bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic factors in neuroendocrine carcinoma: biological markers are more useful than histomorphological markers
Authors: Freis Patricia , Graillot Emmanuelle , Rousset Pascal , Hervieu Valérie , Chardon Laurence , Lombard-Bohas Catherine , Walter Thomas 
Published: January 2017

AbstractGastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (GEP-NEC) are a very aggressive type of cancer, for which prognostic factors are lacking. We analysed clinical and histomorphological prognostic markers of overall survival (OS), completed with a record of biological and haematological data of patients diagnosed between December 2002 and December 2015. The median OS was 16 months (95% CI 13.9–18.1). After univariate analysis, performance status (PS) ≥ 2 and stage IV were associated with a worse outcome (9 months and 14 months, respectively), as well as patients with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels ≥ 2 ULN (9 months and 8 months, respectively). After multivariate analysis, LDH and AST levels were the only factors that remained significantly associated with better survival: HR 0.36 (p = 0.04) and 0.31 (p = 0.03), respectively. When patients had elevated LDH and AST levels, OS was 20 months, when they had high LDH or AST levels, 13 months and 8 months in the group with low LDH and AST levels (p < 0.001). Therefore, biological data appeared to be more relevant prognostic factors than usual factors described in other studies (PS, stage, and Ki-67). Considering LDH and AST levels at diagnosis could help physicians to predict survival and to stratify patients for clinical trials.
Two‐phase high‐performance control of a reliable stand‐alone induction generator
Authors: Brando Gianluca , Del Pizzo Andrea , Di Noia Luigi Pio , Lauria Davide , Spina Ivan 
Published: January 2017

The study presents a significant development of an advanced control strategy for stand‐alone three‐phase induction generators. The system under study consists of a squirrel‐cage induction generator driven mechanically by an internal combustion engine and electrically by a fault‐tolerant converter coupled with a LC filter. As a novelty, in this study three low‐cost electrical contactors are introduced in order to re‐arrange the converter topology after a fault occurrence and a proper re‐starting procedure is developed, allowing the converter to operate with only two legs. The control architecture is mainly described with respect to this last operating condition, evidencing its intrinsic robustness. The study focuses on the composite control of the converter and the prime mover in order to improve the dynamic assessment of the whole system. The converter control is designed around the sliding mode technique, due to its attractive performance, especially as far as parameter uncertainties are concerned. In order to validate the theoretical framework, this study presents the first ever made experimental tests of this system with reference to a generation unit of about 10 kVA. The results confirm the high capability of the proposed system in regulating voltage and frequency with very good dynamic features.
Potent neutralization of hepatitis A virus reveals a receptor mimic mechanism and the receptor recognition site
Authors: Wang Xiangxi , Zhu Ling , Dang Minghao , Hu Zhongyu , Gao Qiang , Yuan Shuai , Sun Yao , Zhang Bo , Ren Jingshan , Kotecha Abhay , Walter Thomas S. , Wang Junzhi , Fry Elizabeth E. , Stuart David I. , Rao Zihe 
Published: January 2017

Significance
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) remains enigmatic, being unusually stable physically. Where the receptor binds and how the virion can be destabilized to release the genome are unknown. We report a potent HAV-specific neutralizing monoclonal antibody, R10, that blocks receptor attachment and interferes with viral uncoating. We have determined high-resolution cryo-EM structures of HAV full particles, empty particles, and full particles complexed with R10 Fab, revealing that R10 binds to the viral surface along the edges of the pentameric building block of the virus, and these interactions are critical for receptor binding and viral uncoating. Our results point to the use of a receptor mimic mechanism to neutralize virus infection, highlighting new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
The Man and the Myth
Authors: Roetzel Calvin J. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
This essay compares Paul’s human profile with that of the mythic apostle portrayed in both canonical and non-canonical sources. It highlights Paul’s formative years in Tarsus, his urban, Hellenistic background, the Greek he learned, and the philosophy he engaged in a diverse cultural setting. His Diaspora Jewish upbringing, schooling, scriptural study, and religious observance engaged his Hellenistic world in a vital reciprocity that was life-changing. On the other hand, both canonical and non-canonical materials conspired to portray another Paul of myth and legend. This image focused on but was not limited to portraying the mythic Paul—Paul as miracle worker, the celibate Paul, and Paul as martyr. Rather than juxtaposing the portrait of the mythic against the historical Paul, casting one as ‘true’ the other ‘false’, this essay suggests that both versions collaborate to offer a portrait that is more real and theologically nuanced than either taken alone.
How Supervisor Experience Influences Trust, Supervision, and Trainee Learning: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Sheu Leslie , Kogan Jennifer R. , Hauer Karen E. 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
Appropriate trust and supervision facilitate trainees’ growth toward unsupervised practice. The authors investigated how supervisor experience influences trust, supervision, and subsequently trainee learning.

Method
In a two-phase qualitative inductive content analysis, phase one entailed reviewing 44 internal medicine resident and attending supervisor interviews from two institutions (July 2013 to September 2014) for themes on how supervisor experience influences trust and supervision. Three supervisor exemplars (early, developing, experienced) were developed and shared in phase two focus groups at a single institution, wherein 23 trainees validated the exemplars and discussed how each impacted learning (November 2015).

Results
Phase one: Four domains of trust and supervision varying with experience emerged: data, approach, perspective, clinical. Early supervisors were detail oriented and determined trust depending on task completion (data), were rule based (approach), drew on their experiences as trainees to guide supervision (perspective), and felt less confident clinically compared with more experienced supervisors (clinical). Experienced supervisors determined trust holistically (data), checked key aspects of patient care selectively and covertly (approach), reflected on individual experiences supervising (perspective), and felt comfortable managing clinical problems and gauging trainee abilities (clinical). Phase two: Trainees felt the exemplars reflected their experiences, described their preferences and learning needs shifting over time, and emphasized the importance of supervisor flexibility to match their learning needs.

Conclusions
With experience, supervisors differ in their approach to trust and supervision. Supervisors need to trust themselves before being able to trust others. Trainees perceive these differences and seek supervision approaches that align with their learning needs.
Dexmedetomidine Reduces Perioperative Opioid Consumption and Postoperative Pain Intensity in Neurosurgery: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Yi , Liang Feng , Liu Xiaochen , Shao Xinxin , Jiang Nan , Gan Xiaoliang 
Published: January 2017

Background:
Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been administered to patients during neurosurgery. Some studies have found that DEX could reduce perioperative opioid consumption and postoperative pain intensity. However, no firm conclusions have been reached. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of DEX for managing pain in neurosurgical patients.

Materials and Methods:
A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on the effects of DEX on perioperative opioid consumption and postoperative pain intensity in patients undergoing neurosurgery. PubMed, the Web of science, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched. The resulting data were combined to calculate the pooled mean differences (MDs), standard MDs or odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), as appropriate. Heterogeneity and potential publication bias were assessed. Furthermore, a trial sequential analysis was performed to improve the precision of our findings.

Results:
A total of 11 published RCTs involving 674 patients undergoing neurosurgery (335 patients, 339 controls) were included in this meta-analysis. There were significant differences in postanesthesia care unit (PACU) visual analog scale scores between the groups (MD=−1.54, 95% CI, −2.33 to 0.75, I
2=87%, P=0.0001). In addition, there were significant differences in PACU opioid requirements between the treatment and control groups (standard MD=−0.88, 95% CI, −1.74 to 0.02, I
2=91%, P=0.05). Furthermore, intraoperative opioid consumption was significantly reduced in the treatment group (MD=−127.75, 95% CI, −208.62 to 46.89, I
2=98%, P=0.002).

Conclusions:
DEX could reduce perioperative and PACU opioid consumption as well as postoperative pain intensity.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Relapse and Clitoral Reconstruction After Female Genital Mutilation
Authors: Abdulcadir Jasmine , Bianchi Demicheli Francesco , Willame Alexia , Recordon Nathalie , Petignat Patrick 
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND:
Evidence on clitoral reconstruction after female genital mutilation is lacking.

CASE:
A woman with female genital mutilation experiencing clitoral pain during sex consulted to undergo clitoral reconstruction. The surgery was complicated by a wound infection responsible for severe postoperative pain. Such genital pain made our patient recall the traumatic experience of genital mutilation and experience a relapse of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. She reported anxiety; spontaneous, intrusive recurrent memories of the cutting; hypervigilance; and depressed mood. We successfully treated the infection and posttraumatic stress disorder. At 6 months postsurgery, she reported no clitoral pain and improved sexual function.

CONCLUSION:
Genital pain after clitoral reconstruction may cause recall of memories of the genital mutilation. We recommend multidisciplinary comprehensive psychosexual care and adequate analgesia.
MACULAR PIGMENT DISTRIBUTION RESPONSES TO HIGH-DOSE ZEAXANTHIN SUPPLEMENTATION IN PATIENTS WITH MACULAR TELANGIECTASIA TYPE 2
Authors: Choi Rene Y. , Gorusupudi Aruna , Wegner Kimberley , Sharifzadeh Mohsen , Gellermann Werner , Bernstein Paul S. 
Published: January 2017

Purpose:
To analyze macular pigment (MP) amount and distribution in patients with macular telangiectasia Type 2 receiving oral zeaxanthin supplementation in a randomized, open-label, interventional trial.

Methods:
Eight macular telangiectasia Type 2 patients were randomized to 10 mg or 20 mg of zeaxanthin per day. At each visit, best-corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, fundus biomicroscopy, color fundus photography, autofluorescence imaging, optical coherence tomography, and serum carotenoid levels were tested. Patients were assessed at baseline and after 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of zeaxanthin supplementation. Concentration of MP was analyzed and calculated from autofluorescence imaging obtained at 488-nm excitation wavelength. Serum carotenoid levels were obtained using high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results:
The majority of patients had definite increases in the intensity of hypofluorescent ring of MP, but none of them deposited MP centrally at the fovea. Although some patients noted subjective improvements in vision, no objective improvements could be documented, and there were no changes in foveal optical coherence tomographic features. Yellowish, hypofluorescent crystals appeared in one patient's macular region with no change in visual acuity. These inner retinal crystals disappeared several months after discontinuing her 20-mg zeaxanthin supplement.

Conclusion:
Based on the current study, zeaxanthin supplementation does not result in any visual benefit in patients with macular telangiectasia Type 2 and does not reestablish a normal peaked distribution of MP in the fovea. One patient developed a novel, reversible, crystalline maculopathy in response to zeaxanthin supplementation that was reminiscent of canthaxanthin crystalline maculopathy.
Sound Localization in Patients With Congenital Unilateral Conductive Hearing Loss With a Transcutaneous Bone Conduction Implant
Authors: Vyskocil Erich , Liepins Rudolfs , Kaider Alexandra , Blineder Michaela , Hamzavi Sasan 
Published: January 2017

Objective:
There is no consensus regarding the benefit of implantable hearing aids in congenital unilateral conductive hearing loss (UCHL). This study aimed to measure sound source localization performance in patients with congenital UCHL and contralateral normal hearing who received a new bone conduction implant.

Study Design:
Evaluation of within-subject performance differences for sound source localization in a horizontal plane.

Setting:
Tertiary referral center.

Patients:
Five patients with atresia of the external auditory canal and contralateral normal hearing implanted with transcutaneous bone conduction implant at the Medical University of Vienna were tested.

Intervention:
Activated/deactivated implant.

Main Outcome Measure:
Sound source localization test; localization performance quantified using the root mean square (RMS) error.

Results:
Sound source localization ability was highly variable among individual subjects, with RMS errors ranging from 21 to 40 degrees. Horizontal plane localization performance in aided conditions showed statistically significant improvement compared with the unaided conditions, with RMS errors ranging from 17 to 27 degrees. The mean RMS error decreased by a factor of 0.71 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:
Analysis revealed improved sound localization performance in a horizontal plane with the activated transcutaneous bone conduction implant. Some patients with congenital UCHL might be capable of developing improved horizontal plane localization abilities with the binaural cues provided by this device.
Development and Preliminary Pilot Testing of a Peer Support Text Messaging Intervention for HIV-Infected Black Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Senn Theresa E. , Braksmajer Amy , Coury-Doniger Patricia , Urban Marguerite A. , Rossi Adam , Carey Michael P. 
Published: January 2017

Background:
Black men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately infected with HIV and are less well retained along the HIV continuum of care. We report on the feasibility of a peer support text messaging intervention designed to increase retention in HIV care and HIV medication adherence among HIV-infected black men who have sex with men.

Methods:
Based on formative research, a cell phone app was developed to support a peer-based text messaging intervention. The app allowed the researchers to view text messages sent between mentors and mentees, but did not allow them to view other text messages sent by these phones. Three HIV-infected black men who have sex with men were recruited to serve as volunteer peer mentors. They were trained in motivational techniques, peer support skills, and skills for improving appointment attendance and medication adherence. Mentees (N = 8) received the intervention for 1 month. Mentees completed a postintervention survey and interview.

Results:
The peer mentor text messaging intervention was feasible. Mentors delivered support in a nonjudgmental, motivational way. However, technical and other implementation problems arose. Some mentees desired more frequent contact with mentors, and mentors reported that other commitments made it difficult at times to be fully engaged. Both mentors and mentees desired more personalized contact (ie, phone calls).

Conclusions:
A text messaging peer mentor intervention was feasible. Additional research with a larger sample is needed to determine optimal ways to improve mentors' engagement in the intervention and to determine intervention acceptability and efficacy. In future studies, peer support phone calls could be incorporated.
Neurocognitive impact of cranial radiation in adults with cancer: an update of recent findings
Authors: Edelstein Kim , Richard Nadine M. , Bernstein Lori J. 
Published: January 2017

Purpose of review
Radiation to the brain is associated with adverse effects on cognition in cancer patients. Advances in technology have improved treatment efficacy, while new or adjuvant approaches continue to be developed. The long-term impact of both established and newer treatments on cognition is an active area of research.

Recent findings
The article reviews the 15 studies published between January 2015 and October 2016 that include data on neurocognitive functions following radiation to the brain in adults with brain metastases, primary brain tumors, or other cancers. These studies examine neurocognitive outcomes in relation to radiation treatment delivery, pharmacological interventions, and biomarkers of brain injury.

Summary
Advances in radiotherapy protocols have reduced neurotoxic side-effects. Implementation of standardized, validated neurocognitive measures and biomarkers of brain injury provide new insights into the impact of cranial radiation on cognitive functions. Several promising new lines of research will benefit from further study to address common challenges in the field, including high rates of attrition in longitudinal trials, absence of control groups, small sample sizes, and heterogeneous patient groups.
Biofilms Confer Resistance to Simulated Extra-terrestrial Geochemical Extremes
Authors: Stevens Adam H. , Childers Delma , Fox-Powell Mark , Cockell Charles S. 
Published: January 2017

1AbstractBiofilms improve microbes’ resistance to a variety of extreme physical and chemical conditions on Earth. The discovery of putative aqueous environments on other planetary bodies such as Mars motivates an interest in understanding the viability of life, and the potential role of biofilms, in previously unexplored geochemical extremes. We investigated the loss of viability of planktonic cells and biofilms ofSphingomonas desiccabilis(a Gram-negative, desiccation resistant, soil crust-forming organism) to simulated Martian brines. These brines were produced from geochemical modelling of past aqueous environments on Mars, and their high sulfate concentrations make them different to most terrestrial brines, although similar briny environments have been found in locations such as the Basque Lakes in Canada or in deep subsurface groundwater systems. Biofilms grown on basaltic scoria were subjected to the simulated martian brines and the viability of cells was measured over time and compared to equivalent planktonic cultures. Crystal violet assay was used to measure how the biomass of the biofilms changed over time in response to the brines. While certain brines were highly hostile to microbial viability, we found that biofilms that were desiccated prior to being treated with brines maintained viability over a longer treatment period when compared to planktonic cells. Our results show that biofilms confer short-term protection to the harsh osmotic, ionic, and acidic conditions of Mars-relevant brines. However, in the most extreme simulated brines, even biofilms eventually lost viability. By demonstrating that biofilms confer protection to conditions that are potentially analogous to current day recurrent slope lineae (thought to be produced by the flow of briny fluids) on Mars, our results show that contaminant biofilm-forming microorganisms may have a greater chance of surviving in so-called ‘Special Regions’ on Mars, with implications for planetary protection in missions that aim to explore these regions.
Plant resistance to drought relies on early stomatal closure
Authors: Martin-StPaul N , Delzon S , Cochard H 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTPlant resistance to drought has long been thought to be associated with the ability to maintain transpiration and photosynthesis longer during drought, through the opening of stomata. This premise is at the root of most current framework used to assess drought impacts on land plants in vegetation models. We examined this premise by coupling a meta-analysis of functional traits of stomatal response to drought (i.e. the water potential causing stomatal closure,Ψclose) and embolism resistance (the water potential at the onset of embolism formation,Ψ12), with simulations from a soil-plant hydraulic model. We found thatΨcloseandΨ12were equal (isometric) only for a restricted number of species, but as Ψ12 decreases, the departure from isometry increases, with stomatal closure occurring far before embolism occurs. For the most drought resistant species (Ψ12<-4.2 MPa),Ψclosewas remarkably independent of embolism resistance and remained above −4.5 MPa, suggesting the existence of a restrictive boundary by which stomata closure must occur. This pattern was supported by model simulations. Indeed, coordinated decrease in bothΨcloseandΨ12leads to unsuspected accelerated death under drought for embolism resistant species, in contradiction with observations from drought mortality experiments. Overall our results highlight that most species have similarity in stomatal behavior, and are highly conservative in terms of their water use during drought. The modelling framework presented here provides a baseline to simulate the temporal dynamic leading to mortality under drought by accounting for multiple, measurable traits.
Structural basis ofMycobacterium tuberculosistranscription and transcription inhibition
Authors: Lin Wei , Mandal Soma , Degen David , Liu Yu , Ebright Yon W. , Li Shengjian , Feng Yu , Zhang Yu , Mandal Sukhendu , Jiang Yi , Liu Shuang , Gigliotti Matthew , Talaue Meliza , Connell Nancy , Das Kalyan , Arnold Eddy , Ebright Richard H. 
Published: January 2017

One Sentence SummaryStructures ofMycobacterium tuberculosisRNA polymerase reveal taxon-specific properties and binding sites of known and new antituberculosis agentsAbstractMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) is the causative agent of tuberculosis, which kills 1.8 million annually.MtbRNA polymerase (RNAP) is the target of the first-line antituberculosis drug rifampin (Rif). We report crystal structures ofMtbRNAP, alone and in complex with Rif. The results identify anMtb-specific structural module ofMtbRNAP and establish that Rif functions by a steric-occlusion mechanism that prevents extension of RNA. We also report novel non-Rif-related compounds–Nα-aroyl-N-aryl-phenylalaninamides (AAPs)–that potently and selectively inhibitMtbRNAP andMtbgrowth, and we report crystal structures ofMtbRNAP in complex with AAPs. AAPs bind to a different site onMtbRNAP than Rif, exhibit no cross-resistance with Rif, function additively when co-administered with Rif, and suppress resistance emergence when co-administered with Rif.