MedWorm: Hepatitis B

Immunogenicity and Tolerability of Recombinant Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccine Administered With or Without Routine Infant Vaccinations According to Different Immunization Schedules: A Randomized Controlled Trial [Original Contribution]

JAMA — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion A 4CMenB vaccine is immunogenic against reference strains when administered with routine vaccines at 2, 4, and 6 or at 2, 3, and 4 months of age, producing minimal interference with the response to routine infant vaccinations. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00721396 (Source: JAMA)

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Presence of precore and core promoter mutants limits the probability of response to peginterferon in HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B

Hepatology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:Presence of only WT virus at baseline is a strong predictor of response (HBeAg loss with HBV DNA <10,000 copies/mL) to PEG‐IFN for HBeAg‐positive CHB. Patients with detectable PC and/or BCP mutants have a lower probability of response and are less optimal candidates for PEG‐IFN therapy. (HEPATOLOGY 2012.) (Source: Hepatology)

Akt augments the oncogenic potential of the HBx protein of hepatitis B virus by its phosphorylation

FEBS Journal — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryHBx is a putative viral oncoprotein that plays an important role in various cellular aspects including modulation of PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. However, the molecular mechanism of Akt activation remains elusive. Here we show that HBx interacts with Akt1 kinase and get phosphorylated at serine 31 as evident from the mutational analysis of Akt recognition motif of in HBxS31A mutant or immunoblotting of HBx immunoprecipitates with Akt motif‐specific antibody. The Akt‐dependent phosphorylation of HBx was abrogated in the presence of PI3 kinase inhibitor LY294002 or Akt1 gene silencing by specific siRNA. Our co‐immunoprecipitation studies provided evidence for HBx‐Akt interaction in a cellular milieu. This interaction was confirmed in hepatoma HepG2.2.15 cells as well where HBx...

Risk Factors for Nonreceipt of Newborn Hepatitis B VaccineRisk Factors for Nonreceipt of Newborn Hepatitis B Vaccine

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0100

Which newborns are not receiving the hepatitis B vaccine? The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal® (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Donor disclosure – a donor's right and blood bank's responsibility

Transfusion Alternatives in Transfusion Medicine — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study describes our experiences in counseling donors who were enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay reactive for viral TTI, and challenges faced in implementing the donor disclosure program in a resource‐limited environment. (Source: Transfusion Alternatives in Transfusion Medicine)

Serum IL-33 Levels Are Associated with Liver Damage in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B

Journal of Interferon — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:08:18 +0100

Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Journal of Interferon)

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An improved reverse dot hybridization for simple and rapid detection of adefovir dipivoxil-resistant hepatitis B virus.

Genetics and Molecular Research — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:24:05 +0100

An improved reverse dot hybridization for simple and rapid detection of adefovir dipivoxil-resistant hepatitis B virus. Genet Mol Res. 2012;11(1):53-60 Authors: Hu Y, Zhang WL, Xie SL, Zhao Y, Hu JL, Cai XF, Lai GQ, Huang AL Abstract Early detection of adefovir dipivoxil-resistant mutants during long-term treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with this drug is of great clinical importance. We developed an improved reverse dot hybridization test for simple and rapid detection of the rtA181V/T and rtN236T mutations associated with adefovir dipivoxil resistance in chronic hepatitis B patients. Probes were designed for genotypes B, C, and D of this resistance characteristic; a total of 70 clinical samples were analyzed with this improved reverse dot hybridizati...

Nigeria: Dismal State of Hepatitis B Management in Country

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:24:50 +0100

[Daily Trust] Let me start by declaring that I am writing under a pseudonym as I cannot stand the social implication of disclosing my health details in a public medium like this. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Reasons to consider earlier treatment of chronic HBV infections

Gut — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Introduction Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health problem, leading to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver failure. In highly endemic areas and among immigrants from these areas, most cases of chronic hepatitis B are due to HBV infection at birth or during the first year of life. Cirrhosis and HCC may occur at any age, but infections early in life are typically asymptomatic for the first few decades. Sharp rises in the incidence of fibrosis, cirrhosis and HCC generally do not appear until after the age of 30, the incidence of HCC showing a sharp rise after the age of 40. Approximately 50% of deaths in HBV carriers may be due to either chronic liver disease or HCC. Cirrhosis is a consequence of hepatocyte death and chronic inflammation in the l...

Well: HPV Vaccine Now Recommended for Boys, Hepatitis B Vaccine for Diabetes

NYT Health — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:29:32 +0100

Federal health officials recommended this week that all boys be routinely vaccinated against human papillomavirus, or HPV, and that people with diabetes be vaccinated against hepatitis B. (Source: NYT Health)

Attitudes Toward Hepatitis B Virus among Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean Americans in the Houston Area, Texas

Journal of Community Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:14:01 +0100

Abstract We explored attitudes about prevention, screening and treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese communities. We use qualitative methods in 12 focus groups (n = 113) of adults who self-reported their ethnicity to be Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese. We use grounded theory (i.e., consensus-building between co-coders about recurring, emerging themes) for analysis. Diet, nutrition, fatigue and stress were misidentified as HBV causes. Improving hygiene, diet, exercise, and holistic methods were misidentified as viable HBV prevention methods. Common screening problems included not affording test and not understanding test results. Participants shared reasons for using complementary and alternative medicine—when Western me...

Well Blog: HPV Vaccine Now Recommended for Boys, Hepatitis B Vaccine for Diabetes

NYT Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:59:25 +0100

Recommendations For HPV And Hepatitis B Vaccinations Broadened By 2012 Adult Immunization Schedule

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) now recommends routine HPV vaccination for males aged 11 to 12 years and catch-up vaccination for males aged 13 to 21. These are just two of the changes to the 2012 Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule published February 1 in Annals of Internal Medicine, the flagship journal of the American College of Physicians (ACP). In addition to the changes in the HPV vaccine, the ACIP now recommends vaccination against Hepatitis B for adults younger than age 60 who have diabetes, as soon as possible after diabetes is diagnosed... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Aberrant cyclin A expression and centrosome overduplication induced by hepatitis B virus Pre-S2 mutants and its implication in hepatocarcinogenesis

Carcinogenesis — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we confirmed that cyclin A was detected in the cytoplasm in the majority of HBV-related HCC tissues. In vitro, the pre-S2 mutant-initiated ER stress could induce cytoplasmic cyclin A mediated via cleavage by the calcium-dependent protease μ-calpain, resulting in an N-terminal truncated product which was preferentially located in the cytoplasm. The aberrant cyclin A expression subsequently induced centrosome overduplication, and this effect was abolished by calpain-specific inhibitors or RNA interference targeting to cyclin A. Overall, our data indicate that HBV pre-S2 mutant may elicit aberrant cyclin A expression and centrosome overduplication through ER stress induction and thereby represent a potential mechanism for the chromosome instability in HBV hepatocarcinogenesi...

Association of Ephrin receptor A3 gene polymorphism with susceptibility to chronic severe hepatitis B

Hepatology Research — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our results suggest that the genetic alteration at EphA3 locus plays a part role in the occurrence of chronic severe hepatitis B. (Source: Hepatology Research)

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The HBV Vaccination in Adults With Diabetes MellitusThe HBV Vaccination in Adults With Diabetes Mellitus

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0100

How important is it for patients with diabetes to be vaccinated against hepatitis B? This new report explains. Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Cost Effectiveness of Screening Immigrants for Hepatitis BCost Effectiveness of Screening Immigrants for Hepatitis B

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0100

Are hepatitis B screening programs for new immigrants necessary and cost-effective? This new study explores the issue. Liver International (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Changes to Tdap, HPV, Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendations Among 2012 Schedule Highlights

AAFP Health of the Public — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:00:00 +0100

More than a dozen changes are reflected in the CDC's 2012 child, adolescent and adult immunization schedules. Developed in conjunction with the AAFP and other groups, several of the 2012 changes are especially pertinent to family physicians, according to the AAFP's liaison to the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, Jamie Loehr, M.D., of Ithaca, N.Y. "Some of the most important changes for family physicians in the 2012 immunization schedules involve the tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine for pregnant women and health care personnel, as well as the hepatitis B vaccine for patients with diabetes," Loehr told AAFP News Now (Source: AAFP Health of the Public)

2012 adult immunization schedule broadens recommendations for HPV and hepatitis B vaccinations

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(American College of Physicians) The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices now recommends routine HPV vaccination for males aged 11-12 years and catch-up vaccination for males aged 13-21. These are just two of the changes to the 2012 Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule being published Feb. 1 in Annals of Internal Medicine. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Brain metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma: Clinical features and prognostic factors

BMC Cancer — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: BM from HCC is rare and associated with an extremely poor prognosis. However, patients with a low RPA class may benefit from aggressive treatment. The clinical implication of extracranial metastases in HCC patients with BM needs further assessment. (Source: BMC Cancer)

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Improving the Quality of Immunization Delivery to an At-Risk Population: A Comprehensive Approach

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: We were able to implement a comprehensive immunization QI program that was sustainable over time. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Sequence analysis of the polymerase gene in hepatitis B virus infected blood donors in iran.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: This study shows that antiviral-resistant mutations, such as lamivudine-resistant HBV strains, do not exist naturally among Iranian blood donors. More studies on the full-length HBV genomes are required to determine genome evolution of HBV among infected Iranian blood donors. PMID: 22292578 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

Outcomes of living‐donor liver transplantation in patients with preoperative type‐1 hepatorenal syndrome and acute hepatic decompensation

Liver Transplantation — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:57:13 +0100

In conclusion, HRS patients, compared with non‐HRS patients, had worse postoperative renal function and overall survival. However, their five‐year overall survival rate was still nearly 80%, which is satisfactory. Therefore, living‐donor liver transplantation can be considered for patients who have acute hepatic decompensation with or without HRS. © 2012 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (Source: Liver Transplantation)

Correlation between plasma amino acid profiles and the various stages of hepatitis B infection

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:46:27 +0100

In this study, we analyzed the relationship between the amino acid profiles and varying clinical stages of HBV infection, and investigated their significance. The plasma amino acid concentrations in 115 patients with HBV infection and 32 healthy donors were detected and analyzed, and the main indicators of liver function were measured. Correlation analysis was performed between the amino acid profiles (Fischer’s ratio, branched-chain amino acid to tyrosine ratio [BTR]) and the key indicators of liver function in patients with HBV infection. Fisher’s ratio and the BTR of patients with HBV infection was found to differ from that of the healthy controls, and was also found to significantly correlate with the stage of HBV infection. Changes in the BTR were closely related to the lev...

Polymorphisms in the potential functional regions of the TGF‐β 1 and TGF‐β receptor genes and disease susceptibility in HBV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Molecular Carcinogenesis — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a disease of multiple etiologies caused by the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic defects. Current evidence indicates that the transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) signaling pathway has a significant impact on different cellular process. Members of the TGF‐β superfamily (TGF‐β1, the type I TGF‐β receptor [TβRI], type II TGF‐β receptor [TβRII], and type III TGF‐β receptor]) play an important role in tumorigenesis. Numerous studies show that genetic polymorphisms in TGF‐β superfamily genes are associated with HCC in East Asian populations. We studied 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in four genes (TGF‐β1, TβRI, TβRII, and TβRIII) to examine their associations with hepatocarcinogenesis. A total of 1228 Chin...

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Vaccination coverage among medical residents in Paris, France

Clinical Microbiology and Infection — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractMedical residents are particularly exposed to the risk of occupational infection. We aimed to determine the vaccination coverage in residents with an anonymous self‐reporting electronic questionnaire. A total of 250 residents entered this survey. Vaccination rates were particularly high for mandatory vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B virus and tuberculosis). Regarding recommended vaccinations (influenza 45.6%, pertussis 65.2%, measles 62.8%, varicella 62.8%), rates were insufficient to prevent hospital epidemics, but higher than those reported in other healthcare workers. Further immunization programmes should target residents, and not only senior healthcare workers, with a critical role for occupational medicine departments. (Source: Clinical Microbio...

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma

International Journal of Cancer — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractDichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'‐DDT), an organochlorine pesticide known to have deleterious health effects in humans, has been linked to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rodents. A recent study has reported that p,p'‐DDT and its most persistent metabolite, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'‐DDE), may also be associated with HCC in humans. To examine whether there is an association between p,p'‐DDT and/or p,p'‐DDE in a population at high‐risk of developing HCC.A nested case‐control study was conducted within the 83,794 person Haimen City Cohort in China. Sera and questionnaire data were collected from all participants between 1992 and 1993. The current study included 473 persons who developed HCC and 492 who did not, frequency matched on sex, age and area of...

Role of monokine induced by interferon‐γ in liver injury induced by hepatitis B virus in mice

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:39:21 +0100

In conclusion, through NF‐κB activation, HBV induced Mig expression in vivo, which recruited peripheral inflammatory cells to the liver and resulted in liver damage. Phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt, ERK and JNK but not p38 might involved in the molecular mechanisms underlying HBV induced Mig expression in vivo. (Source: Journal of Viral Hepatitis)

Long-term efficacy of 10-12 years after being immunized with Chinese hamster ovary cell derived hepatitis B vaccine in Chinese Rural Communities.

Vaccine — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The long-term efficacy of the CHO-derived hepatitis B vaccine is good and after vaccination maternal transmission is the most important route of spreading HBV. PMID: 22296954 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

A Novel prognostic scoring system to predict 3-month mortality risk in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure in hepatitis B: a retrospective cohort study

Hepatology International — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:51:45 +0100

Conclusions We developed an objective, pertinent, and sensitive prognostic scoring system that predicted the 3-month mortality of patients with ACLFB with greater accuracy than the MELD. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s12072-011-9335-2Authors Yu-Bao Zheng, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe Road 600# Gangding, Guangzhou City, 510630 People’s Republic of ChinaShi-Bin Xie, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe Road 600# Gangding, Guangzhou City, 510630 People’s Republic of ChinaDong-Ying Xie, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe Road 600# Gangdi...

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Hepatocellular carcinoma screening practices and impact on survival among hepatitis B‐infected Asian Americans

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Summary. Asians Americans have a high burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC screening practices in this population are unknown. We aimed to investigate predictors and patterns of HCC screening and its impact on survival in HBV‐infected Asian Americans. Clinical data were obtained from a retrospective cohort of 1870 HBsAg‐positive Asians in San Francisco’s safety net clinics. In 824 patients at‐risk for HCC, screening (≥1 imaging and/or AFP per year) decreased from 67% to 47% to 24% from the 1st to 2nd to 10th year after HBV diagnosis, respectively. AFP, imaging, and imaging plus AFP were used in 37%, 14%, and 49% during the first year after diagnosis, and imaging plus AFP increased to 64% by the 10th year. Among 1431 patients followed...

Maternal HBsAg status and infant size – a Faustian bargain?

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Summary. Information on the impact of maternal hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on pregnancy outcome is conflicting. Some studies reported an association with increased infant birthweight, which could be interpreted as advantageous to pregnancy. A retrospective study was performed to compare birthweight outcome between 6261 and 55 817 singleton pregnancies in mothers screened positive and negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), respectively. The HBsAg positive women were younger, had higher body mass index (BMI) and incidence of overweight, but less gestational weight gain, and were associated with increased macrosomia (birthweight ≥4000 g) in mothers <35 years (odds ratio, OR, 1.28), BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (OR 1.24), without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM, OR 1.19)...

No association between IRF3 polymorphism and susceptibility to hepatitis B virus infection in Chinese patients.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The three tagSNPs of IRF3 are not associated with HBV infection in the Han Chinese population. PMID: 22294846 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

Adenovirus-expressed preS2 antibody inhibits hepatitis B virus infection and hepatic carcinogenesis.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Adenovirus-mediated HBV preS2Ab expression could inhibit HBV infection in L02 cells, and then inhibit DEN-induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis and protect hepatic function in HBV transgenic mice. PMID: 22294841 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

Early use of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors is an independent risk factor for incisional hernia development after liver transplantation

Liver Transplantation — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:45:17 +0100

In conclusion, immunosuppressive therapy with mTOR inhibitors is an important independent risk factor for IH development after LT. To reduce the incidence of IHs, mTOR inhibitors should be avoided until the fourth month after LT unless their use is deemed to be strictly necessary. Liver Transpl 18:188–194, 2012. © 2011 AASLD. (Source: Liver Transplantation)

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Notes From the Field: Transplant‐Transmitted Hepatitis B Virus—United States, 2010

American Journal of Transplantation — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:36:13 +0100

Hepatitis B was transmitted to three of five organ recipients from a donor at increased risk for hepatitis B whose infection was detectable only by nucleic acid virus testing, which revealed extremely low‐level viremia. (Source: American Journal of Transplantation)

Hepatitis B virus mutants associated with hepatitis b surface antigen loss: Chicken or egg?

Hepatology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:20:52 +0100

(Source: Hepatology)

Statins May Stave Off Liver Cancer in People With Hepatitis B

MedicineNet Cancer General — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Statins May Stave Off Liver Cancer in People With Hepatitis BCategory: Health NewsCreated: 1/26/2012 8:06:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 1/27/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Cancer General)

Statins May Stave Off Liver Cancer in People with Hepatitis B

MedlinePlus Health News — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Study found lower risk of developing disease for people taking these cholesterol-cutting drugs Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Hepatitis B, Liver Cancer, Statins (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Statins May Stave Off Liver Cancer in People With Hepatitis B

Cancercompass News: Other Cancer — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Study found lower risk of developing disease for people taking these cholesterol-cutting drugs (Source: Cancercompass News: Other Cancer)

Noninvasive measurement of liver fibrosis by transient elastography and influencing factors in patients with chronic hepatitis B—A single center retrospective study of 466 patients

Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology -- Medical Sciences -- — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:49:57 +0100

Summary The noninvasive measurement of liver stiffness (LS) was evaluated by transient elastography (FibroScan) and the possible influencing factors from the patients’ clinical situations including age, gender, liver inflammation represented by alanine transaminase (ALT) and total billirubin (TBIL) level, HBV replication (HBV DNA loads), portal vein pressure (portal vessel diameter, PVD), splenic thickness (SPT) and body mass index (BMI) were analyzed in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). A total of 466 patients including 31 patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), and 435 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) among which 82 patients were diagnosed with liver cirrhosis (LC) by clinical manifestations and liver B-type ultrasonic inspection were enrolle...

Perioperative dynamic alterations in peripheral regulatory T and B cells in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Journal of Translational Medicine — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Frequencies of peripheral Tregs and Bregs in HCC patients increased after surgery. These results suggest that a postoperative combination of therapies against Tregs and Bregs may be beneficial for better outcome of HCC patients after resection. (Source: Journal of Translational Medicine)

Liver stiffness predicts clinical outcome in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients with compensated liver cirrhosis

Hepatology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:LS predicts the development of hepatic decompensations and liver‐related mortality in HIV/HCV‐coinfected with compensated cirrhosis and provides additional prognostic information to that provided by CTP score. (HEPATOLOGY 2012.) (Source: Hepatology)

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Enhanced magnitude and breadth of neutralizing humoral response to a DNA vaccine targeting the DHBV envelope protein delivered by in vivo electroporation.

Virology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Khawaja G, Buronfosse T, Jamard C, Guerret S, Zoulim F, Luxembourg A, Hannaman D, Evans C, Hartmann D, Cova L Abstract We explored in the duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) model the impact of electroporation (EP)-mediated DNA vaccine delivery on the neutralizing humoral response to viral preS/S large envelope protein. EP enhanced the kinetics and magnitude of anti-preS response compared to the standard needle DNA injection (SI). Importantly, EP dramatically enhanced the neutralizing potency of the humoral response, since antibodies induced by low DNA dose (10μg) were able to highly neutralize DHBV and to recognize ten antigenic regions, including four neutralization epitopes. Whereas, SI-induced antibodies by the same low DNA dose were not neutralizing and the epitope pattern...

Virus-like particles of hepatitis B virus core protein containing five mimotopes of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) protect chickens against IBDV.

Vaccine — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wang YS, Ouyang W, Liu XJ, He KW, Yu SQ, Zhang HB, Fan HJ, Lu CP Abstract Current infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) vaccines suffer from maternal antibody interference and mimotope vaccines might be an alternative. Previously we demonstrated an IBDV VP2 five-mimotope polypeptide, 5EPIS, elicited protective immunity in chickens. In the current study, the 5epis gene was inserted into a plasmid carrying human hepatitis B virus core protein (HBc) gene at its major immunodominant region site. The recombinant gene was efficiently expressed in Escherichia coli to produce chimeric protein HBc-5EPIS which self-assembles to virus-like particles (VLP). Two-week old specific-pathogen-free chickens were immunized intramuscularly with HBc-5EPIS VLP or 5EPIS polypeptide without adju...

Hepatitis B virus vaccine in chronic kidney disease: Improved immunogenicity by adjuvants? A meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Vaccine — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis showed that adjuvanted hepatitis B vaccine did not significantly improve the seroprotection rate in patients with renal insufficiency. These results do not support adjuvantation as an approach to increase the immunogenicity of existing recombinant vaccines towards HBV in this high-risk population. PMID: 22285268 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Overview of Chronic Hepatitis B

Clinical Care Options Hepatitis - HBV — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

CCO Slideset - In this downloadable slideset, Chul S. Hyun, MD, PhD, provides an overview of hepatitis B for primary care providers. (Source: Clinical Care Options Hepatitis - HBV)

In this issue.

European Journal of Immunology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:43:14 +0100

Authors: Abstract COVER IMAGE: The cover is based on a spinal cord histology section taken from a TNFR2(-/-) mouse adoptively transferred with TNFR2(-/-) Treg cells prior to immunization with MOG(35-55) to induce EAE. The section is stained with Luxol Fast blue to detect demyelination; Luxol Fast Red, which detects inflammatory infiltration, is the counterstain. The image is taken from the article by Tsakiri et al. (pp. 403-412) in which it is shown that TNFR2 on non-haematopoietic cells is necessary for Treg-cell suppressive activity and repression of EAE development. The colour of the image has been digitally altered for the cover. CMV: FINE TUNING THE NK-CELL RESPONSE DURING CHRONIC HEPATITIS INFECTION: Two recent studies reported on the expansion of NKG2C(+) NK cells during ch...

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Mutations in the S gene region of hepatitis B virus genotype D in Golestan Province-Iran

Virus Genes — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:14:42 +0100

This study showed “a” determinant S gene mutations in HBV infected people with HBsAg positivity in Golestan Province-Iran. The rate of mutation in our study was 95%. Collectively, the results of this project exhibited that most of mutations were clustered in CD4 + antigenic epitopes. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s11262-012-0715-zAuthors Abdolvahab Moradi, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, IranSareh Zhand, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, IranAmir Ghaemi, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Golestan University o...

Analysis of hepatitis B surface antibody titers in B cell lymphoma patients after rituximab therapy

Annals of Hematology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:25:51 +0100

In conclusion, we found that anti-HBs titers decreased significantly (P < 0.001) after rituximab treatment. B cell lymphoma patients with low pre-treatment anti-HBs titers (<100 mIU/mL) were more likely to lose anti-HBs antibodies and were at risk of HBV reactivation after rituximab immunochemotherapy. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00277-012-1405-6Authors Sung-Nan Pei, Division of Hema-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, TaiwanMing-Chun Ma, Division of Hema-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, TaiwanMing-Chung Wang, Div...

Risk of hepatitis B reactivation and the role of novel agents and stem-cell transplantation in multiple myeloma patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection

Annals of Oncology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Use of prophylaxis may reduce but will not preclude HBV reactivation. Highest risk occurs during immune reconstitution phase of HDT/ASCT. The role of immunomodulatory agents in HBV reactivation needs to be further elucidated. Separate HBV prophylaxis and surveillance guidelines ought to be developed for patients with MM. (Source: Annals of Oncology)

Consumer Information on: ADVIA® Centaur Anti-HBs2 (aHBs2) Assay and ADVIA® Centaur Anti-HBs2 (aHBs2) Quality Control Material for use on the ADVIA® Centaur and ADVIA® Centaur XP Systems - P100039

Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA): CDRHNew — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ADVIA Centaur Anti-HBs2 (aHBs2) assay is a laboratory test used to detect antibodies associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. (Source: Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA): CDRHNew)

ADVIA® Centaur Anti-HBs2 (aHBs2) Assay and ADVIA® Centaur Anti-HBs2 (aHBs2) Quality Control Material for use on the ADVIA® Centaur and ADVIA® Centaur XP Systems

Medical Device Approvals — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ADVIA Centaur Anti-HBs2 (aHBs2) assay is a laboratory test used to detect antibodies associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. (Approved: 1/20/2012) (Source: Medical Device Approvals)

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Natural killer cell activation enhances immune pathology and promotes chronic infection by limiting CD8+ T-cell immunity [Immunology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Infections with HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus can turn into chronic infections, which currently affect more than 500 million patients worldwide. It is generally thought that virus-mediated T-cell exhaustion limits T-cell function, thus promoting chronic disease. Here we demonstrate that natural killer (NK) cells have a negative impact on the development of T-cell immunity by using the murine lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. NK cell-deficient (Nfil3−/−, E4BP4−/−) mice exhibited a higher virus-specific T-cell response. In addition, NK cell depletion caused enhanced T-cell immunity in WT mice, which led to rapid virus control and prevented chronic infection in lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus clone 13- and reduced viral load in DOCILE-infected animals. Further exp...

In this issue

European Journal of Immunology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:21:09 +0100

AbstractCover imageThe cover is based on a spinal cord histology section taken from a TNFR2−/− mouse adoptively transferred with TNFR2−/− Treg cells prior to immunization with MOG35–55 to induce EAE. The section is stained with Luxol Fast blue to detect demyelination; Luxol Fast Red, which detects inflammatory infiltration, is the counterstain. The image is taken from the article by Tsakiri et al. (pp. 403–412) in which it is shown that TNFR2 on non‐haematopoietic cells is necessary for Treg‐cell suppressive activity and repression of EAE development. The colour of the image has been digitally altered for the cover.CMV: Fine tuning the NK‐cell response during chronic hepatitis infectionTwo recent studies reported on the expansion of NKG2C+ NK cells during chronic hepatiti...

Impact of hepatitis B virus (HBV) preS/S genomic variability on HBV surface antigen and HBV DNA serum levels

Hepatology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.In patients infected with preS/S variants, HBV DNA replication and HBsAg synthesis/secretion appear to be dissociated. Therefore, the use of HBsAg titer as diagnostic/prognostic tool has to take into account the frequent emergence of preS/S variants in chronic HBV infection. (HEPATOLOGY 2012.) (Source: Hepatology)

The inhibitors of nucleotide biosynthesis leflunomide, FK778, and mycophenolic acid activate hepatitis b virus replication In Vitro

Hepatology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, our data indicate that ‐ in contrast to their reported inhibitory effects on other viruses ‐ both leflunomide and FK778 can augment HBV replication. Treatment with leflunomide, FK778, or MPA may bear the risk to enhance HBV replication in infected patients. (HEPATOLOGY 2012.) (Source: Hepatology)

Transient elastography identifies liver recipients with “non‐viral” graft disease after transplantation: A guidance for liver biopsy

Liver Transplantation — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, the dual TE cut‐off allows to accurately discriminate between absence and presence of non‐viral liver graft damage, improving the clinical management of OLT recipients in terms of selection of patients most in need of liver biopsy. © 2012 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (Source: Liver Transplantation)

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Many High-Risk Americans Don't Get Hepatitis B Vaccine

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

A recently published study investigating hepatitis B vaccination rates in the United States found that more than half of adults at risk for hepatitis B virus remain unvaccinated. With many of these individuals making contact with the healthcare system, including HIV testing, this statistic reflects many missed opportunities to vaccinate this population... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among medical waste handlers at Gondar Town Health Institutions, Northwest Ethiopia

BMC Research Notes — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B and/or C viruses and associated risk factors among medical waste handlers. Results: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April, 2011 to June, 2011 in government health institutions at Gondar town. Socio-demographic and possible risk factors data from medical waste handlers were collected using pre-tested and well structured questionnaires. Venous bloods were collected and the serums were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-hepatitis C antibody using rapid Immunochromatography assay. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS software package (version16). Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to assess risk of association. A p-value of (Source: BMC Research Notes)

Relationships between tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐12B and interleukin‐10 gene polymorphisms and hepatitis B in Chinese Han haemodialysis patients

Nephrology — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:52:23 +0100

Conclusions: TNF‐α and IL12B 3′UTR gene polymorphisms may be associated with HBV susceptibility and IL‐10 gene polymorphisms may be related to the HBV persistence infection in Chinese Han HD patients. (Source: Nephrology)

Global epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection: New estimates of age-specific HBsAg seroprevalence and endemicity.

Vaccine — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Declines in HBV infection prevalence may be related to expanded immunization. The increasing overall number of individuals being chronically infected with HBV, and the widespread global differences in HBV prevalence call for targeted approaches to tackle HBV-related mortality and morbidity. HBV infection prevalence data are needed at country and sub-national level to estimate disease burden and guide health and vaccine policy. PMID: 22273662 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Many U.S. Adults Not Vaccinated for Hepatitis B

MedlinePlus Health News — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:00:00 +0100

Missed opportunities lead to many new infections each year, study found Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Hepatitis B, Immunization (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

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rtL180M mutation of hepatitis B virus is closely associated with frequent virological resistance to adefovir dipivoxil therapy

Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:47:14 +0100

Conclusions: The rtL180M mutation of HBV, as well as a small decrease in HBV‐DNA after 1 year of treatment might be closely associated with frequent occurrence of virological resistance to ADV in patients with LAM‐resistant CHB. (Source: Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Liver disease in Viet Nam: Screening, surveillance, management and education: A 5‐year plan and call to action

Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:46:58 +0100

We report here the initial steps taken as part of a comprehensive approach to liver disease that will ultimately include nationwide education for health‐care providers, health educators, and the public; expansion of nationwide screening for hepatitis B and C followed by hepatitis B virus vaccination or treatment of chronic hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C; education about alcoholic liver disease; long‐term surveillance for liver cancer; reduction of infection transmission related to medical, commercial, and personal re‐use of contaminated needles, syringes, sharp instruments, razors, and inadequately sterilized medical equipment; and ongoing collection and analysis of data about the prevalence of all forms of liver disease and the results of the expanded screening, vaccination, and tre...

Availability of indicators of migration in the surveillance of HIV, tuberculosis and hepatitis B in the European Union – a short note

Journal of Public Health — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:47:00 +0100

Conclusion We showed differences in how migration status is recorded in surveillance systems from European countries. This was especially true for tuberculoses and hepatitis B, whereas data collection as part of HIV/AIDS surveillance was nearly uniform. These results suggest the need for a more uniform reporting of migration status as part of infectious disease surveillance in EU countries. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory OverviewPages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s10389-011-0488-1Authors Manas K Akmatov, Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, GermanyRafael T Mikolajczyk, Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, GermanyRalf Krumkamp, Department of Public Hea...

Many U.S. Adults Not Vaccinated for Hepatitis B

The Doctors Lounge - Infections — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Missed opportunities lead to many new infections each year, study found (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Infections)

The effects of hepatitis B virus integration into the genomes of hepatocellular carcinoma patients [RESEARCH]

Genome Research — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV integration into the host genome has been reported but its scale, impact and contribution to HCC development is not clear. Here, we sequenced the tumor and non-tumor genomes (>80X coverage) and transcriptomes of four HCC patients and identified 255 HBV integration sites. Increased sequencing to 240X coverage revealed a proportionally higher number of integration sites. Clonal expansion of HBV-integrated hepatocytes was found specifically in tumor samples. We observe a diverse collection of genomic perturbations near viral integration sites, including direct gene disruption, viral promoter-driven human transcription, viral-human transcript fusion and DNA copy number alteration. Thus, we rep...

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Expressions of Asia Culture Show – Friday Jan. 20

What's New on JEFFLINE — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:09:35 +0100

APAMSA and SAMOSA invite YOU to attend: Expressions of Asia Culture Show Friday, Jan 20th 6 – 8 p.m. JAH Cafeteria Come out and celebrate the new year with APAMSA and SAMOSA! You’ll see your fellow students showcase their many talents, such as martial arts, piano, breakdancing and much more! See dances performed by the Philadelphia Suns Lion Dance troupe. One of the highlights of Expressions of Asia is the eating contest between professors and students. Watch (and perhaps cringe) as they chow down on exotic foods such as chicken fetus or maggots! Banana Leaf will be served. Donations suggested, all proceeds go to Jefferson’s Hepatitis B screening in the community. Counts as Diversity Credit. For additional information, contact Angela Wong (angela.wong@jefferson.edu)...

Many high-risk Americans don't get hepatitis B vaccine

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Brown University) A study investigating hepatitis B vaccination rates in the United States found that more than half of adults at risk for hepatitis B virus remain unvaccinated. With many of these individuals making contact with the healthcare system, including HIV testing, this statistic reflects many missed opportunities to vaccinate this population. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Meta‐analysis: oral anti‐viral agents in adults with decompensated hepatitis B virus cirrhosis

Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsAll the oral anti‐viral agents were associated with improved virological, biochemical and clinical parameters at 1‐year. However, the efficacy of lamivudine and telbivudine is limited by drug resistance, and adefovir is limited by its potency and slower onset of action. Additional studies of tenofovir and entecavir are needed to determine the optimal agent(s) for treatment naïve patients and in those with drug‐resistant decompensated HBV cirrhosis. (Source: Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics)

Meta-analysis: oral anti-viral agents in adults with decompensated hepatitis B virus cirrhosis.

Adv Data — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: All the oral anti-viral agents were associated with improved virological, biochemical and clinical parameters at 1-year. However, the efficacy of lamivudine and telbivudine is limited by drug resistance, and adefovir is limited by its potency and slower onset of action. Additional studies of tenofovir and entecavir are needed to determine the optimal agent(s) for treatment naïve patients and in those with drug-resistant decompensated HBV cirrhosis. PMID: 22257108 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Adv Data)

Diagnostic significance of hepatitis B viral antigens in patients with glomerulonephritis-associated hepatitis B virus infection

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:02:10 +0100

Abstract: Hepatitis B viral infection can lead to hepatitis B virus–associated glomerulonephritis, a clinically significant subtype of secondary nephritis. In the present study, we examined the presence of PreS1/S2 antigen in renal tissues by use of immunohistochemistry and investigated the use of PreS1/S2 and 2 HBV serum antigens, HBe-Ag and HBs-Ag, in the diagnosis. We assessed the presence of these 3 antigens in patients with confirmed hepatitis B virus–associated glomerulonephritis (n = 22) and patients without this disease (n = 19). Our results indicate that the combined use of PreS1/S2-Ag and serum HBe-Ag in the diagnosis of hepatitis B virus–associated glomerulonephritis had good positive predictive value (0.89), modest negative predictive value (0.77), and substantial agreeme...

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A Glucose Meter That Detects Viruses

Chemical and Engineering News — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:37:27 +0100

Medical Diagnostics: Researchers convert device for monitoring diabetes into one that can spot hepatitis B (Source: Chemical and Engineering News)

News From The Journal Of Clinical Investigation: Jan. 17, 2012

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0100

VIROLOGY: How to prevent hepatitis B virus reproducing Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major health problem worldwide, despite the fact that a highly effective preventative vaccine exists. A modified form of the immune molecule IFN-alpha is commonly used to treat individuals infected with HBV. The rationale behind this is that IFN-alpha inhibits HBV replication in vivo and in vitro, although the mechanisms by which it does this have not been clearly defined... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Diabetes, HIV and other health determinants associated with absenteeism among formal sector workers in Namibia

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Both NCD risk factors and infectious diseases are associated with increased rates of short-term absenteeism of formal sector employees in Namibia. Programs to manage these conditions could help employers avoid costs associated with absenteeism. These programs could include basic health care insurance including regular wellness screenings. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

Study of the expression levels of Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha and 3 beta in patients with different outcome of HBV infection

Virology Journal — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, liver tissue samples from different types of HBV patients were collected, and HNF4alpha and HNF3beta expression were detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of HNF4alpha was significant higher in patients with severe hepatitis B(SHB) than those with chronic hepatitis B(CHB) and liver cirrhosis(LC) (both P < 0.05), but similar between patients with CHB and LC (P > 0.05). And the expression of HNF3beta was similar among patients with CHB, LC and SHB (P > 0.05 for all pairwise comparison). This suggests that the expression level of HNF4alpha was different in patients with different outcome of HBV infection, high expression level of HNF4alpha may correlate with occurrence of SHB (Source: Virology Journal)

HIV, HEV and cirrhosis: evidence of a possible link from eastern Spain

HIV Medicine — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsOur findings show a high prevalence of anti‐HEV in HIV‐infected patients, strongly associated with liver cirrhosis. Chronic HEV infection was detected in a significant number of HEV‐seropositive patients. Further research is needed to ascertain whether cirrhosis is a predisposing factor for HEV infection and to assess the role of chronic HEV infection in the pathogeneses of cirrhosis in this population. (Source: HIV Medicine)

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Hepatitis B vaccination coverage and uptake in prisons across England and Wales 2003-2010: A retrospective ecological study.

Vaccine — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Prisoners are a vulnerable group with a high prevalence of hepatitis B infection and the custodial setting plays an important role in the delivery of hepatitis B vaccination to this hard to reach group. This study suggests that variation in hepatitis B vaccination coverage and uptake may exist by geographical region and prison category. Further research is required to confirm and identify possible explanations for our findings. PMID: 22265944 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Betamethasone/temozolomide: Reactivation of hepatitis B virus: case report

Reactions — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:08:18 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Rituximab: Hepatitis B virus reactivation in elderly patients: 2 case reports

Reactions — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:08:18 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

How to investigate mildly elevated liver transaminase levels

Clinical Cases and Images — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:39:00 +0100

Mild elevations in the liver enzymes alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) are commonly found in asymptomatic patients. The most common cause is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (sometimes called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH), which can affect up to 30% of the U.S. population. Other common liver causes include: - alcoholic liver disease - medication-associated liver injury - viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C) - hemochromatosis Pale stool and dark urine (click to enlarge the images). This is an example of "obstructive" jaundice with the classic constellation of tea-colored urine and clay-colored stool. Less common liver causes include: - alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AAT) - autoimmune hepatitis - Wilson disease Extrahepatic conditions can also caus...

Hepatitis B vaccine induces apoptotic death in Hepa1–6 cells

Apoptosis — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:10:56 +0100

We report that hepatitis B vaccine exposure resulted in significant upregulation of the key genes encoding caspase 7, caspase 9, Inhibitor caspase-activated DNase (ICAD), Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK-1), and Apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (Apaf-1). Upregulation of cleaved caspase 3,7 were detected by western blot in addition to Apaf-1 and caspase 9 expressions argues that cell death takes place via the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in which release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria triggers the assembly of a caspase activation complex. We conclude that exposure of Hepa1–6 cells to a low dose of adjuvanted hepatitis B vaccine leads to loss of mitochondrial integrity, apoptosis induction, and cell death, apoptosis effect was observed also in ...

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Outcomes of pregnancy in women with autoimmune hepatitis.

Journal of Autoimmunity — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that poor disease control in the year prior to pregnancy and the absence of drug therapy are associated with poor outcomes whist pregnant. These data should facilitate appropriate pre-conception counselling and appropriate pregnancy management in this cohort. PMID: 22261501 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Autoimmunity)

Development of a hepatitis delta virus antibody assay for study of the prevalence of HDV among individuals infected with hepatitis B virus in China

Journal of Medical Virology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:19:32 +0100

AbstractCo‐infection with hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been shown to be associated with a more severe form of acute and chronic hepatitis. Cloning and expression of recombinant HDV antigen (rHDAg) in Escherichiacoli are described. Using purified rHDAg, a cost‐effective indirect anti‐HDV enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit was developed. Direct comparison of 15 known HDV‐positive sera and 15 HDV‐negative sera showed concordance agreement between the new assay kit and the Abbott Murex Anti‐Delta (total) kit. In addition, 1,486 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive blood samples collected from various areas of China were tested using this indirect anti‐HDV ELISA. It was found that 1.2% (95% CI: 0.7–1.9%) of the samples were ant...

Antiviral efficacy of combination therapy with entecavir and adefovir for entecavir/lamivudine‐resistant hepatitis B virus with or without adefovir resistance

Journal of Medical Virology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:19:28 +0100

In conclusion, ETV/ADV combination therapy led to virological responses in five of seven patients with resistance to ETV and LAM, but a significantly poorer response in patients with prior ADV resistance than in those without prior ADV resistance. Therefore, ETV/ADV combination therapy could be a useful therapeutic option for ETV‐ and LAM‐resistant HBV without prior ADV resistance. J. Med. Virol. 84:424–430, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Journal of Medical Virology)

Characterization of hepatitis B virus genome variability in Iranian patients with chronic infection, a nationwide study

Journal of Medical Virology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:19:27 +0100

In conclusion, these results demonstrate that HBV subgenotype D1 is the only subgenotype circulating in Iran, and there is no evidence of any exotic genotype in the region. The HBV PC (G1896A) mutation may play an important role in the clinical outcome of the disease by increasing the risk of progressive liver disease among Iranian patients infected with HBV. J. Med. Virol. 84:414–423, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Journal of Medical Virology)

Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Plaque Psoriasis [Consensus Statement]

Archives of Dermatology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The Canadian Guidelines for the Management of Plaque Psoriasis were reviewed by the entire National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board and updated to include newly approved agents such as ustekinumab and to reflect practice patterns in the United States, where the excimer laser is approved for psoriasis treatment. Management of psoriasis in special populations is discussed. In the updated guidelines, we include sections on children, pregnant patients or pregnant partners of patients, nursing mothers, the elderly, patients with hepatitis B or C virus infections, human immunodeficiency virus–infected patients, and patients with malignant neoplasms, as well as sections on tumor necrosis factor blockers, elective surgery, and vaccinations. (Source: Archives of Dermatology)

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Hepatitis B infection: current concepts and future challenges

QJM — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a global health problem affecting more than 350 million people worldwide. Chronic carriage of HBV is related to the age when the infection occurs; the younger the age the higher the chronicity rate. Knowledge of the natural history of CHB is important for the management of the disease. The goal of hepatitis B treatment is to prevent cirrhosis, liver decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma. In clinical practice, treatment response is determined by the suppression of serum HBV DNA levels. However, current antiviral therapies are usually unable to achieve sustained off-treatment responses and eradicate the infection. Impairment of immune responses including defective innate non-cytolytic antiviral function together with exhausted T cells and the tolerogenic li...

Differential pattern of pre-S mutations/deletions and its association with hepatitis B virus genotypes in Eastern India.

Infection, Genetics and Evolution — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Biswas A, Panigrahi R, Banerjee A, Pal M, De BK, Chakrabarti S, Chakravarty R Abstract The presence of three different HBV genotypes (A, C and D) in Eastern India provided us a unique opportunity to study HBV pre-S mutants in these genotypes and subtypes among the same ethnic population. Furthermore, we also aimed to investigate the association of the HBV pre-S mutation with clinical outcome. Pre-S1-S2 and S gene was amplified and sequenced from 86 HBsAg positive study subjects with varying clinical manifestation. The genetic variability in the pre-S region (mutations) was studied with respect to different HBV genotypes, subtypes and different clinical categories. Six different types of HBV pre-S mutations were detected in 25 cases (29.07%), among which pre-S2 start codon ...

Autoimmunity following Hepatitis B vaccine as part of the spectrum of 'Autoimmune (Auto-inflammatory) Syndrome induced by Adjuvants' (ASIA): analysis of 93 cases.

Lupus — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:30:03 +0100

Conclusions: Common clinical characteristics were observed among 93 patients diagnosed with immune-mediated conditions post-HBVv, suggesting a common denominator in these diseases. In addition, risk factors such as history of autoimmune diseases and the appearance of adverse event(s) during immunization may serve to predict the risk of post-immunization diseases. The ASIA criteria were found to be very useful among adults with post-vaccination events. The application of the ASIA criteria to pediatric populations requires further study. PMID: 22235045 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Lupus)

Hepatitis B viral breakthrough associated with inappropriate preservation of entecavir

Indian Journal of Pharmacology — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report the case of a 30-years-old man, who experienced viral breakthrough due to wrong preservation conditions of the drug. (Source: Indian Journal of Pharmacology)

Immune mechanisms of Concanavalin A model of autoimmune hepatitis.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wang HX, Liu M, Weng SY, Li JJ, Xie C, He HL, Guan W, Yuan YS, Gao J Abstract As a chronic inflammatory disease of the liver, the pa-thogenic mechanisms of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) have not yet been elucidated, with prognosis and diagnosis remaining unsatisfied. Currently the only viable treatments of AIH are immunosuppressant application and liver transplantation. It is considered that lack of good animal AIH models is the main reason for the shortage of a simple and efficient cure. The Concanavalin A (Con A) model is a typical and well established model for investigating T-cell and macrophage dependent liver injury in mice, which closely mimics the pathogenesis mechanisms and pathological changes of patients, and is regarded as the best experimental model for AIH resea...

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Entecavir withdrawal: Hepatitis-B exacerbation: case report

Reactions — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:22:43 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Estimating the Prevalence of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection—New York City, 2008

Journal of Urban Health — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:56:43 +0100

Abstract Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a preventable cause of liver failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer; estimated chronic HBV infection prevalence is 0.3–0.5% in the USA. Prevalence in New York City (NYC) is likely higher because foreign-born persons, who represent 36% of NYC’s population versus 11% nationwide, bear a disproportionate burden of chronic HBV infection. However, because no comprehensive, population-based survey of chronic HBV infection has been conducted in NYC, a reliable prevalence estimate is unavailable. We used two approaches to estimate chronic HBV infection prevalence in NYC: (1) a census-based estimate, combining local and national prevalence data for specific populations, and (2) a surveillance-based estimate, using data from NYC...

Surveillance for Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection — New York City, June 2008–November 2009

CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:43:11 +0100

(Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)

Complications of chemotherapy in neuro-oncology.

Herpes — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:30:16 +0100

Authors: Marosi C Abstract The persisting reservation against the use of chemotherapy in patients with malignant glioma was finally overcome by the breakthrough achieved with the use of the oral alkylating agent temozolomide (TMZ) as concomitant and adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The basic condition for an effective systemic drug therapy against malignant glioma is that the drug be able to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the brain-tumor barrier. Drugs crossing the BBB have to be nonpolar, small molecules with a molecular weight of less than 500Da, to bear no electrical charge, or to be able to use active transport mechanisms, as the BBB is functional in the peripheral growing areas of GBM. The prerequisite of liposolubi...

IL28B rs12979860 polymorphism dose not influence outcomes of hepatitis B virus infection

Tissue Antigens — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:12:28 +0100

rs12979860 in interleukin 28B (IL28B) gene is associated with response to interferon‐α therapy and natural viral clearance in hepatitis C. The role of this polymorphism is less known in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We evaluated whether rs12979860 was associated with outcomes of HBV infection. There were 651 individuals with persistent infection (387 with liver cirrhosis, 264 without cirrhosis) and 226 healthy individuals who recovered from HBV infection. The genotypic distributions were compared between different phenotypes pertaining to disease progression and HBV markers. The polymorphism had no association with clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B e antigen, HBV‐DNA level, apparent hepatitis onset and liver cirrhosis (P > 0.05). These results suggest th...

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High Hepatitis B virus load is associated with hepatocellular carcinomas development in Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients: a case control study

Virology Journal — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: HBV-related HCC patients had higher HBV DNA level than non-HCC counterparts. Our findings imply that active HBV replication is associated with the HCC development. (Source: Virology Journal)

Surveillance for chronic hepatitis B virus infection - new york city, june 2008-november 2009.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This report summarizes investigations of 180 randomly selected HBV cases reported during June 2008-November 2009. Approximately two thirds (67%) of patients were Asian, and the most commonly reported reason for HBV testing was the patient's birth country or race/ethnicity (27%). In 70% of cases, the clinician did not know of any patient risk factors. Sixty-nine percent of clinicians stated that they counseled their patients about notifying close contacts about their infection, and 75% counseled about transmission and prevention. Sixty-two percent did not know their patient's hepatitis A vaccination status despite recommendations. This surveillance effort provided quantitative data on health disparities useful for identifying opportunities for outreach and education, and it showed that not ...

IL28B rs12979860 polymorphism does not influence outcomes of hepatitis B virus infection

Tissue Antigens — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Current hepatitis delta virus type 1 (HDV1) infections in central and eastern Turkey indicate a wide genetic diversity that is probably linked to different HDV1 origins

Archives of Virology — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:44:20 +0100

In this study, we analyzed 34 samples from patients who were chronically infected with HBV/HDV, originating from 22 cities of rural regions in the central and eastern parts of Turkey, in order to determine the levels of viral replication and genetic diversity. HDV RNA levels ranged between 3.02 and 8.75 Log copies/mL, and HBV DNA was detected in 25 samples (73.5%), with values ranging from 2.53 to 5.30 Log copies/mL. Analysis of nucleotides 900-1280 of HDV genomes (n = 34) and full-length (n = 17) sequences indicated that all of the strains belonged to genotype HDV1. However, a high genetic diversity was observed among the isolates, with a mean full-length dissimilarity score of 13.05%. HDV sequences clustered with sequences from Western Europe (n = 11),...

Prevalence and Temporal Trends of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS Co-infection During Pregnancy Across the Decade, 1998–2007

Journal of Women — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:28:22 +0100

Journal of Women's Health Jan 2012, Vol. 21, No. 1: 66-72. (Source: Journal of Women)

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Hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis D: Does it differ from hepatitis B monoinfection?

The Saudi Journal of Gastroenterology — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Decreased liver size and indirect evidence of more severe portal hypertension and earlier TNM stage compared with HBV monoinfection indicate that HDV infection causes HCC in a different way, possibly indirectly by inducing inflammation and cirrhosis. (Source: The Saudi Journal of Gastroenterology)

Hepatitis B in the United States: ongoing missed opportunities for hepatitis B vaccination, evidence from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, 2007

Infection — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:53:02 +0100

Conclusions The findings of this study underscore the inadequacy of vaccination coverage in high-risk adults and highlight advantageous opportunities to bridge gaps in vaccination coverage. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Clinical and Epidemiological StudyPages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s15010-011-0241-2Authors F. Ladak, Program in Public Health, Division of Biomedicine, Brown University, 121 South Main Street, Box G, Providence, RI 02903, USAA. Gjelsvik, Program in Public Health, Center for Population Health and Clinical Epidemiology, Brown University, 121 South Main St. S121-2, Providence, RI 02912, USAE. Feller, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Box G-S121, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02912, USAS. Rosenthal, Division of Biomedicine, Brown Univers...

Risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection among Egyptian healthcare workers in a national liver diseases referral centre

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:11:31 +0100

Abstract: Little is known about the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among healthcare workers (HCW) in Egypt, where the highest worldwide prevalence of HCV exists. The prevalence of HCV, hepatitis B virus and Schistosoma mansoni antibodies was examined in 842 HCWs at the National Liver Institute in the Nile Delta, where >85% of patients are HCV antibody-positive. The mean age of HCWs was 31.5 years and they reported an average of 0.6±1.2 needlesticks/HCW/year. The prevalence of anti-HCV, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and co-infection was 16.6%, 1.5% and 0.2%, respectively. HCV-RNA was present in 72.1% of anti-HCV-positive HCWs, and all but one subject were infected with HCV genotype 4. Schistosoma mansoni antibodies were present in 35.1%. The anti-HCV rate increased sharply wit...

Viral infections and human cancers: the legacy of Denis Burkitt

British Journal of Haematology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryDenis Parsons Burkitt was born in 1911, and in the late 1950s, described the disease that has come to be known as Burkitt lymphoma based on cases he observed in Uganda. Subsequently, Burkitt lymphoma was recognized as the first human tumour associated with an infectious agent when Epstein–Barr virus was isolated from samples supplied by Burkitt. It is now recognized that over one‐quarter of cancers worldwide are tied to infections. Notably, liver cancer is linked to hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections, and cervical cancer to infections involving the human papilloma viruses. In addition, immunocompromise arising from infection with the human immunodeficiency virus allows tumours (e.g., Kaposi sarcoma) caused by other viruses to arise. More than 50 years after the...

Prevalence and predictive factors of diabetes in hepatitis virus positive liver cirrhosis with fasting plasma glucose level of

Hepatology Research — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Hypoalbuminemia and elevated ICG R15 in hepatitis virus related cirrhotic patients with FPG level of <126 mg/day enhance diabetes pattern after OGTT with significant difference. (Source: Hepatology Research)

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Inhibition of Viral Replication Downregulates CD4+CD25high Regulatory T Cells and Programmed Death-Ligand 1 in Chronic Hepatitis B

Viral Immunology — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:18:09 +0100

Viral Immunology , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Viral Immunology)

Long-term effect of lamivudine treatment on the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis B virus infection

Journal of Gastroenterology — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 06:42:03 +0100

Conclusions These results suggest that the incidence of HCC in HBV patients with cirrhosis can be reduced in those with an MVR induced by consecutive LAM treatment. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original Article—Liver, Pancreas, and Biliary TractPages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00535-011-0522-7Authors Mika Kurokawa, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine 2-2, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, JapanNaoki Hiramatsu, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine 2-2, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, JapanTsugiko Oze, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine 2-2, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, JapanTakayuki Yakushijin, De...

High-dose clevudine impairs mitochondrial function and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in INS-1E cells

BMC Gastroenterology — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our data suggest that high-dose treatment with clevudine induces mitochondrial defects associated with mtDNA depletion and impairs glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in insulin-releasing cells. These findings partly explain the development of diabetes in patients receiving clevudine who might have a high susceptibility to mitochondrial toxicity. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Consumer Information on: Elecsys® Anti-HBc IgM Immunoassay and Elecsys® PreciControl Anti-HBc IgM for use on the cobas e 411 Immunoassay Analyzer - P110031

Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA): CDRHNew — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The Elecsys® Anti-HBc IgM Immunoassay is a laboratory test used to detect antibodies associated with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Antibodies are proteins produced by the body to fight against foreign substances, such as viruses and bacteria... (Source: Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA): CDRHNew)

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Elecsys® Anti-HBc IgM Immunoassay and Elecsys® PreciControl Anti-HBc IgM for use on the cobas e 411 Immunoassay Analyzer

Medical Device Approvals — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The Elecsys® Anti-HBc IgM Immunoassay is a laboratory test used to detect antibodies associated with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Antibodies are proteins produced by the body to fight against foreign substances, such as viruses and bacteria... (Approved: 1/3/2012) (Source: Medical Device Approvals)

Very late initiation of HAART impairs treatment response at 48 and 96 weeks: results from a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions We found that initiation of antiretroviral therapy with very low CD4 lymphocyte counts is consistently associated with poorer outcomes of HAART. This effect could be modulated by HBV/HCV coinfection, but not by the individual components of the HAART regimen. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)

Hepatitis B reactivation despite entecavir prophylaxis in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia receiving bendamustine

Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)

A mutation in the interferon regulatory element of HBV may influence the response of interferon treatment in chronic hepatitis B patients

Virology Journal — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The forth base C->T mutation in IRE element of HBV may partially influence the response of Interferon treatment in CHB patients. (Source: Virology Journal)

Persistence of long-term immunity to hepatitis B among adolescents immunized at birth.

Vaccine — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chaves SS, Fischer G, Groeger J, Patel PR, Thompson ND, Teshale EH, Stevenson K, Yano VM, Armstrong GL, Samandari T, Kamili S, Drobeniuc J, Hu DJ Abstract The long-term duration of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine-induced immunity among persons vaccinated starting at birth is still not well understood. Waning of vaccine-induced immunity could leave young adults at risk of hepatitis B virus infection due to behavioral or occupational exposures. We followed a cohort of children immunized starting at birth with a 3-dose regimen of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (5mcg, 2.5mcg, 2.5mcg). They were challenged with a booster dose of the hepatitis B vaccine 10 and 15 years after vaccination to assess anamnestic response as a measure of persistence of protection. Among 108 participa...

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No link yet between hepatitis B, C cases and Ottawa clinic

CTV Health — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:06:03 +0100

A small number of patients of an Ottawa health clinic under scrutiny for an infection-control lapse have tested positive for hepatitis B and C, an interim report into the case says, but so far no cases have been linked to the facility. (Source: CTV Health)

Inhibition of PP1 Phosphatase Activity by HBx: A Mechanism for the Activation of Hepatitis B Virus Transcription.

Science Signaling — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:18:02 +0100

Authors: Cougot D, Allemand E, Rivière L, Benhenda S, Duroure K, Levillayer F, Muchardt C, Buendia MA, Neuveut C Abstract The regulatory protein HBx is essential for hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in vivo and for transcription of the episomal HBV genome. We previously reported that in infected cells HBx activates genes targeted by the transcription factor CREB [cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein]. cAMP induces phosphorylation and activation of CREB, and CREB inactivation is promoted by protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), which binds to CREB through histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1). We showed that CREB was recruited to HBV DNA. Phosphorylation induced by cAMP had a longer half-life when CREB was bound to the episomal HBV genome compared to when it was...

Rather than interleukin‐27, interleukin‐6 expresses positive correlation with liver severity in naïve hepatitis B infection patients

Liver International — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionSerum IL‐27 can trigger immune response to prevent hepatic injury in different clinical‐pathologic stages of HBV‐infected patients earlier, but IL‐6 may play an extremely important role to determine the liver progression. (Source: Liver International)

Clinical prognostic variables in young patients (under 40 years) with hepatitis B virus‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma

Chinese Journal of Digestive Diseases — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Current guidelines for HCC screening in patients with HBV may lead to delay in diagnosis in non‐cirrhotic patients under age 40. Consideration should be given to modifying current recommendations to advocate entering HBV patients into a cancer‐screening program at a younger age.© 2012 The Author. Journal of Digestive Diseases © 2012 Chinese Medical Association Shanghai Branch, Chinese Society of Gastroenterology, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd. (Source: Chinese Journal of Digestive Diseases)

Improved survival ratios correlate with myeloid dendritic cell restoration in acute-on-chronic liver failure patients receiving methylprednisolone therapy.

Cellular and Molecular Immunology — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zhao J, Zhang JY, Yu HW, He YL, Zhao JJ, Li J, Zhu YK, Yao QW, Wang JH, Liu HX, Shi SY, Zou ZS, Xu XS, Zhou CB, Wang FS, Meng QH Abstract Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a severe life-threatening complication. Liver transplantation is the only available therapeutic option; however, several limitations have restricted its use in patients. The use of corticosteroids as an optional therapy for ACLF has received a great deal of interest. The rationale behind its use is the possible role of the immune system in initiating and perpetuating hepatic damage. In order to assess the relationship between myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) and the efficacy of methylprednisolone (MP) treatment for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated ACLF patients, we recruited 30 HBV-associated ACLF...

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Protective immune response against Toxoplasma gondii elicited by a recombinant DNA vaccine with a novel genetic adjuvant.

Vaccine — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zhou H, Min J, Zhao Q, Gu Q, Cong H, Li Y, He S Abstract Previous immunological studies from our laboratory have demonstrated the potential role of Toxoplasma gondii antigens SAG1 and GRA2 as vaccine candidates. To further evaluate the vaccine's effects, a series of recombinant DNA vaccines pVAX1-SAG1, pVAX1-GRA2 and pVAX1-SAG1-GRA2, termed pSAG1, pGRA2 and pSAG1-GRA2, respectively, were constructed. A plasmid pVAX1-S/PreS2, termed pSPreS2 encoding hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) S and PreS2 as a novel genetic adjuvant, was also constructed. The expression abilities of those DNA plasmids were examined in HFF cells by Western blotting. Then BALB/c mice were intramuscularly immunized with DNA plasmids and followed by challenging with the highly virulent T. go...

Comparison of cryoglobulinemia in children and adults.

Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Children with cryoglobulinemia had a significantly higher prevalence of prolonged fever, arthralgia, arthritis and cutaneous involvement compared with adults. PMID: 22237397 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection)

Two mucosal-parenteral schedules to coadminister a multiantigenic formulation against HIV-1 in Balb/c mice.

International Immunopharmacology — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study asks whether four times simultaneous administration through the IN and SC routes (SC+IN) of the multiantigenic formulation induces a similar systemic and mucosal immune responses than two sequential IN priming and two SC boosting (2IN&2SC) inoculations in mice. To answer this question, we tested the same total dose of each antigen per animal in both schedules of inoculation. We found that SC+IN and 2IN&2SC coadministration induced comparable levels of CR3(HIV)-specific IFN-γ-secreting cells and CD8+ cells proliferation in the systemic compartment of animals. Consistent with these findings, a similar Th1 profile considering anti-CR3 IgG1:IGg2a ratio was observed. Additionally, the level of IgG antibodies and the frequency of seroconverting animals in vagina were not diff...

Aggregate travel vs. single trip assessment: Arguments for cumulative risk analysis.

Vaccine — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Leder K, Chen LH, Wilson ME Abstract Vaccine recommendations for travellers are based on individual risk assessments of multiple factors, most importantly the destination and duration of the impending trip. Many people undertake frequent trips, but existing WHO, CDC and national advisory board recommendations do not explicitly consider cumulative travel-associated risks. Given the period of protection provided by many vaccines, in particular rabies, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and yellow fever vaccines, an aggregate multi-trip risk assessment which views vaccines as an investment for future travel health may be more appropriate than separately evaluating the risks for each trip. PMID: 22234265 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Quick genotyping detection of HBV by giant magnetoresistive biochip combined with PCR and line probe assay

RSC - Lab Chip latest articles — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:11:55 +0100

Lab Chip, 2012, Advance ArticleDOI: 10.1039/C2LC20949G, PaperXiao Zhi, Qingsheng Liu, Xin Zhang, Yixia Zhang, Jie Feng, Daxiang CuiA quick genotyping method for hepatitis B virus using a giant magnetoresistive biochip combined with magnetic nanoclusters, PCR and line probe assay was developed and could successfully distinguish between B and C gene types.To cite this article before page numbers are assigned, use the DOI form of citation above.The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry (Source: RSC - Lab Chip latest articles)

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[Research Article] Inhibition of PP1 Phosphatase Activity by HBx: A Mechanism for the Activation of Hepatitis B Virus Transcription

Signal Transduction Knowledge Environment — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:50:49 +0100

A virus prolongs the activity of a host transcription factor to promote expression of viral genes. (Source: Signal Transduction Knowledge Environment)

Association of a TANK Gene Polymorphism with Outcomes of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in a Chinese Han population

Viral Immunology — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:09:51 +0100

Viral Immunology , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Viral Immunology)

Early serum HBsAg level as a strong predictor of sustained response to peginterferon alfa‐2a in HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B

Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsA quantitative serum HBsAg level at 12 weeks of therapy can be used for the early prediction of SR to peginterferon therapy in HBeAg‐negative CHB patients infected with genotype B or C. (Source: Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics)

Coexistence of hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-HBs in Chinese chronic hepatitis B virus patients relating to genotype C and mutations in the S and P gene reverse transcriptase region

Archives of Virology — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:08:07 +0100

This study showed a prevalence of coexistence of anti-HBs in HBsAg-positive patients and an increased frequency of genotype C and aa variability within both HBsAg and RT involving functionally important regions of those proteins. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00705-011-1215-5Authors Weiwei Liu, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040 ChinaTingting Hu, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040 ChinaXinyu Wang, Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040 ChinaYuming Chen, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fu...

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Safety and immunogenicity of a modified process hepatitis B vaccine in healthy neonates.

Vaccine — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The safety profile of mpHBV was comparable to that of the control vaccine. The geometric mean antibody titer for mpHBV was higher than control vaccine in this infant population, but the difference did not meet the predefined statistical criterion for superiority. PMID: 22227229 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Specific expression of human interferon-gamma controls hepatitis B virus replication in vitro in secreting hepatitis B surface antigen hepatocytes.

Journal of Virological Methods — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, a novel strategy has been described that drives specific expression of human IFN-γ in HBsAg-secreting hepatocytes. A bicistronic expression vector has been developed, pcDNA3.1-HBV antisense S gene-HCV core protein gene-HCV internal ribosome entry sites (IRES)-IFN-γ (pcDNA-SCIγ), by inserting four DNA fragments into pcDNA3.1. Tight modulation of HCV IRES-dependent translation by the HCV core protein was achieved using an antisense RNA technique with a bicistronic expression vector. HepG2 cells and HepG2.2.15 cells stably expressing HBV were transduced with pcDNA-SCIγ to test the responsiveness of IFN-γ to HBsAg expression. Gene transfer resulted in a low background and a 30-fold induction of IFN-γ expression from pcDNA-SCIγ in a cell-specific fashion. Hepatocyte-specif...

Detection of Hepatitis B Virus in Serum and Liver of Chickens

Virology Journal — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study was to determine if HBV is present in serum and liver of chickens. A total of 129 serum samples from broiler chickens were collected for the detection of HBV antigens and antibodies, and 193 liver samples were tested for HBV DNA sequence by PCR and for the existence of HBV antigens by immunohistochemistry. The overall prevalence of HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc was 28.68%, 53.49%, 17.05%, respectively, whereas HBeAg, anti-HBe were barely detectable. Three serum samples were found to be positive for both HBsAg and HBeAg. Further analysis of these samples with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed two morphologic particles with 20 nm and 40 nm in diameter, which were similar to small spherical and Danes particles of HBV. The viral DNA sequence identified in ...

[Therapy of chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections in the clinical practice].

Praxis — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Panther E, Thimme R Abstract Approximately 550 million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV) virus. The clinical course of HBV and HCV infection is variable and can lead to a chronic but mild hepatitis or to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)1. Therefore, antiviral therapy should be considered in patients with chronic hepatitis to prevent progression of disease. Here, we review the current indications and guidelines for antiviral therapy in chronic HBV and HCV infection. PMID: 22219073 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Praxis)

Comparative meta-analysis of adefovir dipivoxil monotherapy and combination therapy of adefovir dipivoxil and lamivudine for lamivudine-resistant chronic hepatitis B.

Adv Data — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of the combination therapy was not obviously predominant over the monotherapy in short duration therapies; however, the combination therapy had a great advantage over monotherapy in both biochemical and virological response when the therapy duration was prolonged to >12 months. PMID: 22226087 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Adv Data)

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Management of Needlestick Injuries: A House Officer Who Has a Needlestick [Clinical Crossroads]

JAMA — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Since its identification in 1985, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has challenged several aspects of health care delivery. Because HIV is a blood-borne infectious disease, from the early days of the epidemic, concern was raised about risks of occupational exposures and infections among health care workers. Despite the development of highly active antiretroviral therapy, which has effectively modulated HIV into a chronic disease in many settings, risks of occupational infection with 3 blood-borne pathogens remain in the health care workplace. Using the case of a house officer who has a needlestick during a resuscitation attempt, prevention of needlesticks including universal precautions and postexposure management of occupational HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C exposures is discussed. (...

Hepatitis B virus X protein inhibits extracellular IFN-α-mediated signal transduction by downregulation of type I IFN receptor.

International Journal of Molecular Medicine — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Hepatitis B virus X protein inhibits extracellular IFN-α-mediated signal transduction by downregulation of type I IFN receptor. Int J Mol Med. 2012 Jan 3; Authors: Cho IR, Oh M, Koh SS, Malilas W, Srisuttee R, Jhun BH, Pallegrini S, Fuchs SY, Chung YH Abstract We have previously shown that hepatitis B virus (HBV) protein X (HBX), a regulatory protein of HBV, activates Stat1, leading to type I interferon (IFN) production. Type I IFN secreted from HBX-expressing hepatic cells enforces antiviral signals through its binding to the cognate type I IFN receptor. We therefore investigated how cells handle this detrimental situation. Interestingly, compared to Chang cells stably expressing an empty vector (Chang-Vec), Chang cells stably expr...

[Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) in Germany - Results of a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study].

Zeitschrift fur Gastroenterologie — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: This database currently contains the largest collection of epidemiological data of CHB patients in Germany. It therefore allows a representative overview on the disease in Germany. In Germany CHB epidemiology is triggered by migration from countries with higher CHB prevalence. However, the high proportion of patients coming from states of the former USSR is likely to be a historical peculiarity of Germany. The sometimes weak German language skills as well as the cultural specifics in the different immigrant groups are still a challenge for health-care providers. The high proportion of viraemic patients, already being treated, could indicate a suboptimal efficacy of the available therapeutic options at the time documentation. PMID: 22222794 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Ze...

Molecular mechanisms underlying occult hepatitis B virus infection.

Clinical Microbiology Reviews — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Samal J, Kandpal M, Vivekanandan P Abstract Summary: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a complex clinical entity frequently associated with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The persistence of HBV genomes in the absence of detectable surface antigenemia is termed occult HBV infection. Mutations in the surface gene rendering HBsAg undetectable by commercial assays and inhibition of HBV by suppression of viral replication and viral proteins represent two fundamentally different mechanisms that lead to occult HBV infections. The molecular mechanisms underlying occult HBV infections, including recently identified mechanisms associated with the suppression of HBV replication and inhibition of HBV proteins, are reviewed in detail. The availability of highl...

Value of alpha-foetoprotein for screening of recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma post resection.

Singapore Medical Journal — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: AFP alone is an inadequate screening test for HCC recurrence since only about two-thirds of patients showed upward AFP trend on recurrence. Our study found a relatively low cut-off point for detection of recurrence (5.54 μg/L). Patients with high preoperative AFP tended to have high AFP on recurrence. Imaging is recommended for patients with AFP levels > 5.45 μg/L, especially when AFP shows a rising trend. PMID: 22252180 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Singapore Medical Journal)

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MxA inhibits hepatitis B virus replication by interaction with core protein HBcAg

Hepatology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:MxA displays antiviral activity against HBV involving a mechanism of MxA‐HBcAg interaction which may interfere with core particle formation. (HEPATOLOGY 2012.) (Source: Hepatology)

Hepatocellular carcinoma presenting as an isolated sphenoid sinus lesion: A case report.

Ear, Nose and Throat Journal — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report a rare case of a metastatic sphenoid sinus lesion originating from an undiagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a 53-year-old man who presented with gradually progressive external ophthalmoplegia. Imaging showed a right sphenoid sinus lesion infiltrating the parasellar region. Although a primary sphenoid biopsy was inconclusive, positive hepatitis B surface antigen and CT-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology suggested an HCC. A repeat endoscopic biopsy from the sphenoid with immunohistochemistry confirmed the lesion to be metastatic HCC. Metastasis to the paranasal sinuses is extremely rare, and metastasis from a liver primary even more rare. Because of clinical and radiologic similarity between the primary and metastatic lesions, metastasis to the sphenoid sinus is often u...

Clinical Outcome of Renal Transplantation in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients With Positive Pretransplantation Hepatitis B Surface Antigen

Transplantation Proceedings — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: RTx for ESRD with pretransplantation HbsAg positivity has acceptable graft function and patient/graft survival over 11 years follow-up and should be encouraged. (Source: Transplantation Proceedings)

Overexpression of hepatitis B x-interacting protein in HepG2 cells enhances tumor-induced angiogenesis.

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, the effect of HBXIP on the hepatoma cells-induced angiogenesis was investigated. Proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were detected by MTT and transwell assay, respectively. Tube formation and chick chorioallantoic membrane model were used to observe the angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor activity was assayed using ELISA kits. Western blotting was performed to examine the protein expression. Our results indicated that overexpression of HBXIP increased HepG2 cell-induced endothelial cells migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis, which may be related to increasing phosphorylation of endothelial NO synthase in HUVECs. These results suggest that HBXIP may play an important role in tumorigenesis by enhancing angiogenesis ...