bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intestinal Brush‐Border Membrane Enzyme Activities and Transport Functions during Prenatal Development of Pigs
Authors: Buddington Randal K. , Malo Christiane 
Published: February 2024

SummaryEnzyme activities and rates of leucine and glucose uptake were measured using brush‐border membrane vesicles prepared from the small intestine of 7‐, 8‐, 10‐, and 12‐week fetal (43, 49, 61, and 74% of gestation) and unsuckled, neonatal pigs. Lactase was detected in 7‐week fetuses, with a large increase in activity between 10 weeks of gestation and birth. γ‐Glutamyltranspeptidase activity was stable throughout gestation, whereas sucrase activity was not detected. Active L‐leucine uptake was already present at 7 weeks of gestation, with an increasing distal‐to‐proximal gradient observed at birth. D‐glucose uptake was low at 7 weeks, but by 8 weeks it exhibited a typical overshoot phenomenon and established a decreasing proximal‐to‐distal gradient by 12 weeks. D‐glucose uptake at all ages was directly related to incubation temperature, but less so for 7‐ and 10‐week fetuses. By 12 weeks strict Na+‐dependency of D‐glucose uptake was observed along the entire length of the small intestine. Kinetic analysis of Na+‐D‐glucose cotransport showed a shift from the presence of both high‐ and low‐ affinity systems at 8 weeks of gestation to a single high‐affinity Michaelian component at birth. In light of similarities with human fetuses, the pig may be a valuable model for studying development of intestinal transport during gestation, particularly during the final trimester, when availability of human tissue is limited.
Evaluation of Bone Density in Newborn Infants by Computed X‐ray Densitometry
Authors: Hayashi Tomoyasu , Satoh Hiroyuki , Soga Takashi , Tanaka Daisuke , Itabashi Kazuo , Okuyama Kazuo 
Published: February 2024

SummaryWe evaluated bone density in term and preterm infants using computed x‐ray densitometry, which permits measurement of bone density with minimal disturbance to the infants in their incubators. Bone density, bone width, and bone length of the right radius were determined in 155 infants of appropriate weights for their gestational ages (23 to 41 weeks). A curve for intrauterine bone growth was extrapolated from these data. The mean coefficients of variations for intra‐ and interobserver error for all measurements were <3.5%. In 18 infants, measurements of the right forearm were obtained in two positions to confirm the validity of densitometric measurements. The mean coefficients of variation were 3.42% for bone density, 3.48% for bone width, and 0.21% for bone length. Bone density was significantly correlated with gestational age (r = 0.924) and birth weight (r = 0.921). Bone width and length were also correlated with gestational age (r = 0.866 and 0.937) and birth weight (r = 0.878 and 0.954). Our results suggest that computed x‐ray densitometry is a useful method for evaluation of bone density in preterm infants, including those in an intensive care environment.
Effect of Thyroxine on Pancreatic Digestive Enzymes and Ornithine Decarboxylase Gene Expression in Neonatal Rats
Authors: Lin Chuan‐Hao , Moshier Jeffrey A. , Luk Gordon D. , Lee Ping‐Cheung , Majumdar Adhip P. N. 
Published: February 2024

Background:Thyroxine has been shown to play a role in the development of exocrine pancreatic enzymes in neonatal rats.Methods:To further evaluate the regulatory mechanisms for thyroxine in pancreatic development, we examined the changes in the expression of pancreatic enzymes (amylase and trypsinogen) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) genes following daily injection of thyroxine for 5 and 10 days to neonatal rats (5 days old).Results:Total pancreatic proteins and DNA contents as well as the activity of ODC and exocrine enzymes were significantly increased after 5 and 10 days of thyroxine treatment. These increases were associated with parallel alterations (to three to fourfold rise) in steady‐state mRNA levels of both amylase and trypsinogen. In contrast, thyroxine only produced a 57‐68% increase in steady‐state ODC mRNA levels.Conclusions:These data suggest that thyroxine stimulated the express of amylase and trypsinogen genes partly due to increased transcriptional rate and/or decreased mRNA turnover. Thyroxine also stimulated ODC gene expression. However, the stimulatory mechanisms may involve transnational or posttranslational regulation of ODC and are independent of thyroxine effects.
Developmental Gene Expression of Trypsinogen and Lipase in Human Fetal Pancreas
Authors: Moriscot Christine , Renaud Wanda , Carrère Jacqueline , Figarella‐Branger Dominique , Figarella Catherine , Guy‐Crotte Odette 
Published: February 2024

Background:Very few studies have been reported on the expression of human pancreatic genes during fetal development. We have shown very low lipase immunoreactivity compared with elevated trypsinogen immunoreactivity in a previous immunohistological study of human fetal pancreas during development.Methods:The expression of these two selectively expressed genes of the exocrine pancreas, trypsinogen and lipase were investigated. The developmental profiles of the corresponding mRNA's were determined from the 13th gestational week.Results:For the two genes, fetal mRNA levels throughout gestation remained significantly lower than the corresponding adult levels. No correlation was found between trypsinogen and lipase gene expression in the fetal pancreas, whereas such a correlation was present in adult pancreas. This may be explained by differences in maturity of the pancreas.
Effect of Pancreatic Enzymes on Zinc Absorption in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Easley David , Krebs Nancy , Jefferson Mary , Miller Leland , Erskine Jamie , Accurso Frank , Hambidge K. Michael 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:The trace metal zinc has a wide range of important physiologic roles. Indirect evidence suggests that fat malabsorption is associated with malabsorption of zinc. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pancreatic enzyme replacement on zinc absorption in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis.Methods:Subjects were four boys and four girls ranging in age from 7 to 17 years of age. All were pancreatic insufficient. Stable isotope labels, 70Zn and67 Zn, were administered orally in divided doses on consecutive days with meals. Meals were identical on the first 2 study days. Subjects were randomized to have pancreatic enzyme replacement withheld on the first or second day. All fecal samples were collected quantitatively for 10 days after label administration and were analyzed individually for total zinc and isotopic enrichment using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, respectively. Fractional absorption of zinc was calculated from cumulative fecal excretion of unabsorbed label.Results:Fractional absorption while receiving enzymes was 0.50 ± 0.29 versus 0.38 ± 0.24 while not taking enzymes (p = 0.05).Conclusions:These results indicate that fractional absorption of zinc is impaired by pancreatic insufficiency in patients with cystic fibrosis, and is improved by exocrine pancreatic enzyme replacement.
Acute Pancreatitis After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation in Children: Incidence, Contributing Factors, and Outcome
Authors: Tissières Pierre , Simon Lionel , Debray Dominique , Branchereau Sophie , Soubrane Olivier , Gauthier Frédéric , Devictor Denis 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Acute pancreatitis after orthotopic liver transplantation is a well‐known complication in adults that has never been described in children. In adults, end‐stage liver disease related to hepatitis B, intraoperative pancreatic injury caused by extensive peripancreatic dissection, the type of biliary anastomosis performed, and numerous drugs, have all been described as predisposing factors in acute pancreatitis after liver transplantation. The current retrospective review was undertaken to identify the incidence, the contributing factors, and the outcome of acute pancreatitis after liver transplantation in children.Methods:During a 10‐year period, 375 children underwent 434 liver transplantations in the authors' institution. In seven patients (1.9%), clinical acute pancreatitis developed after orthotopic liver transplantation. Indication for initial liver transplantation was biliary atresia (n = 3), acute liver failure (n = 3), and type 1 Crigler‐Najjar syndrome. In all seven patients, liver graft function was initially adequate. The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was based on clinical, biochemical, ultrasonographic, and surgical signs.Results:In six patients, acute pancreatitis appeared within the first week after transplantation. The diagnosis was confirmed by abdominal laparotomy in five children. In the current series, emergency liver transplantation (p< 0.001), retransplantations (p < 0.001), and infectious peritonitis (p < 0.001) were contributing factors. Despite supportive measures, three patients died (43%) because of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.Conclusions:Acute pancreatitis is an uncommon but life‐threatening complication after liver transplantation in children. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment of infectious complications are major elements in the management of acute pancreatitis after liver transplantation.
Selenium Deficiency in Tissue Culture: Implications for Oxidative Metabolism
Authors: Baker Robert D. , Baker Susan S. , Rao Radhakrishna 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Selenium is located at the catalytic site of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, and with selenium deficiency the activity of glutathione peroxidase is decreased. Cell culture is an important tool for studying oxidative processes‐‐that is generation and metabolism of oxygen‐derived metabolites in the gastrointestinal system. Cell culture is also used to understand the mechanisms of cell injury by oxygen‐derived metabolites.Methods:To assess the importance of the selenium content of cell culture media, Caco‐2 cells and the hepatoma‐derived cell lines, Hep3B and HepG2, were grown to confluence and placed in media with various concentrations of selenium. After 7 to 14 days, cells were harvested and assayed for glutathione peroxidase, lactate dehydrogenase, and protein content.Results:Cells maintained in media unsupplemented with selenium demonstrated a progressive decrease in glutathione peroxidase activity. Cells maintained in media supplemented with various concentrations of selenium demonstrated a dose‐dependent increase in glutathione peroxidase until a plateau was reached. The plateau was reached at approximately 400 times the selenium concentration routinely used in cell culture. In the Caco‐2 and hepatoma cells, no toxicity was observed at selenium supplementation five times the lowest concentration needed to reach a plateau.Conclusions:Cell culture media are routinely deficient in selenium, and cells that are cultured in this medium are deficient in glutathione peroxidase activity. Studies of oxidative metabolism based on cultures deficient in selenium may yield results that could be falsely interpreted. The addition of 1 nM selenium is sufficient for these cell lines to reach a plateau for intracellular glutathione peroxidase activity. These observations may have important ramifications for the study of reactive oxygen metabolite injury in cell culture.
Anatomic Variability of Rejection in Intestinal Allografts After Pediatric Intestinal Transplantation
Authors: Sigurdsson Luther , Reyes Jorge , Todo Saturo , Putnam Philip E. , Kocoshis Samuel A. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Rejection of the allograft is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in children who undergo a small intestinal transplant. Operational definitions for histologic rejection have been established, but little is known about the anatomic variability of the histologic abnormalities.Study Design:Biopsy reports were reviewed retrospectively from more than 1200 endoscopies performed on the 41 children who received intestinal transplantation between 1990 and 1995.Results:Biopsies were performed in the proximal jejunum and distal ileum allograft simultaneously on 248 occasions. In 168 biopsies, neither site was histologically abnormal; in 80, rejection was found. In 42, both regions were abnormal; however, in 17 only the jejunum was involved and in 21 the rejection exclusively involved the ileum. Among children whose allograft included colon, rejection was absent in colon and ileum in 34 biopsies, involved both in 6, involved ileum but not colon in another 6 and involved colon but not ileum in only one. When the allograft included stomach, rejection was absent in the stomach and jejunum 39 times, involved both sites 8 times, involved jejunum and not the stomach 10 times, but involved the stomach and not jejunum only once. Endoscopic appearance correctly predicted histologic rejection 63% of the time.Conclusion:Anatomic variability may exist in the rejection process. Sampling the jejunum and ileum seems to have similar sensitivity in detecting rejection, whereas sampling stomach and the colon is less sensitive. When allograft rejection is suspected on clinical grounds, sampling more than one area of the graft may be necessary for histologic confirmation.
Topical ruxolitinib 1.5% (JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor) improves clinical and patient‐reported outcomes in moderate to severe chronic hand dermatitis: Data from a small open‐label trial
Authors: Smith Hannah D. , Lally Jag S. , Moy Alison , Ryan‐Wolf Julie , De Benedetto Anna 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundChronic hand dermatitis (CHD) has suboptimal treatments and a negative impact on quality of life (QoL). Topical ruxolitinib, a JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, is approved for vitiligo and mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis, but has not previously been studied specifically for CHD.ObjectivesEvaluate the impact of ruxolitinib in CHD.MethodsA 12‐week, investigator‐initiated, open‐label trial evaluated ruxolitinib 1.5% in 15 adults with recalcitrant moderate‐to‐severe CHD. Primary outcomes included the proportion of patients: (1) achieving an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) treatment success (0 or 1 score with a two‐step improvement) (2) a Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI)‐75 improvement at 12 weeks. Additional outcomes: clinical improvement at 4 and 8 weeks, improvement in itch (Numerical Rating Scale [NRS]) and QoL outcomes (i.e., Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI] and Skindex‐Mini).ResultsAt 12 weeks, 13/15 participants (86%) achieved a HECSI‐75, 12/15 participants (80%) had a two‐point reduction in IGA and 8/15 participants (53%) achieved an IGA treatment success. Both atopic dermatitis (AD; n = 7) and non‐AD (n = 8) CHD participants had clinical improvement in HECSI at 12 weeks (p < 0.01). 10/12 participants with baseline NRS ≥ 2 (83%) achieved a ≥ 2 point reduction on average itch at 12 weeks. 9/10 with baseline NRS ≥ 4 (90%) achieved a ≥4‐point itch reduction by 4 and 12 weeks. A significant decline in self‐reported daily itch (average and worst) was observed within the first week of treatment (p < 0.001). By CHD subtype, AD‐CHD had greater itch at baseline compared to non‐AD CHD (p < 0.01), consequently itch reduction was greater in AD‐subtype. Improvement in QoL (DLQI, Skindex‐Mini) was achieved at 4 weeks maintained to 12 weeks (p < 0.01). No treatment‐related adverse events were reported during the study and no rescue medications were used.ConclusionsRuxolitinib may be a promising treatment for CHD, improving clinical outcomes, itch and QoL. Significant improvement was achieved at 4 weeks and maintained through 12 weeks of treatment.
Inverse Design of Photonic Systems
Authors: MacLellan Benjamin , Roztocki Piotr , Belleville Julie , Romero Cortés Luis , Ruscitti Kaleb , Fischer Bennet , Azaña José , Morandotti Roberto 
Published: February 2024

AbstractInverse design methods use optimization and learning algorithms to pair desired functionalities with the corresponding high‐performing systems. Such methods have significant potential for discovering novel photonics solutions, with inverse design techniques already mediating significant milestones in nanophotonics, quantum optics, and lens systems. However, while computational tools for identifying optimal system parameters (i.e., component settings) have reached significant maturity, the identification of suitable system topologies (i.e., component choice and arrangement) has remained challenging, especially for the design of complex photonic schemes. Here, a framework for the inverse design of practical photonic systems is presented, capable of efficiently and automatically searching for high‐performance topologies and their associated operational parameters. It is demonstrated that the approach can aid in the discovery of practical photonic systems, that are both physically feasible and non‐trivial, by leveraging system‐level automatic differentiation and discrete topological changes. The versatility of the platform is supported with example designs for waveform generation, noise suppression, and sensing, among others.
Total positivity and high relative accuracy for several classes of Hankel matrices
Authors: Mainar E. , Peña J.M. , Rubio B. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryGramian matrices with respect to inner products defined for Hilbert spaces supported on bounded and unbounded intervals are represented through a bidiagonal factorization. It is proved that the considered matrices are strictly totally positive Hankel matrices and their catalecticant determinants are also calculated. Using the proposed representation, the numerical resolution of linear algebra problems with these matrices can be achieved to high relative accuracy. Numerical experiments are provided, and they illustrate the excellent results obtained when applying the theoretical results.
In vivo activities of heparan sulfate differentially modified by NDSTs during development
Authors: Nakato Eriko , Baker Sarah , Kinoshita‐Toyoda Akiko , Knudsen Collin , Lu Yi‐Si , Takemura Masahiko , Toyoda Hidenao , Nakato Hiroshi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHeparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) serve as co‐receptors for growth factor signaling during development. It is well known that the level and patterns of sulfate groups of heparan sulfate (HS) chains, or HS fine structures, have a major impact on HSPG function. On the other hand, the physiological significance of other structural features of HS, including NS/NA domain organization, remains to be elucidated. A blueprint of the HS domain structures is mainly controlled by HS N‐deacetylase/N‐sulfotransferases (NDSTs). To analyze in vivo activities of differentially modified HS, we established two knock‐in (KI) Drosophila strains with the insertion of mouse Ndst1 (mNdst1) or Ndst2 (mNdst2) in the locus of sulfateless (sfl), the only Drosophila NDST. In these KI lines, mNDSTs are expressed from the sfl locus, in the level and patterns identical to the endogenous sfl gene. Thus, phenotypes of Ndst1 KI and Ndst2KI animals reflect the ability of HS structures made by these enzymes to rescue sfl mutation. Remarkably, we found that mNdst1 completely rescued the loss of sfl. mNdst2 showed a limited rescue ability, despite a higher level of HS sulfation compared to HS in mNdst1 KI. Our study suggests that independent of sulfation levels, additional HS structural features controlled by NDSTs play key roles during tissue patterning.
Fliegende Kreisel
Authors: Mathelitsch Leopold , Thaller Sigrid 
Published: February 2024

ZusammenfassungSeit der Antike ist das Werfen eines scheibenförmigen Objekts, des Diskus, olympische Disziplin. Im 20. Jahrhundert kam das Frisbee auf. Aus dem anfänglichen Freizeitspaß entwickelten sich verschiedene Sportarten. Die Flugbahnen solcher kreiselnden Scheiben werden von Gravitation, Luftwiderstand, aerodynamischem Auftrieb und Drehimpuls bestimmt. Der relativ schwere Diskus wird in einer Drehbewegung geschleudert. Der aerodynamische Auftrieb ist zwar wichtig für die Maximalweite, spielt jedoch im Vergleich zum wesentlich leichteren Frisbee eine deutlich geringere Rolle. Bei den Frisbee‐Sportarten geht es überwiegend um Zielgenauigkeit, nicht um maximale Weite.
Tracheobronchial abnormalities on computed tomography angiography in children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Bhatia Harsimran , Bhatia Anmol , Mathew Joseph L. , Saxena Akshay K. , Kumar Praveen , Nallasamy Karthi , Tao Ting , Sodhi Kushaljit S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the assortment of tracheobronchial abnormalities on computed tomography angiography (CTA) in children with congenital heart disease (CHD).MethodsIn this study approved by the Institute ethics committee, CTA studies of 182 children (age range: 2 days–8 years) with CHD, performed from July 2021 to March 2023 were analyzed. Two pediatric radiologists independently assessed the tracheobronchial airways (from the trachea to lobar bronchi) for developmental and branching anomalies and airway compromise (narrowing). In cases which demonstrated airway compromise, the extent and the cause of airway narrowing were evaluated, and the etiology were divided into extrinsic and intrinsic causes. Interobserver agreement between the two radiologists was calculated using kappa statistics.ResultsOne hundred children demonstrated normal airway anatomy and no luminal narrowing. Airway narrowing was observed in 63 (34.6%) children (κ: 0.954), and developmental airway anomalies were seen in 32 (17.5%) children (κ: 0.935). Of the 63 children with airway narrowing, 47 (25.8%) children had extrinsic cause for narrowing, 11 (6%) children had intrinsic causes for narrowing, and 5 (2.7%) children had both intrinsic and extrinsic causes attributing to airway compromise. Significant airway narrowing (>50% reduction) was seen in 35 (19.2%) children (κ: 0.945).ConclusionTracheobronchial airway abnormalities are frequently associated in children with CHD and need to be appraised preoperatively. Cross‐sectional imaging with CTA provides excellent information on tracheobronchial airway anatomy and caliber as well as delineates the possible etiology of airway narrowing, thus accurately diagnosing airway anomalies.
Lethal and sublethal effects of fluralaner on the citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor)
Authors: Ren Yiting , Dou Wei , Wang Jin‐Jun , Yuan Guorui 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor) is a globally distributed agricultural pest. Of late, resistance to common acaricides has raised concerns that chemical control of P. citri is an inefficient means of control. Fluralaner, a highly toxic isoxazoline insecticide used to treat various ectoparasites, presents one potential alternative. However, little information has been reported about the effect of fluralaner on the citrus red mite. This study aims to evaluate the toxicity, sublethal and transgenerational effects of fluralaner on P. citri.RESULTSIn both laboratory and field populations of P. citri, we found fluralaner to be more toxic than conventional alternatives, including fenpropathrin, bifenazate, azocyclotin and chlorpyrifos. Interestingly, fluralaner proved more toxic to female adults than to the eggs of P. citri, with median lethal concentrations (LC50) of 2.446 and 122.7 mg L−1, respectively. Exposure to sublethal concentrations of fluralaner (LC10, LC20 and LC30) significantly reduced the fecundity and longevity of female adults P. citri individuals. Although concentrations of fluralaner applied to the parental female adults (F0) led to some changes in the developmental parameters, there were no significant changes in most of the life table parameters or population growth of the F1 generation.CONCLUSIONOur results indicate that fluralaner is highly toxic to P. citri, and a significant sublethal effect on F0 could suppress the population growth of P. citri, but not for F1. Fluralaner may be considered as a pesticide for the future management of the citrus red mite. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.