Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A comparison of curative effect between Telbivudine and lamivudine in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus

Objective To analyze efficacy in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus by telbivudine or lamivu-dine. Methods To collect 100 cases of patients with chronic hepatitis B, according different drugs divided into: tel-bivudine group(50 cases)and 50 cases of lamivudine group. Methods The HBV-DNA baseline decline value、HBV DNA below the detection limit、treatment response、HBeAg negative rate、ALT normalization rote、virological response rates、primary treatment failure rate were observed. Results The treatment efficacy at 52 weeks in telbivudine group of HBV-DNA decline in the value of the baseline (6.21og10), HBV DNA below the detection limit (69.6%)、treat-ment response(64.2%), HBeAg negative conversion rate(30.5%)、ALT normalization rate (88.9%)、virologic re-sponse rates (30.5%), primary treatment failure rate(3.6%), higher than the larnivudine group(5.41 og10、43.4%、 86.8%、20.3%、75.1%、18.1%、16.0%) (t =3.65, t =6.55, t =3.95, t =3. 85, t =8.65,t =6.06, t =15.02,P <0.05～0.01). Conclusion The curative effect of telbivudine and lamivudine at 52 weeks achieve better efficacy; curative effect of telbivudine higher than the lamivudine. Key words: Hepatitis B,chronic; Lamivudine; Telbivudine
Interleukin‐1β induces β‐calcitonin gene‐related peptide secretion in human type II alveolar epithelial cells

Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) is a 37‐amino acid neuropeptide mainly present in sensory nerve fibers, which is present in almost all organs, but it is also found in cultured rat type II alveolar epithelial cells (AEII). Our data have previously shown that CGRP may play an important role in inflammation as an immunomodulator. Proinflammatory factor IL‐1β induces CGRP release from neuron‐derived sources. However, whether IL‐1β can induce CGRP secretion from a nonneural source, AEII cells, is not known. In the present study, we demonstrated that human AEII A549 cells expressed β‐CGRP, and IL‐1β (0.001–50 ng/ml) directly increased CGRP secretion from these cells in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. The mRNA level of β‐CGRP was also elevated by IL‐1β (1 ng/ml). In addition, we found that IL‐1β‐induced CGRP production was mediated through the PKC‐p38 mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase‐NF‐κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, IL‐1β‐induced chemokines MCP‐1 and IL‐8 were partially inhibited by exogenous hCGRP (0.1–10 nM) and potentiated by hCGRP8–37 (0.1–10 nM), a CGRP1‐receptor antagonist. In addition, the CGRP‐inhibited chemokine effect was partially reduced by Rp‐cAMP, a cAMP‐PK inhibitor. These results suggest that AEII‐derived CGRP may act in an autocrine/paracrine mode and play an important inhibitory role in the local area in lung inflammatory diseases.
Thermotolerance induced at a mild temperature of 40°C protects cells against heat shock‐induced apoptosis

Apoptosis constitutes a response of organisms to various physiological or pathological stimuli, and to different stresses. The ability of thermotolerance induced at a mild temperature of 40°C to protect against activation of the apoptotic cascade by heat shock was investigated. When Chinese hamster ovary and human adenocarcinoma cervical cells were pretreated at 40°C for 3 h, they were resistant to subsequent lethal heat shock at 43°C. Induction of thermotolerance at 40°C led to increased expresssion of heat shock proteins 27, 32, 72, and 90. Heat shock induced apoptotic events at the mitochondrial level, involving a decrease in membrane potential, translocation of Bax to mitochondria, and liberation of cytochrome c into the cytosol. These events were diminished in thermotolerant cells. Heat shock (42–45°C) caused activation of initiator caspase‐9 and effector caspases‐3, ‐6, and ‐7, relative to controls at 37°C. Activation of caspases was decreased in thermotolerant cells. Heat shock caused fragmentation of the caspase substrate, inhibitor of caspase‐activated DNase. Fragmentation was diminished in thermotolerant cells. Thermotolerance afforded protection against heat shock‐induced nuclear chromatin condensation, but not against necrosis. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The relationship between nutrients in extracted xylem sap and the susceptibility of fruit trees to silver‐leaf disease caused by Stereum purpureum (Pers.) Fr.

SUMMARY Xylem sap was extracted from cut branches of stone-fruit and pip-fruit trees at different times of the year, and analysed for nitrogen and carbohydrate content. Growth of Stereum purpureum was measured in the different sap samples in vitro. Nitrogen and carbohydrate levels in xylem sap from peach trees were highest in late winter and early spring, and these samples supported most growth of S. purpureum. At full bloom the levels of nitrogen and carbohydrate in xylem sap from stone-fruits (peach, nectarine, plum, cherry) were several times greater than in sap from pip-fruits (apple, pear), and the growth of S. purpureum in sap from stone-fruits was approximately ten times that in sap from pip-fruits. The results suggest that seasonal variations in susceptibility of stone-fruits to silver-leaf disease, and the greater susceptibility of stone-fruits than of pip-fruits, are due to differential ability of their xylem saps to support growth of S. purpureum.
Mating system in a neotropical tree species, Senna multijuga (Fabaceae)

Senna multijuga is a pioneer tropical tree species that occurs mainly in the Brazilian Atlantic forest. We investigated the mating system of two populations of S. multijuga, one located in a reserve area (RD1) and the other (RD2) about 15 km away. The mating system parameters were estimated using the mixed mating model (software MLTR). The two populations had significantly different outcrossing rates, with population RD2 having a high rate (tm = 0.838) and population RD1, a lower rate (tm = 0.540). The values of ts were different between the two populations and also lower than those of tm. Significant tm - ts estimates indicated that biparental inbreeding contributed to the apparent selfing rate in these populations. The correlation of paternity was significant in population RD2 (rp = 0.309), suggesting that the progeny were more closely related than inferred by the observed outcrossing rate. The estimates of correlation of paternity, biparental inbreeding and the significant differences in pollen and ovule allele frequencies indicated that population RD2 is genetically substructured. For a pioneer species such as S. multijuga, selfing can be an important strategy for occupying open areas.
The sex-linked dwarf gene in the broiler chicken industry

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés.
Morphometric differentiation between the Italian hare (Lepus corsicanus De Winton, 1898) and the European brown hare (Lepus europaeus Pallas, 1778)

The Italian hare (Lepus corsicanus De Winton, 1898), formerly considered a subspecies of the European brown hare (L. europaeus Pallas, 1778), is an endemic species recently revalidated by genetic analyses. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to assess morphological discrimination between L. corsicanus and L. europaeus. A clear morphological discrimination in body and skull measurements between Italian hares and European hares was evident. Our results are consistent with the morphological observations in the historical specimens and with mtDNA data. Furthermore, no morphological hybrid was found even in areas where viable populations of the two species coexist in sympatry. Despite the original distribution of the Italian hare, it is impossible to determine a clear boundary between the two species because of human introduction of L. europaeus for hunting. Populations of L. corsicanus have been recorded from central Italy to Sicily, with a fragmented distribution and sometimes in sympatry and syntopy with populations of L. europaeus. However, in Sicily the Italian hare is continuously distributed, locally abundant and no stable European hare populations have been found. Although the conservation of the Italian hare needs to be understood better, urgent conservation and management strategies are required to avoid the threat of extinction for local populations.
Food supply and egg mass variation in the European coot

Female European Coots (Fulica atra) typically lay clutches of seven to eight, in which egg mass increases through the laying sequence. The proportions of yolk and albunmen do not change with egg mass, and hatchling mass is proportional to egg mass. Hatching is asynchronous, and laterhatced chicks often starve or die from exposure. These breeding characteristics are proposed to be related to the exploitation of a food supply showing both long— and short—term unpredictability in abundance. The higher mass of the later chicks within a brood may allow them to survive long enough to exploit any sudden increases in food abundance at little parental cost. Experimental manipulation of food supply during the prelaying period shows that this systematic variation in mass within a clutch may be due to a facultative response in females; individuals fed upon an extremely constant daily food supply laid less variable clutches than females exposed to the natural food supply. The function and mechanism of this response are discussed.
Investigations on specific functions of α- and γ-tocopherol during leaf senescence of higher plants

Although it is well-known that tocopherols are important for human nutrition and health, their functions in plants are not well understood until now. As α- and γ-tocopherol accumulate in senescent leaves of higher plants, specific functions of α- and γ-tocopherol during leaf senescence were investigated. To test the hypothesis, that tocopherol accumulation in an inevitable passive consequence of chlorophyll breakdown, tocopherols and chlorophylls were measured in stay-green organisms such as the transgenic SAG12-IPT tobacco and the Festuca/Lolium mutant. These analyses revealed that chlorophyll breakdown is no mandatory prerequisite for the accumulation of tocopherols, though it is possible that phytol used for tocopherol synthesis is derived from the chlorophyll catabolism. Experiments on leaves of the SAG12-IPT line and on rosette leaves of RILs of Arabidopsis thaliana demonstrated that the accumulation of α-tocopherol is dependent on leaf age. The measurement of α-tocopherol in the SAG12-IPT tobacco and the gln1.2 knock-out mutant of A. thaliana, both affected in nutrient remobilisation, elucidated that plants with an impairment of remobilisation exhibit an increased level of α-tocopherol. Furthermore, the tocopherol content was dramatically increased when plants were forced to remobilise by growing them under nutrient deficiency. These results indicate, that the accumulation of α-tocopherol plays a crucial role for the remobilisation, not only during senescence. The measurement of γ-tocopherol in leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana RILs and the SAG12-IPT line showed, that γ-tocopherol accumulation is restricted to later stages of the senescence. Gene expression analysis and the observation that γ-tocopherol content is significantly elevated in brown, senescent leaf tissue provide evidence, that γ-tocopherol is involved in cell death processes. Therefore, γ-tocopherol accumulation is discussed as a marker for the last phase of senescence which is characterised by cell death.
Effect of Distiller's Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) Feeding to Dairy Cows on Oxidative Status under Hot Condition

Distiller’s Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) derived from ethanol production with corn grains contained about 3 times more fat than the corn. The concentrated fat containing vitamin E and other components derived from the fermentation process is thought to possess an antioxidative function, although information about the antioxidative function of DDGS feeding to animals is limited, hence the effect of DDGS feeding of dairy cows on oxidative stress markers in plasma at high environmental temperatures was investigated. Six Holstein cows were divided into 2 groups, one of which was fed total mixed ration (TMR) including 20%DM of DDGS, while another control group was fed similar TMR without DDGS for 17 days at a high environmental temperature. The dry matter intake in the DDGS group was similar to the control group. In the DDGS group, the milk protein content was lower and the milk lactose content higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Concentrations of SH residue and ascorbic acid in the plasma seemed higher in the DDGS group than the control, but not significantly. However, the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in plasma was lower in the DDGS group than the control (P < 0.05). DDGS feeding to cows might be effective in reducing oxidative stress during hot seasons.
Phylogeny of the carnivora: Basal relationships among the carnivoramorphans, and assessment of the position of ‘miacoidea’ relative to carnivora

Synopsis The relationships between the earliest members of the Carnivoramorpha and the crown‐clade Carnivora are more firmly resolved. The data set for the phylogenetic analyses includes 99 cranial and dental characters from 40 taxa, representing a wide range of early Cenozoic fossil carni‐voramorphan taxa traditionally included within the ‘Miacoidea’, representatives of extant Carnivora and outgroups. New fossils of Tapocyon and Oödectes, and more thorough anatomical analyses, significantly increase the taxon and character sampling available for the earliest members of the Carnivoramorpha. The first auditory region known for Oödectes is described. We test the monophyly of the Carnivoramorpha and various subclades, as well as interrelationships of ‘Miacoidea’ taxa relative to each other and to the Carnivora. The monophyly of the Carnivora and Carnivoramorpha is supported, relative to other Ferae (two hyaenodontid ‘creodonts') and Eutherian outgroups. There is compelling evidence that ‘Miacidae’ and Viverravidae are not basal members of the Caniformia and Feliformia but rather are excluded from the Carnivora (as phylogenetically defined, Wyss & Flynn 1993, emended by Bryant 1996). A monophyletic Viverravidae is strongly supported, forming the nearest outgroup to all other Carnivoramorpha. ‘Miacidae’ is not monophyletic; rather it appears to represent a paraphyletic array of stem taxa, basal to the Carnivora. We discuss character evolution and transformations in the light of these new phylogenetic hypotheses. Basicranial characters are not significantly more useful (less homoplasious) than dental features and thus do not represent a ‘holy grail’ morphological character system for reconstructing carnivoramorphan phylogeny. The results indicate that the split between the Feliformia and Caniformia, now estimated at a minimum age of ∼43 Ma, appears to have taken place more recently than many earlier studies suggested (see also Flynn 1996).
Selected Vitamin Contents and Retentions in Bison Patties as Related to Cooking Method

Contents and retentions of selected vitamins in broiled and grilled bison patties from four producers were determined. Mean vitamin contents of uncooked bison patties were (per 100 g wet weight): 0.038 mg thiamin, 0.220 mg vitamin B-6, 1. 457μg vitamin B-12, and 0.286 mg vitamin E; no differences were observed among producers. Differences were found (P<0.05) among producers for vitamins B-6, B-12, and E (broiled only), but not for thiamin contents of cooked bison patties. The mean retention values in cooked patties were: 68.9% thiamin; 67.5% vitamin B-6; 67.0% vitamin B-12; and 76.1% vitamin E. Bison patties are rich sources of vitamin B-12 and good sources of vitamin B-6.
Assessment of long-term changes in habitat availability for Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) in a temperate lake using oxygen profiles and hydroacoustic surveys

1. Hydroacoustics (2002–04) and long-term oxygen data (1969–2004) have been used in conjunction to examine the habitat of Arctic charr in the north and south basins of Windermere, U.K., a temperate lake subjected to cultural eutrophication and subsequent nutrient management. 2. Since 1969 there has been a gradual decline in the oxygen concentration in the bottom waters of both basins of 0.03–0.04 mg L−1year−1, resulting in up to 43% of the volume of the south basin having an oxygen concentration <5 mg L−1 in the early autumn. 3. Hydroacoustic data indicate that most Arctic charr routinely avoid the upper 10 m of the water column irrespective of temperature, with the implication that an observed gradual warming of the lake has not yet directly impacted upon their habitat. 4. In recent years there has been a behavioural response of the Arctic charr population to migrate vertically to avoid oxygen concentrations <2.3–3.1 mg L−1. Further, the depth of the lower bound of the Arctic charr population is shown to be highly correlated with the deep water oxygen concentration throughout the year prior to autumnal overturn.
Beyond Podcasting: Creative Approaches to Designing Educational Audio.

This paper discusses a university-wide pilot designed to encourage academics to creatively explore learner-centred applications for digital audio. Participation in the pilot was diverse in terms of technical competence, confidence and contextual requirements and there was little prior experience of working with digital audio. Many innovative approaches were taken to using audio in a blended context including student-generated vox pops, audio feedback models, audio conversations and task-setting. A podcast was central to the pilot itself, providing a common space for the 25 participants, who were also supported by materials in several other formats. An analysis of podcast interviews involving pilot participants provided the data informing this case study. This paper concludes that audio has the potential to promote academic creativity in engaging students through media intervention. However, institutional scalability is dependent upon the availability of suitable timely support mechanisms that can address the lack of technical confidence evident in many staff. If that is in place, audio can be widely adopted by anyone seeking to add a new layer of presence and connectivity through the use of voice. Keywords: podcasting; digital audio; transformation; creativity; innovation DOI: 10.1080/09687760903033082
Differential Effects of Grazing on Plant Functional Traits in the Desert Grassland

ABSTRACT: Plant functional traits are linked with environmental factors, individuals and ecosystem structure and functions as plants respond and adapt to the environment. Here, the whole-plant traits (plant height and plant biomass), leaf morphological (leaf area, leaf dry mass and specific leaf area) and chemical traits (leaf carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus contents, C/N and N/P ratio) of six dominant species (Cynanchum komarovii Al, Euphorbia esula Linn, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, Lespedeza potaninii Vass, Agropyron mongolicum Keng and Stipa breviflora Griseb) were studied in the desert grassland of China, with a grazing experiment including four grazing intensity (0.00, 0.45, 1.00, 1.50 sheep ha-1). The effect of grazing on leaf morphological traits were significant for the six dominant species, while the effects on whole-plant traits were highly significant for S. breviflora, A. mongolicum, G. uralensis, L. potaninii and C. komarovii. Three of the six species (S. breviflora, A. mongolicum and L. potaninii) decreased in plant height (PH) with increasing grazing intensity, while specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf N (Nmass) showed the opposite trend. The whole-plant traits were significantly positively correlated with leaf dry mass (LM), but significantly negatively correlated with leaf nitrogen and phosphorus contents. The first principal component analysis (PCA) axis corresponding to plant size (PH and PB) and leaf size (LA and LM), while the second axis of PCA to leaf chemical traits (Nmass, P, C and N/P). Variations of plant traits in response to grazing were mainly explained by size trait and chemical traits. The functional traits cannot be the only basis for predicting plant species in response to grazing, and a functional analysis of the trade-off between plant traits is also needed.
Aqueous extract of Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae) inflorescences suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages

Yarrow Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae), is a perennial herb highly recognized in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, studies on molecular mechanisms underlying these properties are scarce. The present work focuses on examining the effect of aqueous extract of A. millefolium L. inflorescences on the inflammatory responses of RAW 264.7 macrophages challenged with LPS. Applied at a concentration range of 25 - 300 �g/ml, the extract did not affect cell viability. LPSinduced NO production was strongly suppressed and correlated with a dose-dependent downregulation of iNOS protein expression. The extract exerted no significant effect on PGE2 synthesis and protein COX-2 levels. The secretion of GM-CSF and IL-10 was decreased, while the production of TNF-�and IL-1� was enhanced. The levels of IL-6 were not significantly altered. The anti-inflammatory effects of the extract were partially mediated by the suppression of the activation of transcription factor NF-�B and p38 MAPK signaling cascade. In addition, at the higher concentrations tested, the extract demonstrated good free radical scavenging activity and ability to decrease the levels of intracellular ROS. The present work corroborates the traditional use of A. millefolium L. infusions as antiphlogistic drug.
Water balance in the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) compared with five common native ant species from southern California

Abstract Little attention has been given to the effect of physiological limitations on the ability of introduced species to invade ecological communities. In the present study, the water balance of the invasive Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) is compared with five common ant species native to southern California. Total and critical water contents are measured, as well as rates of water loss and survival times. The results show that the body size of ant species has a strong effect on water balance, explaining between 99% of total and 90% of critical water content (i.e. the amount of water remaining when the ant becomes moribund). The measured survival times at 40 °C and approximately 0% relative humidity are shorter for L. humile than for the other five native ant species. The area‐independent water‐loss rate is higher for L. humile than for the other native ant species studied. This finding is corroborated by independent data using two different methods (i.e. gravimetric measurement and open‐flow respirometry). Somewhat surprisingly, significant differences in the water‐loss rates of different sizes of Solenopsis xyloni workers are found, even after adjusting for surface area. The area‐independent water‐loss rate is significantly lower for larger than for smaller workers. Consistent with circumstantial evidence from the field, the results suggest that the physiological constraints of invasive species, such as water‐loss rates and critical water content, can limit their distribution and abundance not only at regional scales, but also at fine scales.