A recent study revealed that quantitative hepatitis B core antibody (qAnti-HBc) level could serve as a novel marker for predicting treatment response. In the present study, we further investigated the predictive value of qAnti-HBc level in HBeAg-positive patients undergoing PEG-IFN therapy. A total of 140 HBeAg-positive patients who underwent PEG-IFN therapy for 48 weeks and follow-up for 24 weeks were enrolled in this study. Serum samples were taken every 12 weeks post-treatment. The predictive value of the baseline qAnti-HBc level for treatment response was evaluated. Patients were further divided into 2 groups according to the baseline qAnti-HBc level, and the response rate was compared. Additionally, the kinetics of the virological and biochemical parameters were analyzed. Patients who achieved response had a significantly higher baseline qAnti-HBc level (serological response [SR], 4.52±0.36 vs. 4.19±0.58, p=0.001; virological response [VR], 4.53±0.35 vs. 4.22±0.57, p=0.005; combined response [CR], 4.50±0.36 vs. 4.22±0.58, p=0.009)). Baseline qAnti-HBc was the only parameter that was independently correlated with SR (p=0.008), VR (p=0.010) and CR(p=0.019). Patients with baseline qAnti-HBc levels ≥30,000 IU/mL had significantly higher response rates, more HBV DNA suppression, and better hepatitis control in PEG-IFN treatment. In conclusion, qAnti-HBc level may be a novel biomarker for predicting treatment response in HBeAg-positive patients receiving PEG-IFN therapy.
A continuous in-situ oil/water separation technique for oil spill cleanup had been designed using surface modified polyurethane (PU) sponges as sorbents. Connected to a vacuum pump, it can continuously separate various kinds of oil and organic pollutant including engine oil, diesel oil, peanut oil, liquid paraffin and hexane from the surface of water, with negligible water take-up. The sorbents used in the technique were prepared by dip-coating commercial PU sponges with TiO 2 sol and n-octadecyl thiol successively. After surface modification, the sponges change from hydrophilic to superhydrophobic and superoleophilic surface with water contact-angle measured to be 152. The as-prepared sponges absorb a broad variety of oils and organic solvents with high oil absorption capacity (80-110g/g) and negligible water take-up at both static and dynamic conditions. The success of the continuous in-situ oil/water separation technique is based on the excellent oil/water selectivity and oil adsorption capacity of the modified sponges.
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