bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lactulose‐Rhamnose Intestinal Permeability in Children With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Leclercq‐Foucart J. , Forget P. P. , Van Cutsem J. L. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryThe lactulose‐rhamnose intestinal permeability test was performed in 10 cystic fibrosis (CF) children. Urine was collected for 5 h after oral intake of the test solution. A single thin‐layer chromatography followed by densitometry was used for the measurement of lactulose and rhamnose concentrations in the urine specimens. The excretion of each molecule was expressed as the percentage of the orally administered dose excreted and the lactulose‐rhamnose ratio was the ratio of the percentage quantities of each probe molecule excreted. The mean lactulose‐rhamnose excretion ratio in CF patients and controls was 0.16 and 0.038, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean 5‐h lactulose excretion was 2% and 0.28% in CF patients and control subjects, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean 5‐h rhamnose excretion was 12.8% and 7.6% in CF patients and control subjects (p < 0.05). We conclude that CF patients have an increased intestinal permeability to lactulose and rhamnose. Further studies are needed in order to elucidate the mechanisms involved as well as the eventual nutritional implications.
Comparison of Serum Fibronectin, Prealbumin, and Albumin Concentrations During Nutritional Repletion in Protein‐Calorie Malnourished Infants
Authors: Yoder Mervin C. , Anderson Donald C. , Gopalakrishna G. S. , Douglas Steven D. , Polin Richard A. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryAnthropometric measurements and serum fibronectin, prealbumin, and albumin concentrations were determined on admission and during the hospitalization of 20 noninfected infants with protein‐calorie malnutrition. Serum fibronectin concentrations were significantly decreased on admission but increased to greater than normal serum values in 2 weeks. During this same interval, serum prealbumin values rose from significantly decreased to normal levels. Serum albumin concentrations and anthropometric measurements were not significantly elevated above admission levels until the fourth week of nutritional support. Serum fibronectin and prealbumin concentrations may serve as indices of the short‐term efficacy of nutritional support in noninfected infants with protein‐calorie malnutrition.
Intralipid Effects on Preterm Neonate Serum
Authors: Etzioni A. , Meshulam T. , Zeltzer M. , Benderly A. , Merzbach D. , Sujov P. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryThe effects of Intralipid (IL) administration of preterm infants have been investigated. For this purpose, adult neutrophils were stimulated by infant sera collected before and after IL treatment. A definite decrease (p < 0.0005) in chemoattractant capacity of zymosan‐activated serum was observed after IL. On the other hand, no difference in the opsinizing abilities of untreated versus treated sera could be demonstrated by measuring the chemiluminescence responses to serum‐opsonized zymosan. This study emphasized the need of caution in the use of IL treatment for preterm infants.
Sclerosing Cholangitis and Ulcerative Colitis in a Mother and Her Son
Authors: Silber Gary H. , Finegold Milton J. , Wagner Milton L. , Klish William J. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryWe present two cases, a 32‐year‐old mother and her 10‐year‐old son, both of whom had ulcerative colitis and sclerosing cholangitis. The mother had radiologic as well as pathologic evidence of both diseases, while the child's disease was demonstrated pathologically. A review of the literature indicates the rarity of sclerosing cholangitis in childhood, with no reported instances of a parent‐child affliction. The hypothesis that there is a genetic component to the development of sclerosing cholangitis may be supported by this family.
Neonatal Hepatitis
Authors: Chang Mei‐Hwei , Hsu Hey‐Chi , Lee Chin‐Yun , Wang Tso‐Ren , Kao Chuan‐Liang 
Published: February 2024

SummaryFifty‐six patients with moderate to severe neonatal hepatitis were followed for 12 to 78 months. Two died from causes other than hepatitis itself and were free from liver disease at the time of death. Of the remaining 54 patients, seven died of hepatitis, two are living with chronic liver disease and psychomotor retardation, and 45 are living without liver disease. High peak bilirubin levels and liver histologic findings of periportal fibrosis, moderate to severe portal inflammation, and/or diffuse giant cell transformation appear to be major factors predictive for poor outcome. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was a common associated infection. Evidence of CMV infection was found in 22 (49%) of the 45 patients studied. Three of them died, and one is still living with cirrhosis of the liver. Metabolic disorders such as alpha‐1‐antitrypsin deficiency, galaclosemia, and aminoaciduria and/or aminoacidemia were carefully screened but were not found in these cases. A fatal case had a sibling who had died of a similar disease course. Chinese infants may have metabolic and familial cholestasis diseases requiring further investigation.
Continuous 24‐Hour Esophageal pH Monitoring in 285 Asymptomatic Infants 0–15 Months Old
Authors: Vandenplas Yvan , Sacré‐Smits Liliane 
Published: February 2024

SummaryA continuous 24‐h esophageal pH monitoring was performed in 283 asymptomatic infants between 5 days and 15 months old. Several parameters (reflux index, duration of the longest reflux episode, number of reflux episodes in 24 h, number of reflux episodes >5 min in 24 h) were studied in different groups of infants according to their age: 5–15 days old, 24–37 days old, 3.5–4.5 months old, 5.5–6.5 months old, 7.5–8.5 months old, 14–16 months old. For all parameters we obtained statistically significant different results in infants younger and older than 4 months. The 24‐h esophageal pH monitoring is an investigation technique in physiological circumstances in order to establish normal ranges for gastroesophageal reflux in asymptomatic infants.
Alpha and Gamma Tocopherols in Pooled Mature Human Milk After Storage
Authors: Moffatt Paula A. , Lammi‐Keefe Carol J. , Ferris Ann M. , Jensen Robert G. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryThe α‐and ‐γ‐tocopherols in pooled stored human milk were determined. Storage times and temperatures were t = 0 (up to 2 h after start of pool collection); t = 8 h (25°, 4°C); t = 24 h (25°, 4°, – 11°C); and t = 72 h, 1, 4, 8, and 16 weeks (‐11°, −20°, −70°C). Lipids were extracted with a modified Folch procedure and tocopherols were analyzed with high‐performance liquid chromatography. There were no significant differences in α‐or γ‐tocopherol at any time or temperature. Therefore, mothers, milk bank operators, and researchers can be assured of the stability of tocopherol in human milk stored under the conditions of this study.
Methane Production in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Bujanover Y. , Peled Y. , Blau H. , Yahav J. , Katzenelson D. , Gilat T. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryMethane production was studied in 28 cystic fibrosis patients aged 3–16 years and in 290 healthy children. The percentages of methane producers in the cystic fibrosis and control groups were 60.7 and 20.6%, respectively. In the patient group there was no difference between methane producers and nonproducers with respect to the degree of malabsorption or the administration of pancreatic supplements or antibiotics. We hypothesize that the high proportion of methane producers in cystic fibrosis patients may be associated with the presence of specific substrate(s) (glycoprotein?) in their intestinal contents. Changes of the intestinal microenvironment may favor the development of a methanogenic flora.
Effects of Nutritional Recuperation on E‐Rosetting Lymphocytes and in Vitro Response to Thymosin in Malnourished Children
Authors: Cruz Jose R. , Chew Francisco , Fernandez Raul A. , Torun Benjamin , Goldstein Allan L. , Keusch Gerald T. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryThe percentage of peripheral blood lymphocytes forming rosettes with sheep erythrocytes (E‐rosettes) was determined at admission to the INCAP Clinical Center in eight acutely malnourished Guatemalan children, and again after 14 and 28–30 days of nutritional therapy. While the mean percentage of E‐rosettes increased during therapy, the change (from 35.6 ± 10% to 43.3 ± 19%) did not reach statistical significance because of the variable response of different subjects. At each time period, however, in vitro incubation with the thymic factor, thymosin fraction 5, significantly increased the percentage of E‐rosetting lymphocytes. The presence of thymosin responsive cells in circulation after 1 month of optimal nutritional support indicates that immature T‐lymphocytes can persist in circulation in patients with severe malnutrition, even after clinical improvement. Thus, neither the percentage of E‐rosettes in peripheral blood nor their response to in vitro incubation with thymosin correlated with anthropometric measures of nutritional status in individual patients. This suggests that other nutritional or nonnutritional factors may be important modulating influences on T‐lymphocytes, and that prospective studies with thymic factor administration are warranted.
15N Tracer Kinetic Studies on the Validity of Various 15N Tracer Substances for Determining Whole‐Body Protein Parameters in Very Small Preterm Infants
Authors: Plath C. , Heine W. , Wutzke K. D. , Krienke L. , Töwe J. , Massute G. , Windischmann C. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryReliable 15N tracer substances for tracer kinetic determination of whole‐body protein parameters in very small preterm infants are still a matter of intensive research, especially after some doubts have been raised about the validity of [15N]glycine, a commonly used 15N tracer. Protein turnover, synthesis, breakdown, and further protein metabolism data were determined by a paired comparison in four preterm infants. Their post‐conceptual age was 32.2 ± 0.8 weeks, and their body weight was 1670 ± 181 g. Tracer substances applied in this study were a [15N]amino acid mixture (Ia) and [15N]‐ glycine (Ib). In a second group of three infants with a post conceptual age of 15N‐labeled 32.0 ± 1.0 weeks and a body weight of 1,907 ± 137 g, yeast protein hydrolysate (II) was used as a tracer substance. A three‐pool model was employed for the analysis of the data. This model takes into account renal and fecal 15N losses after a single 15N pulse. Protein turnovers were as follows: 11.9 ± 3.1 g kg‐1 d‐1 (Ia), 16.2 ± 2.5 g kg‐1 d‐1 (Ib), and 10.8 ± 3.0 g kg‐1 d‐1 (II). We were able to demonstrate an over‐estimation of the protein turnover when Ib was used. There was an expected correspondence in the results obtained from Ia and II. The 15N‐labeled yeast protein hydrolysate is a relatively cheap tracer that allows reliable determination of whole‐body protein parameters in very small preterm infants.
Morphometric and Functional Studies of Proximal and Distal Colon in Young and Adult Rats Yigael Finkel and Lars Larsson
Authors: Finkel Yigael , Larsson Lars 
Published: February 2024

SummaryNet sodium and fluid absorption in the colon is higher in young than in adult rats. The mechanism behind the high absorption in young rats is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the structural and functional properties of the proximal and the distal colon in 20− and 40‐day‐old rats. The surface area of the mucosa along the luminal surface of the gut in relation to the mucosal volume (surface density) was determined by morphometry. Net sodium and water absorption was determined by in vivo perfusion experiments. The surface density of the mucosa was greater in the proximal than in the distal colon in both 20− and 40‐day‐old rats. No developmental change in the surface density of the mucosa occurred between 20 and 40 days of age, however, in either the proximal or distal colon. Net sodium and fluid absorption per unit of weight were higher in both segments in 20− than in 40‐day‐old rats, and higher in the distal than in the proximal colon in 40‐day‐old rats. We conclude that other factors than the absorptive area are responsible for the decrease in the net colonic sodium and fluid absorption observed during late postnatal development and for the differences in sodium net absorption between the proximal and distal colon in 40‐day‐old rats.
Levels of Immunoreactive Insulin, Neurotensin, and Bombesin in Porcine Colostrum and Milk
Authors: Weström B. R. , Ekman R. , Svendsen L. , Svendsen J. , Karlsson B. W. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryHigh concentrations of insulin (411 ± 214 μU/ml), neurotensin‐like (265 ± 72 pg/ml), and bombesin‐like immunoreactivities (1995 ± 288 pg/ml) were detected in porcine colostrum using radioimmunoassay, as compared to the levels found in sow blood serum at farrowing (5 μU/ml, <12 pg/ml, and 17 pg/ml, respectively). After 72 h of lactation, the levels of insulin and neurotensin‐like immunoreactivities had decreased to 28 ± 17 μU/ml and 89 ± 23 pg/ml, respectively, while the bombesin‐like activity remained constant. Characterization with reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography showed that the insulin immunoreactivity eluted at the same position as the insulin standard, while the elution patterns of the neurotensin‐like and bombesin‐like immunoreactivities (eluted in three separate peaks) did not correspond to that of their respective standards. The biological function of the peptide hormones in colostrum/milk may be as triggers of the developmental changes taking place in the nursing neonate, especially in the gastrointestinal tract.
A Study of Liver HBV DNA During Follow‐Up of Acute Viral Hepatitis in Children
Authors: Marconi Massimo , Scotto Jacques , Laliam Malika , Hadchouel Michelle , Dazza Marie‐Christine , Larouzé Bernard 
Published: February 2024

Summary:Twenty‐nine children with acute icteric hepatitis were classified as follows after serological tests for the agents of viral hepatitis: hepatitis B 17 patients, hepatitis A 3 patients, hepatitis A + B 1 patient, possible non‐A, non‐B hepatitis 8 patients. In four of these cases, hepatitis A or non‐A, non‐B occurred in chronic HBsAg carriers. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was present in the initial serum of 15 of the 18 patients with acute hepatitis B. About 1 year after onset, HBsAg and HBV DNA were absent in 17 of them (16 of whom developed anti‐HBs) and the remaining patient became a chronic HBsAg carrier without HBV DNA in his serum. At the same time, liver biopsy samples from all 29 patients were available for HBV DNA investigation. HBV DNA sequences in the liver were never found in any patient, neither under free form nor integrated into the cellular genome. The absence of HBV DNA integration in any of the liver samples taken about 1 year after the acute phase of hepatitis B suggests that such integration is either unlikely or is transitory during the symptomatic period.
Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Apolipoprotein B on Dried Blood Spot Derived from Newborn Infant
Authors: Ohta Takao , Migita Masahiro , Yasutake Toshiaki , Matsuda Ichiro 
Published: February 2024

Summary:Hypercholesterolemia is a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and early diagnosis and treatment should be given attention. We developed a simple and sensitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for apolipoprotein B (apoB) on a dried blood spot (DBS). The specificity of this assay was investigated by constructing curves for other proteins. The crossreactivity was negligible. The mean intra‐ and intercoefficients of variation were 5.2 and 7.8%, respectively. We used phosphate buffer with Triton X‐100 for extracting apoB on DBS. The elution of apoB was stable up to 30 days after bleeding. The correlation between plasma and DBS apoB was r = 0.94, p < 0.005, n = 55.Using this method, we screened 2,500 babies between 5 and 7 days of age. The mean ± SD of DBS apoB was 75 ± 15 U. Seven hypercholesterolemic neonates were detected. Family studies of these neonates disclosed one definite and two suspected heterozygotes for familial hypercholesterolemia. Four other neonates showed no related familial background. This ELISA method for assaying apoB should prove to be a useful tool for large mass screening for hypercholesterolemia, particularly in the newborn.
Predictive Value of Intraepithelial Lymphocyte Counts in Childhood Coeliac Disease
Authors: Taylor C. J. 
Published: February 2024

Summary:To evaluate the use of intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) counts in identifying coeliac disease in childhood the jejunal histology from 116 children initially diagnosed as coeliac was reviewed. The diagnosis had been based on a characteristic mucosal abnormality and an apparent response to gluten exclusion. Lymphocyte counts were performed by one observer on the presenting biopsy and tissue samples obtained before and after a supervised gluten challenge. Results were expressed as IELs/100 enterocytes. On challenge 49% of patients failed to show histological deterioration with only one late relapse on 2 year follow‐up. Reappraisal of these cases suggested alternate diagnoses, of which cow's milk protein intolerance (CMPI) (16%) and postenteritis malabsorption (20%) were the most common. In confirmed coeliacs IEL counts were high at diagnosis (67 ± 16) (mean ± SD), fell on diet (28 ±13), and rose on challenge (64 ± 20). These changes were significant (p < 0.01 using paired t test). Raised IEL counts at diagnosis were also found in patients with CMPI and giardiasis but a significant fall on diet only occurred in CMPI patients (p < 0.05). Only patients showing mucosal relapse, i.e., confirmed coeliacs, showed a significant increase in lELs postgluten challenge compared with counts on a gluten‐free diet. Although an increase in lELs showed good correlation with mucosal relapse on challenge, a high count at diagnosis was of insufficient specificity to obviate the need for gluten challenge.
Immunohistochemical Findings in the Intestine of IgA‐Deficient Persons
Authors: Klemola Timo 
Published: February 2024

Summary:We studied jejunal biopsy specimens of 13 IgA‐deficient persons (IgAdp) and 12 controls. Four Ig‐Adp had celiac disease, in the others the jejunal mucosa appeared normal. Monoclonal antibodies and the peroxidase technique were used to identify T lymphocytes, T‐lymphocyte subsets, HLA‐DR antigens, and IgE‐containing cells in the lamina propria and epithelium. Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL); goblet cells; and IgA‐, IgG‐, and IgM‐containing cells were counted in paraffin sections. Both IgAdp with normal jejunal structure and IgAd celiacs on gluten‐free diet (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01 versus controls, respectively) had decreased numbers of IgA‐containing cells, and an increased number of IgM‐containing cells (p < 0.01) was noted in the IgAdp with normal jejunal structure. The IgAdp with normal intestines had increased numbers of intraepithelial lymphocytes (mean 57 cells/mm versus 33 in controls, p < 0.01) and so did the IgAd celiacs after gluten challenge (mean 74, p < 0.001). The HLA‐DR antibody stained the epithelial cells of the IgAd celiacs differently from those of controls and IgAdp with normal intestines: the whole cytoplasm was never stained in the celiacs, but in six of 12 controls (p < 0.05) and during gluten challenge, the crypt cells of the IgAd celiacs showed strong staining, never seen in a normal intestine (p < 0.05 compared with prechallenge specimens). The increase in IEL number in the jejunal mucosa of IgAdp probably indicates ineffective antigen exclusion.
Effect of Infusion of Bile Salts into the Mesenteric Artery in Situ on Jejunal Mucosal Transport Function in Dogs
Authors: Berant Moshe , Diamond Eric , Alon Uri , Mordochovitz Daniel 
Published: February 2024

Summary:We studied the effects of increased circulating levels of bile salts on jejunal mucosal function in dogs. In situ luminal perfusion of a 30‐cm proximal jejunal segment was performed while deoxycholate, cholate, tauro‐deoxycholate, or taurocholate solutions were directly added to the mesenteric arterial supply, reaching the intestinal wall at successive concentrations of 5, 8, 12, and 22 μmol/L. The transport rates of water, sodium, glucose, fructose, glycine, and lysine were measured. The mucosa of the experimental loop was assayed for ATPase activity, and examined by light and electron microscopy. Deoxycholate at 8 μM in the blood supply of the perfused jejunal segment was associated with a significant (p < 0.02) reduction in the absorption rates of water, sodium, glucose, and glycine, and inhibition of mucosal Na+,K+ ‐ATPase. The absorption of fructose and lysine, and brush border enzyme activities, were not affected. Cholate had a similar effect at 12 μM. There were no obvious histological alterations, but electron microscopy showed swelling of mitochondria in the enterocytes. The reduction in mucosal transport, the inhibition of mucosal Na+,K + ‐ATPase, and the mitochondrial swelling were reversed after discontinuation of the bile salt infusion. The taurine conjugates at 22 μM depressed transport of water and sodium only, and did not inhibit Na, K + ‐ATPase. Our study indicates that increased circulating concentrations of unconjugated bile salts, particularly deoxycholate, may impair Na+, K + ‐ATPase‐related jejunal mucosal function.
Unresponsive Enteropathy Associated with Circulating Enterocyte Autoantibodies in a Boy with Common Variable Hypogammaglobulinemia and Type I Diabetes
Authors: Catassi Carlo , Mirakian Rita , Natalini Giuliana , Sbarbati Andrea , Cinti Saverio , Coppa Giovanni V. , Giorgi Pier Luigi 
Published: February 2024

Summary:A 13‐year‐old boy with common variable hypogammaglobulinemia and type I diabetes developed a severe enteropathy that proved to be unresponsive to any treatment, including total parenteral nutrition. No evidence of known etiologies of malabsorption and/or secretory diarrhea was found in this subject. A high titer of complement‐fixing enterocyte autoantibody was persistently found in the patient's serum. These features suggest that the enteropathy of this primarily immunodeficient subject had an autoimmune origin. A cycle of cyclophosphamide failed to show any amelioration of the diarrhea or a significant decrease in the autoantibody titer.
Trypsin‐Binding Immunoglobulin G and Associated Antigen in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Blandin Céline , Laroche Dominique , Lemonnier Françoise , Pasquet Catherine , Travert Georges 
Published: February 2024

Summary:Trypsin‐binding immunoglobulin G (TBIgG) is found in the sera of a high proportion of patients with cystic fibrosis. We previously reported that TBIgG preferentially binds human cationic trypsin rather than trypsin from other animal species. Binding affinity is enhanced by complex formation with bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, which is known to induce characteristic conformational modifications in the active site region of the trypsin molecule. To identify the human trypsin‐like antigen associated with TBIgG, we have studied the effects of conformational changes of cationic trypsin induced by limited proteolysis based on competitive binding studies. It is shown that the most likely TBIgG‐related self‐antigen is an 11,000‐dalton fragment that is a cleavage product of the complex formed by trypsin and α1‐protease inhibitor. This result emphasizes the occurrence of circulating trypsinogen activation and is interpreted to be a consequence of the protease‐antiprotease imbalance, which has been well documented by previous investigators in cystic fibrosis and also in other lung diseases associated with an inflammatory state.