bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Study of Colonic Fermentation of Carbohydrate in Infants
Authors: Lifschitz Carlos H. , Carrazza Francisco R. , Feste Andrew S. , Klein Peter D. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryDietary carbohydrate in the colon is fermented and converted into short‐chain fatty acids. We studied the fate of carbohydrate that arrives in the colon under circumstances similar to those that occur during an episode of diarrhea and determined whether a quantitative correlation exists among certain indicators of colonic fermentation of carbohydrate arriving in the large bowel. A stable‐isotope method was used to estimate carbon scavenging by the colon. Fourteen infants with severe malnutrition and history of watery stools and/or increased numbers of stools in the preceding 20 days were studied. Infants underwent nasocecal intubation and a 60‐min infusion of 0.5 g/kg glucose containing 5 mg/kg of 13C‐glucose. Stools were assessed for carbohydrate‐fermenting bacteria, acetate, glucose, and 13C abundance; blood was assessed for acetate; and breath was assessed for hydrogen. Some of the infants eliminated the infusate per anus within 30 min of the infusion (group I; n = 5), while others did so 120 min or more after the infusion (Group II; n = 9). The volume of fecal output after the intracecal infusion differed significantly between group I and group II (57 ± 13 vs. 24 ± 4 ml; p < 0.05). Although baseline breath hydrogen (3 ± 1 vs. 10 ± 4 parts per million) and plasma acetate (41 ± 4 vs. 47 ± 9 μM) values were not significantly different between groups, breath hydrogen values at 45 min after start of infusion were significantly lower in group I than in group II (3 ± 1 vs. 19 ± 5 ppm; p = 0.008); 60 min after start of infusion, plasma acetate levels were significantly lower in group I than in group II (34 ± 8 vs. 69 ± 11μM; p = 0.02), and the difference remained significant throughout the study. Regression analyses indicated a significant association between time elapsed from start of intracolonic infusion and plasma acetate (p = 0.014) and breath hydrogen (p = 0.04) levels for group II. Although we found good correlation between two indicators of colonic fermentation, blood acetate and breath hydrogen, these values did not correlate well with carbon scavenging or fecal bacterial counts. It is possible that the way the colon handles the infusate—i.e., water absorption and/or secretion—may affect carbohydrate fermentation.
Hepatic Toxicity Associated with 2′‐3'Dideoxyinosine in Children with AIDS
Authors: Lacaille Florence , Ortigao Maria Beatriz , Debré Marianne , Rouzioux Christine , Brousse Nicole , Blanche Stéphane 
Published: January 2024

SummaryAmong 34 children with AIDS enrolled in a trial with 2′‐3'dideoxyinosine (ddl), six (aged 1–6 years) developed liver abnormalities within 2–18 months after institution of ddl. Two children died of fulminant hepatic failure (one had also an adenovirus infection), and four had a striking elevation of alkaline phosphatases (AP: 1120–7000 IU/L). All of them received sulfa drugs and antifungic treatment with ketoconazole or fluconazole. Three had a serology positive for hepatitis C virus. The evolution of liver enzymes following withdrawal and re‐challcngc with ddl in the children with elevated AP was an indication of drug‐induced toxicity in two patients. In both of the others, readministration of ddl did not cause any subsequent problems. Liver histology in the patients with fulminant hepatitis showed an extensive hepatic necrosis. Liver biopsy done in two other patients revealed a mild granulomatous hepatitis in one and nonspecific changes (i.e., steatosis and a mild inflammation) in the other. Hepatic toxicity has been described with ddl and other nucleoside analogs in adult patients. These six children had many potential causes of liver disease. It may be that ddl is not hepatotoxic per se but that it precipitates liver disease in predisposed patients. We recommend that liver functions be carefully monitored when using this drug.
Immunochemical Characterization of Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM), Nitric Oxide Synthase, and Neurofilament Protein Expression in Pyloric Muscle of Patients with Pyloric Stenosis
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroyuki , O'Briain D. Sean , Puri Prem 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThe etiology of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is not known. We made an immunocytochemical examination of pyloric muscle from 18 patients with HPS and 10 controls using specific monoclonal antibodies to neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) as well as neurofilament protein and NADPH‐diaphorase histochemistry. In HPS, bundles of hypertrophic muscle fibers expanded the circular muscle layer. The longitudinal muscle also appeared hypertrophic but to a less marked degree. The most striking difference between HPS and the control tissues was that NCAM, NADPH‐diaphorase, and neurofilament protein immunoreactive fibers were absent or markedly reduced within the hypertrophied circular and longitudinal musculature. In contrast, NCAM, NADPH‐diaphorase, and neurofilament protein immunoreactivity was preserved in the myenteric plexus where nerve fibers and ganglion cells were stained. The lack of expression of NCAM, NADPH‐diaphorase, and neurofilament protein on nerve fibers within the circular and longitudinal muscle in patients with pyloric stenosis suggests that the smooth muscle is not innervated in this condition.
Application of Organ Culture of Small Intestine to the Investigation of Enterocyte Damage by Equine Rotavirus
Authors: Batt R. M. , Embaye H. , van de Waal S. , Burgess D. , Edwards G. B. , Hart C. A. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryWe used organ culture of jejunal mucosal explants obtained from ponies aged between 2 and 12 months to study enterocyte damage by group A strains of equine rotavirus. Electron microscopy of jejunal explants maintained for 48 h in the presence of organ culture medium alone showed that entcrocytes were structurally intact and had a densely packed brush border and overlying mucus. Similarly, examination of explants maintained in the presence of rotavirus for 48 h revealed no apparent ultrastructural abnormalities. However, obvious replication and assembly of virus in enterocytes had occurred following exposure to equine rotavirus strains H2 (three of eight occasions), trypsinactivaled H2 (two of four), L338 (five of five), and EQ124 (two of two) although brush borders and intracellular organelles ap peared unaltered. Despite the absence of obvious ultra structural damage, analytical subcellular fractionatior showed that rotavirus infection can result in decreasec activities of microvillar membrane enzymes, with a par ticular loss of the main brush border peak of modal den sity 1.21 g/ml. These findings demonstrate that organ cul ture of small intestine may be applied to the investigatior of rotavirus pathogenicity; they further suggest that cer tain strains impair enterocyte function by affecting the turnover of microvillar membrane proteins.
Oxygen Radical Scavengers are Protective Against Indomethacin‐Induced Intestinal Ulceration in the Rat
Authors: Zahavi Ilan , Fisher Salvador , Marcus Hedva , Heckelman Bruria , Kiro Amnon , Dinari Gabriel 
Published: January 2024

Summary:Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used and may cause small intestinal inflammation and damage. Reactive oxygen metabolites are involved in various gastrointestinal inflammatory processes, but there is little information about their role in small intestinal mucosal damage induced by NSAIDs. We studied the effect of the oxygen radical scavengers superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and allopurinol (ALLO) on indomethacin (INDO)‐induced intestinal ulceration in the rat. Ulceration was produced by s.c. injection of 30 mg/kg of INDO 30 min after refeeding 24 h‐fasted rats. Total ulcer area was measured 24 h after INDO administration. Study groups each consisted of eight animals which received either i.p. CAT, SOD, or both together, at a dosage of 5,000 U/kg each. All drugs were divided into five doses, given once an hour over a 4‐h period, starting at the time of INDO injection. Another group received 100 mg/kg ALLO in two doses. Total ulcer area was reduced by SOD from 228 ± 12 (sq mm, mean ± SEM) to 153 ± 12 (p < 0.001), by CAT to 179 ± 13 (p < 0.01), and by both together to 95 ± 5 (p < 0.0001). ALLO administration reduced the total ulcer area to 176 ± 7 (p < 0.003). The protective effect of oxyradical scavengers supports the hypothesis that oxygen radicals are involved in the pathogenesis of INDO‐induced small intestinal ulceration in the rat.
Effects of a Low Birthweight Infant Formula Containing Human Milk Levels of Docosahexaenoic and Arachidonic Acids
Authors: Koletzko Berthold , Edenhofer Sylvia , Lipowsky Gert , Reinhardt Dietrich 
Published: January 2024

Summary:Long‐chain (LC) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (LCP) are considered conditionally essential nutrients for low birth weight infants (LBWI). Therefore, enrichment of LBWI formulae with metabolites both linoleic (ω‐6) and α‐linolenic (ω‐3) acids at levels typical for human milk has been recommended. However, previous feeding trials with LCP‐enriched formulae evaluated only a dietary supplementation with ω‐3 LCP from fish oils alone or with both ω‐3 and ω‐6 LCP at levels considerably lower than usual human milk contents. We studied the effects of an LBWI formula providing the major ω‐3 and ω‐6 LCP, docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acids, in amounts similar to those in average human milk. Twenty‐seven LBWIs were enrolled in this study when they tolerated full enteral feeding (≥ 130 ml milk/kg/day). Infants either received their own mother's milk (n = 8, birth‐weight 1218 ± 146 g, gestational age 30.2 ± 1.5 weeks, mean ± SD) fortified with protein and minerals (FM‐85, Nestle Ag, Munchen, Germany; dosage 5 g/100 ml milk) or were randomly assigned to blinded batches of an LBWI formula (Prematil, Milupa AG, Friedrichsdorf, Germany) without LCP (n = 10, 1280 ± 229 g, 31.1 ± 3.1 weeks) or with LCP (n = 9, 1253 ± 334 g, 30.4 ± 3.3 wks.). During the study period of 21 days, the three feeding groups did not differ in growth and feeding tolerances as assessed by occurrence of gastric residuals, spitting, or abdominal distention; however, firms stools were noted more frequently in the two formula groups. Compared to infants fed human milk, those on formula without LCP showed significant depletion of plasma phospholipid arachidonic acid (reduced to 74% of levels found in infants fed human milk) and, even more marked, of docosahexaenoic acid (reduced to 64%) as well as total LCP (74%), within 3 weeks of full enteral feeding. In contrast, infants receiving the LCP‐enriched formula achieved an LCP status equal to that of human milk‐fed babies. Results indicate that LBWI absorb formula LCPs and incorporate them into endogenous phospholipids. There were no adverse effects of LCP enrichment on vitamin‐E status. We conclude that the LCP enrichment of the formula used in this study was well tolerated, did not interfere with short‐term growth or vitamin‐E status, and provided sufficient amounts of essential fatty acids to match the ω‐3 and ω‐6 LCP status of infants fed human milk.
Artificial Formula Induces Precocious Maturation of the Small Intestine of Artificially Reared Suckling Rats
Authors: Dvorak Bohuslav , McWilliam Debra L. , Williams Catherine S. , Dominguez Jessica A. , Machen Nancy W. , McCuskey Robert S. , Philipps Anthony F. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe artificially reared rat model was used successfully to study the effect of nutrition during the early postnatal period on growth and development of the neonate. Overgrowth and morphologic changes of the gastrointestinal tract are known consequences of artificial rearing. The major goal of our study was to elucidate whether artificial rearing–enhanced gut development is caused by artificial diet or by gastrostomy and the artificial rearing technique itself.MethodsSuckling rats at day 8 of age underwent intragastric cannulation and were machine fed either a cow's milk–based artificial rat's milk substitute or pooled rat's milk for 4 days. Dam‐fed littermates served as a control.ResultsBody growth did not differ in the three experimental groups. In rats receiving rat's milk substitute, small intestinal wet weight was approximately 60% greater than in rats fed rat's milk or control rats. Additionally, the entire small intestine was approximately 20% longer in the rat's milk substitute group. Morphologically, rat's milk substitute–fed pups demonstrated significantly greater intestinal villus length and crypt depth compared with rat's milk–fed or control rats. Jejunum and midjejunum of the rat's milk and control groups did not differ in these parameters. Intestinal sucrase activity of rat's milk substitute–fed rats was significantly elevated compared with rat's milk–fed rats or control animals.ConclusionsThese results indicate that cow's milk–based formula, not gastrostomy or artificial feeding technique, is a principal cause of the small intestine overgrowth and precocious maturation of some intestinal functions observed in artificially reared sucklings.
A Single Food Bolus Stimulates Albumin Synthesis in Growing Piglets
Authors: de Meer Kees , Smolders Hedwig C. , Meesterburrie Jan , de Sain‐van der Velden Monique , Voorbij Hieronymus A.M. , Okken Albert , Reijngoud Dirk‐Jan , Kulik Wim 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundA stable isotope tracer method to quantify the synthesis of proteins of hepatic origin in response to feeding is described. The response of albumin synthesis on one mixed meal in a piglet model was investigated and the intragastric and intravenous administration modes of 13C‐valine were compared.MethodsThe fasting and postprandial fractional synthesis rates (FSRs) of albumin in 15 piglets were measured while infusion rates of 13C‐valine were changed in anticipation of the increased appearance of the tracee after a single liquid food bolus (30 mL/kg infant formula). 13C‐valine enrichments in albumin hydrolysates at regular time intervals were determined with gas chromatography–combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry.ResultsThe intravenous mode (n = 8) showed constant plasma α‐ketoisovalerate tracer‐to‐tracee ratios (coefficient of variation range: 1–8%), and a 27% increase in albumin FSR after the food bolus (mean FSR ± standard error [SE]: fasting 14.4% ± 1.6% vs. postprandial 18.3% ± 2.2% per day;P < 0.005). In the intragastric mode (n = 7), albumin FSR calculated from the mean precursor values increased 32% after feeding (fasting 14.6% ± 1.5% vs. postprandial 19.3% ± 1.6% per day;P = 0.005), despite absence of constant α‐ketoisovalerate enrichment (coefficient of variation range: 15–31%). The FSRs were not significantly different between both infusion modes.ConclusionsA mixed food bolus increases albumin FSR in growing piglets by approximately 30%, irrespective of the tracer administration route. The concept of anticipated precursor steady state is applicable to study changes of hepatic protein synthesis after a single meal. The intragastric mode of tracer administration can be applied as a less invasive method to measure tissue specific protein synthesis in children.
α1‐Antitrypsin Deficiency–Associated Liver Disease Progresses Slowly in Some Children
Authors: Volpert Diana , Molleston Jean P. , Perlmutter David H. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundA prospective nationwide screening study initiated more than 20 years ago in Sweden has shown that clinically significant liver disease develops in only 10% to 15% of α1‐antitrypsin (AT)–deficient children. This study provides information about 85% to 90% of those children, many of whom had elevated serum transaminases in infancy but have no evidence of liver injury by age 18 years. However, there is relatively limited information about the course of α1‐AT–deficient children who have cirrhosis or portal hypertension. Based on several anecdotal experiences, we have been impressed by the relatively slow progression and stable course of the liver disease in some of these children.MethodsWe reviewed the course of patients with homozygous PIZZ α1‐antitrypsin deficiency seen at this institution since establishing a patient database 16 years ago.ResultsOf 44 patients with α1‐AT deficiency, 17 had cirrhosis, portal hypertension, or both. Nine of the 17 patients with cirrhosis or portal hypertension had a prolonged, relatively uneventful course for at least 4 years after the diagnosis of cirrhosis or portal hypertension. Two of these patients eventually underwent liver transplantation, but seven are leading relatively healthy lives for up to 23 years while carrying a diagnosis of severe α1‐AT deficiency–associated liver disease. Patients with the prolonged stable course could be distinguished from those with a rapidly progressive course on the basis of overall life functioning but not on the basis of any other more conventional clinical or biochemical criteria.ConclusionsThese data provide further evidence for the variable severity of liver disease associated with α1‐AT deficiency and indicate that some patients have chronic, slowly progressing or nonprogressing cirrhosis.
Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Pilot Trial of Megestrol Acetate in Malnourished Children With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Marchand Valerie , Baker Susan S. , Stark Tracy J. , Baker Robert D. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundUndernutrition is common in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Nutritional rehabilitation has been shown to improve linear growth, pulmonary function, well‐being, and resistance to infection in this population. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the administration of megestrol acetate (MA) induces weight gain in malnourished patients with CF, and to assess the composition of weight gain.MethodsIn a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover study, 12 children with CF received MA (10 mg/kg/d) or placebo for 12 weeks, followed by a 12‐week washout period, then the alternative treatment. Anthropometrics, caloric intake, and clinical assessment were obtained every 6 weeks; pulmonary function tests, biochemistry, hematology, cortisol, growth hormone, insulin, C‐peptide, insulin‐like growth factor‐1, insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐3, and dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry scans were obtained every 12 weeks.ResultsSix children did not complete the study, three for reasons unrelated to the study, two because they developed diabetes while receiving MA, and one who had glucose intolerance while receiving the placebo. Average weight gain was 3.05 kg in the MA group and 0.3 kg in the placebo group. The change in weight z score was +0.76 in the MA group and −0.05 in the placebo group. The change in height z score was −0.06 in the MA group and +0.06 in the placebo group. Lean body mass and body fat increased by 1507 g and 1192 g respectively in the MA group. Pulmonary function tests improved in the MA group; serum cortisol levels decreased. Side effects included glucosuria, insomnia, hyperactivity, and irritability.ConclusionsWeight, body fat, and lean body mass increased and pulmonary function improved in the children with CF given MA. Adrenal suppression, glucose intolerance, and diabetes are side effects.
Prevalence of Celiac Disease in Down Syndrome in the United States
Authors: Zachor Ditza A. , Mroczek‐Musulman Elizabeth , Brown Pamela 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundNumerous studies in Europe have documented a high prevalence of celiac disease in Down syndrome. This study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of celiac disease in Down syndrome in the southeastern United States.MethodsSeventy‐five patients with Down syndrome were screened using immunoglobulin (Ig)A‐anti antiendomysium antibodies, IgA‐antigliadin antibodies, and total IgA level. When either antiendomysium or antigliadin antibodies produced positive findings, patients were referred to a pediatric gastroenterologist for consideration of a duodenal biopsy.ResultsThirteen percent (10/75) were positive for antiendomysium antibodies. Half of these patients were also positive for antigliadin antibodies. Six of 10 patients positive for antiendomysium antibodies underwent intestinal biopsy. Changes consistent with celiac disease were documented in five. Histologic findings ranged from focal to total villous atrophy. None had IgA deficiency.ConclusionsThere was a high prevalence of positivity to antiendomysium antibody in Down syndrome. Antiendomysium antibody was a more sensitive screening test than antigliadin antibody. The prevalence of celiac disease in Down syndrome in the southeastern United States was 1 in 14 cases. Screening with antiendomysium antibody and IgA for all children with Down syndrome is recommended, even if there are no gastrointestinal symptoms.
Cutaneous Application of Vegetable Oil as a Coadjutant in the Nutritional Management of Preterm Infants
Authors: Soriano Cláudio Rodrigo , Martinez Francisco Eulógio , Jorge Salim Moysés 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe cutaneous application of vegetable oil as a therapeutic practice and dietary coadjuvant has been described mainly in adult patients at risk for essential fatty acid deficiency. In the current study, the effects of cutaneous soybean oil application on somatic growth and plasma linoleic and arachidonic acid levels were examined in enterally fed preterm newborns.MethodsSixty consecutive preterm infants were chosen from patients admitted to the nursery. Infants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the oil group, which was treated cutaneously with soybean oil, or the control group, which received no cutaneous treatment.ResultsAfter 30 days, a significant increase in anthropometric parameters was observed in infants who received cutaneous oil, mainly in infants small for gestational age. An increase in linoleic acid level and a decrease in arachidonic acid level were seen in both groups but do not justify the difference found in growth rates in the control and oil groups.ConclusionsPreterm infants treated cutaneously with soy oil showed better somatic growth than the control group. The factors leading to the present results, especially the response of the infants who were small for gestational age merit further evaluation.