This suggests that bearded pigs may be prey species for clouded l

This suggests that bearded pigs may be prey species for clouded leopards and they are capable of altering their activity pattern in response to this risk. “
“Nuptial traits signalling individual

Cabozantinib nmr quality are common in numerous animal taxa, and play a significant role in sexual selection. Detecting female mate choice based on visual cues is notoriously hard in lizards. Previously, we found that female European green lizards (Lacerta viridis) preferred to associate with males with high ultraviolet (UV) throat reflectance. Here, we investigated if different components of nuptial throat colour of male European green lizards were correlated to other fitness-related traits, and thus could signal male quality. We found that (1) high UV chroma correlates positively with directional asymmetry and shows a negative trend with body condition; (2) blue chroma is not related to any individual traits; and (3) total throat brightness correlates positively with body size and relative head size, and negatively with ectoparasite load. Our results suggest that having high throat UV reflectance is costly for male European green lizards, so probably only high-quality individuals can afford it, while total brightness of the throat colour Roxadustat manufacturer signals age, relative head size and health

status. Hence, throat colour in male European green lizards is a multiple honest signal. Information about individual quality provided by different signals varies in reliability, with the main attributes determining female preference being honesty and detectability (Schluter & Price, 1993). Considering that female mate choice can have negative effects not on the females’ reproductive success, female mate preference is expected to increase with increasing honesty of male traits (Iwasa & Pomiankowski, 1991; Schluter & Price, 1993). Conditional handicap models (Zahavi,

1977; Iwasa & Pomiankowski, 1991) predict that (1) the expression of selected male traits are to be related to male body condition; (2) the expression of these secondary sexual traits are to have a cost for the possessor; and (3) males of better body condition are to have lower cost of expression than those of worse condition. However, male quality can involve other aspects than body condition, as males can also assure access to high quality and/or quantity resources for the female by defending a good territory (Kotiaho, 2000). A number of traits can work as honest signals at the same time and act in multiple signalling systems, whereas receivers should take numerous attributes into account in order to estimate the signaller’s quality with high precision (Calsbeek & Sinervo, 2002; Candolin, 2003). Colour, morphological and chemosensory traits of lizards all play a role in mate choice and intrasexual competition, thus representing signals under sexual selection (Gvozdik & Van Damme 2003; Stapley & Keogh, 2006; Kopena et al., 2011).

Vestibular abnormalities were present interictally among both VM

Vestibular abnormalities were present interictally among both VM and M patients, but were found about twice as frequently among VM patients. This may indicate that subclinical vestibular dysfunction is an integral part of migraine pathology in general, and not solely in VM. “
“Our objective was to characterize patterns of preventive medication use in persons with episodic migraine (EM) and chronic migraine (CM). Several classes of medications are used both on- and off-label for the prevention of migraine, including β-blockers (eg, propranolol, timolol), tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), anti-epileptic drugs (eg, topiramate, valproic acid), and neurotoxins (eg, onabotulinumtoxinA). Preventive

medication use and reasons for discontinuation were collected in an international, X-396 price Web-based, cross-sectional survey of adults with migraine during 2010. Descriptive analyses were conducted on demographics and headache-related disability as measured by

the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale, stratified by use of preventive medication, and EM or CM. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to assess predictors of preventive medication use. One thousand one hundred and sixty-five R788 price respondents completed the survey. Only 28.3% of EM and 44.8% of CM respondents were currently using preventive medication; any use of prophylaxis (prior or current) was reported by 43.4% of those with EM and 65.9% with CM. The mean number of prophylactic medications ever used was 2.92 for EM and 3.94 for CM. Antidepressants were used most frequently (EM 60.9%; CM 54.7%), followed by β-blockers (EM 35.4%; CM 36.8%) and anti-epileptics (EM 28.6%; CM 36.3%). Odds of preventive medication use were higher among CM than EM, adjusting for age, gender, race, years of daily headache, and country (odds ratio 2.72; 95% confidence interval 2.15 to 3.57). L-NAME HCl Greater headache-related disability and older age were also

associated with greater odds of ever having used prophylaxis, regardless of headache frequency. Less than half the persons with EM and CM were currently using preventive medication for migraine, with treatment rates being higher for CM, as expected. Those with CM tried more medications than those with EM, possibly reflecting higher levels of treatment need. “
“Migraine clusters in families and is considered to be a strongly heritable disorder. Hemiplegic migraine is a rare subtype of migraine with aura that may occur as a familial or a sporadic condition. Three genes have been identified studying families with familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM). The first FHM gene that was identified is CACNA1A. A second gene, FHM2, has been mapped to chromosome 1 q 21-23. The defect is a new mutation in the α2 subunit of the Na/K pump (ATP1A2). A third gene (FHM3) has been linked to chromosome 2q24.

Cytokinin concentrations were

low during the dark period

Cytokinin concentrations were

low during the dark period and increased during the light period. In 48 h experiments using synchronized C. minutissima (MACC 361), half the cultures were maintained in continuous dark conditions for the second photoperiod. Cell division occurred during both dark periods, and cells increased in size during the light periods. Cultures kept in continuous dark did not increase in size following cell division. DNA analysis confirmed these results, with cultures grown in light having increased DNA concentrations prior to cell division, while cultures maintained in continuous dark had less DNA. Cytokinins (cZ and iP derivatives) were detected in all samples with concentrations increasing over the Selleck SAHA HDAC first 24 h. This increase was followed by a large increase, especially during the second light period where cytokinin concentrations increased 4-fold. Cytokinin concentrations did not increase in cultures maintained in continuous dark conditions. In vivo deuterium-labeling technology was used to measure cytokinin biosynthetic rates during the dark and

light periods in C. minutissima with highest biosynthetic rates measured during the light period. These results show that there is a relationship between light, cell division, and cytokinins. “
“Cysts belonging to the benthic dinoflagellate Bysmatrum GSI-IX chemical structure subsalsum were recovered from palynologically treated sediments collected in the Alvarado Lagoon (southwestern Gulf of Mexico). The cysts are proximate, reflecting the features of the parent thecal stage, and their Demeclocycline autofluorescence implies a dinosporin composition similar to the cyst walls of phototrophic species. This finding is important for our understanding of B. subsalsum life cycle transitions and ecology. Encystment may play an important role in the bloom dynamics of this species as it can enable the formation of a sediment cyst bank that allows reinoculation of the water column when conditions become favorable. This is the

first report of a fossilized cyst produced by a benthic dinoflagellate recovered from sub-recent sediments. “
“The cell nucleus harbors a large number of proteins involved in transcription, RNA processing, chromatin remodeling, nuclear signaling, and ribosome assembly. The nuclear genome of the model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii P. A. Dang. was recently sequenced, and many genes encoding nuclear proteins, including transcription factors and transcription regulators, have been identified through computational discovery tools. However, elucidating the specific biological roles of nuclear proteins will require support from biochemical and proteomics data. Cellular preparations with enriched nuclei are important to assist in such analyses. Here, we describe a simple protocol for the isolation of nuclei from Chlamydomonas, based on a commercially available kit.

Severe ICP was associated with adverse fetal outcomes, including

Severe ICP was associated with adverse fetal outcomes, including stillbirth (1.5% vs. 0.5% in the control group). There was a significant positive correlation between nonfasting maternal serum bile acid levels and perinatal complications, such as preterm delivery and meconium-stained

amniotic fluid. The researchers speculate that bile acids may affect the contractility of muscle cells. In any case, this study, which is unique for its large size, emphasizes the importance of measuring maternal bile acid levels in ICP. (Hepatology 2014;59:1482-1491.) learn more In nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is fibrosis risk the same in men and women? This sounds like a simple question, and thus far the literature has not been unambiguous. Yang et al. tried to answer this question with a group of 541 patients with histologically proven NASH. They analyzed their cohort comparing men to pre- and postmenopausal women. They found that men and postmenopausal women

have comparable severity of fibrosis, whereas premenopausal women have a lower risk for severe fibrosis. The researchers took age into account and tried to Selleckchem GSK3 inhibitor adjust for several confounders, but it remains possible that behavior characteristics differ (degree of physical activity, alcohol intake), which could, in part, explain the difference. Nevertheless, the researchers interpret their results by suggesting that premenopausal women might be at lower risk for fibrosis: They mention estrogen, and we can now add relaxin. (Hepatology 2014;59:1406-1414.) Often, patients with liver disease think they should renounce alcohol, fast food, and coffee. If there is one piece of dietary advice we can give them, it is not to stop drinking coffee. According to numerous epidemiologic studies, coffee is good for the liver. But how? This is the question. Sinha et al. describe how caffeine decreases steatosis. They found that caffeine induces the formation of autophagosomes Thiamine-diphosphate kinase in HepG2 cells. Knocking down ATG5 or blocking lysosomes with chloroquine prevented caffeine-induced reduction in intracellular lipids. They complement these in vitro studies

with in vivo experiments administering caffeine to mice. Caffeine induced hepatic β-oxidation, increased autophagy, and, interestingly, decreased mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Then, the researchers fed the mice a high-fat diet. Caffeine decreased weight gain and prevented intrahepatic lipid accumulation. These effects were obtained at concentrations that are reached after drinking coffee. No reason for our patients to give up this “drug,” on the contrary! (Hepatology 2014;59:1366-1380.) Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCC) shares a rising incidence and poor prognosis with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Systemic targeted therapy with the potential to prolong the survival of patients affected by this type of tumor is urgently needed.

4 Surgeons generally remained very

selective in their use

4 Surgeons generally remained very

selective in their use of these treatments. Peranal local excision could be technically demanding in all but the smallest, most distal, posterior tumors. Furthermore reports emerged of substantial rates of lymph node metastasis in tumors, which had not breeched the muscularis propria; in 1982 Hojo reported lymph node metastases in 18% of 28 T1 and 38% of 82 T2 rectal tumors.5 In most centers, local excision was generally limited to elderly, high risk patients who would otherwise require a permanent stoma. In this issue of the Journal, Nakadoi et al. relate the presence of regional lymph node metastases to the pathological features of the primary tumor in 499 surgically BMN 673 datasheet resected T1 colorectal carcinomas.6 Lymph node metastases, found in 8.2% of subjects, were mostly predicted by the presence of poor differentiation, lymphovascular invasion or high grade tumor budding. They found a low rate of lymph node metastasis (1.2%) if all such features were absent. All of the lymph node metastases selleck chemical occurring in tumors without these high risk features were in tumors with a depth of invasion ≥ 1800 µm. The authors present a case for endoscopic management of low-risk T1 colorectal carcinomas so selected. While the study

appears rigorous and the case well-argued. Caution should be exercised. First, the significance of lymph node metastasis and the biological processes by which this occurs needs consideration. Lymph node metastasis is an accepted surrogate of poor survival. A simplistic view of stepwise cancer progression leads one logically to the view that radical resection is appropriate and is essential for cure when lymph node metastases are present. In many cases, however, lymph metastases might be an indicator of disease behavior—the harbinger of poor outcome despite radical surgery. If one considers that the process of metastasis is a function of biological factors, time and the Glycogen branching enzyme area of tumor exposed to the vascular and lymphatic surfaces,

“early” tumors that spread to lymph nodes might be assumed to be biologically aggressive. If tumor grade, the presence of lymphovascular invasion and budding reflect this biological activity, it may be that in cases exhibiting such features, radical surgery is of little benefit since the disease is already a systemic one. An analogy with breast cancer might be appropriate: local treatment with aggressive systemic therapy producing the best outcomes. One might expect this hypothesis to become more deserving of investigation as the proportion of cancers detected by screening increases. Equally, failure to detect involved lymph nodes cannot be regarded as an assurance that there is no resectable disease beyond the submucosa.

Therefore, our data suggest that MART-10 is a promising candidate

Therefore, our data suggest that MART-10 is a promising candidate to be further studied as a new therapeutic regimen against HCC. In addition to using vitamin D analogs, it was found that when 1α,25(OH)2D3 was combined with fish oil, the antiproliferative effect on HCC was greatly enhanced.26 Besides an in vitro study of liver cancer cells, two animal studies using either 1α,25(OH)2D3 or EB1089,

a less calcemic analog of 1α,25(OH)2D3, have been reported by Morris and colleagues.37,45 Using a xenograft animal model, they demonstrated that 1α,25(OH)2D3, at a dose of 0.5 ug/kg/ per day for 21 days, successfully inhibited the growth of SKHEP-1 cells without causing hypercalcemia in Vincristine animals.37 The same group also reported

that systemically administered EB 1089 was effective in repressing HCC growth in a xenograft animal model without inducing hypercalcemia.45 check details In addition, Sahpazidou et al. employed C3H/Sy virgin female mice, a strain capable of developing spontaneous HCC, to study the chemopreventive effect of EB1089 on HCC. They reported that the animals receiving 0.5 ug/kg of EB 1089 every other day for 2 months had 3.9% incidence of HCC as compared to the controls with 36.4% incidence, indicating the chemopreventive role of EB 1089 in HCC.46 It is well known that hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria are the major side-effects of 1α,25(OH)2D when it is administered systemically. To overcome these drawbacks, efforts have been made to synthesize

vitamin D analogs that retain most of the non-classical MYO10 actions of 1α,25(OH)2D, but have much lower calcemic activity in vivo. Phase I and phase II clinical trials using 1α-hydroxyvitamin D2 (Hectorol), a pro-drug of 1α,25,(OH)2D2, have been conducted in hormone-refractory prostate cancer patients.47,48 It was reported that Hectorol was well tolerated,47 and 30% of the patients had disease stability greater than 6 months and a median survival of 21 months, which is higher than the 17.7 months predicted by the survival nomogram for that patient group.48 Although the results are less than conclusive, the encouraging findings do warrant further studies with vitamin D analogs. Other vitamin D analogs or structural VDR activators, such as Maxacalcitol (OCT), 16-ene analogs, 19-nor analogs, 1α-hydroxyvitamin D5, and LG190119, C-20 cyclopropylcalcitriol, elocalcitol, Gemini vitamin D analogs have been developed and tested in pre-clinical studies.49 These compounds may have promise as therapeutic agents for cancer and other diseases, with fewer side-effects than 1α,25(OH)2D and 1α-hydroxyvitamin D2. An unblinded clinical trial on 10 postmenopausal women at risk for colon cancer also reported a potential role of vitamin D on the chemoprevention of colorectal neoplasia by estrogen (0.5–1 mg).

45 Thus, insulin is likely to contribute to a large number of the

45 Thus, insulin is likely to contribute to a large number of the regulations observed following BPA exposure. However, although the expression of some genes (e.g., Pnpla3) parallels plasma insulin levels, many other gene expression patterns do not strictly follow the insulin profile. Moreover, the up-regulation of genes involved in neoglucogenesis (G6pc and Pck1, Fig. 3C) is unexpected in the context of high insulin levels. We cannot rule out that other mechanisms, independent of insulin and possibly involving direct effects of BPA on the liver, may contribute to the transcriptional impacts of

low BPA doses reported here. We have shown an accumulation of liver Tanespimycin triglycerides and cholesteryl esters together with associated changes in hepatic FA composition in the animals exposed to low BPA doses. Among the mechanisms potentially involved in these effects (increased FA uptake, impaired secretion, increased lipogenesis, or reduced oxidation), our results point to an activation of lipogenesis and cholesterol

biosynthesis as the major mechanism involved, potentially associated Selleck EGFR inhibitor with an inhibition of FA oxidation. Simple hepatic lipid accumulation is generally considered a benign and reversible process that does not invariably progress to a more serious condition. However, inappropriate regulation of hepatic de novo lipogenesis is now believed to facilitate the generation of lipotoxic lipid intermediates that could contribute to the pathogenesis of NASH.46 NAFLD is strongly linked to overnutrition, underactivity,

and insulin resistance,47 but many other factors initiating hepatic steatosis or supporting the progression of NAFLD to NASH have been proposed.48 These include biologic or synthetic hepatotoxins, bacterial endotoxins, second and exposure to industrial petrochemicals. Because hepatic steatosis may lead to more severe pathologies such as NASH and fibrosis, the effects of environmental pollutants on liver functions should be carefully examined. We thank Colette Bétoulières, Raymond Gazel and Florence Blas Y Estrada for animal care and technical assistance for animal experiments and Joëlle Laffitte for help in setting up protein analyses. We thank Dr. Gilles Mithieux (INSERM U855) for the generous gift of the G6PASE antibody. We thank the staff members of the following GenoToul core facilities for technical assistance: MetaToul/Lipidomic, Genome & Transcriptome, Anexplo/Histopathology and Phenotyping. Additional Supporting Information may be found in the online version of this article. “
“Background and Aim:  The incidence of colorectal cancer (CC) is increasing in many Asian countries, but decreasing in western countries. The present study examined the local incidence of CC in the past few decades. Methods:  A population based study, using data from Hong Kong (HK) Cancer Registry, was carried out to examine the trends of CC in different age groups in HK.

All isolates had wild-type polymerase gene sequences despite 14 c

All isolates had wild-type polymerase gene sequences despite 14 currently or previously receiving antiviral treatment. The canonical sG145R vaccine-escape variant was detected in the surface antigen of virus from two patients. The exclusive HBV genotype in this ancient population is genotype C4. Whole genome sequencing and clinical follow-up of this cohort are in progress, with the aim of exploring the clinical significance of these findings. “
“Intrahepatic metastasis is the primary cause of the high recurrence

SB203580 and poor prognosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, neither its molecular mechanisms nor markers for its prediction before hepatectomy have been identified. We recently revealed up-regulation of erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 3 (ERBB3) in human HCC. Here we examined the clinical and biological significance of ERBB3 in HCC. Up-regulation Selleckchem Decitabine of ERBB3 in HCC was strongly associated with male gender (P< 0.001), chronic

hepatitis B (P = 0.002), microscopic vascular invasion (P = 0.034), early recurrence (P = 0.003), and worse prognosis (P = 0.004). Phosphorylated ERBB3 and its ligands [neuregulins (NRGs)] were detected in both HCC tissues and cells. Phosphorylation of ERBB3 could be induced by conditioned media of HCC cells and abolished by the pretreatment of conditioned media with anti-NRG antibodies or by the silencing of the endogenous NRG expression of the donor HCC cells. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 was required for ERBB3 phosphorylation. The downstream phosphoinositide 3-kinase/v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog pathways were primarily elicited by NRG1/ERBB3

signaling, whereas the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways were elicited by both epidermal growth Methane monooxygenase factor/epidermal growth factor receptor and NRG1/ERBB3 signaling. The activation and silencing of ERBB3-dependent signaling had potent effects on both the migration and invasion of HCC cells, but neither had significant effects on the proliferation of HCC cells, tumor formation, or tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: The constitutive activation of ERBB3-dependent signaling via the NRG1/ERBB3 autocrine loop plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell motility and invasion, which contribute to intrahepatic metastasis and early recurrence of HCC. ERBB3 is a marker for the prediction of intrahepatic metastasis and early recurrence. ERBB3-dependent signaling is a candidate target for the treatment of microscopic vascular invasion and for the prevention of HCC recurrence. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;53:504-516) (This article firstt published online on January 18, 2011; the title has since changed; the correct version appears in print. Frequent intrahepatic metastasis is a unique feature of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the primary cause of high rates of early recurrence after initial curative therapy.

008) Conclusions: We demonstrated

a substantial and prol

008). Conclusions: We demonstrated

a substantial and prolonged decrease in plasma miR-122 levels in patients treated with a drug that targets hepatic miR-122. Contrary to HCV-RNA levels, there was no relation between the dose of miravirsen and decrease in plasma miR-122 levels. Disclosures: Adriaan J. van der Meer – Speaking and Teaching: MSD, Gilead Soren Ottosen – Employment: Santaris Pharma A/S Amy Patick – Consulting: Santaris Pharma, 3V Biosciences Harry L. Janssen – Consulting: Abbott, Bristol Myers Squibb, Debio, Gilead Sciences, Merck, Medtronic, Novartis, Roche, Santaris; Grant/Research Support: Anadys, Bristol Myers Squibb, selleck chemicals llc Gilead Sciences, Innogenetics, Kirin, Merck, Medtronic, Novartis, Roche, Santaris Hendrik W. Reesink – Advisory Committees or Review Panels: R-Pharm; Consulting: Abbvie, Gilead, Astex, Merck, Roche, Janssen-Cilag, GlaxoSmithKline, Tibo-tec/ JJ, PRA-International, Green Cross Corp.; Grant/Research Support: Vertex, Boehringer Ingelheim, Anadys, Phenomix, Chugai, Japan Tobacco, Santaris, selleckchem SGS, Idenix, BMS, Regulus, Merck The following people have nothing to disclose: Meike van der Ree, Adrianus C. van Nuenen, Neeltje A. Kootstra BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Sofosbuvir (SOF) is a potent HCV nucleoside inhibitor (NI) with pan-genotypic activity and a high barrier to resistance. SOF is a key component of current treatment regimens for HCV genotypes (GTs) 1-4. In clinical trials, sustained virologic

response (SVR) rates following treatment with SOF regimens varied across HCV GTs. HCV infected persons with GT1

viruses typically achieved lower SVR rates following treatment with SOF plus ribavirin, compared to those with non-GT1 viruses. Lower SVR rates among individuals with GT3 viruses were also observed relative to GT2. To date, the basis for differential SOF response rates GNE-0877 among genotypes are unclear, but could include genotypic differences in SOF susceptibility. We compared the SOF and other NI susceptibilities of a panel of GT1-4 viruses. METHODS: NS5B regions from 5 HCV reference viruses (GT1a/b,2,3,4) and 47 HCV plasma samples (12 GT1a/b, 12 GT2a/b/k, 12 GT3a and 11 GT4a/d/n/unknown) were incorporated into a Con1 (GT1b) luciferase-reporter replicon. Susceptibility to SOF, a panel of NIs and interferon-a (IFN) was evaluated. RESULTS: Variation in replicon susceptibility to 15 NIs ranged from 4 to 11-fold. SOF susceptibility varied by 7-fold. Replicons containing GT1-4 NS5B sequences exhibited similar susceptibilities to IFN. On whole, replicons containing GT3 and 4 NS5B sequences exhibited a small, but significant, reduction in SOF susceptibility compared to GT1 NS5B replicons, while repli-cons containing GT2 sequences exhibited increased SOF susceptibility. A similar pattern was observed for PSI-7851, which is a mixture of the diastereoisomers PSI-7976 and PSI-7977. The relative activities of 13 other NIs against replicons containing GT1-4 NS5B sequences were distinct from SOF.

Among the remaining 625 patients, we compared the homogeneous mod

Among the remaining 625 patients, we compared the homogeneous moderately differentiated group (HG2, n = 241), mixed histologic selleck screening library grades with the worst component as poorly differentiated group

(M2, n = 142), and homogeneous poorly differentiated group (HG3, n = 156). The clinicopathologic features, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in each group were analyzed. The DFS and OS were significantly lower in M2 than in HG2 (P = 0.004 and 0.025, respectively) whereas those of M2 were not significantly different from HG3. There were no significant differences in the clinicopathologic features of each group except that microvascular invasion was more frequently observed in M2 than in HG2. On multivariate analysis, being in the worst histologic group (M2 and HG3) was an independent poor prognostic factor for DFS and OS (P = 0.028 and < 0.001, respectively). In patients with advanced histologic grade, the worst histologic grade may determine the prognosis after curative resection of HCC. "
“Shivkumar S, Peeling R, Jafari Y, Joseph L, Pant Pai N. Accuracy of rapid and point-of-care screening tests for hepatitis C, a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med 2012;157:558–566. (Reprinted with permission.) Background: 170 million persons worldwide are infected with hepatitis C, many of whom are undiagnosed. Although rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and point-of-care tests

(POCTs) provide a time- and cost-saving alternative to conventional laboratory tests, their KU-57788 cost global uptake partly depends on their performance. Purpose: To meta-analyze the diagnostic accuracy of POCTs and RDTs to screen for hepatitis C. Data Sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, and Web of Science (1992 to 2012) and bibliographies of included articles. Study Selection: All studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of POCTs and RDTs for hepatitis C in adults (aged 18 years). Data Extraction: Two independent Astemizole reviewers extracted data and critiqued study quality. Data Synthesis: Of 19 studies reviewed,

18 were meta-analyzed and stratified by specimen type (whole blood, serum, plasma, or oral fluid) or test type (POCT or RDT). Sensitivity was similarly high in POCTs of whole blood (98.9% [95% CI, 94.5% to 99.8%]) and serum or plasma (98.9% [CI, 96.8% to 99.6%]), followed by RDTs of serum or plasma (98.4% [CI, 88.9% to 99.8%]) and POCTs of oral fluid (97.1% [CI, 94.7% to 98.4%]). Specificity was also high in POCTs of whole blood (99.5% [CI, 97.5% to 99.9%]) and serum or plasma (99.7% [CI, 99.3% to 99.9%]), followed by RDTs of serum or plasma (98.6% [CI, 94.9% to 99.6%]) and POCTs of oral fluid (98.2% [CI, 92.2% to 99.6%]). Limitation:Lack of data prevented sensitivity analyses of specific tests. Conclusion: Data suggest that POCTs of blood (serum, plasma, or whole blood) have the highest accuracy, followed by RDTs of serum or plasma and POCTs of oral fluids.