MDA-5 Recognition of a Murine Norovirus

Noroviruses are important human pathogens responsible for most cases of viral epidemic gastroenteritis worldwide. Murine norovirus-1 (MNV-1) is one of several murine noroviruses isolated from research mouse facilities and has been used as a model of human norovirus infection. MNV-1 infection has been shown to require components of innate and adaptive immunity for clearance; however, the initial host protein that recognizes MNV-1 infection is unknown. Because noroviruses are RNA viruses, we investigated whether MDA5 and TLR3, cellular sensors that recognize dsRNA, are important for the host response to MNV-1. We demonstrate that MDA5−/− dendritic cells(DC) have a defect in cytokine response to MNV-1. In addition, MNV-1 replicates to higher levels in MDA5−/− DCs as well as in MDA5−/− mice in vivo. Interestingly, TLR3−/− DCs do not have a defect in vitro, but TLR3−/− mice have a slight increase in viral titers. This is the first demonstration of an innate immune sensor for norovirus and shows that MDA5 is required for the control of MNV-1 infection. Knowledge of the host response to MNV-1 may provide keys for prevention and treatment of the human disease

Church-Based Health Promotion Interventions: Evidence and Lessons Learned

Church-based health promotion (CBHP) interventions can reach broad populations and have great potential for reducing health disparities. From a socioecological perspective, churches and other religious organizations can influence members’ behaviors at multiple levels of change. Formative research is essential to determine appropriate strategies and messages for diverse groups and denominations. A collaborative partnership approach utilizing principles of community-based participatory research, and involving churches in program design and delivery, is essential for recruitment, participation, and sustainability. For African Americans, health interventions that incorporate spiritual and cultural contextualization have been effective. Evidence indicates that CBHP programs have produced significant impacts on a variety of health behaviors. Key elements of CBHP are described with illustrations from the authors’ research projects

Collaborative Development of Clinical Trials Education Programs for African-American Community-Based Organizations

This paper describes the use of a unique ”Learning and Feedback” approach to tailor cancer clinical trials education programs for Community Bridges, a peer training intervention designed for African American communities in North Carolina. Generic community education modules were demonstrated with key community leaders who were designated as trainers. Quantitative and qualitative assessments were provided on understanding of content, comfort with material and cultural relevance. The generic materials were adapted into three revised modules, all featuring key messages about cancer clinical trials, discussion regarding distrust of medical research, common misconceptions about trials, patient protections, and a call to action to prompt increased inquiry about locally available trials. The revised modules were then used as part of a train-the-trainer program with 12 African American community leaders. ENACCT’s use of the Learning and Feedback process is an innovative method for culturally adapting clinical trials education

Development Bridge Over Troubled Intellectual Property Water

Written in celebration of Pedro Roffe\u27s life and achievements, this chapter captures the many valuable contributions he has made in his three decades at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and a decade and a half at the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD). It focuses on three sets of development bridges that he has built and helped build in the intellectual property arena, drawing illustrations from the author\u27s personal encounters with him and his organizations.This chapter begins with bridges that allow us to revisit the past developments in the international intellectual property regime. It then turns to bridges that help provide a unique vantage point for taking stock of current developments and recognizing what is new and important in this regime. The chapter concludes with bridges that help advance the debate on intellectual property and global development while reorienting us towards a better future