bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Body Composition of Children Aged 1 to 12 years with Biliary Atresia or Alagille Syndrome
Authors: Arvay Jessica L. , Zemel Babette S. , Gallagher Paul R. , Rovner Alisha J. , Mulberg Andrew E. , Stallings Virgina A. , Haber Barbara A. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Growth and body composition have not been well described in older children with biliary atresia or Alagille syndrome living with their native liver. To optimize nutritional management of these conditions it is essential to understand the normal growth characteristics.Objectives:The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the growth and body composition of children, particularly school‐age children, with biliary atresia and Alagille syndrome.Methods:A single observer measured height, weight, arm anthropometry and skin fold thickness in subjects aged 1 to 12 years with biliary atresia or Alagille syndrome who had not undergone liver transplantation.Results:Forty‐six subjects (10 biliary atresia/36 Alagille syndrome) were assessed. Biliary atresia subjects were below average in height for age with normal weight and elevated body mass index. Mean fat stores were mildly depressed. The z‐scores for body mass index and weight for age were inversely correlated with age. Alagille subjects were stunted and had low body weight and reduced fat and muscle stores. Body mass index z‐score was inversely correlated with age despite improved cholestasis.Conclusions:Children with Alagille syndrome had significant growth deficits as measured by weight, height and upper arm anthropometry at all ages studied. In contrast, subjects with biliary atresia had normal weights and heights. However, body mass index and weight for age z‐scores were lower in the older biliary atresia subjects. Few studies of anthropometry in biliary atresia or Alagille syndrome have included the school‐aged child. This study addresses this gap in knowledge and provides baseline data for nutritional interventions in these patients.
Helicobacter pylori and Specific Immunoglobulin E Antibodies to Food Allergens in Children
Authors: Kolho Kaija‐Leena , Haapaniemi Aaro , Haahtela Tari , Rautelin Hilpi 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTObjectives:It has been suggested that chronic Helicobacter pylori infection may increase gastric permeability, predisposing infected children for the development of food allergies. We assessed the presence of food‐specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E antibodies in H. pylori positive children and controls.Methods:We measured specific IgE values to six major food allergens (Pharmacia CAP‐system) in a group of school‐aged Caucasian (n = 36) and non‐Caucasian (n = 38) children with a known H. pylori status. All children had undergone upper gastrointestinal endoscopy because of abdominal complaints.Results:Among H. pylori positive children (mean age, 8.8 years; range, 5‐15 years, 25 female, 26 male), 33% (17 of 51) had an elevated food‐specific IgE level to at least one of the food allergens tested. Unexpectedly, the majority of those with elevated serum food‐specific IgE levels (12 of 17) were to cow's milk. Among H. pylori negative children (mean age, 9.3 years; range, 5‐15 years, 13 female, 10 male), 26% (6 of 23) of the children had an elevated serum IgE level to at least one of the food allergens tested, and 9% (2 of 23) were positive to cow's milk. The difference in the number of children with an elevated serum IgE level for cow's milk in H. pylori positive and negative children was not significant. The severity of gastritis did not correlate with the presence of food‐specific IgEs.Conclusions:H. pylori infection had no effect on the manifestation of specific IgE to major food allergens in school‐aged children. An IgE response to cow's milk was common among these school‐aged children.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus, Indomethacin and Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Dollberg Shaul , Lusky Ayala , Reichman Brian ,   Israel Neonatal Network
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Patent ductus arteriosus is a risk factor for the development of necrotizing enterocolitis. The use of indomethacin to treat patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants may either decrease the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis by stabilizing or closing the ductus arteriosus or increase its incidence by a direct constricting effect on mesenteric blood vessels. The authors sought to evaluate the interrelationship between patent ductus arteriosus, treatment with indomethacin and the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight infants.Method:The Israel National database includes prospectively collected data on 99% of all very low birth weight infants in Israel. The study population comprised 6146 infants of 24‐34 weeks' gestation born between 1995 and 2000. The effect of patent ductus arteriosus on necrotizing enterocolitis was assessed using multiple regression analysis.Results:Necrotizing enterocolitis occurred in 5.5% (n = 343) of all infants, in 9.4% of infants with patent ductus arteriosus and in 8.9% of infants who received indomethacin. The occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis was independently associated with the presence of patent ductus arteriosus among infants not treated with indomethacin (odds ratio, 1.85) and those who received indomethacin therapy (odds ratio, 1.53). Indomethacin therapy in absence of patent ductus arteriosus was not associated with an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (odds ratio, 0.72).Conclusions:Patent ductus arteriosus is an independent risk factor for the development of necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight infants. Therapy with indomethacin did not have a significant effect on the risk for necrotizing enterocolitis.
Skin Prick Test Reactivity to Supplemental Enzymes in Cystic Fibrosis and Pancreatic Insufficiency
Authors: Griese Matthias , Dokupil Kathi , Latzin Philipp 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Patients with cystic fibrosis and pancreatic insufficiency take supplemental pancreatic enzymes of porcine or plant origin on a daily basis.Objective:The frequency of immediate skin prick hypersensitivity reactions to such enzymes and the correlations to gastrointestinal symptoms and nutritional status were assessed in a single center prospective descriptive study.Methods:Skin prick tests using five different freshly prepared porcine pancreatic enzyme preparations, one enzyme preparation of fungal origin, porcine meat and cat epithelia were performed in patients with cystic fibrosis and pancreatic insufficiency and in healthy control subjects.Results:Positive skin tests in the 48 patients with cystic fibrosis were no more frequent than in 21 control subjects. No correlations with the frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms, nutritional status and lung function were found.Conclusion:Although immediate hypersensitivity reactions to pancreatic enzyme preparations in subjects with cystic fibrosis are not common, individuals with possible allergic reactions to supplemental enzymes should be identified by skin prick tests and in unclear cases by double‐blind placebo‐controlled provocation tests.
Effect of Maternal Consumption of Lactobacillus GG on Transfer and Establishment of Fecal Bifidobacterial Microbiota in Neonates
Authors: Gueimonde Miguel , Sakata Shinji , Kalliomäki Marko , Isolauri Erika , Benno Yoshimi , Salminen Seppo 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBackground:Establishment of the gut microbiota at birth provides a substantial source of microbial stimuli for the maturation of the immune system. Deviations in this process precede the development of specific diseases providing the rationale for the use of probiotics to counteract them.Objective:This study was designed to characterize both the mother‐infant bifidobacteria transfer at birth and the development of bifidobacteria microbiota during the first weeks of life in infants whose mothers received Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or placebo.Methods:Species‐specific PCR was used to assess the fecal bifidobacterial composition of mothers before and after delivery and in infants at 5 days and 3 weeks of age.Results:Bifidobacterium longum was the species most commonly found in the mothers. Bifidobacterium catenulatum was the most prevalent group in infants at 5 days of age and B. longum the predominant species at 3 weeks. At 5 days of age, infants whose mothers received L. rhamnosus GG showed a significantly higher occurrence of B. breve and lower of B. adolescentis than those from the placebo group. In addition, L. rhamnosus GG consumption increased the bifidobacterial diversity in infants and reduced the Bifidobacterium microbiota similarity between mother and infant.Conclusions:These results indicate that specific changes in the transfer and initial establishment of bifidobacteria in neonates take place as consequence of the consumption of L. rhamnosus GG by the mothers.
Has R&D investment become riskier for CEOs after the Sarbanes Oxley Act?
Authors: Lee SeungWon 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study explores the link between R&D investment variability and CEO turnover across the eras surrounding the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX). It posits that, after SOX, R&D expenditure hikes not matched by sales growth may trigger more frequent CEO turnover, driven by a perceived increase in risk. Data from 1996 to 2010 reveal that, before SOX, R&D increases positively correlate with CEO job stability. In contrast, after SOX, a rise in R&D spending is linked to a higher rate of CEO turnover, particularly involuntary dismissals. The study further identifies that post‐SOX, the negative impact of R&D spikes on CEO turnover is significantly mitigated when such investment aligns with sales growth. The findings suggest a significant influence of R&D investments on CEO turnover, underscoring the need for boards to deliberate the consequences of R&D spending and CEO turnover to better align shareholders and CEO interests.
Effects of Prolonged Administration of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate‐Containing Antiviral Regimen on Renal Function in Low‐Risk of Kidney Injury HIV Patients
Authors: Yuan Yuan , He Shenghua , Liu Huanxia , He Yuanhong , Zhou Ruifeng , Yao Yuan , Yin Ke , Lyu Chunrong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study intended to investigate the impact of long‐term tenofovir fumarate (TDF) antiviral regimen on renal function in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients with low‐risk of kidney injury. The observational study involving 100 HIV‐infected patients without underlying diseases who achieved virological suppression and immunological recovery after sustained antiviral regimen of TDF+ lamivudine+ efavirenz (TLE) for 3.19 years. Renal function, including estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), blood and urine β2 microglobulin, and other parameters, was assessed every 3 months over a period of 2.5 years. The eGFR showed a slight increasement from 116.0 at month 0 to 119.7 at month 30. Blood β2 microglobulin increased from 2.02 mg/L at month 0 to 2.77 mg/L at month 30. Compared to month 0, the difference in blood β2 microglobulin was statistically significant at month 6 and months 12‐30 (P < .05). The incidence of proximal renal tubular dysfunction fluctuated from 2% at month 0 to 2.5% at month 30. The urine β2 microglobulin fluctuated from 0.5 (0.3‐1.1) to 0.8 (0.5‐1.35) mg/L at months 18‐30, which was higher than 0.41 (0.18‐1.1) mg/L at month 0 (P < .05). The abnormal concentration proportion of urine β2 microglobulin fluctuated from 72.7% to 81.3% at months 18‐30, which was higher than the proportion of 57.0% at month 0. The abnormal proportion of blood β2 microglobulin, urine β2 microglobulin, and proximal renal tubular dysfunction were not correlated with eGFR (r1 = 0.119, r2 = −0.008, r3 = −0.165, P > .05). Long‐term TDF antiviral regimen in low‐risk of kidney injury HIV‐infected patients may lead to damage in the proximal renal tubules and glomeruli. Blood and urine β2 microglobulin levels may be helpful in screening for renal dysfunction.
Indomethacin Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics in Pregnancies With Preterm Labor: The Need for Dose‐Ranging Trials
Authors: Balevic Stephen J. , Weiner Daniel , Hornik Christoph P. , Cohen‐Wolkowiez Michael , Gonzalez Daniel , Wang Xiaoming , Xu Meixiang , Abdel‐Rahman Sherif Z. , Rytting Erik 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe use of indomethacin to delay delivery in preterm labor (PTL) is widely accepted; however, the optimal dosage of indomethacin in pregnancy is unknown. Here, we perform population pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) analyses, characterize the plasma disposition of indomethacin in pregnant women with PTL, and relate indomethacin exposure to delayed delivery and maternal/neonatal safety. We analyzed plasma and urine samples collected from a multicenter, prospective, opportunistic PK/PD study of indomethacin in pregnant women 12‐32 weeks gestation admitted with PTL. Ninety‐four participants with 639 plasma concentrations for indomethacin were included in the analysis. The final population PK (popPK) model for indomethacin was a 2‐compartment structural model with first‐order absorption and elimination and a covariate effect of body mass index on apparent oral clearance. We observed a 21%‐60% increase in apparent oral clearance observed during pregnancy. There was no clear association between indomethacin exposure and maternal or neonatal safety outcomes, or with the magnitude of delayed delivery; however, 96.7% of women treated with indomethacin had a delivery that was delayed at least 48 hours. Given the changes to indomethacin apparent oral clearance during pregnancy, and the lack of relationship between indomethacin exposure and safety, dose‐finding studies of indomethacin in pregnant women with PTL may help clarify the most safe and efficacious dosage and duration of indomethacin.
Exploring the acceptance of geriatric dentistry programming for undergraduate dental students through stakeholder interviews
Authors: Brandt Alicia C. , Abbas Ahmed , Dong Cecilia S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurpose/objectivesOlder adults frequently report unmet oral healthcare needs. Current research suggests a lack of provider willingness to perform geriatric dental care plays a role in limiting older adults’ access to dental services. To better understand the acceptance of geriatric dentistry programming in Ontario, and to explore considerations for successful implementation, we completed consultations with dental students and dental education stakeholders. Findings from a scoping review we conducted previously (Alicia C. Brandt and Cecilia S. Dong) were used to guide this research.MethodsConsultations involved a questionnaire and semi‐structured individual interviews. Descriptive and parametric statistics such as Pearson's bivariate correlation and One‐way analysis of variance were completed on questionnaire data using SPSS V.28. Interview data were transcribed verbatim, and the content was analyzed using emergent coding and thematic analysis in NVivo. Student and faculty data were analyzed separately and then consolidated.ResultsTen students and 12 dental faculty members completed the questionnaire of which ten students and nine faculty members also participated in interviews. Themes were organized into barriers and facilitators, with a subsection on interprofessional collaboration. Barriers included: 1. Student anxiety and skill level; 2. Constraints of the learning environment; 3. Patient factors; and 4. Knowledge gaps. Facilitators included: 1. Learning environment and culture; 2. Volume of exposure; 3. Soft skills; and 4. Desired interventions.ConclusionsBoth students and faculty stakeholders demonstrated acceptance of geriatric dentistry programming at the undergraduate dentistry level that supports improved access to care for this population. Pilot programs integrating different intervention elements which were viewed as most promising would be beneficial.
A lower bound for the complex flow number of a graph: A geometric approach
Authors: Mattiolo Davide , Mazzuoccolo Giuseppe , Rajník Jozef , Tabarelli Gloria 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLet be a real number. A complex nowhere‐zero ‐flow on a graph is an orientation of together with an assignment such that, for all , the Euclidean norm of the complex number lies in the interval and, for every vertex, the incoming flow is equal to the outgoing flow. The complex flow number of a bridgeless graph , denoted by , is the minimum of the real numbers such that admits a complex nowhere‐zero ‐flow. The exact computation of seems to be a hard task even for very small and symmetric graphs. In particular, the exact value of is known only for families of graphs where a lower bound can be trivially proved. Here, we use geometric and combinatorial arguments to give a nontrivial lower bound for in terms of the odd‐girth of a cubic graph (i.e., the length of a shortest odd cycle) and we show that this lower bound is tight. This result relies on the exact computation of the complex flow number of the wheel graph . In particular, we show that for every odd , the value of arises from one of three suitable configurations of points in the complex plane according to the congruence of modulo 6.
Social sustainability, poverty and income: An empirical exploration
Authors: Cuesta Jose , Madrigal Lucia , Pecorari Natalia 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSocial sustainability is poorly understood and vaguely defined, despite growing appreciation for its relevance as a concept. This article advances our empirical understanding of social sustainability by constructing a global database of 71 indicators across 193 countries and 37 territories between 2016 and 2020. Indicators are flexibly clustered around four dimensions—social inclusion, resilience, social cohesion and process legitimacy—for which we construct measurement indices. A simple empirical analysis—based on correlations and scatterplots—using our database confirms that social sustainability is positively and strongly associated with per capita income; negatively and strongly associated with poverty; and negatively but weakly associated with income inequality. The interactions between dimensions merit further analysis, but our results underscore that social sustainability matters not only in itself but also to reduce poverty. Furthermore, extending access to markets, basic public services and social assistance needs to be complemented with strengthening process legitimacy and social cohesion if inequality is to be reduced.
Effect of using different strips on reducing the most common error in panoramic imaging: A randomised controlled trial on palatoglossal air space shadow
Authors: Mokhtari Andisheh , Razi Sedigheh , Rahimipour Kasra , Razi Tahmineh 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionPanoramic radiography quality can be impaired by some errors such as positioning errors. Palatoglossal air space shadow error is one of the most common positioning errors and it is due to the tongue not sticking to the roof of the palate. Techniques used to deal with this error might help prevent unnecessary radiation to patients and save them time and money. The study aimed to investigate the effects of using celluloid matrix and edible tapes (fruit leather and chewing gum) on reducing the palatoglossal air space shadow error in panoramic imaging.MethodsIn our study, 270 patients referred to the Department of Radiology were randomised into three groups: a control group, a celluloid matrix group and an edible tapes group. Before panoramic imaging, all patients were instructed to adhere their tongues to the roof of their mouths, with the distinction that for the celluloid matrix and edible tapes groups, patients were asked to place celluloid tapes, fruit leathers, or chewing gums on their tongues before doing so. The routine imaging process was then performed, and the results were compared across groups to evaluate the incidence of palatoglossal air space shadow error.ResultsThe number of error‐free images in each fruit leather, chewing gum and celluloid tape group were significantly higher than the control group (all cases P < 0.05). The chances of error‐free images in the fruit leather groups were the highest (9.57 times). The age (P = 0.136) and gender (P = 0.272) of patients had no significant effect on the results of interventions.ConclusionThe application of fruit leathers, chewing gums and celluloid tapes reduced the palatoglossal air space shadow error of panoramic imaging.
Characterization of the Fusarium circinatum biofilm environmental response role
Authors: Ratsoma Francinah M. , Mokoena Nthabiseng Z. , Santana Quentin C. , Wingfield Brenda D. , Steenkamp Emma T. , Motaung Thabiso E. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe capacity to form biofilms is a common trait among many microorganisms present on Earth. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that the fatal pine pitch canker agent, Fusarium circinatum, can lead a biofilm‐like lifestyle with aggregated hyphal bundles wrapped in extracellular matrix (ECM). Our research shows F. circinatum's ability to adapt to environmental changes by assuming a biofilm‐like lifestyle. This was demonstrated by varying metabolic activities exhibited by the biofilms in response to factors like temperature and pH. Further analysis revealed that while planktonic cells produced small amounts of ECM per unit of the biomass, heat‐ and azole‐exposed biofilms produced significantly more ECM than nonexposed biofilms, further demonstrating the adaptability of F. circinatum to changing environments. The increased synthesis of ECM triggered by these abiotic factors highlights the link between ECM production in biofilm and resistance to abiotic stress. This suggests that ECM‐mediated response may be one of the key survival strategies of F. circinatum biofilms in response to changing environments. Interestingly, azole exposure also led to biofilms that were resistant to DNase, which typically uncouples biofilms by penetrating the biofilm and degrading its extracellular DNA; we propose that DNases were likely hindered from reaching target cells by the ECM barricade. The interplay between antifungal treatment and DNase enzyme suggests a complex relationship between eDNA, ECM, and antifungal agents in F. circinatum biofilms. Therefore, our results show how a phytopathogen's sessile (biofilm) lifestyle could influence its response to the surrounding environment.