Newer hepatitis B vaccine shows promise as booster for health care workers

Heplisav-B vs standard hepatitis B vaccine booster for health care workers

American Academy of Family Physicians

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Heplisav-B vs Standard Hepatitis B Vaccine Booster for Health Care Workers

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Credit: Annals of Family Medicine

Research Brief

Background and Goal: Health care workers are at higher risk of hepatitis B infection due to occupational exposure to blood and body fluids. They are considered protected if they have a hepatitis B surface antigen antibody (anti-HBs) titer of  ≥10 mIU/mL after completing a full vaccination series. This study compared the effectiveness of Heplisav-B, a new hepatitis vaccine, vs. standard hepatitis B vaccines as a booster in previously vaccinated individuals.

Study Approach: Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, analyzing medical records from 2019 to 2022. The study included medical students who had completed a full hepatitis B vaccine series but had low antibody levels. Participants received either a standard hepatitis B booster or a Heplisav-B booster. Their antibody levels were measured at least 30 days later to determine if they had achieved protective immunity.

Main Results:

• 99.4% of individuals receiving Heplisav-B reached protective antibody levels.

• 92.7% of individuals receiving a standard booster reached protective levels.

• The 6.7% higher response rate with Heplisav-B was statistically significant (95% CI, 1.9%-14.5%; P = .003).

• All seven individuals who remained below protective levels after one booster reached immunity after receiving additional vaccinations.

Why It Matters:The study findings suggest that a single booster dose is sufficient to confirm hepatitis B immunity in most young, healthy health care workers who previously completed a full vaccination series. Heplisav-B was more effective than standard hepatitis B vaccines.

Heplisav-B vs Standard Hepatitis B Vaccine Booster for Health Care Workers 

Alan L. Williams, MD, MPH

Department of Family Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland

Raquelle S. Newman, MD

Spangdahlem Air Base, 54529 Spangdahlem, AE, Germany 

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Visual Abstract

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Journal

The Annals of Family Medicine

Article Publication Date

24-Mar-2025

New study by Korea University researchers reveals a safer alternative for long-term hepatitis B treatment

The study shows that switching to the antiviral besifovir may improve patient kidney and bone health

Korea University College of Medicine

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A new study finds that switching from long-term TDF to BSV may improve renal and bone safety, with no differences observed in the antiviral efficacy.

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Credit: Dr. Hyung Joon Yim from Korea University Ansan hospital

Hepatitis B is a liver infection cause by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), and long-term hepatitis B infections that last longer than six months are considered “chronic”. Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) poses a huge healthcare burden as it is a common cause of chronic liver disease and is also associated with the development of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

The antiviral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is currently the most widely used treatment for CHB. However, long-term treatment with TDF causes a gradual decrease in kidney function and bone health, making it necessary to explore safer long-term treatment options.

Besifovir dipivoxil maleate (BSV) is another drug that has been shown to have an antiviral efficacy comparable to TDF in a stage 3 clinical trial, with improved kidney and bone safety in treated patients. However, this study was done on individuals who had never received treatment for CHB – in the real world, most patients with CHB are already being treated with TDF, possibly for several years.

To address this limitation, a multicenter research team led by Dr. Hyung Joon Yim from the Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan hospital, Korea has studied the effects of switching from long-term TDF to the antiviral BSV in patients with CHB, as part of a stage 4 clinical trial. In a study published online on 16th January 2025 in Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, they enrolled 153 patients with CHB who were receiving TDF treatment for 48 weeks or more. These patients were then randomly chosen to receive either BSV or TDF for another 48 weeks.

The first aim in this study was to confirm that BSV was not inferior to TDF in terms of antiviral efficacy. This was tested by measuring the amount of HBV DNA in the patients’ blood. Among all the patients who completed their allocated treatment, the study found that 100% and 98.5% of patients receiving BSV and TDF respectively showed a virologic response against HBV, with very low virus levels not to be detected in the blood by sensitive assay. “We also noted no antiviral resistance after switching from TDF to BSV,” adds Dr. Yim.

More importantly, the researchers showed that patients who switched to BSV showed, on average, a higher percentage of change in a parameter called estimated glomerular filtration rate which indicates improved kidney functioning. The group treated with BSV also had a higher hip and spine bone density, indicating improved bone strength.

“These results show that adverse effects of long-term TDF may be potentially reversible with improved kidney function and bone density after switching to BSV,” says Dr. Yim, highlighting the potential of BSV as a safer long-term therapy for hepatitis B. “It seems that long term treatment with BSV would be a viable option for patients with CHB,” he adds. These findings promise new hope for patients undergoing long-term antiviral treatment for hepatitis B!

 

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Reference
DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2024.0819

 

About Korea University College of Medicine
Korea University College of Medicine is the medical school of Korea University. It is located in Seoul, South Korea. As one of the oldest medical schools in South Korea, it has been historically regarded as one of the country's top medical schools. The school was founded as Chosun Women's Medical Training Institute in 1928 by Rosetta Sherwood Hall. The institute was subsequently renamed several times and ultimately merged with Korea University to become Korea University College of Medicine. So far, the school has produced over 7,000 graduates, most of whom are working as prominent physicians and public health advocates worldwide.
Website: https://medicine.korea.ac.kr/en/index.do

 

About the author
Dr. Hyung Joon Yim is currently a hepatologist at Korea University Ansan Hospital in Korea. Dr. Yim received his internship, residency, and fellowship training at the Korea University Medical Center. He also had research fellowship training periods in 2005-2006 at the University of Michigan, USA. He is also currently in several prestigious roles, including Chairman of the viral hepatitis study group, Director of external affairs boards at the Korea Society of Gastroenterology, and Director of the research committee at the Korean Association of Clinical Ultrasound. Dr. Yim’s research interests include viral hepatitis, complication of portal hypertension, alcoholic liver diseases, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

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Journal

Clinical and Molecular Hepatology

DOI

10.3350/cmh.2024.0819 

Method of Research

Randomized controlled/clinical trial

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

Switching to Besifovir in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Receiving Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate: A Randomized Trial

 

Unlocking the genetic secrets of alfalfa roots for higher yields

Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science

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Phenotype analysis of 171 alfalfa samples based on six root system architecture (RSA) traits. (A) Comparison of six root traits among different improved statuses. (B, C) Box plots that display RDW and RL among different improved statuses, respectively. The mean values of the materials in different improved statuses are displayed. (D) Cluster analysis of 171 alfalfa samples based on six RSA traits. (E) Comparison of six root traits among the three clusters (groups 1–3). (F) Proportion of materials from three clusters (groups 1–3) in the landrace and cultivar. RN, root number; TRD, taproot diameter; SRD, secondary root diameter; RDW, root dry weight; RL, root length; SRP, secondary root position. Here, n represents the number of alfalfa materials in different categories.

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Credit: Horticulture Research

In a major scientific advancement, researchers have decoded the genetic foundation of root system architecture (RSA) in alfalfa, a critical determinant of crop productivity and drought resilience. By analyzing six key root traits in 171 alfalfa genotypes, the team identified 60 significant genetic markers and 19 high-confidence candidate genes influencing root development. Backed by cutting-edge genomic prediction models, these discoveries pave the way for breeding next-generation alfalfa varieties with robust root systems, promising higher yields and greater stress tolerance.

Root system architecture plays a fundamental role in plant survival and productivity, governing water and nutrient absorption, especially in drought-prone environments. However, despite its importance, the genetic mechanisms shaping RSA in alfalfa have remained largely elusive. Traditional breeding approaches have struggled to enhance root traits due to their complexity and weak correlation with above-ground characteristics. The absence of reliable genetic markers has further hindered progress. Recognizing these challenges, researchers have undertaken a comprehensive genetic study to unlock the molecular blueprint of alfalfa’s root system.

Published (DOI:10.1093/hr/uhae271) on November 4, 2024, in Horticulture Research, the study was led by scientists from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, alongside international collaborators. Leveraging genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and genomic prediction (GP) models, the research team meticulously examined six RSA traits across 171 alfalfa genotypes. Their analysis revealed key genetic variations that could be harnessed to enhance crop yield and drought resilience, marking a pivotal step toward precision breeding.

Delving into the genetics, the study evaluated traits such as root number, taproot diameter, and root length under controlled conditions. Through GWAS analysis, researchers pinpointed 60 significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with root development, while 19 high-confidence candidate genes emerged as crucial regulators. Among them, genes like AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORS (ARFs) and LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES-DOMAIN (LBD) stood out for their roles in root morphogenesis and hormone signaling. Notably, alfalfa genotypes carrying favorable genetic haplotypes exhibited superior forage yields under both normal and drought conditions. Further validating these findings, the study demonstrated that genomic prediction models achieved remarkable accuracy (0.70–0.80) in predicting RSA traits, offering a powerful tool for breeding programs.

"This study establishes a solid genetic foundation for understanding root system architecture in alfalfa," stated Dr. Junmei Kang, the study’s corresponding author. "By pinpointing key genes and developing precise genomic prediction models, we now have the ability to engineer alfalfa varieties with superior root systems, ultimately boosting productivity and resilience in the face of environmental challenges."

The implications of this research extend far beyond the laboratory. By integrating these newly identified genetic markers into breeding strategies, plant scientists can accelerate the development of high-performing alfalfa varieties with optimized root systems. Such advancements could enhance water and nutrient uptake efficiency, improve forage yields, and bolster drought resistance—critical factors for sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, the successful application of genomic prediction models could revolutionize crop breeding by reducing reliance on traditional phenotypic selection, cutting both time and costs. As climate change intensifies and water resources dwindle, these findings offer a blueprint for more resilient and productive farming systems, ensuring food security in the years to come.

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References

DOI

10.1093/hr/uhae271

Original Source URL

https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhae271

Funding information

This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFF1003203), the Key Research Project of Ningxia Province for Alfalfa Breeding Program (2022BBF02029), and the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program (ASTIP-IAS14).

About Horticulture Research

Horticulture Research is an open access journal of Nanjing Agricultural University and ranked number one in the Horticulture category of the Journal Citation Reports ™ from Clarivate, 2023. The journal is committed to publishing original research articles, reviews, perspectives, comments, correspondence articles and letters to the editor related to all major horticultural plants and disciplines, including biotechnology, breeding, cellular and molecular biology, evolution, genetics, inter-species interactions, physiology, and the origination and domestication of crops.

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Journal

Horticulture Research

DOI

10.1093/hr/uhae271 

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

The whole-genome dissection of root system architecture provides new insights for the genetic improvement of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

 

How are children with ADHD’s brains different? Scans taken while VR gaming give new insight

In a new study, children played a virtual reality game while in an MRI scanner – the brains of children with ADHD showed a notable increase in functional connectivity, a result which could help us more readily understand the condition.

Aalto University

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The virtual game was projected onto a mirror, allowing children to play while their brain activity was scanned by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). 

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Credit: Illustration by Margot Lepetit, Aalto University.

In a novel study, researchers from several European universities used Virtual Reality gaming to study brain network activity in children with clinically diagnosed ADHD. Until now, ADHD in both children and adults has primarily been studied using brain imaging in a resting state, rather than while actively engaging in tasks where overt symptoms are expressed.

‘‘Taking pictures of the brain while memory and attention are being loaded in a virtual world gives us a deeper understanding of what’s going on,’ explains Juha Salmitaival (aka Salmi), visiting professor at Aalto University. ‘During the virtual reality game, there were clear differences in brain network activation for kids with ADHD, particularly in the deep structures of the brain and their connection to cortical areas.’

While during functional MRI (fMRI) scanning, subjects were immersed in a world of challenges mimicking those faced by people in the real world. The game was projected onto a mirror, allowing children to play whilst their brain activity was scanned. The results were then compared with scans taken while they were doing more passive activities like watching a video or simply resting.

‘Interestingly, while at rest, there was no detectable difference between the groups, and there was little difference during video viewing,’ says Salmi, findings which also highlight the value of this novel way of collecting neuroimaging data.

‘We used to think that abnormal development is mostly a matter of background activity in specific, limited brain regions. But these findings indicate that it’s more to do with inter-regional communication between brain regions. We found that alterations in brain activity in individuals with ADHD are driven by the human-environment interaction,’ says Salmi. In practice, this means that psychological testing for ADHD in the clinic, or even just brain imaging research more generally, should take place in situations where the individual is actually doing something that would spark symptoms.

Salmi hopes the study will spark more extensive research, believing that this method could also help us find out what’s behind the sharp rise in ADHD diagnoses and in the development of non-pharmacological treatments.

Games and apps are changing our brains

It’s not lost on the researchers that gaming in a virtual environment is an excellent way to explore what’s going on in our brains in a world of screens and social media.

‘The brain is a complex system that always tries to adapt to its environment, therefore it’s likely being shaped by TikTok, Snapchat and other apps and games as well,’ says Salmi. Similarly, the virtual world contains toys that can trigger impulsivity, like musical instruments, a soft drink in the fridge or the chance to take a virtual shower.

‘If the environment is fast paced, with people jumping from one thing to another like a grasshopper, the brain tries to get better at jumping from one stimulus to another,’ he adds. ‘But if we become grasshoppers, we can no longer concentrate for two hours when there are very few stimuli. Scanning the brain while it’s active could also give us fresh insight into how our brains are changing.’

Future studies for the team include researching children’s brains using smart suits and motion sensors, as well as exploring symptoms in adults in set ups that more closely simulate daily life. He foresees that in the future, symptoms could also be quantified at home, for example using augmented reality glasses.

Salmi also points out that while fMRI is at this stage too costly to be used for mainstream diagnostic purposes, as we build more knowledge in this way, diagnosing neuropsychiatric conditions should also become more straightforward.

In addition to Aalto researchers, the study involved researchers from HUS, the University of Helsinki, the University of Oulu and the Lyon Neuroscience Research Centre in France. The virtual game, Epeli was developed by a Finnish company called Peili Vision.

The peer-reviewed study ‘Real-world goal-directed behavior reveals aberrant functional brain connectivity in children with ADHD’ was recently published in PLOS One, available online at https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0319746

Read more about the Epeli virtual game https://www.aalto.fi/en/news/virtual-reality-game-to-objectively-detect-adhd

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Journal

PLOS One

DOI

10.1371/journal.pone.0319746 

Article Title

How are children with ADHD’s brains different? Scans taken while VR gaming give new insight

Article Publication Date

18-Mar-2025

 

Novel material holds promise for tech to convert CO2 into fuel

North Carolina State University

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Researchers have developed a novel combination of materials that have organic and inorganic properties, with the goal of using them in technologies that convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into a liquid fuel.

“Fundamentally, the goal of this project was to engineer a surface that would allow us to efficiently convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into methanol, which is a liquid fuel,” says Gregory Parsons, corresponding author of a paper on the work and Celanese Acetate Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at North Carolina State University. “Our hypothesis was that a class of materials called metalcones would be a valuable tool for addressing this challenge. Our work in this paper focuses on the engineering of a metalcone thin film for this application.”

Inorganic materials tend to be solid and have stable characteristics. Organic materials can have spongelike physical properties and tend to be more chemically reactive. Metalcone thin films are both organic and inorganic – and therefore have both organic and inorganic properties.

“We wanted to find a way to create a metalcone thin film that retains the inorganic properties that make it a good interface between a semiconductor material and the liquid environment surrounding it,” Parsons says. “But we also wanted the metalcone to maintain the organic properties that create efficient pathways for electrons to move.”

“The problem is that metalcones face a significant obstacle for practical use in this context,” says Hyuenwoo Yang, first author of the paper and a postdoctoral researcher at NC State. “If you put metalcones in an aqueous solution, the organic properties allow the metalcones to dissolve – making them practically useless. If you anneal the metalcones at high temperatures, they become physically stable, but you lose the attractive electrochemical properties.

“But now we’ve demonstrated an approach that improves a metalcone’s stability and electrochemical properties, making them very promising candidates for use in photoelectric chemical carbon dioxide reduction,” Yang says.

For this work, the researchers used a metalcone called tincone, which is essentially a tin oxide (SnO2) in which the oxygen atoms are replaced by organic oxide components. In other words, in tin oxide materials, it is the oxygen atoms that connect the molecules of tin oxide to each other; in tincone, those tin oxide molecules are connected to each other by a carbon chain.

Because annealing at high temperatures eliminates the attractive electrochemical properties, the researchers decided to try annealing tincone at a range of lower temperatures.

“We found that the sweet spot was a ‘mild’ annealing at 250 degrees Celsius,” Yang says. “This made the tincone substantially more stable in an aqueous electrolyte, which is necessary for potential use in photoelectric chemical carbon dioxide reduction applications. In addition to improving its stability, the mild annealing also improved charge transport, making the electrochemical properties even more desirable for these applications.

“Our next steps involve binding carbon dioxide catalysts to this mild-annealed tincone and incorporating this engineered material into an application to see how efficiently it can convert atmospheric CO2 into methanol.”

The paper, “Mild-Annealed Molecular Layer Deposition (MLD) Tincone Thin Film as Photoelectrochemically Stable and Efficient Electron Transport Layer for Si Photocathodes,” is published in ACS Applied Energy Materials. The paper was co-authored by Christopher Oldham, a senior project manager at NC State; Arun Joshi Reddy, a postdoctoral researcher at NC State; Paul Maggard, a professor of chemistry at NC State; and by Carrie Donley, Renato Sampaio, John Dickenson, Pierpaolo Vecchi and Gerald Meyer of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

This work was supported as part of the Center for Hybrid Approaches in Solar Energy to Liquid Fuels (CHASE), an Energy Innovation Hub funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science under grant number DE-SC0021173.

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Journal

ACS Applied Energy Materials

DOI

10.1021/acsaem.4c02997 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Mild-Annealed Molecular Layer Deposition (MLD) Tincone Thin Film as Photoelectrochemically Stable and Efficient Electron Transport Layer for Si Photocathodes