bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual dimorphism in the proventriculus of the buff‐tailed bumblebee Bombus terrestris (L. 1758) (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Hüftlein Frederic , Ritschar Sven , Laforsch Christian 
Published: December 2023

AbstractResearch on eusocial bee species like Bombus terrestris is primarily focused on the worker caste, which is why their morphology and anatomy are already well described. This includes the alimentary tract, which is adapted for feeding on nectar and pollen. Located at the transition between crop and ventriculus is a highly specialised compartment, the proventriculus. In female workers of B. terrestris, the proventriculus is surrounded by muscles and consists of four anterior lips. A detailed description, however, is only provided for B. terrestis worker bees while studies on the proventriculus of the male reproductive caste are absent. Here, we provide a detailed analysis of the differences between the proventriculus of the B. terrestris males and females through morphometrics, histology and scanning electron microscopy imaging, and unravel a distinct sexual dimorphism. The male proventriculus is wider resulting in a greater volume than the female proventriculus. Histological analysis revealed 4 distinctive chambers of the male proventriculus, which are completely covered with hairs on the inside. In contrast, those chambers in the proventriculus of female B. terrestris, are only rudimentarily present forming only small pouches with hairs in the junctions between the proventricular folds inside the proventriculus. The morphological differences in the proventriculus may be based on different modi vivendi, as males do not return to the colony and fly longer distances. This and the synthesis of sperm and mating plug might require higher energy reserves, leading to the necessity of higher food storage capacities.
Emerging concerns of atypical hand foot and mouth disease caused by recombinant Coxsackievirus A6 variants in Henan, China
Authors: Chen Shouhang , Chen Yu , Ji Wangquan , Wang Fang , Zhang Xiaolong , Jin Yuefei , Liu Yufeng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAn increasing number of studies have reported that atypical hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is becoming a new concern for children's health. At present, there is no official definition for atypical HFMD, but some studies have defined that it occurs at anatomic sites not listed in the definition of HFMD issued by the World Health Organization. Several pathogens have been reported to cause atypical HFMD, such as Coxsackievirus (CV)A6. As one of the most prevalent enteroviruses in the world, CVA6 seems to affect a wider range of children and causes more severe and prolonged illness than other enteroviruses. The early lesions of atypical HFMD are very similar to the clinical presentations of other diseases, such as eczema, which poses a challenge for clinicians aiming to identify and diagnose HFMD in a timely manner. Here, we report on six atypical HFMD patients caused by recombinant CVA6 variants, and the atypical manifestations include eczema coxsackium, large herpes, rice‐like red papules and herpes, purpuric rash, and onychomadesis, as well as and large red herpes on scalp, perianal, testicles, shoulders and neck, and other atypical eruption sites, hoping to draw the attention of other pediatricians. This study will provide scientific guidance for timely diagnosis of HFMD to prevent serious complications.
The prevalence of mpox and its association with sexual behavior among Chinese men who have sex with men in early August 2023
Authors: Du Min , Zheng Min , Liu Jue , Yang Guanghong , Yao Yongming , Qian Xiaohan , Yuan Zhi , Ma Lin , Tao Rui , Zhu Zhilin , Zhou Feng , Dai Siqi , Yang Jie , Liu Min 
Published: December 2023

AbstractStudy investigating mpox infection and its association with sexual behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China was lacking. This observational survey aimed to provide evidence on detail characteristics of mpox cases and sexual behavior, then analyze their relationship among MSM in China to help formulate prevention and control policies. An anonymous cross‐sectional study was conducted in 27 MSM social organizations across 21 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions from July 31 to August 4, 2023. A safe sexual behavior index was constructed based on three risky sexual behaviors in the last month, including condomless anal intercourse, commercial sex and group sex. High safe sexual behavior indicated that the participant engaged in none of the three, and low safe sexual behavior indicated that they engaged in all three behaviors; otherwise, moderate safe sexual behavior was indicated. Among 7538 MSM, the prevalence of mpox was 0.73% (55/7538). The proportion of high safe sexual behavior was 79.64% (6003/7538). The crude prevalence of mpox was lower in the high safe sexual behavior group (0.35%, 21/6003), compared with the low (12.12%, 8/66) and moderate safe (1.78%, 26/1469) sexual behavior group. In the multivariable‐adjusted analysis, after adjusting for all covariates, compared with low safe sexual behavior group, moderate safe sexual behavior group (aOR = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.08, 0.54) and high safe sexual behavior group (aOR = 0.04; 95% CI = 0.02, 0.12) both had lower risk of mpox. Of three sexual behaviors, MSM who reported no commercial sex had the lowest risk of mpox (aOR = 0.23; 95% CI = 0.13, 0.41), compared with those who reported commercial sex in the last month. The other two safe sexual behaviors both were associated with lower risk of mpox (no group sex vs. group sex: aOR = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.08, 0.28; no condomless anal intercourse vs. condomless anal intercourse: aOR = 0.23; 95% CI = 0.13, 0.41). The prevalence of mpox virus infection was nearly 1% among MSM in China. Strengthening mpox surveillance, emphasizing safe sexual behavior in health education are essential for the control of mpox among MSM in China.
Fatigue in pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases: A systematic review and a single center experience
Authors: Turner Shira T. , Focht Gili , Orlanski‐Meyer Esther , Lev‐Tzion Raffi , Ledder Oren , Yogev Dotan , Assa Amit , Shaoul Ron , Crowely Eileen , Otley Anthony , Griffiths Anne M. , Turner Dan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesWe aimed to review the literature on fatigue in pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases (PIBD), to explore how it is measured, and approximate its rate in an inception pediatric cohort.MethodsStudies on fatigue were systematically reviewed and selected by two authors. Next, we retrieved the two fatigue‐related questions of the IMPACT‐III questionnaire at 4 and 12 months after diagnosis from a prospectively maintained cohort of PIBD patients, each scoring 0‐100 (lower scores imply more fatigue), and 44 healthy controls.ResultsThe systematic review identified 14 studies reporting fatigue in children, of which nine had fatigue as the primary outcome and only two provided rates of fatigue. No standalone index was identified for measuring fatigue specifically for PIBD. Of 80 children included in the inception cohort, 62 (78%) scored an average of ≤75 on the two IMPACT‐III questions (approximating at least mild fatigue), 26 (33%) scored ≤50 (at least moderate fatigue) and nine (11%) scored ≤25 (severe fatigue). In comparison, only four (9%) healthy children scored at least moderate fatigue (p = 0.007). Fatigue rates at 12 months were only slightly and nonsignificantly lower. Fatigue of any severity was reported in 92% children with active disease versus 63% of those in clinical remission (p = 0.01).ConclusionLiterature reporting on fatigue in PIBD is scarce, and no PIBD‐specific tool is available to measure fatigue. In our cohort, fatigue‐related questions were frequently scored low in children with IBD, mainly among children with active disease but also during clinical remission.
Intraperitoneal insufflation of carbon dioxide rescues intestinal damage in an experimental murine model of colitis
Authors: Haffreingue Aurore , Tourneur‐Marsille Julien , Montalva Louise , Berrebi Dominique , Ogier‐Denis Éric , Bonnard Arnaud 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesNecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe neonatal surgical condition, associated with a prolonged pro‐inflammatory state, leading to high mortality and morbidity rates. Carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation during laparoscopy may have an anti‐inflammatory effect. We aimed to evaluate the effects of CO2‐insufflation on experimental colitis.MethodsAcute colitis was induced in 6‐week‐old Balb/c mice by the administration of 2%‐dextran sulfate‐sodium (DSS) during 7 days (n = 45). On Day 4, two groups received intraperitoneal insufflation (duration: 30 mn, pressure: 5 mmHg) of CO2 (“DSS+CO2”) or air (“DSS+air”). A group received no insufflation (“DSS”). Groups were compared for clinical severity using the disease activity index (DAI—body weight loss, stool consistency, and bleeding), histological severity (histopathological activity index, colon length, and ulcerations), colonic mucosecretion, and inflammation.ResultsDAI was significantly decreased in DSS+CO2 group, compared to DSS (p < 0.0001) or DSS+air (p < 0.0001) groups. Colon length was increased in DSS+CO2 treated mice compared to DSS (p = 0.0002). The histopathological activity index was lower in DSS+CO2 (vs. DSS, p = 0.0059/vs. DSS+air, p = 0.0389), with decreased ulcerations (3.77 vs. 10.7, p = 0.0306), and persistent mucosecretion with increased mucin‐secreting cells.ConclusionsCO2‐insufflation attenuates DSS‐induced colitis and improves both clinical and histological scores. Laparoscopy with CO2 insufflation represents a therapeutic anti‐inflammatory strategy for NEC.
Health‐related quality of life in children with coeliac disease and in their families: A long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Crocco Marco , Malerba Federica , Calvi Angela , Zampatti Noemi , Gandullia Paolo , Madeo Annalisa , Tappino Barbara , Proietti Stefania , Bonassi Stefano 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess long‐term health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in children and adolescents with coeliac disease (CD), and their parents.MethodsWe re‐evaluated prospectively the HRQoL and clinical characteristics of 80 families, assessed 5 years earlier, using a disease‐specific questionnaire, the CD Dutch Questionnaire (CDDUX), and a generic questionnaire, the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL).ResultsAfter a 10‐year follow‐up, there was no significant change in the total CDDUX and PedsQL scores in children and their parents when compared to the evaluation conducted 5 years earlier. The total CDDUX score reflected a neutral QoL, while for the generic PedsQL was good‐very good. The only significant decrease after 5 years was the PedsQL subdomain Emotional functioning. Patients who admitted voluntarily eating gluten reported lower score in CDDUX Diet. Lower scores in subdomain “Physical functioning” (PedsQL) were reported in patients with positivity of TTG or associated diseases.ConclusionsThe CDDUX score indicated a consistently stable and neutral QoL perception among coeliac patients and caregivers, even after 10‐year postdiagnosis, suggesting minimal fluctuations in the impact of CD on disease‐specific health domains over time. Furthermore, the consistently good PedsQL score could be a reflection of the resilience of coeliac families in coping with this chronic condition. Gluten‐free diet compliance was confirmed to be determinant of HRQoL in the long term. The study confirms the importance of extending surveillance on these patients, possibly using different questionnaires, to assess QoL from different perspectives.
Intestinal dysbiosis and inflammation in children with repaired esophageal atresia
Authors: Traini Isabelle , Chan Sin Y. , Menzies Jessica , Hughes Jennifer , Coffey Michael J. , McKay Isabelle R. , Ooi Chee Y. , Leach Steven T. , Krishnan Usha 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesThis study aims to compare the intestinal microbiota and intestinal inflammation of children with esophageal atresia (EA) to matched healthy controls, and to investigate the relationship between these factors and clinical outcomes.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of 35 children with EA and 35 matched healthy controls (HC) from a single tertiary pediatric hospital in Australia was conducted. Demographic and dietary data were collected using surveys. Stool samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, and fecal calprotectin measurements were used to measure intestinal inflammation. Comparisons were made between the groups, and correlations between the microbiota and clinical factors were investigated in the EA cohort.ResultsCompared to HC, children with EA had similar alpha diversity, but beta diversity analysis revealed clustering of EA and HC cohorts. Children with EA had a significantly higher relative abundance of the order Lactobacillales, and a lower abundance of the genus uncultured Bacteroidales S24‐7. Fecal calprotectin was significantly higher in children with EA compared to HC. In the EA cohort, children taking proton pump inhibitors (PPI's) had lower alpha diversity and higher calprotectin levels compared to those not taking PPI's. There was a negative correlation between calprotectin and length/height‐for‐age z scores, and children with higher calprotectin levels had a greater burden of gastrointestinal symptoms.ConclusionsChildren with EA have an altered intestinal microbiota compared to HC, which is likely related to PPI use, and may be impacting on growth and quality of life. It is important to rationalize PPI use in this cohort.
The contributions of clinical disease activity, functional disability, and illness intrusiveness to depressive symptoms in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Edwards Clayton S. , Baudino Marissa N. , Roberts Caroline M. , Basile Nathan L. , Dattilo Taylor M. , Gamwell Kaitlyn L. , Jacobs Noel J. , Edwards Desti S. , Tung Jeanne , Parker Colton V. , Chaney John M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundClinical disease activity associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can place physical limitations on youths' activities of daily living. In turn, functional limitations potentially contribute to youths' heightened experience of IBD‐induced intrusions on a wide range of routine and valued activities (i.e., illness intrusiveness), which can increase their risk for depressive symptoms. The present study examined the contributions of clinical disease activity, functional disability, and illness intrusiveness to depressive symptoms in youth with IBD.MethodsYouth (N = 180) completed the Functional Disability Inventory (FDI), Illness Intrusiveness Scale‐Child (IIS‐C), and Children's Depression Inventory‐2 (CDI‐2). Physicians completed the Physicians Global Assessment of disease activity (PGA).ResultsResults revealed a mediating effect for functional disability in the association between disease activity and depressive symptoms (PGA → FDI → CDI‐2); illness intrusiveness mediated the association between functional disability and depressive symptoms (i.e., FDI → IIS‐C → CDI‐2). Serial mediation revealed that clinical disease activity conferred an indirect effect on youth depressive symptoms through the sequential effects of functional disability and illness intrusiveness (i.e., PGA → FDI → IIS‐C → CDI‐2).ConclusionsTaken together, these findings indicate that youth who encounter more physical limitations as a function of clinical disease activity are more likely to experience an amplified sense of IBD‐related intrusions on their ability to participate in meaningful activities. In turn, heightened illness intrusiveness increases the likelihood of depressive symptoms. Clinical interventions that help youth maintain adequate functional ability in the face of IBD disease activity and encourage involvement in positively valued activities could decrease the negative impact of IBD on youths' emotional adjustment.
Clinical presentation and outcomes of Helicobacter heilmannii gastritis in children in the New England region of the United States
Authors: Chang Denis , Gluchowski Nina L. , Abu Alfa Amer K. , Goldsmith Jeffrey D. , Redston Mark , Bonilla Silvana 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the clinical, endoscopic, histologic, and treatment outcomes of Helicobacter heilmannii (H. heilmannii) associated gastritis in children in the New England region of the United States.MethodsRetrospective study of children (1–18 years) with H. heilmannii identified on gastric mucosal biopsies from two pediatric centers over a 21‐year period, January 2000–December 2021. Cases were identified by querying pathology databases at each institution. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from the medical record. Endoscopic and histologic findings were extracted from endoscopy and pathology reports, respectively.ResultsThirty‐eight children were diagnosed with H. heilmannii‐associated gastritis during the study period. The mean age at diagnosis was 10.1 ± 5.3 years, and 25/38 (66%) cases were male. Abdominal pain (32%) and nausea with or without vomiting (26%) were the most common symptoms. Thirty‐two children (84%) had endoscopic findings including gastric nodularity (55%) and erythema (26%). All children had histologic signs of chronic gastritis, including those with normal endoscopic exams. Antibiotic regimens used for treating Helicobacter pylori were frequently prescribed. Of the 17 children who underwent a follow‐up endoscopy (range 2–68 months), 15 (88%) did not have H. heilmannii identified on gastric biopsies.ConclusionH. heilmannii was an infrequent but potential cause of epigastric abdominal pain and nausea in our cohort of New England children. While morphologically distinct from H. pylori, the bacteria can result in similar endoscopic and histologic findings of nodularity and chronic gastritis, respectively. The rate of eradication, as assessed by histology following treatment with H. pylori therapies, was below the 90% recommended goal for antimicrobial therapies.
Can vulvar edema be the presenting sign of Crohn's disease? A case series
Authors: Rios Melendez Sandra , Majluta Aldo , Medina Annette , Restrepo Ricardo , Felipez Lina M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractVulvar involvement as an extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn's disease (CD) is a challenging diagnosis considering that vaginal findings may precede gastrointestinal symptoms. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical presentation, radiological findings, and treatment of vulvar Crohn's disease (VCD). We reviewed the time from initial presentation to diagnosis, presenting symptoms, radiological findings, gastrointestinal Crohn's disease Paris classification, and treatment response of five female pediatric patients. All the patients had radiological findings of vulvar inflammation on magnetic resonance imaging. Vaginal symptoms preceded gastrointestinal disease in two of the patients, which correlated with a delay in diagnosis. All patients had active disease on colonoscopy, with three of them having significant colorectal inflammation. Four of the patients were treated with infliximab, while one patient received ustekinumab with a resolution of their symptoms. In conclusion, VCD can precede gastrointestinal symptoms and is easily miss‐diagnosed, leading to a delayed Crohn's disease diagnosis and treatment.
Music therapy and weight gain in preterm infants: Secondary analysis of the randomized controlled LongSTEP trial
Authors: Bauer‐Rusek Sofia , Shalit Shachar , Yakobson Dana , Levkovitz Orly , Ghetti Claire , Gold Christian , Stordal Andreas Størksen , Arnon Shmuel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesThis study assessed the association between MT and weight gain among preterm infants hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Units.MethodsData collected during the international, randomized, Longitudinal Study of Music Therapy's Effectiveness for Premature Infants and their Caregivers (LongSTEP) study were compared between the MT group and the standard care (SC) group. Weights were recorded at birth, enrollment, and discharge. Weight percentiles, Z‐scores, weight gain velocity, and extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) were calculated.ResultsAmong 201 preterm infants included, no significant differences in weight parameters (weight, weight percentiles, weight Z‐scores; all p ≥ 0.23) were found between the MT group (n = 104) and the SC (n = 97) group at birth, enrollment, or discharge. No statistical differences in EUGR represented by change in Z‐scores from birth to discharge were recorded between MT and SC (0.8 vs. 0.7). Among perinatal parameters, younger gestational age (p = 0.005) and male sex (p = 0.012) were associated with increased risk of EUGR at discharge. Antenatal steroid treatment, systemic infection, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, neurological morbidities, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, parental factors (amount of skin‐to‐skin care, bonding, anxiety, and depression questionnaire scores), and type of enteral nutrition did not significantly influence weight gain parameters (all p > 0.05).ConclusionsIn the LongSTEP study, MT for preterm infants and families was not associated with better weight parameters compared to the SC group. The degree of prematurity remains the main risk factor for unfavorable weight parameters.
Food protein‐induced allergic proctocolitis in infants is associated with low serum levels of macrophage inflammatory protein‐3a
Authors: Koksal Burcu Tahire , Barıs Zeren , Sencelikel Tugce , Ozcay Figen , Ozbek Ozlem Yılmaz 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundFood protein‐induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP) is a nonimmunoglobulin (IgE)‐mediated food hypersensitivity and the exact mechanisms that cause FPIAP are unknown. Chemokines play crucial roles in the development of allergic diseases.ObjectiveTo examine serum levels of a group of chemokines in infants with FPIAP.MethodsIn 67 infants with FPIAP and 65 healthy infants, we measured serum levels of mucosa‐associated epithelial chemokine (MEC/CCL28), thymus‐expressed chemokine (TECK/CCL25), CX3CL1 and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐3a/CCL20.ResultsInfants with FPIAP had a lower median value of MIP3a/CCL20 than healthy infants [0.7 (0–222) vs. 4 (0–249) pg/mL, respectively] (p < 0.001). Infants with MIP3a/CCL20 levels ≤0.95 pg/mL have 13.93 times more risk of developing FPIAP than infants with MIP3a/CCL20 levels >0.95 pg/mL. Serum MEC/CCL28, TECK/CCL25, and CX3CL1 levels were similar between the infants with FPIAP and the control group.ConclusionMIP3a/CCL20 serum levels were reduced in infants with FPIAP compared with healthy controls. Whether this finding has a role in pathogenesis remains to be determined.