bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cisapride in Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux
Authors: Scott R. B. , Ferreira C. , Smith L. , Jones A. B. , Machida H. , Lohoues M. J. , Roy C. C. 
Published: February 2024

Background:Gastroesophageal reflux is a common condition that in infants may lead to serious complication. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of oral cisapride suspension in the treatment of children 6 weeks to 2 years old with daily regurgitant reflux.Methods:A randomized, prospective, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was conducted at three study sites. After a 1 week baseline assessment, 45 infants 6 weeks to 2 years old were randomized to a double‐blind trial in which they received a 6 week course of cisapride (0.2 mg/kg q6h) or a placebo suspension. Efficacy was assessed with 24 hour esophageal pH monitoring, esophageal manometry, and esophageal biopsy before and after the treatment period. A diary of regurgitation frequency and severity was kept by the parents. Safety was assessed by adverse event monitoring and standard laboratory measurements.Results:Compared with placebo, cisapride significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the mean duration of upright and supine reflux episodes. Compared to baseline, cisapride significantly reduced the mean duration of the longest reflux episode, and placebo increased the mean number of reflux episodes longer than 5 minutes. Cisapride was not significantly different from placebo for the following mean measurements: percent of total time pH <4, number of reflux episodes, lower esophageal sphincter pressure, swallow pressure, regurgitation frequency or global evaluation scores.Conclusions:Cisapride is a safe, well tolerated prokinetic agent that improves the esophageal clearance of refluxed gastric acid in children under the age of 2 years.
Can the Histologic Changes of Cystic Fibrosis‐Associated Hepatobiliary Disease be Predicted by Clinical Criteria?
Authors: Potter Carol J. , Fishbein Mark , Hammond Sue , McCoy Karen , Qualman Steve 
Published: February 2024

Background:Correlation between clinical parameters and histology changes in cystic fibrosis liver disease has not been documented. The purpose of this study was to determine the histologic spectrum of cystic fibrosis liver disease and the degree to which a clinical scoring system can identify subjects with significant histologic abnormalities.Methods:We reviewed the predictive value of physical examination, biochemical parameters, and a clinical liver score, incorporating physical examination and biochemical parameters, in predicting significant abnormalities of liver histology in 43 cystic fibrosis patients who underwent hepatic biopsy. Biopsies were scored by two masked pathologists for fibrosis, inflammation, inspissation, fatty infiltration, and congestion.Results:Significant histologic disease was present in 56% of patients despite little biochemical or physical examination evidence of disease. No single parameter used in the scoring system predicted the type or degree of the liver disease. The clinical liver score had a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 82% in predicting significant histologic changes, yet it was unable to predict the specific lesion.Conclusions:Significant histologic liver disease is common in cystic fibrosis, although the exact nature of the lesion cannot be predicted without liver biopsy. A clinical liver score that was developed for this may be useful in determining which patients require more definitive evaluation.
Prospective Significance of Antiendomysium Antibody Positivity in Subsequently Verified Celiac Disease
Authors: Korponay‐Szabó Ilma R. , Kovács Judit B. , Lörincz Margit , Gorácz Gyula , Szabados Katalin , Balogh Márta 
Published: February 2024

Background:In order to assess their long‐term predictability for the diagnosis of celiac disease, antiendomysium antibody results were compared with the outcome of the Interlaken diagnostic process.Methods:Prospective gluten challenge was performed in 153 children with previously diagnosed flat small‐intestine mucosa. In 90 patients (Group A), endomysium antibodies were initially positive, in seven (Group B) they were negative, and 56 patients (Group C) had no initial serological results. In IgA‐deficient persons, IgG antibodies were also assayed, both by the immunofluorescent method.Results:Histological relapse rates were 100% (90/90), 14.3% (1/7), and 76.8% (43/56), p < 0.001, in Groups A, B, and C, respectively. Each patient with relapse also exhibited endomysium antibody positivity during the challenge. Patients in whom celiac disease could be finally ruled out remained consistently endomysium‐antibody negative. The celiac disease patient in Group B had severe secondary immunoglobulin deficiency at entry, which explained the initial negativity. Diagnosis based on antiendomysium antibody positivity and flat mucosa gave a higher applicability (92.8 vs. 50.3%) and reliability (relapse rate 100 vs. 89.6%) than the 1990 European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (ESPGAN) criteria among these patients.Conclusions:Endomysium antibody positivity at presentation has been found to be as useful as gluten challenge in the diagnosis of celiac disease, even in patients under the age of 2 years. Challenge is still advisable in patients with a flat small intestinal mucosa when antiendomysium antibody results are negative or have not been done, as among these patients significantly lower relapse rates were found.
Nitric Oxide and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Evidence for Local Intestinal Production in Children with Active Colonic Disease
Authors: Levine Jeremiah J. , Pettei Michael J. , Valderrama Elsa , Gold David M. , Kessler Bradley H. , Trachtman Howard 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Active colitis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease is associated with mucosal vasodilation, increased intestinal permeability and abnormal colonic motility. Nitric oxide is a messenger molecule with many functions, including regulation of local blood flow, vasomotor tone, and inflammation. Increased nitric oxide production and inducible nitric oxide synthase activity have been demonstrated in experimental models of colitis. This study was designed to determine the relationship between nitric oxide production and colonic inflammation in children with active colitis and in control subjects and whether expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase protein is demonstrable in the intestinal epithelium of these patients.Methods:Nitrate + nitrite were measured in urine, stool, and plasma using the Griess assay. Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase protein in intestinal tissue was determined by immunohistochemical localization.Results:Urinary nitrate + nitrite levels were not significantly different in patients and control subjects. In contrast, stool and plasma nitrate + nitrite concentrations were significantly higher in children with inflammatory bowel disease compared with levels in control children (stool: 162.4 ± 31.0μmol/l versus 77.2 ± 22.1 μmol/l; plasma 65.2 ± 9.9μmol/l versus 38.1 ± 6.6 μmol/L; p < 0.05). Stool nitrate + nitrite levels significantly correlated with plasma values. Immunohistochemical staining of colonic tissue from children with inflammatory bowel disease demonstrated inducible nitric oxide synthase protein located exclusively in epithelial cells.Conclusion:Increased nitric oxide production and enhanced intestinal epithelial cell expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase protein are associated with active colonic inflammation.
Activated Protein C Resistance in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Levine Arie , Lahav Judith , Zahavi Ilan , Raz Arie , Dinari Gabriel 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:There is evidence for a hypercoagulable state in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD), and small vessel thrombosis has been identified in the bowel of patients with Crohn's disease, suggesting thrombosis as a possible etiologic factor. Activated protein C (APC) resistance is the most common inherited disorder leading to thrombosis and accounts for 30% to 40% of episodes of idiopathic venous thrombosis.Methods:The prevalence of APC resistance was studied in 23 patients with IBD (17 with Crohn's disease, 6 with ulcerative colitis) and in 11 control subjects with recurrent abdominal pain or celiac disease, using an APC resistance screening method.Results:One patient with Crohn's disease had a positive screen result, two patients(one with Crohn's, one with ulcerative colitis) had borderline results, and results in all of the control subjects were normal. One patient with Crohn's disease had a history of a thromboembolic event but had a normal screen result.Conclusions:Activated protein C resistance does not seem to play a major role in the etiology of the hypercoagulable state in inflammatory bowel disease.
Celiac Disease and Turner Syndrome
Authors: Bonamico Margherita , Bottaro Gaetano , Pasquino Anna Maria , Caruso‐Nicoletti Manuela , Mariani Paolo , Gemme Gerolamo , Paradiso Emanuela , Ragusa Maria Carlotta , Spina Massimo 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Short stature is one of the features of Turner syndrome and a form of presentation of monosymptomatic celiac disease.Methods:The recognition of celiac disease in two antiendomysium antibody‐positive Turner syndrome girls who did not respond to growth hormone treatment led us to perform as a screening for celiac disease IgA and IgG antigliadin antibodies and antiendomysium antibodies determination in other 35 Turner syndrome patients. Intestinal biopsy was proposed to the antiendomysium antibodies‐positive girls; in the former, subtotal villous atrophy was found; in the latter, one parent's consent for intestinal biopsy was not obtained.Results:The prevalence of celiac disease in Turner syndrome patients observed in the present study (8.1 if we consider 3 villous atrophy, 10.8 if we consider 4 antiendomysium antibody‐positive) is quite high and seems to indicate that the association of these two disorders could not be coincidental. As to the clinical picture, celiac disease appeared atypical in one case, typical in another one and as a silent form in the third case. Of the 3 cases with villous atrophy on gluten‐free diet growth hormone therapy was not effective in two girls, who were older than 16 years, while in the younger patient, detected by the screening, a significant increment of height velocity and height Standard Deviation Score for Chronological Age according to Turner references was observed.Conclusions:This study suggests that celiac disease can be associated with Turner syndrome and even responsible for a failure of growth hormone therapy. Therefore we propose to perform in Turner syndrome patients antiendomysium antibody determination as a screening followed by intestinal biopsy in positive cases. This would be advisable at least before starting growth hormone treatment.
Elevated Intakes of Zinc in Infant Formulas Do Not Interfere with Iron Absorption in Premature Infants
Authors: Friel James K. , Serfass Robert E. , Fennessey Paul V. , Miller Leland V. , Andrews Wayne L. , Simmons Brian S. , Downton Geoff F. , Kwa Poh G. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Zinc and iron may share common pathways for absorption and compete for uptake into mucosal cells. We determined whether elevated ratios of zinc to iron would interfere with erythrocyte incorporation of iron in premature infants both during and between feeds.Methods:In the first experiment, five premature infants (<2500 g birth weight) were enrolled, once receiving full oral feeds by nasogastric tube. They received either high (1200 ug/kg, ratio 4:1) or low (300 ug/kg, ratio 1:1) doses of oral zinc sulfate, together with 300 ug/kg oral 58Fe as chloride in saline with 10 mg/kg vitamin C, between designated feeding periods. Each infant served as its own control and randomly received either high or low doses of zinc or iron and then the alternate dose after 2 weeks. In the second experiment, nine additional premature infants were assigned to the same zinc:iron intake protocol except zinc and iron were given with usual oral feeds (premature formula or human milk) equilibrated before feeding. Iron absorption was measured by the erythrocyte incorporation of58 Fe.Results:High doses of zinc given between feeds significantly inhibited erythrocyte incorporation of iron. 58Fe incorporation (%) with the 1:1 ratio of zinc:iron intake was 7.5 (5.7, 10; geometric mean, ‐I SD, +1 SD). The percentage of 58Fe incorporation on the 4:1 ratio of zinc:iron intake was 3.6 (2.6, 5.1). Given with feeds, the percentage of 58Fe incorporation on low zinc:iron intake was 7.0 (2.6, 19). Finally, the percentage of 58Fe incorporation on high zinc:iron intake was 6.7(2.5, 19).Conclusion:Elevated intakes of zinc do not interfere with erythrocyte incorporation of iron in premature formulas.
Studying the electrical, mechanical, and biological properties of BCZT–HA composites
Authors: Dehnov Fatemeh Zare , Hayati Raziye , Tayebi Lobat 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe piezoelectric properties of natural bone and their influence on bone growth have inspired researchers to study a range of bio‐piezoelectric composite materials. By exploring these materials, researchers aim to understand better, how piezoelectricity can be controlled to promote bone growth and tissue regeneration. In this work, the prominent piezoelectric material, (Ba, Zr) TiO3‐x(Ba,Ca)TiO3, abbreviated as BCZT, was selected as a possible bone growth enhancer in hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds. Initially, BCZT and hydroxyapatite (HA) powders were synthesized using the sol–gel method. Subsequently, various composite samples of BCZT–xHA were prepared using the conventional solid‐state method. After sintering the samples at 1300°C, the phase structure, microstructure, density, and electrical properties were characterized. The samples' compressive strength was determined by analyzing the outcomes of basic compression tests. The biological behavior of the samples in terms of in vitro simulated body fluid immersion and MTT tests were evaluated. Our results revealed that among the BCZT–xHA samples, the BCZT‐20HA sample had the best composition, considering its electrical, mechanical, and biological properties. A d33 value of 10 pC/N, dielectric permittivity of 110, and the g33 equal to 10.27 mV m/N resulted in the output voltage of 1.03 V. The results of the MTT assay test confirmed the noncytotoxic nature of the samples with the highest optical density in the BCZT‐20HA sample.
Strontium‐loaded 3D intramedullary nail titanium implant for critical‐sized femoral defect in rabbits
Authors: Honda Shintaro , Fujibayashi Shunsuke , Shimizu Takayoshi , Yamaguchi Seiji , Okuzu Yaichiro , Takaoka Yusuke , Masuda Soichiro , Takemoto Mitsuru , Kawai Toshiyuki , Otsuki Bungo , Goto Koji , Matsuda Shuichi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe treatment of critical‐sized bone defects has long been a major problem for surgeons. In this study, an intramedullary nail shaped three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed porous titanium implant that is capable of releasing strontium ions was developed through a simple and cost‐effective surface modification technique. The feasibility of this implant as a stand‐alone solution was evaluated using a rabbit's segmental diaphyseal as a defect model. The strontium‐loaded implant exhibited a favorable environment for cell adhesion, and mechanical properties that were commensurate with those of a rabbit's cortical bone. Radiographic, biomechanical, and histological analyses revealed a significantly higher amount of bone ingrowth and superior bone‐bonding strength in the strontium‐loaded implant when compared to an untreated porous titanium implant. Furthermore, one‐year histological observations revealed that the strontium‐loaded implant preserved the native‐like diaphyseal bone structure without failure. These findings suggest that strontium‐releasing 3D‐printed titanium implants have the clinical potential to induce the early and efficient repair of critical‐sized, load‐bearing bone defects.
Taxonomic significance of megaspores in some species of Selaginella from Arunachal Pradesh in India
Authors: Aran Khencha , Giri Priti , Roy Himu , Uniyal Prem Lal 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe present study was carried out to record the color, size, and ornamentation of megaspores in 18 species of the family Selaginellaceae from Arunachal Pradesh using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and light microscope (LM). Electron microscopic study of the spore features revealed the type of ornamentation and microsculptural detail. SEM study on megaspore of Selaginella pentagona (S. pentagona), Selaginella tenuifolia, Selaginella semicordata, and Selaginella chrysorrhizos is presented for the first time. Variation in the megaspore ornamentation is noted at the interspecific level and intraspecific level in some cases. Examination of the megaspores under study found all the megaspores as trilete, with a size ranging from 116 to 560 μm in diameter. Taxonomic key is prepared to differentiate the species. Short descriptions of megaspores are provided and supported by photo plates. New features are recorded for seven species. The study contributes to the separation of species within the genus Selaginella based on the spore feature and brings forward the use of spore as a diagnostic tool in the taxonomy of the genus. These works contribute to the systematic of the family Selaginellaceae and provide useful information in the field of palynology.Research Highlights
Study on megaspore features of Selaginella species collected from Arunachal Pradesh, using SEM and LM.
Taxonomic key is provided for each species based on megaspores features.
New megaspore features are recorded for the seven species.
The study brings forward the use of spore as a diagnostic tool in the taxonomy of the genus.
These works provide useful information in the field of systematic and palynology.
Changes in the expression of genes encoding xanthophyl acyltransferases during the postharvest ripening of avocado (Persea americana) fruit
Authors: Yahia Elhadi‐M , Hernández‐Oñate Miguel‐Angel , Ojeda‐Contreras Angel‐Javier , Mercado‐Ruiz Jorge , Cordero‐Chávez Larissa , Trillo‐Hernández Eduardo‐Antonio , Tiznado‐Hernández Martín‐Ernesto 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDAvocado fruit is rich in xanthophylls, which have been related to positive effects on human health. Xanthophyl acetyltransferases (XATs) are enzymes catalyzing the esterification of carboxylic acids to the hydroxyl group of the xanthophyll molecule. This esterification is thought to increase the lipophilic nature of the xanthophyll and its stability in a lipophilic environment. Studies on XATs in fruits are very scarce, and no studies had been carried out in avocado fruit during postharvest. The objective of this work was to investigate the changes in the expression of genes encoding XAT, during avocado fruit ripening.RESULTSAvocado fruits were obtained from a local market and stored at 15 °C for 8 days. The fruit respiration rate, ethylene production, and fruit peel's color space parameters (L*, a*, b*) were measured during storage. Fruit mesocarp samples were taken after 1, 3, 5, and 7 days of storage and frozen with liquid nitrogen. Total RNA was extracted from fruit mesocarp, and the quantification of the two genes designated as COGE_ID: 936743791 and COGE_ID: 936800185 encoding XATs was performed with real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction using actin as a reference gene. The presence of a climacteric peak and large changes in color were recorded during postharvest. The two genes studied showed a large expression after 3 days of fruit storage.CONCLUSIONSWe conclude that during the last stages of ripening in avocado fruit there was an active esterification of xanthophylls with carboxylic acids, which suggests the presence of esterified xanthophylls in the fruit mesocarp. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Cumulative lifetime enhancement effect of deuteration in blue organic light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Yao Jingwen , Zhang Ye‐Xin , Tang Ching W. , Dong Shou‐Cheng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis research investigates the impact of deuteration on the operational lifetime of blue organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Our study focuses on the kinetic isotope effect (KIE) and how it enhances device lifetime. Specifically, we examine the effects of deuteration on OLEDs with emitters based on common polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by deuterating anthracene‐based host materials. Our findings show that the deuterated analogues with incremental deuterium substitutions exhibit similar electroluminescence (EL) performances but progressively prolonged device lifetimes as a function of deuteration, indicating a cumulative enhancement effect. We observed a twofold increase in device lifetime with partial deuterium substitutions, while highly deuterated hosts realized up to a fourfold improvement. Furthermore, we found that device degradation is initiated from the interface of the hole transport layer (HTL) and emitting layer (ETL), and deuteration can mitigate the degraded reactions in the devices, thereby improving operational stability. These results provide insight into how deuteration can increase the operational lifetime of OLEDs, which has important implications for developing more efficient and durable OLED materials.
Degradation of indigo carmine dye with peroxydisulphate ion in aqueous sulphuric acid phase: Kinetic study
Authors: Umoru Patricia Ese , Nkole Ikechukwu Ugbaga , Ezeh Titus Tobechukwu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe quest for cleaner environments is a global concern. Hence, the investigation of degradation of the indigo carmine dye (IC) with peroxydisulphate ion in an aqueous sulphuric acid system with a view to understanding its kinetic degradation and mechanism. The degradation depicts first‐order kinetics in [S2O82−] and [IC], and the degradation mole ratio of IC: S2O82− is 1:1. The degradation rate is dependent on the change in ionic strength and medium permittivity of the system. Also, added ions (NH4+ and NO3−) influence the degradation rate of the dye which further supported the outcome of the change in ionic strength. Free radical participation is ruled out. The experimental rate law is given as (Kk3[H+])[IC][S2O82−]. Owing to the absence of detectable intermediates in the degradation process, an outer‐sphere mechanism is proposed. The study is significant in textile industries and medical settings for making environments less toxic with a well‐understood degradation rate pathway.
Organic Admixtures as Additive: An Initiative to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emission due to Concrete
Authors: Bengal Shriram N. , Ghodmare Sujesh , Nayak Chittaranjan B. , Tomar Anjul 
Published: February 2024

AbstractConcrete is a material which is being used extensively for construction worldwide. Concrete provides high strength, durability, impermeability, fire resistance, and hence provides a safe place for living. It is the composite of cement, aggregates, and water. In modern construction, chemical admixtures are also used to elaborate the properties of concrete like strength, workability, etc. but the chemical admixtures have adverse effects on environment at the time of production and post‐production also. Whereas organic admixtures are extracted organically from plants and animals without addition of any external chemicals. Many organic admixtures are used in lime concrete/mortar traditionally. The purpose of this paper is to enlighten the effect on quality of concrete by addition of organic additives jaggery and sticky rice pulp, which will in turn reduce the cement requirement and overall CO2 emission in the environment.