bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Strain RDEC‐1 Produces a Novel Electrogenic Factor Active on Rabbit Ileum In Vitro
Authors: Raimondi Francesco , Kaper James B. , Boedeker Edgar C. , Wolf Marcia K. , Guandalini Stefano , Fasano Alessio 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundAttaching and effacing Escherichia coli demonstrate marked species specificity in inducing diarrhea, although its mechanism remains largely unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the existence of a soluble, species‐specific factor that induces diarrhea in an in vitro model.MethodsStripped rabbit ileum was mounted in Ussing chambers, and changes in potential difference and short‐circuit current were monitored after the addition of bacterial culture supernatant.ResultsThe culture supernatant from rabbit‐specific strain RDEC‐1, but not from human‐specific enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strain E2348/69, induced an increase in potential difference and short‐circuit current in rabbit ileum mounted in Ussing chambers. This electrical signal was related to chloride ion secretion, was absent in colonic tissue, and was retained in the 30 to 100‐KDa fraction of the supernatant. Preliminary experiments failed to show an involvement of calcium or cyclic nucleotides as intracellular messengers. RDEC‐1 cured of a 42‐MDa plasmid lost the enterotoxicity whereas conjugation of the plasmid into the negative E. coli recipient HB101 resulted in the expression of toxicity.ConclusionsThe authors describe a novel, species‐specific factor that helps to explain RDEC‐1 diarrhea, which may be relevant to the pathogenesis of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli infection.
Wide Variety of Genotypes and Geographic Origins of Hepatitis B Virus in Belgian Children
Authors: Liu Hsin‐Fu , Sokal Etienne , Goubau Patrick 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundBelgium is a country with low endemicity for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Few data are available on genotypes or serotypes of HBV among infected children.MethodsThe S region of the hepatitis B virus genome was amplified and sequenced in 23 children treated with interferon‐α in Belgium. Nucleotide sequences were aligned and compared with other known sequences in a phylogenetic analysis.ResultsA high stability of the S gene was observed during treatment. Four genotypes were represented in this sample of Belgian patients (A, B, D, and E), reflecting the geographic diversity of origins.ConclusionsIn this series, the wide variety of geographic origins is confirmed by the molecular characteristics of HBV. In Belgium, HBV infection of children is currently essentially an imported infection.
Extensive and Partial Protein Hydrolysate Preterm Formulas: The Effect on Growth Rate, Protein Metabolism Indices, and Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations
Authors: Szajewska Hania , Albrecht Piotr , Stoińska Bogumila , Prochowska Anna , Gawecka Agnieszka , Laskowska–Klita Teresa 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe use of protein hydrolysate preterm formulas is restricted because data on their nutritional adequacy are scarce. The authors evaluated the rate of growth and indices of protein metabolism in low‐birth weight infants fed extensive and partial protein hydrolysate preterm formula followed for 12 weeks.MethodsA total of 61 low‐birth weight infants were assigned randomly to receive extensive protein hydrolysate preterm formula (EH; n = 16), partial protein hydrolysate preterm formula (PH; n = 15), and standard preterm formula (SF; n = 15), or were fed their own mother's fortified breast milk (FBM; n = 15). The infants were investigated at study entry, and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after study entry.ResultsThere were no differences with respect to growth rate (weight gain, increments in length and head circumference), urea, albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, and plasma amino acid concentrations (except for tyrosine on a single occasion) according to the degree of hydrolysis. There were also no differences between groups fed hydrolyzed formulas and SF. However, several differences were found when EH and PH were compared with FBM. Weight gain from the entry to 12 weeks, serum urea at 12 weeks, and total plasma essential amino acids at 8 weeks were significantly higher in groups fed EH and PH than in those fed FBM. In addition, valine was significantly higher in groups fed PH (P < 0.05) than in the group fed FBM at 8 and 12 weeks, tyrosine was higher in EH and PH in comparison with FBM at 4 weeks, and in PH versus FBM at 12 weeks after study entry.ConclusionsThis study suggests that experimental EH and PH are at least nutritionally equivalent to SFs.
Parenteral Multivitamin Supplementation Induces Both Oxidant and Antioxidant Responses in the Liver of Newborn Guinea Pigs
Authors: Chessex Philippe , Lavoie Jean‐Claude , Laborie Sophie , Rouleau Thérèse 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe multivitamin solution is a major component of photo‐induced generation of peroxides in parenteral nutrition. The aim of this study was to determine whether the parenteral multivitamin preparation induces in the liver a peroxide‐induced oxidant challenge or an antioxidant protection associated with the antiradical components of the solution.MethodsNewborn guinea pigs were infused with dextrose supplemented with peroxides (250 μmol/L H2O2 or 350 μmol/L tert‐butylhydroperoxide) or with a multivitamin preparation (MVP, 1% vol/vol). After 4 days, total glutathione and a free radical–sensitive eicosanoid marker (prostaglandin I2 [PGI2]/total prostaglandins) were measured in livers.ResultsThere was a significant decrease in the PGI2/total prostaglandin ratio (mean ± SEM ) [dextrose: 0.068 ± 0.007 vs. (dextrose + H2O2: 0.048 ± 0.001, dextrose + TBH: 0.043 ± 0.001)] and glutathione concentrations decreased [dextrose: 55 ± 7 vs. (dextrose + H2O2: 37 ± 7, dextrose + TBH: 18 ± 7 nmol/mg protein)] after infusion of peroxides. Despite the peroxide load in the multivitamin solution, it did not alter the measured variables as prostanoid ratio remained at control concentrations (dextrose: 0.066 ± 0.008 vs. dextrose + MVP: 0.065 ± 0.006), as did glutathione levels (dextrose: 52 ± 6 vs. dextrose + MVP: 45 ± 7 nmol/mg prot).ConclusionIn the liver of guinea pig pups, infused peroxides cause oxidation of membrane‐derived prostanoids. The decrease in glutathione in response to administration of peroxides suggests consumption rather than a response to a free radical attack. Despite the oxidant load associated with peroxides generated in MVP, the multivitamin preparation protected membranes as the prostanoid ratio, and glutathione levels remained at control levels.
Upper Gastrointestinal Mucosal Disease in Pediatric Crohn Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: A Blinded, Controlled Study
Authors: Tobin Jacinta M. , Sinha Bidisa , Ramani Pramila , Saleh Abdul R. H. , Murphy M. Stephen 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundUpper gastrointestinal endoscopic biopsies often show histologic abnormalities in Crohn disease. Consequently, it has been proposed that routine endoscopy could help to distinguish Crohn disease from ulcerative colitis. Surprisingly, however, recent case reports and an uncontrolled study suggested that similar abnormalities may occur in ulcerative colitis. Therefore, a blinded, controlled study was performed.MethodsEsophageal, gastric antral, and duodenal biopsies from children with Crohn disease (n = 28) and ulcerative colitis (n = 14) were compared with those from controls undergoing endoscopy for suspected reflux esophagitis (n = 22). Two pathologists, unaware of patient identity and diagnosis, agreed on a consensus report. Severity of inflammation was scored semiquantitatively. Helicobacter pylori colonization was an exclusion criterion.ResultsInflammation was reported as follows: esophagitis: controls 91%; Crohn disease: 72%; ulcerative colitis: 50%; gastritis: controls: 27%; Crohn disease: 92% (P < 0.001); ulcerative colitis: 69%; duodenitis: controls: 9%; Crohn disease: 33%; ulcerative colitis: 23%. In Crohn disease, granulomas were noted in 40% of patients (P = 0.001). Duodenal cryptitis was noted in 26% of patients with Crohn disease but not ulcerative colitis. In one patient with ulcerative colitis, neutrophilic infiltration of gastric glands was seen. Abnormalities seen in Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis included gastroduodenal ulceration (Crohn disease, 7%; ulcerative colitis, 8%), villus atrophy (Crohn disease, 11%; ulcerative colitis, 15%), and increased intraepithelial lymphocytes (Crohn disease, 15%; ulcerative colitis, 31% [P < 0.05]). None of these abnormalities was noted in the controls.ConclusionAlthough the presence of granulomas can support a diagnosis of Crohn disease, severe inflammation and other abnormalities occur in the proximal gastrointestinal tract in Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis.
Higher Serum Eosinophil Cationic Protein Levels in Children with Cow's Milk Allergy
Authors: Hidvégi Edit , Cserháti Endre , Kereki Erzsébet , Arató András 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundIn the pathogenesis of cow's milk allergy, abnormal immunologically mediated reactions play a basic role. Eosinophil activation also participates in the development of several allergies. The purpose of this study was to characterize the degree of this activation by measuring the serum level of eosinophil cationic protein (sECP) and establishing whether it is a useful parameter in monitoring oral cow's milk allergy.MethodsThe sECP level of 35 patients with previously confirmed cow's milk allergy (mean age, 16 months) was evaluated using a fluoroimmunoassay before the cow's milk rechallenge test and at 2 hours and 24 hours after cow's milk challenge.ResultsOf the 35 children with previously confirmed cow's milk allergy, 10 had positive clinical reactions after the milk rechallenge test, whereas 25 children had no reaction. The median sECP level of all the patients before the challenge test was significantly higher (12.4 μg/L) than that of the control group (4.3 μg/L) (P < 0.05). Two hours after the challenge, the median sECP of all patients (9.4 μg/L) was lower than the starting values. The median sECP levels were higher in children with positive challenge test results at all time points. However, this difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionsThe normalization of sECP level may indicate the cessation of the cow's milk allergy. Therefore, the measurement of sECP may be helpful in determining the optimal time in which to repeat the challenge test, when the result will more likely be negative. The significant decrease of the sECP level 2 hours after the beginning of milk challenge test may be explained by the fact that this protein is excreted into the intestinal lumen.
Baterial Translocation in Humans
Authors: Lichtman Steven M. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBacterial translocation is a phenomenon in which live bacteria cross the intestinal barrier. The definition may be broadened to include transmural passage of bacterial cell wall components such as lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan polysaccharide. After translocation, bacteria or their products reach the mesenteric lymph nodes. From there, it is possible that enteric bacteria, their cell wall components, or both may disseminate throughout the body, causing sepsis, shock, multisystem organ dysfunction, or death of the host. Bacterial translocation and its complications have been shown clearly to occur in animal models, but its existence and importance in humans has been difficult to ascertain. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the data from studies in humans on the occurrence of bacterial translocation and, more importantly, to evaluate its role as a cause of death in humans. Studies from trauma and intensive care centers often imply that bacterial translocation is a major contributor to sepsis, shock, and multisystem organ failure in humans. However, the data reviewed herein do not support that view clearly. Carefully designed studies are needed to determine the relevance of bacterial translocation in human disease.
Constipation in Very‐Low‐Birth‐Weight Children at 10 to 14 Years of Age
Authors: Cunningham Carin , Taylor H. Gerry , Minich Nori Mercuri , Hack Maureen 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe authors documented that very‐low‐birth‐weight children (less than 750‐g) when compared with 750‐to 1,499‐g birth‐weight and normal‐birth‐weight–matched controls have higher than normal rates of neurosensory and cognitive impairments at school age. In this population, the authors found a higher rate of constipation than expected among 19 of 59 (32%) less‐than‐750‐g‐birth‐weight children. The authors therefore wanted to evaluate in greater detail the problem of constipation and associated toileting problems in this population.MethodsNineteen less‐than‐750‐g‐birth‐weight children with constipation were matched to the next less than 750‐g‐birth‐weight child of comparable age, sex, and race who did not have constipation. A telephone questionnaire was administered to 15 of 19 parents of the less‐than‐750‐g‐birth‐weight children who had constipation.ResultsThe 15 children with constipation had significantly higher rates of neurosensory impairment (7 [47%] vs. 1 [7%]) and lower mean WISC III IQ scores (72 ± 22 vs. 89 ± 13) when compared with birth‐weight‐matched controls without constipation (P < 0.05). The constipated children also had significantly higher rates of associated toileting problems, including encopresis (8[53%] vs. 1 [7%])and stool withholding (9 [60%] vs. 2 [13%];P < 0.05).ConclusionThe higher incidence of constipation among less‐than‐750‐g‐birth‐weight children is associated with neurodevelopment impairment. Awareness of this problem and preventive intervention to ensure regular stools could possibly decrease the high rate of constipation and associated toileting problems.
Pancreatic Elastase 1 in Feces of Preterm and Term Infants
Authors: Nissler Karl , Von Katte Irene , Huebner Angela , Henker Jobst 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundDetermination of fecal pancreatic elastase 1 (E1) is a reliable and noninvasive test of exocrine pancreatic function. Adult reference values of greater than 200 μg E1/g feces do not seem to be applicable to early infancy because of immature pancreatic function. Because reference values for infants do not exist, the current study was aimed to define reference values for preterm and term infants up to 12 months of age.MethodsThe authors measured pancreatic E1 concentration in feces of 148 infants up to 12 months of age. Infants with known bowel or pancreatic disorders were excluded from the study.ResultsThe authors found that 96.8% of all children had E1 concentrations greater than an adult lower limit after 2 weeks of life, independent of gestational age. Up to 48 hours after birth, none of the preterm infants had an E1 concentration of greater than 30 μg/g meconium, whereas 43% of the term infants had normal adult values.ConclusionsThe adult reference value for pancreatic E1 of greater than 200 μg/g feces can be applied to infants older than 2 weeks, independent of gestational age, birth weight, and the type of nutrition.
Controlled Ileal Release Budesonide in Pediatric Crohn Disease: Efficacy and Effect on Growth
Authors: Kundhal P. , Zachos M. , Holmes J. L. , Griffiths Anne M. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundAlthough the effectiveness of controlled ileal release (CIR) budesonide in children can be extrapolated from adult studies, there are currently no data available concerning the effects of CIR budesonide therapy on linear growth. In the absence of controlled, prospective pediatric clinical trials, we reviewed the outcomes, particularly linear growth, of children and adolescents given CIR budesonide to treat active intestinal inflammation and to maintain remission.MethodsThirty‐two children (20 males) aged 14.1 ± 2.7 years with Crohn disease of the distal ileum with or without right colon involvement were treated for active Crohn disease (baseline Pediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index, 34 ± 14) with 9 mg daily of CIR budesonide through the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases program.ResultsAt first follow‐up visit 8.7 ± 6.0 weeks later, 19 of 32 (59%) were judged by the physician to have responded. In the subset of 22 patients who had laboratory tests repeated at the first follow‐up visit, their Pediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index fell from 33 ± 14 to 22 ± 16 (P = 0.001). The Pediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index score fell to less than 15 (cut‐off score remission) in 29%. Six prepubertal responders continued to receive 6 mg CIR budesonide for 6 to 13 months. Five of the 6 experienced only mild or no gastrointestinal symptoms and gained weight. Nevertheless, their mean height velocity was only 2.3 ± 1.0 cm/year, and none grew at a rate of more than 4cm/year whilst receiving CIR budesonide.ConclusionsThese data provide grade III evidence of modest effectiveness of CIR budesonide in children with active Crohn disease confined to the ileum with or without right colon involvement. The subnormal growth observed with continued therapy is concerning and may reflect either inadequately controlled intestinal inflammation or direct suppression of linear growth, as is observed with conventional corticosteroids. Randomized controlled pediatric trials of CIR budesonide must include parameters of linear growth as an outcome variable.
Intestinal Motility in an In Vivo Rat Model of Intestinal Ischemia–Reperfusion With Special Reference to the Effects of Nitric Oxide on the Motility Changes
Authors: Takahashi Atsushi , Tomomasa Takeshi , Kaneko Hiroaki , Watanabe Toshio , Tabata Masahiko , Morikawa Hiroaki , Tsuchida Yoshiaki , Kuwano Hiroyuki 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundTo clarify the relation between intestinal ischemia–reperfusion (IR) and dysmotility, the authors investigated changes in the motility pattern in the duodenum and jejunum in an in vivo rat model of IR when artery‐ (and vein‐) fed jejunum was clamped transiently. The authors also studied the effect of nitric oxide on the motility changes in this model by means of the administration of l ‐NAME (NG ‐nitro‐ l ‐arginine methyl ester) or S‐methylisothiourea sulfate (SMT).Materials and MethodsA force transducer was sutured onto the serosal side of the duodenum or jejunum. After a 3‐to 4‐day recovery period, contractions were recorded during periods of preischemia, ischemia (60 minutes), and reperfusion (90 minutes). An intestinal IR was produced by clamping and releasing the mesenteric artery and vein with artery forceps.ResultsIn the jejunum, there was a prolongation in the duration of contraction and there were decreases in the number of contractions (NC) during the IR. When treated with L‐NAME, no decrease in the NC was observed during the 45 to 90 minutes after reperfusion. S‐methylisothiourea sulfate did not affect the IR‐induced motility changes significantly. In the duodenum, there was a prolongation in the duration of contraction and a decrease in the NC and AC only during the reperfusion. l ‐NAME or S‐methylisothiourea sulfate inhibited the decreases in the NC during the reperfusion.ConclusionsIntestinal IR causes motility changes in the ischemic site during the IR and in the nonischemic site during the reperfusion. The IR‐induced motility changes partly depend on nitric oxide production.
Clinical Relevance of Precore and Basal Core Promoter Variants of Hepatitis B Virus During Natural Hepatitis B e Antigen Seroconversion May Be Overstated
Authors: Fukuda Ryo , Mohammad Rumi , Hamamoto Sachiko , Ishimura Norihisa , Ishihara Shunnji , Akagi Shuji , Watanabe Makoto , Kinoshita Yoshikazu 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundClinical relevance of nucleotide changes in precore and basal core promoters in the hepatitis B virus genome during hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion may be overstated. The authors investigated the existence and changes in the relative proportion of variants to wild virus that occur with seroconversion.MethodsSera from 30 school‐aged long‐term hepatitis B virus carriers, including 11 tested before and after seroconversion during 1 to 8 years of follow‐up, were evaluated for variations in nucleotide sequences of the basal core promoter (T1762 and A1764), precore region (A1869), and carboxyl‐terminus of the X region of the hepatitis B virus genome using an amplification refractory mutation detection system with mutant‐specific primers.ResultsAll variants were found to already exist before seroconversion at various wild‐type/mutant ratios. The positive rates of these variants were not changed with loss of hepatitis B e antigen. Although there was a relative increase in the concentration of these mutants in wild‐type/mutant mixed populations, most patients with only a wild‐type population maintained the same pattern after loss of hepatitis B e antigen.ConclusionsOur results indicate that hepatitis B virus exists as a quasi species, and correlations of nucleotide sequences with clinical and serologic findings must be done with caution.
The Role of Quantitative Epstein‐Barr Virus Polymerase Chain Reaction and Preemptive Immunosuppression Reduction in Pediatric Liver Transplantation: A Preliminary Experience
Authors: Kogan‐Liberman Debora , Burroughs Margaret , Emre Sukru , Moscona Anne , Shneider Benjamin L. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundRisk factors for the development of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD), a major cause of morbidity and mortality after pediatric liver transplantation, are primary Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection and intensity of immunosuppression. The authors assessed monitoring of EBV replication and preemptive immunosuppression reduction in pediatric liver transplant recipients.MethodsThe authors prospectively followed monthly EBV‐quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction to measure EBV replication in 23 patients who underwent liver transplant between July 1997 and November 1998. Preemptive immunosuppression reduction was instituted for significant EBV replication. Patients were followed up for at least 1 year and divided in two groups for analysis (group 1, pretransplant seronegative for EBV [13 patients]; group 2, seropositive for EBV [10 patients]).ResultsIn group 1, 9 of 13 patients had positive polymerase chain reaction results at a mean time of 22.4 weeks after transplantation. All but one of these patients were asymptomatic. In seven of nine patients, preemptive immunosuppression reduction was undertaken without development of PTLD or rejection. In two of nine patients, immunosuppression could not be continuously reduced, and both patients experienced low‐grade and medically responsive PTLD. In no patient in group 2 did an EBV‐positive viral load or PTLD develop.ConclusionsProspective longitudinal measurement of EBV by quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction permits early detection of asymptomatic viral replication. Subsequent preemptive reduction of immunosuppression may prevent the progression to PTLD.