bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glutathione Peroxidase is Not a Functional Marker of Selenium Status in the Neonatal Period
Authors: Daniels Lynne A. , Gibson Robert A. , Simmer Karen 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:The antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase is a selenoprotein that, in adults with low selenium intakes, has a strong linear relationship with blood selenium and hence is used as a functional indicator of selenium status. Our aim was to evaluate glutathione peroxidase as a functional marker of selenium status in preterm infants.Methods:Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity and plasma and erythrocyte selenium were measured between days 1‐5 and then weekly until discharge in 63 preterm infants with mean ± standard error birth weight and gestation of 1572 ± 60g and 30.7 ± 0.3 weeks. A healthy reference group of term infants (n = 46) was assessed at day 5 and at 6 weeks.Results:In preterm infants, over the first 3 months, the association of glutathione peroxidase activity with erythrocyte selenium was weak and inconsistent and nonexistent with selenium intake or plasma selenium. No correlations between any of these indicators were evident for term infants. In preterm infants, plasma and erythrocyte selenium declined over the first 6 weeks (p< 0.01), while glutathione peroxidase activity increased (p < 0.05). In term infants, plasma selenium increased (p < 0.001), but there was no change in erythrocyte selenium or glutathione peroxidase activity. For preterm infants, glutathione peroxidase activities at weeks 4 and 6 were associated with maximum inspired oxygen concentration, ventilator pressure, and days of ventialtion.Conclusions:This data is consistent with animal and in vitro evidence that glutathione peroxidase may be confounded by oxygen. We conclude that erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity is not a reliable functional marker of preterm selenium status in the neonatal period.
Gastroesophageal Reflux and Nissen Fundoplication Following Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Children
Authors: Sulaeman Eva , Udall John N. , Brown Raynorda F. , Mannick Elizabeth E. , Loe William A. , Hill Charles B. , Schmidt‐Sommerfeld Eberhard 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Abnormal gastroesophageal reflux after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a serious problem in neurologically impaired children. Protective fundoplication has been advocated. Whether esophageal pH monitoring before percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy will predict later problems with gastroesophageal reflux is unclear.Methods:Eighty‐five mostly neurologically impaired pediatric patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy were studied retrospectively regarding complications, success of nutritional rehabilitation, and the incidence of pathologic gastroesophageal reflux. Follow‐up period was 1 to 4 years. Twenty‐four‐hour esophageal pH monitoring was performed in 46 patients before percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy.Results:There were no deaths. Two major complications occurred that required surgical intervention, and 14 minor complications occurred related to the procedure. Z‐scores for weight increased significantly after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. pH probe results were normal in 22 patients (group 1). Five required medical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, but only 1 (5%) later required Nissen fundoplication. pH probe results were abnormal in 24 patients (group 2). Nineteen required medical therapy for gastroesophageal reflux, and 7 (29%) later needed fundoplication (p < 0.05, incidence of fundoplication group 1 vs. group 2). Improvement in z‐scores was similar in patients requiring and not requiring fundoplication.Conclusions:Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a safe and effective technique for long‐term nutritional support in children. Abnormal gastroesophageal reflux is common. Normal findings in an esophageal pH study before percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy may be predictive of a favourable outcome with respect to gastroesophageal reflux. This is in contrast to patients with abnormal results in pH studies before percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy of whom a relatively large percentage may later require fundoplication. Improved nutritional status after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy does not appear to have an impact on the severity of gastroesophageal reflux.
Lipid Digestion in Cystic Fibrosis: Comparison of Conventional and High‐Lipase Enzyme Therapy Using the Mixed‐Triglyceride Breath Test
Authors: De Boeck Kris , Delbeke Inge , Eggermont Ephrem , Veereman‐Wauters Genevieve , Ghoos Yvo 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Fat maldigestion occurs in most patients with cystic fibrosis. Conventional pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy partially corrects this defect. In this study, the mixed‐triglyceride breath test was used to evaluate whether high‐lipase enzymes are equivalent to conventional enzymes in improving fat maldigestion in children with cystic fibrosis.Methods:Fat digestion was studied in 11 patients with a mean age of 10.5 years. The mean intake of conventional enzyme capsules a day was 19. Four 13C mixed‐triglyceride tests were performed on separate days and in random order. One test was taken without enzyme substitution, one with three capsules of 8,000 FIP units Creon (pancreatinum, Kali‐chemie Pharma, Hannover, Germany) and one with one capsule of 25,000 FIP units. The fourth test was made with13 C octanoic acid to study gastric emptying time.Results:Without enzyme intake, the mean cumulative percentage of 13C dose exhaled after 6 hours was 7.2 ± 3.7%. This increased to 14.4 ± 4% with intake of conventional pancreatinum and to 14.3 ± 5.1% with intake of high‐lipase pancreatinum (p = 0.0008 for both; pairedt‐test). There was no difference between both treatments. Also, the time course of 13C exhalation measured by percentage of13 CO2 exhaled per hour did not differ between enzyme treatments.Conclusions:The 13C mixed‐triglyceride test is noninvasive and documents improved lipid digestion with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. If the lipase dose is kept constant, results obtained with high‐lipase preparations are equivalent to those obtained with conventional preparations.
Butyrate and Glucose Metabolism in Isolated Colonocytes in the Developing Rat Colon
Authors: Krishnan Selvi , Ramakrishna B. S. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:The newborn colon is devoid of microflora, in that bacterial colonization is established after birth. Short chain fatty acids, products of bacterial fermentation, are the major energy source for colonocytes. Because it is not known whether colonocytes in the newborn can metabolize butyrate, this was examined in newborn and infant rat colon.Methods:Isolated colonocytes from rats of different perinatal ages were incubated with 14C‐labeled butyrate or glucose in vitro. Complete oxidation was estimated by the production of 14C‐labeled carbon dioxide, whereas intermediate metabolites were measured enzymatically.Results:Oxidation of butyrate (in micromoles per hour per milligram of protein) was highest in newborns (5.83 ± 1.76), declining to 1.32 ± 0.28 at day 10 and to 0.34 ± 0.04 in adult rats. Glucose oxidation was also highest at birth (0.39 ± 0.23), with a minor increase at approximately day 20 (weaning period) before decreasing to adult levels (0.05 ± 0). Butyrate oxidation was substantially higher than was glucose oxidation in all age groups. Production of metabolic intermediates paralleled substrate oxidation. Acetoacetate production was 4.35 ± 2.68, 2.07 ± 1.29, and 0.27 ± 0.09 nmol/hr per milligram of protein in newborns, at postnatal day 10, and in adults, respectively. The corresponding values forβ‐hydroxybutyrate were 3.62 ± 3.35, 0.2 ± 0.07, and 0.09± 0.03 nmol/hr per milligram of protein; and L‐lactate production was 0.54 ± 0.52, 0.06 ± 0.04, and 0.02 ± 0 μmol/hr per milligram of protein respectively.Conclusions:Neonatal rat colon epithelial cells resemble adult colonocytes in their preference for butyrate as a metabolic substrate, indicating a constitutive expression of this property.
The Effect of Intestinal Permeability on Pancreatic Enzyme‐Induced Enteropathy in the Rat
Authors: Lloyd‐Still John D. , Uhing Michael R. , Arango Valerie , Fusaro Aldo , Kimura Robert E. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Fibrosing colonopathy in cystic fibrosis occurs in children 2 to 7 years old and is associated with excess doses of high and regular strength lipase pancreatic enzymes, given for more than 6 months. A rat model was developed to study the effects of excessive doses of pancreatic enzymes equivalent to those producing fibrosing colonopathy in cystic fibrosis patients.Methods:Five groups of animals were studied after administration of different combinations of pancreatic enzymes, oleic acid, and reserpine.Results:Pancreatic enzymes alone produced minimal damage to the intestine and none to the liver. Excessive doses of pancreatic enzymes in combination with agents that increased intestinal permeability (oleic acid, reserpine) were associated with intestinal eosinophilia and necrosis of the jejunoileal muscle layer and inflammatory nodules in the liver, which increased with duration of insult.Conclusions:Increased intestinal permeability potentiates damage to the intestine caused by excessive pancreatic enzyme dosage. It is a characteristic of cystic fibrosis that may increase vulnerability to fibrosing colonopathy.
Association of Insulin‐Dependent Diabetes Mellitus and Celiac Disease: A Study Based on Serologic Markers
Authors: Vitoria Juan C. , Castaño Luis , Itxaso Rica , Bilbao J. Ramón , Arrieta Arantza , García‐Masdevall María D. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:The association of celiac disease and insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus has been known for some time. In an attempt to clarify this association, the prevalence of celiac disease among diabetic children was determined, and the risk of insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus was defined in pediatric patients with celiac disease.Methods:Ninety‐three children with diabetes were analyzed for the presence of celiac disease‐related markers (antigliadin and antiendomysial antibodies) and characteristic alterations in the intestinal mucosa. In another group, 93 children with celiac disease were screened for pancreatic autoantibodies and pancreatic β‐cell function.Results:Among children with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus, a 6.45% prevalence of celiac disease was observed, a value significantly higher than that found among healthy controls. In contrast, only three celiac disease patients showed potential autoimmunity toward the pancreatic β cell, a proportion not significantly different from that in the general population. Additionally, no alteration of glucose metabolism was observed in the antibody‐positive patients.Conclusion:The increased risk of celiac disease among patients with diabetes requires a long follow‐up to determine the presence of celiac disease markers among patients with diabetes, to avoid potential malignant disease derived from untreated celiac disease. In contrast, there is no evidence to support an increased risk of insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus among children with celiac disease. In accordance with the accepted influence of diet in the development of autoimmune diabetes, a hypothetical mechanism of protection against insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus that is mediated by environmental factors related to restricted diet is suggested in this population.
Polyamines in Human and Rat Milk Influence Intestinal Cell Growth In Vitro
Authors: Capano Guglielmo , Bloch Kurt J. , Carter Edward A. , Dascoli Julie A. , Schoenfeld David , Harmatz Paul R. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Polyamines are required for intestinal growth and development. In this study, we examined whether milk can supply the polyamines needed for growth of IEC‐6 cells, a line on non‐transformed rat intestinal crypt cells.Methods:Human, bovine, and rat milk, and cow's milk‐based infant formula were studied. Human, bovine, and rat milk were defatted and sterilized by filtration. IEC‐6 cells were stabilized in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium(DMEM) containing 0.5% fetal bovine serum, 5 mM L‐glutamine, 100 U/mL penicillin and 100 µg/mL streptomycin for 24 h at 37°C. Thereafter, to initiate active growth, cells were placed in fresh DMEM containing 5% FBS(plus the other ingredients) supplemented with 5% (vol/vol) milk or infant formula. In some experiments, cells were also treated with difluoromethylornithine (2.5 mM) (DFMO), an inhibitor of polyamine synthesis, or dialyzed milk plus DFMO. After 44 hours of culture, cells were pulsed with3 H‐thymidine (3H‐TdR) for 4 hours, harvested and the radioactivity incorporated into DNA was measured.Results:Human and rat milk stimulated proliferation of IEC‐6 cells (p < 0.05 compared to controls); addition of DFMO did not reverse the stimulatory effect. Bovine milk and the infant formula did not stimulate proliferation or prevent the growth inhibition induced by DFMO. After dialysis, human milk had less ability to reverse the DFMO inhibition (p < 0.05).Conclusions:These experiments suggest that both human and rat milk, but neither bovine milk nor the infant formula, contain sufficient bioactive polyamines to sustain cell growth during inhibition of polyamine synthesis.
Drawing the abdominal pain: A powerful tool to distinguish between organic and functional abdominal pain
Authors: Opp Joachim , Schürmann Mia , Jenke Andreas , Job Barbara 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesAbdominal pain (AP) in children imposes a large economic burden on the healthcare system. Currently, there are no reliable diagnostic tools to differentiate between organic and functional disorders. We hypothesized from previous research that the analysis of patients' graphic expression of subjective symptoms as well as their interactional behavior adds new ways to differentiate between functional and organic AP.MethodsConversation analyses of physician‐patient‐encounters and graphical expression of AP‐based pain were performed.ResultsTwenty‐two interactions were recorded and analyzed. Fifteen children were diagnosed with organic AP and seven with functional AP. We found marked differences between children with organic and functional AP. For example, all 15 children with organic AP saw the task of drawing a picture of the pain during the interview as a duty, whereas the seven children with functional AP took this as an opportunity to provide detailed descriptions about the nature of the pain, the circumstances, and how the AP impaired their quality of life.ConclusionAnalysis of patients' interaction strategies in response to the painting task provides relevant clues as to whether AP is functional or requires further workup for organic causes.
Stable Efficient Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell Using Waste Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Derived Porous Carbon as Counter Electrode
Authors: Singh Longjam Surdash , Kumar Satish , Kumar Sandeep , Kumar Sushant , Yadav Tarun , Singh Pramod K. , Dhapola Pawan Singh 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAt the time, the world critically requires renewable energy. The challenge is figuring out how to meet expanding global energy consumption. Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs) have attracted a lot of interest due to their high energy conversion efficiency, low cost, environmental friendliness, and easy production procedure. First, the study prepares standard cell platinum, which is the most expensive and in low supply. By replacing PVC‐derived porous carbon for expensive platinum in the DSScs counter electrode. The standard efficiency of platinum counter electrode comes out to be 1.94 and efficiency of PVC derived porous carbon electrode comes out to be 0.46.
Improvement of the thalamocortical white matter network in people with stable treated relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis over time
Authors: Alshehri Abdulaziz , Koussis Nikitas , Al‐iedani Oun , Khormi Ibrahim , Lea Rodney , Ramadan Saadallah , Lechner‐Scott Jeannette 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAdvanced imaging techniques (tractography) enable the mapping of white matter (WM) pathways and the understanding of brain connectivity patterns. We combined tractography with a network‐based approach to examine WM microstructure on a network level in people with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (pw‐RRMS) and healthy controls (HCs) over 2 years. Seventy‐six pw‐RRMS matched with 43 HCs underwent clinical assessments and 3T MRI scans at baseline (BL) and 2‐year follow‐up (2‐YFU). Probabilistic tractography was performed, accounting for the effect of lesions, producing connectomes of 25 million streamlines. Network differences in fibre density across pw‐RRMS and HCs at BL and 2‐YFU were quantified using network‐based statistics (NBS). Longitudinal network differences in fibre density were quantified using NBS in pw‐RRMS, and were tested for correlations with disability, cognition and fatigue scores. Widespread network reductions in fibre density were found in pw‐RRMS compared with HCs at BL in cortical regions, with more reductions detected at 2‐YFU. Pw‐RRMS had reduced fibre density at BL in the thalamocortical network compared to 2‐YFU. This effect appeared after correction for age, was robust across different thresholds, and did not correlate with lesion volume or disease duration. Pw‐RRMS demonstrated a robust and long‐distance improvement in the thalamocortical WM network, regardless of age, disease burden, duration or therapy, suggesting a potential locus of neuroplasticity in MS. This network's role over the disease's lifespan and its potential implications in prognosis and treatment warrants further investigation.
Delay‐adaptive control of first‐order hyperbolic partial integro‐differential equations
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Qi Jie , Krstic Miroslav 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe develop a delay‐adaptive controller for a class of first‐order hyperbolic partial integro‐differential equations with an unknown input delay. By employing a transport PDE to represent delayed actuator states, the system is transformed into a transport partial differential equation with unknown propagation speed cascaded with a PIDE. A parameter update law is designed using a Lyapunov argument and the infinite‐dimensional backstepping technique to establish global stability results. Subsequently, the effectiveness of the proposed approach was validated through numerical simulations.
A Theoretical Study To Understand the Impact of Mpro of nCoV on the Hormones
Authors: Babu Singh Madhur , Himani  , Yadav Sandeep , Singh Prashant 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAmidst the unprecedented 2019 coronavirus outbreak and the substantial loss of lives due to the scarcity of information about the virus and lack of viable drugs, understanding the impact of the nCoV Main Protease (Mpro) on the endocrine system has emerged as a critical topic to pursue. This study explores the potential interactions between four key hormones (cortisol, cortisone, estradiol, and estrone) and the Mpro of nCoV using various in‐silico methodologies. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations scrutinized the electron density delocalization of these hormones. Through molecular docking, the molecular‐level binding of Mpro of nCoV with these hormones was studied, revealing cortisol as the hormone exhibiting the most promising binding affinity (−100.05 kcal/mol). Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, emulating human body conditions at distinct temperatures, were employed to study the implications of these interactions. The study analysed the various trajectories such as root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuations (RMSF), radius of gyration (Rg), and H‐bond trajectories to understand the potential impact on biological systems. The findings demonstrate the binding potential of the Mpro of nCoV with these hormones, raising plausible concerns regarding consequential physiological changes within the human body.
Constructing Hybrid Semiconductor Thin‐Films for Advanced Photovoltaics
Authors: Orange Tamsen , Tambwe Kevin , Arendse Christopher , Malevu Thembinkosi , Ross Natasha 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis comprehensive review explores recent advancements in creating hybrid semiconductor perovskite thin films, driving progress in photovoltaic technology. It covers aspects like material design, fabrication techniques, and device structures, all aimed at addressing challenges and guiding the way to efficient and sustainable solar energy conversion. The review reveals the intricate interplay between energy conversion, device processing, and stability enhancement, providing context to the evolving field of photovoltaics. While hybrid metal halide perovskites exhibit innovation, challenges in stability and reproducibility persist. A collective push for progress drives scientific efforts, involving the optimization of absorber layers, innovative deposition methods, and strategic interlayer integration. The synthesis of research and insights traces the evolution of perovskite technology, from the early days of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) to a symphony of innovation. With determination and creativity, hybrid semiconductor perovskite thin films emerge as key players in shaping the future of solar energy conversion.
Diagnostic, Therapeutic, and Theranostic Multifunctional Microneedles
Authors: Ertas Yavuz Nuri , Ertas Derya , Erdem Ahmet , Segujja Farouk , Dulchavsky Scott , Ashammakhi Nureddin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMicroneedles (MNs) have maintained their popularity in therapeutic and diagnostic medical applications throughout the past decade. MNs are originally designed to gently puncture the stratum corneum layer of the skin and have lately evolved into intelligent devices with functions including bodily fluid extraction, biosensing, and drug administration. MNs offer limited invasiveness, ease of application, and minimal discomfort. Initially manufactured solely from metals, MNs are now available in polymer‐based varieties. MNs can be used to create systems that deliver drugs and chemicals uniformly, collect bodily fluids, and are stimulus‐sensitive. Although these advancements are favorable in terms of biocompatibility and production costs, they are insufficient for the therapeutic use of MNs. This is the first comprehensive review that discusses individual MN functions toward the evolution and development of smart and multifunctional MNs for a variety of novel and impactful future applications. The study examines fabrication techniques, application purposes, and experimental details of MN constructs that perform multiple functions concurrently, including sensing, drug‐molecule release, sampling, and remote communication capabilities. It is highly likely that in the near future, MN‐based smart devices will be a useful and important component of standard medical practice for different applications.