bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meaning. Are the tools of rhetoric useful in studying the matter?
Authors: Lichański Jakub Z. 
Published: December 2020

The discussion centres around two issues: the issue of meaning, and the question whether the tools of rhetoric viewed as the basic tool in interpersonal communication (be it everyday or specialist communication) can be helpful in reading and interpreting meaning. The author understands meaning after G. Frege: […] let the following phraseology be established: A proper name (word, sign, sign combination, expression) expresses its sense, stands for or designates its reference. By means of a sign we express its sense and designate its reference. The purpose of the discussion is also to answer a much more general question: whether through rhetoric can one say something important about the world, so do they define a philosophical thesis or only, from various perspectives, one searches for the most probable answer to a hypothesis.
The presented assumption is a result of the suggestion of Willard van Orman Quine: Rhetoric is the literary technology of persuasion, for good or ill, and it entails something which Randal Marlin defined as referentially translucent expressions.
Therefore, the hypothesis I shall try to prove is the following: can the sense of any expression be, using the tools of rhetoric, defined to such an extent so that it becomes a philosophical thesis and not a hypothesis? So that in terms of both the subject and the object the expression could be considered as true. Then and only then can one say that such an expression has/contains some (but not any) sense.
Identification of Races of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris, Inciting Wilt of Chickpea in Andhra Pradesh and Parts of Telangana
Authors: Venkataramanamma K. , Reddy B.V. Bhaskara , Jayalakshmi R. Sarada , Jayalakshmi V. , Prasad K.V. Hari 
Published: December 2020

Background: Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris (Foc) is one of the most important pathogen, causing wilt of chickpea. It is soil and seed borne pathogen. A serious threat in Foc is the evolution of new races, which reduces exploitation of wilt resistance in the crop in a particular area. Eight races (race 0, 1A, 1B/C, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) were reported in the world and among them four races (race 1, 2, 3, 4) were from India. Race 1 was reported from Andhra Pradesh. It is very important to monitor the variation regularly in new isolates collected from different varieties or genotypes and different geographical regions to identify the racial pattern. Development of SCAR markers for identification of Foc isolates is also important as they are highly reliable. Methods: Twenty isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris were obtained from wilt infected plants of chickpea covering different places of Andhra Pradesh including two isolates from Telangana and confirmed the pathogen based on pathogenicity test. They were tested on host differentials of chickpea for races identification. Among these twenty isolates five most virulent isolates (Foc-6, Foc-10, Foc-12, Foc-17 and Foc-24) were selected for RAPD based on pathogenicity test and SCAR marker was developed based on DNA banding pattern during RAPD for one isolate. Result: Based on the disease reaction on differentials, concluded that 17 of them out of 20 were matched with race-1 reaction. Two isolates were matched with race-6 reaction and one is not matched with none of the races. An amplified product of polymorphic band of approximately 700 bp in the isolate Foc-12, obtained during RAPD analysis was selected for SCAR marker development and two SCAR markers were developed and validated. Identification of races mainly helps in development of resistant cultivars to specific races and might be contributed to development of integrated disease management practices for Fusarium wilt.
Effects of social network incentives and financial incentives on physical activity and social capital among older women: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yamashita Ryo , Sato Shinji , Akase Ryoichi , Doi Tatsuo , Tsuzuku Shigeki , Yokoi Toyohiko , Otsuki Shingo , Harada Eisaku 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Financial incentives have been used to increase physical activity. However, the benefit of financial incentives is lost when an intervention ends. Thus, for this study, we combined social network incentives that leverage the power of peer pressure with financial incentives. Few reports have examined the impact of physical activity on social capital. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to ascertain whether a combination of two incentives could lead to more significant changes in physical activity and social capital during and after an intervention.Methods: The participants were 39 older women over 65 years of age in Kumamoto, Japan. The participants were randomly divided into a financial incentive group (FI group) and a social network incentive plus financial incentive group (SNI+FI group). Both groups underwent a three-month intervention. Measurements of physical activity and social capital were performed before and after the intervention. Additionally, the effects of the incentives on physical activity and social capital maintenance were measured six months postintervention. The financial incentive group received a payment ranging from US$4.40 to US$6.20 per month, depending on the number of steps taken during the intervention. For the other group, we provided a social network incentive in addition to the financial incentive. The SNI+FI group walked in groups of three people to use the power of peer pressure.Results: A two-way ANOVA revealed that in terms of physical activity, there was a statistically significant interaction between group and time (p=0.017). The FI group showed no statistically significant improvement in physical activity during the observation period. The FI group showed no statistically significant improvement in physical activity during the observation period. In terms of the value of social capital, there was no significant interaction between group and time. Conclusion: Our results suggest that social network incentives, in combination with financial incentives, are more effective for promoting physical activity than financial incentives alone among older women and that these effects can continue after an intervention. In the meantime, further studies should be conducted on the effect of physical activity on social capital.Trial registration: UMIN000038080, registered on 09/22/2019 (Retrospectively registered).
Prophylactic use of Hydroxychloroquine among Physicians working in Pandemic Hospitals
Authors: Gönenli Mehmet , Kayı İlker , Kanıtez Nilüfer Alpay , Baydaş Tuba , Köse Murat , Nalbantoğlu Emine , Keskinler Miraç Vural , Akpınar Timur , Ergönül Önder 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Throughout the pandemic, physicians working at the frontlines have embarked on various quests to protect themselves, and many physicians preferred the use of hydroxychloroquine (HQN) as a prophylactic agent. This study aimed to investigate the reasons leading physicians to use HQN and the effects of HQN use on physicians.Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study with a target population of physicians working in pandemic hospitals in İstanbul, Turkey. We have recruited the participants from seven different hospitals via an invitation email between May 14 and June 13, 2020. An online questionnaire, including 57 questions in total, was sent to each physician.Results: A total of 148 (26%) physicians used hydroxychloroquine for prevention. Older physicians and ones who have a story of exposure to COVID-19 patients without any protection used more prophylactic HQN. Hydroxychloroquine did not differ statistically in terms of being infected among the exposed physicians (p=0.52). Nineteen (13%) physicians using hydroxychloroquine developed side effects related to the drug. Diarrhea and nausea were the most common.Conclusion: Prophylactic HQN use was more common among the physicians older than 40 years and who had higher exposure rates to a COVID-19 patient without any protection. The physicians working at the frontlines had the highest rate of infection. Hydroxychloroquine was not effective in the prophylaxis of COVID-19 among the exposed physicians.
Trends of Malaria on Hotspot and Ivermectin Mass-drug Administration Zone of Amhara Regional State, 2020
Authors: Yenew Chalachew , Mulatu Sileshi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background:- Public health surveillance (PHS) is the continuing organized gathering, investigation, elucidation, and well-timed distribution of health-related information for activities and program evaluation. Conducting a surveillance system evaluation is crucial for monitoring the efficacy and effectiveness of intervention programs in health care systems. This study aimed to Evaluate the Trends of Malaria in the hotspot and Ivermectin mass-drug administration Zone of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, 2020.Methods: - A descriptive prevalence study design was used to evaluate the surveillance system of the Awi zone selected woreda. 25 study sources were incorporated in the survey (5 District Health Offices (5HOs), 10 Health Centers (10HCs), and 10 Health Posts (10 HPs). Purposive sampling techniques were utilized. Data were obtained by communicable diseases control the standard format of systematic evaluation of four surveillance units from January to August 2020 through observation, document review, and interviewing surveillance officers and focal persons using a semi-structured Survey.Results: - Average report fullness and aptness were 97.9% and 96% respectively. The average annual malaria incidence rate was a decline from the year 2015 to 2019 with an average reduction rate of 5.5% and the average annual parasitic incidence rate was 52 (22-199). In 2019/2020, 43131 Malaria cases were reported in the zone. Supervisions were made as integrated supportive supervision in the last six months. However, there was no program specific supportive supervision of public health emergency management. Data analysis was not routinely practiced in both visited districts and was not used for decision making.Conclusions: This result revealed that the malaria incidence rate showed a remarkable decline. However, the annual parasitic incidence rate remains constant. This indicates that ivermectin did not affect malaria elimination. The structure of the surveillance information transfer as of Kebel to Zone was well organized. However, coordination and supervision of the surveillanc activities were not frequent. From those supervised health facilities, most of them are not receiving feedback. There was no budget line, written feedback, epidemic and preparedness, and a response plan regular based on supportive supervision at all visited health facilities. Depending on this, we recommend that districts and sub-city health offices should conduct regular surveillance data analysis, perform supportive supervision, avail budgets and mitigate resource constraints and improve data quality on the job training and supportive supervision. Further laboratory investigations should be done to investigate the effect of ivermectin on the parasites under laboratory conditions.
Psychomotor Skills in Root Canal Treatment: Influence of Preclinical Training Time on Clinical Performance and Confidence Level of Undergraduate Dental Students
Authors: Barakat Reem , Matoug-Elwerfelli Manal , Almohareb Rahaf , Balto Hanan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Performing root canal treatment is complex and requires the development of psychomotor skills adapted to working without the advantage of vision. Students have allocated special importance to preclinical training in helping them acquire these skills. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the influence of exposure to additional preclinical training on undergraduate students’ confidence level and clinical performance defined by technical quality and quantity of root canal treatment. Methods: Clinical root canal treatment performed by a cohort of fifth-year undergraduate dental students was followed after half of them attended an additional (elective) endodontic preclinical course the year before. Root canal treatment was radiographically evaluated according to root canal filling length, density and presence of procedural errors. Technical quality and quantity of root canal treatment performed by students who had attended the elective course (attendees) and non-attendees, were compared. All students were also invited to participate in a survey to rate their undergraduate endodontic training and confidence levels performing root canal treatment. Statistical analysis of data was performed using Person chi-square test, Fisher Freeman Halton exact test, and T-test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: No significant difference between the two groups in overall root canal treatment quality (p=0.619) was found. Although elective attendees performed significantly less procedural errors (p=0.004), non-attendees completed more root canal treatments (p=0.012). Despite, no significant difference in the reported level of confidence between the attendees and the non-attendees, significantly more elective attendees rated their undergraduate endodontic training as adequate (p=0.002).Conclusion: While there was no significant difference in overall technical quality of root canal treatment, nor confidence levels, between both groups, undergraduate students who attended additional preclinical training performed significantly fewer procedural errors. Furthermore, students who attended additional preclinical training were more satisfied with their undergraduate endodontic education.
Genome-wide Identification of PbrbHLH Family Genes, and Expression Analysis in Response to drought and Cold Stresses in Pear (Pyrus Bretschneideri)
Authors: Dong Huizhen , Chen Qiming , Dai Yuqin , Hu Wenjie , Zhang Shaoling , Huang Xiaosan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors play important roles in many processes in plant growth, metabolism and responses to abiotic stresses. Although, the sequence of Chinese white pear genome (cv. ‘Dangshansuli’) has already been reported, there is still a lack of clarity regarding the bHLH family genes and their evolutionary history. Results: In this work, a genome-wide identification of the bHLH genes in Chinese white pear was performed, and we characterized the functional roles of these PbrbHLH genes in response to abiotic stresses. Based on the phylogenetic analysis and structural characteristics, 197 identified bHLH genes could be well classified into 21 groups. Expansion of PbrbHLH gene family were mainly driven by WGD and dispersed duplication with the purifying selection from the recent WGD. The functional annotation enrichment showed that the majority of PbrbHLHs were enriched in the GO terms and KEGG pathways involved in responds to stress conditions as TFs. Transcriptomic profiles and qRT-PCR revealed that PbrbHLH7, PbrbHLH8, PbrbHLH116, PbrbHLH128, PbrbHLH160 and PbrbHLH195 were significantly up-regulated under cold and drought treatments. In addition, PbrbHLH195-silenced pear seedlings display significant reduced cold tolerance, exhibiting reduced chlorophyll content, as well as increased Electrolyte leakage and concentrations of malondialdehyde and H2O2.Conclusion: For the first time, a comprehensive analysis identified the bHLH genes in Chinese white pear and demonstrated that PbrbHLH195 is involved in the production of ROS in response to cold stress, suggesting that members of the PbrbHLH family play an essential role in the stress tolerance of pear.
The intermittent fasting-dependent gut microbial metabolite indole-3 propionate promotes nerve regeneration and recovery after injury
Authors: Giovanni Simone Di , serger elisabeth , Chadwick Jessica , Luengo Lucia , Kong Guiping , Zhou Luming , Crawford Greg , Danzi Matt , Myridakis Antonis , Brandis Alexander , Bello Adesola , De Virgiliis Francesco , Dumas Marc-Emmanuel , Strid Jessica , Dodd Dylan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The regenerative potential of mammalian peripheral nervous system (PNS) neurons after injury is critically limited by their slow axonal regenerative rate1. Since a delayed target re-innervation leads to irreversible loss of function of target organs2, accelerated axonal regeneration is required to enhance functional outcomes following injury. Regenerative ability is influenced by both injury-dependent and injury-independent mechanisms3. Among the latter, environmental factors such as exercise and environmental enrichment have been shown to affect signalling pathways that promote axonal regeneration4. Several of these pathways, including modifications in gene transcription and protein synthesis, mitochondrial metabolism and release of neurotrophins, can be activated by intermittent fasting (IF)5,6. IF has in turn been shown to increase synaptic plasticity7,8 and neurogenesis9, partially sharing molecular mechanisms with axonal regeneration. However, whether IF influences the axonal regenerative ability remains to be investigated. Here we show that IF promotes axonal regeneration after sciatic nerve crush in the mouse via an unexpected mechanism that relies upon the gram + gut microbiome and an increase of the gut bacteria-derived metabolite indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) in the serum. IPA production by Clostridium sporogenes is required for efficient axonal regeneration, and delivery of IPA after sciatic injury significantly enhances axonal regeneration, accelerating recovery of sensory function. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing analysis from sciatic dorsal root ganglia suggested a role for neutrophil chemotaxis in the IPA-dependent regenerative phenotype that was confirmed by the inhibition of neutrophil chemotaxis. Our results demonstrate for the first time the ability of a microbiome derived metabolite, such as IPA, in facilitating regeneration and functional recovery of sensory axons via an immune-mediated mechanism. Since IPA is a naturally occurring metabolite with a very favourable toxicity profile, it represents a realistic translational possibility for human axonal injuries.
Multi-material Braids for Multifunctional Laminates: Conductive Through-thickness Reinforcement
Authors: O'Keeffe Caroline , Pickard Laura Rhian , Cao Juan , Allegri Giuliano , Partridge Ivana , Ivanov Dmitry 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Conventional carbon fibre laminates are known to be moderately electrically conductive in-plane, but have a poor through-thickness conductivity. This poses a problem for functionality aspects that are of increasing importance to industry, such as sensing, current collection, inductive/resistive heating, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, etc. This restriction is of course more pronounced for non-conductive composite reinforcements such as glass, organic or natural fibres. Among various solutions to boost through-thickness electrical conductivity, tufting with hybrid micro-braided metal-carbon fibre yarns is one of the most promising. As a well-characterised method of through thickness reinforcement, tufting is easily implementable in a manufacturing environment. The hybridisation of materials in the braid promotes the resilience and integrity of yarns, while integrating metal wires opens up a wide range of multifunctional applications. Many configurations can be produced by varying braid patterns and the constituting yarns/wires. A predictive design tool is therefore necessary to select the right material configuration for the desired functional and structural performance. This paper suggests a fast and robust method for generating finite-element models of the braids, validates the prediction of micro-architecture and electrical conductivity, and demonstrates successful manufacturing of composites enhanced with braided tufts.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Amputation in Patients With Diabetes in Japan: A Historical Cohort Study Using a Nationwide Claims Database
Authors: Kaneko Masanori , Fujihara Kazuya , Osawa Taeko , Yamamoto Masahiko , Harada Mayuko Yamada , Kitazaws Masaru , Matsubayashi Yasuhiro , Yamada Takaho , Seida Hiroyasu , Kodama Satoru , Sone Hirohito 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Because amputation negatively affects the quality of life of patients with diabetes and increases the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality, predictors of amputation must be identified. However, no large cohort studies have been conducted regarding the incidence of amputation in patients with diabetes in East Asia.Methods: We analyzed data from a nationwide claims database in Japan accumulated from 2008–2016, involving 17,288 patients with diabetes aged 18–72 y (2942 women, mean age 50.2 y, HbA1c 7.2%).Results: The mean follow-up time was 5.3 years, and 16 amputations occurred (0.17/1000 person-years). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age and HbA1c levels were independent predictors of amputation (hazard ratios [HRs], 1.09 and 1.43; 95% confidence intervals [CIs], 1.01–1.16 and 1.12–1.82, respectively). Compared with patients aged <60 y and with HbA1c <8%, the HR for patients aged ≥60 y and with HbA1c ≥8% was 32.1 (95% CI, 7.30–141.2).Conclusions: Improved glycemic control may lower amputation risk.
Adenosine A1 Receptor Ligands Bind to α-Synuclein: Implications for α-Synuclein Misfolding and α-Synucleinopathy in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Jakova Elisabet , Moutaoufik Mohamed Taha , Lee Jeremy , Babu Mohan , Cayabyab Francisco Sandoval 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background:Accumulating α-synuclein (α-Syn) aggregates in neurons and glial cells are the staples of many synucleinopathy disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. Since brain adenosine becomes greatly elevated in ageing brains and chronic adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) stimulation leads to neurodegeneration, we determined whether adenosine or A1R receptor ligands mimic the action of known compounds that promote α-Syn aggregation (e.g., the amphetamine analogue 2-aminoindan) or inhibit α-Syn aggregation (e.g., Rasagiline metabolite 1-aminoindan). In the present study, we determined whether adenosine, the A1R receptor agonist N6-Cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) and antagonist 8-Cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) directly interact with α-Syn to modulate α-Syn aggregation and neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Methods:Nanopore analysis and molecular dynamics simulation were used to test the binding properties of CPA and DPCPX with α-Syn in vitro. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 7-day intraperitoneal injections of the A1R ligands and 1- and 2-aminoindan, and levels of α-Syn aggregation and neurodegeneration were examined in the substantia nigra pars compacta region. Results:Using nanopore analysis, we showed that the A1R agonists (CPA and adenosine) interacted with the N-terminus of α-Syn, similar to 2-aminoindan, which is expected to promote a “knot” conformation and α-Syn misfolding. In contrast, the A1R antagonist DPCPX interacted with the N- and C-termini of α-Syn, similar to 1-aminoindan, which is expected to promote a “loop” conformation which prevents α-Syn misfolding. Molecular docking studies revealed that adenosine, CPA and 2-aminoindan interacted with the hydrophobic core of α-Syn N-terminus, whereas DPCPX and 1-aminoindan showed direct binding to the N- and C-terminal hydrophobic pockets. Histological and confocal imaging studies revealed that chronic treatments with CPA alone or in combination with 2-aminoindan increased α-Syn aggregation and neurodegeneration in SN pars compacta. In contrast, DPCPX and 1-aminoindan attenuated CPA-induced neurodegeneration but did not significantly reduce α-Syn aggregation.Conclusions:The results indicate A1R agonists and drugs promoting a “knot” conformation of α-Syn can cause α-synucleinopathy and increase neuronal degeneration, whereas A1R antagonists and drugs promoting a “loop” conformation of α-Syn can be harnessed for possible neuroprotective therapies to decrease α-synucleinopathy in Parkinson’s disease.