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Background and Aims: Accurate biomarkers to predict outcomes following discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy are needed. We evaluated serum hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) level as a biomarker for predicting outcomes after NA discontinuation. Methods: Patients with HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) without cirrhosis were enrolled in a prospective trial evaluating clinical outcomes until 96 weeks after NA discontinuation. End of treatment (EOT) and off‐treatment levels of serum HBcrAg, HBsAg, HBV RNA and HBV DNA were used to predict key clinical outcomes including hepatitis flare (ALT ≥5 × ULN and HBV DNA > 2000 IU/mL). The SCALE‐B score was calculated for the purposes of model validation. Results: HBcrAg was tested amongst 65 participants. The median age was 54 years, 54% were male and 83% were Asian. HBcrAg was detectable in 86% patients. HBcrAg level ≥4 log U/mL at EOT was predictive of hepatitis flare [8/10 (80%) vs. 17/55 (31%), p =.001]. The presence of either HBcrAg ≥4 log U/mL or detectable HBV RNA at EOT predicted for both biochemical relapse and hepatitis flare. The SCALE‐B model at EOT predicted for virological relapse, biochemical relapse, hepatitis flare and HBsAg loss in this cohort. An increase in the serum HBcrAg level off‐treatment was also associated with hepatitis flare. No participant with EOT HBcrAg level ≥4 log U/mL achieved HBsAg loss. Conclusions: High levels of serum HBcrAg predict for hepatitis flare after stopping NA therapy and low likelihood of HBsAg loss at week 96. People with high levels of serum HBcrAg are not suitable candidates for NA discontinuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Minireview focuses on recent advances in the applications of microelectrodes to detect and monitor targeted analytes in bioelectrochemical processes. Notably, these processes are electrochemically driven reactions that involve the detection of targets from the biological realm. Wide-ranging applications of electrochemical sensors have been reported in the last few decades in various research fields, owing to favorable attributes such as high selectivity and sensitivity, rapid analysis, simplicity, easy fabrication, and cost effectiveness. Accordingly, in this Minireview, we explore recent advances in bioelectrochemistry based on small detection probes or structures modified for a variety of analytes, exploiting multi-approach advantages of enhanced electrochemical detection surface or targeted analyte pursuit. The target analytes included in this Minireview are neurotransmitters and disease biomarkers detected using enzymatic and non-enzymatic electrode modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tremendous developments in electrochemical immunosensors have facilitated cost-effective, rapid and robust detection of many analytes. Among the significant developments, electrochemical immunosensors capable of simultaneously detecting several analytes have begun to emerge. In addition, recent progress in materials science and engineering has yielded nanostructured materials of various geometries that were readily exploited to provide a compatible medium for many biomolecules in immunoassays. Applications of these nanostructured materials to electrochemical immunosensor developments have significantly improved sensor performance in terms of their electrical, chemical and transport properties. This review provides a survey of innovative immunosensor developments involving a range of nanomaterials exploited in designing sensing platforms and efficient detection markers to achieve substantial signal amplifications and thereby outstanding detection characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims Serologic profiles after hepatitis B surface antigen ( HBsAg) seroclearance in chronic hepatitis B ( CHB) have not been well-studied. Methods We employed a highly sensitive HBsAg (hs- HBsAg) assay (lower detection limit 0.5 mIU/ml), 100 times more sensitive than conventional HBsAg measurements. CHB patients achieving HBsAg seroclearance defined by conventional assays were followed up for serum hs- HBsAg, HBV DNA and antibody to HBsAg (anti- HBs) levels at 0 months, 6-12 months and 3-5 years after HBsAg seroclearance. Factors associated with hs- HBsAg detectability were determined. Results One hundred and nine patients were recruited; 94 (86.2%) were followed up to years 3-5; and 25 patients (22.9%) were on nucleoside analogue therapy for a median duration of 6.0 (range 1.5-12.7) years before HBsAg seroclearance. Detectable hs- HBsAg was noted in 88 (80.7%), 60 (55.0%) and 20 (21.3%) patients at 0 months, 6-12 months and 3-5 years respectively. At years 3-5, genotype B patients, when compared to genotype C patients, had a higher anti- HBs positive rate (63.2% and 41.1% respectively, P = 0.036). Serum anti- HBs positivity, when compared to persistent anti- HBs negativity, was associated with a lower rate of hs- HBsAg detection (7.4% and 40% respectively, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed anti- HBs negativity at years 3-5 to be independently associated with persistently positive hs- HBsAg ( P = 0.007, odds ratio 7.1, 95% confidence interval 1.7-29.3). Conclusion Serum hs- HBsAg could detect HBsAg presence in a substantial proportion of CHB after HBsAg seroclearance defined by conventional assays, especially among anti- HBs negative individuals. Serum hs- HBsAg could potentially assist differentiating HBsAg-negative CHB from individuals with only past HBV exposure without carrier state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recognized prognostic indicators for metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck include facial nerve involvement, immune status, and 'parotid' staging system (P-stage). We sought to examine the impact of lateral temporal bone resection (LTBR) on prognosis. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 160 patients with metastatic cutaneous SCC to the parotid. All patients had parotidectomy and neck dissection; 27% had additional LTBR when the tumor was adherent to the temporal bone. Results Overall 5-year survival was 48%, disease-specific survival 77%, and locoregional control 83%. Corresponding results for immunocompetent versus immunocompromised were 55%, 86%, and 87% versus 12%, 48%, and 64%. On Cox regression analysis, only immunocompromised status (ie, lymphoproliferative disorder, organ-transplant patient) was prognostically significant ( p < .001). Conclusion More radical resection that may include LTBR mitigates the poorer prognosis with advanced disease in our series. Treatment must be individualized in immunocompromised patients who have shortened overall survival. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 545-550, 2014 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]