bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FELTY'S SYNDROME
Authors: DE GRUCHY G. C. , LANGLEY G. R. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe clinical and hæmatological features of eight cases of Felty's syndrome are described, and are compared with those of other cases reported in the English literature.The three principal features are chronic rheumatoid arthritis, splenomegaly and neutropenia ; other less common features include hepatomegaly, pigmentation, lymph‐node enlargement and chronic leg ulceration. Infections are common, and are often recurrent and prolonged.The neutropenia is marked, counts of less than 1000 per cubic millimetre being the rule ; it is usually unaffected by infection. A mild anæmia is common, and occasionally an autoimmune acquired hæmolytic anæmia is associated. Symptomless thrombocytopenia may occur. The marrow is usually hyperplastic, but “maturation arrest” of the granulocytic series is not common.The administration of adrenocortical steroids in general causes either no increase in white cells, or a temporary increase which is not sustained despite continued treatment. It is concluded that the administration of steroids is not a satisfactory treatment for the neutropenia of Felty's syndrome.Splenectomy usually results in permanent increase in neutrophils. The importance of distinguishing between short‐term and long‐term response is stressed. In the great majority of cases there is an immediate increase in neutrophils to normal or above normal counts, the maximum count occurring within two to seven days. Subsequently the count falls; usually it remains within normal limits, but in some cases it falls to presplenectomy or lower‐than‐normal levels after weeks or months. Thus splenectomy cannot be said to be successful until the patient has been followed for at least many months.
Competing forces maintain the Hydra metaorganism
Authors: Deines Peter , Lachnit Tim , Bosch Thomas C. G. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryOur conventional view of multicellular organisms often overlooks the fact that they are metaorganisms. They consist of a host, which is comprised of both a community of self‐replicating cells that can compete as well as cooperate and a community of associated microorganisms. This newly discovered complexity raises a profound challenge: How to maintain such a multicellular association that includes independently replicating units and even different genotypes? Here, we identify competing forces acting at the host tissue level, the host‐microbe interface, and within the microbial community as key factors to maintain the metaorganism Hydra. Maintenance of host tissue integrity, as well as proper regulation and management of the multiorganismic interactions are fundamental to organismal survival and health. Findings derived from the in vivo context of the Hydra model may provide one of the simplest possible systems to address questions on how a metaorganism is established and remains in balance over time.
Gut microbiota: Role in pathogen colonization, immune responses, and inflammatory disease
Authors: Pickard Joseph M. , Zeng Melody Y. , Caruso Roberta , Núñez Gabriel 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe intestinal tract of mammals is colonized by a large number of microorganisms including trillions of bacteria that are referred to collectively as the gut microbiota. These indigenous microorganisms have co‐evolved with the host in a symbiotic relationship. In addition to metabolic benefits, symbiotic bacteria provide the host with several functions that promote immune homeostasis, immune responses, and protection against pathogen colonization. The ability of symbiotic bacteria to inhibit pathogen colonization is mediated via several mechanisms including direct killing, competition for limited nutrients, and enhancement of immune responses. Pathogens have evolved strategies to promote their replication in the presence of the gut microbiota. Perturbation of the gut microbiota structure by environmental and genetic factors increases the risk of pathogen infection, promotes the overgrowth of harmful pathobionts, and the development of inflammatory disease. Understanding the interaction of the microbiota with pathogens and the immune system will provide critical insight into the pathogenesis of disease and the development of strategies to prevent and treat inflammatory disease.
Building conventions for unconventional lymphocytes
Authors: Pasman Lesley , Kasper Dennis L. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryFalling between the classical characteristics of innate immune cells and adaptive T and B cells are a group of lymphocytes termed “unconventional.” These cells express antigen‐specific T or B cell receptors, but behave with innate characteristics. Well‐known members of this group include the gamma‐delta T cell and the Natural Killer T cell. Recent literature has greatly expanded scientific knowledge of unconventional lymphocytes, but key questions remain unresolved in the field, including why these cells have been maintained concurrently with conventional innate and adaptive immune cells. Here, we summarize current literature that suggests what their unique purposes may be, including specialized functions with the microbiota and in early development. From the consensus literature, we discuss where we see unconventional lymphocytes fit into the logical organization of the complete immune system.
Deciphering interactions between the gut microbiota and the immune system via microbial cultivation and minimal microbiomes
Authors: Clavel Thomas , Gomes‐Neto João Carlos , Lagkouvardos Ilias , Ramer‐Tait Amanda E. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe community of microorganisms in the mammalian gastrointestinal tract, referred to as the gut microbiota, influences host physiology and immunity. The last decade of microbiome research has provided significant advancements for the field and highlighted the importance of gut microbes to states of both health and disease. Novel molecular techniques have unraveled the tremendous diversity of intestinal symbionts that potentially influence the host, many proof‐of‐concept studies have demonstrated causative roles of gut microbial communities in various pathologies, and microbiome‐based approaches are beginning to be implemented in the clinic for diagnostic purposes or for personalized treatments. However, several challenges for the field remain: purely descriptive reports outnumbering mechanistic studies and slow translation of experimental results obtained in animal models into the clinics. Moreover, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding how gut microbes, including novel species that have yet to be identified, impact host immune responses. The sheer complexity of the gut microbial ecosystem makes it difficult, in part, to fully understand the microbiota‐host networks that regulate immunity. In the present manuscript, we review key findings on the interactions between gut microbiota members and the immune system. Because culturing microbes allows performing functional studies, we have emphasized the impact of specific taxa or communities thereof. We also highlight underlying molecular mechanisms and discuss opportunities to implement minimal microbiome‐based strategies.
Panoramic atrial mapping with basket catheters: A quantitative analysis to optimize practice, patient selection, and catheter choice
Authors: Honarbakhsh Shohreh , Schilling Richard J. , Providência Rui , Dhillon Gurpreet , Sawhney Vinit , Martin Claire A. , Keating Emily , Finlay Malcolm , Ahsan Syed , Chow Anthony , Earley Mark J. , Hunter Ross J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntroductionPanoramic mapping with basket catheters has been used to map atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the limited tissue contact and coverage achieved has raised concerns.Methods and ResultsPatients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial tachycardia (AT) and persistent AF were recruited. Unipolar signals were recorded with the Constellation or FIRMap catheters. The proportion and distribution of anatomical coverage by the catheters was determined and tissue contact achieved measured. The impact of catheter position, left atrium (LA) size, and bipolar voltage were evaluated. Forty patients were recruited (20 Constellation and 20 FIRMap). The LA coverage achieved with the FIRMap catheter compared to the Constellation catheter was greater (76.9 ± 12.9% vs. 50.8 ± 10.3%; P < 0.001), with better septal coverage (66.8 ± 20.9% vs. 15.5 ± 12.0%; P < 0.001). A greater number of electrodes recorded peak‐to‐peak electrogram amplitude of ≥0.5 mV (84.2% vs. 62.8%; P < 0.001). Positioning the catheter tip at or posterior to LA appendage ridge gave better coverage than a more anterior position (P = 0.001). Increasing LA area correlated inversely with coverage (P < 0.001) and contact (P = 0.002) despite patient‐specific basket catheter sizing. An LA area of >30 cm2 and mean bipolar voltage of <0.3 mV was associated with reduction in coverage and contact (both P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in AT/AF freedom during follow‐up in the FIRMap versus Constellation group (13/13 vs. 8/12; P = 0.04).ConclusionsThe FIRMap is superior to the Constellation catheter in terms of LA coverage and contact. Optimizing catheter position and appropriate patient selection based on no more than moderately dilated or scarred atria will also facilitate mapping with basket catheters.
Initial experience of a novel mapping system combined with remote magnetic navigation in the catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Lin Changjian , Pehrson Steen , Jacobsen Peter Karl , Chen Xu 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundThere have been advancements of sophisticated mapping systems used for ablation procedures over the last decade. Utilization of these novel mapping systems in combination with remote magnetic navigation (RMN) needs to be established. We investigated the new EnSite Precision mapping system (St. Jude Medical, Inc., St. Paul, MN, USA), which collects magnetic data for checking navigation field stability and is built on an open platform, allowing physicians to choose diagnostic and ablation catheters. We address its compatibility with RMN.ObjectiveTo assess the clinical utility of a novel 3D mapping system (EnSite Precision mapping system) combined with RMN (Niobe ES, Stereotaxis, Inc., St. Louis, MO, USA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation.MethodsIn this prospective nonrandomized study, two groups of patients were treated in our center for drug refractory AF. Patients were consecutively enrolled in each group. Group A (n = 35, 14 persistent AF [PsAF]) was treated using the novel 3D mapping system combined with RMN. Group B (n = 38, 16 PsAF) was treated using Carto®3 (Biosense Webster, Inc., Diamond Bar, CA, USA) combined with RMN. In Group A, the left atrium (LA) was mapped with a circular magnetic catheter manually and was then replaced by a RMN ablation catheter. At the end of the procedures in Group A, the circular catheter was used for confirming field stability. In Group B, an ablation catheter was controlled by RMN to perform both LA mapping and ablation. All patients underwent pulmonary vein antrum isolation. Additional complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAEs) ablation was performed for PsAF. Procedural, ablation, and fluoroscopy times were recorded and complications were assessed.ResultsElectrophysiological end points were achieved in all patients. Using the novel mapping system, LA mapping time was fast (308 ± 60 seconds) with detailed anatomy points (178,831 ± 70,897) collected and magnetic points throughout LA. At the end of the procedures in Group A, the LA model was confirmed to be stable and its location was within the distance threshold (1 mm). Procedure time (117.9 ± 29.6 minutes vs. 119.2 ± 29.7 minutes, P = 0.89), fluoroscopy time (6.1 ± 2.4 minutes vs. 4.8 ± 2.2 minutes, P = 0.07), and ablation time (28.0 ± 12.9 minutes vs. 27.9 ± 15.8 minutes, P = 0.98) were similar in Group A versus Group B, respectively. No complications occurred in either group.ConclusionsLA mapped by the novel system is stable and reliable. Combined with RMN, it could be effectively used for AF ablation without impacting overall procedural times.
Prevalence of lipohypertrophy in insulin‐treated diabetes patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Deng Nan , Zhang Xiaoyi , Zhao Fangfang , Wang Ya , He Hong 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAims/IntroductionInsulin‐treated diabetes patients are at high risk for lipohypertrophy (LH), but this clinical problem has been overlooked by some medical professionals. In addition, studies differed from each other significantly in regard to the prevalence of LH. The present systematic review aimed to determine pooled prevalence levels of LH among insulin‐injecting diabetes patients.Materials and MethodsFour electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library and Scopus) were searched for eligible studies from their inception until April 2017, and reference lists were searched manually to identify additional studies. Studies containing data on LH in patients with diabetes mellitus were included. Meta‐analysis was carried out with a random effects model.ResultsA total of 26 studies with a total of 12,493 participants met the inclusion criteria. Meta‐analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of LH was 38% (95% confidence interval [CI] 29–46%, I2 = 99.1%). The main influence on LH was the type of diabetes mellitus. The pooled prevalence of LH among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was higher than patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (49%, 95% CI 23–74% vs 34%, 95% CI 19–49%). The pooled prevalence of LH of studies involving a mixed type of diabetes mellitus was 37% (95% CI 25–48%, I2 = 98.3%).ConclusionThe prevalence of LH was high in insulin‐treated diabetes patients. It showed that diabetes nurses should screen for LH regularly in their patients, and teach them how to prevent LH in their daily management of diabetes mellitus.
Gray literature: An important resource in systematic reviews
Authors: Paez Arsenio 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSystematic reviews aide the analysis and dissemination of evidence, using rigorous and transparent methods to generate empirically attained answers to focused research questions. Identifying all evidence relevant to the research questions is an essential component, and challenge, of systematic reviews. Gray literature, or evidence not published in commercial publications, can make important contributions to a systematic review. Gray literature can include academic papers, including theses and dissertations, research and committee reports, government reports, conference papers, and ongoing research, among others. It may provide data not found within commercially published literature, providing an important forum for disseminating studies with null or negative results that might not otherwise be disseminated. Gray literature may thusly reduce publication bias, increase reviews’ comprehensiveness and timeliness, and foster a balanced picture of available evidence.Gray literature's diverse formats and audiences can present a significant challenge in a systematic search for evidence. However, the benefits of including gray literature may far outweigh the cost in time and resource needed to search for it, and it is important for it to be included in a systematic review or review of evidence. A carefully thought out gray literature search strategy may be an invaluable component of a systematic review. This narrative review provides guidance about the benefits of including gray literature in a systematic review, and sources for searching through gray literature. An illustrative example of a search for evidence within gray literature sources is presented to highlight the potential contributions of such a search to a systematic review. Benefits and challenges of gray literature search methods are discussed, and recommendations made.
AN OPTION VALUATION FRAMEWORK BASED ON ARITHMETIC BROWNIAN MOTION: JUSTIFICATION AND IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES
Authors: Brooks Robert , Brooks Joshua A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe examine arithmetic Brownian motion as an alternative framework for option valuation and related tasks. After reexamining empirical evidence, we compare and contrast option valuation based on one of the simplest forms of geometric Brownian motion with arithmetic Brownian motion. We identify an enhanced way to handle negative stock prices within arithmetic Brownian motion that is consistent with empirical observation. We review numerous strengths and weaknesses of both approaches. The arithmetic Brownian motion framework allows for the aggregation of any number of correlated factors for risk analysis.
An Adlerian Family Therapist Reflects on Family Therapy Theories and Mentors
Authors: La Guardia Amanda , Nelson Judith A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractJames Robert Bitter has more than 38 years of teaching experience and has authored numerous publications focused on marriage and family therapy. Bitter credits Adlerian therapy and the early pioneers of marriage and family therapy for his professional development in the field. Mentored and heavily influenced through his training with master therapists, Virginia Satir and Michael White, Bitter reflects on the history of family therapy, its theories and practices, and his anticipation of future developments.
Critique of the Religion and Spirituality Discourse in Family Articles
Authors: Zaloudek Julie A. , Ruder‐Vásconez Chris , Doll Kevin C. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to critically examine the emerging discourse of religion and spirituality in family research to clarify how each construct is defined and to make visible hidden ontological, epistemological, and culturally situated assumptions. The use of the term spirituality has increased dramatically in published articles and has undergone a distancing from religion. This separation creates a dichotomy that associates religion with conservative traditions and spirituality with liberalism and individualism, thus aligning the emergent spirituality discourse with dominant Western values.
Dental extractions for preradiation dental clearance and incidence of osteoradionecrosis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy
Authors: See Toh Yoong L. , Soong Yoke L. , Chim Yi X. , Tan Li T. , Lye Weng K. , Teoh Khim H. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimThe aims of the present retrospective study were to evaluate the outcomes of dental extractions in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients who had undergone dental clearance pre‐ and post‐radiotherapy (RT) with intensity‐modulated RT, and to report on the incidence and timing of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) in these patients.MethodsA total of 231 patients were seen pre‐, mid‐, and postradiation therapy. Information on patient demographics, smoking history, staging, treatment modalities, dental extraction indications, and number and site of dental extractions was gathered. Wilcoxon two‐sample tests and Fisher's exact test were used to test the association between groups for patient variables.ResultsThe mean number of teeth removed was 4.1 teeth per patient. A total of 334 (35.2%) teeth were removed for periodontal reasons, 322 (34.03%) were removed prophylactically, and the remaining teeth were removed because of deep caries, retained roots, partial impaction, endodontic lesions, and prosthodontic reasons. Patients had an average of 19.6 teeth remaining after dental clearance, and only 97 (42%) required prosthetic intervention. The statistical analysis showed that there was no correlation between dental extractions pre‐ or post‐RT and the development of ORN.ConclusionsNo specific parameter was directly associated with dental extractions, although smoking and increased number of teeth removed preradiation seemed to be prevalent in patients who developed ORN.
Surface relaxation of strained Ga(P,As)/GaP heterostructures investigated by HAADF STEM
Authors: BEYER ANDREAS , DUSCHEK LENNART , BELZ JÜRGEN , OELERICH JAN OLIVER , JANDIERI KAKHABER , VOLZ KERSTIN 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe surfaces of thin transmission electron microscopy (TEM) specimens of strained heterostructures can relax. The resulting bending of the lattice planes significantly influences high‐angle annular dark field (HAADF) measurements. We investigate the impact by evaluating the intensities measured at the atomic columns as well as their positions in high‐resolution HAADF images. In addition, the consequences in the diffraction plane will be addressed by simulated position averaged convergent beam electron diffraction (PACBED) patterns.The experimental column intensities and positions acquired from a strained Ga(P,As) quantum well (QW) embedded in a in a GaP matrix agree very well with frozen phonon contrast simulations, if the surface relaxation is taken into account by finite element relaxation. Neglecting the surface relaxation the As content of the QW can be significantly underestimated. Taking the effects into account correctly, we find that the lower interface of the investigated Ga(P,As) QW is atomically abrupt whereas the upper one is smeared out.
Geometrical characterization of fluorescently labelled surfaces from noisy 3D microscopy data
Authors: SHELTON ELIJAH , SERWANE FRIEDHELM , CAMPÀS OTGER 
Published: September 2017

SummaryModern fluorescence microscopy enables fast 3D imaging of biological and inert systems alike. In many studies, it is important to detect the surface of objects and quantitatively characterize its local geometry, including its mean curvature. We present a fully automated algorithm to determine the location and curvatures of an object from 3D fluorescence images, such as those obtained using confocal or light‐sheet microscopy. The algorithm aims at reconstructing surface labelled objects with spherical topology and mild deformations from the spherical geometry with high accuracy, rather than reconstructing arbitrarily deformed objects with lower fidelity. Using both synthetic data with known geometrical characteristics and experimental data of spherical objects, we characterize the algorithm's accuracy over the range of conditions and parameters typically encountered in 3D fluorescence imaging. We show that the algorithm can detect the location of the surface and obtain a map of local mean curvatures with relative errors typically below 2% and 20%, respectively, even in the presence of substantial levels of noise. Finally, we apply this algorithm to analyse the shape and curvature map of fluorescently labelled oil droplets embedded within multicellular aggregates and deformed by cellular forces.