bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Basal and Meal‐Stimulated Pepsinogen Secretion in Preterm Infants
Authors: Weisselberg Batia , Yahav Jacob , Reichman Brian , Jonas Anita 
Published: January 2024

SummaryIn order to establish longitudinal normal values for basal and meal‐stimulated pepsinogen secretory function in preterm infants, we studied 44 preterm infants with gestational ages of 28–36 weeks during the period of nasogastric tube feeding. Three age groups were evaluated: gestational ages of 28–30, 31–33, and 34–36 weeks. Basal pepsinogen did not change with postnatal age in any of the groups. Significant meal‐stimulated pepsinogen secretion appeared during the third postnatal week in infants of 28–30 weeks of gestation. In the groups of infants of 31–33 and 34–36 weeks of gestation, significant meal‐stimulated pepsinogen secretion was apparent in the first postnatal week. This study suggests that maturation of pepsinogen secretion appears at 31 weeks of gestation, independent of early feeding.
Efficient Assimilation of Lactose Carbon in Premature Infants
Authors: Kien C. Lawrence , Kepner Jonathan , Grotjohn Karen A. , Gilbert Merry M. , McClead Richard E. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryPrevious studies have shown that there is minimal fecal excretion of carbohydrate energy in premature infants with high breath H2 concentrations, implying that the colon plays an important role in salvaging lactose energy. The present study extends this work by using a stable isotope method for serial assessment of lactose carbon excretion. Thus, in nine premature infants (30–32 weeks of gestation and 11–36 days of age), we conducted 23 longitudinal studies of breath hydrogen concentration and the cumulative fecal excretion of 13C derived from a single dose of [D‐1‐13C]lactose. The ranges of values (X ± SD) for breath hydrogen concentration and lactose absorption were respectively 4–440 ppm/5% CO2 (92 ± 100) and 82–100% tracer dose (98.4 ± 3.9). In 21 studies, lactose carbon excretion was <2% of the dose. There was a significant correlation between postnatal age and breath hydrogen concentration (R = 0.48; p = 0.02). These studies suggest that colonic fermentation activity is adequate for efficient colonic salvage of lactose even during the second week of life.
Gastric Emptying Using Three Different Formulas in Infants with Gastroesophageal Reflux
Authors: Tolia Vasundhara , Lin Chuan‐Hao , Kuhns Lawrence R. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThe role of delayed gastric emptying (GE) in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants is controversial at present. GE has been shown to be altered by the composition and osmolality of the feedings. This prospective study was undertaken to assess the changes in the GE and the percentage of time GER was detected by scintigraphy using three different formulas on consecutive days in infants with GER. Twenty‐eight infants under 1 year of age diagnosed to have GER by extended intraesophageal pH monitoring (pH being <4.0 for >5% of the duration of the test), underwent scintigraphy on three consecutive days using the same volume per single feeding of a casein‐predominant, soy, or a wheyhydrolysate formula in a randomized order. The formulas were isocaloric. Gastric emptying and percentage of GER into the esophagus were estimated for 60 min following these feedings. Mean GER percent during the study was 20.39, 17.68, and 16.34 on casein‐predominant, soy, and whey‐hydrolysate formulas, respectively, and was not significantly different. Mean values of GE were 39.7%, 44.6%, and 48.5% on casein, soy, and whey formula, respectively. No significant difference in GE was also observed between casein‐predominant and soy formula. However, a significant difference was observed (p < 0.05) on GE between casein‐predominant and whey‐hydrolysate feedings. Our data suggest that formula selection may be important in the treatment of conditions associated with delayed gastric emptying.
Indocyanine Green Test Is a Reliable Indicator of Postoperative Liver Function in Biliary Atresia
Authors: Kubota Akio , Okada Akira , Fukui Yuichi , Kawahara Hisayoshi , Imura Kenji , Kamata Shinkichi 
Published: January 2024

SummaryIn order to evaluate liver function in postoperative biliary atresia (BA) patients, the indocyanine green (ICG) clearance test was performed. Nineteen patients, ranging in age from 2 to 9 years, were classified into three groups. Group I were those who had no jaundice throughout the postoperative period (n = 9), Group II were those who had recurrent or intermittent jaundice (n = 7), and Group III were those who had persistent jaundice after hepatic portojejunostomy (n = 3). Forty‐four volunteers of comparative age and sex served as controls to establish a normal range of ICG‐K values in infants and children. The normal minimal ICG‐K value in those 2‐9 years of age was defined as 0.19. ICG‐K values in BA patients were 0.262 ± 0.073 (Group I), 0.150 ± 0.060 (Group II), and 0.054 ± 0.011 (Group III). All nine patients with ICG‐K below the normal level had esophageal varices, and seven of nine had a history of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Two patients with ICG‐K values within the normal range had esophageal varices, and none had a history of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Five of nine patients with ICG‐K values below normal had low serum albumin levels, and all had low prealbumin levels. Of those with ICG‐K within the normal range, none had low serum albumin or prealbumin levels. On the other hand, serum bilirubin and other liver function tests did not accurately reflect clinical findings. In conclusion, the ICG test using the ICG‐K value was confirmed to be a reliable indicator of postoperative liver function in BA patients.
Patterns of Hepatitis B Virus DNA Integration in Liver Tissue of Children with Chronic Infections
Authors: Goto Yasuhiro , Yoshida Jun , Kuzushima Kiyotaka , Terashima Makoto , Morishima Tsuneo 
Published: January 2024

SummaryAlthough an integration of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in children with chronic HBV infection has been documented at early phases of the disease, the incidence of this process is not known. Therefore we examined nine liver DNA specimens from chronic HBV carriers ages 5‐14 years and one sample from a neonate delivered of a carrier mother, in order to determine the HBV DNA patterns of these patients at different ages and phases of chronic infection. The integrated HBV DNA was detected by Southern blot hybridization and analyzed by molecular cloning. Southern blot showed a smear pattern of HBV DNA integration in four of six chronic hepatitis patients (ages 5‐14), as well as in one asymptomatic carrier (age 12). Multiple and random integrations occurred during chronic infections in childhood. The neonate did not, however, show signs of any integrations, suggesting that integration starts after HBV multiplication. A band pattern that suggested clonal growth of integrated liver cells was found in a chronic active hepatitis patient (age 9) and in one of two hepatocellular carcinoma patients (age 11). Molecular cloning in two cases with chronic active hepatitis showed that the HBV genome structure was preserved in five of six HBV DNA inserts. Our findings confirm that HBV DNA integration can occur at early stages of chronic HBV infection. In Japanese children, the process of integration seems to be common regardless of HBeAg/anti‐HBe status. Thus, repetitive liver biopsies in chronic hepatitis B are useful not only to provide prognostic information referring to the histological progress of the disease but also to reflect the change of HBV DNA pattern in liver tissue during follow‐up.
Tumor Necrosis Factor and IL‐1β Expression in Pediatric Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Olson Allan D. , Ayass Mouhib , Chensue Stephen 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThe local release of inflammatory mediators are intricately linked with initiation and propagation of the inflammatory reaction in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease. We have used immunohistochemical staining of colonic biopsies to determine the cell of origin and the location of the cells which synthesize of TNF‐α and IL‐1β in patients with UC and Crohn's colitis. Patients were chosen from children aged 7–16 years, who had UC or Crohn's diagnosed following review of colonic biopsies taken during colonoscopy. The patients reviewed had not received treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. Paraffin embedded colonic biopsies were sectioned, deparaffinized, and stained with mouse monoclonal IgG antibodies directed against human recombinant TNF‐α and IL‐1β. The colonic lamina propria of all biopsies from patients with UC or Crohn's colitis was expanded with a mixed mononuclear, polymorphonuclear, lymphocytic, and plasmacytic infiltrate. Mononuclear cells distributed throughout the interstitium, stained prominently for both TNF‐α and IL‐1β. Plasmacytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, small lymphocytes, and foamy macrophages did not stain for either TNF‐α or IL‐1β. Transmigrating mononuclear cells in crypt epithelium also stained brightly for both TNF‐α and IL‐1β. Colonic epithelial cells did not stain for either TNF‐α or IL‐1β. We conclude that (a) expression of both TNF‐α and IL‐1β is significantly increased in colonic biopsies from patients with both UC and Crohn's colitis, (b) mononuclear cells appeared to be the primary source for TNF‐α and IL‐1β in patients with UC and Crohn's colitis, and (c) mononuclear cells synthesizing TNF‐α or IL‐1β are distributed throughout both the intestinal crypts and interstitium.
Evaluation of a Daily Dose of 25 μg Vitamin K1 to Prevent Vitamin K Deficiency in Breast‐Fed Infants
Authors: Cornelissen E. A. M. , Kollée L. A. A. , van Lith T. G. P. J. , Motohara K. , Monnens L. A. H. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryVitamin K prophylaxis is recommended to prevent the hazard of hemorrhage caused by vitamin K deficiency in young infants. A single administration after birth seems inadequate to completely prevent late haemorrhagic disease in breast‐fed infants. The preventive effect of a daily oral dose of 25 μug vitamin K1, which is comparable to about half the dose ingested by formula‐fed infants, was evaluated in 58 breast‐fed infants. No clinical or biochemical signs of vitamin K deficiency occurred; PIVKA‐II was not detectable, and vitamin K1 concentrations were moderately elevated. Vitamin K1 levels were negatively correlated with the number of hours elapsed since the most recent gift. Twenty to 28 h after the administration, median (P10‐P90) levels were 1,262 (267–4,328), 1,072 (293–3,427), and 882 (329–2,070) pg/ml at 4, 8, and 12 weeks of age, respectively. Vitamin K1 levels in formula‐fed infants (n = 10) were around 7,000 pg/ml. In conclusion, daily supplementation of 25 μg vitamin K1 can be recommended for breast‐fed infants to prevent vitamin K deficiency beyond the neonatal period.
Ranitidine Treatment in Newborn Infants
Authors: Fontana Massimo , Tornaghi Raffaella , Petrillo Maddalena , Lora Elisa , Porro Gabriele Bianchi , Principi Nicola 
Published: January 2024

SummaryData about the use of ranitidine in the early postnatal period are lacking. In this study, 30 term newborn infants <2 days old with bleeding erosions in their upper gastrointestinal tracts were treated with ranitidine by continuous i.v. infusion (0.2 mg/kg/h) for 48 h and thereafter by mouth (5 mg/kg b.i.d.) for 1 month. Mean gastric pH (SD) rose from 4.27 (1.62) to 5.70 (0.95) during i.v. infusion; after oral therapy it was still 5.55 (1.25). Serum ranitidine concentrations were 642.4 (376.5) and 321.5 (368.2) ng/ml after i.v. and oral therapy, respectively, with wide interindividual variations; the correlation between serum ranitidine and gastric pH was found to be weak. No untoward effect was observed either on the cardiorespiratory rate or on creatinine and aminotransferase values. Mean serum prolactin concentration after i.v. therapy was found to be lower, although within the reference range, than in control infants; no significant correlation was observed between serum ranitidine and prolactin concentrations. From these data, a <0.2 mg/kg/h rate seems to be advisable for continuous ranitidine infusion in neonates, whereas the 5 mg/kg b.i.d. regimen could be considered adequate for oral therapy.
The Pre‐ and Postnatal Development of Na+/K+‐ATPase in Gastrointestinal Organs of the Rat
Authors: Horváth Károly , Blochin Boris , Hill Ivor , Verma Rita , Lu Rong Bao , Lebenthal Emanuel 
Published: January 2024

SummaryDevelopmental changes in Na+/K+‐ATPase enzyme activity have been documented postnatally in a number of organs, but little is known about prenatal levels or the factors affecting them. This study determined the normal developmental patterns of Na+/K+ ‐ATPase activity in the pancreas, liver, small intestine, kidneys, and colon of pre‐ and postnatal rats. In addition the effect of betamethasone administration on enzyme activity was determined both antenatally and postnatally. The individual organs showed a variable pattern of maturational change in enzyme activity. In the pancreas, changes in Na+/K+‐ATPase activity appeared to reflect the changing ratio of ductular to acinar cells. The pattern of enzyme activity in the small intestine was similar to that of the kidney and was inversely related to that of the colon. Enzyme induction by administration of betamethasone was also variable and bore no relationship to the DNA/protein ratio. In the preterm rat, betamethasone increased the Na+/K+‐ATPase activity only in the colon. Use of steroids to increase enzyme activity in the colon at an early stage of development may have therapeutic implications for treating abnormalities of potassium and sodium homeostasis in the preterm infant.
Chromium and Parenteral Nutrition in Children
Authors: Bougle D. , Bureau F. , Deschrevel G. , Hecquard C. , Neuville D. , Drosdowsky M. , Duhamel J. F. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryChromium (Cr) dosage was assayed in i.v. nutrition, serum, and losses of five children on total parenteral nutrition for 4 weeks. The Cr supply (4.7 ± 1.2 μUg/kg/day) was above recommended levels (0.5 μUg/kg/day). Serum (18.2 ± 1.8 μUg/L) and urine (37.4 ± 10.5 μUg/L) were also higher than control values (0.7–0.9 μUg/L and 0.2–0.8 μUg/L, respectively). Serum and urine Cr concentrations displayed a positive correlation. Serum Cr and Fc showed a negative correlation. These results confirm the potential toxicity of Cr previously reported in animals. Cr levels of i.v. nutrition solutes should be checked thoroughly.
Conversion of Cholesterol to Coprostanol by the Intestinal Microflora During the First Two Years of Human Life
Authors: Midtvedt Ann‐Christine , Midtvedt Tore 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThe establishment of the conversion of cholesterol to coprostanol by the intestinal microflora was followed in 25 healthy Swedish children by gas‐chromatographic analysis of fecal samples taken at 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 months of age. In 15 children, the microbial conversion of cholesterol to coprostanol started during the second half of the first year of life. During the second year of life, a sequestered distribution of the conversion rate could be distinguished. At the end of the study, 13 of the children were stable high converters, 3 were stable low converters, and 6 were unstable converters while the conversion pattern of three children could not be determined. The initiation of the establishment of conversion was delayed by breast‐feeding, and only one child had coprostanol in feces while still being breast‐fed. Those children exclusively breast‐fed for more than 4 months or weaned after 6 months of age had significantly lower conversion rates at 12 months of age than did the other children (p < 0.05). Once conversion started, previous breast‐feeding tended to result in a stable, later high rate of conversion of cholesterol. Between 6 and 15 months of age, the conversion rate increased with age, but after standardization for the period of exposure to foods other than breast milk, no age factor could be identified.
The Effect of Somatostatin on Small Intestinal Transport in Intractable Diarrhoea of Infancy
Authors: Bisset W. M. , Jenkins H. , Booth I. , Smith V. , Milla P. J. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryIt has been reported that somatostatin may be an effective antisecretory agent in a range of conditions causing severe secretory diarrhoea. In many children, intractable diarrhoeal illnesses result in significant morbidity and mortality. In a group of seven children with secretory diarrhoea, the effect of i.v. infusion of somatostatin (3.5 μg/kg statum plus 3.5 μg/kg/h) on the net mucosal flux of salt and water was assessed using an in vivo steady‐state perfusion technique. In one of the seven children who had evidence of deranged mucosal secretion and preserved villus function, somatostatin infusion resulted in a moderate reduction in secretion. In the remaining six, it had little or no beneficial effect. Somatostatin did not alter the rate of glucose absorption.
Absorption in the Isolated Bowel Segment
Authors: Murr Michel , Kimura Ken , Ellsbury Dan , Yoshino Hiroaki , Yamazato Masahito , Soper Robert 
Published: January 2024

SummaryAn isolated bowel segment (IBS) is a viable amesenteric segment of intestine. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of mesenteric vascular and neural supply on intestinal absorption. Ten rats were used for leucine absorption and another 10 for glucose absorption experiments. L‐leucine, 12 ml of 15.0 mM/L, or 3.0 mM/L of D‐glucose solution were recirculated through the IBS (n = 5) and rat jejunum that underwent sham operation (n = 5) at 2.56 ml/min for 90 min. Absorption was expressed as millimoles of leucine or glucose per gram of mucosal protein. The Student's t test was used for statistical analysis; a p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. The net absorption of L‐leucine was 36.20 ± 3.31 mM/g of mucosal protein in the IBS and 15.52 ± 1.48 mM/g of mucosal protein in the control group (p < 0.001). The net absorption of D‐glucose was 3.82 ± 0.26 mM/g of mucosal protein in the experimental group and 4.34 ± 0.31 mM/g of mucosal protein in the control group (p = 0.02). This study concludes that absorption of leucine and glucose in the IBS is preserved after mesenteric division.
Examination of Anti‐Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies in Childhood Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Proujansky Roy , Fawcett Paul T. , Gibney Kathleen M. , Treem William R. , Hyams Jeffrey S. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThe detection of anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), in a perinuclear fluorescence pattern, in the serum of adults with inflammatory bowel disease has recently been described to be sensitive and specific for a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis in comparison to Crohn's disease and other colitides. We have examined the sera of 41 children and adolescents with ulcerative colitis, 27 with Crohn's disease, and a control group for the presence of ANCA. Anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies were detected in the serum of 27 of 41 patients with ulcerative colitis (66%), five of 27 with Crohn's disease (19%), and in none of our control subjects or patients with functional abdominal pain. Overall, the presence of ANCA was 66% sensitive and 84% specific for a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis when compared to Crohn's disease. There was no relationship between a positive ANCA value and disease activity or other clinical indicators. We conclude that evaluation for the presence of ANCA may be a useful adjunct for the clinical assessment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The presence of ANCA in children and adolescents, however, will not definitively distinguish between patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Hepatitis B Virus in the Colostra of HBeAg‐Positive Carrier Mothers
Authors: Lin Ho‐Hsiung , Hsu Hong‐Yuan , Chang Mei‐Hwei , Chen Pei‐Jer , Chen Ding‐Shinn 
Published: January 2024

SummaryTo investigate the amount of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in colostra of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive carrier mothers and the relationship of HBV amount between colostrum and maternal blood, 50 HBeAg‐positive carrier mothers were recruited and studied for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) titer, HBeAg titer, and HBV‐DNA concentration in their sera and colostra. According to the presence or absence of seral HBV‐DNA determined by dot hybridization, these 50 HBeAg‐positive carrier mothers could be divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 28, HBV‐DNA > 0.04 ng/ml), and group 2 (n = 22, HBV‐DNA ≥ 0.04 ng/ml). The colostral HBsAg and HBeAg liters were both significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1. In addition, both colostral HBsAg and HBeAg titers had positive correlation with each corresponding maternal blood. Although the colostral HBV‐DNA was undetectable by dot hybridization, all were positive by polymerase chain reaction with Southern blot hybridization. Because HBV‐DNA can be detected in all HBeAg‐positive carrier mother's milk, it reinforces the necessity of hepatitis B vaccination for the neonates born to these carrier mothers, particularly in countries with a high carrier rate.
Outpatient Percutaneous Liver Biopsy in Children
Authors: Gonzalez‐Vallina Ruben , Alonso Estella M. , Rand Elizabeth , Black Dennis D. , Whitington Peter F. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryWe reviewed data from 184 percutaneous liver biopsies performed as an outpatient procedure in 104 patients (5 weeks to 22 years of age) over a 4‐year period. Hepatic allograft rejection was the indication for 130 of the biopsy procedures, while 54 were performed for a variety of indications in patients who had not undergone transplant. Abnormalities of coagulation that necessitated correction were present in 19 patients at the time of biopsy. Patients tolerated the procedure well. There were no major complications. None of the patients required blood product transfusion or hospitalization as a result of the procedure. Two patients suffered respiratory depression as a complication of sedation, which was easily reversed with administration of intravenous naloxone. Two specimens were insufficient for interpretation. We conclude that percutaneous liver biopsy in the proper outpatient setting can reduce the need for hospitalization solely for the purpose of the procedure.