Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) glycan isomer is predictive of HBsAg seroclearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Aim: Measurement of O-glycosylated middle hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg glycan isomer, HBsAgGi) has been developed to quantify hepatitis B virus (HBV) infectious virions and distinguish them from subviral particles. This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum HBsAg seroclearance and serum HBV virions measured by HBsAgGi in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Methods: Serum HBsAgGi levels were quantified in 232 treatment-naïve patients with CHB genotype C.

Development of a software platform for providing environmental monitoring data for the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident.

In nuclear emergencies, it is especially important to carry out a wide range of environmental monitoring and provide the data immediately so as to understand the current distribution of radionuclides and investigate countermeasures. Therefore, it is indispensable for a nuclear emergency response to establish a system that supports rapid provision of these data. The authors have been developing the software platform by integrating technologies of environmental monitoring, information processing and network communication, based on the experience of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Accident.