bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alternative interferons and immunomodulators in the treatment of hepatitis C
Authors: Alao Hawwa , Jake Liang T. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractInterferon‐α (IFN‐α) has been the mainstay of therapy for hepatitis C and is currently being combined with other drugs to improve the response rate. Newer therapeutic regimens are being developed to spare the use of IFN because of the important side effects associated with IFN‐based therapy. However, there may still be a need for the use of IFN in certain populations. In addition, agents that mimic the actions of IFN but with fewer side effects may still be of major value. This review focuses on the development of alternative and new forms of IFNs and other immunomodulatory agents that may supplant IFN‐α in combination therapy for hepatitis C.
HCV F1/F2 patients: treat now or continue to wait
Authors: Shiffman Mitchell L. , Benhamou Yves 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe treatment of chronic HCV is evolving rapidly. In 2014, three new oral antiviral agents, simeprevir, faldeprevir and sofosbuvir will become available for patients with HCV genotype 1. These agents have far less side effects than the first generation protease inhibitors telaprevir and boceprevir. Treatment will therefore be easier for patients to tolerate but still require peginterferon and ribavirin (PEGINF/RBV). The first IFN free therapy, sofosbuvir (SOF) and ribavirin (RBV), will also become available in 2014. This treatment is highly effective for patients with HCV genotype 2. However, SVR rates with SOF/RBV appear to be similar to that achieved with PEGINF/RBV in patients with HCV genotype 3. The first IFN‐free all oral antiviral therapy combination for patients with HCV genotype 1 may be available late in 2014 or early 2015. The factors which should be considered when deciding whether to treat a patient with HCV now or to delay treatment until IFN free therapies are available is discussed.
Second‐wave IFN‐based triple therapy for HCV genotype 1 infection: simeprevir, faldaprevir and sofosbuvir
Authors: Asselah Tarik , Marcellin Patrick 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWith the approval of second‐wave direct‐acting antivirals simeprevir, sofosbuvir and faldaprevir in 2014–2015, for genotype 1 hepatitis C, patients and doctors will have more treatment options. During a first period, these treatments will still be used with peginterferon and ribavirin. The second wave of IFN‐based triple therapy will have benefits and risk. These treatments have the following advantages: higher efficacy with more patient candidates for a shorten treatment duration (12–24 weeks, instead of 48 weeks). These new treatments appear to have a better safety profile than first generation, with no additional increase in anaemia over peginterferon/ribavirin. Then, these treatments are to take for patients with a decrease in pill burden (these three direct‐acting antivirals are given orally one pill a day). Simeprevir and sofosbuvir may be approved in the US and Europe, in 2014, at the time this manuscript will be released. Approval of faldaprevir will follow. These direct‐acting antivirals with many others will hopefully be combined in future interferon‐free regimens. The goal of this review to summarize the results and safety of simeprevir, faldaprevir and sofosbuvir, to advise physicians and to inform patients on the benefits and risks of these second‐wave IFN‐based regimens for HCV genotype infection.
The bacterial effector HopM1 suppresses PAMP‐triggered oxidative burst and stomatal immunity
Authors: Lozano‐Durán Rosa , Bourdais Gildas , He Sheng Yang , Robatzek Silke 
Published: December 2013

Summary

Successful pathogens counter immunity at multiple levels, mostly through the action of effectors. Pseudomonas syringae secretes c. 30 effectors, some of which have been shown to inhibit plant immunity triggered upon perception of conserved pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). One of these is HopM1, which impairs late immune responses through targeting the vesicle trafficking‐related AtMIN7 for degradation.

Here, we report that in planta expressed HopM1 suppresses two early PAMP‐triggered responses, the oxidative burst and stomatal immunity, both of which seem to require proteasomal function but are independent of AtMIN7. Notably, a 14‐3‐3 protein, GRF8/AtMIN10, was found previously to be a target of HopM1 in vivo, and expression of HopM1 mimics the effect of chemically and genetically disrupting 14‐3‐3 function.

Our data further show that the function of 14‐3‐3 proteins is required for PAMP‐triggered oxidative burst and stomatal immunity, and chemical‐mediated disruption of the 14‐3‐3 interactions with their client proteins restores virulence of a HopM1‐deficient P. syringae mutant, providing a link between HopM1 and the involvement of 14‐3‐3 proteins in plant immunity.

Taken together, these results unveil the impact of HopM1 on the PAMP‐triggered oxidative burst and stomatal immunity in an AtMIN7‐independent manner, most likely acting at the function of (a) 14‐3‐3 protein(s).
Do Elections Matter for Economic Performance?
Authors: Collier Paul , Hoeffler Anke 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn mature democracies, elections discipline leaders to deliver good economic performance. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, most developing countries also hold elections, but these are often marred by illicit tactics. Using a new global data set, this article investigates whether these illicit tactics are merely blemishes or substantially undermine the economic efficacy of elections. We show that illicit tactics are widespread, and that they reduce the incentive for governments to deliver good economic performance. Our analysis also suggests that in societies with regular free and fair elections, leaders do not matter for economic growth.
Accumulation of secreted antibodies in plant cell cultures varies according to the isotype, host species and culture conditions
Authors: Magy Bertrand , Tollet Jérémie , Laterre Raphaëlle , Boutry Marc , Navarre Catherine 
Published: December 2013

SummaryNicotiana tabacum suspension cells have been widely used to produce monoclonal antibodies, but the yield of secreted antibodies is usually low probably because of proteolytic degradation. Most IgGs that have been expressed in suspension cells have been of the human IgG1 isotype. In this study, we examined whether other isotypes displayed the same sensitivity to proteolytic degradation and whether the choice of plant host species mattered. Human serum IgG displayed different degradation profiles when incubated in spent culture medium from N. tabacum, Nicotiana benthamiana or Arabidopsis thaliana suspension cells. Zymography showed that the protease profile was host species dependent. Three human isotypes, IgG1, IgG2 and IgG4, and a mouse IgG2a were provided with the same heavy‐ and light‐chain variable regions from an anti‐human IgM antibody and expressed in N. tabacum cv. BY‐2 and A. thaliana cv. Col‐0 cells. Although all tested isotypes were detected in the extracellular medium using SDS‐PAGE and a functional ELISA, up to 10‐fold differences in the level of intact antibody were found according to the isotype expressed, to the host species and to the culture conditions. In the best combination (BY‐2 cells secreting human IgG1), we reported accumulation of more than 30 mg/L of intact antibody in culture medium. The possibility of using IgG constant regions as a scaffold to allow stable accumulation of antibodies with different variable regions was demonstrated for human IgG2 and mouse IgG2a.
Identification of early Al‐responsive genes in rice bean (Vigna umbellata) roots provides new clues to molecular mechanisms of Al toxicity and tolerance
Authors: FAN W. , LOU H. Q. , GONG Y. L. , LIU M. Y. , WANG Z. Q. , YANG J. L. , ZHENG S. J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSignificant secretion of citrate from root apex of rice bean (Vigna umbellata) is delayed by several hours under aluminium (Al) stress. However, the molecular basis of regulation of VuMATE1, a gene encoding an Al‐activated citrate transporter, remains unclear. In this study, we used suppression subtractive hybridization together with reverse northern blot analysis and qRT‐PCR to identify genes with altered transcript levels in the root apex after treatment with low (5 μm) or high (25 μm) concentration of AlCl3 for a short time (4 h). We found that in addition to VuMATE1, 393 genes showed an early response to Al. Among functionally annotated genes, those related to ‘metabolism and energy’, ‘signal transduction and transcription’ and ‘transport’ was predominantly up‐regulated, whereas those associated with ‘protein translation, processing and degradation’ was predominantly down‐regulated. Comparative analysis of transcriptional profiles highlighted candidate genes associated with citrate secretion and revealed several new aspects of the molecular processes underlying Al toxicity and tolerance. Based on the data, it is proposed that metabolic changes represent adaptive mechanisms to Al stress, whereas inhibition of both cell elongation and cell division underlies Al‐induced root growth inhibition.
ARP2/3 complex‐mediated actin dynamics is required for hydrogen peroxide‐induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis
Authors: LI XIN , LI JIAN‐HUA , WANG WEI , CHEN NAI‐ZHI , MA TONG‐SUO , XI YA‐NAN , ZHANG XIAO‐LU , LIN HAI‐FEI , BAI YANG , HUANG SHAN‐JIN , CHEN YU‐LING 
Published: December 2013

AbstractMultiple cellular events like dynamic actin reorganization and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production were demonstrated to be involved in abscisic acid (ABA)‐induced stomatal closure. However, the relationship between them as well as the underlying mechanisms remains poorly understood. Here, we showed that H2O2 generation is indispensable for ABA induction of actin reorganization in guard cells of Arabidopsis that requires the presence of ARP2/3 complex. H2O2‐induced stomatal closure was delayed in the mutants of arpc4 and arpc5, and the rate of actin reorganization was slowed down in arpc4 and arpc5 in response to H2O2, suggesting that ARP2/3‐mediated actin nucleation is required for H2O2‐induced actin cytoskeleton remodelling. Furthermore, the expression of H2O2 biosynthetic related gene AtrbohD and the accumulation of H2O2 was delayed in response to ABA in arpc4 and arpc5, demonstrating that misregulated actin dynamics affects H2O2 production upon ABA treatment. These results support a possible causal relation between the production of H2O2 and actin dynamics in ABA‐mediated guard cell signalling: ABA triggers H2O2 generation that causes the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton partially mediated by ARP2/3 complex, and ARP2/3 complex‐mediated actin dynamics may feedback regulate H2O2 production.
Effect of narrow band‐ultraviolet B on CD4+CD25highFoxP3+T‐lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of vitiligo patients
Authors: Moftah Nayera H. , El‐Barbary Rasha A. H. , Ismail Mona A. , Ali Nancy A. M. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryBackgroundIt is widely believed that an imbalance between activated CD8+T cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) exists in patients with vitiligo. Although there is evidence that narrow band ultraviolet (NB‐UVB) irradiation can induce Tregs' number and activity, but up to our knowledge, none of the published studies involved the possible effect of NB‐UVB on Tregs in vitiligo.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of NB‐UVB on circulating CD4+CD25highFoxP3+regulatory T cells (FoxP3+Tregs) in vitiligo.MethodsThis prospective analytic study included 20 patients with active non‐segmental vitiligo and 20 healthy controls. The patients were exposed to NB‐UVB therapy three times per week for 30 sessions. Blood sampling before and after NB‐UVB phototherapy was done to evaluate circulating CD4+CD25highTregs and Foxp3+Tregs.ResultsThe CD4+CD25highTregs% and FoxP3+Tregs% were significantly higher in vitiligo patients compared with controls. NB‐UVB therapy decreased both of them in patients, but they did not reach those of controls. Each of circulating CD4+CD25highTregs% and FoxP3+Tregs% didn't correlate with either extent or activity of vitiligo before or after NB‐UVB.ConclusionTregs functional defect is probably having an impact on NSV. NB‐UVB may improve the function of Tregs. Understanding the mechanisms through which NB‐UVB exert its effect on reducing the number of circulating Tregs would help open up the paths for future therapeutic options.
Strategies for Developing and Delivering a Parental Physical Activity Intervention: Answers to the What and How
Authors: Hamilton Kyra , White Katherine M. 
Published: December 2013

Background:Parents are at risk for physical inactivity; however, few studies have designed physical activity (PA) interventions specifically applied to individuals with young children. To ensure the effectiveness of interventions, it may be useful to first elicit the needs from the target population and incorporate salient strategies identified to the design and delivery of a resultant intervention. We aimed to explore strategies for what to include in and how to best deliver a program designed to increase parental PA.Methods:Twelve parents (6 mothers, 6 fathers) of children younger than 5 years participated in focus group discussions exploring strategies for an intervention program designed to increase parental PA.Results:A range of themes such as Focus on the Children and Flexible Life/Family Plans imbedded in strategies such as persuasion and information, problem-solving, skill building, and environmental approaches were identified. In addition, a range of strategies for how to best deliver a parental PA intervention evidenced in emerging themes such as Diverse and Brief and Individualized Approach was discussed.Conclusions:Future research should continue to adopt a ground up, community-based approach to the development and implementation of interventions for this at-risk group to ensure sustained involvement in regular PA.
Physical Inactivity Among Older Canadian Adults
Authors: Azagba Sunday , Sharaf Mesbah Fathy 
Published: December 2013

Background:In spite of the substantial benefits of physical activity for healthy aging, older adults are considered the most physically inactive segment of the Canadian population. This paper examines leisure-time physical inactivity (LTPA) and its correlates among older Canadian adults.Methods:We use data from the Canadian Community Health Survey with 45,265 individuals aged 50–79 years. A logistic regression is estimated and separate regressions are performed for males and females.Results:About 50% of older Canadian adults are physically inactive. Higher odds of physical inactivity are found among current smokers (OR = 1.52, CI = 1.37–1.69), those who binge-drink (OR = 1.24, CI = 1.11–1.39), visible minorities (OR = 1.60, CI = 1.39–1.85), immigrants (OR = 1.13, CI = 1.02–1.25), individuals with high perceived life stress (OR = 1.48, CI = 1.31–1.66). We also find lower odds of physical inactivity among: males (OR = 0.89, CI = 0.83 to 0.96), those with strong social interaction (OR = 0.71, CI = 0.66–0.77), with general life satisfaction (OR = 0.66, CI = 0.58–0.76) and individuals with more education. Similar results are obtained from separate regressions for males and females.Conclusions:Identifying the correlates of LTPA among older adults can inform useful intervention measures.
Physical Activity in High School Physical Education: Impact of Lesson Context and Class Gender Composition
Authors: Smith Nicole J. , Lounsbery Monica A.F. , McKenzie Thomas L. 
Published: December 2013

Background:Physical education (PE) is recommended as a source for physical activity (PA) and learning generalizable PA skills. Few studies have objectively examined high school PE, specifically its delivery, including PA, lesson contexts, and class gender composition.Methods:We used the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT) to assess PA during 6 lesson contexts in 47 boys-only, 54 girls-only, and 63 coed lessons from 7 high schools. MANOVA assessed differences based on class gender composition.Results:Actual lesson length was 27.7 min, only 65% of the scheduled length of class periods. Students engaged in moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA) 54% of the time, with boys being more active than girls. Game play was the most dominant context (47%), and little time was allocated to knowledge and skill development. Class size, lesson length, PA, and lesson contexts all differed by class gender composition (P < .001).Conclusions:Many differences in the conduct of high school PE are related to class gender composition. Boys accumulated more MVPA than girls. When held, PE lessons contributed about 25% of recommended daily PA minutes; improvements could be made by increasing allocations to fitness and skill practice and reducing transition and management time. Teacher professional development is warranted.
The Added Value of a Brief Self-Efficacy Coaching on the Effectiveness of a 12-Week Physical Activity Program
Authors: Seghers Jan , Van Hoecke Ann-Sophie , Schotte Astrid , Opdenacker Joke , Boen Filip 
Published: December 2013

Background:Self-efficacy has been found to be an important precondition for behavioral change in sedentary people. The current study examined the effectiveness and added value of including a 15-minute selfefficacy coaching at the start of a 12-week lifestyle physical activity (PA) program.Methods:Participants were randomly assigned to a standard-intervention group (without additional self-efficacy coaching, N = 116) or extra-intervention group (with additional self-efficacy coaching, N = 111). Body mass index (BMI), cardiovascular fitness, self-reported PA, and self-efficacy beliefs were assessed at baseline and immediately after the intervention period. Perceived adherence to the PA program was assessed postintervention.Results:At posttest, a significant increase in cardiovascular fitness and decrease in BMI were found in both groups. Significant intervention effects emerged on PA behavior, self-efficacy, and program adherence, in favor of the extra-intervention group. Self-efficacy mediated the intervention effect on program adherence whereas no evidence was found for its role as mediator of PA change.Conclusions:Adding a 15-minute self-efficacy coaching at the start of a lifestyle PA program is a promising strategy to enhance the intervention effects on PA behavior, self-efficacy beliefs, and program adherence. However, the role of self-efficacy as mediator of the intervention effect on in PA was not fully supported.
Laefstael Jenses: An Investigation of Barriers and Facilitators for Healthy Lifestyles of Women in an Urban Pacific Island Context
Authors: Siefken Katja , Schofield Grant , Schulenkorf Nico 
Published: December 2013

Background:The Pacific region has experienced rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes, which lead to high rates of noncommunicable disease (NCD) prevalence. There is no information on barriers and facilitators for healthy lifestyles in this region. In response, we present the first stage of a rigorous development of an urban Pacific health intervention program. This paper describes formative work conducted in Port Vila, Vanuatu. The objective of this paper was to understand cultural barriers and facilitators in Pacific women to lifestyle change and use the findings to inform future health interventions.Methods:Semistructured focus groups with 37 female civil servants divided into 6 groups were held verbally to understand barriers and facilitators for healthy lifestyles.Results:Several perceived barriers and facilitators were identified. Inter alia, barriers include financial limitations, time issues, family commitments, environmental aspects, and motivational hindrances that limit time and opportunities for healthy lifestyle behavior. Facilitators include more supportive environments, social support mechanisms, and the implementation of rigorous health policies.Conclusions:Formative work is essential in designing health intervention programs. Uncovered barriers and facilitators help inform the development of culturally relevant health interventions.
Correlates of Adiposity Among Latino Preschool Children
Authors: Mendoza Jason A. , McLeod Jessica , Chen Tzu-An , Nicklas Theresa A. , Baranowski Tom 
Published: December 2013

Background:Childhood obesity is at record high levels in the US and disproportionately affects Latino children; however, studies examining Latino preschool children’s obesity-related risk factors are sparse. This study determined correlates of Latino preschoolers’ (ages 3–5 years) adiposity to inform future obesity interventions and policies.Methods:Latino preschoolers (n = 96) from 4 Head Start centers in Houston, Texas were recruited. Parents reported acculturation and neighborhood safety. Children’s and parents’ height and weight were measured. Children’s television (TV) viewing was measured by TV diaries and physical activity by accelerometers. Linear regression was used with body mass index (BMI) z-score as the dependent variable and covariates sequentially added and retained in 4 blocks: 1) child age, gender, parent education, and BMI; 2) neighborhood safety and parent and child acculturation; 3) TV viewing; and 4) moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).Results:In the final model (n = 96), only neighborhood disorder (β = 0.30, P = .005) and MVPA (β = –0.21, P = .049) were significantly associated with BMI z-score.Conclusions:Among Latino preschoolers, higher neighborhood disorder and lower MVPA were associated with greater children’s BMI z-scores.
A Community Survey on Neighborhood Violence, Park Use, and Physical Activity Among Urban Youth
Authors: Echeverria Sandra E. , Kang Amiee Luan , Isasi Carmen R. , Johnson-Dias Janice , Pacquiao Dula 
Published: December 2013

Background:Neighborhoods can be an important feature of the built environment influencing physical activity; however, neighborhood poverty and violence may pose significant barriers for youth physical activity. We conducted a community survey of 107 households with youth 3–12 years of age in select neighborhoods of the city of Newark, New Jersey, a highly impoverished and racially/ethnically segregated city of the United States.Results:The majority of sampled households did not have access to a park, and nearly 60% of youth were not engaged in a team or organized physical activity program. Hearing gunshots and seeing drug deals in the neighborhood were reported by 74% and 56%, respectively, of study participants. In adjusted regression models, a 1-unit increase in self-reported neighborhood safety was associated with perceptions that parks were safe for youth to use (OR = 1.7, CI = 1.3, 2.3) and increased odds of youth using parks (OR = 1.3, CI = 1.0, 1.6). Self-reported neighborhood violence was marginally associated with lower levels of Metabolic Equivalent (MET)-min/week of moderate PA (β = –54.25, P = .05).Conclusion:To ensure national goals of increased physical activity and use of outdoor spaces, addressing the neighborhood contexts under which the most vulnerable of our youth live will be required.
IKZF1 status as a prognostic feature in BCR-ABL1–positive childhood ALL
Authors: van der Veer Arian , Zaliova Marketa , Mottadelli Federica , De Lorenzo Paola , te Kronnie Gertruuy , Harrison Christine J. , Cavé Hélène , Trka Jan , Saha Vaskar , Schrappe Martin , Pieters Rob , Biondi Andrea , Valsecchi Maria Grazia , Stanulla Martin , den Boer Monique L. , Cazzaniga Giovanni 
Published: December 2013

Key Points
IKZF1 deletions are predictive of an unfavorable outcome in childhood BCR-ABL1–positive ALL. Good-risk BCR-ABL1–positive patients with wild-type IKZF1 have good outcomes when treated with imatinib.