bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defective Interleukin‐2 Production in Children with Chronic Hepatitis B: Role of Adherent Cells
Authors: Guida Salvatore , Fiore Michele , Scotese Immacolata , Iorio Raffaele , Gaetaniello Lucia , Vegnente Angela , Pignata Claudio 
Published: February 2024

Background:Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection is associated with functional abnormalities of cell‐mediated immunity, defective interferons α and γ synthesis, and interleukin‐2 receptor expression. In this study, interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) production and the role of adherent cells was evaluated in 25 children chronically infected with hepatitis B virus.Methods:IL‐2 activity was measured by bioassay in supernatants of phytohemoagglutinin‐stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In a few patients, IL‐2 concentration was also immunochemically determined. Coculture experiments using a mixture of adherent cells and lymphocytes from healthy children and patients with CHB were also performed.Results:Children with CHB showed lower IL‐2 production than healthy controls. In patients, IL‐2 activity was 34.7 ± 22.5 U/ml as compared to 152.6 ± 78.5 U/ml of controls. Immunochemical quantitation of IL‐2 confirmed a lower IL‐2 production in patients. No correlation was found between the functional T‐cell defect and the severity of liver damage, degree of viral replication, and duration of the disease. In co‐culture experiments, adherent cells from HBsAg‐positive patients inhibited IL‐2 production following mitogen stimulation of control non‐adherent cells by 67%. The inhibitory effect, mediated by patients' adherent cells, was abolished by blocking with indomethacin prostaglandins, that are potent local immunomodulators released by adherent cells.Conclusions:Our results further support the observation that in children with CHB virus infection, adherent cells play an important role in the inappropriate regulation of immune response, an effect being likely mediated by prostaglandins.
Fasting Gastric Fluid and Fecal Polyamine Concentrations in Premature Infants
Authors: Forget P. Ph. , Degraeuwe P. L. J. , Smeets C. , Deutz N. E. P. 
Published: February 2024

Background:The role of milk polyamines in the development of the gastrointestinal tract of human infants is presently unknown. Polyamine concentrations are higher in human milk than in infant formulas. The aim of the present study was to gather data on luminal polyamines by measuring gastric fluid and fecal polyamine concentrations in premature infants during the postnatal period. We further compared gastric fluid polyamine concentrations with those reported for milk and looked for possible relationships between luminal polyamine concentrations, age, and growth rate.Methods:High‐performance liquid chromatography was used for the measurement of polyamine concentrations in both fecal and gastric fluid samples.Results:Ninetieth centiles for gastric polyamines during the first week were 62, 28, 82, and 14 μM for putrescine, spermidine, spermine, and cadaverine, respectively. These values are higher than those reported for human milk and infant formulas. Polyamine concentrations were unrelated to either age or growth rate. Ninetieth centiles for fecal polyamines during the first week were 7668, 5176, 53, and 75 μM for cadaverine, putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, respectively.Conclusions:Fasting gastric fluid polyamine concentrations in premature infants are higher than those reported for either human milk or infant formulas. The high fecal cadaverine and putrescine concentrations are probably of bacterial origin.
Effects of Exogenous Neurotensin on Intestinal Postresectional Growth in the Suckling Rat
Authors: López J.‐de‐M. , de Segura I. A. Gómez , Zamorano A. , Villamediana J. , Guiral J. , Vázquez P. , De Miguel E. 
Published: February 2024

Background:In the suckling rat, massive bowel resection provokes intestinal malabsorption that leads to diminished growth. The object of this report was to test whether neurotensin, intestinal trophic peptide, enhances postresection intestinal adaptation, improving absorption and reducing the adverse effects of resection on growth.Methods:Fifty‐seven 15‐day‐old suckling Wistar rats were divided into four groups: 41 rats were subjected to resection of 90% of their small bowel, while the rest (n = 16) under went laparotomy. Half of the animals, resected and laparotomized, were treated with neurotensin for 30 days. The body weight was monitored, and samples of bone and intestinal mucosa were obtained at the end of the study period for analysis. Blood was tested to determine iron, ferritin, folic acid, and vitamin B12 levels.Results:The resected animals lost body weight regardless of neurotensin administration. In the resected animals, femur weight increased significantly when they received neurotensin. Bowel resection provokes significant increases in the intestinal mucosa (crypts and villi), but after neurotensin administration, significant increases were detected only in the jejunum of the resected animals but not in the ileum of laparotomized rats. In the resected animals, signficant decreases in iron, ferritin, folic acid, and vitamin B12 levels were observed. The postresection administration of neurotensin only produced a significant rise in the ferritin concentration.Conclusions:In the suckling rat, neurotensin enhances the intestinal proliferative phenomenon but does not improve the course of medium‐term postresection growth.
Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis Among the Arab Population in Israel
Authors: Naveh Yehezkel , Bassan Lucyna , Rosenthal Eldad , Berkowitz Drora , Jaffe Michael , Mandel Hanna , Berant Moshe 
Published: February 2024

Background:Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, which constitutes a heterogeneous group of imperfectly delineated syndromes and appears to be inherited as an autosomal recessive condition, has not been hitherto reported from the Middle East, in spite of the high rate of consanguineous marriage in this region.Methods:Sixteen affected children from six Israeli Arab families were evaluated over 30 years. All were born to consanguineous parents.Results:Jaundice appeared during the first 3 weeks of life in 15 babies. When first referred, 10 had hepatomegaly and nine had splenomegaly. A progression toward cirrhosis was the rule. Serum levels of conjugated bilirubin, liver enzymes, and alkaline phosphatase were raised; γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase levels were normal in all three infants in whom it was examined, but elevated in two siblings of another family at ages 2 and 3 years. No abnormal bile acids were detected in the serum and urine of patients. Histologic examination of the liver showed giant‐cell transformation, paucity of intrahepatic bile ducts, cholestasis, fibrosis, or cirrhosis. The pattern of liver pathology differed at times among affected members within the same family. Therapeutic trials with phenobarbital, cholestyramine, or ursodeoxycholic acid were ineffective. Survival of the patients was from 5 to 18 months in four families; in the other two families, three children received liver transplants, and one is awaiting liver transplantation.Conclusions:Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis should be included in the differential diagnosis of infants with cholestatic jaundice of unknown etiology, especially those born to consanguineous Arab parents.
The 13C‐Xylose Breath Test for the Diagnosis of Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth in Children
Authors: Dellert Susan F. , Nowicki Michael J. , Farrell Michael K. , Delente Jacques , Heubi James E. 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundWe evaluated the clinical utility of the 13C‐xylose breath test for the diagnosis of small bowel bacterial overgrowth in children.MethodsTo determine the optimal dose of 13C‐xylose, 29 healthy children, 3 to 12 years old, were randomly assigned to receive one of three doses of 13C‐xylose (10, 25, or 50 mg). After an overnight fast, the oral dose of 13C‐xylose was administered, and breath samples were collected every 30 minutes for 4 hours. Samples were analyzed for 13CO2 by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Using the 50 mg dose, we then performed nine breath tests with concurrent duodenal bacterial cultures in 6 children, 3 to 12 years old, with short‐bowel syndrome (n = 2), immunodeficiency states (n = 1), and motility disorders (n = 3).ResultsExcretion of 13CO2 in breath peaked at 2.5 hours in all three control groups. The 50‐mg dose produced the highest median peak and the smallest range of 13CO2 excretion in breath within each time period. The time of peak 13CO2 excretion in breath varied among the diseased children; however, the six patients with small‐bowel bacterial overgrowth (2 × 105 ‐ 3.5 × 108 gram negative rods) all had peak 13CO2 that exceeded the maximum breath 13CO2 level in breath of the control subjects at the corresponding time period (100% sensitivity). Of the three patients with negative cultures, two had negative breath test results and one had positive results (67% specificity). One subject had normalization of both duodenal culture and breath test results after antibiotic treatment of small‐bowel bacterial overgrowth.ConclusionsOur preliminary results suggest that with a dose of 50 mg 13C‐xylose, breath test results reliably predict small‐bowel bacterial overgrowth in susceptible children.
The Effect of Triglyceride Positional Distribution on Fatty Acid Absorption in Rats
Authors: Lien Eric L. , Boyle Frances G. , Yuhas Rebecca , Tomarelli Rudolph M. , Quinlan Paul 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundHuman milk contains palmitic acid predominantly in the triglyceride sn‐2 position, and differs from the palmitic acid positional distribution found in most infant formulas (predominantly positions sn‐1 and sn‐3). Following lipolysis by pancreatic lipase, 2‐monoglycerides and free fatty acids are produced. All 2‐monoglycerides are well absorbed, including 2‐monopalmitin, thus providing one reason for the efficient absorption of palmitic acid in breast‐fed infants. If infants are fed fat blends with palmitic acid located in the sn‐1 and sn‐3 positions, the resulting free fatty acids may form poorly absorbed calcium soaps. Therefore, many infant formulas contain only modest levels of palmitic acid.MethodsFat absorption studies were conducted in rats with preparations containing various amounts of palmitic acid in the triglyceride sn‐2 position. Determining total fat absorption, specific fatty acid absorption, and the presence of calcium‐fatty acid soaps.ResultsBetapol, a new triacylglycerol, similar to human milk in its palmitic acid content and positional distribution, demonstrated excellent absorption characteristics compared to fat blends derived from either palm olein or oleo (similar in fatty acid profile to Betapol, but with most palmitic acid in the sn‐1 and sn‐3 positions). A five‐point dose response was used to further evaluate the relationship of positional distribution and fat loss. Palmitic acid excretion and fecal fatty acid soaps were negatively correlated to the presence of palmitic acid in the sn‐2 position.ConclusionThese studies provide evidence that palmitic acid can be efficiently absorbed, avoiding fatty soap formation of it is present in the sn‐2 position.
Increased TIA1‐Expressing Intraepithelial Lymphocytes in Cow's Milk Protein Intolerance
Authors: Hankard G. Fromont , Matarazzo P. , Duong J. P. , Mougenot J. F. , Navarro J. , Cézard J. P. , Pauchmaur M. 
Published: February 2024

Background:Although a high level of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) has been demonstrated in intestinal biopsies from children with cow's milk protein intolerance (CMPI), the properties of IELs in food‐sensitive enteropathies remain unclear. In the present study, we analyzed the cytotoxic potential of IELs in CMPI, using a monoclonal antibody directed against the cytotoxic granule‐associated protein TIA1.Methods:The study included 18 duodenal biopsies from 10 children previously diagnosed with CMPI and on a cow's milk‐free diet of various duration. Six normal duodenal biopsies from children free of food intolerance served as controls. Immunostaining of formalin‐fixed tissues was used to determine in the intraepithelial compartment (1) the number of TIA1‐expressing cells per 100 epithelial cells, (2) the number of IELs per 100 epithelial cells, (3) the ratio of TIA1‐expressing IELs (TIA1/IEL ratio).Results:In CMPI, the number of IELs and TIA1‐positive cells, as well as the TIA1/IEL ratio was significantly increased compared with controls. Moreover, a negative correlation between the TIA1/IEL ratio and the duration of the diet was observed.Conclusions:These results suggest that the recruitment of IELs with cytotoxic potential is increased in CMPI, and that IEL‐mediated cytotoxicity could be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Nicaraguan Children with Persistent Diarrhea, Diagnosed by the 13C‐Urea Breath Test
Authors: Kehrt Rainer , Becker Michael , Brösicke Herbert , Krüger Norbert , Helge Hans 
Published: February 2024

Background:The impairment of gastric acid barrier caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) at the onset of infection may predispose to small bowel bacterial overgrowth, which could contribute to persistent diarrhea.Methods:Using the 13C‐urea breath test, we determined the prevalence of H. pylori infection in 123 Nicaraguan children from Tipitapa, aged 1 to 65 months, from a low socioeconomic background.Results:The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 77.2% (95/123). The prevalence varied with age and was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in infants ≤12 months than in children aged 13‐65 months, 91% (57/63) as against 63% (38/60). H. pylori infection was present in 44 of 59 (75%) children suffering from persistent diarrhea compared with 51 of 64 (80%) age‐matched asymptomatic controls. In the diarrheal group, 20 of 59 (34%) children presented with malnutrition, and 16 (80%) of them showed H. pylori infection. In the control group, 20 of 64 (31%) were malnourished, and 14 (70%) of them showed H. pylori infection.Conclusions:In Nicaragua, H. pylori is acquired in early infancy. The high prevalence among children in the first 12 months of life and the lower infection rate between 1 and 5 years of age suggest a loss or clearance of infection, also an occasional finding in adults. H. pylori infection appears to be not a risk factor for persistent diarrhea or malnutrition in Nicaraguan children.
A Urinary Radioisotope‐Binding Assay to Diagnose Gräsbeck‐Imerslund Disease
Authors: Dugué Benoit , Aminoff Maria , Aimone‐Gastin Isabelle , Leppänen Erik , Gräsbeck Ralph , Guéant Jean‐Louis 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Gräsbeck‐Imerslund disease (congenital familial selective vitamin B 12‐malabsorption with proteinuria, MGA1, MIM No. 261100) is a rare disorder displaying autosomal recessive inheritance. This study was designed to investigate the usefulness of measuring the activity of the urinary receptor for the intrinsic factor‐cobalamin complex as a tool to diagnose this disease.Methods:The receptor activity was measured by a radioisotope‐binding assay, using phenyl‐Sepharose gel as the adsorbant solid phase of the receptor.Results:In 10 Finnish patients, urinary receptor activity was on the average 640 times (15‐1400 times) lower than that in 13 healthy control subjects: mean values of 0.1 nmol/mol (range, 0.01‐0.32 nmol/mol) and 6.4 nmol/mol (range, 3.8‐12.4 nmol/mol) creatinine, respectively. The mean value of urinary receptor activity in 11 first‐degree, healthy relatives of the patients was 4.6 nmol/mol (range, 1.1‐10.4 nmol/mol) creatinine, a difference from levels in control subjects that is not statistically significant. When the first‐degree relatives were divided into heterozygotes (parents and siblings heterozygous for the haplotype of genetic markers associated with the disease gene) and wild‐type homozygotes (siblings not displaying the disease haplotype), no difference was seen.Conclusion:Determination of receptor activity in the urine is a highly accurate method for diagnosis of Gräsbeck‐Imerslund disease at an early stage, but it does not detect carriers of the disorder.
Meat Intake and Iron Status in Late Infancy: An Intervention Study
Authors: Engelmann Mads D. M. , Sandström Brittmarie , Michaelsen Kim F. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Highly bioavailable dietary iron is needed to ensure optimal iron status in infants during weaning. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effect of increased meat intake on hemoglobin concentration (Hb), serum ferritin (SF), and serum transferrin receptors (TfR) in late infancy.Methods:Forty‐one healthy, term, partially breast‐fed 8‐month‐old infants were randomized into two groups: a lowmeat group (LMG), in which infants received a diet with a mean meat content of 10 g/day and a high‐meat group (HMG), in which infants received a diet with a mean meat content of 27 g/day. The intervention lasted for 2 months, and blood samples were drawn on the first and the last days of the intervention.Results:At the beginning of the intervention, no significant differences were found in Hb, SF, TfR values between the two groups. After the intervention, there was a significant (p = 0.008) difference in the change in hemoglobin(ΔHb) concentration. In the LMG ΔHb was ‐4.9 g/l (range, ‐12.9‐5.6 g/l) and in the HMG ‐0.6 g/l (range, ‐12.1‐7.3 g/l). There was no significant difference in change in SF or TfR concentrations between the LMG and the HMG. The intake of iron from meat (mean; range) was significantly higher(p = 0.0001) in the HMG (0.4 mg/day; 0.02‐0.7 mg/day) than in the LMG (0.1 mg/day; 0.03‐0.5 mg/day). However, there was no significant difference in total iron intake between the HMG (3.1 mg/day; 0.4‐6.2 mg/day) and the LMG (3.4 mg/day; 1.4‐6.1 mg/day).Conclusion:The results suggest that an increase in meat intake can prevent a decrease in Hb in late infancy, probably by enhancing iron absorption. However, there was no effect on iron stores or on cellular iron deficiency, evaluated by SF and TfR levels, respectively.
Whey Protein/Casein Ratio and Nonprotein Nitrogen in Preterm Human Milk During the First 10 Days Postpartum
Authors: Sánchez‐Hidalgo Víctor Manuel , Flores‐Huerta Samuel , Matute Guadalupe , Serrano Claudia , Urquieta Bárbara , Espinosa Rocío 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:This study was designed to describe the longitudinal changes in the casein and whey fractions and the total and nonprotein nitrogen contents of preterm human milk for the first 10 days postpartum.Methods:Eleven mothers delivering at 30 to 34 weeks of gestation were studied, six throughout the first 10 days and five on the first postpartum day. Four milk samples were collected every day by expression of one breast with an electric breast pump. Casein and whey protein were separated from the defatted milk by isoelectric precipitation in calcium chloride and by subsequent ultracentrifugation. The milk nitrogen content was determined before and after acid precipitation. Whey protein and casein were characterized by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel.Results:Total and protein nitrogen showed a sharp decrease during the first 3 postpartum days, whereas the nonprotein nitrogen did not change markedly (mean concentration, 0.58 mg·ml‐1). Casein content expressed as nitrogen in preterm human milk was 0.35 mg·ml‐1 between days 3 and 5 and 0.60 mg·ml‐1 between days 6 and 10. The whey protein‐casein ratio before day 2, was 100:0, at day 3, 86:14, at day 5, 76:24, and at day 10, 70:30. Three days after delivery, casein levels rose progressively, increasing markedly after day 6.Conclusions:These findings suggest that delivering before term affects neither casein production nor its chemical characteristics.
Lack of Inhibitory Effect of Octreotide on Intestinal Adaptation in Short Bowel Syndrome in the Rat
Authors: Vanderhoof Jon A. , Kollman Kathryn A. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Octreotide is a long‐acting analogue of somatostatin, which is effective in the treatment of secretory diarrhea in a number of disorders including short bowel syndrome. Its use in this syndrome has been limited because of concerns about potential adverse effect on intestinal adaptation, because it inhibits a number of trophic hormones. This study was conducted to determine whether octreotide inhibits intestinal adaptation in a rat model of short bowel syndrome.Methods:Thirty male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into four treatment groups, eight receiving 80% small‐bowel resection and treated with 2.25μg/kg‐1 per day‐1 of octreotide, eight receiving 80% small‐bowel resection and treated with 25 μg/kg‐1 per day‐1 of octreotide, eight receiving 80% small‐bowel resection with saline control, and six receiving sham operation with saline control. Mucosal weight, protein, and sucrase levels were subsequently analyzed after 2 weeks of therapy.Results:Massive adaptation occurred in all three groups relative to sham‐operated controls. However, neither the pharmacologic nor the much higher dose of octreotide demonstrated any adverse effects on intestinal adaptation.Conclusion:In our animal model, octreotide does not inhibit intestinal adaptation after massive small‐bowel resection.
Disturbances in Biotin Metabolism in Children Undergoing Long‐Term Anticonvulsant Therapy
Authors: Mock Donald M. , Mock Nell I. , Nelson Richard P. , Lombard Kenneth A. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:In subjects undergoing long‐term therapy with carbamazepine and/or phenytoin, reduced plasma concentrations of biotin have been reported. However, the diagnostic value of plasma biotin is unclear, in part because of the presence of significant plasma concentrations of biotin metabolites. Pathologic organic aciduria has also been reported with long‐term anticonvulsant therapy, suggesting biotin deficiency, but no mechanism leading to deficiency has yet been determined.Methods:In the current study, we sought to determine whether biotin catabolism was accelerated in children receiving long‐term treatment with certain anticonvulsants and to assess biotin status as judged by urinary excretion of biotin and 3‐hydroxyisovaleric acid, an organic acid that is an indicator of deficiency of a biotin‐dependent enzyme. Seven children treated with carbamazepine and/or phenytoin and six treated with phenobarbital provided untimed urine samples. Sixteen healthy children receiving no anticonvulsants served as controls. Biotin and biotin metabolites were determined by highperformance liquid chromatography/avidin‐binding assay. Urinary excretion of 3‐hydroxyisovaleric acid was determined using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.Results:Bisnorbiotin excretion was increased significantly in the carbamazepine/phenytoin group and in the phenobarbital group. Biotin sulfoxide excretion was significantly increased in the carbamazepine/phenytoin group but not in the phenobarbital group. 3‐Hydroxyisovaleric acid excretion was increased significantly in the carbamazepine/phenytoin group. However, only one child (carbamazepine/phenytoin group) had a decreased urinary excretion of biotin.Conclusion:These data provide evidence that long‐term administration of some anticonvulsants can accelerate biotin catabolism, but the indicators of biotin status conflict.
Peptide Excretion in Celiac Disease
Authors: Reichelt W. H. , Ek J. , Stensrud M. , Reichelt K. L. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:In celiac disease, the mucosa in the small intestine is damaged. This study was conducted to determine whether the normal peptide and protein uptake from the gut is increased in patients with celiac disease.Methods:The low‐molecular‐weight peptides were measured in urine from children and adults with untreated celiac disease. A reversed‐phase technique was used.Results:The excretion of peptides increased compared with that in an age‐ and sex‐matched reference group.Conclusions:Celiac patients have hyperpeptiduria. It is possible that some of these peptides are bioactive and may mediate varying systemic effects also found in untreated celiac disease.