bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multivariate filter methods for feature selection with the $$\varvec{\gamma }$$-metric
Authors: Ngo Nicolas , Michel Pierre , Giorgi Roch 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
The $$\gamma$$
γ
-metric value is generally used as the importance score of a feature (or a set of features) in a classification context. This study aimed to go further by creating a new methodology for multivariate feature selection for classification, whereby the $$\gamma$$
γ
-metric is associated with a specific search direction (and therefore a specific stopping criterion). As three search directions are used, we effectively created three distinct methods.

Methods
We assessed the performance of our new methodology through a simulation study, comparing them against more conventional methods. Classification performance indicators, number of selected features, stability and execution time were used to evaluate the performance of the methods. We also evaluated how well the proposed methodology selected relevant features for the detection of atrial fibrillation, which is a cardiac arrhythmia.

Results
We found that in the simulation study as well as the detection of AF task, our methods were able to select informative features and maintain a good level of predictive performance; however in a case of strong correlation and large datasets, the $$\gamma$$
γ
-metric based methods were less efficient to exclude non-informative features.

Conclusions
Results highlighted a good combination of both the forward search direction and the $$\gamma$$
γ
-metric as an evaluation function. However, using the backward search direction, the feature selection algorithm could fall into a local optima and can be improved.
Predictive value of a self-administered frailty screening questionnaire for the effectiveness of functional rehabilitation evaluated with the locomotor functional independence measure in a geriatric rehabilitation unit: a multicentre cohort study
Authors: Chrusciel Jan , Ndoye Ramatoulaye , Ndiongue Biné-Mariam , Fournier Marie-Anne , Kabirian Fariba , Pondjikli Manon , Dutheillet-de-Lamothe Valentine , Berrut Gilles , Rolland Yves , Sanchez Stéphane 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) are questionnaires that collect health data directly from the patient, without any intervention from a third party. The aim of rehabilitation units is to restore function. Functional gain can be evaluated with classic scales, such as the locomotor subscale of the Functional Independence Measure. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of a new self-assessment questionnaire pertaining to physical, sensory and cognitive ability (abbreviated SEPCO) for the prediction of functional prognosis in older patients admitted to a rehabilitation unit.

Methods
In this multicentre observational study including patients admitted to 12 rehabilitation centres in France, all included patients completed the SEPCO on admission. Poor response to rehabilitation was defined as relative effectiveness < 40% on the evolution of the locomotor FIM subscale. Components of the questionnaire potentially associated with the outcome of rehabilitation were confirmed for inclusion upon expert review and summed to form an overall score. The final score had five components: the depression score of the HADS, the SOFRESC vision score, the SOFRESC balance score, the stress urinary incontinence subscale of the USP, and the EPICES socio-economic deprivation score. A logistic regression model adjusted for baseline characteristics assessed the performance of the SEPCO score to predict change in functional status, defined by the relative functional gain for the locomotion subscale of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM).

Results
A total of 153 patients (mean age 79.2 ± 8.1 years, 72.5% women) were included. By multivariate analysis, a 5-scale SEPCO score ≥ 1.1 predicted worse functional improvement with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.575, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.081 to 6.133, p = 0.03. Sensitivity for this threshold was 67.4% (95% CI 52.0–80.5%), with a specificity of 58.8% (95% CI 46.2–70.6%). Having a SEPCO ≥ 1.1 almost doubled the probability of poor response to rehabilitation (from 27.3 to 52.5%).

Conclusion
The SEPCO score can predict poor functional gain from rehabilitation. Future studies should validate this score on an external cohort. The SEPCO could serve as a complement to the initial clinical evaluation performed by physicians, and assist physicians in setting each patient’s rehabilitation goals.
Comparison of the effects of high tibial osteotomy with and without a tourniquet
Authors: Wu Huiwen , Wang Fangyuan , Deng Shihao , Liang Shuai , Lan Shaoze , Sun Kenan , Lunzhu Ciren , Cangjue Dawa , Li Jun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Tourniquets are routinely employed to achieve hemostasis in modern limb surgeries. Nevertheless, the precise role and benefits of tourniquets in high tibial osteotomy (HTO) surgeries remain understudied. The aim of this study was to assess the application of tourniquets in high-tibial osteotomy procedures.

Methods
This was a prospective study of patients who underwent HTO surgery at an identical hospital. The participants were randomly assigned into two groups: Group A, with a tourniquet (n = 43); and Group B, without a tourniquet (n = 43). The same surgical technique and postoperative care were employed for both groups of patients. Knee range of motion (ROM) and pain were assessed by utilizing a visual analogue scale (VAS) after exercise and maximum calf circumference, and postoperative Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, as well as inflammatory markers including CRP and IL-6, were adopted to compare and analyse the recovery of knee function in the two groups of patients following surgery.

Results
All participants were followed up for a period exceeding three months. No cases of vascular or nerve injuries were observed during surgery in either group. Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference in total blood loss volume throughout treatment or haemoglobin or haematocrit levels (P > 0.05). furthermore, Group A underwent a shorter operation than Group B did (P < 0.05). Group B demonstrated decreased postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain levels, calf swelling (P < 0.05), increased early knee range of motion (P < 0.05), and diminished release of blood inflammation markers(IL-6 and CRP) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
The application of tourniquets in HTO surgery reduces intraoperative blood loss and shortens the operative time yet does not substantially affect total bleeding. Nonetheless, the absence of a tourniquet resulted in reduced postoperative pain and facilitated early rehabilitation of knee function.
Comparative evaluation of rapid diagnostic test and PCR-based diagnostic assay for identification of trypanosomes in cattle of Apac and Kiryandongo districts, Uganda: A cross sectional study
Authors: Kizza Daniel , Azuba Rose , Wampande Eddie , Okwasiimire Rodney , Owembabazi Lillian , Mandela Wangoola , Waiswa Charles , Odoi Agricola 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Diagnostic tests and knowledge of their diagnostic accuracies are important for animal trypanosomosis surveillance and treatment.

Methodology
: A cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2021 to compare the performance of rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and PCR-based assay for the detection of trypanosome infections. Random sampling and probability proportional to size sampling were used to sample study households and animals from the sampled household respectively. Animals were screened for the presence of trypanosomes using both tests. A total of 100 cattle (52 from Apac and 48 from Kiryandongo districts) were included in the study. The percentage of positive tests, sensitivity, and specificity of the tests using mini PCR as a reference were computed. Cohen’s kappa statistics was computed to assess how well the rapid diagnostic test agrees with the mini PCR. McNemar’s statistic assessed if the proportion of positive tests identified by mini PCR significantly differed from that identified by the rapid diagnostic test.

Results
The mini PCR test detected 31.2% Trypanosome spp positive samples in Kiryandongo while it detected only 5.7% positive samples in Apac district. The rapid diagnostic test (RDT) analysis detected 91.6% Trypanosome spp positive samples in Kiryandongo district and only 46.1% in Apac district. T. congolense was the most common Trypanosoma species identified in Apac (36.5%) and Kiryandongo (47.9%) by the RDT. The percentage of each of the Trypanosome species (T.vivax, T.congolense, and mixed infection of T.vivax and T. congolense) detected by RDT differed significantly (p < 0.001) between the two districts. The RDT had a high sensitivity of 94.4% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 72.7–99.9) but a very low specificity of 36.6% (95% CI: 26.2–48.0). The kappa test showed evidence of only a slight agreement (kappa = 0.1547, Accuracy = 0.48 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.379,0.5822) between the two tests. The observed agreement between the tests was 47% while the expected agreement was 37.84%.

Conclusion
This study found high sensitivity but low specificity of RDT using mini PCR as a reference.
Willingness to pay for a mosquito bite prevention ‘forest pack’ in Cambodia: results of a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Yukich Joshua , Doum Dyna , McIver David J. , Richardson Jason H. , Sovannanoroth Siv , Lobo Neil F. , Tatarsky Allison 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Progress towards malaria elimination in the Greater Mekong Subregion has left much of the residual malaria transmission concentrated among forest-exposed populations for whom traditional domicile focused malaria vector control is unlikely to be effective. New tools to protect these populations from vector biting outdoors are needed.

Methods
Alongside implementation research on the deployment of a “forest pack” consisting of a volatile pyrethroid (transfluthrin)-based spatial repellent (VPSR), a picaridin-based topical repellent and etofenprox treatment of clothing, an assessment was made of participant willingness to pay for the forest packs and variants of the packs using a discrete choice experiment.

Results
Participants showed willingness to pay for forest packs consistent with full-cost recovery for VPSR devices. The inclusion of a full malaria season’s worth of VPSR devices increased the willingness to pay for a forest pack by 15% (p = 0.061). At a price of approximately 10 USD, approximately 50% of participants were willing to pay for a forest pack which included a full season’s worth of VPSR.

Conclusion
Forest packs which include VPSR are likely to be acceptable to the target forest-exposed populations, and those which include VPSR products may even have potential for commercial sales or some cost-recovery.
Dynamic control of the plasmid copy number maintained without antibiotics in Escherichia coli
Authors: Park Geunyung , Yang Jina , Seo Sang Woo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Manipulating the gene expression is the key strategy to optimize the metabolic flux. Not only transcription, translation, and post-translation level control, but also the dynamic plasmid copy number (PCN) control has been studied. The dynamic PCN control systems that have been developed to date are based on the understanding of origin replication mechanisms, which limits their application to specific origins of replication and requires the use of antibiotics for plasmid maintenance. In this study, we developed a dynamic PCN control system for Escherichia coli that is maintained without antibiotics. This is achieved by regulating the transcription level of the translation initiation factor IF-1 (infA), an essential gene encoded on the plasmid, while deleting it from the plasmid-bearing host cell.

Results
When validated using GFP as a reporter protein, our system demonstrated a 22-fold dynamic range in PCN within the CloDF13 origin. The system was employed to determine the optimal copy number of the plasmid carrying the cad gene, which converts an intermediate of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) to itaconic acid. By optimizing the PCN, we could achieve an itaconic acid titer of 3 g/L, which is 5.3-fold higher than the control strain.

Conclusions
Our system offers a strategy to identify the optimal expression level of genes that have a competitive relationship with metabolic pathways crucial for the growth of the host organism. This approach can potentially be applied to other bacterial hosts by substituting the sensing module or the essential gene.
Nek6 regulates autophagy through the mTOR signaling pathway to alleviate cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Wang Qingzhi , Liu Xinjing , Yuan Jing , Yang Ting , Ding Lan , Song Bo , Xu Yuming 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Objective
Cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury (CIRI) is a major obstacle to neurological recovery after clinical treatment of ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of Nek6 alleviating CIRI through autophagy after cerebral ischemia.

Materials and methods
A mouse model of CIRI was constructed by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). TUNEL staining was used to observe the apoptosis of neuronal cells. The oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model was established by hypoxia and reoxygenation. The cell apoptosis and activity was detected. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of autophagy-related proteins, protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mTOR signaling pathway-related proteins. Cellular autophagy flux was observed by fluorometric method. NIMA-related kinase 6 (Nek6) mRNA stability was detected by actinomycin D treatment. Methylation RNA immunoprecipitation technique was used to detect Nek6 methylation level.

Results
Nek6 expression was increased in both MCAO and OGD/R models. Overexpression of Nek6 in OGD/R inhibited apoptosis, decreased LC3II and Beclin-1 expression, increased p62 expression, and occurred lysosome dysfunction. Interference with Nek6 has opposite results. Nek6 overexpression promoted p-Akt and p-mTOR protein expressions, inhibited p-AMPK and p-UNC-51-like kinase 1 protein expressions and cell apoptosis, while LY294002, Rapamycin or RSVA405 treatment reversed this effect. Abnormal methyltransferase·like protein 3 (METTL3) expression in CIRI enhanced m6A modification and promoted Nek6 expression level.

Conclusion
This study confirmed that Nek6 regulates autophagy and alleviates CIRI through the mTOR signaling pathway, which provides a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with ischemic stroke in the future.
Pre-alerts from critical care ambulances to trauma centers: a quantitative survey of trauma team leaders in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Williams Tara , Nolan Brodie , McGowan Melissa , Johnston Tania , Maria Sonja , von Vopelius-Feldt Johannes 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Pre-alerts from paramedics to trauma centers are important for ensuring the highest quality of trauma care. Despite this, there is a paucity of data to support best practices in trauma pre-alert notifications. Within the trauma system of Ontario, Canada, the provincial critical care transport organization, Ornge, provides pre-alerts to major trauma centers, but standardization is currently lacking. This study examined the satisfaction of trauma team leaders’ (TTLs) satisfaction with current trauma pre-alerts and their preferences for logistics, content, and structure.

Methods
This was a quantitative survey of TTLs at adult and pediatric trauma centers across Ontario, Canada. Recruitment was through email to trauma directors, with follow-up efforts to target low-response sites to achieve good geographical representation. The survey was completed online and contained a combination of single or multiple-choice questions, Likert scales and free text options.

Results
In total, 79 TTLs from adult and pediatric lead trauma centers across Ontario responded to the survey, which took place over a 120-day period. The survey achieved good geographical representation. Given the current processes, TTLs describe moderate satisfaction with room for improvement (median score 3, IQR 3–4 on a 5-point Likert scale). Their overall preference was for timely and direct communication, with some concerns about multiple channels of communication around logistics. Most TTLs agreed on the important and less important content details found in common standardized framework tools. For structure, 28/79 TTLs strongly preferred the cognitive aid ATMIST, 13/79 preferred IMIST-AMBO, and 8/79 preferred MIST or SBAR as the most useful.

Conclusions
There is room for improvement through standardizing communication and streamlined pre-alert channels. Some disagreements exist between TTLs, particularly regarding logistics. Further research should examine TTL satisfaction after implementing the change in the pre-alert notification framework, which can address localized issues through stakeholder meetings with individual TTLs.
Proteoglycan 4 (Lubricin) and regulation of xanthine oxidase in synovial macrophage as a mechanism of controlling synovitis
Authors: Elsaid Khaled A. , Zhang Ling X. , Zhao Thomas , Marks Ava , Jenkins Derek , Schmidt Tannin A. , Jay Gregory D. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Synovial macrophages (SMs) are important effectors of joint health and disease. A novel Cx3CR1 + TREM2 + SM population expressing the tight junction protein claudin-5, was recently discovered in synovial lining. Ablation of these SMs was associated with onset of arthritis. Proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) is a mucinous glycoprotein that fulfills lubricating and homeostatic roles in the joint. The aim of this work is to study the role of PRG4 in modulating synovitis in the context of SM homeostasis and assess the contribution of xanthine oxidase (XO)-hypoxia inducible factor alpha (HIF-1a) axis to this regulation.

Methods
We used Prg4FrtloxP/FrtloxP;R26FlpoER/+, a novel transgenic mouse, where the Prg4Frt allele normally expresses the PRG4 protein and was designed to flank the first two exons of Prg4 with a flippase recognition target and “LOXP” sites. Inducing flippase activity with tamoxifen (TAM) inactivates the Frt allele and thus creates a conditional knockout state. We studied anti-inflammatory SMs and XO by quantitative immunohistochemistry, isolated RNA and studied immune pathway activations by multiplexed assays and isolated SMs and studied PRG4 signaling dysfunction in relation to glycolytic switching due to pro-inflammatory activation. Prg4 inactivated mice were treated with oral febuxostat, a specific XO inhibitor, and quantification of Cx3CR1 + TREM2 + SMs, XO immunostaining and synovitis assessment were conducted.

Results
Prg4 inactivation induced Cx3CR1 + TREM2 + SM loss (p < 0.001) and upregulated glycolysis and innate immune pathways in the synovium. In isolated SMs, Xdh (p < 0.01) and Hif1a (p < 0.05) were upregulated. Pro-inflammatory activation of SMs was evident by enhanced glycolytic flux and XO-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS). Febuxostat reduced glycolytic flux (p < 0.001) and HIF-1a levels (p < 0.0001) in SMs. Febuxostat also reduced systemic inflammation (p < 0.001), synovial hyperplasia (p < 0.001) and preserved Cx3CR1 + TREM2 + SMs (p < 0.0001) in synovia of Prg4 inactivated mice.

Conclusions
PRG4 is a biologically significant modulator of synovial homeostasis via inhibition of XO expression and downstream HIF-1a activation. PRG4 signaling is anti-inflammatory and promotes synovial homeostasis in chronic synovitis, where direct XO inhibition is potentially therapeutic in chronic synovitis.
Ex situ germination of European acorns: data from 93 batches of 12 Quercus species
Authors: Medina María , Reyes-Martín Marino P. , Levy Laura , Lázaro-González Alba , Andivia Enrique , Annighöfer Peter , Assaad Farhah , Bauhus Jürgen , Benavides Raquel , Böhlenius Henrik , Cambria Vito E. , Carbonero María D. , Castro Jorge , Chalatashvili Akaki , Chiatante Donato , Cocozza Claudia , Corticeiro Sofia , Lazdina Dagnija , De Dato Giovanbattista , De Sanctis Michele , Devetaković Jovana , Drossler Lars , Ehrenbergerová Lenka , Ferus Peter , Gómez-Aparicio Lorena , Hampe Arndt , Hanssen Kjersti H. , Heinze Berthold , Jakubowski Marcin , Jiménez María N. , Kanjevac Branko , Keizer Jan J. , Kerkez-Janković Ivona , Klisz Marcin , Kowalkowski Wojciech , Kremer Klaus , Kroon Johan , La Montagna Dario , Lazarević Jelena , Lingua Emanuele , Lucas-Borja Manuel E. , Łukowski Adrian , Löf Magnus , Maia Paula , Mairota Paola , Maltoni Alberto , Mariotti Barbara , Martiník Antonín , Marzano Raffaella , Matías Luis , Mcclory Ryan W. , Merino Manuel , Mondanelli Lucia , Montagnoli Antonio , Monteverdi Maria C. , Moreno-Llorca Ricardo , Navarro Francisco B. , Nonić Marina , Nunes Luís , Oliet Juan A. , Patrício Maria S. , Poduška Zoran , Popovic Vladan , Puchałka Radosław , Rey-Benayas José M. , Robakowski Piotr , Sewerniak Piotr , Szczerba Marek , Ureña-Lara Carmen , Vendina Viktorija , Villar-Salvador Pedro , Witzell Johanna , Leverkus Alexandro B. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Key message
We provide data on seedlot germination potential—a key trait related to regeneration—of 12 oak species. Germination was tested at the University of Granada following international protocols with 8985 acorns from 93 batches and 16 countries across Europe. Data on germination probability, acorn origin, mass, and moisture content measured on another 4544 acorns are available at https://doi.org/10.30827/Digibug.87318. Associated metadata are available at https://metadata-afs.nancy.inra.fr/geonetwork/srv/fre/catalog.search#/metadata/a742c6d8-bc37-4ca2-8b81-2447c5a8858d.