The evolution of faults within the same stress field is frequently influenced by numerous factors,involving the reactivation of pre-existing structures,stress transmission through ductile detachment layers,and the gro...The evolution of faults within the same stress field is frequently influenced by numerous factors,involving the reactivation of pre-existing structures,stress transmission through ductile detachment layers,and the growth,interaction,as well as linkage of new fault segments.This study analyses a complex multi-phase oblique extension fault system in the Nanpu Sag(NPS)of the Bohai Bay Basin(BBB),China.High-resolution three-dimensional(3D)seismic data and analogue modelling indicate that the oblique extensional reactivation of pre-existing structures governs the sequential arrangement of fault segments in the caprock,and they dip synthetically to the reactivated fault at depth.During the NW-SE extension in the Eocene,the predominant movement of the pre-existing fault is strike-slip.Subsequently,during the N-S extension since the Oligocene,inclined at 20.to the pre-existing fault,forming splay fault segments and ultimately creating large en-echelon arcuate faults linked by relay ramps.Using fault throw-distance(T-D)and laser scanning,we reconstructed the fault evolution model of oblique extension reactivation in the presence of a ductile detachment basement.Our study illustrates that the arcuate faults can be categorized into linear master fault segments controlled by pre-existing structures,bending splay faults in the termination zone,and normal fault segments responding to the regional stress field.The interaction between faults occurs among normal faults and strike-slip faults,and the kinematic unification of the two fault systems is accomplished in the intersection zone.As the faults continue to evolve,the new fault segments tend to relinquish the control of pre-existing structures and concentrate more on the development of planar and continuous major faults.The ductile detachment layer significantly contributes to the uniform distribution of strain,resulting in narrow shear zones and discontinuous normal faults in its absence.展开更多
Plant-based meat analogues(PBMA)are formulated to mimic the sensory characteristics of traditional meat products(TMP)using vegetarian ingredients and are increasingly popular with the trend towards plantbased diets,ev...Plant-based meat analogues(PBMA)are formulated to mimic the sensory characteristics of traditional meat products(TMP)using vegetarian ingredients and are increasingly popular with the trend towards plantbased diets,even among meat-eating consumers.This narrative review compared the nutritional quality of PBMA and TMP to broaden the discussion on the suitability of simulated meat products to substitute TMP,while exploring other attributes for their comparison.The complexity of PBMA and TMP means they are not entirely interchangeable.Importantly,PBMA health effects extend beyond their basic nutrient content and quality.Postprandial metabolism and satiety,for example,can be affected by product formulation,ingredient interactions,and thermomechanical processing involved in producing organoleptically acceptable PBMA.There are specific opportunities for low-sodium PBMA products to contribute to a healthy shift toward plantbased diets.In conclusion,PBMA cannot be assumed to be healthier than TMP.They should be designed with comprehensive consideration of composition and processing to ensure they support consumers who are adopting plant-based diets in realizing the theoretical health benefits.展开更多
To determine the effects of plant-based meat analogues on the metabolic health and the possible mechanisms,mice were fed with a real pork diet(AP),a real beef diet(AB),a plant-based pork analogue diet(PP)and plant-bas...To determine the effects of plant-based meat analogues on the metabolic health and the possible mechanisms,mice were fed with a real pork diet(AP),a real beef diet(AB),a plant-based pork analogue diet(PP)and plant-based beef analogue diet(PB)for 68 days.Compared with real meat,the plant-based meat analogues increased food and energy intake,body weight,white fat and liver weight and caused adipocyte hypertrophy,hepatic lipid droplet accumulation,and inflammatory responses in mice.Metabolomics revealed that plantbased meat analogues altered the composition of serum metabolites,which regulated lipid metabolism homeostasis.The PB diet upregulated gene expression related to lipid synthesis,lipolysis and adipocyte differentiation while the PP diet upregulated expression of lipolysis-related genes but downregulated expression of adipocyte differentiation-related genes in white adipose tissue.Meanwhile,both PP and PB diets upregulated lipid influx-and synthesis-related genes but downregulated lipid oxidation-related genes in liver.The specific metabolite biomarkers may affect fat accumulation mainly by direct lipid metabolism pathways or indirect amino acid metabolism,protein digestion and absorption,bile secretion,aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and ABC transporters pathways.These findings provide a new insight into understanding the differences in nutritional functions of meat and plant-based meat analogues.展开更多
BACKGROUND At present,the clinical mechanisms underlying precocious puberty remain unclear,making effective intervention for children experiencing this condition and rapidly progressive puberty essential.AIM To explor...BACKGROUND At present,the clinical mechanisms underlying precocious puberty remain unclear,making effective intervention for children experiencing this condition and rapidly progressive puberty essential.AIM To explore the effects of Zhibai dihuang pills and gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue(GnRHa)on growth and ovarian function in girls with precocious puberty.METHODS The clinical data of 84 adolescent girls with precocious puberty and rapidly progressive puberty from February 2017 to August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Girls were divided into a control group and an observation group,with 42 cases in each group.The control group received diet intervention combined with GnRHa treatment,while the observation group received diet intervention combined with Zhibai dihuang pills+GnRHa treatment.Outcomes such as clinical efficacy,growth indicators,ovarian function,and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The observation group showed superior clinical efficacy compared to the control group(P<0.05).Prior to the intervention,no significant differences were found in growth or ovarian function between the groups(P>0.05).Post-intervention,the observation group exhibited significantly lower rates in growth,height,and bone age,along with reduced levels of progesterone,testosterone,estradiol,prolactin,luteinizing hormone,and follicle-stimulating hormone compared to the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions was similar across both groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Combining Zhibai dihuang pills with GnRHa and dietary intervention effectively improves growth,enhances ovarian function,and minimizes adverse reactions in adolescent girls with precocious and rapidly progressive puberty.展开更多
The Qarhan Salt Lake(QSL)in western China is K-Sr-Li-B-Br-Rb multi-resource coexisting Quaternary brine deposits.Significant research efforts have been directed to the origin of K-Li resources and evolutionary history...The Qarhan Salt Lake(QSL)in western China is K-Sr-Li-B-Br-Rb multi-resource coexisting Quaternary brine deposits.Significant research efforts have been directed to the origin of K-Li resources and evolutionary history of the QSL.However,the study on the different sources,recharge processes,and differential distribution patterns for these resource elements in brine deposits is still inadequate.Therefore,we measured Li-B concentrations and H-O-Sr-B isotopic compositions of different waters(river,spring,and brine)from the QSL,combined with the reported K-Sr contents and multiple isotopes of waters,to discuss the recharge,source of K-Sr-Li-B and their spatial distributions,by analogy with other evaporite basins in the world.The results show that:(1)the K-Li-B-Sr elemental concentrations of brines and their spatial distribution in the QSL are diverse;(2)high K and Sr values are distributed in Dabuxun and Qarhan sections,respectively,which are controlled by Ca-Cl springs in the northern QSL;on the contrary,Li and B values are enriched in the Bieletan section and are charged by thermal springs in the Kunlun Mountains;(3)the formation and evolution of Ca-Cl and thermal springs constrain fundamentally on the recharge processes of K-Sr and Li-B elements in the terminal salt lakes of the Qaidam Basin(QB);(4)some analogues of recharge processes limit the resource elements of the QSL and other salt lakes(Da Qaidam,Lop Nur,Zhabuye,Atacama,and Guayatayoc)in the world provides a reference for the resource exploration in deep formation waters in the evaporite basins.展开更多
The low intrinsic activity of Fenton catalytic site and high demand for light-energy input inhibit the organic-pollution control efficiency of photo-Fenton process.Here,through structural design with density functiona...The low intrinsic activity of Fenton catalytic site and high demand for light-energy input inhibit the organic-pollution control efficiency of photo-Fenton process.Here,through structural design with density functional theory(DFT)calculations,Ce is predicted to enable the construction of coordinatively unsaturated metal centers(CUCs)in Prussian blue analogue(PBA),which can strongly adsorb H_(2)O_(2)and donate sufficient electrons for directly splitting the O-O bond to produceOH.Using a substitution-co-assembly strategy,binary Ce-Fe PBA is then prepared,which rapidly degrades sulfamethoxazole with the pseudo-first-order kinetic rate constant exceeding reported values by 1-2 orders of magnitude.Meanwhile,the photogenerated electrons reduce Fe(Ⅲ)and Ce(Ⅳ)to promote the metal valence cycle in CUCs and make sulfamethoxazole degradation efficiency only lose 6.04%in 5 runs.Overall,by introducing rare earth metals into transition metal-organic frameworks,this work guides the whole process for highly active CUCs from design and construction to mechanism exploration with DFT calculations,enabling ultrafast and stable photo-Fenton catalysis.展开更多
Prussian blue analogues(PBAs) with inherent ordered structures and abundant metal ion sites are widely explored as precursors for various electrochemical applications,including oxygen evolution reaction(OER).Using a r...Prussian blue analogues(PBAs) with inherent ordered structures and abundant metal ion sites are widely explored as precursors for various electrochemical applications,including oxygen evolution reaction(OER).Using a range of characterization techniques including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR),X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),X-ray diffraction(XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS),this work discloses the process of replacement of K^(+)by NH4^(+)in the interstitial spaces of the CoFe PBA by a hot aqueous urea solution,which influences the transformation of PBAs under further heat treatment and the OER performance of the deriva tives.After heat treatment at 400℃ under Ar flow,high-resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM) images reveal that CoFe alloy nanoparticles grew on the crystalline cubes of CoFe PBA with K^(+),while CoFe PBA cubes with NH4^(+)become amorphous.Besides,the derivative of CoFe PBA with NH4^(+)(Ar-U-CoFe PBA) performs better than the derivative of CoFe PBA with K^(+)(Ar-CoFe PBA) in OER,registering a lower overpotential of 305 mV at 10 mA cm^(-2),a smaller Tafel slope of 36.1 mV dec^(-1),and better stability over a testing course of 20 h in 1.0 M KOH.A single-cell alkaline electrolyzer,using Ar-U-CoFe PBA and Pt/C for the anodic and cathodic catalyst,respectively,requires an initial cell voltage of 1.66 V to achieve 100 mA cm^(-2)at 80℃,with negligible degradation after100 h.展开更多
In this paper, an analogue correction method of errors (ACE) based on a complicated atmospheric model is further developed and applied to numerical weather prediction (NWP). The analysis shows that the ACE can eff...In this paper, an analogue correction method of errors (ACE) based on a complicated atmospheric model is further developed and applied to numerical weather prediction (NWP). The analysis shows that the ACE can effectively reduce model errors by combining the statistical analogue method with the dynamical model together in order that the information of plenty of historical data is utilized in the current complicated NWP model, Furthermore, in the ACE, the differences of the similarities between different historical analogues and the current initial state are considered as the weights for estimating model errors. The results of daily, decad and monthly prediction experiments on a complicated T63 atmospheric model show that the performance of the ACE by correcting model errors based on the estimation of the errors of 4 historical analogue predictions is not only better than that of the scheme of only introducing the correction of the errors of every single analogue prediction, but is also better than that of the T63 model.展开更多
For investigating the biological function of ADPR, four novel analogues (compounds 2-5) in which the pyrophosphate linkage was replaced by the aspartic acid dipeptide were synthesized. 5'-Amino adenosine or its ana...For investigating the biological function of ADPR, four novel analogues (compounds 2-5) in which the pyrophosphate linkage was replaced by the aspartic acid dipeptide were synthesized. 5'-Amino adenosine or its analogues was used as the starting material, liquid phase peptide synthesis strategy was used to construct these ADPR analogues. The structures were characterized by 1H NMR and HRMS spectra. This study provides a versatile synthesis of peptide modified ADPR analogues and helps to understand the structure-activity relationship of ADPR.展开更多
Located at the northwest continental slope of the South China Sea, the Qiongdongnan Basin bears valley-shaped bathymetry deepening toward east. It is separated from the Yinggehai Basin through NW-trending Indo-China-R...Located at the northwest continental slope of the South China Sea, the Qiongdongnan Basin bears valley-shaped bathymetry deepening toward east. It is separated from the Yinggehai Basin through NW-trending Indo-China-Red River shear zone, and connected with NW subsea basin through the Xisha Trough. Along with the rapid progress of the deepwater exploration, large amounts of high resolution geophysical and geological data were accumulated. Scientific researches about deepwater basins kept revealing brand new tectonic and sedimentary discoveries. In order to summarize the structural features and main controlling factors of the deepwater Qiongdongnan Basin, a series of researches on basin architecture, fault activities, tectonic deformation and evolution were carried out. In reference to analogue modeling experiments, a tectonic situation and a basin formation mechanism were discussed. The researches indicate that:the northern boundary of the Qiongdongnan Basin is strongly controlled by No. 2 fault. The overlapping control of two stress fields from the east and the west made the central depression zone extremely thinned. Combined with the changed stress field, the segmentation of a preexisting weakness zone made the sags in the east experiencing different rifting histories from the west ones. The NE-trending west segment of the Qiongdongnan Basin experienced strong rifting during Eocene, while the roughly EW-trending sags in the east segment show strong rifting during late Eocene and early Oligocene. Local structures such as NW-trending basal fault and inherited uplifts controlled the lateral segmentation. So first order factors such as regional stress field and preexisting weakness zone controlled the basin zonation, while the second order factors determined the segmentation from east to west.展开更多
Cytosine-substituted mildiomycin analogue (MIL-C) was produced effectively by supplementing cytosine into the culture of Streptoverticillium rimofaciens. In order to improve the yield of MIL-C, statistically-based e...Cytosine-substituted mildiomycin analogue (MIL-C) was produced effectively by supplementing cytosine into the culture of Streptoverticillium rimofaciens. In order to improve the yield of MIL-C, statistically-based experimental designs were applied to optimize the fermentation medium for S. rimofaciens ZJU 5119. Fifteen culture conditions were examined for their significances on MIL-C production using Plackett-Burman design. The Plackett-Burrnan design and one-variable-at-a-time design indicated that glucose and rice meal as the complex carbon sources, and peanut cake meal and NH4NO3 as the complex nitrogen sources were beneficial for MIL-C production in S. rimofaciens ZJU 5119. The results of further central composition design (CCD) showed that the optimal concentration of glucose, rice meal and peanut cake meal were 18.7 g/L, 64.8 g/L and 65.1 g/L, respectively. By using this optimal fermentation medium, the MIL-C concentration was increased up to 1336.5 mg/L, an approximate 3.8-fold improvement over the previous concentration (350.0 mg/L) with un-optimized medium. This work will be very helpful to the large-scale production of MIL-C in the future.展开更多
The fluvial-tidal transition(FTT)is a complex depositional zone,where fluvial flow is modified by tides as rivers approach a receiving marine basin.Variations in the relative importance of tidal versus fluvial process...The fluvial-tidal transition(FTT)is a complex depositional zone,where fluvial flow is modified by tides as rivers approach a receiving marine basin.Variations in the relative importance of tidal versus fluvial processes lead to a distinctive distribution of sediments that accumulate on channel bars.The FTT generally consists of three broad zones:(1)a freshwater-tidal zone;(2)a tidally influenced freshwater to brackish-water transition:and(3)a zone of relatively sustained brackish-water conditions with stronger tides.A very common type of deposit through the fluvial-tidal transition,especially on the margins of migrating channels,is inclined heterolithic stratification(IHS).At present,a detailed account of changes in the character of IHS across the FIT of a paleo-channel system has not been reported,although a number of modern examples have been documented.To fill this gap,we quantitatively assess the sedimentology and ichnology of IHS from seven cored intervals in three geographic areas situated within the youngest paleovalley("A"Valley)in the Lower Cretaceous McMurray Formation of Alberta.Canada.We compare the data to trends defined along the FTT in the present-day Fraser River in British Columbia.Canada to interpret paleo-depositional position in the ancient fluvial-tidal channels.Analysis determined that the mean mudstone thickness is 8.2 cm in the southern study area(SA).Mean thickness increases to 11 cm in the central study area(CA),and decreases again to 4.4 cm in the northern study area(NA).The proportion of mudstone is 31%in SA,44%in CA,and 27%in NA.Thicknessweighted mean bioturbation intensity in sands varied from 0.29 in SA and CA.to 0.28 in NA.On the other hand,thickness-weighted mean bioturbation intensity(Bl)in mudstone increases from 1.46 in SA.to 1.77 in CA.and is 1.94 in NA.The ichnological diversity also increased from south to north.Sedimentological results show sinilar trends to those of the Fraser River,enabling the identification of a freshwater to brackish-water transition zone with tidal influence.The interpreted position of the transition is underpinned by the bioturbation intensity and trace-fossil diversity trends,indicating periodic brackish-water conditions throughout SA in the McMurray Formation during low river flow conditions.Together,these data suggest that a broad FTT existed in the"A"Valley,with fluvial-dominated channels to the south that experienced seasonal brackish-water inundation during base flow,and channels experiencing increasing brackish-water influence lying further north towards a turbidity maximun zone.The FIT zone appears to have extended for several hundred kilometers fron south to north.Based on the sedimentological and ichnological data,as well as estimations of lateral accretion rates,we refute the colmonly applied Mississippi River depositional analogue for McMurray Formation channels.Rather,we show that while not a perfect fit,the tidally influenced Fraser River shows much greater agreement with the depositional character recorded in McMurray Formation IHS.Future work on the McMurray system should focus on characterizing tide-dominatecl deltaic and estuarine systems,such as the Ganges-Brahmaputra,and on forward-modeling the evolution of tide-dominated and tideinfluenced river systems.展开更多
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is a major health problem worldwide, representing one of the leading causes of death. Chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection(CHB) is the most important etiologic factor of this tumor, a...Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is a major health problem worldwide, representing one of the leading causes of death. Chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection(CHB) is the most important etiologic factor of this tumor, accounting for the development of more than50% of the cases in the world. Primary prevention ofHCC is possible by hepatitis B vaccination conferring protection from HBV infection. However, according to the World Health Organization Hepatitis B Fact sheet N° 204(update of July 2014) globally there exists a large pool of > 240 million people chronically infected with HBV who are at risk for development of HCC. These individuals represent a target population for secondary prevention both of cirrhosis and of HCC. Since ongoing HBV replication in CHB is linked with the progression of the underlying liver disease to cirrhosis as well as with the development of HCC, effective antiviral treatment in CHB has also been evaluated in terms of secondary prevention of HCC. Currently, most patients with active CHB are subjected to long term treatment with the first line nucleos(t)ide analogues entecavir and tenofovir. These compounds are of high antiviral potency and have a high barrier to HBV resistance compared to lamivudine, adefovir dipivoxil and even telbivudine. Many studies have shown that patients under antiviral treatment, especially those in virological remission, develop less frequently HCC compared to the untreated ones. However, the risk for development of HCC cannot be eliminated. Therefore, surveillance for the development of HCC of patients with chronic hepatitis B must be lifelong or until a time in the future when new treatments will be able to completely eradicate HBV from the liver particularly in the early stages of CHB infection. In this context, the aim of this review is to outline the magnitude of the risk for development of HCC among patients with CHB, in the various phases of the infection and in relation to virus, host and environmental factors as evaluated in the world literature. Moreover, the benefits of antiviral treatment of CHB with nucleos/tide analogs, which have changed the natural history of the disease and have reduced but not eliminated the risk of HCC are also reviewed.展开更多
In the applications of large-scale energy storage,aqueous batteries are considered as rivals for organic batteries due to their environmentally friendly and low-cost nature.However,carrier ions always exhibit huge hyd...In the applications of large-scale energy storage,aqueous batteries are considered as rivals for organic batteries due to their environmentally friendly and low-cost nature.However,carrier ions always exhibit huge hydrated radius in aqueous electrolyte,which brings difficulty to find suitable host materials that can achieve highly reversible insertion and extraction of cations.Owing to open threedimensional rigid framework and facile synthesis,Prussian blue analogues(PBAs)receive the most extensive attention among various host candidates in aqueous system.Herein,a comprehensive review on recent progresses of PBAs in aqueous batteries is presented.Based on the application in different aqueous systems,the relationship between electrochemical behaviors(redox potential,capacity,cycling stability and rate performance)and structural characteristics(preparation method,structure type,particle size,morphology,crystallinity,defect,metal atom in highspin state and chemical composition)is analyzed and summarized thoroughly.It can be concluded that the required type of PBAs is different for various carrier ions.In particular,the desalination batteries worked with the same mechanism as aqueous batteries are also discussed in detail to introduce the application of PBAs in aqueous systems comprehensively.This report can help the readers to understand the relationship between physical/chemical characteristics and electrochemical properties for PBAs and find a way to fabricate high-performance PBAs in aqueous batteries and desalination batteries.展开更多
Rapid global population growth has caused an increasing need for products containing protein.Meat products are the most common high-protein food source,but impact the environment,cause animal welfare issues,and raise ...Rapid global population growth has caused an increasing need for products containing protein.Meat products are the most common high-protein food source,but impact the environment,cause animal welfare issues,and raise public health concerns.Consumer health and food safety are paramount to the food industry.Both the scientists and food industry are actively seeking plant proteins to substitute for animal-sourced proteins.Plant proteins have a well-balanced amino acid composition,and exhibit great potential for replacing meat via the development of healthy,high-protein,low-saturated fat,cholesterol-free,and nutritionally similar meat-like products.Generally,meat analogue formulations are specially designed and processing conditions are optimized to obtain the texture and bite of real animal meat.This article focuses on plant-based meat analogues,and covers aspects regarding processing,products,quality,and nutritional and structural modifications.Product safety consciousness and consumer acceptance are also discussed.Challenges and perspectives for future research concerning nonmeat products are presented.展开更多
AIM: To determine the relationship between host immunity and the characteristics of viral infection or nucleoside analogues (NAs) themselves in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) receiving NA therapy.
Abstract Elements and natural radionuclides in the contact zone of two granites with different ages would migrate from one to the other because of the difference in their chemical contents and later water-rock interac...Abstract Elements and natural radionuclides in the contact zone of two granites with different ages would migrate from one to the other because of the difference in their chemical contents and later water-rock interactions. This migration could serve as an analogue for the near-field process of radwastes in a high-level radwaste deep geological disposal repository.展开更多
The ideal endpoint of hepatitis B virus(HBV)antiviral therapy is HBsAg loss,a difficult goal to obtain,especially in HBeAg negative patients.Herein,we report the results obtained by the addition of peg-interferonα-2a...The ideal endpoint of hepatitis B virus(HBV)antiviral therapy is HBsAg loss,a difficult goal to obtain,especially in HBeAg negative patients.Herein,we report the results obtained by the addition of peg-interferonα-2a to a long-lasting nucleos(t)ide analogues therapy in a HBeAg negative,genotype D patient with steadily HBV-DNA negative/HBsAg positive values.In 2002,our Caucasian 44-year-old male patient received lamivudine and,4 years later,added adefovir because of a virological breakthrough.In 2011,considering his young age,liver stiffness(4.3 kPa)and HBsAg levels(3533IU/mL),we added Peg-interferonα-2a for six months(3in combination with nucleos(t)ide analogues followed by 3 mo of Peg-interferonα-2a monotherapy).A decrease of HBsAg levels was observed after 1 mo(1.21log)of Peg-interferon and 3 mo(1.88 log)after the discontinuation of all drugs.Later,a complete clearance of HBsAg was obtained with steadily undetectable HBVDNA serum levels(<9 IU/mL).HBsAg clearance by the addition of a short course of Peg-interferonα-2a represents an important result with clinical and pharmacoeconomic implications,considering that nucleos(t)ide analogues therapy in HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B patients is considered a long-lasting/life-long treatment.展开更多
Chronic hepatitis B(CHB) remains a challenging global health problem, with nearly one million related deaths per year. Nucleos(t)ide analogue(NA) treatment suppresses viral replication but does not provide complete cu...Chronic hepatitis B(CHB) remains a challenging global health problem, with nearly one million related deaths per year. Nucleos(t)ide analogue(NA) treatment suppresses viral replication but does not provide complete cure of the hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection. The accepted endpoint for therapy is the loss of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBs Ag), but this is hardly ever achieved. Therefore, indefinite treatment is usually required. Many different studies have evaluated NA therapy discontinuation after several years of NA treatment and before HBs Ag loss. The results have indicated that the majority of patients can remain off therapy, with some even reaching HBs Ag seroconversion. Fortunately, this strategy has proved to be safe, but it is essential to consider the risk of liver damage and other comorbidities and to ensure aclose follow-up of the candidates before considering this strategy. Unanswered questions remain, namely in which patients could this strategy be effective and what is the optimal time point at which to perform it. To solve this enigma, we should keep in mind that the outcome will ultimately depend on the equilibrium between HBV and the host's immune system. Viral parameters that have been described as good predictors of response in HBe Ag(+) cases, have proven useless in HBe Ag(-) ones. Since antiviral immunity plays an essential role in the control of HBV infection, we sought to review and explain potential immunological biomarkers to predict safe NA discontinuation in both groups.展开更多
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant No.41472116)the Jidong Oil Company of China National Petroleum Corporation (grant No.JDYT-2017-JS-308)the Beijing Research Centre of China National Offshore Oil Company (grant No.CCL2022RCPS2017XNN)。
文摘The evolution of faults within the same stress field is frequently influenced by numerous factors,involving the reactivation of pre-existing structures,stress transmission through ductile detachment layers,and the growth,interaction,as well as linkage of new fault segments.This study analyses a complex multi-phase oblique extension fault system in the Nanpu Sag(NPS)of the Bohai Bay Basin(BBB),China.High-resolution three-dimensional(3D)seismic data and analogue modelling indicate that the oblique extensional reactivation of pre-existing structures governs the sequential arrangement of fault segments in the caprock,and they dip synthetically to the reactivated fault at depth.During the NW-SE extension in the Eocene,the predominant movement of the pre-existing fault is strike-slip.Subsequently,during the N-S extension since the Oligocene,inclined at 20.to the pre-existing fault,forming splay fault segments and ultimately creating large en-echelon arcuate faults linked by relay ramps.Using fault throw-distance(T-D)and laser scanning,we reconstructed the fault evolution model of oblique extension reactivation in the presence of a ductile detachment basement.Our study illustrates that the arcuate faults can be categorized into linear master fault segments controlled by pre-existing structures,bending splay faults in the termination zone,and normal fault segments responding to the regional stress field.The interaction between faults occurs among normal faults and strike-slip faults,and the kinematic unification of the two fault systems is accomplished in the intersection zone.As the faults continue to evolve,the new fault segments tend to relinquish the control of pre-existing structures and concentrate more on the development of planar and continuous major faults.The ductile detachment layer significantly contributes to the uniform distribution of strain,resulting in narrow shear zones and discontinuous normal faults in its absence.
基金supported by Mitacs through the Mitacs Business Strategy Internship.
文摘Plant-based meat analogues(PBMA)are formulated to mimic the sensory characteristics of traditional meat products(TMP)using vegetarian ingredients and are increasingly popular with the trend towards plantbased diets,even among meat-eating consumers.This narrative review compared the nutritional quality of PBMA and TMP to broaden the discussion on the suitability of simulated meat products to substitute TMP,while exploring other attributes for their comparison.The complexity of PBMA and TMP means they are not entirely interchangeable.Importantly,PBMA health effects extend beyond their basic nutrient content and quality.Postprandial metabolism and satiety,for example,can be affected by product formulation,ingredient interactions,and thermomechanical processing involved in producing organoleptically acceptable PBMA.There are specific opportunities for low-sodium PBMA products to contribute to a healthy shift toward plantbased diets.In conclusion,PBMA cannot be assumed to be healthier than TMP.They should be designed with comprehensive consideration of composition and processing to ensure they support consumers who are adopting plant-based diets in realizing the theoretical health benefits.
基金supported by Jiangsu Innovative Group of Meat Nutrition,Health and Biotechnologythe Postgraduate Research&Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province(grant number:KYCX21_0575)。
文摘To determine the effects of plant-based meat analogues on the metabolic health and the possible mechanisms,mice were fed with a real pork diet(AP),a real beef diet(AB),a plant-based pork analogue diet(PP)and plant-based beef analogue diet(PB)for 68 days.Compared with real meat,the plant-based meat analogues increased food and energy intake,body weight,white fat and liver weight and caused adipocyte hypertrophy,hepatic lipid droplet accumulation,and inflammatory responses in mice.Metabolomics revealed that plantbased meat analogues altered the composition of serum metabolites,which regulated lipid metabolism homeostasis.The PB diet upregulated gene expression related to lipid synthesis,lipolysis and adipocyte differentiation while the PP diet upregulated expression of lipolysis-related genes but downregulated expression of adipocyte differentiation-related genes in white adipose tissue.Meanwhile,both PP and PB diets upregulated lipid influx-and synthesis-related genes but downregulated lipid oxidation-related genes in liver.The specific metabolite biomarkers may affect fat accumulation mainly by direct lipid metabolism pathways or indirect amino acid metabolism,protein digestion and absorption,bile secretion,aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and ABC transporters pathways.These findings provide a new insight into understanding the differences in nutritional functions of meat and plant-based meat analogues.
文摘BACKGROUND At present,the clinical mechanisms underlying precocious puberty remain unclear,making effective intervention for children experiencing this condition and rapidly progressive puberty essential.AIM To explore the effects of Zhibai dihuang pills and gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue(GnRHa)on growth and ovarian function in girls with precocious puberty.METHODS The clinical data of 84 adolescent girls with precocious puberty and rapidly progressive puberty from February 2017 to August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Girls were divided into a control group and an observation group,with 42 cases in each group.The control group received diet intervention combined with GnRHa treatment,while the observation group received diet intervention combined with Zhibai dihuang pills+GnRHa treatment.Outcomes such as clinical efficacy,growth indicators,ovarian function,and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The observation group showed superior clinical efficacy compared to the control group(P<0.05).Prior to the intervention,no significant differences were found in growth or ovarian function between the groups(P>0.05).Post-intervention,the observation group exhibited significantly lower rates in growth,height,and bone age,along with reduced levels of progesterone,testosterone,estradiol,prolactin,luteinizing hormone,and follicle-stimulating hormone compared to the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions was similar across both groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Combining Zhibai dihuang pills with GnRHa and dietary intervention effectively improves growth,enhances ovarian function,and minimizes adverse reactions in adolescent girls with precocious and rapidly progressive puberty.
基金Supported by the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program(No.2019 QZKK 0805)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.U 21 A 2018)the Foundation of Department of Qinghai Science&Technology(No.2020-ZJ-T 06)。
文摘The Qarhan Salt Lake(QSL)in western China is K-Sr-Li-B-Br-Rb multi-resource coexisting Quaternary brine deposits.Significant research efforts have been directed to the origin of K-Li resources and evolutionary history of the QSL.However,the study on the different sources,recharge processes,and differential distribution patterns for these resource elements in brine deposits is still inadequate.Therefore,we measured Li-B concentrations and H-O-Sr-B isotopic compositions of different waters(river,spring,and brine)from the QSL,combined with the reported K-Sr contents and multiple isotopes of waters,to discuss the recharge,source of K-Sr-Li-B and their spatial distributions,by analogy with other evaporite basins in the world.The results show that:(1)the K-Li-B-Sr elemental concentrations of brines and their spatial distribution in the QSL are diverse;(2)high K and Sr values are distributed in Dabuxun and Qarhan sections,respectively,which are controlled by Ca-Cl springs in the northern QSL;on the contrary,Li and B values are enriched in the Bieletan section and are charged by thermal springs in the Kunlun Mountains;(3)the formation and evolution of Ca-Cl and thermal springs constrain fundamentally on the recharge processes of K-Sr and Li-B elements in the terminal salt lakes of the Qaidam Basin(QB);(4)some analogues of recharge processes limit the resource elements of the QSL and other salt lakes(Da Qaidam,Lop Nur,Zhabuye,Atacama,and Guayatayoc)in the world provides a reference for the resource exploration in deep formation waters in the evaporite basins.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22072064,51522805,51908273,and 22176086)the State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse(PCRR-ZZ-202106)Start-Up Funds for Jiangsu Distinguished Professor.
文摘The low intrinsic activity of Fenton catalytic site and high demand for light-energy input inhibit the organic-pollution control efficiency of photo-Fenton process.Here,through structural design with density functional theory(DFT)calculations,Ce is predicted to enable the construction of coordinatively unsaturated metal centers(CUCs)in Prussian blue analogue(PBA),which can strongly adsorb H_(2)O_(2)and donate sufficient electrons for directly splitting the O-O bond to produceOH.Using a substitution-co-assembly strategy,binary Ce-Fe PBA is then prepared,which rapidly degrades sulfamethoxazole with the pseudo-first-order kinetic rate constant exceeding reported values by 1-2 orders of magnitude.Meanwhile,the photogenerated electrons reduce Fe(Ⅲ)and Ce(Ⅳ)to promote the metal valence cycle in CUCs and make sulfamethoxazole degradation efficiency only lose 6.04%in 5 runs.Overall,by introducing rare earth metals into transition metal-organic frameworks,this work guides the whole process for highly active CUCs from design and construction to mechanism exploration with DFT calculations,enabling ultrafast and stable photo-Fenton catalysis.
基金Financial support from the China Scholarship Council(201806220068,201806650009) to F.Dthe Villum Experiment(grant No.35844) to X.X.
文摘Prussian blue analogues(PBAs) with inherent ordered structures and abundant metal ion sites are widely explored as precursors for various electrochemical applications,including oxygen evolution reaction(OER).Using a range of characterization techniques including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR),X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),X-ray diffraction(XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS),this work discloses the process of replacement of K^(+)by NH4^(+)in the interstitial spaces of the CoFe PBA by a hot aqueous urea solution,which influences the transformation of PBAs under further heat treatment and the OER performance of the deriva tives.After heat treatment at 400℃ under Ar flow,high-resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM) images reveal that CoFe alloy nanoparticles grew on the crystalline cubes of CoFe PBA with K^(+),while CoFe PBA cubes with NH4^(+)become amorphous.Besides,the derivative of CoFe PBA with NH4^(+)(Ar-U-CoFe PBA) performs better than the derivative of CoFe PBA with K^(+)(Ar-CoFe PBA) in OER,registering a lower overpotential of 305 mV at 10 mA cm^(-2),a smaller Tafel slope of 36.1 mV dec^(-1),and better stability over a testing course of 20 h in 1.0 M KOH.A single-cell alkaline electrolyzer,using Ar-U-CoFe PBA and Pt/C for the anodic and cathodic catalyst,respectively,requires an initial cell voltage of 1.66 V to achieve 100 mA cm^(-2)at 80℃,with negligible degradation after100 h.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos 40575036 and 40325015).Acknowledgement The authors thank Drs Zhang Pei-Qun and Bao Ming very much for their valuable comments on the present paper.
文摘In this paper, an analogue correction method of errors (ACE) based on a complicated atmospheric model is further developed and applied to numerical weather prediction (NWP). The analysis shows that the ACE can effectively reduce model errors by combining the statistical analogue method with the dynamical model together in order that the information of plenty of historical data is utilized in the current complicated NWP model, Furthermore, in the ACE, the differences of the similarities between different historical analogues and the current initial state are considered as the weights for estimating model errors. The results of daily, decad and monthly prediction experiments on a complicated T63 atmospheric model show that the performance of the ACE by correcting model errors based on the estimation of the errors of 4 historical analogue predictions is not only better than that of the scheme of only introducing the correction of the errors of every single analogue prediction, but is also better than that of the T63 model.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.20472007)the Research Found for the DocroralProgram of Higher Education
文摘For investigating the biological function of ADPR, four novel analogues (compounds 2-5) in which the pyrophosphate linkage was replaced by the aspartic acid dipeptide were synthesized. 5'-Amino adenosine or its analogues was used as the starting material, liquid phase peptide synthesis strategy was used to construct these ADPR analogues. The structures were characterized by 1H NMR and HRMS spectra. This study provides a versatile synthesis of peptide modified ADPR analogues and helps to understand the structure-activity relationship of ADPR.
基金The Major National Science and Technology Programs of China under contract No.2011ZX05025-003-005the Joint Program of the National Science Foundation and Guangdong Province under contract No.U1301233
文摘Located at the northwest continental slope of the South China Sea, the Qiongdongnan Basin bears valley-shaped bathymetry deepening toward east. It is separated from the Yinggehai Basin through NW-trending Indo-China-Red River shear zone, and connected with NW subsea basin through the Xisha Trough. Along with the rapid progress of the deepwater exploration, large amounts of high resolution geophysical and geological data were accumulated. Scientific researches about deepwater basins kept revealing brand new tectonic and sedimentary discoveries. In order to summarize the structural features and main controlling factors of the deepwater Qiongdongnan Basin, a series of researches on basin architecture, fault activities, tectonic deformation and evolution were carried out. In reference to analogue modeling experiments, a tectonic situation and a basin formation mechanism were discussed. The researches indicate that:the northern boundary of the Qiongdongnan Basin is strongly controlled by No. 2 fault. The overlapping control of two stress fields from the east and the west made the central depression zone extremely thinned. Combined with the changed stress field, the segmentation of a preexisting weakness zone made the sags in the east experiencing different rifting histories from the west ones. The NE-trending west segment of the Qiongdongnan Basin experienced strong rifting during Eocene, while the roughly EW-trending sags in the east segment show strong rifting during late Eocene and early Oligocene. Local structures such as NW-trending basal fault and inherited uplifts controlled the lateral segmentation. So first order factors such as regional stress field and preexisting weakness zone controlled the basin zonation, while the second order factors determined the segmentation from east to west.
基金Project supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, China (No. 2004BA308A22-14)the Department of Science and Tech- nology of Zhejiang Province, China (No. 011102543)
文摘Cytosine-substituted mildiomycin analogue (MIL-C) was produced effectively by supplementing cytosine into the culture of Streptoverticillium rimofaciens. In order to improve the yield of MIL-C, statistically-based experimental designs were applied to optimize the fermentation medium for S. rimofaciens ZJU 5119. Fifteen culture conditions were examined for their significances on MIL-C production using Plackett-Burman design. The Plackett-Burrnan design and one-variable-at-a-time design indicated that glucose and rice meal as the complex carbon sources, and peanut cake meal and NH4NO3 as the complex nitrogen sources were beneficial for MIL-C production in S. rimofaciens ZJU 5119. The results of further central composition design (CCD) showed that the optimal concentration of glucose, rice meal and peanut cake meal were 18.7 g/L, 64.8 g/L and 65.1 g/L, respectively. By using this optimal fermentation medium, the MIL-C concentration was increased up to 1336.5 mg/L, an approximate 3.8-fold improvement over the previous concentration (350.0 mg/L) with un-optimized medium. This work will be very helpful to the large-scale production of MIL-C in the future.
基金The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and Carbon Management Canada funded the rock record portion of this study
文摘The fluvial-tidal transition(FTT)is a complex depositional zone,where fluvial flow is modified by tides as rivers approach a receiving marine basin.Variations in the relative importance of tidal versus fluvial processes lead to a distinctive distribution of sediments that accumulate on channel bars.The FTT generally consists of three broad zones:(1)a freshwater-tidal zone;(2)a tidally influenced freshwater to brackish-water transition:and(3)a zone of relatively sustained brackish-water conditions with stronger tides.A very common type of deposit through the fluvial-tidal transition,especially on the margins of migrating channels,is inclined heterolithic stratification(IHS).At present,a detailed account of changes in the character of IHS across the FIT of a paleo-channel system has not been reported,although a number of modern examples have been documented.To fill this gap,we quantitatively assess the sedimentology and ichnology of IHS from seven cored intervals in three geographic areas situated within the youngest paleovalley("A"Valley)in the Lower Cretaceous McMurray Formation of Alberta.Canada.We compare the data to trends defined along the FTT in the present-day Fraser River in British Columbia.Canada to interpret paleo-depositional position in the ancient fluvial-tidal channels.Analysis determined that the mean mudstone thickness is 8.2 cm in the southern study area(SA).Mean thickness increases to 11 cm in the central study area(CA),and decreases again to 4.4 cm in the northern study area(NA).The proportion of mudstone is 31%in SA,44%in CA,and 27%in NA.Thicknessweighted mean bioturbation intensity in sands varied from 0.29 in SA and CA.to 0.28 in NA.On the other hand,thickness-weighted mean bioturbation intensity(Bl)in mudstone increases from 1.46 in SA.to 1.77 in CA.and is 1.94 in NA.The ichnological diversity also increased from south to north.Sedimentological results show sinilar trends to those of the Fraser River,enabling the identification of a freshwater to brackish-water transition zone with tidal influence.The interpreted position of the transition is underpinned by the bioturbation intensity and trace-fossil diversity trends,indicating periodic brackish-water conditions throughout SA in the McMurray Formation during low river flow conditions.Together,these data suggest that a broad FTT existed in the"A"Valley,with fluvial-dominated channels to the south that experienced seasonal brackish-water inundation during base flow,and channels experiencing increasing brackish-water influence lying further north towards a turbidity maximun zone.The FIT zone appears to have extended for several hundred kilometers fron south to north.Based on the sedimentological and ichnological data,as well as estimations of lateral accretion rates,we refute the colmonly applied Mississippi River depositional analogue for McMurray Formation channels.Rather,we show that while not a perfect fit,the tidally influenced Fraser River shows much greater agreement with the depositional character recorded in McMurray Formation IHS.Future work on the McMurray system should focus on characterizing tide-dominatecl deltaic and estuarine systems,such as the Ganges-Brahmaputra,and on forward-modeling the evolution of tide-dominated and tideinfluenced river systems.
文摘Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is a major health problem worldwide, representing one of the leading causes of death. Chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection(CHB) is the most important etiologic factor of this tumor, accounting for the development of more than50% of the cases in the world. Primary prevention ofHCC is possible by hepatitis B vaccination conferring protection from HBV infection. However, according to the World Health Organization Hepatitis B Fact sheet N° 204(update of July 2014) globally there exists a large pool of > 240 million people chronically infected with HBV who are at risk for development of HCC. These individuals represent a target population for secondary prevention both of cirrhosis and of HCC. Since ongoing HBV replication in CHB is linked with the progression of the underlying liver disease to cirrhosis as well as with the development of HCC, effective antiviral treatment in CHB has also been evaluated in terms of secondary prevention of HCC. Currently, most patients with active CHB are subjected to long term treatment with the first line nucleos(t)ide analogues entecavir and tenofovir. These compounds are of high antiviral potency and have a high barrier to HBV resistance compared to lamivudine, adefovir dipivoxil and even telbivudine. Many studies have shown that patients under antiviral treatment, especially those in virological remission, develop less frequently HCC compared to the untreated ones. However, the risk for development of HCC cannot be eliminated. Therefore, surveillance for the development of HCC of patients with chronic hepatitis B must be lifelong or until a time in the future when new treatments will be able to completely eradicate HBV from the liver particularly in the early stages of CHB infection. In this context, the aim of this review is to outline the magnitude of the risk for development of HCC among patients with CHB, in the various phases of the infection and in relation to virus, host and environmental factors as evaluated in the world literature. Moreover, the benefits of antiviral treatment of CHB with nucleos/tide analogs, which have changed the natural history of the disease and have reduced but not eliminated the risk of HCC are also reviewed.
基金This work was sponsored by NSAF Joint Fund(U1830106)Science and Technology Innovation 2025 Major Program of Ningbo(2018B10061)K.C.Wong Magna Fund in Ningbo University.
文摘In the applications of large-scale energy storage,aqueous batteries are considered as rivals for organic batteries due to their environmentally friendly and low-cost nature.However,carrier ions always exhibit huge hydrated radius in aqueous electrolyte,which brings difficulty to find suitable host materials that can achieve highly reversible insertion and extraction of cations.Owing to open threedimensional rigid framework and facile synthesis,Prussian blue analogues(PBAs)receive the most extensive attention among various host candidates in aqueous system.Herein,a comprehensive review on recent progresses of PBAs in aqueous batteries is presented.Based on the application in different aqueous systems,the relationship between electrochemical behaviors(redox potential,capacity,cycling stability and rate performance)and structural characteristics(preparation method,structure type,particle size,morphology,crystallinity,defect,metal atom in highspin state and chemical composition)is analyzed and summarized thoroughly.It can be concluded that the required type of PBAs is different for various carrier ions.In particular,the desalination batteries worked with the same mechanism as aqueous batteries are also discussed in detail to introduce the application of PBAs in aqueous systems comprehensively.This report can help the readers to understand the relationship between physical/chemical characteristics and electrochemical properties for PBAs and find a way to fabricate high-performance PBAs in aqueous batteries and desalination batteries.
基金This research was sponsored by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31901641 and 31972023)by a grant from the Shanghai Science and Technology Committee(18JC1410801 and 19YF1422400)+1 种基金by the Startup Fund for Youngman Research at Shanghai Jiao Tong University(18X100040057)by the 20th Innovative Practice Plan for College Students at SJTU(IPP20192).
文摘Rapid global population growth has caused an increasing need for products containing protein.Meat products are the most common high-protein food source,but impact the environment,cause animal welfare issues,and raise public health concerns.Consumer health and food safety are paramount to the food industry.Both the scientists and food industry are actively seeking plant proteins to substitute for animal-sourced proteins.Plant proteins have a well-balanced amino acid composition,and exhibit great potential for replacing meat via the development of healthy,high-protein,low-saturated fat,cholesterol-free,and nutritionally similar meat-like products.Generally,meat analogue formulations are specially designed and processing conditions are optimized to obtain the texture and bite of real animal meat.This article focuses on plant-based meat analogues,and covers aspects regarding processing,products,quality,and nutritional and structural modifications.Product safety consciousness and consumer acceptance are also discussed.Challenges and perspectives for future research concerning nonmeat products are presented.
基金Supported by The Shanghai Natural Science Fund,No.09ZR1400500the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30972600+1 种基金the GuangHui Fund of Hepatitis Prevention Fund Committee China,No.GHZ20100204the Shanghai Health Bureau Fund,No.2012092
文摘AIM: To determine the relationship between host immunity and the characteristics of viral infection or nucleoside analogues (NAs) themselves in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) receiving NA therapy.
文摘Abstract Elements and natural radionuclides in the contact zone of two granites with different ages would migrate from one to the other because of the difference in their chemical contents and later water-rock interactions. This migration could serve as an analogue for the near-field process of radwastes in a high-level radwaste deep geological disposal repository.
文摘The ideal endpoint of hepatitis B virus(HBV)antiviral therapy is HBsAg loss,a difficult goal to obtain,especially in HBeAg negative patients.Herein,we report the results obtained by the addition of peg-interferonα-2a to a long-lasting nucleos(t)ide analogues therapy in a HBeAg negative,genotype D patient with steadily HBV-DNA negative/HBsAg positive values.In 2002,our Caucasian 44-year-old male patient received lamivudine and,4 years later,added adefovir because of a virological breakthrough.In 2011,considering his young age,liver stiffness(4.3 kPa)and HBsAg levels(3533IU/mL),we added Peg-interferonα-2a for six months(3in combination with nucleos(t)ide analogues followed by 3 mo of Peg-interferonα-2a monotherapy).A decrease of HBsAg levels was observed after 1 mo(1.21log)of Peg-interferon and 3 mo(1.88 log)after the discontinuation of all drugs.Later,a complete clearance of HBsAg was obtained with steadily undetectable HBVDNA serum levels(<9 IU/mL).HBsAg clearance by the addition of a short course of Peg-interferonα-2a represents an important result with clinical and pharmacoeconomic implications,considering that nucleos(t)ide analogues therapy in HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B patients is considered a long-lasting/life-long treatment.
基金Supported by grants from the “Instituto de Salud Carlos Ⅲ”,Spain and the “European Regional Development Fund(ERDF),a way of making Europe”,No.PI12/00130 and No.PI15/00074the “Gilead Spain & Instituto de Salud Carlos Ⅲ”,No.GLD14_00217 and No.GLD16_00014
文摘Chronic hepatitis B(CHB) remains a challenging global health problem, with nearly one million related deaths per year. Nucleos(t)ide analogue(NA) treatment suppresses viral replication but does not provide complete cure of the hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection. The accepted endpoint for therapy is the loss of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBs Ag), but this is hardly ever achieved. Therefore, indefinite treatment is usually required. Many different studies have evaluated NA therapy discontinuation after several years of NA treatment and before HBs Ag loss. The results have indicated that the majority of patients can remain off therapy, with some even reaching HBs Ag seroconversion. Fortunately, this strategy has proved to be safe, but it is essential to consider the risk of liver damage and other comorbidities and to ensure aclose follow-up of the candidates before considering this strategy. Unanswered questions remain, namely in which patients could this strategy be effective and what is the optimal time point at which to perform it. To solve this enigma, we should keep in mind that the outcome will ultimately depend on the equilibrium between HBV and the host's immune system. Viral parameters that have been described as good predictors of response in HBe Ag(+) cases, have proven useless in HBe Ag(-) ones. Since antiviral immunity plays an essential role in the control of HBV infection, we sought to review and explain potential immunological biomarkers to predict safe NA discontinuation in both groups.