bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Home Bias in Primary Agricultural and Processed Food Trade: Assessing the Effects of National Degree of Uncertainty Aversion
Authors: Ghazalian Pascal L. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis study investigates the effects of national degrees of uncertainty aversion (unfamiliarity avoidance) on the magnitude of bias towards domestic products rather than imports. The empirical analysis is implemented for primary agricultural and processed food products, using a panel dataset covering trade between and within OECD countries. Primary agricultural products are often blended and associated with reference prices. Conversely, processed food products exhibit higher levels of product differentiation. The empirical results confirm expectations by emphasizing the magnifying effects of uncertainty aversion on home bias in the case of processed food products but not in the case of primary agricultural products. These magnifying effects are primarily associated with processed food products destined for final household consumption. Other results reveal significant variations between different countries (based on geo‐economic and national income categories). Our results also indicate that home bias and uncertainty aversion effects on home bias have not decreased over time. The empirical results remain robust under different estimation methods.
Direct acting antivirals for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C: one pill a day for tomorrow
Authors: Asselah Tarik , Marcellin Patrick 
Published: December 2011

AbstractChronic hepatitis C is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease with approximately 170 million people infected worldwide. Sustained virological response (SVR) is equivalent to viral eradication and associated with a reduction in the risk of cirrhosis. Nowadays the treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 chronic infection is the addition of direct acting antivirals (DAA) with a protease inhibitor (telaprevir or boceprevir) to the pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) regimen. The future management of patients with these new molecules will require good clinical practice, knowledge of indications, management of side effects and monitoring for antiviral resistance. Certain major medical needs are still unmet and require studies in special populations (HIV‐HCV coinfected patients, transplanted patients, etc.…) and also in HCV non‐1 genotype patients and in non‐responders. Second generation DAA are in development. Combinations of antivirals with additive potency that lack cross resistance and with a good safety profile may provide new regimens in the future to make HCV the first chronic viral infection eradicated worldwide with a finite duration of combination DAA therapy without IFN. The aim of this review is to summarize mechanisms of action and results obtained with DAAs.
The future for the treatment of genotype 4 chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Esmat G. , El Raziky M. , El Kassas M. , Hassany M. , Gamil M.E. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract Hepatitis C virus genotype 4 (HCV‐4) is the most common type of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the Middle East and Africa, in particular Egypt. Since the development of new protease inhibitors, the response of HCV‐4 to the standard regimen of treatment (pegylated interferon/ribavirin) lags behind other genotypes and has become the most resistant type to treat. The development of therapeutic strategies for all patients with HCV‐4 whether they are naïve, have experienced a virological breakthrough, are relapsers or non‐responders is still a considerable challenge. New types of interferon (Consensus Interferon, Y‐shaped, Albinterferon…) and new direct action antiviral drugs (Nitazoxanide, Vit.D, other) may improve the treatment of patients with HCV‐4. The IL28B CC polymorphism may be associated with sustained virological response.
Telaprevir user's guide
Authors: Liapakis Ann Marie , Jacobson Ira 
Published: December 2011

AbstractTelaprevir is a potent HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitor. A completed development program has demonstrated the superior efficacy of a regimen of telaprevir combined with pegylated interferon alfa and ribavirin (PR) over PR alone in patients with HCV genotype 1. In the ADVANCE trial in treatment‐naïve patients, 12 weeks of telaprevir, peginterferon alfa‐2a and ribavirin followed by either 12 or 36 weeks of PR alone (depending upon extended rapid virologic response, or eRVR, i.e. HCV RNA undetectability at weeks 4 and 12), was associated with sustained virological response (SVR) in 75% of patients compared with 46% receiving PR for 48 weeks. The ILLUMINATE trial established the foundation for response‐guided therapy in patients with eRVR. The REALIZE trial in treatment‐experienced patients showed a gradient of SVR from prior relapsers (86%) to partial responders (57%) to null responders (31%), with rates of virologic failure and emergent resistance highest in the latter group. Incremental adverse effects of telaprevir include rash, anemia, pruritus, diarrhea, and nausea. Treatment naïve patients and relapsers are eligible for response‐guided therapy. Stopping rules of telaprevir‐based treatment include HCV RNA > 1000 IU/ml at weeks 4 and 12.
IL28B genetic polymorphism testing in the era of direct acting antivirals therapy for chronic hepatitis C: ten years too late?
Authors: Jensen Donald M. , Pol Stanislas 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAn association between variations at the IL28B gene locus and HCV clearance (spontaneous recovery or sustained virological response under pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) has been extensively described. In genotype 1‐infected patients, the new direct antiviral agents (DAA) including the two approved protease inhibitors boceprevir and telaprevir, in association with the PEG‐IFN/RBV combination is the new standard of care making it necessary to redefine the interest of the IL28B genotype in the decision to treat and how to treat genotype 1‐infected patients. In treatment‐naïve patients, IL28B status can certainly identify those with a high probability of achieving SVR with response guided therapy and probably in whom the duration of treatment can be markedly reduced. In experienced patients, the impact of IL28B genotypes is limited and cancelled by early viral kinetics. However, the decision to initiate or withhold therapy remains a clinical one. In summary, although it was a major milestone in the treatment of patients with PEG‐IFN/RBV, IL28B polymorphism testing entered the clinical arena almost 10 years too late.
Response‐guided and ‐unguided treatment of chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Reddy K. Rajender , Lin Frederick , Zoulim Fabien 
Published: December 2011

AbstractOver time, HCV therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin has evolved from a fixed duration strategy to one of response guided therapy and this has enabled us to optimize treatment duration. With the evolution of protease inhibitor based therapy, the paradigm of response guided therapy has further helped in decreasing treatment duration in greater number of patients and which then translates into shorter duration of adverse events. However, several population groups have done better with extended duration therapy as opposed to response guided therapy despite early viral clearance. These include the Black population, and those with cirrhosis, decreased interferon sensitivity, and unfavorable IL28B genotypes. The proper identification of those who might benefit from extended duration HCV therapy will undoubtedly lead to optimal care and outcomes.
Hepatitis C virus treatment pre‐ and post‐liver transplantation
Authors: Roche Bruno , Samuel Didier 
Published: December 2011

AbstractLiver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus is the main indication for liver transplantation in Western countries. However, HCV re‐infection post‐transplantation is constant and recent data confirm that it significantly impairs patient and graft survival. Chronic HCV infection develops in 75–90% of patients, and 5–30% ultimately progress to cirrhosis within 5 years. Because of the impact of HCV recurrence on graft and patient survival, several treatment strategies have been evaluated. Antiviral therapy could be administered before transplantation to suppress viral replication and reduce the risk of recurrence. However, this approach is applicable in around 50% of patients and tolerance is poor, particularly in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Pre‐emptive therapy in the early post‐transplant period is limited by the high rate of side effects. Frequently, antiviral therapy is initiated when HCV recurs to obtain viral eradication and/or reduce disease progression. Treatment of established graft lesions with Pegylated Interferon (PEG‐IFN) and Ribavirin (RBV) combination therapy results in a sustained virological response (SVR) in around 30% of patients. The new classes of potent and direct antiviral agents (DAA) will certainly improve the results of pre‐ and post‐transplant antiviral therapy. However, at the present time, no data are available on the use of these drugs in patients with decompensated cirrhosis or post‐transplant hepatitis.
Treatment of patients with genotype 3 chronic hepatitis C‐ current and future therapies
Authors: Sarin Shiv K. , Kumar Chandan K. N. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractGenotype 3 is a common type of HCV infection, and standard therapy using pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) is quite effective in these patients. While a short course of 16 weeks may result in comparable end of therapy responses, relapse rates are often high. A 24‐week course is therefore preferable, and is expected to result in sustained virological response (SVR) rates of more than 70%. The 24‐week course is especially recommended in the presence of steatosis (often associated with Genotype 3 infection), fibrosis stage two or more, high BMI and high viral load. In patients who do not achieve a rapid viral response (RVR) with combination therapy, an extended course up to 48 weeks should be considered. While not as definite as for genotype 1 patients, the presence of the CC variant of IL28b could help in the initial prognosis and the need for additional treatment, if an RVR is not achieved. The role of directly acting antiviral agents (DAA) has not been fully evaluated in treatment naïve, non‐responders and relapsers in genotype 3 patients. Initial results with the cyclophilin inhibitor Debio‐025 are quite encouraging. There is an urgent need for large clinical trials using DAA and host modulators in patients with G3 infection.
Triple combination treatment for chronic hepatitis C with Protease Inhibitors, pegylated interferon and ribavirin: ‘Lead‐in or no lead‐in’?
Authors: Foster Graham R. , Serfaty Lawrence D. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractDirect acting antiviral agents for the management of chronic hepatitis C infection have recently been licensed. These new protease inhibitors are combined with pegylated interferon and ribavirin and markedly increase the proportion of patients who respond to antiviral therapy. The protease inhibitors may be used with a ‘lead‐in’ phase of pegylated interferon and ribavirin and the value of this approach has been much debated with those supporting ‘lead in’ citing the advantages of assessing the early response to therapy before commencing the direct acting antiviral agent. Those opposed to the ‘lead‐in’ phase cite the complexity of the regime and the lack of robust evidence showing an improvement in clinical outcome in those treated in this fashion.
Hepatitis C virus‐human immunodeficiency virus coinfection
Authors: Sulkowski Mark S. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAs a result of shared modes of transmission, chronic hepatitis C infection is common in HIV‐infected patients, particularly among those who have used injection drugs as well as men who have sex with men (MSMs). In the era of effective antiretroviral therapy, HCV infection has emerged as a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Over the last decade, treatment with peginterferon (PEG‐IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) has been recommended for coinfected patients who are at the greatest risk for liver disease; however, the effectiveness of HCV treatment in this population has been disappointing. Challenges to the use of HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitors, telaprevir and boceprevir, patients with HIV/HCV coinfection include the potential for interactions between different drugs, addition of drug toxicities, and the need for therapy with PEG‐IFN. Despite these challenges, limited data indicate that telaprevir and boceprevir given in combination with PEG‐IFN/RBV increase the rate of viral suppression in coinfected patients with manageable toxicity and drug‐drug interaction profile. Accordingly, these agents may be recommended for HCV treatment in carefully selected HIV‐infected persons.
Triple therapy with telaprevir: results in hepatitis C virus‐genotype 1 infected relapsers and non‐responders
Authors: Forestier Nicole , Zeuzem Stefan 
Published: December 2011

AbstractTreatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has evolved considerably in the last few years. Combination therapy with pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN)‐α plus ribavirin (RBV) has been the standard of care (SoC) treatment in the past few years. Several viral and host factors have been associated with treatment failure, including age, male gender, ethnicity, genotype, IL28B genotype, steatosis, obesity and insulin resistance. Several studies have also shown that in patients who fail treatment, several interferon‐stimulated genes are upregulated before treatment. Recently, the NS3/4A protease inhibitors telaprevir and boceprevir have been approved and are considered the new SoC therapy in combination with PEG‐IFN‐α/RBV in HCV genotype 1 treatment‐naïve patients, as well as in previously treated patients, with significant improvements in SVR rates. The REALIZE phase III trial with telaprevir in previously treated patients showed SVR rates of 83–88% in prior relapsers, 54–58% in prior partial responders and, 29–33% in prior non‐responders.
Phase equilibrium constraints on a deep crustal metamorphic field gradient: metapelitic rocks from the Ivrea Zone (NW Italy)
Authors: REDLER C. , JOHNSON T. E. , WHITE R. W. , KUNZ B. E. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe metamorphic rocks of the Ivrea Zone in NW Italy preserve a deep crustal metamorphic field gradient. Application of quantitative phase equilibria methods to metapelitic rocks provides new constraints on the P–T conditions recorded in Val Strona di Omegna, Val Sesia and Val Strona di Postua. In Val Strona di Omegna, the metapelitic rocks show a structural and mineralogical change from mica‐schists with the common assemblage bi–mu–sill–pl–q–ilm ± liq at the lowest grades, through metatexitic migmatites (g–sill–bi–ksp–pl–q–ilm–liq) at intermediate grades, to complex diatexitic migmatites (g–sill–ru–bi–ksp–pl–q–ilm–liq) at the highest grades. Partial melting in the metapelitic rocks is consistent with melting via the breakdown of first muscovite then biotite. The metamorphic field gradient in Val Strona di Omegna is constrained to range from conditions of ∼3.5–6.5 kbar at ≈650 °C to ∼10–12 kbar at >900 °C. The peak P–T estimates, particularly for granulite facies conditions, are significantly higher than those of most earlier studies. In Val Sesia and Val Strona di Postua, cordierite‐bearing rocks record the effects of contact metamorphism associated with the intrusion of a large mafic body (the Mafic Complex). The contact metamorphism occurred at lower pressures than the regional metamorphic peak and overprints the regional metamorphic assemblages. These relationships are consistent with the intrusion of the Mafic Complex having post dated the regional metamorphism and are inconsistent with a model of magmatic underplating as the cause of granulite facies metamorphism in the region.
Chromobacterium violaceum infections in 13 non‐human primates
Authors: Liu David X. , Didier Peter J. , Plauche Gail B. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground  Recently, an Indian‐origin macaque was found dead and Chromobacterium violaceum was isolated from the skin wound, and hepatic and pulmonary abscesses.Methods  By searching the database, a total of thirteen cases of C. violaceum infection in pigtail macaques (n = 8), rhesus macaques (n = 4), and one baboon were identified from 2001 to 2010 at Tulane National Primate Research Center. Medical records were reviewed for breed, sex, age, clinical findings, treatment, outcome, bacteriology, and gross and histological findings.Results  Seven pigtail macaques and one Indian‐origin rhesus macaque died of chromobacterial septicemia. All chromobacterial septicemic pigtail macaques were adult with higher incidence in female. Hepatic abscess and thrombosis were typical findings along with pulmonary abscess and thrombosis, renal venous thromboembolism, and necrosuppurative pleuritis, peritonitis, splenitis, myocarditis, pericarditis, and meningoencephalitis. Skin wound, uterine infection, and oral and respiratory exposure were considered the points of entry for these animals.Conclusions  This represents the first report of chromobacteriosis in pigtail, rhesus macaque, and baboon. Our experience suggests that chromobacterial infections may be more common in non‐human primates than previously recognized.
Population dynamics in a guild of four Mediterranean ungulates: density‐dependence, environmental effects and inter‐specific interactions
Authors: Imperio S. , Focardi S. , Santini G. , Provenzale A. 
Published: December 2011

Population fluctuations in ungulates are driven by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Available information, however, mainly refers to arctic, temperate and African ungulate populations, while the dynamics of Mediterranean species, exposed to a milder climate, is known to a much lesser extent. Here we studied the population dynamics of four wild ungulate species in the Castelporziano Preserve near Rome, Italy, as obtained from detailed bag counts from hunting drives during the period 1878–1986: the Italian roe deer Capreolus capreolus italicus, the Maremma wild boar Sus scrofa majori (both endemic to Italy), the native red deer Cervus elaphus, and the alien fallow deer Dama dama. We also considered the effects of the presence of another alien ungulate, the nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus.This ungulate community experienced an accidental ‘removal experiment’ when, during World War II, red deer and nilgai were exterminated. This event and the length of the time series allowed us to test two main hypotheses: 1) that the complexity level of the ungulate community affects the strength of intra‐ and inter‐specific competition; and 2) that in Mediterranean environments intra‐ and inter‐specific interactions are stronger than climate forcing. Statistical methods ranged from state‐space‐modelling, GLM analysis and structural equation models.The results indicated that direct intra‐specific density dependence played a relevant role for all species, and was stronger after the removal. A complex pattern of species interactions was however revealed; fallow deer had a negative effect on roe deer population, while roe deer had an apparent positive effect on red deer and wild boar, possibly mediated by environmental factors. Nilgai appeared to facilitate all deer species. The results of the analysis also confirmed that at present climate appears to play a minor role with respect to density dependence; however, the increasing aridity of the Mediterranean area could change this picture in coming decades.
Effect of PUVA therapy on melanocytes and keratinocytes in non‐segmental vitiligo: histopathological, immuno‐histochemical and ultrastructural study
Authors: Anbar Tag S. , El‐Sawy Ashraf E. , Attia Sameh K. , Barakat Manal T. , Moftah Noha H. , El‐Ammawy Tarek S. , Abdel‐Rahman Amal T. , El‐Tonsy Mohamed H. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryBackground and AimsPsoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) is an important modality in treating vitiligo. Its effect on melanocytes and keratinocytes is not sufficiently studied. In this work, we investigated 30 cases of non‐segmental vitiligo regarding the changes of melanocytes and keratinocytes in both vitiliginous and nearby areas before and after PUVA therapy.MethodsThree skin biopsies were obtained from each patient from the vitiliginous, marginal and perilesional areas before and after 12 months of PUVA. Biopsies were examined histologically using haematoxylin and eosin, Masson–Fontana stains and 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) reaction and histochemically using human melanoma black‐45 (HMB‐45) antibody while ultrastructural examination was performed on six patients. Control biopsies were taken from five healthy volunteers.ResultsIn 10% of pretreated biopsies from the centre of vitiligo lesions, scanty melanocytes were detected histologically and ultrastructurally, while they did not stain with DOPA or HMB‐45 antibody suggesting that these melanocytes were inactive. Moreover, degenerative changes were detected by electron microscopy in both melanocytes and keratinocytes in all areas. After PUVA therapy, obvious improvement of the histopathological changes occurred with significant increase in active melanocytes. The degeneration of melanocytes and keratinocytes was also reduced at the ultrastructural level.ConclusionVitiligo affects both melanocytes and keratinocytes causing degenerative changes. These changes were present in both the leucodermic and the apparently normal perilesional skin. PUVA increases the number of active epidermal melanocytes in the three tested areas and recovers the melanocyte and keratinocyte degeneration.
Acquired perforating dermatosis successfully treated with photodynamic therapy
Authors: Sezer Engin , Erkek Emel 
Published: December 2011

SummaryAcquired perforating dermatosis is a rare perforating skin disorder characterized by intensely pruritic papules or nodules with central adherent plugs mainly observed on the lower extremities and transepidermal elimination of collagen bundles. Treatment of acquired perforating dermatosis is a matter of debate and conventional treatment options including topical and systemic retinoids, topical corticosteroids and keratolytics, ultraviolet B phototherapy, psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA), allopurinol and cryosurgery show mixed results. Herein, we describe a 60‐year‐old woman with a diagnosis of acquired perforating dermatosis secondary to diabetes mellitus in whom we achieved excellent results with photodynamic treatment. As far as we are aware, this is the first case report of photodynamic treatment for acquired perforating dermatosis.
The (α‐4) Photoconjugates of 5‐Methylcytosine, 1,5‐Dimethylcytosine, 1‐Methylthymine and Thymidine
Authors: Shetlar Martin D. , Chung Janet 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe pyrimidine nucleobases contained in DNA undergo a variety of photoinduced reactions in which two moieties become joined to form a product (e.g. formation of cyclobutane dimers and [6‐4] adducts). Herein, we describe a new type of photoconjugation reaction that has been shown to occur for 5‐methylcytosine (5‐MeC), 1,5‐dimethylcytosine (1,5‐diMeC), 1‐methylthymine and thymidine; in this reaction the 5‐methyl group of one nucleobase (or nucleoside) becomes attached to the 4‐position of the second moiety. For example, 5‐MeC forms α‐4′‐(5′‐methylpyrimidin‐2′‐one)‐5‐methylcytosine. The various (α‐4) conjugates are produced upon irradiation of the parent compound in frozen aqueous solution at −78.5°C. The UV spectra of these compounds display a characteristic “double humped” profile, similar to that expected from overlaying the spectrum of parent nucleobase with that of a 2′‐pyrimidone moiety. Preliminary results suggest that thymine and 5‐methyl‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐MedCyd) form analogous photoproducts. A variety of other previously unreported photoproducts are described as well for the 5‐MeC, 1,5‐diMeC and 5‐MedCyd systems.