bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Steatocrit Test
Authors: lacono G. , Carroccio A. , Cavataio F. , Montalto G. , Mancuso C. , Balsamo V. , Notarbartolo A. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryIn order to define the normal values of steat‐ocrit during the first 3 months of life and the normal correlation between fecal fat content and steatocrit values, 60 full‐term healthy unweaned infants (30 bottle‐fed, 15 breast‐fed, and 15 mixed‐fed) were studied. The steatocrit micromethod was performed in these babies at 7, 14, 21, 28, 45, and 90 days after birth. Steatorrhea often occurs during the first month and then decreases, as shown by the fall in the steatocrit curve from 7th to 28th day in our subjects; at 45 days, few babies have steatorrhea. The 90th percentile profile of steatocrit values shows a value of 25% at the first week of life and a value of 13% at the fourth week. After the end of the third month, babies with steatocrit values higher than 2% should be put under close observation. Moreover, fat absorption can be greatly influenced by diet; in breast‐fed babies, steatorrhea disappears more rapidly and steatocrit values are lower at every age than in partly or totally formula‐fed babies. The good correlation between steatocrit values and fecal fat content (r = 0.97) confirms that this micromethod can be used for monitoring steatorrhea instead of other more cumbersome and expensive methods.
Alterations of Intestinal Permeability to Sugars in Infants Following Neonatal Surgery
Authors: Dupont Christophe , Goutail‐Flaud Marie‐Francoise 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThe 12‐h urinary elimination of orally ingested mannitol and lactulose was studied in 29 infants aged 3 days‐20 months admitted in an intensive care unit of gastrointestinal surgery, and in 24 age‐matched healthy controls. In patients with short bowel syndrome, there was a significant fourfold reduction in urinary mannitol elimination compared with controls. The lactulose/mannitol urinary ratio was significantly increased in patients with necrotizing enterocolitis (p < 0.01) and in patients with disorders of intestinal propulsion during episodes of diarrhea with a monomorphic fecal flora (p < 0.01). The urinary recovery of mannitol and lactulose after oral loads is a good marker of intestinal mucosal damage in infants with surgical disorders of the digestive tract.
Pattern of Expression of γ‐Glutamyl Transpeptidase in Rat Liver and Kidney During Development
Authors: Jacquemin Emmanuel , Bulle Frédérique , Bernaudin Jean‐Francois , Wellman Maria , Hugon Rose‐Noëlle , Guellaen Georges , Hadchouel Michelle 
Published: January 2024

SummaryWe used an in situ hybridization technique using single‐stranded RNA probes to study the expression pattern of γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in rat liver and kidney during development. The results were compared to those obtained with an immunoperoxidase technique and with Northern blot analysis of GGT mRNA. In the kidney, northern blot revealed a 20‐fold increase of GGT mRNA between day 18 of gestation and adulthood. Protein and mRNA localization clearly identified the proximal tubules as the site of synthesis of GGT. In the liver, the expression was lower than in the kidney and Northern blot showed a dramatic decrease of expression after birth. Using immunohistochemistry, the protein was detected within parenchymal cells in embryo and hepatocyte membranes and bile ducts in adults. Using in situ hybridization, GGT mRNA was only detected on days I and 2 after birth and exclusively in hepatocytes. Immunoperoxidase may be more sensitive than in situ hybridization to study the expression of minor liver protein such as GGT. However, the study of GGT expression using in situ hybridization is possible in cases of increased expression such as alcoholism, cholestasis, and carcinogenesis.
Visceral Neuropathies Responsible for Chronic Intestinal Pseudo‐Obstruction Syndrome in Pediatric Practice
Authors: Navarro J. , Sonsino E. , Boige N. , Nabarra B. , Ferkadji L. , Mashako L. M. N. , Cezard J. P. 
Published: January 2024

Summary:Twenty‐six children aged from 1 day to 15 years (18 boys and 8 girls) with visceral neuropathies are analyzed. Clinical symptomatology is dominated by abdominal distension, attacks of occlusion, abdominal pain, and malnutrition. Intestine bacterial overgrowth is frequent. From aspiration biopsies, surgical rectal biopsies, and, in some cases, ileal or ileocolic biopsies, histopathological studies revealed two patterns. One group had abnormalities of the myenteric plexus identified by conventional light microscopic studies, with two patterns: [myenteric plexus hyperplasia (9 patients), characterized by large ganglionic nodes, penetration into the mucosal zone, and altered argyrophilic neurons]. Clinically this pattern was observed in four patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome with risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma. The second pattern observed was characterized by glial cell hyperplasia (15 patients). Ganglion cells are present but are small and sparse, often infiltrated by collagen tissue; Schwann nerve fibers are hypertrophic. Eleven patients presented with neonatal intestinal obstruction. The second group is characterized by normal conventional light microscopic examination, but silver stains revealed important abnormalities of argyrophobic cells (one case) or argyrophobic cells (one case). In the two groups, most of the patients needed intestinal derivation and prolonged nutritional support with total parenteral nutrition.
Immunogenicity of Haemophilus influenzae Type B Vaccines in Children with Hepatoportoenterostomies
Authors: Rosenthal Philip , Wong Victor , Ross Lawrence A. , Kim Kwang Sik 
Published: January 2024

Summary:To assess the immunogenicity of HIB vaccines in patients in whom hepatoportoenterostomies were performed for biliary atresia, eight such children received Haemophilus influenzae type b‐polyribosylribitol phosphate (HIB‐PRP) vaccine and had pre‐ and postvaccination total serum anti‐PRP antibody concentrations determined by radioimmunoassay. Preimmunization anti‐PRP antibody levels ranged from <0.125 to 0.40 μg/ml [geometric mean antibody titer (GMT) 0.106 μg/ml], while postvaccination levels ranged from 0.161 to 1.192 μg/ml (GMT = 0.489 μg/ml). Five children who did not achieve postimmunization anti‐PRP antibody levels >1.0 μg/ml received 15 μg of either PRP coupled to diphtheria toxoid (PRP‐D) or PRP coupled to an outer membrane protein complex of Neisseria meningitidis group B (PRP‐NOMP) conjugate vaccine. Anti‐PRP antibody levels 1 month after immunization with HIB conjugate vaccines ranged from 1.51 to 10.35 μg/ml (GMT = 3.386 μg/ml). Patients with extrahepatic biliary atresia and hepatoportoenterostomies who previously received the HIB‐PRP vaccine should be revaccinated with PRP protein conjugate vaccines to ensure adequate protection against H. influenzae type b disease.
Serum Antibodies to Dietary Antigens
Authors: Scott Helge , Ek Wohan , Havnen Jacob , Michalsen Helge , Brunvand Leif , Howlid Hans , Brandtzaeg Per 
Published: January 2024

Summary:We examined 1,541 consecutive serum samples from 707 children with suspected food intolerance and 32 with treated celiac disease (CD) for IgG and IgA antibody reactivities to antigens from gluten, egg, and cow's milk by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Samples from 72 patients showed increased IgA and/or IgG reactivity to gluten antigens; four were known CD patients not complying with a gluten‐free diet, 13 were suspected CD patients challenged with gluten, and 30 most likely had CD as suggested by small intestinal villous atrophy and histological and/or clinical improvement on a gluten‐free diet. The remainder with increased antigluten activity had other disorders that might have affected mucosal permeability. Nevertheless, the median IgA reactivity to gluten was significantly higher in the CD group, and the probability for CD increased from 25 to 100% when this reactivity was above 2.4 optical density (OD) units in our ELISA. Sixteen CD patients (but none of those without CD) had IgA reactivity to gluten higher than 2.4 OD units. We conclude that ELISA determinations of levels of serum antibodies reacting to dietary antigens is a valuable adjunct in the diagnosis of CD in children.
Unifocal Stricture of the Common Bile Duct in Two Children
Authors: Sokal Etienne M. , de Ville de Goyet Jean , Buts Jean Paul , Habets Sophie , Gosseye Serge , Clapuyt Philippe , Claus Dominique , Otte Jean Bernard 
Published: January 2024

Summary:A 4‐year‐old boy and a 14‐year‐old girl referred for a cholestatic syndrome were found to have a unifocal stricture of the extrahepatic bile duet. Both radiological (endoseopic‐retrograde‐choledocopancreatography) and histological findings were suggestive of primary sclerosing cholangitis. There was no past history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease nor any other disorder. Serum autoimmune markers were negative. Complete remission was observed after surgical drainage, and both patients remained symptom‐free after a follow‐up of 12 months and 8 years, respectively. Such unifocal form of the disease may have a better prognosis than the plurifocal disease. The absence of associated disorders and autoimmunity may also be an indicator of better prognosis in these patients.
Intraoperative Endoscopic Diagnosis of Heterotopic Gastric Mucosa in the Ileum Causing Recurrent Acute Intussusception
Authors: Turck Dominique , Bonnevalle Michel , Gottrand Frédéric , Farriaux Jean‐Pierre 
Published: January 2024

Summary:Heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) may be found anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, most often in a Meckel's diverticulum. Approximately 30 cases of HGM, located in the small bowel beyond the ligament of Treitz and not associated with a Meckel's diverticulum, have been reported. They were most often revealed by intestinal intussusception, occasionally by perforation of an intestinal ulcer or intestinal bleeding. We report a 4‐year‐old boy who had three attacks of acute intestinal intussusception over a 5‐month period resulting in surgery. Both physical examination and barium examination of the small bowel and large intestine were found to be normal between attacks. Peroperative palpation of the small bowel was normal during the three laparotomies. During the third operation, he underwent an intraoperative endoscopy (IOE), which revealed a polypoid mass 2 cm in diameter and 0.5 cm in height, 40 cm proximal to the ileocaecal valve. Histologic examination showed HGM with fundic glands, and chief and parietal cells. This case emphasizes the interest of IOE, the main indications of which are the localization of unknown sites of gastrointestinal bleeding and the search for hamartomatous polyps of the Peutz‐Jeghers syndrome for polypectomy and/or segmental resection.
Dependability of Esophageal pH‐Monitoring Data in Infants on Cutoff Limits
Authors: Vandenplas Y. , Lepoudre R. , Helven R. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThe cutoff limit for pathologic gastroesophageal reflux (GER) has been arbitrary, although generally accepted determined at pH 4.00. The influence of a small pH error (0.25 pH units above or below pH 4.00) was analyzed in 173 consecutive pH monitorings. This appeared to cause a misinterpretation of the data in 51 of 173 infants (29%). We propose the introduction of a new parameter measuring the percent of time of the total investigation that the recorded pH varies between 4.25 and 3.75: the “oscillatory index” (OI). The index ranged from 0–42%. The higher the OI, the more pH data that are recorded between pH 4.25 and 3.75. The OI is related to the arbitrary aspects of a boundary level. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the percent of time of the investigation the pH was <4.00 and the OI was 0.75. If an OI of more than 10% in infants with normal pH‐monitoring data of more than 15% in infants with a GER pathology would be considered as abnormal, pH‐monitoring data of 45 infants should be considered for reclassification (26%). Prior to general application, this parameter should be evaluated by more centers in different patient populations, and other "oscillatory ranges" should be analyzed.
β2‐Microglobulin Levels in Celiac Disease
Authors: Bonamico M. , Culasso F. , Pitzalis G. , Mariani P. , Morellini M. , Procopio A. , Triglione P. , Signoretti A. , Ballati G. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThe serum levels of β2‐microglobulins (β2‐m) were studied in 65 celiac children. Significant statistical differences (p < 0.05) were found between the values of patients on a gluten‐containing diet (mean ± SD, 1.92 ± 0.64mg/L) and those on a gluten‐free diet for less than (mean ± SD, 2.38 ± 0.76 mg/L) or greater than (mean ± SD, 1.46 ± 0.77 mg/L) 8 months. A significant difference was also found between the first group and the 15‐subject control group, who underwent intestinal biopsy for low stature or chronic diarrhea but had normal intestinal mucosa (mean ± SD, 1.56 ± 0.42 mg/L). Serum β2‐m levels were above normal values (<2 mg/L) in 10 of 26 (38.5%) celiac patients on a gluten‐containing diet and in two of 15 (13.3%) subjects of the control group. The β2‐m values of patients on a gluten‐free diet for ±8 months were significantly different (p < 0.001) from those of patients on a gluten‐free diet for >8 months, as well from those of the control group. No significant differences were found between patients on a gluten‐free diet for >8 months and the control group. A significant correlation between the anti‐gliadin antibody (AGA) IgA and β2‐m in the patients on a gluten‐free diet for >8 months and control‐group patients was found. The significant statistical difference (p < 0.05) of the mean values of β2‐m between patients with DR3+/DR7− and DR3+/DR7+ phenotypes (if confirmed by a wider case study) could indicate a genetic heterogeneity of celiac disease. The β2‐m, because of its specificity (86.7%), even if the sensitivity (38.5%) is not high, could be used with AGA to select candidates for intestinal biopsy. The increase of β2‐m serum levels in the first months of the gluten‐free diet is probably due to active regeneration of the intestinal mucosa. As the time necessary for serum values being normal is about 8 months, this could be the gluten‐free period necessary before proceeding to a second biopsy.
A Dot Immunobinding Assay to Detect Anti‐α‐gliadin Antibodies in Celiac Disease
Authors: Bittolo Manuela , Not Tarcisio , Perticarari Sandra , Cauci Sabina , Graziosi Giorgio , Marzari Roberto 
Published: January 2024

SummaryA dot immunobinding assay to detect anti‐α‐gliadin‐specific antibodies in the sera or whole blood of enteropathic patients is described here. The method is based on the adsorption of α‐gliadin as a spot onto nitrocellulose sheets. After incubation with the patient sample, the detection of specific antibodies is performed with alkaline phosphatase‐conjugated goat anti‐human (IgA or IgG) antibodies. Twenty‐one celiac serum samples together with 18 enteropathic or disease controls and 44 healthy controls were analyzed. The classical ELISA test and the dot test gave comparable results. The dot test gave reliable result even when whole blood was tested. The method proved to be simple and sensitive.
Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Absorption and Hematological Status in Children with Postenteritis Enteropathy
Authors: Paerregaard Anders , Hjelt Karsten , Krasilnikoff Peter Andreas 
Published: January 2024

SummaryIn a group of nine children with postenteritis enteropathy (i.e., persisting small‐intestinal mucosal damage and failure‐to‐thrive after an acute episode of gastroenteritis), absorption capacities for vitamin B12 and folic acid were studied and compared with hematological status in peripheral blood. The fractional absorptions of vitamin B12 (FAB12) and folic acid (FAFol) were determined by means of a double‐isotope technique employing a single‐stool‐sample test. The children were examined when growth retardation was maximal, and examinations were repeated during the late recovery period. In spite of considerable small‐intestinal mucosal damage, only the absorption of vitamin B12 was markedly affected, while that of folic acid was almost intact. When growth retardation was maximal, FAB12 was below the normal age‐correlated range in half of the children. FAB12 was also severely reduced in all longitudinally observed children when compared with the results obtained during the late recovery period (p < 0.005). FAFol was below the normal range in one fourth of the children, but the reduction was modest and insignificant when compared with the results of repeated examinations during the late recovery period. A moderate iron deficiency was detected in half the children. High levels of plasma vitamin B12, folic acid, and erythrocyte folate were detected at both early and later examinations, indicating that these parameters were not affected by the reduced absorption capacities. However, if malabsorption and chronic diarrhea are combined with low dietary intake of vitamin B12, as is the case for many children in the Third World, depletion of vitamin B12 stores may result.
Monitoring of Serum α‐Fetoprotein Levels in Children with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Vajro Pietro , Fontanella Angiola , De Vincenzo Anna , Lettera Patrizia , Greco Luigi , Coppa Anna , D'Armiento Maria 
Published: January 2024

SummaryChanges in serum α‐fetoprotein (αFP) levels were investigated by radioimmunoassay during the follow‐up (17 ± 12 months, two to three times per year) of 50 children with chronic hepatitis B virus infection (mean age of 8 years, 30 males) and of 35 healthy age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Eleven of 50 were healthy carriers; 7 had chronic persistent hepatitis, 29 had chronic active hepatitis, and 3 had cirrhosis‐associated chronic active hepatitis. Serum αFP levels in controls were found to be always lower than 5 ng/ml (0.1–4.4 ng/ml, x ± SD of 1.34 ± 1.32 ng/ml). Statistical analysis after logarithmic transformation showed a significant difference between mean levels (ng/ml) in controls and in patients [geometric mean = 0.83 C.L. (95% confidence limits of 1.19/0.58) vs. 3.43 (95% C.L. of 4.79/2.45); p = 0.0001]. Mean values of serum αFP levels at entry were higher than those found at the end of the follow‐up period [geometric mean = 3 (95% C.L. of 4.69/1.92) vs. 1.48 (95% C.L. of 2.13/0.95); p = 0.038]. Only three patients repeatedly showed high αFP levels (76.7, 122.8, and 1,600 ng/ml at entry): αFP values became normal after a mean follow‐up of 17 ± 7.8 months as well as liver enzymes, with no changes in serum “e” antigen‐antibody and anti‐delta antibody status being observed. Mean values of serum αFP levels in HBeAg‐positive patients were significantly higher than in HBeAg‐negative patients both at entry and during the follow‐up (p = 0.05). Serum logarithmic αFP values were significantly correlated with log aminotransferases (alanine aminotransferase: r = 0.38 and p < 0.0001; aspartate aminotransferase: r = 0.36 and p < 0.0001) and log γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (r = 0.32 and p < 0.0001). Although serum αFP levels were found to be higher in patients with the most severe histological damage, they did not allow the accurate discrimination of histological categories in individual patients.
pH‐Adjusted Formula and Gastroesophageal Reflux
Authors: Sutphen James L. , Dillard Vivian L. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryTo facilitate the detection of postcibal gastroesophageal reflux (GER), we have constructed an infant formula from modular carbohydrate, fat, and protein components with a pH of 4 and a nutrient composition identical to standard infant formula, in comparison to standard infant formula and sugar solutions, this pH‐adjusted formula demonstrates a significantly greater amount of gastroesophageal reflex during the first postcibal hour. We speculate that the greater caloric density and slower gastric emptying of regular infant formula promotes greater gastroesophageal reflux than is observed with regular dextrose feedings. This effect is obscured unless the pH of the formula is adjusted. Use of this weakly acid formula in conjunction with postcibal esophageal pH probe recording facilitates the detection and, during simultaneous apnea monitoring, potential association of symptoms with postcibal gastroesophageal reflux.
Evaluation of Jejunal Function in Wolman's Disease
Authors: Kikuchi Masahiro , Igarashi Kiyoshi , Noro Tomoyo , Igarashi Yutaka , Hirooka Minoru , Tada Keiya 
Published: January 2024

SummaryFindings in a 1‐month‐old male infant with Wolman's disease, a rare autosomal defect characterized by intractable diarrhea and severe malabsorption, are described. Investigations in this case focused on the digestive and absorptive functions of the jejunum using histological, biochemical, and electrophysiological methods. The intestinal villi were found to be distorted and club‐shaped as a result of the infiltration of foam cells into the lamina propria of the mucosa. The microvilli of the epithelial cells were found on electron microscopy to be markedly shortened and irregular, and had a severe impairment of disaccharidase activity. Documentation of the loss of the sugar‐ and amino acid‐evoked potential differences in the jejunum confirmed the severity of intestinal malabsorption. These observations indicate that the intestinal damage in Wolman's disease is so severe as virtually to exclude the absorption of any form of enteral nutrition. Despite the administration of i.v. hyperalimentation, the infant died of hepatic failure at the age of 6 months.
Clinical Application of a Simple HPLC Method for the Sugar Intestinal Permeability Test
Authors: Catassi C. , Pierani P. , Natalini G. , Gabrielli O. , Coppa G. V. , Giorgi P. L. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryA new high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method has been used to measure urinary sugar levels for the intestinal permeability test with cellobiose and mannitol (C/M test). Urinary specimens have been prepared by simple filtration through a Millipore membrane. The method is highly sensitive (minimal detectable concentration of urinary sugars = 0.01 mg/ml) and reproducible (coefficient variation between samples = 0.47% for cellobiose and 0.25% for mannitol). By this method a C/M test has been performed in a large series of gastroenterological patients. High values of mean urinary C/M percentage recovery ratio (C/M%) were found in 30 children with active gluten‐sensitive enteropathy compared with controls (0.42 ± 0.66 versus 0.014 ± 0.005). In 44 treated celiacs and 34 children with chronic nonspecific diarrhea the mean C/M%s were 0.027 ± 0.018 and 0.021 ± 0.012, respectively. The results of this study confirm that the C/M test is a valuable investigation in the diagnostic studies of children with chronic diarrhea. The simple HPLC method described for the determination of urinary sugar levels should allow a wider diffusion of this test.