bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urinary excretion of renin and angiotensinogen in hypertensive children and adolescents
Authors: Zając Magdalena , Rybi-Szumińska Agnieszka , Storonowicz Justyna , Protas Piotr , Wasilewska Anna 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionIn recent years hypertension has become an emerging condition in the young population. It has been proposed that the renin–angiotensin system plays an important role in regulation of blood pressure. We assessed whether activation of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system occurs in hypertensive children and adolescents and what better reflects its activity: urine angiotensinogen (AGT) or urine renin (REN).Material and methodsThe study was conducted on a sample of 58 subjects with primary hypertension (HT) and 29 normotensive children and adolescents. We measured urine REN and AGT excretion and assessed the values in relation to blood pressure (BP) and other clinical parameters. Both REN and AGT values were calculated by urine creatinine: REN/cr. and AGT/cr., respectively.ResultsWe observed higher urine REN/cr. values in hypertensive subjects in comparison to the reference group (6.99 vs. 2.93, p = 0.003). Hypertensive participants showed positive correlations between urine REN/cr. and diastolic 24-hour BP (r = 0.42, p = 0.002) as well as between urine REN/cr. and urine AGT/cr. (r = 0.266, p = 0.044, respectively).ConclusionsIncreased urine REN/cr. in hypertensive children and adolescents and its positive correlation with BP may indicate its important role in the pathogenesis of HT. Perhaps urine REN/cr. could be a marker of intrarenal renin-angiotensin system activity. Nevertheless, further research should be undertaken to confirm this observation.
Prognostic value of XIAP and survivin expression in locally advanced breast cancer patients treated with anthracycline-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Pluta Piotr , Jesionek-Kupnicka Dorota , Pluta Agnieszka , Brzozowski Kamil , Braun Marcin , Kubicka-Wołkowska Joanna , Piekarski Janusz 
Published: October 2019

IntroductionNeoadjuvant treatment in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) is intended to decrease the cancer mass, increase the likelihood of radical resection and improve survival. Resistance to chemotherapy may depend on cellular expression of anti-apoptotic proteins. XIAP and survivin are the most potent inhibitors of apoptosis (IAP), but their role in drug-induced cancer cell apoptosis remains unclear. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of pre-treatment expression of XIAP and survivin on pathological complete response and survival in LABC patients.Material and methodsThe study included 60 LABC patients treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy. XIAP and survivin expression was assessed immunohistochemically in pre-treatment core biopsy specimens.ResultsPathological complete response was achieved in 33% of the LABC patients. Low/intermediate expression of both XIAP and survivin was significantly associated with pathological complete response (p  0.04 and p < 0.001, respectively) and positively correlated with disease-free survival (p = 0.017 and p < 0.001) and overall survival (p = 0.052 and p < 0.001). The area under receiver operating characteristics curves (AUC) revealed predictive value of survivin expression for relapse and death in breast cancer patients (AUC = 0.63, p = 0.001 and AUC = 0.8, p < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that downregulation of XIAP and survivin in LABC patients might predict better treatment outcomes after anthracycline-based chemotherapy. This, in turn, may indicate XIAP and survivin proteins as potential targets for innovative anticancer therapies.
Reaching goals through different means: will and cognition in the action of people with low and high action control
Authors: Hryniewicz Konrad , Borchet Judyta 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundWhen observing how people strive to achieve their goals, we can discern two main styles. Some people accomplish their goals mainly through strong will while others may need additional and compound plans to rely on. Two different modes of implemen-tation of intentional behavior are explored.Participants and procedureTwo correlational studies on young Polish adults (N = 227 and N = 516) were performed. Structural equations and modeling techniques using the partial least squares (PLS) method were used to verify the predictions.ResultsThe first investigation revealed that the intention of saving money is achieved through the mechanism of implementation inten-tion. It was found that people with a low level of action control (state-orientation) and people with a high level of action control (action-orientation) implement a similar level of saving behavior. However, they do so in different ways. Action-oriented partic-ipants also seemed to make plans, and these plans supported goal attainment, though this process did not affect behavior to the same degree as for state-oriented participants. The results are discussed, drawing on the Julius Kuhl Action Control Theory as well as its explication which is the Theory of Personality Systems Interactions.ConclusionsThe present research indicates that cognitive mechanisms may compensate for volitional deficits (planning behavior) in people with low action control, whereas in the case of people with a high level of action control their will (intensification of intentions) plays a crucial role.
Mediatory effect of depression in the relations between cognitive reserve and cognitive abilities. Does a CR index matter?
Authors: Szepietowska Ewa 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundCognitive reserve (CR) explains the level of cognitive functioning in healthy aging individuals or those with brain dysfunctions. Various CR indexes include objective (e.g. education level), subjective (e.g. self-report methods of life activity), and their combinations. Data showing the impact of CR on cognitive performance are unclear due to the relationship between CR and depressive mood as well as due to the impact of depressed mood on cognitive functions. The current study was designed to determine the link between three different CR indicators and cognitive abilities of adult Poles. The analyses took into account intensity of depression, as a mediator for these links. Additionally, the study was designed to assess whether or not the contents of the self-reported part of the CR index were of significance for the relations.Participants and procedureThe study was carried out in two unrelated groups of adult Poles (Group I, n = 130; Group II, n = 90). Assess-ment of CR took into account three indexes (CR based on self-reported activity in life, CR additionally contain-ing information on formal education, and CR supplemented with information related to occupational activity). Cognitive capacity was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), Vocabulary, as well as Digit Span Forward and Backwards. Intensity of depression was measured using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) II. The self-report part of the questionnaire used to measure CR in Group I contained items mainly about past life and in Group II consisted of more items about both past life and current activity.ResultsThe greater CR corresponds to higher scores in cognitive tasks and lower intensity of depressive mood. This is in line with previous research reporting that a higher level of the reserve may protect against mood disorders. Depression mediates the links between CR and the cognitive functions, reducing the positive impact of CR. These relations were visible in Group I, where CR based on self-reported activity in life comprised items about (mainly) past life.ConclusionsSelf-report techniques used in CR assessment may be inadequate as a tool for describing the reserve, due to the link between self-report and emotional state. However, a more detailed self-report component of the CR indicator about both past and current life may correspond to a weaker or insignificant relation between CR and depressive mood as well as between depression and cognitive capacities. Varied approaches to operationali-sation of CR result in discrepancies regarding the role of resources in the stabilisation and dynamics of cogni-tive status in ageing people and in clinical groups.
Patriarchal family relationship under threat during forced migration. The case of Burundians in Mahama refugee camp, Rwanda
Authors: Iyakaremye Innocent , Musabyimana Pudentienne , Umutoni Jane 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundPatriarchal structure puts men in a position to rule, control, decide, and provide for the family and the house-hold. However, during forced migration, men’s resources and survival capacity are reduced and are dependent on humanitarian donors’ decisions. While the literature focuses on migrant men’s struggle to cope with life, little is known about how forced migration affects the existing relationships of couples from a patriarchal back-ground. This paper sheds light on this matter using the case of Burundian refugees received in Mahama Camp, Rwanda, since April 2015.Participants and procedureTwenty-one men chosen through systematic and purposive sampling techniques were included in the study, of whom 10 were interviewed individually and 11 were approached in a focus group discussion (FGD). Five key informants also contributed to this study. This is a qualitative study during which data were collected using semi structured interview and FGD guides.ResultsThe results showed that forced migration brought changes in patriarchal family relationships as well as in tradi-tional gendered roles. Almost all the participants confirmed that in Mahama refugee camp, men were no longer providers for their families and one third specified that men were no longer heads of families. Rather, women found an opportunity to be breadwinners, providers, decision makers, and dominant. This new structure nega-tively affected the relationships of couples and family security.ConclusionsThe study suggested the creation of a special family promotion service within the camp, organisation of cam-paigns on gender equality and positive masculinity, and the establishment of spaces for men and women to work and produce rather than totally depending on the international community.
Happy people: Who are they? A pilot indigenous study on conceptualization of happiness in Vietnam
Authors: Trinh Linh , Khanh Ha 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundHappiness or subjective well-being has been a popular subject of psychological research in the past decades. Besides certain mutual agreement on the definition of happiness, most of the authors also believe that for each individual, happiness or subjective well-being is significantly influenced by the culture he or she belongs to. Therefore, local definitions of happiness formed in specific cultural contexts need to be clarified and developed systematically. This is the theoretical starting point for us to conduct this preliminary research.Participants and procedureResearch subjects including 58 Vietnamese were selected as convenient samples, living and working in Hanoi. The subjects’ average age is 23.90 (SD = 2.48). Data were collected via in-depth interview. The data analysis was performed by thematic analysis based on the procedures proposed by Braun and Clarke, then processed with SPSS 22.0 for quantitative assessment.ResultsThe results of data analysis indicate the following criteria to consider an individual as being happy or unhappy: 1) material living standard; 2) health and outlook; 3) self-actualization; 4) community belonging; 5) social rela-tionships; 6) relationships with other family members; 7) positive psychological qualities; 8) personal safety; and 9) some other external factors. Of these, positive psychological qualities were chosen with the highest fre-quency, followed by self-actualization, social relationships, and relationships with other family members. The results of quantitative analysis also show a statistically significant difference in terms of positive psychological qualities by gender.ConclusionsThe research results might be explained from a socio-cultural perspective and provide a scientific basis for large-scale studies on this topic in Vietnam.
Morphological and molecular barcode analysis of the medicinal tree Mimusops coriacea (A.DC.) Miq. collected in Ecuador
Authors: Bustamante Katherine , Santos-Ordóñez Efrén , Miranda Migdalia , Pacheco Ricardo , Gutiérrez Yamilet , Scull Ramón 
Published: October 2019

Background
Mimusops coriacea (A.DC.) Miq., (Sapotaceae), originated from Africa, were introduced to coastal areas in Ecuador where it is not extensively used as a traditional medicine to treat various human diseases. Different therapeutically uses of the species include: analgesic, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, inflammation and pain relieve associated with bone and articulation-related diseases. Furthermore, Mimusops coriacea could be used as anti-oxidant agent. However, botanical, chemical or molecular barcode information related to this much used species is not available from Ecuador. In this study, morphological characterization was performed from leaves, stem and seeds. Furthermore, genetic characterization was performed using molecular barcodes for rbcL, matk, ITS1 and ITS2 using DNA extracted from leaves.

Methods
Macro-morphological description was performed on fresh leaves, stem and seeds. For anatomical evaluation, tissues were embedded in paraffin and transversal dissections were done following incubation with sodium hypochlorite and safranin for coloration and fixated later in glycerinated gelatin. DNA extraction was performed using a modified CTAB protocol from leaf tissues, while amplification by PCR was accomplished for the molecular barcodes rbcL, matK, ITS1 and ITS2. Sequence analysis was performed using blast in the GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis was performed with accessions queried in the GenBank belonging to the subfamily Sapotoideae.

Results
Leaf size was 13.56 ± 1.46 × 7.49 ± 0.65 cm; where is a macro-morphological description of the stem (see Methods). The peel of the seeds is dark brown. Sequence analysis revealed that amplicons were generated using the four barcodes selected. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the barcodes rbcL and matK, were not discriminated between species within the same genus of the subfamily Sapotoideae. On the other hand, the ITS1 and ITS2 were discriminative at the level of genus and species of the Sapotoideae.
HPLC Evaluation of Phenolic Compounds in Physalis angulata Linn. and Physalis micrantha Linn. (Solanaceae)
Authors: Ekeke Chimezie , Obute Gordian C. , Ogazie Chinedum A. 
Published: October 2019

Physalis angulata Linn. and Physalis micrantha Linn. (Solanaceae) used for different medicinal purposes in Nigeria and other parts of the world were subjected to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis to determine their phytochemical profiles. Forty five (45) alkaloids, 36 flavonoids, 18 glycosides and 44 phenolic acids were observed in the plants. P. angulata had the highest concentrations of flavonoids, phenolic acids and alkaloids while P. micarantha had the highest concentration of glycosides. The presence and concentration of these chemicals in these studied species confirm their medicinal and ethno-botanical uses and make them potential sources of raw materials for the pharmaceutical industries.
Mycobacterium
: Laboratory Characteristics of Slowly Growing Mycobacteria Other than
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Caulfield Adam J. , Richter Elvira , Brown‐Elliott Barbara A. , Wengenack Nancy L. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This chapter describes the clinically significant, slowly growing nontuberculous mycobacteria (SGM). Pulsed‐Field Gel Electrophoresis has been a useful technique for strain typing of the SGM. It is important to recognize that an unidentified mycobacterial isolate should be treated as if it is
M. tuberculosis
and that appropriate safety measures, including biosafety level 3 practices and facilities, should be used until
M. tuberculosis
is ruled out. One of the first, easiest, and least expensive means of detecting the presence of mycobacteria in clinical samples is microscopic examination. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry has revolutionized the identification of microorganisms, including mycobacteria. Not all laboratories may have the necessary funds, facilities, or instrumentation to provide molecular testing in mycobacteriology. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of clinically relevant mycobacteria is important for the treatment of infections caused by many mycobacterial species.
Approaches to the Identification of Aerobic Gram‐Negative Bacteria
Authors: Nørskov‐Lauritsen Niels , Chuvochina Maria 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The description of aerobic Gram‐negative bacteria is long established, based on culture conditions and the failure to retain crystal violet‐iodine complex by Gram's staining method. This chapter shows dichotomous phenotypic and biochemical identification algorithms for Gram‐negative bacteria that are fastidious and grow poorly or not at all on sheep blood agar. The use of KIA/TSI slants as part of the workup of Gram‐negative organisms has largely been discontinued due to the introduction of matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry, which provides more rapid and specific identification. The major limitation of analyzing the 16S‐23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) region for bacterial identification and community profiling is the current lack of a reference database containing combined 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA gene sequences.
Salmonella
Authors: Dekker John P. , Faron Matthew L. , Humphries Romney M. , Buchan Blake W. , Ledeboer Nathan A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Salmonella typhi
has one of the largest sets of universal genetic markers common to
Salmonella enterica
serotypes but also contains among the fewest genetic markers defining a subspecies. This chapter discusses traditional classification schemes based on antigenic typing, pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and covers newer molecular and next‐generation sequencing‐based approaches, including ribosomal MLST, whole‐genome and core‐genome MLST, and whole‐genome single‐nucleotide variant‐based strain tracking. Nontyphoidal
Salmonella
is a common inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract of wild and domestic poultry, which serves as an important reservoir for infection, but is also frequently isolated from warm‐blooded mammals and reptiles. Use of appropriate isolation media along with novel diagnostic techniques is improving understanding of the epidemiology of the genus
Salmonella
and will ultimately help meet the goal of improving patient care. Determination of antimicrobial susceptibility is valuable for surveillance purposes to monitor the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance among
Salmonella
isolates.
Escherichia
and
Shigella
Authors: Humphries Romney M. , Faron Matthew L. , Dekker John P. , Ledeboer Nathan A. , Buchan Blake W. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Members of the genera
Escherichia
and
Shigella
are most often associated with infections of the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts, but may also cause more severe systemic or invasive infections including pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. This chapter provides an overview of each genus and discusses key aspects of taxonomy, epidemiology, and virulence, along with culture‐dependent and culture‐independent methodologies for the identification and classification of species within these genera. It discusses recent trends in antimicrobial resistance patterns and updates to recommended susceptibility testing modalities and interpretive criteria to understand the current best practice for treating active infections. The epidemiology and clinical impact of EIEC are difficult to ascertain because of its close relationship to
Shigella
and the difficulty in distinguishing EIEC from
Shigella
by using biochemical, phenotypic, and molecular methods. Appropriate transport of fecal specimens is essential for effective culture‐based recovery of bacterial pathogens associated with gastroenteritis.
Klebsiella
,
Enterobacter
,
Citrobacter
, and Selected Other
Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Das Sanchita , Pierce Virginia M. , Frank Karen M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The genera
Klebsiella
,
Enterobacter
,
Citrobacter
, and
Cronobacter
are commonly encountered in clinical laboratories and cause a range of infections in humans, including bacteremia, meningitis, wound infections, and infections of the respiratory and urinary tracts. This chapter contains information not only on the taxonomy, detection, and identification of these genera but also on the global issue of antimicrobial resistance, which is especially pertinent to this group of organisms.
Klebsiella pneumoniae
is a significant pathogen in both community and hospital settings.
Klebsiella granulomatis
is the agent of donovanosis or granuloma inguinale, a disease characterized by painless, slowly progressive, vascular genital ulcers.
Enterobacter
spp. are opportunistic pathogens that are found in the natural environment in habitats such as water, sewage, vegetables, and soil. They are also commensal bacteria in the human gastrointestinal tract. The detection of antimicrobial‐resistant organisms by laboratories is a critical step required for appropriate management of patients and infection prevention and control efforts.
Pseudomonas
Authors: Høiby Niels , Bjarnsholt Thomas , Ciofu Oana 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Pseudomonas
is a large and complex genus of Gram‐negative bacteria that is important because it includes species with both clinical and environmental implications.
Pseudomonas
spp. are conventionally described as aerobic species based on their growth in routine media used in the clinical microbiology laboratory, but several species are actually facultative aerobes. The identification of fluorescent and nonfluorescent pseudomonads has become less difficult with the availability of MALDI‐TOF MS technology, which has replaced conventional phenotypic identification systems in many clinical microbiology laboratories. However, phenotypic methods are still used in small laboratories, and it should be recognized that these methods also provide information about the physiological and biochemical capabilities of the bacteria, which may sometimes be important for the pathogenesis of infections. The frequent acquisition of antimicrobial resistance in
P. aeruginosa
limits the utility of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns as a tool in epidemiological typing.
Bartonella
Authors: Giladi Michael , Gutiérrez Ricardo , Harrus Shimon 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Bartonella
species are fastidious, Gram‐negative, coccobacillary or bacillary, small, arthropod‐borne bacteria that evolved from free‐living organisms and insect gut symbionts. This chapter focuses on the epidemiology, microbiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of the three most common
Bartonella spp
;
B. bacilliformis
,
B. quintana
and
B. henselae
. Incidence of cat scratch disease is highest among those who live in the southern United States and among children 5 to 9 years of age. Trench fever, also known as 5‐day fever or quintan fever, is caused by
B. quintana
. Bacillary angiomatosis is characterized by neovascular proliferative lesions involving various organs. Infections caused by Bartonella spp. are uncommon among solid‐organ transplant recipients but both clinicians and clinical microbiologists should be aware of their unique characteristics.