bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Horizontal Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus in Children
Authors: Hsu Shun‐Chien , Chang Mei‐Hwei , Ni Yen‐Hsuan , Hsu Hong‐Yuan , Lee Chin‐Yun 
Published: January 2024

SummaryHorizontal transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is responsible for about half of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers in Taiwan. To investigate the routes and risk factors of horizontal HBV transmission, 131 HBsAg carrier children of HBsAg seronegative mothers were compared with 98 age‐matched children seronegative for all hepatitis B markers. Possible factors influencing transmission of HBV, including family size, age at attending kindergarten, frequency of intramuscular injection during infancy and at the toddler stage, contact with HBsAg carriers, and HBV status of parents, siblings and caretakers were studied by questionnaire survey. Intramuscular injection frequency during infancy and at the toddler stage and prevalence of HBsAg positivity among siblings were significantly higher in carrier children than in the control group. Other factors studied were not different in these two groups. The results indicated that unsterilized, multiple intramuscular injections and intrafamilial spread among siblings might be the major routes of horizontal HBV transmission in children in Taiwan.
Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children
Authors: Mitchell H. M. , Bohane T. D. , Tobias V. , Bullpitt P. , Daskalopoulos G. , Carrick J. , Mitchell J. D. , Lee A. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryChildren (227) undergoing endoscopy for upper gastrointestinal symptoms were investigated for the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. The histological response to H. pylori infection and the presence of antral nodularity and peptic ulceration were noted. Symptomatic adults (258) undergoing endoscopy were also investigated for the presence of nodularity. H. pylori infection was detected historically in 32 of 227 (14.1%) children. Of those children infected with H. pylori, half (50%) had antral nodular gastritis. Of 139 H. pylori positive adults 22 (15.8%) showed nodularity. The active component of the histological response was found to be minimal or lacking in the majority of children infected with H. pylori. Twelve of the 227 children (5.3%) had peptic ulcer disease. Of these, nine were duodenal and three gastric ulcers. Of the nine children with duodenal ulceration three (33%) were infected with H. pylori. As a result of this study we conclude that (a) although antral nodularity occurs more frequently in children it is not exclusive to childhood, (b) the polymorphonuclear response in children is less than that reported in adults, and (c) peptic ulcer disease is rare in children and the present study would suggest that in children it is less frequently associated with H. pylori infection than in adults.
Pancreatic Function and Congenital Duodenal Anomalies
Authors: Sarles J. , Guys J. M. , Sauniere J. F. 
Published: January 2024

SummarySix children operated on for congenital anomalies of the duodenum were investigated to find out if pancreatic dysfunction was associated with the duodenal malformation, even in the absence of clinical evidence of pancreatic insufficiency. None of the children had diarrhea and none requested nutritional support. Pancreatic function was assessed by enzyme activities (lipase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin) bicarbonate and calcium measurements in pancreatic juice obtained through a nasoduodenal tube under stimulation by secretin and cerulein. Results showed no significant modification in hydro‐electrolytic secretion, but impairment of enzymatic secretion was seen. The physiopathological relationship between duodenal anomalies and pancreatic dysfunction is discussed.
A New Protector Device for Safe Endoscopic Removal of Sharp Gastroesophageal Foreign Bodies in Infants
Authors: Bertoni Giorgio , Pacchione Dario , Sassatelli Romano , Ricci Enrico , Mortilla Maria G. , Gumina Cono 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThe accidental ingestion of sharp foreign bodies into the upper‐gastrointestinal tract is not uncommon in children. Endoscopic extraction of these objects poses technical difficulties, and a number of dangerous complications can occur. We present two cases of successful retrieval of large, sharp gastroesophageal foreign bodies in small children using a new, commercially available endoscopic end protector hood that prevents exposure of the esophageal and pharyngeal wall to injuries and laceration by the foreign body. This device is simple to use, versatile, and effective and advances the safe endoscopic removal of a variety of gastroesophageal foreign bodies in pediatric patients.
Trans Fatty Acid Content of Human Milk in Spain
Authors: Boatella Josep , Rafecas Magda , Codony Rafael , Gibert Anna , Rivero Montserrat , Tormo Ramón , Infante Damaso , Sánchez‐Valverde Fälix 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThe C18 fatty acid fraction of 38 samples of mature human milk from Spanish women was analyzed using capillary gas chromatography. The average content of trans fatty acids found in these samples represented 0.95% of total fatty acids. This value is lower than the percentage found in human milk from other developed countries in which the consumption of hydrogenated fat is higher. Trans fatty acid content in human milk has been related to the types of fats and oils present in the diets of the nursing mothers. According to the results obtained in this survey, we can also conclude that the amount of trans forms in breast milk lipids is lower than the trans content found in infant formulas in Spain.
Vitamin K1 Concentration in Breast‐Fed Neonates After Oral or Intramuscular Administration of a Single Dose of a New Mixed‐Micellar Preparation of Phylloquinone
Authors: Schubiger G. , Tönz O. , Grüter J. , Shearer M. J. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThe plasma disposition of a new mixedmicellar preparation (KONAKION MM, Roche) of phylloquinone (vitamin K1) has been studied in 25 healthy, fully breast‐fed, newborn babies, randomized to receive a single dose of either 1.5 mg i.m. (11 babies) or 3 mg p.o. (14 babies). Venous blood samples were collected at 25 h, 4 days, and 24 days. After p.o. administration, the median plasma phylloquinone concentration increased to 89 ng/ml after 24 h, then decreased to 51 ng/ml after 4 days; the respective concentrations after i.m. injection were 146 ng/ml and 34 ng/ml. The higher plasma phylloquinone level in the i.m. group after 24 h was not statistically significant compared with that of the p.o. group, but the reversed higher concentration in the p.o. group after 4 days was significant (p < 0.01). After 24 days the median plasma phylloquinone had decreased to 0.44 ng/ml (range 0.19–1.44) and 1.05 ng/ml (range 0.37–1.87) in the p.o. and i.m. groups, respectively. There was a significant difference between these plasma concentrations (p < 0.01). They were within or above the reference adult fasting range (0.17–0.68 ng/ml). The narrow range of plasma concentrations at 24 h and 4 days suggests a greater consistency of absorption from this micellar preparation than from other emulsion‐based preparations. Further studies are required to assess the long‐term protection of a single oral dose against late hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. Until such time, breast‐fed babies given this preparation orally should receive (an) additional dose(s).
Evaluation of Antibodies to Hepatitis C Virus in a Long‐Term Prospective Study of Posttransfusion Hepatitis Among Thalassemic Children
Authors: Lai Maria Eliana , De Virgilis Stefano , Argiolu Francesca , Farci Patrizia , Mazzoleni Anna P. , Lisci Vitalia , Rapicetta Maria , Clemente Maria G. , Nurchis Pierpaolo , Arnone Michele , Balestrieri Angelo , Cao Antonio 
Published: January 2024

SummaryDuring an 8‐year prospective study of post‐transfusion hepatitis conducted at the Thalassemic Center of Cagliari (Italy), including 135 newly diagnosed thalassemic children on long‐term transfusion maintenance, 83 children (61%) developed non‐A, non‐B hepatitis (NANBH). Resolution of NANBH was observed in 17 (20%) cases, and chronicity in 57 (69%), whereas the remaining 9 (11%) experienced one or two additional bouts of acute NANBH. Of the 83 children with NANBH, 75 (90%) showed anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroconversion when tested by second‐generation enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), whereas first‐generation ELISA showed anti‐HCV in only 59 (71%) cases (p = 0.003). Moreover, the newly developed assay allowed an earlier detection of anti‐HCV response in most of the patients who seroconverted by both assays, reducing significantly the mean onset‐seroconversion interval (5 ± 9.4 weeks vs. 14.5 ± 20.8 weeks, p < 0.05). It was significantly more sensitive for the identification of HCV infection, not only in resolving NANBH, but also in NANBH progressing to chronicity (79 vs. 35%, respectively, p = 0.008; and 93 vs. 79%, p = 0.028). The pattern of antibody response with first‐generation assay was characterized by clearance of anti‐HCV with time, in most of the patients who recovered, and by persistence of anti‐HCV in the majority of those who progressed to chronicity, whereas second‐generation ELISA usually showed persistence of anti‐HCV over time, regardless to the outcome of the disease. The pattern of anti‐HCV observed by first‐generation assay in children who experienced multiple episodes of acute NANBH was generally characterized by clearance of anti‐HCV after recovery, followed by reappearance and rise of the antibody titer concomitant with the new episode of acute hepatitis, whereas second‐generation assay revealed again the persistence of the antibody in most cases. This study shows that HCV is the major cause of NANBH among polytransfused thalassemics. Whether some posttransfusion NANBH without detectable anti‐HCV (10%) may be caused by viruses other than HCV remains to be clarified.
Portal Hypertensive Gastropathy in Children
Authors: Hyams Jeffrey S. , Treem William R. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryWe endeavored to determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) in children with cirrhotic and noncirrhotic portal hypertension. Medical records of all patients with portal hypertension undergoing upper GI endoscopy during a 7‐year period were retrospectively reviewed. PHG was defined as absent, mild, or severe by previously established criteria. Twenty‐two patients with portal hypertension (17 cirrhotic, 5 noncirrhotic) were identified. In the group of 17 cirrhotic patients, PHG was noted in four at initial endoscopy (three mild, one severe) and in seven (two mild, five severe) during follow‐up. Severe PHG was seen in one patient with noncirrhotic portal hypertension at presentation; in two patients, mild PHG developed during follow‐up. In the 14 patients in whom PHG was noted, gastric mucosal disease developed in nine in whom no sclerotherapy was performed and in five patients treated with sclerotherapy. The size of varices, history of variceal bleeding, and presence or absence of hypersplenism did not appear to be related to the development of PHG. None of seven patients with mild PHG and two of seven patients with severe PHG bled from their gastric mucosa. We conclude that PHG is commonly observed in children with cirrhotic and noncirrhotic portal hypertension. Mild PHG appears to have little clinical significance, while severe PHG may cause bleeding. PHG may develop with or without sclerotherapy.
Quality‐Protein Maize with a High Fat Content as a Weaning Food
Authors: Graham George G. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryFew advances would contribute more to the growth and well‐being of infants and children in the developing world than the making available of acceptable staple foods that are easy to grow and process, nutritionally complete enough to serve as the major weaning food, and safe without refrigeration. High‐fat quality‐protein maize (QPM), grown in Mexico, had > 10% of its energy as well‐balanced protein and >15% as fat. When it was fed to six recovering malnourished infants to provide 85–88% of dietary energy, all of 9.8% protein calories, and all of 13.5% fat calories, it was easily consumed and tolerated. In comparison with a fiber‐free, casein‐based diet, fecal wet and dry weights of children consuming two varieties of high‐fat QPM were three to four times greater, and apparent digestibilities of energy were 86 ± 3 and 86 ± 4 versus 97 ± 1%, of carbohydrate 88 ± 3 and 89 ± 5 versus 100%, and of nitrogen (N) 77 ± 4 and 75 ± 4 versus 89 ± 2% of intake. High “biological values,” 43 ± 10 and 46 ± 13 versus 43 ± 10% of absorbed N, led to comparable apparent N retentions: 33 ± 8 and 35 ± 9 versus 38 ± 9% of intake. Results were similar to those from earlier studies with Peruvian QPM with a typical fat content. Fat absorptions from QPMs were nearly complete, equal to those from separated vegetable oils in the casein diet. Breath H2s were suggestive of significant colonic salvage of incompletely digested maize carbohydrates.
Epigastric Impedance Recording for Measuring Gastric Emptying in Children
Authors: Smith Heather L. , Hollins Graham W. , Booth Ian W. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryEpigastric impedance recording was used to measure gastric half‐emptying time (t1/2) of orange squash in 45 healthy infants and children. The relationship between age, body size, and composition and the impedance increase after gastric filling was investigated, together with the effects on half‐emptying time of adding fat, increasing viscosity, and increasing osmolality in the test meal. The mean t1/2 for orange squash was 13.5 min. The increase in impedance per unit volume ingested showed a significant inverse relationship with age (r = −0.62, p < 0.001), and with various anthropometric variables (r ranged from −0.48 to −0.80, p < 0.01). No relationship was observed between t1/2, and age, sex, body size, or composition. Addition of 1.25% triglyceride or a 600‐fold increase in viscosity of the test meal were both accompanied by a significant lengthening of t1/2 (p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively), but t1/2 did not alter with a fourfold increase in test meal osmolality. The test was well tolerated by all subjects, but its usefulness is limited by susceptibility to movement artefact, and also the necessity to use simple, liquid test meals.
Comparison of Methods for Estimating Fecal Carbohydrate Excretion in Premature Infants
Authors: Kien C. Lawrence , McClead Richard E. , Kepner Jonathan , Grotjohn Karen 
Published: January 2024

SummaryOur previous studies have suggested that there is minimal fecal excretion of carbohydrate‐derived energy in premature infants fed lactose or glucose‐polymer as the source of carbohydrate. In these studies, carbohydrate energy excretion was equated with the non‐nitrogenous, nonfat energy. Although these studies provided consistent results, this methodological approach cannot distinguish actual excretion of dietary carbohydrate from carbohydrate in the form of large molecular compounds derived from infant or bacterial cells (which in fact comprise 90% of the measured value). Therefore, in this study we compared the absorption of carbohydrate energy to the fractional absorption of 13C derived from [D‐l‐13C]‐lactose in 10 premature infants 30–32 weeks gestational age fed either a commercial premature infant formula containing a mixture of carbohydrates (50% lactose: 50% glucose polymer) or the same formula in which lactose was the sole carbohydrate. The two methods provided comparable estimates of carbohydrate absorption (96 and 94%, respectively), although there were significant discrepancies in two infants. These studies provide evidence of external validity for the two methods
Simple and Rapid Macronutrient Analysis of Human Milk for Individualized Fortification
Authors: Polberger S. , Lönnerdal B. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryFeeding human milk exclusively to the very‐low‐birth‐weight infant may lead to insufficient intakes of protein and energy. Although the milk is therefore often supplemented with protein and additional calories, there is usually no prior information on its macronutrient composition. If such data were available, it would be possible to individualize the fortification of the milk. To find simple, rapid, and inexpensive methods of enriching it, we evaluated existing macronutrient assays of human milk. Thirty frozen samples of early human milk (3–20 days of lactation) were analyzed for contents of protein (Kjeldahl, Lowry, and Bio‐Rad protein assays), fat (Folch, total lipids assay, and creamatocrit), and carbohydrates (lactose and orcinol assays). The methods were modified to minimize cost and time. From these data, we find it appropriate to recommend the use of the Lowry (or, alternatively, the Bio‐Rad) protein assay, the total lipids assay, and the orcinol carbohydrate assay for reasonably accurate determinations of the protein and energy contents of human milk. Because the variation in the carbohydrate content of human milk is very small, a more simple alternative approach would be to include only an average carbohydrate value for an estimate of energy content. These low‐cost methods can be used in all laboratories affiliated to neonatal units taking care of preterm infants. Such individualized fortification should serve to further improve the nutritional management of very‐low‐birth‐weight infants.
Influence of Breast‐Feeding on the Infant's Intellectual Development
Authors: Temboury M. C. , Otero A. , Polanco I. , Arribas E. 
Published: January 2024

Summary:The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of breast‐feeding on the intellectual development of the infant, controlling for possible confounding factors. A prospective study of cohorts was carried out in a group of 229 healthy infants, studied from birth to 2 years of age. The infants were divided into two groups: group 1,99 infants who were bottle‐fed; and group 0, 130 who were breast‐fed. All other characteristics in both groups were similar. Psychomotor development was measured between 18 and 29 months using the Bayley scales. Lower results on the Index of Mental Development were associated with bottle‐fed infants, lower‐middle and lower social class, elementary education of the mother, temper tantrums, and having siblings. Lower results on the Index of Motor Development were associated only with lower and lower‐middle social class.
Serum Concentrations of Albumin, C‐Reactive Protein, α2‐Macroglobulin, Prealbumin, Fibronectin, Fibrinogen, Transferrin, and Retinol Binding Protein in 55 Patients with Hepatic Glycogen Storage Diseases
Authors: Labrune Ph. , Benattar C. , Ammoury N. , Chalas J. , Lindenbaum A. , Odièvre M. 
Published: January 2024

Summary:Hepatic glycogen storage diseases are hereditary metabolic disorders involving the metabolism of glycogen. This study was designed to investigate the serum protein status in such diseases. Fifty‐five patients with glycogen storage disease types I, III, VI, and IX, whose ages ranged from 1 month to 27 years, were included in this work. C‐reactive protein, fibrinogen, α2‐macroglobulin, albumin, transferrin, fibronectin, retinol binding protein, and prealbumin serum concentrations were measured in each patient. In patients affected with type I glycogen storage disease, serum concentrations of α2‐macroglobulin, fibrinogen, C‐reactive protein, and transferrin were significantly increased. In patients with types III, VI, and IX glycogen storage diseases, the concentration of α2‐macroglobulin was the only one that was significantly increased. Thus, even though this study raises more questions than it answers, it seems likely that the hepatic synthesis of some proteins may be increased in patients affected by hepatic glycogen storage diseases. This may indicate some degree of mild hepatic dysfunction in such metabolic disorders. However, further investigations are required to elucidate the discrepancies observed among the different types of diseases.
Stimulation by Recombinant Human Growth Hormone of Growth and Development of Remaining Bowel After Subtotal Ileojejunectomy in Rats
Authors: Benhamou Pierre‐Henri , Canarelli Jean‐Pierre , Leroy Catherine , De Boissieu Delphine , Dupont Christophe 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThe impact of human recombinant growth hormone (GH) after massive small bowel resection was studied in 38 weaning female Wistar rats (65 + 5 days old; 193 + 26 g). Animals underwent a 80% small bowel resection, leaving in place similar lengths of jejunum and ileum. Animals were assigned to four groups: group A (n = 9), small bowel resection only; group B (n = 10), resection and treatment with 0.2 GH units (GHU) s.c. every other day; group C (n = 9), resection and 0.4 GHU; and group D (n = 10), laparotomy without intestinal resection. Twenty‐eight days later, weight gain (percentage of initial weight) was 1 + 3 in group A, 12 + 8 in group B, 12 + 9 in group C, and 16 + 7 in group D; p < 0.001, groups B‐D. Time to recover initial weight was 26.2 + 3.3 days in group A; 11.7 + 5.4 days in group B (p < 0.001); and 16 + 6.1 days in group C (p < 0.001 vs. A). The size of the intestinal remnant after the rats were killed was 1.3 + 0.6 cm (13 + 10% of initial length) in A; 5.15 + 2.4 cm (37 + 18%) in B (p < 0.01); 4.2 + 2.3 cm (33 + 20%) in C (p < 0.01 vs. A); and 4.4 + 3.5 cm (5.8 + 4.9%) in D (p < 0.001 vs A). Villus height and diameter, average number of mitosis per field, and muscular layer and wall thickness were greater in groups A, B, and C than in group D (p < 0.001). Villus height and muscular thickness of the jejunal part were increased in group C compared with A (p < 0.05). In conclusion, GH improves the postoperative intestinal adaptation process in terms of both weight gain and small bowel lengthening.
Are Bioelectric Impedance Measurements Valid in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis?
Authors: Borowitz Drucy , Conboy Kathleen 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThis pilot study compared the use of bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA), a rapid, portable, and painless method of measuring body composition, to isotope dilution in patients with and without cystic fibrosis (CF). Many methods exist for measuring body composition but these measures can be difficult to use in the clinical setting. BIA has been validated as a tool for nutritional assessment in healthy adults, but it must be validated in patient populations with specific disease‐related nutritional problems, such as CF. Ten ambulatory patients with CF were selected along with ten controls matched for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI; wt/ht2). Total body water (TBW) was determined using isotope‐ratio mass spectrometry on urine specimens before and after patients consumed 0.2 g/kg deuterium‐rich water. BIA was performed using a tetrapolar technique; 500 μA of current at 50 kHz was introduced and the voltage drop measured. Seven men and three women were studied in each group. Median age was 27 (range, 18–39) and median BMI was 19.2 (range, 16.7–30.1) in CF adults. Median age was 27.5 (range, 15–43) and median BMI was 20.7 (range, 19.4–31.6) in controls. The resistance index (RI; ht2/resistance) correlated strongly with TBW in patients with CF (r = 0.88; y = 0.482 x + 11.138; p < 0.05) as well as in controls (r = 0.87; y = 0.661x + 1.299; p < 0.05). We conclude that BIA is a rapid, portable, and painless method for measuring body composition that correlates well with the deuterium‐dilution method. However, CF‐specific regression equations will need to be developed and confidence intervals defined using large numbers of patients before this technique can be widely applied to patients with CF.