bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Refinements of the Gauss-Lucas theorem using rational lemniscates and polar convexity
Authors: Sendov Hristo 
Published: March 2021

The classical Gauss-Lucas theorem for complex polynomialsp(z)≔(z−z1)⋯(z−zn)p(z) ≔(z-z_1) \cdots (z-z_n)states that the critical points ofp(z)p(z)are in the convex hull of its zeros. We give two refinements of the Gauss-Lucas theorem, both connected by the notion of polar convexity.

In the first, we describe lemniscatic regions that do not contain non-trivial critical points of any polynomial of the form(z−z1)⋯(z−zm)(z−zm+1∗)⋯(z−zn∗)(z-z_1) \cdots (z-z_m)(z-z^*_{m+1})\cdots (z-z^*_{n}), when the parameterszm+1∗,…,zn∗z^*_{m+1},\ldots ,z^*_{n}vary freely in a specified set, containing the zeroszm+1,…,znz_{m+1},\ldots ,z_{n}.

In the second, we locate the non-trivial critical points ofp(z)p(z)in the intersection ofm+1m+1polar-convex sets, wheremmis the number of distinct zeros ofp(z)p(z). This refinement complements recent ones in Dimitrov [Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 126 (1998), pp. 2065–2070] and in Curgus and Mascioni [Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 132 (2004), pp. 2973–2981].
Occupational Exposure to Diisocyanates in the European Union
Authors: Rother Dag , Schlüter Urs 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Diisocyanates are a chemical group that are widely used at workplaces in many sectors. They are also potent skin- and respiratory sensitizers. Exposure to diisocyanates is a main cause of occupational asthma in the European Union. To reduce occupational exposure to diisocyanates and consequently the cases of diisocyanate-induced asthma, a restriction on diisocyanates was recently adopted under the REACH Regulation in the European Union.

Methods
A comprehensive evaluation of the data on occupational exposure to the most important diisocyanates at workplaces was made and is reported here. The diisocyanates considered are methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), toluene diisocyanate (TDI), and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), accounting for more than 95% of the market volume in the EU. The exposure assessment is based on data from Chemical Safety Reports (CSRs) of REACH Registration Dossiers, workplace air monitoring data from Germany, from the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and literature data relevant for the EU, and the USA.

Results
Occupational exposure to diisocyanates is particularly relevant in: (i) C.A.S.E. applications (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, Elastomers), (ii) production of polyurethanes (PUs) (e.g. slab-stock foam), (iii) handling of partly uncured PU products (e.g. cutting, demoulding, spray application of foam), and (iv) when diisocyanates/PUs are heated (e.g. hot lamination, foundry applications/casting forms). Ranking of the reported data on inhalation to diisocyanate exposure at workplaces (maximum values) leads to following order: (i) HDI and its oligomers in coatings, (ii) MDI in spray foam applications, (iii) TDI in manufacture of foam, (iv) TDI in manufacture of PUs and PU composite materials, (v) TDI in adhesives, (vi) MDI in adhesives, (vii) MDI in manufacture of PUs and PU composite materials, (viii) TDI in coatings, (ix) MDI in manufacture of foam, and (x) HDI in adhesives.
Performance-Based Everyday Problem-Solving in Patients With TBI
Authors: Pizzi Marcella , Borella Erika , Piras Federica 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe present study examined whether the everyday problems test (EPT), a performance-based measure of everyday problem-solving, can be considered a useful test in assessing functional independence in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The relationship between EPT, cognitive abilities (i.e., selective attention, set switching, and working memory) and self-rated measures of everyday functioning and disability in these patients was also assessed.MethodIn this case–control study 25 postcomatose outpatients with TBI (age M = 35.9, SD = 14.21) from a neurorehabilitation unit and 25 matched controls were enrolled. Participants were administered the EPT along with neuropsychological tests of selective attention, set switching and working memory, and self-rated measures of everyday functioning and disability.ResultsPatients with TBI were less accurate and slower than controls in the EPT; the two groups were accurately classified based on EPT completion time (likelihood ratio test χ2 = 28.67, R2 = 0.72, p &lt; .001). In the patient group education and selective attention explained a large portion of variance in EPT accuracy (R2 = 0.53, p = .001), while only selective attention explained a significant portion of variance in EPT time (R2 = 0.24, p &lt; .01). Self-rated measures of everyday functioning and disability did not significantly contribute to EPT performance variance.ConclusionIncluding performance-based measures as the EPT in a multifactorial approach to assessment can be useful for unraveling cognitive factors contributing to TBI’s impact on everyday functioning. Since attentional processes seem to play a significant role in determining EPT performance, rehabilitation of functional independence should target this ability first.
Multimodal Facial Aesthetic Treatment on the Appearance of Aging, Social Confidence, and Psychological Well-being: HARMONY Study
Authors: Cohen Joel L , Rivkin Alexander , Dayan Steven , Shamban Ava , Werschler W Philip , Teller Craig F , Kaminer Michael S , Sykes Jonathan M , Weinkle Susan H , Garcia Julie K 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
A global approach to facial rejuvenation involves multiple treatment modalities.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of multimodal facial aesthetic treatment on self-reported psychological and social outcomes.

Methods
HARMONY, a prospective, multicenter, 4-month study, enrolled patients aged 35 to 65 years to receive on-label treatment with a combination of hyaluronic fillers (VYC-20L, HYC-24L, and/or HYC-24L+), onabotulinumtoxinA, and bimatoprost. Fillers were injected on Day 1, with touch-ups performed on Day 14. OnabotulinumtoxinA was injected at Month 3 into glabellar lines and/or crow’s feet lines. Patients applied bimatoprost to eyelashes once daily for 17 weeks. Mean change from baseline on FACE-Q Psychological Well-being and Social Confidence Scales, FACE-Q Aging Appearance Appraisal Scale, and FACE-Q Age Appraisal Visual Analog Scale were assessed.

Results
Of 100 patients treated, 93 were evaluated at 4 months posttreatment. Significant improvement vs baseline was observed on the FACE-Q Scales for Psychological Well-being (mean change, −19.9; P &lt; 0.00001), Social Confidence (mean change, −18.2; P &lt; 0.00001), and Aging Appearance (mean change, −28.5; P &lt; 0.0001). On average, patients’ self-assessed age was 0.1 years older than actual age at baseline and 4.5 years younger at Month 4 (P &lt; 0.001 vs baseline). Forty-two patients experienced adverse events, all mild to moderate.

Conclusions
Multimodal, full facial aesthetic treatment improves patients’ self-reported psychological well-being, social confidence, aging appearance, and perceptions of chronologic age.

Level of Evidence: 4
Critical downstream analysis steps for single-cell RNA sequencing data
Authors: Zhang Zilong , Cui Feifei , Lin Chen , Zhao Lingling , Wang Chunyu , Zou Quan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has enabled us to study biological questions at the single-cell level. Currently, many analysis tools are available to better utilize these relatively noisy data. In this review, we summarize the most widely used methods for critical downstream analysis steps (i.e. clustering, trajectory inference, cell-type annotation and integrating datasets). The advantages and limitations are comprehensively discussed, and we provide suggestions for choosing proper methods in different situations. We hope this paper will be useful for scRNA-seq data analysts and bioinformatics tool developers.
Ribo-ODDR: oligo design pipeline for experiment-specific rRNA depletion in Ribo-seq
Authors: Alkan Ferhat , Silva Joana , Pintó Barberà Eric , Faller William J. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Motivation
Ribosome Profiling (Ribo-seq) has revolutionized the study of RNA translation by providing information on ribosome positions across all translated RNAs with nucleotide-resolution. Yet several technical limitations restrict the sequencing depth of such experiments, the most common of which is the overabundance of rRNA fragments. Various strategies can be employed to tackle this issue, including the use of commercial rRNA depletion kits. However, as they are designed for more standardized RNAseq experiments, they may perform suboptimally in Ribo-seq. In order to overcome this, it is possible to use custom biotinylated oligos complementary to the most abundant rRNA fragments, however currently no computational framework exists to aid the design of optimal oligos.

Results
Here, we first show that a major confounding issue is that the rRNA fragments generated via Ribo-seq vary significantly with differing experimental conditions, suggesting that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach may be inefficient. Therefore we developed Ribo-ODDR, an oligo design pipeline integrated with a user-friendly interface that assists in oligo selection for efficient experiment-specific rRNA depletion. Ribo-ODDR uses preliminary data to identify the most abundant rRNA fragments, and calculates the rRNA depletion efficiency of potential oligos. We experimentally show that Ribo-ODDR designed oligos outperform commercially available kits and lead to a significant increase in rRNA depletion in Ribo-seq.

Availability and implementation
Ribo-ODDR is freely accessible at https://github.com/fallerlab/Ribo-ODDR.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Identifiability of causal effects with multiple causes and a binary outcome
Authors: Kong Dehan , Yang Shu , Wang Linbo 
Published: March 2021

SummaryUnobserved confounding presents a major threat to causal inference in observational studies. Recently, several authors have suggested that this problem could be overcome in a shared confounding setting where multiple treatments are independent given a common latent confounder. It has been shown that under a linear Gaussian model for the treatments, the causal effect is not identifiable without parametric assumptions on the outcome model. In this note, we show that the causal effect is indeed identifiable if we assume a general binary choice model for the outcome with a non-probit link. Our identification approach is based on the incongruence between Gaussianity of the treatments and latent confounder and non-Gaussianity of a latent outcome variable. We further develop a two-step likelihood-based estimation procedure.
Patient-specific mental rehearsal with three-dimensional models before low anterior resection: randomized clinical trial
Authors: Yiasemidou M , Mushtaq F , Basheer M , Galli R , Panagiotou D , Stock S , Preston N , Mon-Williams M , Jayne D G , Miskovic D 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
It was hypothesized that preparing for a surgical procedure, taking into account individual patient characteristics, may facilitate the procedure and improve surgical quality. The aim of this study was to compare different case-specific, preoperative mental rehearsal methods before minimally invasive rectal cancer surgery.

Methods
In this RCT, patients were allocated in a 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 ratio to four groups: systematic mental rehearsal (SMR) using MRI scans; SMR and three-dimensional (3D) virtual models; SMR and synthetic 3D printed models; and routine practice (control group). Surgeons operating on all but the control group underwent mental rehearsal with the visual aids, including axial MRI scans of the pelvis, interactive 3D virtual models reconstructed from axial MRIs, and synthetic models, manufactured by 3D printing. Operations were video-recorded and assessed by two experts blinded to allocation using two validated scores, the Competency Assessment Tool (CAT) and Objective Clinical Human Reliability Analysis (OCHRA). The primary outcome of the study was surgical performance, measured by the CAT.

Results
Forty-nine patients were randomized and allocated to the four groups. There were 12 participants in each of the control, MRI and SMR, and virtual and SMR groups, whereas the SMR using physical models and simulation group included 13. No difference was observed between groups in median CAT scores (control 30.50, MRI 34.25, virtual 31.75, physical 34.00; P = 0.748, partial η2 &lt;0.001, where pη2 is indicative of effect size) or OCHRA scores (anterior, posterior, right and left lateral planes, transection P&gt;0.200, pη2 =0.052–0.088). Time spent not performing dissection was significantly shorter for the SMR with MRI group than for the control (57.5 versus 42 respectively; P &lt; 0.001, pη2 =0.212).

Conclusion
Mental rehearsal did not affect CAT and OCHRA scores of consultant surgeons. Reference number: ISRCTN 75603704 (https://www.isrctn.com).
Digital technology to support lifestyle and health behaviour changes in surgical patients: systematic review
Authors: Robinson A , Husband A K , Slight R D , Slight S P 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Digital technologies (such as smartphone applications, activity trackers, and e-learning platforms) have supported patients with long-term conditions to change their lifestyle health behaviours. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of digital technologies in supporting patients undergoing elective surgery to change their health behaviours.

Methods
A systematic review was conducted of articles reporting a digital intervention supporting behaviour change in adult patients who underwent elective bariatric, oncological or orthopaedic surgery. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception to March 2019 for quantitative intervention studies with a specific focus on physical activity, dietary intake, and weight loss in patients before and after surgery (PROSPERO: CRD42019127972). The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist was used to assess study quality.

Results
Of 3021 citations screened, 17 studies were included comprising 4923 surgical patients; these included experimental (pre–post design, feasibility studies, and RCTs) and observational studies. Three factors were identified as effective for supporting health behaviour change in elective surgical populations: digital technology delivery, implementation, and theoretical underpinning. Six of eight studies that referred to behaviour change theories observed significant improvements in health behaviour relating to reduced weight regain, and improved lifestyle choices for physical activity and diet. Meta-analysis was not possible because of heterogeneous outcome measures.

Conclusion
Digital technologies may effectively support behavioural change in patients undergoing elective surgery.
Developing implementation strategies to adopt Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) guidelines
Authors: Lam Jennifer Y , Howlett Alexandra , McLuckie Duncan , Stephen Lori M , Else Scott D N , Jones Ashley , Beaudry Paul , Brindle Mary E 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Strong implementation strategies are critical to the success of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS®) guidelines, though little documentation exists on effective strategies, especially in complex clinical situations and unfamiliar contexts. This study outlines the process taken to adopt a novel neonatal ERAS® guideline.

Methods
The implementation strategy was approached in a multi-pronged, concurrent but asynchronous fashion. Between September 2019 and January 2020, healthcare providers from various disciplines and different specialties as well as parents participated in the strategy. Multidisciplinary teams were created to consider existing literature and local contexts including potential facilitators and/or barriers. Task forces worked collaboratively to develop new care pathways. An audit system was developed to record outcomes and elicit feedback for revision.

Results
32 healthcare providers representing 9 disciplines and 5 specialties as well as 8 parents participated. Care pathways and resources were created. Elements recommended for a successful implementation strategy included identification of champions, multidisciplinary stakeholder involvement, consideration of local contexts and insights, patient/family engagement, education, and creation of an audit system.

Conclusion
A multidisciplinary and structured process following principles of implementation science was used to develop an effective implementation strategy for initiating ERAS® guidelines.
Changes in attentional resources during the acquisition of laparoscopic surgical skills
Authors: Thomaschewski M , Heldmann M , Uter J C , Varbelow D , Münte T F , Keck T 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Increasing familiarity and practice might free up mental resources during laparoscopic surgical skills training. The aim of the study was to track changes in mental resource allocation during acquisition of laparoscopic surgical skills.

Methods
Medical students with no previous experience in laparoscopic surgery took part in a 5-week laparoscopic training curriculum. At the beginning and end of the training period, one of the training tasks was combined with a secondary auditory detection task that required pressing a foot switch for defined target tones, creating a dual-task situation. During execution of the two concurrent tasks, continuous electroencephalographic measurements were made, with special attention to the P300 component, an index of mental resources. Accuracy and reaction times of the secondary task were determined.

Results
All 14 participants successfully completed the training curriculum. Target times for successful completion of individual tasks decreased significantly during training sessions (P  &lt;0.001 for all tasks). Comparing results before and after training showed a significant decrease in event-related brain potential amplitude at the parietal electrode cluster (P300 component, W = 67, P = 0.026), but there were no differences in accuracy (percentage correct responses: W = 48, P = 0.518) or reaction times (W = 42, P = 0.850) in the auditory detection task.

Conclusion
The P300 decrease in the secondary task over training demonstrated a shift of mental resources to the primary task: the surgical exercise. This indicates that, with more practice, mental resources are freed up for additional tasks.
Prevalence and risk factors for thyroid cancer in patients with multinodular goitre
Authors: Apostolou K , Zivaljevic V , Tausanovic K , Zoric G , Chelidonis G , Slijepcevic N , Jovanovic M , Paunovic I 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Rates of thyroid cancer in patients with multinodular goitre (MNG) vary widely, from 3 per cent in older studies to 35 per cent in more recent studies. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of thyroid cancer in patients operated on for MNG, and to determine risk factors for incidental thyroid malignancy.

Methods
A prospectively developed database of all patients who underwent thyroidectomy for a benign MNG at the high-volume endocrine surgery unit of a tertiary referral university hospital was interrogated.

Results
A total of 3233 patients were analysed, separated into three groups according to their functional thyroid status (hypothyroid, hyperthyroid or euthyroid). There were 2788 women (86.2 per cent); the mean patient age was 56.4 years and mean preoperative disease duration was 106.2 months. Incidental thyroid cancer was identified in 1026 patients (31.7 per cent), of which 917 (89.4 per cent) were papillary cancers. Multivariable regression analysis identified functional thyroid status, younger age, male sex, smaller adenoma size, smaller thyroid glands, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and chronic non-specific thyroiditis as independent risk factors for thyroid cancer.

Conclusion
MNG was associated with a considerable rate of incidental thyroid cancer, which has been underestimated. A variety of factors should be taken into account when considering the malignant potential of a presumed benign MNG.
Biological impact of an enhanced recovery after surgery programme in liver surgery
Authors: Gonvers S , Jurt J , Joliat G -R , Halkic N , Melloul E , Hübner M , Demartines N , Labgaa I 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
The clinical and economic impacts of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes have been demonstrated extensively. Whether ERAS protocols also have a biological effect remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the biological impact of an ERAS programme in patients undergoing liver surgery.

Methods
A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing liver surgery (2010–2018) was undertaken. Patients operated before and after ERAS implementation in 2013 were compared. Surrogate markers of surgical stress were monitored: white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP) level, albumin concentration, and haematocrit. Their perioperative fluctuations were defined as Δvalues, calculated on postoperative day (POD) 0 for Δalbumin and Δhaematocrit and POD 2 for ΔWBC and ΔCRP.

Results
A total of 541 patients were included, with 223 and 318 patients in non-ERAS and ERAS groups respectively. Groups were comparable, except for higher rates of laparoscopy (24.8 versus 11.2 per cent; P &lt; 0.001) and major resection (47.5 versus 38.1 per cent; P = 0.035) in the ERAS group. Patients in the ERAS group showed attenuated ΔWBC (2.00 versus 2.75 g/l; P = 0.013), ΔCRP (60 versus 101 mg/l; P &lt;0.001) and Δalbumin (12 versus 16 g/l; P &lt; 0.001) compared with those in the no-ERAS group. Subgroup analysis of open resection showed similar results. Multivariable analysis identified ERAS as the only independent factor associated with high ΔWBC (odds ratio (OR) 0.65, 95 per cent c.i. 0.43 to 0.98; P = 0.038), ΔCRP (OR 0.41, 0.23 to 0.73; P = 0.003) and Δalbumin (OR 0.40, 95 per cent c.i. 0.22 to 0.72; P = 0.002).

Conclusion
Compared with conventional management, implementation of ERAS was associated with an attenuated stress response in patients undergoing liver surgery.
Impact of surgical resection rate on survival in gastric cancer: nationwide study
Authors: Kung C -H , Jestin Hannan C , Linder G , Johansson J , Nilsson M , Hedberg J , Lindblad M 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
There are marked geographical variations in the proportion of patients undergoing resection for gastric cancer. This study investigated the impact of resection rate on survival.

Methods
All patients with potentially curable gastric cancer between 2006 and 2017 were identified from the Swedish National Register of Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer. The annual resection rate was calculated for each county per year. Resection rates in all counties for all years were grouped into tertiles and classified as low, intermediate or high. Survival was analysed using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results
A total of 3465 patients were diagnosed with potentially curable gastric cancer, and 1934 (55.8 per cent) were resected. Resection rates in the low (1261 patients), intermediate (1141) and high (1063) tertiles were 0–50.0, 50.1–62.5 and 62.6–100 per cent respectively. The multivariable Cox analysis revealed better survival for patients diagnosed in counties during years with an intermediate versus low resection rate (hazard ratio (HR) 0.81, 95 per cent c.i. 0.74 to 0.90; P &lt; 0.001) and high versus low resection rate (HR 0.80, 0.73 to 0.88; P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
This national register study showed large regional variation in resection rates for gastric cancer. A higher resection rate appeared to be beneficial with regard to overall survival for the entire population.