ContextOccult HCV infection (OCI) is defined as the presence of HCV-RNA in hepatocytes and the absence of HCV in the serum according to usual tests. We aimed to define OCI and provide information about the currently available diagnostic methods. Then we focus on specific groups that are at high risk of OCI and finally investigate immune responses to OCI and the available treatment approaches.Evidence AcquisitionPubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar were comprehensively searched with combination of following keywords: “occult”, “hepatitis C virus” and “occult HCV infection”. The definition of OCI, diagnostic methods, specific groups that are at high risk and available treatment approaches were extract from literature. An analysis of available articles on OCI also was done based on Scopus search results.ResultsOCI has been reported in several high-risk groups, especially in hemodialysis patients and subjects with cryptogenic liver disease. Furthermore, some studies have proposed a specific immune response for OCI in comparison with chronic hepatitis C (CHC).ConclusionsWith a clinical history of approximately 11 years, occult HCV infection can be considered an occult type of CHC. Evidences suggest that considering OCI in these high-risk groups seems to be necessary. We suggest that alternative diagnostic tests should be applied and that there is a need for the participation of all countries to determine the epidemiology of this type of HCV infection. Additionally, evaluating OCI in blood transfusion centers and in patients who receive large amounts of blood and clotting factors, such as patients with hemophilia, should be performed in future projects.

The present study demonstrated that HbA1c might be an independent diagnostic factor in non-diabetic patients with severe coronary atherosclerosis.

Background: A decline in neuromuscular function can cause a decrease in physical fitness in elderly women. Objective: The present study aimed at investigating whether whole body vibration (WBV) training and creatine supplementation could affect muscle strength, mobility, and balance in elderly women in short-term. Methods: The participants were 22 healthy elderly women aged 60 to 80 years, who were randomly divided into the whole-body vibration and creatine (WBV + Cr) group, whole-body vibration and placebo (WBV + P) group, and control group. The whole-body vibration group performed exercises for 10 days. The participants in WBV + Cr group consumed 20 g oral creatine supplement per day from the first to the fifth day, which was followed by consuming 5 g of creatine per day for the next 5 days. To assess mobility performance, a 30-meter walking and tandem gait tests were applied. Static and dynamic balance were measured by Flamingo and Timed-Up and Go (TUG) tests. Muscle isometric and isotonic strength were assessed by dynamometer and leg extension tests. Results: No significant difference was found in static balance (P = 0.11), but WBV + Cr and WBV + P groups showed better results in dynamic balance (P = 0.001 and P = 0.009, respectively). Moreover, leg isotonic strength improved significantly in WBV + Cr and WBV + P groups (P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). However, leg isometric strength and 30-meter walking performance significantly improved only in WBV + Cr group compared to the control group. Moreover, no significant differences were observed in isometric strength of the hand (P = 0.89) and tandem gait test results among the groups (P = 0.25). Conclusions: A short-term WBV exercise improves isotonic strength of the leg muscle and dynamic balance, while creatine supplementation with and without WBV training increases isometric strength of the leg muscle and mobility in elderly women.

Background: Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is determined by finding hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the liver cells of the patients with negative tests for HBV surface antigen. It is more common in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection which can be transmitted by blood transfusion and is frequently seen in hemophilia and thalassemia patients.

Foreign bodies (FBs) in the paranasal sinuses are rare, whether iatrogenic or traumatic. One of the most common causes of such traumatic injuries is gunshot wounds from the bullets. Removing FBs from the paranasal sinuses usually needs endoscopic or open surgery. We present the case of a 22-year-old male soldier who sustained a penetrating injury of his nose and maxillary sinus with an iron rod that was a part of his gun, which was removed without either endoscopic or open paranasal sinus surgery.