at the DNA, mRNA and protein levels.
Results:
The serum levels of IFN‐γ in transgenic mice before or after oxymatrine treatment were 3.108 ± 3.172 and 11.059 ± 6.971 pg/mL, respectively. In contrast, serum levels before and after oxymatrine treatment for IL‐4 were 29.045 ± 13.235 and 13.024 ± 9.002 pg/mL, respectively (P < 0.001). The serum levels of IL‐2 in the control (saline injection) and oxymatrine‐treated mice were 1.070 ± 0.447 and 5.537 ± 2.887 pg/mL, respectively (P < 0.0001); and that of IL‐10 were 97.226 ± 73.306 and 33.607 ± 23.154 pg/mL, respectively (P < 0.01). No significant differences were observed in the expression of HBV S gene in the transgenic mice at the DNA, mRNA and protein levels before or after oxymatrine treatment.
Conclusions:
The fact that Th1 cytokines are increased while Th2 cytokines are decreased suggests that oxymatrine treatment triggers the change of immune response to hepatitis B infection in transgenic mice, which leads to improved HBV inhibitory activities. The study can help us better understand the mechanisms of the anti‐HBV drug, oxymatrine, and how it has potential as an application in clinical chronic hepatitis B treatment.© 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Relationship between non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug use and Helicobacter pylori infection in bleeding or uncomplicated peptic ulcers: A case‐control study
Authors: OKAN ABDULLAH , TANKURT ETHEM , ASLAN BELGIN U , AKPINAR HALE , SIMSEK ILKAY , GONEN OMUR 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground and Aims: Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) use has been closely associated with an increased risk of bleeding peptic ulcers, while the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection has been reported to be lower in bleeding ulcers than in non‐bleeding ones. However, whether an interaction exists between NSAID use and H. pylori infection has not clearly been elucidated yet. The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of NSAID use and H. pylori infection, to predict risk factors in bleeding peptic ulcers and to determine whether NSAID use and H. pylori infection interact with each other.Methods: Ninety‐six patients with bleeding ulcer were included in the study. The control group consisted of 106 patients with non‐bleeding ulcer. Data were analyzed by using the chi‐squared test, Fisher's exact test and logistic regression analysis with or without interaction term (H. pylori by NSAID).Results: Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug use was significantly more common in patients with bleeding ulcers than in controls (79.2 vs 38.7%, unadjusted odds ratio (OR): 6.02, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.21–11.29). The frequency of the H. pylori infection was significantly lower in patients with bleeding ulcers than in controls (66.7 vs 89.6%, unadjusted OR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.10–0.49). In the logistic regression analysis with the interaction term, male sex (adjusted OR: 3.70, 95% CI: 1.65–8.29), multiplicity of ulcers (adjusted OR: 4.10, 95% CI: 1.02–16.45) and NSAID use (adjusted OR: 33.87, 95% CI: 4.36–262.97) were independent risk factors for bleeding ulcers. There was a negative interaction between H. pylori and NSAID use (adjusted OR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01–0.83).Conclusions: The negative interaction between the two variables suggests that the presence of H. pylori is associated with a lower risk of bleeding in ulcer patients taking NSAIDs.© 2003 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Is smoking an indirect risk factor for the development of ulcerative colitis? An age‐ and sex‐matched case–control study
Authors: ABRAHAM NED , SELBY WARWICK , LAZARUS ROSS , SOLOMON MICHAEL 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground:  It has been suggested that smoking protects against the development of ulcerative colitis (UC). Evidence is mainly driven from the way data from a multitude of case–control studies have been interpreted.Methods:  An age‐ and sex‐matched case–control study was conducted to further assess the association between history of smoking, past surgery, childhood, and other potential causative factors with the development of UC using the answers to a detailed questionnaire. The data were analyzed using univariate analysis and logistic regression. The results are presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals.Results:  One hundred and two cases and an equal number of matched controls were included in the study. Using a three‐level comparison, at the age of diagnosis, the risks of developing UC were 0.41 (0.19–0.87), 3.45 (1.62–7.35) and 0.78 (0.44–1.37) for smokers, ex‐smokers and non‐smokers, respectively. When compared to individuals who have never smoked, ex‐smokers were at a higher risk of developing the disease (OR = 3.00 (1.38–6.51)). The specific history of quitting smoking prior to the age of onset of symptoms was associated with an increased risk for developing the disease (OR = 3.45 (1.62–7.35)).Conclusions:  Active smoking was associated with a low risk for the development of UC, but the lack of history of smoking was not associated with an increase in the risk. History of quitting smoking prior to the onset of symptoms, in contrast, was associated with a significant increase in the risk of developing the disease. These findings make the theory of a simple protective effect of smoking on the development of UC difficult to justify. It may be plausible to suggest that the withdrawal of the immunosuppressive effect of smoking triggers the disease onset in a genetically susceptible individual or simply unmasks its symptoms.
An investigation into sleep characteristics of children with autism and Asperger’s Disorder
Authors: PATZOLD LM , RICHDALE AL , TONGE BJ 
Published: March 2003

Objective:The aim of the study was to investigate the specificity of sleep problems in children with autism and further explore the currently unclear association between sleep problems and daytime behaviour.Methodology:The Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) group consisted of 31 children with autism and 7 children with Asperger’s Disorder ranging in age from 44 to 152 months. The control group consisted of 36 children ranging in age from 63 to 171 months. The children were matched on age and gender, and group‐matched on IQ level. A sleep diary was completed by parents over a 2‐week period, in addition to several behaviour questionnaires.Results:Results showed that children in the PDD group exhibited qualitatively and quantitatively different sleep patterns to nonautistic control children.Conclusions:The findings were discussed in light of current literature concerning circadian rhythm dysfunction, social difficulties, and abnormal melatonin levels in children with autism.
Cyclic vomiting syndrome in South‐East Asian children
Authors: LEE WS , KAUR P , BOEY CCM , CHAN KC 
Published: March 2003

Objective:To describe the clinical features, management and outcome of children with cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) from South‐East Asia.Methodology:Retrospective review of all children who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of CVS and who were seen at Department of Paediatrics, University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur and Paediatric Unit, Penang Hospital, Penang, Malaysia from 1987 to 1997.Results:Eight children with CVS were seen at the two units during the study period, five girls and three boys. All had cyclical, self‐limited episodes of nausea and vomiting with symptom‐free intervals. The mean age of onset was 5.9 years. The clinical features were similar to other series described in the literature. Only two of the eight children were described as ‘perfectionist’. Two children identified stress as precipitating factors. Therapy to reduce the number of emeses during acute attacks and to prevent subsequent attacks had been ineffective.Conclusion:There are similarities and differences in CVS from South‐East Asian children as compared to those described in the literature.
Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Malaysian children: Evidence for ethnic differences in childhood
Authors: Boey CCM , Goh K‐L , Lee WS , Parasakthi N 
Published: March 2003

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylor (H. pylori) in healthy Malaysian children and to discover whether differences exist among children of different races. Methods: Serum samples from asymptomatic children tested for H. pylori seropositivity using an ELISA test. Results: Five hundred and fourteen healthy urban Malaysian children aged 0.5 to 17 (mean 5.9) years from three different racial groups had their blood tested for H. pylori antibodies. The overall prevalence was 10.3%. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of infection between boys and girls, but a significant rise was noted with increasing age (P = 0.009). Seropositivity was most common in the Indians and lowest in the Malays (P = 0.001). Father’s level of education did not affect the child’s rate of H. pylori seropositivity. Conclusion: The prevalence of H. pylori seropositivity among asymptomatic urban Malaysian children is lowest in Malays, intermediate in Chinese and highest in Indians. The racial differences found in children are consistent with those found in Malaysian adults.
Stress experienced by mothers of Malaysian children with mental retardation
Authors: Ong LC , Chandran V , Peng R 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To compare parenting stress among Malaysian mothers of children with mental retardation and a control group, and to determine factors associated with stress. Methodology: Seventy‐five mothers of children with mental retardation aged 4–12 years and 75 controls (those without disabilities who attended the walk‐in paediatric clinic) participated in the Parenting Stress Index (PSI). Intelligence quotient (IQ) and Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) scores, together with sociodemographic data, were entered into a multiple stepwise regression analysis, using the PSI as the criterion. Results: Mothers of children with mental retardation scored significantly higher than control subjects in both the child‐related domain (difference between means 26.1, 95% confidence interval 19.6–32.5) and parent‐related domain (difference between means 15.0, 95% confidence interval 7.9–22.1) of the PSI. The total child behaviour scores from the CBCL (P < 0.01), IQ scores (P < 0.01) and sibship size (P < 0.01) were associated with child‐related domain scores. For the parent‐related domain, CBCL (P < 0.01) and IQ scores (P = 0.01) remained important factors but Chinese ethnicity (P < 0.01) and maternal unemployment (P < 0.01) were also significant predictors of stress. Conclusion: A large proportion of mothers of children with mental retardation experienced substantial parenting stress, especially Chinese and unemployed mothers, and this warrants appropriate intervention.
A clinical trial comparing oral azithromycin, cefixime and no antibiotics in the treatment of acute uncomplicated Salmonella enteritis in children
Authors: Chiu CH , Lin TY , Ou JT 
Published: March 2003

Objective: The objective of this study was to perform a prospective, randomized, controlled study to evaluate the role of azithromycin and cefixime in the treatment of uncomplicated non‐typhoid Salmonella enteritis in children. Methodology: Patients with Salmonella enteritis were randomized to receive oral azithromycin (10 mg/kg/day once daily), cefixime (10 mg/kg/day divided twice daily) or no antibiotics for 5 days. The patients were followed up for the duration of their symptoms. Stool samples were sent for culture weekly following the therapy until two consecutive negative results were obtained. Susceptibility of the isolates to antibiotics was tested by the disk diffusion method. Results: Forty‐two patients with acute, uncomplicated, culture‐confirmed Salmonella enteritis were studied. Duration of diarrhoea and time to defervescence after the therapy were not significantly different for patients treated with azithromycin, cefixime, or no antibiotics; there also were no significant differences with respect to the rate of clearance of Salmonella from stools among the three groups. Salmonella typhimurium was the most common serotype isolated. All 42 isolates were sensitive to cefixime, while two strains (5%) were resistant to azithromycin. Conclusions: Azithromycin or cefixime provides no benefit to paediatric patient with uncomplicated Salmonella enteritis.
Transition from paediatric to adult care for persons with cystic fibrosis: Patient and parent perspectives
Authors: Westwood ATR , Henley LD , Willcox P 
Published: March 2003

Objectives: To gauge the perspectives of adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) and their parents regarding the transition from paediatric to adult‐oriented health care. Methods: Cross‐sectional survey using an anonymous, semi‐structured questionnaire. The study population consisted of adolescents and adults attending a paediatric and an adult CF clinic in Cape Town, South Africa and their parents. Results: Forty‐seven of the 61 subjects completed the questionnaire (response rate 77%). Autonomy in health care was ‘extremely important’ to most persons with CF. Transfer at the age of 16–18 years of age was the preferred option for most respondents. Whereas over 80% of parents felt their children needed more CF‐related information, only 38% of adolescents expressed this need (P &lt; 0.05). Adolescents also reported little need for general health information. More than 80% of respondents were ‘unsure’ about transfer. Over 90% felt that a transition clinic would be useful. As viewed by the respondents, its main purpose would be to provide information about the adult clinic and an opportunity to meet the CF doctor in the adult clinic. Conclusions: There are significant concerns about the transition process in this population. Given the expressed need for autonomy and a transition clinic, the basis for a smoother transition in the future has been laid.
The prevalence of recurrent abdominal pain in 11‐ to 16‐year‐old Malaysian schoolchildren
Authors: Boey CCM , Yap SB , Goh K‐L 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To determine the prevalence of recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) among Malaysian school children aged from 11 to 16 years. Methodology: A preliminary cross‐sectional survey in which three urban schools and three rural schools were selected randomly. Two classes were selected randomly from each year. A questionnaire was given to each child asking him or her about whether they had experienced abdominal pain occurring at least three times over a period of at least 3 months, interfering with normal daily activity.
1 Interfering with normal daily activity was defined as missing school and/or having to stop doing a routine daily activity on account of the pain. Girls whose pains were related to periods were excluded. After the forms had been completed, each child was again interviewed to ensure that Apley’s criteria
1 was fulfilled in cases of RAP. Results: The overall prevalence of RAP among 1549 schoolchildren (764 boys; 785 girls) was 10.2% (95% confidence interval (CI), 8.8–11.8). There appeared to be a higher prevalence in rural schoolchildren (P = 0.008; odds ratio (OR) 1.58), in those with a lower family income (P < 0.001; OR 2.02) and in children whose fathers have a lower educational attainment (P = 0.002; OR 1.92). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of RAP among children of different sex, age, ethnic group and family size. Conclusion: In spite of differences in time and culture, the overall prevalence of 10.2% found in this study is similar to that determined by Apley.
1 There are significant differences in the prevalence of RAP between children from rural and urban schools, among children with different family incomes and among children whose parents have different educational backgrounds.
Asthma management in indigenous children of a remote community using an indigenous health model
Authors: Chang A B , Shannon C , O’Neil M C , Tiemann A M , Valery P C , Craig D , Fa'afoi E , Masters I B 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To describe the management of asthma in children in a remote indigenous community and the delivery of subspecialist service through the indigenous health‐care model. Methodology: Children referred by indigenous health‐care workers were evaluated prospectively by paediatric respiratory physicians, based on a standardized protocol, at a primary health care setting at Thursday Island, Queensland. Results: Forty of the 54 children referred with a provisional diagnosis of asthma did have asthma, with 30% having persistent asthma. Only 59% of parents knew the dose of the medication prescribed and 80% had minimal knowledge of the medications. In 88% of children, the management of asthma was improved by introduction of an appropriate spacer device and changing the dose and type of medications. Conclusions: The management of children with asthma in the Torres region can be improved substantially by the use of age appropriate delivery devices and medications, and improving knowledge of asthma. Specialist delivery service to remote indigenous communities can be effectively delivered in partnership with the indigenous health service. The high proportion of persistent asthma in the Torres Straits community in comparison to urbanised Australia raises issues of inequity of appropriate medical service delivery to remote indigenous communities.
Rib fractures in infants: Red alert!
Authors: Cadzow Sp , Armstrong Kl 
Published: March 2003

Objective: To examine clinical features, investigation methods and outcomes of infants with rib fractures. Methodology: All infants aged 2 years or younger who presented over a 5‐year period with documented rib fractures were identified from the medical records database of a tertiary referral paediatric hospital and data collected by retrospective chart review. Additional data regarding notifications and placements were obtained from the Department of Families Youth and Community Care, Queensland. Results: Rib fractures were attributed to child abuse in 15 of 18 infants identified. The initial presentation in the abused infants was most often as a result of intracranial pathology and limb fractures. In four cases the rib fractures were incidental findings when abuse had not been suspected. Bone scintigraphy revealed eight previously undetected rib injuries in four cases. In three cases of abuse, the rib fractures were an isolated finding. Three of the infants with inflicted rib injuries were discharged home. In one such infant a significant re‐injury occurred. Three returned home with implicated adults no longer in residence, and nine spent a mean period of 12 months in foster care. Conclusions: Rib fractures in infancy are usually caused by severe physical abuse. Accidental rib fractures are rare in infants and result from massive trauma. Rib fractures, multiple or single, may occur in isolation in abused infants. The implications of such injuries must be recognized to ensure appropriate, safe and consistent child protection outcomes. Bone scintigraphy is more sensitive than radiographs in the detection of acute rib fractures and should be performed in all cases of suspected infant abuse.