Two Odorant-Binding Proteins of the Dark Black Chafer () Display Preferential Binding to Biologically Active Host Plant Volatiles.

The dark black chafer (DBC), , is an important pest of multiple crops. Insect host-searching behaviors are regulated by host plant volatiles. Therefore, a better understanding of the mechanism linking the chemosensory system to plant volatiles at the molecular level will benefit DBC control strategies.

Nutrition assessment in children with short bowel syndrome weaned off parenteral nutrition: a long-term follow-up study.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess long-term growth and nutrition status of children with neonatal short bowel syndrome (SBS) after weaning off parenteral nutrition (PN).

Methods: Eight children with neonatal SBS weaned from PN therapy for more than 2 years were studied. Medical records were reviewed; anthropometric measurements and blood test (hemoglobin, albumin and prealbumin, immunoglobulin, electrolytes, trace elements, and fat-soluble vitamins) were assayed during follow-up.

Glutamine attenuates TPN-associated liver injury in infant rabbits.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of parenteral alanyl-glutamine dipeptide (Ala-Gln) on TPN-associated liver injury. Forty-three New Zealand rabbits (6-8 days old) were divided into three groups: 12 in the control group (maternal fed); 18 in the TPN group (TPN for 10 days); 13 in the Gln-PN group (TPN+Ala-Gln 400 mg kg(-1) day(-1) for 10 days). At the end of the experiment, liver function and histology were evaluated; MDA content of liver tissues and hepatocyte apoptosis by TUNEL assay were also determined.

Bile decompression in children with histopathological evidence of pre-existing liver cirrhosis.

Although it is agreed upon by most that adequate and timely bile decompression can preserve or even improve existing liver function much debate centers on whether pre-existing liver cirrhosis can also be reversed. To help answer this question we analyzed data on 47 children with choledochal cyst disease (CD) who underwent simultaneous liver biopsy during bile decompression surgery. We collected data on two groups of children with CD spanning two different time periods: January 1985 through November 1994 (Group A) and June 1995 through November 1999 (Group B).

Balloon catheter dilatation in children with congenital and acquired esophageal anomalies.

Background/purpose: Esophageal stricture requiring dilatation often is the sequelae in children with a history of congenital or acquired esophageal anomalies. Balloon catheter dilatation (BCD) for esophageal stricture is well established in adults, yet its role in children is less well described. The authors report their initial experience using BCD in children with esophageal stricture, assessing outcome.