bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Oxidation of 3‐Hydroxybutyrate in Developing Rat Jejunum
Authors: Kimura Robert E. , Ilich Jasminka Z. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryKetone bodies and glutamine are the primary oxidative substrates in the intestine of fasting adult rats. Because suckling rats consume the majority of their calories in the form of lipid and as a result have elevated blood ketone concentrations similar to fasting adult rats, we examined the role of ketone oxidation as a source of energy in the intestine of suckling rats. In suckling rats the rate of [3–14C]DL‐3‐hydroxybutyrate oxidation in intestinal tissue slices, enterocytes, and intestinal mitochondria was 0.15 ± 0.01 nmol/h/mg wet wt, 8.6 ± 1.1 nmol/h/mg protein and 8.3 ± 1.3 nmol/h/mg protein, respectively. In suckling rats the rate of intestinal oxidation of [3–14C]DL‐3‐hydroxybutyrate was 75% lower than the rate in weaned rats in intestinal tissue slices, 55% lower in enterocytes, and 50% lower in intestinal mitochondria. The activity of two enzymes involved in ketone oxidation, 3‐hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, and acetoacetyl‐CoA thiolase was 38% and 55% higher in intestinal homogenates of suckling rats compared with adult rats. In contrast, 3‐oxoacid CoA‐transferase activity, an enzyme also involved in 3‐hydroxybutyrate oxidation, was one third that of adults. These studies indicate that intestinal oxidation of 3‐HB occurs in suckling rat pups, but is lower than the rate of oxidation in the intestine of weaned rats.
Determining Esophageal Length from Crown‐Rump Length
Authors: Putnam Philip E. , Orenstein Susan R. 
Published: January 2024

SummarySince esophageal length varies linearly with height, intraluminal pH monitoring can be performed at a position within the esophagus that is determined by an equation. Alternatively, pH probes can be positioned under fluoroscopic guidance, though no radiographic landmarks indicate the position that is 87% of esophageal length (where the monitoring is usually accomplished). Our aims were to determine whether a relationship might exist between crown‐rump length and esophageal length, for use in patients in whom height is difficult or inappropriate to measure, and to determine whether the mid‐right atrium can be used as a radiographic landmark in fluoroscopic pH probe placement. Height, crown‐rump length, and distance from the suprasternal notch to the left anterior superior iliac spine were measured in 65 consecutive children undergoing 24‐h pH monitoring. As the pH probe was inserted under fluoroscopy, distances from the nose to diaphragm and mid‐right atrium were determined. Equations were derived by simple linear regression to describe the relationships between each of the body measurements and esophageal length. There is excellent correlation between crown‐rump length and the distances from the nose to diaphragm and to mid‐right atrium. The mid‐right atrium corresponds to 87% of the nose to diaphragm distance in many patients.
The Intestinal Absorption of 3‐O‐Methyl‐D‐glucose in Methotrexate‐Treated Rats
Authors: Erdman Steven H. , Hart Michael H. , Park Jung H. Y. , Vanderhoof Jon A. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThe in vivo absorption of 3–0‐methyl‐D‐glucose (3MG) as a marker of intestinal function has not been studied in an animal model. We evaluated the use of 3MG as a marker of intestinal absorption when given en‐terally to rats recovering from small bowel mucosal injury induced by methotrexate (MTX). Radiolabeled 3MG was administered into the duodenum of control (CON) and MTX‐treated rats and blood samples were obtained at specified intervals. Mucosal permeability was also assessed using radiolabeled mannitol and polyethylene glycol 900 (PEG). Concentration time points were plotted, and area under the curve was calculated as an approximation of absorbed dose. Mucosal weight, maltase activity, and protein content were determined on mucosal scrapings. During the acute phase (day 5), 3MG absorption and maltase‐specific activity were significantly decreased in the MTX group when compared to the CON group (p < 0.001). The MTX group showed a trend toward greater permeability to mannitol when compared to the CON group; however, this was not statistically significant. Mucosal permeability to PEG was similar in both groups. During a later stage in the recovery process (day 12), the area under the curve calculations for 3MG absorption were the same for both CON and MTX animals, with maltase activity in the MTX group recovering to control values. Changes in 3MG absorption paralleled total maltase activities following severe injury. These results suggest that the combined active and passive transport of 3MG in vivo could be of use as a marker of intestinal absorption in states where the small intestine has sustained major damage resulting in compromised absorption as well as brush border digestion.
Calcium Metabolism in Children During Long‐Term Total Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Larchet Michel , Garabédian Michèle , Bourdeau Agnes , Gorski Anne‐Marie , Goulet Olivier , Ricour Claude 
Published: January 2024

SummaryHypercalciuria and bone disease are frequently associated with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in children and adults. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D intakes on hypercalciuria. We observed seven children aged 4–13 years receiving home cyclic TPN for 4 consecutive years. Calcium and phosphorus intakes, constant during the 1st year, were reduced during the last 3 years to 50 and 30% of the initial intakes, and vitamin D was stopped during the 3rd and the 4th years. All children had hypercalciuria and one of them had acute painful osteopenia and nephrocalcinosis at the beginning of the study. Hypercalciuria was corrected and painful bone disease did not occur during the three following years, with TPN daily intakes of calcium, 0.35 mmol/kg, and phosphorus, 0.70 mmol/kg. Cessation of vitamin D administration during 48 months led to no further decrease in calciuria nor to the occurrence of clinical or biological signs of vitamin D deficiency. However, we hypothesize that excessive vitamin D intake may have facilitated the occurrence of the TPN‐related bone disease in one patient and should be avoided. The possible role of parenteral aluminum loading is also discussed.
Nutritional Rehabilitation Increases Resting Energy Expenditure Without Affecting Protein Turnover in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Vaisman Nachum , Clarke Ruth , Pencharz Paul B. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThe effect of nutritional rehabilitation on several nutritional parameters was studied in eight malnourished patients with cystic fibrosis during the first year after gastrostomy tube insertion. Body composition was studied by fat skinfold measurements and by total body potassium count, resting energy expenditure (REE) by indirect calorimeter, and protein turnover by a single dose administration of [15N]glycine. Weight gain was accompanied by a significant increase in the various body compartments: weight 41.4 ± 7.5 to 46.1 ± 8.4 kg (p < 0.0002), fat body mass 5.6 ± 2.8 to 7.7 ± 3.4 kg (p < 0.005) and fat‐free body mass (FFBM) 35.7 ± 6.3 to 38.3 ± 6.9 kg (p < 0.0003). REE increased significantly per kg of body weight as well as per kg of FFBM. No significant differences were found in protein turnover during reefed‐ing nor in pulmonary function. We conclude that nutritional support restores body composition, but is accompanied by an increase in energy expenditure. This increase could not be attributed to increased protein turnover
Effects of Short‐Term Growth Hormone Therapy in Rats Undergoing 75% Small Intestinal Resection
Authors: Shulman Dorothy I , Hu Cheng Shih , Duckett Gregory , Lavallee‐Grey Muriel 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThirty 250‐g male rats underwent 75% small intestinal resection and received s.c. injections of water [short gut (SG)—control], human growth hormone (hGH) at 0.1 mg/kg/dose [SG‐low‐dose (LD) GH], or hGH at 1.0 mg/kg/dose [SG‐high‐dose (HD) GH] every other day for 28 days. Ten additional rats underwent sham operation and received water injections (sham control). After 28 days, SG‐control and SG‐LDGH rats weighed significantly less than the sham control group; the mean weight of the SG‐HDGH group was not different from other groups. Weight per centimeter of the distal ileum was greater in all SG groups compared to the sham control group, and was greater in the SG‐HDGH than in the SG‐control group. Mean mucosal height of the distal ileum was greater in both SG groups receiving GH than in sham controls. No differences in ileal mucosal DNA content or ileal insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) content were identified between groups. Mucosal sucrase activity was not increased in hGH‐treated rats. Serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations were higher in SG‐HDGH rats than in SG‐control animals. HDGH increased body weight, distal ileal weight/cm, and mucosal height in rats undergoing 75% small bowel resection. A trend toward normalization of serum calcium, phosphorus, and plasma IGF‐1 concentrations was also observed. Further longer‐term studies are indicated to learn if GH has a beneficial effect upon gut growth and function in the SG syndrome.
Bilirubin Uridine Diphosphate Glucuronosyltransferase Hepatic Activity in Jaundice Associated with Congenital Hypothyroidism
Authors: Labrune P. , Myara A. , Huguet P. , Folliot A. , Vial M. , Trivin F. , Odievre M. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryHepatic bilirubin uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase activity was assayed in an infant with prolonged jaundice and congenital hypothyroidism before thyroid therapy. This activity was nil, suggesting a possible delayed maturation of the enzyme. Although further studies will be necessary to confirm this hypothesis, prolonged jaundice associated with congenital hypothyroidism may be due to a delayed maturation of the hepatic glucuronidation of bilirubin.
Transient Elevation of Urinary Catecholamine Excretion and Cholestatic Liver Disease in a Neonate With Hypopituitarism
Authors: Krähe J. , Hauffa B. P. , Wollmann H. A. , Käser H. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryHypothalamic hypopituitarism was diagnosed in a 3‐month‐old boy presenting with cholestatic liver disease, which resolved 5 weeks after the start of replacement therapy with hydrocortisone and human growth hormone. Clinical and pathohistological features of liver disease associated with neonatal hypopituitarism in this patient are compared to those of patients reviewed from the literature. Urinary excretion of dopa and 3‐methoxytyramine but not of other catecholamine metabolites was elevated during cholestatic liver disease. 3‐Methoxy‐tyramine excretion normalized when cholestasis resolved. Altered hepatic metabolism of catecholamines due to growth hormone and Cortisol deficiency may explain this observation.
Eicosanoids Content in Small Intestinal Mucosa of Children with Celiac Disease
Authors: Branski D. , Hurvitz H. , Halevi A. , Klar A. , Navon P. , Weidenfeld J. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryCeliac disease (CD) is characterized by diarrhea, growth retardation, and weight loss in genetically susceptible subjects on a gluten‐containing diet. The exact pathogenesis of CD is still obscure, but it is considered to be immunologically mediated. We have previously shown elevated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane B2 (TxB2) content in small intestinal mucosa obtained from active celiac children. In the present study, we found significantly elevated PGE2, leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and leukotrienes C4,D4, and E4 (LTC4D4E4) content in small bowel mucosa from children suffering from CD on a gluten‐containing diet in comparison to control subjects. PGE2 was 25,278 ± 7,761 vs. 4,478 ± 426 pg/mg of protein (mean ± SEM), respectively. LTB4 was 8,807 ± 3,706 vs. 403 ± 63 pg/mg of protein (mean ± SEM), respectively. LTC4D4E4 was 15,369 ± 4,085 vs. 2,998 ± 279 pg/mg of protein (mean ± SEM), respectively. We conclude that the elevated content of arachidonic acid metabolic products via cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways may contribute to the diarrhea and may be involved in the pathogenesis of mucosal injury.
Evaluation of Reflux Episodes During Simultaneous Esophageal pH Monitoring and Gastroesophageal Reflux Scintigraphy in Children
Authors: Vandenplas Y. , Derde M. P. , Piepsz A. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryGastroesophageal pH monitoring and reflux scintigraphy were simultaneously performed in 65 children, who were being investigated for suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease. The aim of the study was to compare, peak per peak, the information provided by the two techniques during a 1‐h simultaneous‐recording period. During this period, 123 reflux episodes were recorded with both techniques, but only six occurred simultaneously. Significantly more reflux episodes were recorded on scintigraphy (n = 88; p < 0.05), particularly during the first half‐hour period (n = 62), if compared with the number of pH drops greater than 1 unit, even at pH levels higher than 4 (n = 41; p < 0.05). It is concluded that the two techniques explore differently the reflux phenomenon.
Plasma and Gastric Juice Levels of Prostaglandins in Critically Ill Children
Authors: Lopez‐Herce Jesus , Codoceo Rosa , Delgado Miguel A. , Elola Pilar , Dorao Paloma , Benito Consuelo , Ruza Francisco 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThe levels of prostaglandin (PG) E2 and 6‐keto‐PGF1α (stable metabolite of prostacyclin) in plasma and gastric juice were determined in 113 critically ill children and adolescent, and compared to those registered in a plasma control group of 24 children and a gastric juice control group of 15. The gastric juice concentration of PGE2 is our patients [9.2 × 3.1 (SEM) pg/ml] was significantly lower (p = 0.001) than in the control group [81.1 × 18.1 (SEM) pg/ml]. There were no differences in plasma levels of PGE2 and plasma gastric juice levels of 6‐ketoPGF1α between the patients and the control groups. Children who died had lower plasma levels of PGE2 [6.2 × 2.2 (SEM) pg/ml] and gastric juice levels of PGE2 [2.3 × 0.8 (SEM) pg/ml] than the survivors (p < 0.05). The gastric juice concentration of PGE2 was also lower in children who suffered important upper gastrointestinal bleeding, although the difference did not reach statistical significance.
Hypertrophic Gastropathy with Transient Sessile Polyps
Authors: Pesce F. , Barabino A. , Dufour C. , Caffarena P. E. , Callea R F. , Gatti R. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryWe report an 8‐year‐old boy with hypertrophic gastropathy (HG) associated with duodenal Giardia lamblia infestation. The follow‐up was complicated by the development of gastric polyps at the site of previous biopsies that spontaneously disappeared within 15 months. Despite the histological similarity, the different course between Ménétrier's disease (MD) in adults (chronic, with frequent development of sessile or pedunculate polyps) and HG (uncomplicated and usually spontaneously resolving) suggests a different pathogenesis. Viral (cytomegalovirus) and bacterial (Helicobacter pylori) infections have been described in association with HG and they could play an important pathogenetic role. The term HG better defines the childhood disease in which a conservative management is recommended.
1β‐Hydroxylated Bile Acids in the Urine of Healthy Neonates
Authors: Obinata K. , Nittono H. , Yabuta K. , Mahara R. , Tohma M. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryIn order to clarify the metabolism of bile acids in neonates, 1β‐hydroxylated bile acids in the urine of healthy newborns were examined by gas chromatogra‐phy‐mass spectrometry. The results showed that the percentage of total lβ‐hydroxylated bile acids, 3β,12a‐dihydroxy‐5‐cholenoic acid and hyocholic acid in neonates was significantly higher than in older children. The ratio of lβ‐hydroxylated bile acids to their comparable primary bile acids was also higher in neonates than in older children. These results suggest that 1β‐ and 6α‐hydroxylation of bile acids are the predominant pathways of bile acid metabolism in neonates.
Comparison of Two Preterai Formulas With or Without Addition of Medium‐Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). II
Authors: Sulkers E. J. , Lafeber H. N. , Degenhart H. J. , Lindemans J. , Sauer P. J. J. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryMedium‐chain triglycerides (MCTs) are included in the fat blend of several preterm formulas because of their complete absorption and rapid oxidation. The effects of two different fat blend compositions on calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg) balances and plasma levels and on plasma levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (AP), and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25‐(OH)2D] were investigated in 28 healthy very‐low‐birth weight infants at 4 weeks of age. A preterm formula with a traditional corn oil/MCT blend containing 38% MCTs (MCT group) was compared to a new fat blend, designed to resemble human milk more, containing 6% MCTs (LCT group). There was a higher absorption of Ca in the MCT group (73% vs. 60%. p < 0.005), and an equal absorption of P (both 92%). The excretion of Ca correlated with the excretion of fat (p < 0.00005). The LCT group showed a higher median PTH level (MCT: 2.1 pmol/L, LCT: 4.7 pmol/L, p < 0.01) and a higher urinary P excretion (p < 0.001). Mg absorption was also lower with LCT, but retention of Mg exceeded intrauterine values in both groups. Mineral plasma levels were in the normal range in both groups. AP was not different between groups and in the upper part of the reference range, whereas 1,25‐(OH)2D levels were above the normal range and also not different between groups. We conclude that with the LCT formula, Ca absorption is slightly lower than with the MCT formula, whereas P absorption is unaffected. The resulting imbalance in absorption is compensated for by an increased urinary excretion of P. We conclude that current recommendations for the maximum Ca/P ratio in preterm formulas (2:1) might be too low in formulas containing only LCT.
Comparative Effects of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide and E. coli Heat‐Stable Toxin on Rat Intestinal Transport
Authors: Guarino Alfredo , Tarallo Luigi , Canani Roberto Berni , Nocerino Agostino , Iafusco Michele , Raimondi Francesco , Rubino Armido 
Published: January 2024

SummaryConflicting data have been published in favor of or against a secretory effect of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in the intestine. The reported effects resemble that of Escherichia coli heat‐stable enterotoxin (ST). In this work the effects of ANP were studied in well established experimental systems and compared with that of ST. Both peptides induced a prompt secretion of water, Na, and Cl with no effects on K net transport in the in vivo rat perfused jejunum. The addition of ST, but not of ANP, evoked an increase of short circuit current in rat intestinal mucosa mounted in Ussing chambers. ST induced a significant increase in guanylate cyclase activity in intestinal homogenates, whereas ANP showed no effect. No binding sites for ANP were detected in basolateral or brush border membranes, nor in isolated enterocytes by a suction filtration technique. In conclusion, ANP acts as a short‐lived intestinal secretagogue in the rat. Its mechanism of action is different from that of E. coli ST and appears to be indirect, since is not mediated by specific intestinal receptors and is not evident in vitro.
Measurement of Colonic Tissue Cyclosporine Concentration in Children with Severe Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Sandborn William J. , Goldman Deborah H. , Lawson George M. , Perrault Jean 
Published: January 2024

SummaryRecent studies suggest that cyclosporine may be an alternative to colectomy in children with severe ulcerative colitis who fail traditional therapy with bowel rest and high‐dose corticosteroids. We report the clinical course of two such children. Patient I received oral cyclosporine at 15 mg/kg/day for 1 week followed by 8 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks. Clinical remission occurred within 5 days and has been sustained for 24 weeks after azathioprine was substituted for cyclosporine. Patient 2 received oral cyclosporine at 7–8 mg/kg/day for 7 days after which colectomy was performed due to lack of clinical improvement. Blood cyclosporine levels for patient 1 ranged from 95 to 406 ng/ml and for patient 2 from 36 to 65 ng/ml. Sigmoid colonic tissue cyclosporine concentrations for patients 1 and 2 were 10,058 and 3,205 ng/g, respectively. The patient who responded had significantly higher blood and colonic tissue cyclosporine concentrations than the patient who did not respond. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to determine if there is a correlation between blood and colonic tissue cyclosporine concentrations and clinical response.
Hypoxemia in Infants with Biliary Atresia
Authors: Seidenberg Jürgen , Kluge Eva , Rodeck Burkhard , Burdelski Martin , von der Hardt Horst 
Published: January 2024

SummaryHypoxemia in liver cirrhosis has been attributed to increased pulmonary perfusion; lung function abnormalities have rarely been found in adults. In infants, however, smaller airways and the disproportion in size between the enlarged liver and abdominal cavity leading to lung compression by elevated diaphragms may well suggest that ventilation disturbances play an important role in the development of hypoxemia. We examined lung functions, ventilation‐perfusion scans, chest radiographs, and blood gases in air and 80% oxygen in 19 infants with biliary atresia (mean age 14 months) and found maximum flows at functional residual capacity (VmaxFRC) markedly decreased [48%± 29% (mean± SD)] and thoracic gas volume (TGV) elevated (156%± 30.2%). Po2 was <9.3 kPa in seven of 19 patients, in whom TGV was higher compared with the other patients (182% vs. 141%, p < 0.005). However, the decrease in Po2, was much more closely correlated to the amount of shunting (r = 0.62, p < 0.05) than to the reduced airway patency (VmaxFRC/TGV, r = 0.41, p = 0.08). We conclude that airway narrowing probably by lung compression is present more frequently in infants than in adults with liver disease. We found some evidence that hyperinflation contributes to the observed low Po2 values, possibly aggravated by inadequate vasoconstriction to hypoxic stimuli. However, pulmonary shunting independent of ventilatory disturbances more readily explained hypoxemia already present in these infants.