bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mobility Measures in Older Cancer Survivors: An Examination of Reliability, Validity, and Minimal Detectable Change
Authors: Blackwood Jennifer , Rybicki Kateri , Huang Min 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Cancer and its treatment contribute to multiple sequelae affecting physical function, including difficulty in balance and walking. Although clinical tests should be used to assess fall risks in older cancer survivors, the literature describing the validity, reliability, measurement error, and minimal detectable change (MDC) of mobility measures is lacking.

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to describe the reliability, validity, standard error of the measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change at 95% confidence (MDC95) of mobility measures in older cancer survivors.

Methods:
Fifty cancer survivors (breast, prostate, lung, or colorectal) aged 65+ years participated. Measures of gait speed (GS) (usual, fast, and dual-task) and mobility (Timed Up and Go [TUG], TUG-cognitive, and TUG-manual) were performed once and then repeated 2 weeks later. Test-retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1). MDC95 and SEM were calculated. Construct validity was examined using Pearson's correlation coefficient with 6-item Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale and Short Physical Performance Battery performance.

Results:
Test-retest reliability was excellent for all mobility measures, with ICC values ranging from 0.89 to 0.94 for GS and 0.95 to 0.98 for TUG measures. Construct validity was present for TUG (r = −0.53 to −0.73) and GS (r = 0.29 to 0.5) measures. Low SEM values demonstrated excellent reproducibility. To be considered real change, usual GS should be 0.14 m/s or more and TUG 2.49 seconds or more.

Conclusions:
Measures of GS and TUG have excellent reliability and construct validity and should be considered for use in older cancer survivors. Further study is indicated to establish the psychometric values of mobility measures by cancer type.
Real-world clinical outcomes of anticancer treatments and prognostic factors in patients with advanced melanoma in China
Authors: Cui Chuanliang , Yan Xieqiao , Li Ben , Si Lu , Zhihong Chi , Sheng Xinan , Lian Bin , Wang Xuan , Mao Lili , Tang Bixia , Zhou Li , Bai Xue , Li Siming , Guo Jun 
Published: December 2020

Purpose:
China has much lower 5-year survival rates among melanoma patients than Western countries. This retrospective study describes real-world clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in locally advanced/metastatic melanoma in China.

Materials and methods:
Adults patients with unresectable stage III or IV melanoma treated between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015, at the Beijing Cancer Hospital were eligible (data cutoff: December 31, 2017). The Kaplan-Meier method and Log-Rank test were used to estimate the median value of time-to-event outcomes. A Cox proportional hazards model was simulated to evaluate associations of patients’ characteristics with survival.

Results:
Overall, there were 221 and 116 Chinese locally advanced and/or metastatic melanoma patients were enrolled in the first line (1L) and the second line (2L) treatments, respectively. The real-world objective response rate was <10% (1L: 6.3%; 2L: 3.4%); median progression-free survival was under 4 months (1L: 3.5; 2L: 2.3); median overall survival (OS) was <1 year (1L: 10.5; 2L: 7.5) with a low 12-month OS rate (43.5% for 1L, 30.5% for 2L). Based on univariate analyses, those with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status ≥2 (vs. ECOG=0) in 1L, and 2L treatment (vs. 1L treatment) or ECOG ≥2 (vs. ECOG=1) among 1L/2L were associated with statistically significantly worse outcomes.

Conclusion:
The current clinical outcomes in advanced melanoma patients in China are poor. High ECOG performance score independently increase risk of death both from 1L and 2L treatments, suggesting a high unmet medical need for immunotherapy in advanced melanoma.
Advances in vascularized flaps for skull base reconstruction
Authors: Oostra Amanda , Koutsarnakis Christos , Georgalas Christos 
Published: December 2020

Purpose of review
Advances in anterior skull base surgery have resulted in the increasing diversification of reconstructive techniques. New vascularized flaps have been suggested in the last years, some quite similar, whereas new uses and applications have been suggested for some vascularized flaps, which have already established their value over the last decades. In this article, we describe the developments in skull base reconstruction with vascularized flaps and analyse the international experience in the use of vascularized flaps published with a focus on the last 18 months.

Recent findings
Over the past 18 months, a number of novel or modified vascularized intranasal flaps have been described, focusing on reconstruction of larger defects, the medial orbital wall, the anterior skull base (septal flip-flap) and dissection of the nasoseptal flap from the SPA foramen. Extranasal vascularized flaps, which have been around for a long time, still have their rightful place in skull base reconstruction and have recently been adjusted for endoscopic use.

Summary
We present an overview of the latest developments in vascularized flaps (intranasal and extranasal), their new implications, their modifications and complications or predictions of viability.
Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Opioids versus Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs for Postoperative Analgesia in Outpatient Rhinoplasty
Authors: Frants Anna , Garber David , Lafer Marissa P. , Gordon Steven A. , Markey Jeffrey D. , Zhang Yan , Wang Binhuan , Lee Judy W. 
Published: December 2020

Background:
The misuse and abuse of opioids, including overprescription, has led to the current opioid epidemic and national crisis. There is a national effort to eliminate the unnecessary prescription of opioids for analgesia.

Methods:
Seventy patients were randomized to receive postoperative analgesia with either 5 mg hydrocodone with 325 mg acetaminophen (opioid control group) or 400 mg of ibuprofen [nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) experimental group]. Pain levels were assessed on postoperative days 1, 2, and 7. Outcome measures included numeric pain rating scores and assessments of frequency and amount of analgesic used.

Results:
There was no significant difference in gender (p = 0.81) or age (p = 0.61) between groups. On postoperative day 0, the NSAID group (mean ± SD, 2.54 ± 1.57) was found to be noninferior to the opioid group (mean ± SD, 3.14 ± 1.75; p = 0.003). On postoperative day 1, the NSAID group showed a lower mean pain score (mean ± SD, 1.84 ± 1.29) than the opioid group (mean ± SD, 2.46 ± 1.90; p = 0.01). However, on postoperative day 7, the difference in pain scores between the NSAID (mean ± SD, 3.29 ± 2.14) and opioid (mean ± SD, 3.14 ± 2.12; p = 0.17) groups lost statistical significance. There was no significant difference in mean day of medication cessation between the NSAID (mean ± SD, 4.73 ± 1.57) and opioid (mean ± SD, 4.28 ± 2.23; p = 0.26) groups. Seventy-six percent of patients who were prescribed opioids took fewer than eight tablets. Five patients escalated from NSAIDs to opioids. There were no adverse effects related to NSAID use.

Conclusions:
NSAIDs are an acceptable and safe alternative to opioids for postoperative analgesia in rhinoplasty and potentially lead to better overall pain control in some patients. Significantly reducing or eliminating opioid prescriptions may be considered in light of the current opioid epidemic.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Therapeutic, II.
Latest Advancements in Autologous Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Chang Edward I. 
Published: December 2020

Learning Objectives:
After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the available donor sites for autologous breast reconstruction. 2. Describe the advantages and limitations of each donor site. 3. Provide a rational, algorithmic preoperative evaluation and approach for patients seeking autologous breast reconstruction. 4. Develop an effective postoperative monitoring system to minimize complications and maximize salvage of microvascular thromboses.

Summary:
Breast reconstruction remains at the heart of the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, and it is continuously evolving. Tremendous advances in breast implant technology and supplemental products, particularly acellular dermal matrices, have revolutionized breast reconstruction in the modern era. However, microvascular free flap breast reconstruction has also witnessed profound advancements with exceptionally high success rates, with the ability to provide the most durable and natural breast reconstruction. Although the pendulum oscillates between prosthesis-based reconstruction and autologous tissue, the present synopsis will focus on autologous free flap breast reconstruction from an historical perspective, recent advancements in microsurgery, and the future of autologous breast reconstruction.
Modified Buccal Myomucosal Flap Closure of Large Anterior Palatal Oronasal Fistulas
Authors: Kalmar Christopher L. , Siu Armando , Alvarez Edwar , Swanson Jordan W. 
Published: December 2020

Summary:
Large oronasal palatal fistulas can be challenging to reconstruct. The authors present a modified buccal myomucosal flap repair technique and review intermediate-term outcomes. In this technique, large anterior palatal fistulas are closed in two layers. First, apposing nasal turnover flaps of vomer mucosa medially and nasal wall mucosa laterally are approximated. Second, a posteriorly based buccal flap incorporating full-thickness buccinator muscle and overlying mucosa is transposed with interposition of the flap in the retromolar trigone and lateral palate to preserve dental occlusion. Consecutive patient cases performed in low-resource settings were reviewed and outcomes reported. Among eight subjects aged 3 to 22 years, with average defect size of 2.5 cm2 (range, 0.8 to 3.5 cm2), the flap was viable in all cases and required revision or pedicle division in only two patients (25 percent); all patients showed symptom improvement. The modified buccal myomucosal flap shows promising intermediate-term results as a single-stage reconstruction suitable to a wide patient age range, low airway/anesthetic risk, reliable functional outcomes, and low comorbidity.
The Association Between Alpha-1 Adrenergic Receptor Antagonists and In-Hospital Mortality from COVID-19
Authors: Rose Liam , Graham Laura , Koenecke Allison , Powell Michael , Xiong Ruoxuan , Shen Zhu , Kinzler Kenneth W. , Bettegowda Chetan , Vogelstein Bert , Athey Susan , Vogelstein Joshua T. , Konig Maximilian F. , Wagner Todd H. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEffective therapies for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are urgently needed, and preclinical data suggest alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists (α1-AR antagonists) may be effective in reducing mortality related to hyperinflammation independent of etiology. Using a retrospective cohort design with patients in the Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system, we use doubly robust regression and matching to estimate the association between baseline use of α1-AR antagonists and likelihood of death due to COVID-19 during hospitalization. Having an active prescription for any α1-AR antagonist (tamsulosin, silodosin, prazosin, terazosin, doxazosin, or alfuzosin) at the time of admission had a significant negative association with in-hospital mortality (relative risk reduction 18%; odds ratio 0.73; 95% CI 0.63 to 0.85; p ≤ 0.001) and death within 28 days of admission (relative risk reduction 17%; odds ratio 0.74; 95% CI 0.65 to 0.84; p ≤ 0.001). In a subset of patients on doxazosin specifically, an inhibitor of all three alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, we observed a relative risk reduction for death of 74% (odds ratio 0.23; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.94; p = 0.028) compared to matched controls not on any α1-AR antagonist at the time of admission. These findings suggest that use of α1-AR antagonists may reduce mortality in COVID-19, supporting the need for randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with early symptomatic infection.
The Ensembl COVID-19 resource: Ongoing integration of public SARS-CoV-2 data
Authors: De Silva Nishadi H. , Bhai Jyothish , Chakiachvili Marc , Contreras-Moreira Bruno , Cummins Carla , Frankish Adam , Gall Astrid , Genez Thiago , Howe Kevin L. , Hunt Sarah E. , Martin Fergal J. , Moore Benjamin , Ogeh Denye , Parker Anne , Parton Andrew , Ruffier Magali , Sakthivel Manoj Pandian , Sheppard Dan , Tate John , Thormann Anja , Thybert David , Trevanion Stephen J. , Winterbottom Andrea , Zerbino Daniel R. , Finn Robert D. , Flicek Paul , Yates Andrew D. 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTThe COVID-19 pandemic has seen unprecedented use of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing for epidemiological tracking and identification of emerging variants. Understanding the potential impact of these variants on the infectivity of the virus and the efficacy of emerging therapeutics and vaccines has become a cornerstone of the fight against the disease. To support the maximal use of genomic information for SARS-CoV-2 research, we launched the Ensembl COVID-19 browser, incorporating a new Ensembl gene set, multiple variant sets (including novel variation calls), and annotation from several relevant resources integrated into the reference SARS-CoV-2 assembly. This work included key adaptations of existing Ensembl genome annotation methods to model ribosomal slippage, stringent filters to elucidate the highest confidence variants and utilisation of our comparative genomics pipelines on viruses for the first time. Since May 2020, the content has been regularly updated and tools such as the Ensembl Variant Effect Predictor have been integrated. The Ensembl COVID-19 browser is freely available at https://covid-19.ensembl.org.
A sustained type I IFN-neutrophil-IL-18 axis drives pathology during mucosal viral infection
Authors: Lebratti Tania J. , Lim Ying Shiang , Cofie Adjoa , Andey Prabhakar S. , Jiang Xiaoping , Scott Jason M. , Fabbrizi Maria Rita , Ozanturk Ayse N. , Pham Christine T.N. , Clemens Regina A. , Artyomov Maxim , Dinauer Mary C. , Shin Haina 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTNeutrophil responses against pathogens must be balanced between protection and immunopathology. Factors that determine these outcomes are not well-understood. In a mouse model of genital herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) infection, which results in severe genital inflammation, antibody-mediated neutrophil depletion reduced disease. Comparative single cell RNA-sequencing analysis of vaginal cells against a model of genital HSV-1 infection, which results in mild inflammation, demonstrated sustained expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) only after HSV-2 infection primarily within the neutrophil population. Both therapeutic blockade of IFNα/βreceptor 1 (IFNAR1) and genetic deletion of IFNAR1 in neutrophils concomitantly decreased HSV-2 genital disease severity and vaginal IL-18 levels. Therapeutic neutralization of IL-18 also diminished genital inflammation, indicating an important role for this cytokine in promoting neutrophil-dependent immunopathology. Our study reveals that sustained type I IFN signaling is a driver of pathogenic neutrophil responses, and identifies IL-18 as a novel component of disease during genital HSV-2 infection.
The assisting role of Polη in transcription facilitates formation of damage-induced cohesion
Authors: Wu Pei-Shang , Cameron Donald P. , Grosser Jan , Baranello Laura , Ström Lena 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) complex cohesin mediates sister chromatid cohesion established during replication, and damage-induced cohesion formed in response to DSBs post-replication. The translesion synthesis polymerase Polη is required for damage-induced cohesion through a hitherto unknown mechanism. Since Polη is functionally associated with transcription, and transcription triggersde novocohesion inSchizosaccharomyces pombe, we hypothesized that transcription facilitates damage-induced cohesion inSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Here, we show dysregulated transcriptional profiles in Polη-depleted cells (rad30Δ), where genes involved in chromatin assembly and positive transcription regulation were downregulated. In addition, chromatin association of RNA polymerase II was reduced at promoters and coding regions inrad30Δcompared to WT cells, while occupancy of the H2A.Z variant (Htz1) at promoters was increased inrad30Δcells. Perturbing histone exchange at promoters inactivated damage-induced cohesion, similarly to deletion of theRAD30gene. Conversely, altering regulation of transcription elongation suppressed the deficient damage-induced cohesion inrad30Δcells. These results indicate that Polη has an assisting role during the transcriptional process, which consecutively facilitates formation of damage-induced cohesion. This further suggests a potential linkage between regulation of transcription and formation of damage-induced cohesion after replication.Author SummaryThe cohesin complex dynamically associates with chromosomes and holds sister chromatids together through cohesion established during replication. This ensures faithful chromosome segregation at anaphase. In budding yeast, DNA double strand breaks trigger sister chromatid cohesion even after replication. This so-called damage-induced cohesion is formed both close to the breaks, and genome-wide on undamaged chromosomes. The translesion synthesis polymerase eta (Polη) is specifically required for genome wide damage-induced cohesion. Although Polη is well characterized for its function in bypassing ultraviolet-induced DNA lesions, its mechanistic role in damage-induced cohesion is unclear. Here, we show that transcriptional regulation is perturbed in the absence of Polη. We propose that Polη could aid in chromatin association of RNA polymerase II through phosphorylation of the Polη-S14 residue, a non-canonical role of Polη which further facilitates formation of damage-induced cohesion genome wide. In addition, we observe the need of replication-independent nucleosome assembly/histone exchange for formation of damage-induced cohesion. This together provides new insight into formation of damage-induced cohesion after replication, which will be interesting to further explore.
Prevalence of influenza vaccination among adults with high-risk conditions, United States, 2019
Authors: Gopalan Saji Saraswathy , Mishra Devi Kalyan , Das Ashis Kumar 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundInfluenza could be associated with illnesses, severe complications, hospitalizations, and deaths among adults with high-risk medical conditions. Influenza vaccination reduces the risks and complications associated with influenza infection in high-risk conditions. We assessed the prevalence and predictors of influenza vaccination in a national sample of adults with high-risk medical conditions.MethodsUsing the nationally representative National Health Interview Survey of 2019, we estimated the prevalence of influenza vaccination among adults with high-risk conditions. We tested the associations between receipt of vaccination and sociodemographic predictors with adjusted multivariable logistic regression.ResultsOut of 15,258 adults with high-risk conditions, 56% reported receiving an influenza vaccine over the previous 12 months. Multivariable regressions show that respondents from older age groups, females, other race/ethnic group, married, higher annual family income, having a health insurance and those with more than two high-risk conditions are more likely to receive the influenza vaccine. However, adults from non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity and living in the Southern census region are less likely to receive the vaccination. Education levels and living in a metro show no associations with vaccination status.ConclusionState authorities, primary physicians, specialists, and pharmacists have important roles in sensitizing and reminding individuals with high-risk conditions to receive timely vaccination. Similarly, affordability needs to be enhanced for influenza vaccination including better insurance coverage and reduced co-payment.
Associations between Five-Year Blood Pressure Variability and Risk of Cardiovascular Events and Mortality
Authors: Zhou Jiandong , Lee Sharen , Wong Wing Tak , Wu William KK , Ming Wai Kit , Liu Tong , Jeevaratnam Kamalan , Yung Cheung Bernard Man , Tse Gary , Zhang Qingpeng 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroductionBlood pressure variability, in addition to blood pressure itself, has been used as a predictor for mortality. This study examined the predictive power of baseline/latest/mean/median blood pressure and blood pressure variability measures for all-cause mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.MethodsThe retrospective observational study analyzed patients who presented to family medicine clinics between 1st January, 2000 and 31st December, 2001. Blood pressure measurements were obtained over a five-year period. Standard deviation (SD), root mean square (RMS), coefficient of variation (CV) and a variability score (number of >=5 mmHg blood pressure change) were used as measures of blood pressure variability. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality and the secondary outcomes were heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, and transient ischemic attack (TIA)/stroke, with follow-up until 31 December 2019.ResultsThis study included 37540 patients (n=29597 patients with >=3 blood pressure measurements). A nonlinear inverse U-shaped relationship was observed between baseline/latest/maximum/minimum/mean/median/RMS measures of diastolic blood pressure and time-to-death for all-cause mortality (P<0.001). Higher variance/SD/CV/variability score of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality and heart failure, acute myocardial infarction and TIA/stroke (P<0.001). Low baseline/latest/maximum/minimum/mean/median/RMS systolic blood pressure was significantly associated with shorter time-to-death for all-cause mortality (P<0.001).ConclusionNonlinear inverse U-shaped relationships were observed between blood pressure and its variability measures and all-cause mortality. Higher blood pressure variability was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction and TIA/stroke.
A non-enzymatic acetylation of lysine residues adversely affects the Rubisco activase protein stability
Authors: Yang Li-Li , Hong Hui , Gao Xiang , Essemine Jemaa , Fang Xin , Shu Zhan , Ablat Guljannat , Wu Meng , Mi Hua-Ling , Chen Xiao-Ya , Qu Mingnan , Chen Gen-Yun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe post-translational modifications of non-histone (PTMs) proteins functions are crucial for the plant adaption to the changing environment. The Rubisco activase (RCA) plays a key role in the CO2fixation through the Rubisco activation process. We reported that the RCA from tobacco leaf could be acetylated at several lysine residues including K126 and K164. The acetylation level changes under different light conditions (night and day) as well as under heat stress (45 °C). We further showed that the RCA can be non-enzymatically acetylatedin vitro, especially by the acetyl-CoA (Ac-CoA) through direct interaction between them. Our results of thein vitroassay with deuterium labeled Ac-CoA (D2-Ac-CoA) show that the two conserved RCA lysine residues (K126 and K164) were acetylated by Ac-CoA, entraining a dramatic decline in its ATPase activity and a slight effect on the Rubisco activation process. Furthermore, we revealed that the higher RCA acetylation level induced its faster degradation in the chloroplast, which was not a direct consequence of ubiquitination. Eventually, our findings unraveled a new prominent role for the protein acetylation in modulating the RCA stability, which could certainly regulate the carbon assimilation efficiency towards a different energy status of the plants.