MedWorm: Hepatitis B

Efficient inhibition of hepatitis B virus replication by hepatitis delta virus ribozymes delivered by targeting retrovirus

BioMed Central — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These data suggest that this system provides a new approach for targeting hepatocytes and has a great potential in gene therapy for HBV infection. (Source: BioMed Central)

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Prevalence of a virus similar to human hepatitis B virus in swine

Virology Journal — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our research result implies that SHBV could be a causative agent of swine. The discovery of SHBV will unveil novel evolutionary aspects of hepatitis and provides new information for further hepadnavirus research. (Source: Virology Journal)

WHO notice silent on safety issues with Shan5 vaccine

The Economic Times — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:53:53 +0100

Shan5 is described as a pentavalent vaccine since it is to protect babies from five diseases — Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Haemophilus influenza B and Hepatitis B. (Source: The Economic Times)

Dynavax hopes to submit Heplisav to FDA 6 months early

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:03:43 +0100

Dynavax Technologies Corp. hopes to submit its hepatitis B vaccine to the FDA six months earlier than a previous guess. (DVAX) (MRK) (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

Irish aid project discovers high rate of hepatitis B in Vietnam

The Irish Times - Health — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:30:18 +0100

A MAJOR aid initiative, backed by the Government here, has helped to identify an unusually high rate of hepatitis B infection in Vietnam. The research programme has also established that HIV infection in the southeast Asian country has yet to spread significantly to the wider population. (Source: The Irish Times - Health)

Retrospective review of serological testing of potential human milk donors

Archives of Disease in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:33:27 +0100

Conclusions There is a significant incidence of positive serology among women interested in donating human milk. This implies that there may be significant risk associated with peer-to-peer distribution of human milk from unscreened donors. (Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition)

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TWINRIX (Hepatitis A Inactivated And Hepatitis B (Recombinant) Vaccine) Injection, Suspension [GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Mar 15, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

ENGERIX-B (Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant)) Injection, Suspension [GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Mar 15, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Viral hepatocarcinogenesis

Oncogene — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: W-L Tsai & R T Chung (Source: Oncogene)

Adverse effects of drugs in the treatment of viral hepatitis

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Gastroenterology — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:21:59 +0100

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) affect approximately 400–500 million individuals worldwide. Both infections are characterised by a significant morbidity and mortality: chronic hepatitis B and C may evolve towards the development of cirrhosis and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. During the last two decades, several new antivirals have been developed that are active against HBV and HCV, allowing sustained cure rates in a significant proportion of patients. All these drugs have side effects, which may represent a major barrier to achieve cure in many patients in need. I will review the most common adverse events reported during the therapy of chronic hepatitis B and C, with some recommendations for proper management. (Source: Best Practice & Research. Clinical ...

Health headlines: Sports injuries, lazy ear and lice

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:00:43 +0100

Other stories we’ve been reading: Be sure to keep liquid detergent capsules out of your kids’ reach. Scientists find out why Vitamin D is important. [Read how children are at risk of a Vitamin D deficiency.]There’s a jump in kids’ sports injuries due to overuse. [Read about how girls' soccer injuries are preventable.] Twenty percent of U.S. babies don’t get the hepatitis B vaccine. A Canadian vaccine study proves the idea of “herd community.” [Read about this year's vaccine schedule.] A new drug could help protect against treatment-resistant lice. Parents can help prevent bullying by modeling kindness and empathy. [Find out how to address bullying.] Girls start bullying at a younger age. Special needs kids are often uninsured. Can a behavioral optometrist help kids with “is...

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Reply to Liver-intestine cadherin predicts microvascular invasion and poor prognosis of hepatitis B virus-positive hepatocellular carcinoma

Cancer — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

No abstract. (Source: Cancer)

Establishment of a new quantitative detection approach to adefovir-resistant HBV and its clinical application.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:04:24 +0100

CONCLUSION: This new approach is more feasible and efficient to detect ADV-resistant mutants of HBV and ADV-resistant mutations before and during ADV treatment with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 100%. PMID: 20222172 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

NABI-HB (Human Hepatitis B Virus Immune Globulin) Injection [Biotest Pharmaceuticals Corporation]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Mar 12, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Efforts Evaluated

Modern Medicine — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Significant policy and practice gaps persist in the efforts of U.S. hospitals to prevent perinatal transmission of the hepatitis B virus, according to a study published online March 8 in Pediatrics. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Development of a new ultra sensitive real-time PCR assay (ultra sensitive RTQ-PCR) for the quantification of HBV-DNA

Virology Journal — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We report a new ultra sensitive real time PCR molecular beacon based assay with remarkable analytical and clinical sensitivity, calibrated against the WHO 1st International standard. (Source: Virology Journal)

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Occupational coke oven emissions exposure and risk of abnormal liver function: modifications of body mass index and hepatitis virus infection

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:32:12 +0100

Conclusions Long-term exposure to COE increases the risk of liver dysfunction, which is more prominent among those with higher BMI and hepatitis virus infection. The risk assessment of liver damage associated with COE exposure should take BMI and hepatitis virus infection into consideration. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

NABI-HB (Human Hepatitis B Virus Immune Globulin) Injection [Biotest Pharmaceuticals Corporation]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Mar 11, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Nonobese population in a developing country has a high prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver and significant liver disease

Hepatology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

There is a paucity of community-based epidemiological data on nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) among nonaffluent populations in developing countries. Available studies are radiological and/or biochemical and lack histological assessment, limiting their strength. We conducted a prospective epidemiological study comprising a 1:3 subsample of all adult (>18 years) inhabitants of a rural administrative unit of West Bengal, India. Subjects positive for hepatitis B virus and/or hepatitis C virus infection and consuming any amount of alcohol were excluded. Diagnosis of NAFL was by dual radiological screening protocol consisting of ultrasonographic and computed tomographic examination of the liver. Transient elastographic examination and liver biopsy were performed in a subset to identify significa...

Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Refugees Resettled in the U.S.: High Prevalence and Challenges in Access to Health Care

Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:47:25 +0100

Abstract Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) remains highly endemic in many parts of the world. Refugees resettling in their host countries may carry a significant burden of disease due to HBV and may require long-term medical care. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted to assess the epidemiology of HBV and entry into medical care in refugee communities resettled in the State of Georgia over a five-year period: 2003–2007. Among 6,347 refugees (89.7% of those resettled) screened for HBV infection, six hundred and eighty (10.7%) were found to be HBsAg seropositive. Those between the ages of 10–39 years of age contributed to the majority of cases; and most originated from Africa (71%). All HBsAg positive cases were adequately referred to a primary care physic...

Vaccination, Prevention Is Beating Back Hepatitis

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:00:00 +0100

Programs seem to be making progress against these viruses, research suggests Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

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Hepatosplenic αβ T cell lymphoma

International Journal of Clinical Oncology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:13:26 +0100

Abstract A 32-year-old male with chronic hepatitis B was admitted to a hospital with cellulitis in the right leg in September 2006. Pancytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, and systemic superficial lymph node swelling were noted, and he was referred to our hospital. He developed fever and liver dysfunction in June 2007 and underwent a splenectomy. His pancytopenia subsequently improved. A pathologic diagnosis of hepatosplenic αβ T cell lymphoma was made by examining spleen tissue and biopsy specimens of the liver and mesenteric lymph node. He had stage IVB disease because neoplastic T cells were noted in the bone marrow. The response of the lymphoma to conventional chemotherapy including the CHOP (cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, prednisolone) and DeVIC (dexamethasone...

Beta2-GPI: a novel factor in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma

Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:10:10 +0100

Conclusions Beta2-GPI may play a role in the development of HBV-related HCC by activating NF-κB via interaction of beta2-GPI and HBsAg. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00432-010-0825-8Authors Xue Jing, The First Hospital of Jilin University Department of Hepatology Changchun 130021 Jilin Province People’s Republic of ChinaYun-Feng Piao, The First Hospital of Jilin University Department of Hepatology Changchun 130021 Jilin Province People’s Republic of ChinaYe Liu, Academy of Military Medical Sciences Laboratory of Epidemiology, Veterinary Institute Changchun People’s Republic of ChinaPu-Jun Gao, The First Hospital of Jilin University Department of Hepatology Changchun 130021 Jilin Province People’s Republic of China Journa...

Hepatocellular carcinoma: Comparison of two different periods at the same center.

European Journal of Internal Medicine — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:36:11 +0100

CONCLUSION: This study shows that over the last decade a number of characteristics of patients with HCC in our region have changed, particularly age at onset of HCC, staging of underlying liver disease and staging of HCC. PMID: 20206885 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Internal Medicine)

Adherence to Perinatal HBV Prevention Guidance Lacking (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Gastroenterology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:13:04 +0100

Hospitals' efforts to prevent perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus need to be improved, researchers said. (Source: MedPage Today Gastroenterology)

Hepatitis B and C Remain a Neglected Epidemic in America

Modern Medicine — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Lack of awareness about the extent of hepatitis B and C infection, not just among the public but also among health care professionals, is undermining efforts to combat the diseases, according to research published online Feb. 22 in Hepatology. (Source: Modern Medicine)

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Serologic Response to Hepatitis B Vaccination in HIV‐Infected Patients with Isolated Positivity for Antibodies to Hepatitis B Core Antigen

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:02:11 +0100

Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. We assessed the safety and immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccination among 40 human immunodeficiency virus–infected patients with isolated positivity for antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen. No baseline factors were found to be predictive of an anamnestic response, which occurred in 32.5% of the patients. The overall response rate among patients without an anamnestic response was 74.0% after 3–6 vaccine doses. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

No Increase in Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Mutant in a Population of Children and Adolescents Who Were Fully Covered by Universal Infant Immunization

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:44:40 +0100

Conclusions. Less infectivity of G145R, recombinant vaccine use, and mutant loss with older age seem to decrease the a mutant prevalence in an immunized population over time. (Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Hepatitis B virus among injecting drug users in Sydney, Australia: Prevalence, vaccination and knowledge of status

Drug and Alcohol Dependence — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:53:12 +0100

Conclusions: Levels of understanding and vaccination coverage were low while evidence of prior infection was high among this IDU sample. This is cause for concern given the majority of participants were recruited through primary care and treatment services. Strategies to bolster vaccination among this group will be discussed. (Source: Drug and Alcohol Dependence)

1 in 5 At-Risk U.S. Babies Doesn't Get Hepatitis B Vaccine

MedlinePlus Health News — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0100

Researchers urge hospitals to vaccinate all children Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Childhood Immunization, Hepatitis B (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

End Points of Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis B

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:09:10 +0100

What clinical, histological, biochemical and virological end points of antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis B are most relevant? Expert Review of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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1 in 5 At-Risk U.S. Babies Doesn't Get Hepatitis B Vaccine

MedicineNet Kids Health General — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: 1 in 5 At-Risk U.S. Babies Doesn't Get Hepatitis B VaccineCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/8/2010 9:42:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 3/8/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Kids Health General)

Maternal hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus carrier status as an independent risk factor for adverse perinatal outcome

Liver International — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

To examine the impact of maternal hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) carrier status on pregnancy outcomes. A population-based study was performed by comparing all pregnancies of HBsAg and/or anti-HCV seropositive women who delivered during the years 1988[ndash]2007 with all other pregnant women who delivered in the same period. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to control for confounders. Seven hundred and forty-nine hepatitis seropositive pregnant women were identified out of 186 619 deliveries (0.4%). Maternal characteristics, as well as perinatal outcomes, were comparable between the HBV and HCV carriers. HBV/HCV carriers had higher rates of preterm deliveries ( (Source: Liver International)

Predictors of loss of hepatitis B surface antigen in HIV-infected patients.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Our study showed an interesting association of loss of HBsAg in HIV-HBV co-infected patients with higher CD4 cell count, suggesting that T-cell cytolytic activity against HBV may still be effective in clearing HBV infection. PMID: 20205279 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

Occult Hepatitis B Virus infection in ART-Naive HIV-Infected Patients seen at a Tertiary Care Centre in North India

BMC Infectious Diseases — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: High prevalence of HIV-HBV co-infection was found in our patients. A sizeable number of co-infected patients remain undiagnosed, if only conventional serological markers are used. Presence of anti-HBs antibodies was not a reliable surrogate marker to rule out occult HBV infection. The most reliable method to diagnose occult HBV co-infection in HIV seropositive patients is the detection of HBV-DNA. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Exploring different strategies to express Dengue virus envelope protein in a plant system.

Biotechnology Letters — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Martínez CA, Topal E, Giulietti AM, Talou JR, Mason H Dengue virus envelope glycoprotein (E-protein) is the main protein associated with immunity induction. To produce a candidate for subunit vaccines and to provide an antigen for diagnostic kits, it was expressed in a novel plant system using deconstructed viral modules. A truncated version of the E-protein was designed to be expressed alone and co-expressed with Dengue virus structural proteins. As well, the critical domain III of E-protein was fused to hepatitis B core antigen (HBcore). The recombinant proteins were produced in Nicotiana benthamiana plants and were reactive with the anti-E antibody. The fusion was reactive with both anti-E and anti-HBcore antibodies. PMID: 20213522 [PubMed - as supplied by publishe...

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Durability of peginterferon alfa-2b treatment at 5 years in patients with hepatitis B e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B

Hepatology — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, 85 HBeAg-positive patients who received peginterferon alfa-2b 1.5 [mu]g/kg/week for 32 weeks and lamivudine 100 mg/day for 52 or 104 weeks were prospectively followed for 6.1 ± 1.7 years posttreatment. Twenty-five (29%) patients had virologic response (HBeAg seroconversion and HBV DNA (Source: Hepatology)

Alterations in Hepatitis B Virus Nucleotide Sequences in a Chronic Virus Carrier from Immunotolerant to Immunoactive Phase.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research communications — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ohkawa K, Takehara T, Tatsumi T, Ishida H, Deguchi M, Kagita M, Hosui A, Miyagi T, Katayama K, Hayashi N Factors involved in transition from the immunotolerant to immunoactive phase in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remain unclear. We investigated viral mutations occurring during transition and elucidated their virological and immunological significance. Full-length HBV DNA sequences were serially determined in a chronic HBV carrier from the immunotolerant to immunoactive phase. Viral replicative competence was examined by transfection analysis. HBV-specific CD8(+) T cell response was evaluated by coculture of CD8(+) T cells with autologous dendritic cells followed by interferon-gamma Elispot assay. Eleven point mutations and two deletions appeared around the onset ...

Hepatitis b virus-related membranous nephropathy treated with entecavir

Nephrology — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Nephrology)

Liver-intestine cadherin predicts microvascular invasion and poor prognosis of hepatitis B virus-positive hepatocellular carcinoma

Cancer — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

No abstract. (Source: Cancer)

Hepatitis B and C remain public health issue -- up to 5.3 million Americans infected

ScienceDaily Headlines — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:00:00 +0100

A recent report confirmed that 3.5 to 5.3 million people (1-2 percent of the US population) have chronic hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus infections. Despite efforts by federal, state and local government agencies to control and prevent these diseases, they remain a serious public health concern. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

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1.3m Pounds Plan To Reduce Hepatitis In Wales

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Health Minister Edwina Hart approved a plan to tackle blood borne hepatitis. A total of Â£1.37 million of Welsh Assembly Government funding has been allocated to deliver the plan, developed by Public Health Wales. The plan aims to identify people at risk of blood borne viral hepatitis and prevent further transmission of the virus and, to improve care for people living with hepatitis B and C. These viruses spread from person to person predominately by contact with infected blood and mainly affect the liver... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Simvastatin potentiates the anti-hepatitis B virus activity of FDA-approved nucleoside analogue inhibitors in vitro.

Antiviral Research — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report that a particular statin, simvastatin (SIM), exhibits strong in vitro anti-HBV activity. Moreover, a combination of SIM with each of the individual nucleos(t)ide analogues lamivudine (LMV), adefovir (ADV), tenofovir (TEN) and entecavir (ETV), showed synergistic antiviral activity. Combination drug treatments were performed in the HepG2.2.15 cell line. Compound combinations were centered on a mixture designed to deliver approximately equipotent (not necessarily equimolar) concentrations of each agent, based on the ninety percent viral inhibition monotherapy values. SIM interacted favorably with all four licensed anti-HBV nucleos(t)ide analogues, especially at molar ratios that approximate combinations likely to be used clinically. As the relative concentration of SIM was raised to...

“Paranoia Strikes Deep”*: MMR Vaccine and Autism

Psychiatric Times — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

On February 12, 2009, the US Court of Federal Claims issued a trio of long-awaited decisions in its Omnibus Autism Proceeding. The 3 were representative cases chosen from more than 5500 pending MMR/autism cases by the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee. Each presented the theory that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine in combination with thimerosal, a mercury-based ingredient contained in some diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), diphtheria-tetanus–acellular pertussis (DTaP), hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccines, causes autism. In nearly 700 combined pages that reviewed the scientific and epidemiological evidence, all 3 opinions determined that the plaintiffs had not demonstrated a link between these vaccines and autism. (Source: Psychiatric Times)

Combination of Lamivudine and Adefovir Therapy in HBeAg-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients With Poor Response to Adefovir Monotherapy

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:09:14 +0100

What is the effect of adding lamivudine to adefovir dipivoxil monotherapy in chronic hepatitis B patients who respond poorly to adefovir monotherapy? Journal of Viral Hepatitis (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

A Hepatitis B Virus Inhibitory Neolignan from Herpetospermum caudigerum.

Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:56:03 +0100

Authors: Yang F, Zhang HJ, Zhang YY, Chen WS, Yuan HL, Lin HW A new dihydrobenzofuran neolignan, herpepropenal, was isolated from the seeds of Herpetospermum caudigerum. Its chemical structure was established based on spectroscopic analysis. In this work, the inhibitory effects of herpepropenal on hepatitis B virus DNA and on the replication and expression of hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B e antigen were also evaluated. The new compound exhibited inhibitory effects against hepatitis B virus. PMID: 20190450 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin)

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ENGERIX-B (Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant)) Injection, Suspension [Dispensing Solutions Inc.]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Mar 3, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Hepatopancreatobiliary manifestations and complications associated with inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Diseases involving the hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) system are frequently encountered in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Hepatobiliary manifestations constitute some of the most common extraintestinal manifestations of IBD. They appear to occur with similar frequency in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. HPB manifestations may occur in following settings: 1) disease possibly associated with a shared pathogenetic mechanism with IBD including primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), small-duct PSC/pericholangitis and PSC/autoimmune hepatitis overlap, acute and chronic pancreatitis related to IBD; 2) diseases which parallel structural and physiological changes seen with IBD, including cholelithiasis, portal vein thrombosis, and hepatic abscess; and 3) ...

The early autophagic pathway is activated by hepatitis B virus and required for viral DNA replication [Microbiology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:42:15 +0100

Autophagy is a catabolic process by which cells remove long-lived proteins and damaged organelles for recycling. Viral infections may also... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

New horizons for studying human hepatotropic infections

Journal of Clinical Investigation — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:25:43 +0100

The liver serves as a target organ for several important pathogens, including hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV, respectively) and the human malaria parasites, all of which represent serious global health problems. Because these pathogens are restricted to human hepatocytes, research in small animals has been compromised by the frailty of the current mouse xenotransplantation models. In this issue of the JCI, Bissig et al. demonstrate robust HBV and HCV infection in a novel xenotransplantation model in which large numbers of immunodeficient mice with liver injury were engrafted with significant quantities of human hepatocytes. This technical advance paves the way for more widespread use of human liver chimeric mice and forms the basis for creating increasingly complex humanized mouse ...

Human liver chimeric mice provide a model for hepatitis B and C virus infection and treatment

Journal of Clinical Investigation — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:25:43 +0100

A paucity of versatile small animal models of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been an impediment to both furthering understanding of virus biology and testing antiviral therapies. We recently described a regulatable system for repopulating the liver of immunodeficient mice (specifically mice lacking fumaryl acetoacetate hydrolase [Fah], recombination activating gene 2 [Rag2], and the γ-chain of the receptor for IL-2 [Il-2rγ]) with human hepatocytes. Here we have shown that a high transplantation dose (3 × 106 to 5 × 106 human hepatocytes/mouse) generates a higher rate of liver chimerism than was previously obtained in these mice, up to 95% human hepatocyte chimerism. Mice with a high level of human liver chimerism propagated...

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British HIV Association guidelines for the management of coinfection with HIV-1 and hepatitis B or C virus 2010

Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Specialist Library - Liver — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:28:02 +0100

Aims: These 2010 guidelines on the management of coinfection with HIV-1 and hepatitis B or C virus have been updated to incorporate all new relevant information that has become available since the previous versions were published in 2005. Intended audience: Clinicians, healthcare professionals. Publication history information: Published 2005 as separate hepatitis B and C guidelines but in 2010 amalgamated and published as a single document in HIV Medicine (2010), Vol 11:1–30. All peer-reviewed publications and important, potentially treatment-changing abstracts from the last 4 years have been reviewed. Access: Available to the general public. (Source: Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Specialist Library - Liver)

Common HBV genotype in southeastern Iranian patients.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:04:24 +0100

Authors: Eftekhari Y, Kazemi Arababadi M, Hakimi H, Rezazadeh Zarandi E Asymptomatic hepatitis B infection is characterized as a type of hepatitis in which hepatitis B surface antigen is present in the patient's peripheral blood despite the absence of clinical symptoms. Previous studies have shown that a particular genotype may effect clinical manifestations of hepatitis B infection; hence, the aim of the current study was to determine the frequency of hepatitis B virus genotypes among asymptomatic carriers of hepatitis B.In this experimental study, the plasma samples of 100 asymptomatic carriers were collected and tested for HBsAg and anti-HBs using ELISA. The genotype of hepatitis B virus was determined by the GAP-PCR technique. The results of this study showed that all samples were ...

Impaired dendritic cell functions disrupt antigen-specific adaptive immune responses in mice with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Journal of Gastroenterology — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:01:49 +0100

Conclusions Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease mice exhibit decreased magnitudes of antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. This effect is mainly, if not solely, due to impaired antigen processing and presentation capacities of DC. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original Article—Liver, Pancreas, and Biliary TractDOI 10.1007/s00535-010-0218-4Authors Teruki Miyake, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology Toon Ehime 791-0295 JapanSheikh Mohammad Fazle Akbar, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology Toon Ehime 791-0295 JapanOsamu Yoshida, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology Toon Ehime 791-0295 Ja...

Liver HLA-G expression is associated with multiple clinical and histopathological forms of chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Summary. As the mechanisms leading to the persistence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are poorly understood and as the histocompatibility leucocyte antigen (HLA)-G is well described as a tolerogenic molecule, we evaluated HLA-G expression in 74 specimens of HBV liver biopsies and in 10 specimens obtained from previously healthy cadaver liver donors. HBV specimens were reviewed and classified by the METAVIR score, and HLA-G expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. No HLA-G expression was observed in control hepatocytes. In contrast, 57 (77%) of 74 HBV specimens showed soluble and membrane-bound HLA-G expression in hepatocytes, biliary epithelial cells or both. No associations between the intensity of HLA-G expression and patient age or gender, HBeAg status, severity of liver fi...

Are Patient-Held Vaccination Records Associated With Improved Vaccination Coverage Rates?

PEDIATRICS — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:02:28 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Use of patient-held vaccination records is an easily implemented strategy that is associated with increased immunization rates. A greater effect was seen in groups at risk for underimmunization. Methods to incorporate and to ensure effective use of these records should be implemented. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

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Effect of Needle Length When Immunizing Obese Adolescents With Hepatitis B Vaccine

PEDIATRICS — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:02:28 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: This finding supports the hypothesis that needle length accounts for a significant portion of the discrepancy in immune response to HBV vaccine that is seen among those with obesity. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Cyclophosphamide/fludarabine/rituximab: Hepatitis B virus reactivation successfully treated with entecavir: case report

Reactions — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:50:10 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Hepatotoxicity and effectiveness of a Nevirapine-based antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients with or without viral hepatitis B or C infection in Cameroon

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Coinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) in HIV-infected patients receiving a commonly used nevirapine-based antiretroviral therapy is a major concern for African clinicians owing to its high prevalence, the infrequent testing and treatment of viral hepatitis, and the impact of liver disease on the tolerability and effectiveness of anti-HIV treatment. We compared the hepatotoxicity and the immunological, virological and clinical effectiveness of a nevirapine-based antiretroviral therapy between patients infected with HIV only and patients coinfected with hepatitis B or C virus in Cameroon. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among HIV-1-infected patients. Plasma HBV DNA and HCV RNA were tested in positive or indeterminate samples for H...

Evidence for Practice

AORN Journal — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In the United States, health care workers report approximately 800,000 accidental needle sticks each year. A recent report estimated that more than 2,000 needle-stick injuries occur during cesarean deliveries alone. Such incidents expose perioperative personnel to the risk of bloodborne diseases, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Consequently, numerous safeguards have been developed to mitigate this risk, including the policy of universal precautions, needleless systems, double gloving, a neutral zone for sharps passing, and the use of blunt or rounded-tip needles during surgical procedures. Numerous studies have demonstrated a decrease in glove perforation, a proxy for percutaneous injuries, with the use of blunt needles, and the authors of one study estimated that percutaneous...

Aloe-induced Toxic Hepatitis.

J Korean Med Sci — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Yang HN, Kim DJ, Kim YM, Kim BH, Sohn KM, Choi MJ, Choi YH Aloe has been widely used in phytomedicine. Phytomedicine describes aloe as a herb which has anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-aging effects. In recent years several cases of aloe-induced hepatotoxicity were reported. But its pharmacokinetics and toxicity are poorly described in the literature. Here we report three cases with aloe-induced toxic hepatitis. A 57-yr-old woman, a 62-yr-old woman and a 55-yr-old woman were admitted to the hospital for acute hepatitis. They had taken aloe preparation for months. Their clinical manifestation, laboratory findings and histologic findings met diagnostic criteria (RUCAM scale) of toxic hepatitis. Upon discontinuation of the oral aloe preparations, liver enzymes returned...

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Review article: Hepatitis B and dialysis

Nephrology — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in dialysis populations has declined over recent decades, largely because of improvements in infection control and widespread implementation of HBV vaccination. Regardless, outbreaks of infection continue to occur in dialysis units, and prevalence rates remain unacceptably high. For a variety of reasons, dialysis patients are at increased risk of acquiring HBV. They also demonstrate different disease manifestations compared with healthy individuals and are more likely to progress to chronic carriage. This paper will review the epidemiology, modes of transmission and diagnosis of HBV in this population. Prevention and treatment will be discussed, with a specific focus on strategies to improve vaccination response, new therapeutic options an...

Proteomic analysis of differentially expressed proteins in mice with concanavalin A-induced hepatitis.

J Zhejiang Univ Sci ... — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Levels of two proteins, fbp1 and khk, are clearly up-regulated in mice with Con A-induced hepatitis. PMID: 20205309 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: J Zhejiang Univ Sci ...)

Comparison of Elastography, Serum Marker Scores, and Histology for the Assessment of Liver Fibrosis in Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-Infected Patients in Burkina Faso.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study shows that the results of alternative methods concord with those of histology in HBV-infected patients in Burkina Faso. These alternative techniques could help physicians to identify patients requiring treatment. PMID: 20207872 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene)

Mortality after Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection: A Linkage Study Involving 2 Million Parous Women from Taiwan

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:50:17 +0100

Conclusions. Our study found an excess risk of death due to both liver‐specific and non–liver‐related causes for HBsAg‐positive women in Taiwan. Effective prevention and treatment of hepatitis B virus infection is an important public health priority. (Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Med Sci Monit 2010; 16(3):BR97-101 "Relationship between serum HBV DNA level and liver histology in HBV carriers with normal ALT in Guilan province, Iran"

Medical Science Monitor — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:37:00 +0100

Conclusions: It is advantageous to measure serum HBV DNA level quantitatively in patients who are inactive carries of hepatitis B. If they have HBV DNA levels ≥104 copies/ml, it will be necessary to perform a liver biopsy and apply therapy accordingly. (Source: Medical Science Monitor)

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Stimulation of Inducible Nitric Oxide by Hepatitis B Virus Transactivator Protein HBx Requires MTA1 Coregulator [Cell Biology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:42:01 +0100

Nitric oxide has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders, including hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Transactivator protein HBx, a major regulator of cellular responses of hepatitis B virus, is known to induce the expression of MTA1 (metastasis-associated protein 1) coregulator via NF-B signaling in hepatic cells. However, the underlying mechanism of HBx regulation of the inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) pathway remains unknown. Here we provide evidence that MTA1 is a positive regulator of iNOS transcription and plays a mechanistic role in HBx stimulation of iNOS expression and activity. We found that the HBx-MTA1 complex is recruited onto the human iNOS promoter in an NF-B-dependent manner. Pharmacological inhibition of the NF-B signaling ...

Expression of genes involved in lipogenesis is not increased in patients with HCV genotype 3 in human liver

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Summary. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is frequently associated with hepatic steatosis, particularly in patients with HCV genotype-3 (HCVGT3). It has variously been hypothesized, largely from in-vitro studies, to be the result of increased synthesis, decreased metabolism and export of triglycerides. We measured by real-time PCR the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism [acetyl-Coenzyme A carboxylase alpha, apolipoprotein B (APOB), diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2, fatty acid-binding protein 1, fatty acid synthase, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARA), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), protein kinase AMP-activated alpha 1 catalytic subunit (PRKAA1) and sterol regulatory element-bind...

Clevudine for chronic hepatitis B: antiviral response, predictors of response, and development of myopathy

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Summary. Clevudine has been approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in South Korea. However, its long-term antiviral effect and safety awaits more study. The aim of this study was to evaluate antiviral efficacy, predictors of virologic response, and development of myopathy after clevudine therapy for CHB. The study included 102 nucleoside naïve CHB patients who had received clevudine for more than 6 months with good compliance. The median duration of clevudine treatment was 53 weeks (range, 25[ndash]90 weeks). A retrospective analysis of data retrieved from medical records was performed. The cumulative rate of virologic response [hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level (Source: Journal of Viral Hepatitis)

Difficult treatment decisions in autoimmune hepatitis.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:41:28 +0100

Authors: Czaja AJ Treatment decisions in autoimmune hepatitis are complicated by the diversity of its clinical presentations, uncertainties about its natural history, evolving opinions regarding treatment end points, varied nature of refractory disease, and plethora of alternative immunosuppressive agents. The goals of this article are to review the difficult treatment decisions and to provide the bases for making sound therapeutic judgments. The English literature on the treatment problems in autoimmune hepatitis were identified by Medline search up to October 2009 and 32 years of personal experience. Autoimmune hepatitis may have an acute severe presentation, mild inflammatory activity, lack autoantibodies, exhibit atypical histological changes (centrilobular zone 3 necrosis or bile ...

Hepatitis B And C Remain Public Health Issue--Up To 5.3 Million Americans Infected

Liver Disease / Hepatitis News From Medical News Today — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100

A recent report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) confirmed that 3.5 to 5.3 million people (1-2 % of the U.S. population) have chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Despite efforts by federal, state and local government agencies to control and prevent these diseases, they remain a serious public health concern... (Source: Liver Disease / Hepatitis News From Medical News Today)

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Hepatitis B And C Remain Public Health Issue--Up To 5.3 Million Americans Infected

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100

A recent report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) confirmed that 3.5 to 5.3 million people (1-2 % of the U.S. population) have chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Despite efforts by federal, state and local government agencies to control and prevent these diseases, they remain a serious public health concern. The major factor impeding efforts to control HBV and HCV is lack of knowledge and awareness among health care providers, social service professionals, members of the public, and policy-makers... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Quartan malaria-associated childhood nephrotic syndrome: now a rare clinical entity in malaria endemic Nigeria

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:19:38 +0100

Conclusion. Overall outcome of CNS has improved significantly compared to the 1960s and 1970s when the poor outcome of QMN was the predominant glomerular lesion in Nigeria. While quartan malaria-associated nephrotic syndrome has become a rare clinical entity, SLE, SCA and HBV infection have become the major secondary aetiologies of CNS in Nigeria. (Source: Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation)

Hepatitis B and liver cancer knowledge and practices among healthcare and public health professionals in China: a cross-sectional study

BioMed Central — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results indicate that there is a need for development of effective educational programs to improve HBV knowledge among health professionals and the general public to avoid missed vaccination opportunities, reduce misconceptions, and eliminate discrimination based on chronic hepatitis B in China. (Source: BioMed Central)

Nontransferrin-bound iron in transfused patients with sickle cell disease

Clinical and Laboratory Haematology — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The value of nontransferrin-bound iron (NTBI) as an index of iron overload in patients with thalassemia has been evaluated; however, data in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) is limited. NTBI levels were evaluated in a cross-sectional study of 43 transfused patients with SCD. Patient charts were reviewed for demographics, status of the spleen, and total number of lifetime transfusions. All patients were chelation naïve and none of the patients had evidence of hepatitis B or C infection. Blood samples were taken for assessment of NTBI and serum ferritin (SF); liver iron concentration (LIC) was determined by R2 magnetic resonance imaging. NTBI levels were generally low with a median of [minus]0.01 [mu]m (range [minus]2.56 to 6.37 [mu]m). Among study variables, NTBI levels were only si...

Calibration of the second International Standard for hepatitis B immunoglobulin in an international collaborative study

Vox Sanguinis — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion 07/164 was established as the 2nd IS for hepatitis B immunoglobulin with an assigned potency of 100 IU/ampoule by the WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardisation. The United States Food and Drug Administration has adopted the same standard as the new Reference for Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin, Lot 3. (Source: Vox Sanguinis)

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Vietnamese community screening for hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Summary. Asian Americans represent an important cohort at high risk for viral hepatitis. To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and HBV vaccination in a Vietnamese community, a total of 322 Vietnamese subjects from a local doctor's office and annual Vietnamese Health Fair were included in this study. Demographic and clinical data were collected. 2.2% of the screened cohort tested positive for anti-HCV and 9.3% tested positive for HBsAg. Unlike HBV-positive subjects, HCV-positive subjects had significantly higher liver enzymes (P = 0.0045 and P = 0.0332, respectively). The HBV-positive group was more likely to report jaundice (P = 0.0138) and a family history of HBV (P = 0.0115) compared to HBV-negative subjects. Forty-eight patients (15...

Hepatitis B virus infection in dentistry: a forgotten topic

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Summary. More than two billion people have been infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Globally, 350[ndash]400 million suffer from chronic HBV infection. It is postulated that dentists and dental staff are infected and transmit the virus to their patients more than any other occupation. The aim of this article is to review the HBV incidence in dental society, the points of view of dentists and their patients regarding transmission of the virus during dental procedures, the occurrence of HBV outbreaks in dental clinics and the importance of methods of preventing HBV infection in dentistry. (Source: Journal of Viral Hepatitis)

Challenge with hepatitis B vaccine in children previously vaccinated with a hepatitis B-containing combination vaccine.

Advances in Therapy — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Vaccination with a HBV-containing multivalent vaccine during infancy induces a lasting immune memory that can be boosted, even in children with a decline in anti-HBs concentrations. The present results confirm that the full primary vaccination schedule in infancy seems to confer long-term protection via immune memory and that an additional HBV dose is not generally required. PMID: 20182924 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Advances in Therapy)

Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis Secondary to Monoclonal Gammopathy.

Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Monoclonal gammopathy is an important and common cause of MPGN; therefore, all patients with a diagnosis of MPGN should be evaluated for an underlying monoclonal gammopathy. PMID: 20185597 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN)

Immunogenicity and safety of a novel yeast Hansenula polymorpha-derived recombinant Hepatitis B candidate vaccine in healthy adolescents and adults aged 10-45 years.

Vaccine — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tregnaghi MW, Voelker R, Santos-Lima E, Zambrano B The aim was to determine whether the immunogenicity of an investigational hepatitis B vaccine (spHB) is at least as high as that of a licensed control vaccine, Engerix B((R)), and to evaluate its safety before inclusion in new pediatric combination vaccines. Two randomized, controlled, blind-observer, Phase 3 trials were performed: one in Argentina (344 participants aged 10-15 years, 10mug HBsAg/dose) and one in Uruguay (344 participants aged 16-45 years, 20mug HBsAg/dose). Both vaccines were given in a 0, 1, 6 month schedule to all participants with a baseline anti-Hep B antibody titer <0.6mIU/mL. Antibody titers were measured pre-dose 1, 1 month after dose 2, pre-dose 3, and 1 month after dose 3. Statistical non-inferiori...

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Nontransferrin-bound iron in transfused patients with sickle cell disease.

International Journal of Laboratory Hematology — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Inati A, Musallam KM, Cappellini MD, Duca L, Taher AT Summary The value of nontransferrin-bound iron (NTBI) as an index of iron overload in patients with thalassemia has been evaluated; however, data in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) is limited. NTBI levels were evaluated in a cross-sectional study of 43 transfused patients with SCD. Patient charts were reviewed for demographics, status of the spleen, and total number of lifetime transfusions. All patients were chelation naïve and none of the patients had evidence of hepatitis B or C infection. Blood samples were taken for assessment of NTBI and serum ferritin (SF); liver iron concentration (LIC) was determined by R2 magnetic resonance imaging. NTBI levels were generally low with a median of -0.01 mum (range -2.5...

Effect of GM-CSF in combination with hepatitis B vaccine on revacination of healthy adult non-responders

Journal of Infection — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Augmentation of the vaccine dose and co-administration of GM-CSF and the standard vaccine dose are effective for HBV vaccine non-responders. In fact, changing the vaccine dose had a better seropositive response than injecting the vaccine in combination with GM-CSF. (Source: Journal of Infection)

Therapeutic Effects of Pegylated Interferon Plus Ribavirin in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients With Occult Hepatitis B Virus Dual Infection

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:04:45 +0100

How do patients with concurrent occult hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection respond to combined pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy? Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Association of mannose-binding lectin polymorphisms and HBV outcome in a South Indian population

International Journal of Immunogenetics — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we ascertained the association of MBL genotypes with HBV outcome in a South Indian population. The MBL gene polymorphisms at codons 52, 54 and 57 of exon I, and promoter polymorphisms at [minus]221 were typed by polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer in spontaneously recovered and in chronic HBV group. The allele frequency of codon 52 'C' was significantly higher in chronic HBV group than in the recovered group (98.5% vs. 93.6%; P = 0.003) and codon 52 'T' was significantly higher in recovered group than in the chronic group (6.4% vs. 1.5%; P = 0.003). In multivariate analysis, after adjusting for age, sex and state of origin, codon 52 'CC' and 'CT' genotypes were significantly associated with chronicity and recovery respectively [odds ratio (OR), 0.25; 95% confi...

Viruses and Arthritis: New Challenges in Diagnosis, Therapy, and Immunization.

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:: Chronic viral infections complicate the diagnosis and therapy of inflammatory arthritis. The antitumor necrosis factor alpha biologics have become important therapeutic options for patients with hepatitis C. Vaccination against influenza and herpes zoster are underused in health maintenance of arthritis patients. PMID: 20186043 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The American Journal of the Medical Sciences)

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Report: Too Little Surveillance, Treatment for US Patients With Hepatitis B and C [Medical News & Perspectives]

JAMA — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:50:39 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Add-on Combination Therapy With Adefovir Dipivoxil Induces Renal Impairment in Patients With Lamivudine-Refractory Hepatitis B Virus

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:04:40 +0100

Adding adefovir dipivoxil to lamivudine decreases serum HBV DNA levels but what is the effect on renal function? Journal of Viral Hepatitis (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Decreased Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Hepatitis B Vaccinees: A 20-Year Follow-up Study

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:04:40 +0100

This study sought to determine whether prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by hepatitis B vaccination extended beyond childhood and to identify the predictors of HCC for those vaccinated. Journal of the National Cancer Institute (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

News From The Journal Of Clinical Investigation: Feb. 22, 2010

Dermatology News From Medical News Today — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100

News From The Journal Of Clinical Investigation: Feb. 22, 2010

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100

VIROLOGY: Successfully modeling hepatitis B and C virus infection Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infect liver cells, and persistent infection can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and/or a form of liver cancer known as hepatocellular carcinoma. Current small animal models of HBV and HCV infection are not particularly good, and new models are needed if we are to learn more about how these viruses operate and test new potential therapeutics... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Hepatitis B and C remain public health issue -- up to 5.3 million Americans infected

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Wiley-Blackwell) A recent report by the Institute of Medicine confirmed that 3.5 to 5.3 million people (1-2 percent of the US population) have chronic hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus infections. Despite efforts by federal, state and local government agencies to control and prevent these diseases, they remain a serious public health concern. The full IOM report is now available online and published in Hepatology, a journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Diversity of Hepatitis B virus infecting Malaysian candidate blood donors is driven by viral and host factors

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Summary. Malaysia is a medium endemic country for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection but little is known about HBV strains circulating in Malaysian blood donors. Viral load, HBsAg concentrations and nested PCR products from 84 HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) positive samples were analysed in detail. Median viral load was 3050 IU/mL and median HBsAg 1150 IU/mL. Fifty-six full genome, 20 pre-S/S, 1 S gene and six basic core promoter/precore-only sequences were obtained. Genotypes B and C were present at a ratio of 2:1, and two genotype D samples were obtained, both from donors of Indian background. Phylogenetically, genotype B was more diverse with subgenotypes B2-5, B7 and B8 present, while most genotype C strains were from subgenotype C1. Genotypes B and C were equally frequent in ethnic Malays...

Proficiency of transient elastography compared to liver biopsy for the assessment of fibrosis in HIV/HBV-coinfected patients

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Summary. Transient elastography (TE) is a noninvasive technique to evaluate liver fibrosis. We compared the performance of TE with liver biopsy (LB) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection. Patients prospectively underwent TE and LB. The diagnosis accuracy of TE was calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for different stages of fibrosis, and optimal cut-off values were defined. A sequential algorithm combining TE with biochemical score (Fibrotest®) is proposed. Fifty-seven patients had both TE and LB (median time: 3 days) and two with proven cirrhosis, only TE. Forty-six (78%) were under antiretroviral therapy with anti-HBV drugs in 98%, and 19 (32%) had elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT). A significant corr...

Association of a variant in MIR196A2 with susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma in male Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

Human Immunology — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Qi P, Dou TH, Zhou FG, Gu X, Wang H, Gao CF MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs with regulatory functions as tumor suppressors and oncogenes. Recent studies have implicated that the rs11614913 SNP in MIR196A2 was associated with susceptibility of lung cancer, congenital heart disease, breast cancer and shortened survival time of non-small cell lung cancer. To assess whether this polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to and clinicopathologic characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a total of 560 patients with chronic HBV infection and 391 healthy volunteers were enrolled, and MIR196A2 polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-ligation detection reaction (PCR-LDR). In our study group, there was no signific...

Enhancement of humoral and cellular responses to HBsAg DNA vaccination by immunization with praziquantel through inhibition TGF-beta/Smad2,3 signaling.

Vaccine — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zou Q, Zhong Y, Su H, Kang Y, Jin J, Liu Q, Geng S, Zhao G, Wang B Praziquantel (PZQ), which is used to treat all forms of schistosomiasis, has been shown to induce strong T cell activities and decrease T regulatory cell levels. In our study, we investigated whether PZQ may be used as an adjuvant for a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) DNA vaccine (pcD-S2) in eliciting strong humoral and cellular responses. Our data demonstrate that PZQ as an adjuvant increased T cell proliferation and an HBsAg-specific antibody response that was characterized by a higher ratio of IgG2a/IgG1. Moreover, a higher level of IFN-gamma in CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells were elicited. In addition, a significantly antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte response was also observed. The expression of TGF-b...

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Proteomic analysis of HBV-associated HCC: Insights on mechanisms of disease onset and biomarker discovery.

Journal of Proteomics — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Niu D, Feng H, Chen WN The development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be considered as an end-stage outcome of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Early prognostic markers are needed to allow effective treatments and prevent HCC from developing. Proteomics analysis has been used to identify markers from clinical samples from HCC patients. This approach can be further improved by identifying early biomarkers before the onset of HCC. One way would be to use the cell-based HBV replication system, which is reflective of the early stage of virus infection and thus secreted proteins identified at this stage may have relevance in HCC prognosis. In this review, we focus the discussion on the current status of proteomics analysis of cellular proteins and HCC biomarker ide...

T-cell exhaustion: characteristics, causes and conversion.

Immunology — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Yi JS, Cox MA, Zajac AJ Summary T-cell exhaustion is characterized by the stepwise and progressive loss of T-cell functions and can culminate in the physical deletion of the responding cells. Exhaustion is well-defined during chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection and commonly develops under conditions of antigen-persistence, which occur following many chronic infections that are of significant public health concern including hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus infections, as well as during tumour outgrowth. Exhaustion is not a uniformly disabled setting as a gradation of phenotypic and functional defects can manifest, and these cells are distinct from prototypic effector, memory and also anergic T cells. We are gaining insights ...

Antineoplastics/dactinomycin: Hepatitis B reactivation (first report with trastuzumab): 9 case reports

Reactions — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:16:47 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Metabolic syndrome on top of chronic hepatitis B: the more, the worse?

Gut — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:58:24 +0100

(Source: Gut)

Metabolic syndrome and chronic hepatitis B: is the evidence enough?

Gut — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:58:24 +0100

(Source: Gut)

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JCI table of contents: Feb. 22, 2010

EurekAlert! - Cancer — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Journal of Clinical Investigation) This release contains summaries, links to PDFs, and contact information for the following newsworthy papers to be published Feb. 22, 2010, in the JCI: Blocking blood vessel formation prevents brain tumor recurrence in mice; Successfully modeling hepatitis B and C virus infection; New insight into Chikungunya virus infection from non-human primates; New gene linked to kidney disease; and others. (Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer)

Assessment of hepatic fibrosis by transient elastography in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Pathology International — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, 134 patients were enrolled. Hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by liver stiffness measurement and biopsy. The biopsy criteria of the Chinese Program of Prevention and Cure for Viral Hepatitis, Metavir classification, and the modified Chevalier's semiquantitative system were used for histological assessment. The liver stiffness value was correlated with fibrosis stage (r = 0.565, P < 0.001) and fibrosis semiquantitative score (r = 0.727, P < 0.001). The liver stiffness value of G2 was significantly higher than that of G1 within the same fibrosis stage for S1, S3, and S4, respectively. Three patients were graded as G1S1, and had moderate steatosis without distinct fibrosis in the portal area and lobule, while their liver stiffness values were higher than 6.2 kPa. Although belongin...

Institute of Medicine recommendations for the prevention and control of hepatitis B and C

Hepatology — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: To address the situation, the Institute of Medicine report makes recommendations in four areas: improved surveillance for HBV and HCV; improved knowledge and awareness among healthcare and social-service providers and the public, especially at-risk people; improved HBV vaccine coverage; and improved viral hepatitis services and access to those services. HEPATOLOGY, 2010 (Source: Hepatology)

A mutant of HBx (HBxDelta127) promotes hepatoma cell growth via sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c involving 5-lipoxygenase.

Acta Pharmacologica Sinica — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:HBxDelta127 promotes hepatoma cell growth through activating SREBP-1c involving 5-LOX. PMID: 20173757 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Pharmacologica Sinica)

Host Heat-Stress Cognate 70 as a Potential Drug Target against Drug-Resistance in Hepatitis B Virus.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wang YP, Liu F, He HW, Han YX, Peng ZG, Li BW, You XF, Song DQ, Li ZR, Yu LY, Cen S, Hong B, Sun CH, Zhao LX, Kreiswirth B, Perlin D, Shao RG, Jiang JD Heat-stress cognate 70 (Hsc70) is a host protein associated with hepatitis B viral (HBV) replication. The goal of this study is to investigate whether Hsc70 could be an anti-HBV drug target. Our results showed that introducing Hsc70 increased HBV replication in the HBV(+) human hepatocytes (HepG2.2.15 cells). The coiled coil region on Hsc70 (nt 1533-1608, aa 511-536) was the key sequence for HBV replication. Knockdown of Hsc70 expression by RNAi largely inhibited HBV replication with no cytotoxicity to the host. Using Hsc70 mRNA screening assay, natural compound oxymatrine (OMTR) was found to be a selective inhibitor for Hsc70 ...

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Molecular characteristics and functional analysis of full-length hepatitis B virus quasispecies from a patient with chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

Virus Research — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, the HBV virus exhibits genetic variation in the form of quasispecies with different mutation patterns, and these quasispecies may be recognized by distinct viral replication patterns even in patients with subtle genetic mutation. PMID: 20184927 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Virus Research)

Safety of anti tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy in psoriatic patients with hepatitis B virus infection.

The British Journal of Dermatology — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Nosotti L, Francesconi F, Izzi S, Berardesca E, Morrone A, Bonifati C PMID: 20184582 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The British Journal of Dermatology)

Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Hepatic Adenocarcinosarcoma in a Patient with Hepatitis B Virus-Related Cirrhosis

Seminars in Liver Disease — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:23:38 +0100

Semin Liver Dis 2010; 30: 107-112DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1247137ABSTRACTThe authors present the case of a 48-year-old man with hepatitis B cirrhosis, who developed two primary malignant liver tumors that were morphologically distinct from each other. The first tumor was a hepatocellular carcinoma and the second tumor, detected 17 months later was a hepatic carcinosarcoma with cholangiocarcinomatous and sarcomatous components, without any hepatocellular carcinoma component. Clonality studies using microsatellite-based loss of heterozygosity (LOH) demonstrated different LOH patterns existed between the hepatocellular carcinoma and the hepatic carcinosarcoma, indicative of different clonal origins. The authors discuss the histogenesis, histopathologic diagnosis, and clinical behavior of hepatic c...

AltraVax, Inc. Acquires Revolutionary Technology Platform For Vaccine Development

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100

AltraVax, Inc., a new, privately-held biopharmaceutical company, has acquired a vaccine development technology package from Maxygen, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAXY) that gives AltraVax an exclusive license to develop vaccines for infectious diseases and is targeting influenza, a treatment for hepatitis B and HIV. Under the terms of the licensing agreement, AltraVax has exclusive rights to use Maxygen's proprietary MolecularBreeding™ technology platform in its infectious disease vaccine development programs, subject to rights retained by Maxygen... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

AltraVax, Inc. Acquires Revolutionary Technology Platform For Vaccine Development

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100

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Chronic hepatitis B: whom to treat and for how long? Propositions, challenges, and future directions

Hepatology International — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 06:57:30 +0100

Abstract Recent guidelines of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, the European Association for the Study of the Liver, and the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver 2008 update of the “Asian-Pacific consensus statement on the management of chronic hepatitis B” offer comprehensive recommendations for the general management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). These recommendations highlight preferred approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CHB. Nonetheless, the results of recent studies have led to an improved understanding of the disease and a belief that current recommendations on specific therapeutic considerations, including CHB treatment initiation and cessation criteria, particularly in patient populations with speci...

Trends in Vaccine-induced Immunity to Hepatitis B among Canadian Street-involved Youth

Journal of Urban Health — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 06:56:22 +0100

Abstract In Canada, universal and publicly funded hepatitis B immunization programs have been available since 1998 in all provinces and territories. This present study estimates the proportion of having vaccine-induced immunity to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its associated determinants among street-involved youth aged at 15–24 years old in Canada using the data collected by the Enhanced Surveillance of Canadian Street Youth. Vaccine-induced immunity was identified by blood test results of anti-HBc negative and anti-HBs positive. Of the 4,035 participants included in this study, the overall proportion of those with vaccine-induced immunity to HBV was 51.7% during the study period compared to over 90% among the general adolescent population. The proportion o...

Hepatitis B virus X protein upregulates HSP90alpha expression via activation of c-Myc in human hepatocarcinoma cell line, HepG2

BioMed Central — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These results demonstrate the ability of HBx to promote tumor cells invasion by a mechanism involving the up-regulation of HSP90alpha and provide new insights into the mechanism of action of HBx and its involvement in tumor metastasis and recurrence of HCC. (Source: BioMed Central)

Psoriasis Associated with Hepatitis C but Not with Hepatitis B

Karger Publishers — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Dermatology (DOI:10.1159/000286131) (Source: Karger Publishers)

Preclinical Development of AS04

Springer protocols feed by Immunology — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:39:06 +0100

Recent knowledge on Vaccines-induced immunity led to the development of Vaccines Adjuvant Systems specially designed and adapted to Vaccines needs. AS04 is such a tailored Adjuvant System developed by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals. This chapter focuses on the methods that were used during the preclinical evaluation of AS04. AS04 consists of the combination of aluminum salts and 3'-O-deacylated monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL), a detoxified lipid A derivative with retained immunostimulatory capa- city. MPL also induces considerably less pro-inflammatory cytokines, as compared to the parent LPS molecule. Preclinical evaluation of AS04 allowed the determination of the optimal size of MPL particles. The added value of MPL in AS04-based formulations was evidenced by higher Vaccines-elicited antibody ...

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Global Burden of Aflatoxin-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Risk Assessment

EHP-in-Press — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Aflatoxin may play a causative role in 4.6-28.2% of all global HCC cases. (Source: EHP-in-Press)

Global Burden of Aflatoxin-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Risk Assessment

EHP-in-Press — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Aflatoxin may play a causative role in 4.6-28.2% of all global HCC cases. (Source: EHP-in-Press)

Incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection who have normal alanine aminotransferase values

Journal of Medical Virology — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:35:36 +0100

This study sought to identify independent risk factors involved in development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly in patients with chronic HBV infection who have normal ALT values. Data from 381 consecutive hepatitis B patients were analyzed with average ALT integration values [le]40 IU/L and follow-up periods of >3 years. Integration values were calculated from biochemical tests, and serological markers associated with the cumulative incidence of HCC were analyzed. HCC developed in 17 of the 381 patients (4.5%) during the follow-up period. Male sex (hazard ratio, 6.011 [95% confidence interval: 1.353-26.710], P = 0.018), high HBV-DNA levels ([ge]5.0 log copies/ml; 5.125 [1.880-13.973], P = 0.001), low platelet counts ( (Source: Journal of Medical Virology)

Ongoing Transmission of a Single Hepatitis B Virus Strain Among Men Having Sex with Men in Amsterdam

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:04:43 +0100

For more than two decades a single genetically-stable HBV strain has been circulating among men who have sex with men in Amsterdam. This retrospective study provides more insight into this phenomenon. Journal of Viral Hepatitis (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

PEDIARIX (Diphtheria And Tetanus Toxoids And Acellular Pertussis Adsorbed, Hepatitis B (Recombinant) And Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine Combined) Injection, Suspension [GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Feb 18, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

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Public Health Policy for Management of Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Historical Review of Recommendations for Immunization

Public Health Nursing — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

ABSTRACT Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the leading cause of cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer, and an estimated 620,000 persons die annually from HBV-related liver disease (Goldstein et al., 2005; World Health Organization, 2000). Immunization with the HBV vaccine is the most effective means of preventing HBV infection and its consequent acute and chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The HBV vaccine has been used against HBV in the United States since 1982 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1982); during the last 25 years, HBV vaccine policy continued to evolve in response to public health issues and epidemiologic data. Although the number of newly acquired HBV infections has substantially declined as a result of implement...

iTRAQ-Coupled 2D LC-MS/MS Analysis of Secreted Proteome of HBV-Replicating HepG2 Cells: Potential in Biomarkers for Prognosis of HCC.

Current Microbiology — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Feng H, Wang M, Chen WN Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major health concern with more than 350 million carriers in the world. It is associated with acute and chronic liver diseases including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The early detection of severe liver diseases related to HBV is crucial for the effective treatment. This work aims to investigate the secreted proteins in our recently established cell-based HBV replication system, using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-coupled 2D LC-MS/MS proteomics approach. Such proteins are reflective of early events of HBV infection and thus may have potential as prognostic biomarkers for development of liver diseases. PMID: 20165850 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Current Microb...

Hepatitis B immunization coverage and risk behaviour among Danish travellers: Are immunization strategies based on single journey itineraries rational?

Journal of Infection — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In their article Schierup Nielsen and colleagues argue that, because in Denmark travellers pay for their own vaccinations, cost-benefit considerations should be made by the traveller. This implies that hepatitis B vaccination is probably not cost-effective for all travellers, with which we strongly agree. (Source: Journal of Infection)

Nanogram Doses of Alum-Adjuvanted HBs Antigen Induce Humoral Immune Response in Mice When Orally Administered

Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:33:50 +0100

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dose and timing of orally delivered alum-adsorbed antigen on the magnitude of the anti-HBs humoral response. Mice were immunized orally by gavage intubation or parenterally by intramuscular injection three times, once every 2 weeks, with doses of 5, 50, or 500 ng alum-adjuvanted HBsAg. A low dose (10 ng) of HBsAg was orally administered three times in different time intervals: 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. The three consecutive 5-ng oral doses of the antigen induced immune response at the protective level (≥10 mIU/ml), significantly higher than the reaction elicited by three 50 or 500 ng doses. In contrast, intramuscular delivery of these doses did not differ significantly; however, they induced a five...

Determination of mercury in hepatitis-B vaccine by electrolyte cathode glow discharge atomic emission spectrometry (ELCAD-AES)

RSC - J. Anal. At. Spectrom. latest articles — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:18:13 +0100

R. Shekhar, D. Karunasagar, K. Dash, Manjusha Ranjit (Technical Note from J. Anal. At. Spectrom.) R. Shekhar, J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2010, DOI: 10.1039/b927010h 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 - J. Anal. At. Spectrom. latest articles)

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Usefulness of Non-Invasive Markers for Predicting Liver Cirrhosis in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:04:42 +0100

Can a simple model based on laboratory tests accurately predict the presence of liver cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B? Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Completeness of hepatitis, brucellosis, syphilis, measles and HIV/AIDS surveillance in Izmir, Turkey

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: It was discovered that for hepatitis A, B, C, brucellosis and syphilis, there is a considerable under-notification by clinicians and that laboratory data has the potential of contributing greatly to their surveillance. The inclusion of laboratories in the surveillance system of these diseases could help to achieve completeness of reporting. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

Giving tranexamic acid to reduce surgical bleeding in Sub-Saharan Africa: an economic evaluation

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: An economic argument can be made for giving TXA to bleeding elective surgical patients. In countries where there is a blood shortage, TXA would be a cost effective way to reduce mortality. In countries where there is no blood shortage, TXA would reduce healthcare costs and avert blood borne infections. (Source: Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation)

Prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections in France in 2004: Social factors are important predictors after adjusting for known risk factors

Journal of Medical Virology — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

To monitor the prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C a cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2004 among French metropolitan residents. A complex sampling design was used to enroll 14,416 adult participants aged 18-80 years. Data collected included demographic and social characteristics and risk factors. Sera were tested for anti-HCV, HCV-RNA, anti-HBc and HBsAg. Data were analyzed with SUDAAN® software to provide weighted estimates for the French metropolitan resident population. The overall anti-HCV prevalence was 0.84% (95% CI: 0.65-1.10). Among anti-HCV positive individuals, 57.4% (95% CI: 43.2-70.5) knew their status. Factors associated independently with positive anti-HCV were drug use (intravenous and nasal), blood transfusion before 1992, a history of tattoos, low socioeconom...

Clinical and virological effects of long-term (over 5 years) lamivudine therapy

Journal of Medical Virology — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Ideally, long-term lamivudine therapy should not induce tyrosine-methionine-aspartate-aspartate (YMDD) mutants (reverse transcription [rt]; rt M204I/V) in patients with chronic hepatitis B. There is little or no information on the clinical features of patients who do not develop such mutants. We analyzed 368 patients who received lamivudine therapy for more than 6 months between 1995 and 2003. Among them, 98 patients were negative for YMDD mutants during 5-year lamivudine therapy. Multivariate analysis identified hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) negativity, lack of cirrhosis, and high gamma glutamyltranspeptidase (GGTP) level as independent factors associated with lack of emergence of YMDD mutants during 5-year treatment. In these 98 patients, 21 patients developed YMDD mutants in the 5-year ...

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Need of stratifying patients according to severity of underlying liver disease for hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing systemic therapy trials

Contemporary Clinical Trials — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In Contemporary Clinical Trials, Hsu et al. reported meta-analysis based on 14 randomized trials that used systemic therapy as an experimental arm and placebo/supportive care as control for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Among the latter, predictors of survival include trial sites (Asian vs. non-Asian; the most significant predictor), severity of cirrhosis and hepatitis B virus infection (in contrast to hepatitis C). (Source: Contemporary Clinical Trials)

Inactive Hepatitis B Virus Can Still Cause Liver Cancer

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:32:18 +0100

Despite a belief by researchers that inactive carriers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) are not at high risk of disease progression, a new study suggests that such patients are still at increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver-related death. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

Influence of Anti-HBc Seropositivity on the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in HCV-Infected Patients After Adjusting for Confounding Factors

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:04:44 +0100

Is past hepatitis B virus infection a significant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma among patients with hepatitis C virus? Journal of Viral Hepatitis (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Avoiding and managing lamivudine resistance in chronic hepatitis B: current approaches and potential strategies including pegylated interferon

Liver International — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Since its approval for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in 1998, lamivudine (LAM) has been used extensively throughout the world, because of its relatively low costs and favourable tolerability. However, clinical trials and cohort studies have demonstrated that a high rate of resistance to this drug develops and, as a result, it is no longer included as a first-line therapy in most current treatment guidelines. Nevertheless, because of its low cost, this drug continues to be used in many countries and the pool of patients who have developed resistance to LAM continues to increase. Thus, there is a clear need to develop coherent management strategies to treat such patients as well as limit the emergence of resistance in the first instance. The purpose of this review is to highlight the ...

Survey of HBsAg-positive pregnant women and their infants regarding measures to prevent maternal-infantile transmission

BMC Infectious Diseases — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Intrauterine infection is the main contributor to maternal-infantile transmission of HBV. This is a retrospective study of 158 HBsAg-positive pregnant women who delivered children from Jan 1st, 2004 to Dec.31th, 2006 in Wuhan City, China. We investigated the measures taken to prevent maternal-infantile transmission of hepatitis B virus and the infection status of children.MethodS HBsAg-positive pregnant women were selected by a random sampling method when they accepted prenatal care in district-level Maternal and Child Health Hospitals. On a voluntary basis, these women completed questionnaires by face-to-face or phone interviews. The collected data were used to evaluate the immunization programs that pregnant women had received for preventing hepatitis B maternal-infantile tra...

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Screening for Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Pregnancy: Reaffirmation Recommendation Statement.

American Family Physician — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Online only. PMID: 20148504 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Family Physician)

IOM Urges Hepatitis Screening, Prevention

Internal Medicine News — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The Institute of Medicine is calling for increased awareness of hepatitis B and C among health care providers, social service providers, and at-risk communities as well as better surveillance and more stringent vaccination requirements nationwide in its newly released report on hepatitis and liver cancer. (Source: Internal Medicine News)

Hepatitis B virus X protein upregulates tumor necrosis factor-α expression of rat mesangial cell line via ERKs pathway

Frontiers of Medicine in China — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 06:41:58 +0100

Abstract Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx), a 17-kd protein encoded by X gene of hepatitis B virus (HBV), has been shown to function as a transcriptional trans-activator of a variety of viral and cellular promoter/enhancer elements. The aim of the study is to investigate the extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERKs) pathway of HBx on glomerular mesangial cell (GMC) proliferation and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression. The HBV X gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), inserted into the eukaryotic expression vector pCI-neo and confirmed by restriction endonuclease digestion and sequence analysis. PCI-neo containing HBV X gene (pCI-neo-X) was then transfected into cultured GMC line via liposome. GMC proliferation, TNF-α and its mRNA expression w...

In vitro anti-hepatitis B virus effect of Hypericum perforatum L.

Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology -- Medical Sciences -- — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 06:41:03 +0100

Summary The anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) effects and its mechanisms of the ethanol extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. (EHP) in vitro were explored. HepG2 2.2.15 cells, a stable HBV-producing cell line, were cultured as the model system to observe the anti-HBV effect. The viral antigens of cellular secretion, HBsAg and HBeAg, were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The quantity of HBV-DNA released in the supernatant was assayed by real-time PCR. In order to understand the mechanisms of the suppression of HBV replication, all HBV promoters (Cp, Xp, S1p, S2p and Fp) with luciferase reporter gene were transfected into HepG2 cells respectively. Then the activities of viral promoters were examined by luciferase reporter assay. It was found EHP effectively s...

Hepatitis B virus activates deoxynucleotide synthesis in nondividing hepatocytes by targeting the R2 gene

Hepatology — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that the hepatitis B X protein is critical in infecting nonproliferating hepatocytes, which contain a low dNTP level. In addition, we provide molecular evidence for a new mechanism of HBV-host cell interaction where RNR-R2, a critical cell-cycle gene, is selectively activated in nonproliferating cells. This mechanism may set the stage for formulating a new category of anti-HBV drugs. (HEPATOLOGY 2010) (Source: Hepatology)

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AASLD practice guideline on chronic hepatitis B: update 2009

Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Specialist Library - Liver — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:50:22 +0100

Aims: These guidelines have been written to assist physicians and other health care providers in the recognition, diagnosis, and management of patients chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). These recommendations provide a data-supported approach to patients with hepatitis B. They are based on the following: (1) formal review and analysis of published literature on the topic— Medline search up to December 2006 and data from selected papers published through December 2008 and meeting abstracts in 2003–2009 that impact the management of chronic HBV infection; (2) American College of Physicians Manual for Assessing Health Practices and Designing Practice Guidelines; (3) guideline policies, including the AASLD Policy on the Development and Use of Practice Guidelines an...

AASLD practice guideline on chronic hepatitis B: update 2009

Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Specialist Library - Prevention — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:50:22 +0100

Transient hepatitis B surface antigen circulation after Infanrix-Hexa®: a case report and review of the literature

European Journal of Pediatrics — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:48:09 +0100

Abstract The authors describe the case of a 70-day-old boy who was mistakenly diagnosed as suffering from acute hepatitis B, when he presented with persistent unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia and transaminasemia and was found to be seropositive for the hepatitis B surface antigen. The antigenemia was transient and related to his recent immunization with Infanrix-Hexa®. Caution is required during interpretation of a positive HBsAg test that is obtained within 28 days after vaccination against hepatitis B. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Short ReportDOI 10.1007/s00431-010-1146-2Authors Elpis Mantadakis, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Medical School Department of Pediatrics Alexandroupolis GreeceStavros Thomaidis, ...

The effect of rituximab on humoral and cell mediated immunity and infection in the treatment of autoimmune diseases

British Journal of Haematology — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Depletion of B lymphocytes using the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab has wide-spread use in the treatment of patients with autoimmune disorders. As haematopoietic progenitor cells and only a fraction of differentiated plasma express CD20, the effect of rituximab on immune function appears to be minimal. However, hypogammagobulinaemia can occur with repeated doses and emerging data from large studies suggest a subtle increase in the risk of infection. Reactivation of latent JC virus, resulting in progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy, and hepatitis B virus, resulting in hepatoxicity, have been documented in patients receiving rituximab; although confounding effects of concomitant immunosuppressive therapies and immune dysregulation due to the underlying disease make causal asso...

Prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus infection among patients in the HIV Outpatient Study, 1996–2007†

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Summary. Coinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important and preventable cause of chronic liver disease among HIV-infected patients. We calculated the prevalence of chronic HBV infection annually from 1996 to 2007 by age, gender, race/ethnicity, and HIV transmission risk in a multisite observational cohort study of HIV-infected patients. Prevalence of chronic HBV infection was calculated as the number of patients with a positive HBsAg or detectable HBV DNA divided by the number of patients tested using either one of these assays. Among 4467 (59%) patients tested for chronic HBV infection from a total of 7618 patients active during 1996[ndash]2007, median age was 38.5 years, 77% were men, 49% were white, 35% were black, 13% were Hispanic, and 53% were men who had sex with men (MSM)...

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Low prevalence of HBV DNA in the liver allograft from anti-HBc-positive donors: a single-center experience

Clinical Transplantation — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Pan J-J, Oh S-H, Soldevila-Pico C, Nelson DR, Liu C. Low prevalence of HBV DNA in the liver allograft from anti-HBc-positive donors: a single-center experience.Clin Transplant 2010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0012.2010.01211.x.© 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract: Allografts from donors positive for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc+) can transmit hepatitis B virus (HBV) to the recipients. We aimed to study the prevalence of HBV DNA in liver allografts from anti-HBc+ donors. Between January 2003 and December 2008, this retrospective study identified 18 patients who received a liver from an anti-HBc+ donor. Pre- and post-transplantation HBV serology and serum HBV DNA level of the study subjects were reviewed. DNA extracted from liver biopsy tissue was used for PCR assay. Immunohistoc...

Improved anamnestic response among adolescents boosted with a higher dose of the hepatitis B vaccine.

Vaccine — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chaves SS, Groeger J, Helgenberger L, Auerbach SB, Bialek S, Hu DJ, Drobeniuc J Some hepatitis B vaccine booster studies have suggested waning of vaccine-induced immunity in adolescents vaccinated starting at birth. Those studies, however, used a pediatric formulation of the hepatitis B vaccine as a booster to detect anamnestic response. We compared adolescents boosted with an adult dose of hepatitis B vaccine with those boosted with a pediatric dose. Among adolescents who had lost protective antibody levels against hepatitis B, a higher proportion had an anamnestic response when boosted with the adult dose (60.0% vs. 43.8%). Thus, higher antigen concentrations may be required to elicit an adequate immune memory response. Despite improved anamnestic response, our study still r...

Etiological and clinicopathologic characteristics of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in young patients.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:56:23 +0100

CONCLUSION: The risk factors are significantly different between young and elderly ICC patients. HBV and HBV-associated cirrhosis are the most important risk factors for young ICC patients. PMID: 20143468 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

Latest updates to UK DUETS

Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Specialist Library - Liver — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:07:57 +0100

We have recently added the following uncertainties to UK DUETS: Bariatric surgery for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in obese patients Chinese herbal medicines for induction of remission in advanced or late gastric cancer Optimal duration of pegatheron plus ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C in patients with HIV Peginterferon plus ribavirin versus no treatment for chronic hepatitis C in patients with HIV Photodynamic therapy using 5-ALA versus porfimer sodium for Barrett's oesophagus Radiofrequency ablation for Barrett's oesophagus and Barrett's dysplasia Radiofrequency ablation versus surgical resection for oligometastatic hepatic metastases of colorectal cancer Radiofrequency ablation versus surgical resection for resectable hepatic metastases of colorectal cancer Radiofrequency ab...