Object: The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and the changes of amino acid sequences of the interferon sensitivity-determining region (ISDR) by prolonged interferon (IFN) treatment in patients who have serum hepatitis C virus (HCV)-genotype 1b and a high level of serum HCV-RNA.
Methods: Inclusion criteria were biopsy-proven chronic hepatitis, positive HCV-RNA, and an abnormal serum aminotransferase level. Twenty-five patients received 6 MU of natural IFN-alpha daily for 8 weeks, followed by three times weekly for 40 weeks (1,056 MU). One patient was withdrawn from the study due to IFN side effects. Therefore, the remaining 24 patients (group 1) were studied the efficacy of IFN administration and changes of ISDR. As a control, 22 patients (group 2) treated with natural IFN-alpha for 24 weeks for the same period were studied retrospectively. Patients were defined as complete responders (CR) if serum HCV-RNA levels were negative for 6 months after IFN therapy.
Results: According to this criterion, CR was 25% (6/24) in group 1 and 9.1% (2/22) in group 2. The normalization rates of alanine aminotransferease (ALT) for six months after termination of IFN was 41% (10/24) in group 1 and 18.2% (4/22) in group 2. Regarding the changes of ISDR in patients with no CR, the change rates of ISDR were 16.7% (3/18) in group 1 and 10% (2/20) in group 2.
Conclusion: We concluded that prolonged IFN therapy was effective for patients with HCV-genotype 1b and a high level of serum HCV-RNA.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.2169/internalmedicine.38.461 | DOI Listing |
Disabil Rehabil
January 2025
Clinic Institute of Medical and Surgical Specialties (ICEMEQ), Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Purpose: Adherence to home rehabilitation following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is essential to reach optimal functional outcomes, especially in fast-track procedures. The aim of this study is to identify which sociodemographic and health factors significantly affect adherence in this context.
Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial with 52 patients.
J Med Internet Res
January 2025
Cancer Screening, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, United States.
Background: The online nature of decision aids (DAs) and related e-tools supporting women's decision-making regarding breast cancer screening (BCS) through mammography may facilitate broader access, making them a valuable addition to BCS programs.
Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the scientific evidence on the impacts of these e-tools and to provide a comprehensive assessment of the factors associated with their increased utility and efficacy.
Methods: We followed the 2020 PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and conducted a search of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases from August 2010 to April 2023.
JMIR Ment Health
January 2025
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
Background: Mental health concerns have become increasingly prevalent; however, care remains inaccessible to many. While digital mental health interventions offer a promising solution, self-help and even coached apps have not fully addressed the challenge. There is now a growing interest in hybrid, or blended, care approaches that use apps as tools to augment, rather than to entirely guide, care.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCan J Microbiol
January 2025
Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada;
Agricultural practices, specifically the use of antibiotics and other biocides, have repercussions on human, animal and plant health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus, as antibiotic resistant marker bacteria, in various matrices across the agro-ecosystem of an antibiotic-free swine farm in Quebec (Canada), namely pig feed, feces, manure, agricultural soil, water and sediment from a crossing stream, and soil from nearby forests. Samples were collected in fall 2022, spring and fall 2023 and spring 2024.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground Aims: SBP leads to high rates acute kidney injury (AKI) -hepatorenal syndrome and mortality. Population-based studies on contemporary SBP epidemiology are needed to inform care. In a large, national cohort of patients diagnosed with SBP and confirmed by ascitic fluid criteria, we characterized ascitic fluid characteristics, in-hospital and 12-month mortality, AKI, and recurrent SBP.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!