MedWorm: Hepatitis

Performance evaluation of the Abbott RealTime HCV Genotype II for hepatitis C virus genotyping

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:52:47 +0100

Conclusions: The Abbott RealTime HCV Genotype II assay was very accurate and yielded results consistent with RFMP data. Although the assay has the advantages of automation and short turnaround time, we suggest that further improvements are necessary before it is used routinely in clinical practice. Efforts are needed to decrease cross reactivity among genotypes and to improve the ability to detect minor genotypes in mixed infections. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:469–74. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

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Acupuncture can spread serious diseases: experts

Reuters: Health — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:01:57 +0100

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Bacterial infections, hepatitis B and C, and possibly even HIV are being transmitted via acupuncture through the use of contaminated needles, cotton swabs and hot packs, experts warned on Friday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Hepatitis C Treatment Expansion Initiative Evaluation and Technical Assistance Center

Grants.gov — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:15:24 +0100

Funding Opportunity Number: HRSA-10-216 Opportunity Category: DiscretionaryFunding Instrument Type: Cooperative AgreementCategory of Funding Activity: HealthCFDA Number: 93.928Eligible Applicants Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)Agency Name HHS-HRSA (Source: Grants.gov)

Review article: the modern management of autoimmune hepatitis

Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:08:18 +0100

Conclusions Despite ongoing limitations in the understanding of pathogenesis and difficulties in evaluating novel therapies, the management of AIH continues to evolve slowly. Multi-centre collaboration is necessary to obtain sufficient patient numbers to undertake good quality therapeutic studies. (Source: Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics)

Hepatobiliary Associations With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:04:28 +0100

This article focuses on the most common liver disease associations seen in patients with IBD: primary sclerosing cholangitis, autoimmune hepatitis, and overlap syndrome. Expert Review of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Prospective Follow‐Up of Patients with Acute Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Brazil

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:04:11 +0100

Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. Background. The natural outcome of infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) varies substantially among individuals. However, little is known about host and viral factors associated with a self‐limiting or chronic evolution of HCV infection. Methods. From 1 January 2001 through 31 December 2008, a consecutive series of 65 patients from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with a well‐documented diagnosis of acute HCV infection, acquired via various routes, were enrolled in this study. Patients were prospectively followed up for a median of 40 months after the estimated date of HCV infection with serial measurements of serum alanine aminotransferase, HCV RNA, and anti‐HCV antibodies. Spontaneous viral clearance (S...

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New genetic associations detected in a host response study to hepatitis B vaccine

Genes and Immunity — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: S Davila, F E M Froeling, A Tan, C Bonnard, G J Boland, H Snippe, M L Hibberd & M Seielstad (Source: Genes and Immunity)

Primary HHV 6 infection after liver transplantation with acute graft rejection and multi-organ failure: Successful treatment with a 2.5-fold dose of cidofovir and reduction of immunosuppression

Pediatric Transplantation — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Dohna-Schwake C, Fiedler M, Gierenz N, Gerner P, Ballauf A, Breddemann A, Läer S, Baba H. A, Hoyer P. F. Primary HHV 6 infection after liver transplantation with acute graft rejection and multi-organ failure: Successful treatment with a 2.5-fold dose of cidofovir and reduction of immunosuppression.Pediatr Transplantation 2010 © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract: HHV type 6 has been reported with enhanced pathogenicity in immunocompromised patients. Herein, we report about a two-yr-old girl who experienced primary HHV 6 infection after liver transplantation. She clinically presented with graft rejection and necrotic hepatitis as well as high fever, pneumonitis with respiratory failure and a rash. Therapy with cidofovir of 5 mg/kg per wk did not show improvement, so that a full pharmacok...

On fractional order models for Hepatitis C

Nonlinear Biomedical Physics — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this paper we present a fractional order generalization of Perelson et al. basic hepatitis C virus (HCV) model including an immune response term. We argue that fractional order equations are more suitable than integer order ones in modeling complex systems which include biological systems. The model is presented and discussed. Also we argue that the added immune response term represents some basic properties of the immune system and that it should be included to study longer term behavior of the disease. (Source: Nonlinear Biomedical Physics)

A possible foodborne outbreak of hepatitis A in the Netherlands, January-February 2010

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

As of 1 March 2010, a total of 11 primary cases with onset of symptoms between 31 December 2009 and 10 February 2010, have been identified with identical hepatitis A genotype IB strains in the Netherlands. A relation with Australian and French foodborne outbreaks occurring in 2009 and 2010 is suspected. Ten of the 11 primary cases indicated that they had consumed one or more products containing semi-dried tomatoes during their incubation period. (Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

Interventional Radiology Treatment Destroys Colon Cancer Locally, Extends Life

Liver Disease / Hepatitis News From Medical News Today — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

Approximately half of Americans living with colorectal cancer will develop liver metastases at some point during the course of their disease... (Source: Liver Disease / Hepatitis News From Medical News Today)

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Interleukin-27, An Anti-HIV-1 Cytokine, Inhibits Replication of Hepatitis C Virus

Journal of Interferon — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:09:28 +0100

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

Liver disease in pregnancy

Postgraduate Medical Journal — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:07:51 +0100

Pregnancy is a time of great maternal physiological and metabolic changes. This affects the biochemical and haematological parameters used in the assessment of liver disease, and it is important to appreciate the different reference ranges in pregnancy to facilitate recognition of liver disorders in pregnancy. Due to the increased physiological and metabolic stress of pregnancy, liver disorders that have previously been subclinical may become symptomatic—for example, primary biliary cirrhosis. Gallstone disease is a common problem in women of childbearing age, and pregnancy promotes their formation. The viral hepatidides constitute a huge disease burden worldwide and the pregnant state confers particular concerns for the mother and her baby. In particular, hepatitis E has a predilect...

Novel Interventional Radiology Treatment With Microspheres Shows Promise For Liver Cancer Patients

Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

An interventional radiology treatment the use of intra-arterial yttrium-90 microspheres for liver cancer (also known as hepatocellular carcinoma) shows promise in prolonging life for many patients with this devastating condition, according to researchers at the Society of Interventional Radiology's 35th Annual Scientific Meeting in Tampa, Fla... (Source: Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today)

Novel Interventional Radiology Treatment With Microspheres Shows Promise For Liver Cancer Patients

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

An interventional radiology treatment the use of intra-arterial yttrium-90 microspheres for liver cancer (also known as hepatocellular carcinoma) shows promise in prolonging life for many patients with this devastating condition, according to researchers at the Society of Interventional Radiology's 35th Annual Scientific Meeting in Tampa, Fla. "This is encouraging news for liver cancer patients, especially those who also have blockage in the portal vein... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

NVHR Warns 'Systemic Underfunding' Of Federal Viral Hepatitis Programs Puts Five Million Americans At Risk

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Warning that "systemic underfunding of the Centers for Disease Control's Division of Viral Hepatitis puts millions of Americans' health and well-being at risk," the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR) called on the Administration to work with Congress to take decisive action this year to fix the funding failure for viral hepatitis screening, surveillance, and early intervention programs... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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NVHR Warns 'Systemic Underfunding' Of Federal Viral Hepatitis Programs Puts Five Million Americans At Risk

Liver Disease / Hepatitis News From Medical News Today — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

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) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Mar 17, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

HAVRIX (Hepatitis A Vaccine) Injection, Suspension [GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Mar 17, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

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)

Impact of chronic viral diseases on semen parameters

Andrologia — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C (HCV) and B (HBV) virus infection on semen parameters. Semen samples were obtained from 27 HCV, 34 HIV, 30 HBV and 41 HCV-HIV-seropositive patients and compared with those of a control population of healthy seronegative subjects. Tests for detection of HIV, HCV and HBV were performed on seminal samples. The sperm concentration was significantly decreased in HCV- and HBV-seropositive males compared to that of controls (P < 0.001). The mean sperm motility (a + b) was significantly decreased in HCV- and HBV-seropositive (P < 0.001) and in HCV-HIV-seropositive subjects (P < 0.05) compared to that of controls. The sperm viability was significantly lower in HCV- and HBV-seropositive men than in cont...

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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)

Efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetic of once-daily boosted saquinavir (1500/100 mg) together with 2 nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors in real life: a multicentre prospective study

AIDS Research and Therapy — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Ritonavir-boosted saquinavir (SQVr) is nowadays regarded as an alternative antiretroviral drug probably due to several drawbacks, such as its high pill burden, twice daily dosing and the requirement of 200 mg ritonavir when given at the current standard 1000/100 mg bid dosing. Several once-daily SQVr dosing schemes have been studied with the 200 mg SQV old formulations, trying to overcome some of these disadvantages. SQV 500 mg strength tablets became available at the end of 2005, thus facilitating a once-daily regimen with fewer pills, although there is very limited experience with this formulation yet. Methods: Prospective, multicentre study in which efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of a regimen of once-daily SQVr 1500/100 mg plus 2 NRTIs were evaluated under routine cli...

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)

Multifocal community-acquired necrotizing fasciitis caused by a Panton-Valentine leukocidin-producing methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus

Infection — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:49:44 +0100

We describe a rare case of multifocal necrotizing fasciitis (NF) complicating a single vaccine injection. Injection of hepatitis B vaccine of a 16-year-old immunocompetent woman developed into rapidly spreading multifocal NF of the right arm and the thighs, with septic shock. Treatment with antimicrobial therapy and surgical debridements allowed amputation to be avoided with a favourable outcome. The etiological agent was a methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) isolate harboring the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) and five enterotoxins. PVL has recently been reported in large series of methicillin-resistant SA cases and has been associated with necrotizing infections. Some strains of MSSA could harbor PVL and enterotoxins. PCR investigation is not frequent but could imp...

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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)

Acetate, the key modulator of inflammatory responses in acute alcoholic hepatitis

Hepatology — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Synthesis of metabolically available acetyl-coA from acetate is critical to the increased acetylation of proinflammatory gene histones and consequent enhancement of the inflammatory response in ethanol-exposed macrophages. This mechanism is a potential therapeutic target in acute alcoholic hepatitis. (HEPATOLOGY 2010) (Source: Hepatology)

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)

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))

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Viral hepatocarcinogenesis

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

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

Correlation of transient elastography with APRI and FIB-4 in a cohort of patients with congenital bleeding disorders and HCV or HIV/HCV coinfection

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

Summary. Patients with inherited bleeding disorders frequently suffer from chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) mono- or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV coinfection. Non-invasive markers for liver fibrosis are warranted for these patients. We tested a large cohort of haemophilic patients with HCV mono- or HIV/HCV coinfection for correlation of transient elastography (TE) with two simple surrogate markers of liver fibrosis and for differences in fibrosis stages according to these markers. We prospectively enrolled HCV-positive patients with congenital bleeding disorders with or without HIV coinfection. Liver function tests and platelet counts were determined and TE was performed. Aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and a simple index called FIB-4 were calculated and ...

Relative Over-Reactivity of Human versus Chimpanzee Lymphocytes: Implications for the Human Diseases Associated with Immune Activation.

Journal of Immunology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we show that human T cells are more reactive than chimpanzee T cells to a wide variety of stimuli, including anti-TCR Abs of multiple isotypes, l-phytohemagglutin, Staphylococcus aureus superantigen, a superagonist anti-CD28 Ab, and in MLRs. We also extend this observation to B cells, again showing a human propensity to react more strongly to stimuli. Finally, we show a relative increase in activation markers and cytokine production in human lymphocytes in response to uridine-rich (viral-like) ssRNA. Thus, humans manifest a generalized lymphocyte over-reactivity relative to chimpanzees, a finding that is correlated with decreased levels of inhibitory sialic acid-recognizing Ig-superfamily lectins (Siglecs; particularly Siglec-5) on human T and B cells. Furthermore, Siglec-5 ...

[Hepatitis C virus infection - after 20 years.]

Orvosi Hetilap — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pár A The paper is devoted to the two decades of hepatitis C virus related basic researches and clinical experiences, from the discovery of the virus to the newest therapeutic options. Virology, epidemiology, pathology-pathogenesis, the virus-induced immunological and metabolic changes, the diagnosis and advances in antiviral treatment are discussed. PMID: 20231132 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Orvosi Hetilap)

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 ...

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Was pereirina the first alkaloid isolated in Brazil?

Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:10:30 +0100

This article describes the history of pereirina, an alkaloid extracted from Geissospermum vellosii Allemão barks, a Brazilian plant of Apocynaceae's family, popularly known as "pau-pereira". The botanical classification of this species and the use of pereirina in popular medicine were reasons for controversies and irritated disputes for the glory of the discovery among Brazilians and foreigners pharmacists. For two centuries, the pau-pereira's barks were important remedy to combat various diseases, because the therapeutic properties of alkaloids present in the barks of the species. The currently researches are being carried out for scientific proof of its effectiveness in combating viral diseases such as AIDS, herpes and hepatitis C. (Source: Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia)

Immunological aspects and therapeutic significance of an autoantibody against histone H1 in a rat model of concanavalin A-induced hepatitis

Immunology — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:38:45 +0100

(Source: Immunology)

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...

Combining 3-D Quantitative Structure−Activity Relationship with Ligand Based and Structure Based Alignment Procedures for in Silico Screening of New Hepatitis C Virus NS5B Polymerase Inhibitors

Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:03:54 +0100

Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling, Volume 0, Issue 0, Articles ASAP (As Soon As Publishable). (Source: Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling)

High-risk lifestyle

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:09:18 +0100

A hepatitis C sufferer tells her story (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

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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)

Feasibility of Individualized Treatment for Hepatitis C Patients in the Real World

Medscape Allergy Headlines — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:07:30 +0100

Randomized clinical trials have validated the efficacy of individualized treatment for patients with hepatitis C, but what about its value in the real world? Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Source: Medscape Allergy Headlines)

Steatosis as a co-factor in chronic liver diseases.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:05:35 +0100

Authors: Persico M, Iolascon A The finding of lipid accumulation in the liver, so-called hepatic steatosis or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is a common condition frequently found in healthy subjects. Its prevalence, in fact, has been estimated by magnetic resonance studies to be about 35% in the general population and 75% in obese persons. Nevertheless, its presence generates liver damage only in a small percentage of subjects not affected by other liver diseases. It should be defined as a "co-factor" capable of affecting severity and progression, and also therapeutic perspectives, of liver diseases to which it is associated. Herein we will evaluate the impact of hepatic steatosis and obesity on the most common liver diseases: chronic viral hepatitis C and B, and alcoholic liver d...

Microalbuminuria in hepatitis C-genotype 4: Effect of pegylated interferon and ribavirin.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:04:48 +0100

CONCLUSION: HCV affected the development of microalbuminuria independent of diabetes or cryoglobulinemia. Combination therapy of pegylated interferon-ribavirin had a positive effect in reducing microalbuminuria. PMID: 20222166 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

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)

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Sustained Virological Response to Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin is Maintained During Long-Term Follow-up of Chronic Hepatitis C Patients

Medscape Allergy Headlines — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:34:07 +0100

What's the likelihood of late virological relapse in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection who achieve sustained virological response to pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy? Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics (Source: Medscape Allergy Headlines)

Fluvastatin as an adjuvant to pegylated interferon and ribavirin in HIV/hepatitis C virus genotype 1 co-infected patients: an open-label randomized controlled study

Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:27:28 +0100

Conclusions Fluvastatin addition to standard therapy did not significantly increase the SVR rate in HIV/HCV genotype 1 co-infected patients; however, it did significantly improve the RVR. Further studies are needed to confirm these promising results and to investigate the mechanisms of action of statins in HCV infection. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)

Joint Role Of Obesity And Alcohol In Increasing The Risk Of Liver Disease

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Obesity and alcohol act together to increase the risk of liver disease in both men and women according to two studies published on bmj.com today. These findings have significant clinical and public health implications. In the UK, rates of liver disease and obesity are increasing. Alcohol is a major cause of liver cirrhosis. In addition, recent evidence indicates that excess body weight may also play a role. Researchers from the University of Oxford examined in the first study the link between body mass index (BMI) and liver cirrhosis. A total of 1... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Joint Role Of Obesity And Alcohol In Increasing The Risk Of Liver Disease

Liver Disease / Hepatitis News From Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Young Kids to Benefit From Broader Pneumococcal Vaccine

MedicineNet Hepatitis C General — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Young Kids to Benefit From Broader Pneumococcal VaccineCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/11/2010 12:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 3/12/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Hepatitis C General)

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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))

Core-specific adaptive regulatory T cells in different outcomes of hepatitis C

Clinical Science — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We identified functionally active HCV core-specific Tregs in patients with chronic hepatitis C, which share their epitopes with conventional T cells and require the continued presence of antigen to maintain their functional differentiation. Thus, HCV core-specific Tregs may contribute to the immunoregulatory balance in chronic hepatitis C. (Source: Clinical Science)

Host-virus interactions during hepatitis C virus infection: a complex and dynamic molecular biosystem

RSC - Mol. BioSyst. latest articles — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

John Paul Pezacki, Ragunath Singaravelu, Rodney K. Lyn (Review from Mol. BioSyst.) John Paul Pezacki, Mol. BioSyst., 2010, DOI: 10.1039/b924668c 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 - Mol. BioSyst. latest articles)

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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Effects of Air Temperature and Relative Humidity on Coronavirus Survival on Surfaces.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Casanova LM, Jeon S, Rutala WA, Weber DJ, Sobsey MD Assessment of risks posed by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (SARS-CoV) on surfaces requires data on survival of the virus on environmental surfaces, and how survival is affected by environmental variables such as air temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH). The use of surrogate viruses has the potential to overcome the challenges of working with SARS-CoV and expand the available data on coronavirus survival on surfaces. Two potential surrogates were evaluated in this study: transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), to determine effects of AT and RH on the survival of coronaviruses on stainless steel. At 4 degrees C, infectious virus persisted for as long as 28 days, ...

Implications for lipids during replication of enveloped viruses.

Chemistry and Physics of Lipids — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chan RB, Tanner L, Wenk MR Enveloped viruses, which include many medically important viruses such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus, influenza virus and Hepatitis C virus, are intracellular parasites that acquire lipid envelopes from their host cells. Success of replication is intimately linked to their ability to hijack host cell mechanisms, particularly those related to membrane dynamics and lipid metabolism. Despite recent progress, our knowledge of lipid mediated virus-host interactions remains highly incomplete. In addition, diverse experimental systems are used to study different stages of virus replication thus complicating comparisons. This review aims to to present a unifying view of the widely diverse strategies used by enveloped viruses at distinct stages of their rep...

Do Needle-Exchange Programs Really Work?

MedlinePlus Health News — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:26:24 +0100

Needle-exchange programs designed to cut injection drug users' risk of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and other infections do seem to reduce needle sharing, but there is only limited evidence that they lower disease transmission, a new research review concludes. Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: AIDS, Hepatitis C (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Genetic analysis of norovirus GII.4 variants circulating in Korea in 2008

Archives of Virology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:14:17 +0100

Abstract Noroviruses are the enteric pathogens most commonly responsible for infectious gastroenteritis and outbreaks of foodborne illness. The GII.4 norovirus, in particular, is responsible for the majority of epidemics. Here, we present data on the distribution of norovirus genotypes in Chungnam, Korea, in 2008, measure genetic variation among GII.4 strains, and compare Korean GII.4 variants with reference strains based on the 237-bp junction of ORF1 and ORF2. We detected 139 different strains, which formed two distinct genetic clusters with significant sequence diversity. One Korean cluster (2008-Korea_a) showed high similarity to the Sakai cluster that appeared in Japan and Europe in 2006. The other cluster (2008-Korea_b) was unique and unrelated to previously reported...

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)

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Vaccination, Prevention Is Beating Back Hepatitis

MedicineNet Cancer General — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Vaccination, Prevention Is Beating Back HepatitisCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/10/2010 12:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 3/11/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Cancer General)

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...

Improvement in late renal allograft survival between 1990 and 2002 in Spain: results from a multicentre case–control study

Transplant International — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Epidemiological studies have failed to show an improvement in graft survival beyond 1 year after kidney transplantation possibly because of an increased number of expanded donors and older recipients. Thus, we performed a case[ndash]control study matching patients transplanted in different eras by donor and recipient characteristics. We considered renal transplant recipients included in the database of the Spanish Chronic Allograft Dysfunction Study Group in 1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002 (n = 4842). We matched patients from these cohorts considering the following variables: donor and recipient age, cause of donor death, hepatitis C virus, panel reactive antibodies and re-transplantation. We identified a total of 896 patients distributed in four cohorts of 224 matched patients. Between 1990 and...

A 3D-QSAR Study on a Series of Benzimidazole Derivatives Acting as Hepatitis C Virus Inhibitors: Application of kNN-Molecular Field Analysis.

Medicinal Chemistry — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gupta SP, Patil VM, Samanta S A k nearest neighbor-molecular field analysis (kNN-MFA) of benzimidazole derivatives, a series of hepatitis C virus (HCV) inhibitors, has been performed to determine the factors contributing the corresponding activities. The energy minimized conformations were obtained by molecular mechanics using VLife QSAR 1.0 package. The developed model was verified by performing leave-one out (LOO) cross-validation, which showed q2 value of 0.900 and pred_r2 value of 0.783. The model indicates the dominance of the steric field and points out the regions around the benzamidazole ring where the bulky or less bulky groups can be substituted to increase the activity of the compounds. PMID: 20218964 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Medicinal Chemis...

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Efficacy of 2'-C-Methylcytidine Against Yellow Fever Virus in Cell Culture and in a Hamster Model.

Antiviral Research — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Julander JG, Jha AK, Choi JA, Jung KH, Smee DF, Morrey JD, Chu CK Yellow fever virus (YFV) continues to cause outbreaks of disease in endemic areas where vaccine is underutilized. Due to the effectiveness of the vaccine, antiviral development solely for the treatment of YFV is not feasible, but antivirals that are effective in the treatment of related viral diseases may be characterized for potential use against YFV as a secondary indication disease. 2'-C-methylcytidine (2'-C-MeC), a compound active against hepatitis C virus, was found to have activity against the 17D vaccine strain of YFV in cell culture (EC(90)=0.32mug/ml, SI=141). This compound was effective when added as late as 16h after virus challenge of Vero cells. When administered to YFV-infected hamsters 4hours prio...

Isoniazid hepatitis: are immunological mechanisms implicated?

Allergologia et Immunopathologia — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Martínez-Tadeo JA, González-Pérez R, Hernández-Santana G PMID: 20227157 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Allergologia et Immunopathologia)

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)

Campaign to treat 2,000 for hep C

Nursing in Practice — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:19:28 +0100

Scottish hepatitis C campaign encourages those at risk of the disease to come forward for testing as figures show 60% remain undiagnosed (Source: Nursing in Practice)

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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...

Hydroxyurea as an inhibitor of hepatitis C virus RNA replication

Archives of Virology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:03:44 +0100

Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the main causative agent of chronic liver disease, which may develop into liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. By using a recently developed reporter assay system in which genome-length HCV RNA replicates efficiently, we found that hydroxyurea (HU), a DNA synthesis inhibitor, inhibited HCV RNA replication. Moreover, we demonstrated that the anti-HCV activity of the combination of IFN-alpha and HU was higher than that of IFN-alpha alone. These results suggest that HU may be an effective anti-HCV reagent that can be used not only singly but also in combination with IFN-alpha to treat chronic hepatitis C. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Brief ReportDOI 10.1007/s00705-010-0624-1Authors Akito Nozaki, Yokohama City Universi...

Essential mixed cryoglobulinemia type III with leukocytoclastic vasculitis: remission by rituximab

Clinical Rheumatology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:01:41 +0100

In conclusion, rituximab is an alternative therapy for mixed cryoglobulinemia of type III with leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s10067-010-1412-8Authors Niklas T. Baerlecken, Medical School of Hanover Clinic for Immunology and Rheumatology Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1 30625 Hanover GermanyReinhold E. Schmidt, Medical School of Hanover Clinic for Immunology and Rheumatology Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1 30625 Hanover Germany Journal Clinical RheumatologyOnline ISSN 1434-9949Print ISSN 0770-3198 (Source: Clinical Rheumatology)

Antitumor activity of Type I and Type III interferons in BNL hepatoma model

Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:38:27 +0100

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs most commonly secondary to cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C or B virus (HCV/HBV) infections. Type I interferon (IFN-α) treatment of chronic HCV/HBV infections reduces the incidence of HCC in cirrhotic patients. However, IFN-α toxicity limits its tolerability and efficacy highlighting a need for better therapeutic treatments. A recently discovered type III IFN (IFN-λ) has been shown to possess antiviral properties against HCV and HBV in vitro. In phase I clinical trials, IFN-λ treatment did not cause significant adverse reactions. Using a gene therapy approach, we compared the antitumor properties of IFN-α and IFN-λ in a transplantable hepatoma model of HCC. BALB/c mice were inoculated with syngeneic BNL hepatoma cell...

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Genome-based expression profiling study of Hunner’s ulcer type interstitial cystitis: an array of 40-gene model

International Urogynecology Journal — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:53:12 +0100

Conclusions Our results indicate that genome-based expression profiling can be used for the diagnostic tests of Hunner’s ulcer type IC in clinical practice. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00192-010-1129-xAuthors Ling-Hong Tseng, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology 5 Fu-Hsing Street, Kwei-Shan Tao-Yuan 333 TaiwanIlene Chen, University of Sydney School of Electrical and Information Engineering Sydney AustraliaChao-Nin Wang, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology 5 Fu-Hsing Street, Kwei-Shan Tao-Yuan 333 TaiwanYi-Hao Lin, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Scho...

Hepatitis C And Insulin Resistance - Surprising Findings

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

We have known for several years that Hepatitis C, a common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer, also makes people three to four times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. In studying the insulin resistance of 29 people with Hepatitis C, Australian researchers have confirmed that they have high insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. However, almost all insulin resistance occurs in muscle, with little or none in the liver, a very surprising finding given that Hepatitis C is a liver disease... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Hepatitis C And Insulin Resistance - Surprising Findings

Diabetes News From Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Botox Approved for Spasticity in Stroke Victims

MedicineNet Hepatitis C General — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Botox Approved for Spasticity in Stroke VictimsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/9/2010 6:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 3/10/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Hepatitis C General)

Response to first-line antiretroviral treatment among human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with and without a history of injecting drug use in Indonesia

Addiction — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We examined this in an Indonesian setting, where IDU is the main risk factor for HIV infection.Methods Patient characteristics and response to ART were recorded for all patients diagnosed with HIV infection in the referral hospital for West Java (40 million people). Kaplan[ndash]Meier estimates and Cox's regression were used to compare mortality, loss to follow-up and virological failure between patients with and without a history of IDU.Result A total of 773 adult HIV patients (81.9% IDUs) presented between January 1996 and April 2008. IDUs had a median CD4 cell count of 33 [interquartile ratio (IQR), 12[ndash]111] cells/mm3 compared to 84 (IQR, 28[ndash]224) cells/mm3 in non-IDUs. Among patients with a history of IDU, 87.7% were coinfected with hepatitis C (HCV). Mortality was associat...

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Syphilis: an important cause of infectious hepatitis

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100

The UK incidence of infectious syphilis has risen sharply over the last 10 years; however, its diagnosis can be overlooked in patients who fail to disclose risk factors for its acquisition. This patient presented with hepatitis as part of a multisystemic illness and was investigated extensively before being diagnosed with secondary syphilis. The delay to diagnosis and treatment resulted in irreversible disablement. Syphilis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hepatitis of uncertain aetiology. In addition, due to the similar presentation and risk factors for acquisition, we suggest that syphilis serology should be performed concomitant to all HIV tests, particularly those from outside the genitourinary medicine clinic setting. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS...

Effect of Influenza Vaccination of Children on Infection Rates in Hutterite Communities: A Randomized Trial [Original Contribution]

JAMA — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:50:43 +0100

Conclusion Immunizing children and adolescents with inactivated influenza vaccine significantly protected unimmunized residents of rural communities against influenza. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00877396 (Source: JAMA)

Link Between Hepatitis C And Insulin Resistance Surprises Scientists

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:00:00 +0100

Scientists in Australia found that when they studied insulin resistance in people with Hepatitis C little or none of it was in the liver and nearly all the insulin resistance occured in muscle, which surprised them because Hepatitis C is a liver disease that not only leads to cirrhosis and cancer, but also makes people three to four times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. You can read about the study that led to these findings in the March 2010 issue of the journal Gastroenterology, which is also available online... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Link Between Hepatitis C And Insulin Resistance Surprises Scientists

Diabetes News From Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:00:00 +0100

Left ventricular diastolic abnormalities and the impact of hepatitis C virus infection in multitransfused Egyptian children

Articles of Archives of Medical Science - TERMEDIA publishing house — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:12:51 +0100

Conclusions: Multitransfused children are more liable to left ventricular diastolic dysfunction suggested by impaired relaxation probably due to iron overload and anaemia. Hepatitis C virus infection is an additional factor which might share in impairing left ventricular systolic function. Left ventricular performance is better preserved when chelation treatment is adjusted to maintain serum ferritin at (Source: Articles of Archives of Medical Science - TERMEDIA publishing house)

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HCV carriers with normal alanine aminotransferase levels: Healthy persons or severely ill patients? Dealing with an everyday clinical problem.

European Journal of Internal Medicine — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:37:09 +0100

Authors: Puoti C, Bellis L, Guarisco R, Unto OD, Spilabotti L, Costanza OM Approximately 30% of patients with chronic HCV infection show persistently normal ALT levels. Although formerly referred to as 'healthy' or 'asymptomatic' HCV carriers, and thus historically excluded from antiviral treatment, it has now become clear that the majority of these patients have some degree of histological liver damage that may be significant in up to 20% of patients and might progress toward a more severe degree of liver fibrosis. A significant proportion of patients (>/=20%) experience periods of increased serum ALT (flare) associated with enhanced disease progression. However, controversies still exist in clinical practice regarding the definition of 'persistent' ALT normality, the virological a...

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)

Tetanus, Hepatitis Vaccination Campaign Launched In Chile Amid Fears Of Disease Outbreaks

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

"Chile launched a hepatitis and tetanus vaccination campaign Friday and doctors warned of outbreaks of diarrhea and infection among thousands of people displaced by the earthquake and the tsunami that heavily damaged or destroyed 36 hospitals and made garbage dumps of coastal towns and cities," the Associated Press reports. So far, no dysentery outbreaks or other communicable diseases had been reported, Chile's health ministry said, adding that it believed it had adequate amounts of tetanus and hepatitis vaccinations... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Tetanus, Hepatitis Vaccination Campaign Launched In Chile Amid Fears Of Disease Outbreaks

Aid / Disasters News From Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

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Under the microscope: Griff Rhys Jones on controlling his anger with massage and the gallstone on his mantelpiece

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:45:59 +0100

The comedian, 56, talks about his mysterious bout of hepatitis A and how he needs strict methods of calorie control to stop him eating everything in the shops. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Ministers launch campaign to promote hepatitis C testing

Nursing Times Breaking News — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:35:00 +0100

The Scottish Government has created a new scheme encouraging people at risk of hepatitis C virus to come forward for testing. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

Surprising findings about Hepatitis C and insulin resistance

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Research Australia) We have known for several years that Hepatitis C, a common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer, also makes people three to four times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. In studying the insulin resistance of 29 people with Hepatitis C, Australian researchers have confirmed that they have high insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. However, almost all insulin resistance was in muscle, with little or none in the liver, a very surprising finding given that Hepatitis C is a liver disease. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Surprising findings about Hepatitis C and insulin resistance

ScienceDaily Headlines — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Scientists have known for several years that Hepatitis C, a common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer, also makes people three to four times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. In studying the insulin resistance of 29 people with Hepatitis C, Australian researchers have confirmed that they have high insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. However, almost all insulin resistance was in muscle, with little or none in the liver, a very surprising finding given that Hepatitis C is a liver disease. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Quality of life in patients with various liver diseases

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Summary. Little is known comparing and contrasting quality of life (QoL) in patients with hepatitis C, compared to patients with other liver diseases. We performed two independent prospective cross-sectional studies including 511 and 284 patients with different forms of liver diseases. SF-36 was used in both studies. Fatigue Impact Score, WHO-BREF and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used in either study only. In both studies, HCV-positive patients scored worse in the mental aspects of health-related QoL compared to other liver diseases, except for HBV in one study. Surprisingly, in both studies, quality of life was also significantly impaired in patients with viral clearance after interferon therapy but not after spontaneous clearance. Furthermore, patients with primary b...

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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)

Iron restriction improves type II diabetes mellitus of Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats.

American Journal of Physiology. Endocrinology and Metabolism — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, iron depletion improved diabetic complications by inhibition of oxidative stress and TGF-beta signal pathways and the maintenance of pancreatic PPAR-beta/delta and HIF-1alpha pathways. PMID: 20215574 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Physiology. Endocrinology and Metabolism)

Cellular CD4 T Cell Responses to the Diphtheria‐Derived Carrier Protein of Conjugated Pneumococcal Vaccine and Antibody Response to Pneumococcal Vaccination in HIV‐Infected Adults

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:02:29 +0100

Conclusions. The PCV prime‐elicited memory T cell responses were associated with better and sustained humoral SPP specific IgG responses. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier. NCT00148824. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

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)

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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)

Seroprevalence of IgG antibodies to hepatitis E in urban and rural southern India

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:05:58 +0100

Summary: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important cause of sporadic and epidemic hepatitis E infection in northern India. Sera, collected from different age groups in rural (n=1144) and urban (n=1135) areas using a probability proportional to size survey, were tested using an ELISA for IgG antibodies. Antibodies increased with age in both populations, but the urban population had higher exposure in all age groups (Mann-Whitney U test, P (Source: Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene)

Donor Race Does Not Predict Liver Graft Failure

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:04:16 +0100

Donor race has been linked to liver graft failure, but the association can be largely explained by transplant center characteristics and hepatitis status, a new study finds. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

Suppression of Hepatitis C Viral Load Reduces Insulin Resistance

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:04:16 +0100

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection appears to contribute to insulin resistance, new research shows. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

Origin of hepatitis δ virus

Future Microbiology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:46:48 +0100

Future Microbiology , March 2010, Vol. 5, No. 3, Pages 393-402. (Source: Future Microbiology)

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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)

CNN video: Life with Hepatitis C

Clinical Cases and Images — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:37:00 +0100

18-year-old London teenager talks about life with the "silent killer" Hepatitis C and shares the dramatic story of how she came to be infected.References:Life with Hepatitis C for London's teenage 'It Girl'. CNN. Posted at Clinical Cases and Images. Stay updated and subscribe, follow on Twitter and Buzz, and connect on Facebook. (Source: Clinical Cases and Images)

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)

Novel Criteria To Differentiate Fibrosis From Steatohepatitis

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the most common cause of liver cirrhosis in the Western world. Liver biopsy is currently considered the gold standard for assessing hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis in these patients. However, it is an invasive procedure, with rare but potentially life-threatening complications and its accuracy is limited due to sampling error. Transient elastography (FibroScan®, FS) is a novel rapid and noninvasive method to assess liver fibrosis via measurement of liver stiffness (LS)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Novel Criteria To Differentiate Fibrosis From Steatohepatitis

Liver Disease / Hepatitis News From Medical News Today — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the most common cause of liver cirrhosis in the Western world. Liver biopsy is currently considered the gold standard for assessing hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis in these patients. However, it is an invasive procedure, with rare but potentially life-threatening complications and its accuracy is limited due to sampling error... (Source: Liver Disease / Hepatitis News From Medical News Today)

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Groundbreaking Research To Find Vaccine For Hepatitis C

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Researchers at the South West Liver Unit, based at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust and supported by the Peninsula Medical School, are working to save more lives and improve the health of Hepatitis C sufferers around the world by developing a vaccine for the disease. In addition to a grant of Â£95,000 from the Mary Kinross Charitable Trust, the team have recently been awarded a grant from Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust to expand and continue their work. Dr... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Groundbreaking Research To Find Vaccine For Hepatitis C

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

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)

Paying price of student days as 60% of Hep C sufferers unaware of infection

Scotsman.com News - Health — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A MAJOR drive to get treatment for hundreds of people who are unaware they are infected with hepatitis C is being launched in Scotland. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

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)

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Total and cause-specific mortality rates in a prospective study of community-acquired hepatitis C virus infection in northern Norway

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, our study shows that the death rate in patients infected with hepatitis C is 6.66 times higher than in the general Norwegian population. (Source: Journal of Viral Hepatitis)

Correlates of high hepatitis C virus RNA load in a cohort of HIV-negative and HIV-positive individuals with haemophilia

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Summary. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment failure and disease progression are more likely with high HCV-RNA load. Correlates of high HCV-RNA load in individuals with haemophilia are largely unknown. Among 1266 interferon naïve HCV-infected individuals with haemophilia, we compared those with high (>2 × 106 HCV-RNA copies/mL) to lower viral load, overall and stratifying on HIV co-infection status using logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Overall, high HCV load was independently associated with longer duration of HCV infection (Ptrend = 0.0001), body mass index [ge]25 kg/m2 (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.1[ndash]1.9), and HIV co-infection (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0[ndash]1.8). Among 795 HIV-negative participants, high HCV-RNA load was associated with o...

[Acute reactive hepatitis in pregnancy.]

Orvosi Hetilap — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ozsvár Z, Solymossi Z, Monostory K Alpha-methyldopa is a regularly used antihypertensive drug during pregnancy. Methyldopa, which decreases the sympathoadrenal system, is the first drug of choice since decades. The reactive hepatitis is not frequent, but known serious side effect of alpha-methyldopa. In non-pregnant women the estimated rate of manifest hepatotoxicity is 2.5-10%. In our case, gestation hypertension developed at the 21st gestation week of a 35 year-old pregnant woman. Oral methyldopa, a central alpha adrenergic blocker therapy was introduced. On the 23rd gestation week acute hepatitis developed. During differential diagnosis of hepatitis, the etiology of methyldopa was taken into account. Viral and autoimmune origin was rolled out. No fetal aberration was f...

Post-Op Liver Cancer Complications More Frequent At Low-Volume Hospitals

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The frequency of post-operative complications following surgery for liver cancer is associated with a hospital having a low volume of liver surgery. Investigators at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) are presenting that finding at the 63rd Annual Society of Surgical Oncology Symposium taking place this week in St. Louis. CINJ is a Center of Excellence of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Post-Op Liver Cancer Complications More Frequent At Low-Volume Hospitals

Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The frequency of post-operative complications following surgery for liver cancer is associated with a hospital having a low volume of liver surgery. Investigators at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) are presenting that finding at the 63rd Annual Society of Surgical Oncology Symposium taking place this week in St. Louis... (Source: Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today)

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Expression of microRNA-155 precursor in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from hepatitis Cpatients after antiviral treatment.

Acta Virologica — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:29:31 +0100

Authors: Sidorkiewicz M, Grek M, Jozwiak B, Majda-Stanislawska E, Piekarska A, Bartkowiak J Chronic hepatitis caused by Hepatitis Cvirus (HCV) is the main source of liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and extra-hepatic diseases. After treatment-induced resolution of hepatitis C, the persistence of HCV RNA in serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is often observed. An expression of the precursor of microRNA-155 (miR-155) called BIC can be the factor responsible for acourse of HCV infection. Therefore, we assessed the relationship between BIC expression and HCV RNA status in sera and PBMCs samples of 64 hepatitis Cpatients treated with interferon alpha(IFN-alpha)+ribavirin. High expression of BIC in PBMCs was determined in 100% of patients that harbored HCV RNA in s...

Laboratory characteristics of recent hepatitis A in Korea: Ongoing epidemiological shift.

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

CONCLUSION: There has been an apparent epidemiological shift in HAV seroprevalence and a change in the peak age of HAV hepatitis. This study could provide baseline data of recent hepatitis A in Asia. PMID: 20205283 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

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)

Antibiotic-Induced Liver Toxicity: Mechanisms, Clinical Features and Causality Assessment.

Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Robles M, Toscano E, Cotta J, Lucena MI, Andrade RJ Antibiotics are the therapeutic agents most often associated with hepatotoxicity. However, this is mainly due to the widespread prescription of these drugs. The relative risk of antibiotic-related hepatotoxicity is low. Causality assessment of suspected drug-induced liver injury (DILI) related to antibiotics can be difficult, particularly because some cases occur long after the drug has been stopped. Among the penicillins, amoxicillin clavulanate is the most associated with hepatotoxicity and is the most frequent cause of DILI-related hospitalisations. Flucloxacillin ranks as the second highest cause of DILI in many countries. The severity of antibiotic-induced DILI varies widely, with the hepatitis-like (hepatocellular) dama...

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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...

U.S. Doctors Sanction Transplant Criteria For Liver Cancer Patients

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Liver transplantation specialists recently convened to address U.S. guidelines for allocation of organs for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, liver cancer). Representatives from more than 130 U.S. transplant centers were invited to the conference and participants included 180 leaders in liver transplantation (LT) from the 50 most active centers. Full details of the recommendations developed at the conference are published in the March issue of Liver Transplantation, a journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

U.S. Doctors Sanction Transplant Criteria For Liver Cancer Patients

Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Is the drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) due to human herpesvirus 6 infection or to allergy-mediated viral reactivation? Report of a case and literature review

BMC Infectious Diseases — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The search for rare causes of fever led to complete resolution of a very difficult case. As DIHS is a rare disease the most relevant issue is to suspect and include it in differential diagnosis of fevers of unknown origin. Once diagnosed, the therapy is easy (steroidal administration) and often successful. However our case strongly confirms that attention should be paid on the steroidal tapering that should be very slow to avoid a relapse. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

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)

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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 ...

Development of potential antiviral strategy against Coxsackievirus B4.

Virus Research — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, the possibility of RNA interference (RNAi) as a potential therapeutic approach to treat CVB4 infection was explored. The results showed that the Rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells treated with 19-mer siRNAs displayed high specificity against CVB4 replication without displaying any signs of off-target effects. The siRNA targeting the 3C(pro) region of CVB4 genome was also established to be the most effective in inhibition of CVB4 replication in RD cell line in a dosage dependent manner, indicating its potential to be developed as an antiviral strategy against CVB4. PMID: 20214933 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Virus Research)

Hepatitis C Treatment Expansion Initiative Demonstration Sites

Grants.gov — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:15:49 +0100

Funding Opportunity Number: HRSA-10-090 Opportunity Category: DiscretionaryFunding Instrument Type: GrantCategory of Funding Activity: HealthCFDA Number: 93.928Eligible Applicants Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)Agency Name HHS-HRSA (Source: Grants.gov)

Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of chikungunya fever: Lessons learned from the re-emerging epidemic

Indian Journal of Dermatology — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:02:58 +0100

Mohan Alladi, Kiran D.H.N, Manohar I Chiranjeevi, Kumar D PrabathIndian Journal of Dermatology 2010 55(1):54-63Chikungunya fever, caused by &quot;Chikungunya virus,&quot; is an arbovirus disease transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes belonging to the genus <i>Aedes</i>. Chikungunya fever epidemics have been reported from several countries around the world. The disease that was silent for nearly 32 years re-emerged in the October 2005 outbreak in India that is still ongoing. The incubation period ranges from 3 to 12 days. The onset is usually abrupt and the acute stage is characterized by sudden onset with high-grade fever, severe arthralgias, myalgias, and skin rash. Swollen tender joints and crippling arthritis are usua...

The effect of obesity on intrahepatic cytokine and chemokine expression in chronic hepatitis C infection

Gut — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:12:52 +0100

Conclusions The data provide important mechanistic information on the cause of hepatic injury in obese-HCV subjects including: (1) enhanced T helper-1 cytokine response patterns—to promote hepatocellular injury; (2) increased expression of the chemokines IP-10 and MCP-1 at both the mRNA and protein levels—to enhance inflammatory cell recruitment; (3) differing localisation of these chemokines within the liver of obese-HCV versus lean-HCV subjects—implying different inducing stimuli and; (4) increased CD3 expression in the liver of obese-HCV subjects—concordant with the increased expression of T cell chemoattractants. (Source: Gut)

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Insulin resistance, viral load and response to peginterferon and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Gut — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:12:52 +0100

(Source: Gut)

Rock stars highlight hepatitis C risks

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Common risk factors for contracting hepatitis C are described in an animated film featuring the rock stars Keith Moon and Jimi Hendrix. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

Concurrent reactivation of latent EBV with hepatitis A can affect clinical feature of childhood hepatitis

Acta Paediatrica — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Concurrent reactivation of latent EBV and HAV infections is common. EBV reactivation with HAV infection adversely affects the clinical feature of hepatitis. Therefore, we should keep in mind that the concurrence especially in older children may cause worse injury to the liver. (Source: Acta Paediatrica)

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)

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Insulin resistance and iron perturbation in patients with chronic hepatitis C

Internal Medicine Journal — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Internal Medicine Journal)

Memories that last forever: strategies for optimizing vaccine T-cell memory

Blood — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:00:45 +0100

The objective of an HIV-1 T-cell vaccine is to generate functional CD8+ effector memory cells at mucosal portals of virus entry to prevent viral transmission. In addition, long-lived CD8+ and CD4+ central memory cells circulating through secondary lymphoid organs and resident in bone marrow, respectively, are needed to provide a concerted second wave of defense that can contain virus at mucosal surfaces and prevent systemic dissemination. Further understanding of factors which can influence long-lived effector and central memory cell differentiation will significantly contribute to development of effective T-cell vaccines. In this review we will focus on discussing mechanisms involved in T-cell memory and provide promising new approaches toward expanding current vaccine strategies to enhan...

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)

Human herpesvirus type 8 in patients with cirrhosis independent of thrombocytopenia

Journal of Clinical Pathology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:42:49 +0100

Conclusions In patients with cirrhosis, the seropositive rate for HHV-8 antibody is independent of thrombocytopenia. The positive rate for HHV-8 antibody in cirrhotic ascites seems to be associated with sex, disease severity and disease aetiology. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology)

IQGAP1 and vimentin are key regulator genes in naturally occurring hepatotumorigenesis induced by oxidative stress

Carcinogenesis — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:26:26 +0100

To identify key genes involved in the complex multistep process of hepatotumorigenesis, we reduced multivariate clinicopathological variables by using the Long–Evans Cinnamon rat, a model with naturally occurring and oxidative stress-induced hepatotumorigenesis. Gene expression patterns were analyzed serially by profiling liver tissues from rats of a naive status (4 weeks old), through to those with chronic hepatitis (26 and 39 weeks old) to tumor development (67 weeks old). Of 31 099 probe sets used for microarray analysis, 87 were identified as being upregulated in a stepwise manner during disease progression and tumor development. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and statistical analyses verified that IQGAP1 and vimentin mRNA expression ...

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1.3m Pounds Plan To Reduce Hepatitis In Wales

Liver Disease / Hepatitis News From Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

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)

Groundbreaking research to find vaccine for hepatitis C

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry) Researchers at the Peninsula Medical School in the UK are developing a vaccine for hepatitis C. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Liver retransplantation in adults: a single-centre, 25-year experience

HPB: official journal of the International Hepato Pancreat Biliary Association — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: First retransplantation was associated with good longterm survival. There was no survival benefit following second and third retransplantations. A MELD score of [le]23 and donor age of [le]55 years correlated with better outcome following retransplantation. (Source: HPB: official journal of the International Hepato Pancreat Biliary Association)