Search

The high accessibility to healthcare and increasing awareness of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance after sustained virologic response (SVR) to HCV treatment allow early detection of operable HCC in Taiwan. However, the effects of achieving SVR on patient characteristics and surgical outcomes after curative resection remain elusive. We aimed to compare the clinical presentation and postoperative prognosis among patients with early-stage HCV-related HCC and different viral status. We retrospectively analyzed 208 patients with BCLC stage 0 or A-HCC, including 44 patients who remained HCV viremic, 90 patients who developed HCC after achieving SVR (post-SVR HCC), and 74 patients who subsequently achieved SVR after resection. Patients with post-SVR HCC had a lower degree of hepatitis and better liver function than those who achieved SVR or remained viremic after resection. Notably, 75.6% of patients with post-SVR HCC did not have cirrhosis. Patients with post-SVR HCC and those achieving SVR after resection exhibited comparable recurrence rates and recurrence-free survival, while patients with persistent viremia had the worst surgical outcomes. We concluded that patients with post-SVR HCC had a better liver function but similar surgical outcomes compared with patients who achieved SVR after resection. The low prevalence of cirrhosis in patients with post-SVR HCC highlights the importance of regular surveillance after SVR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The invasive hornet Vespa bicolor Fabricius was first discovered in Taiwan in 2003 and was not confirmed to have been established until 2014. This study was conducted in order to (1) assess the current status of V. bicolor abundance, dispersal, seasonality, and possible impact on honeybee (Apis mellifera Linnaeus) in Taiwan; (2) and to trace the origins of Taiwan's V. bicolor population. To assess V. bicolor abundance, we used visual surveys, sweep netting, and hornet traps in four known ranges in northern and central Taiwan from 2016 to 2020. Additionally, to understand V. bicolor dispersion, we mapped environmental data using ArcGIS, and to predict future V. bicolor range, we used ecological niche modeling. The results show that V. bicolor has stable populations in three areas in northern and central Taiwan, and mainly preys on Apis mellifera. Our analyses suggest samples from Southeastern China as having the closest relation in DNA sequences with Taiwan's V. bicolor population. Due to the negative economic and ecological impacts of V. bicolor in Taiwan, our findings shed light on the value of monitoring and controlling its populations, rather than working exclusively towards elimination. The invasive alien species (IAS) Vespa bicolor is the first reported hornet that has established in Taiwan and is concerning as they prey on honeybee Apis mellifera, which leads to colony losses and public concerns. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the current status of V. bicolor abundance, dispersal, and impact and to trace the origins of Taiwan's V. bicolor population. Our studies took place in five areas in northern to central Taiwan. We used mtDNA in the phylogenetic analyses. Field survey and ecological niche modeling (ENM) were used to understand the origins and current range of the invasive species. Two main subgroups of V. bicolor in the phylogenetic tree were found, and a clade with short branch lengths in Southeastern China and Taiwan formed a subgroup, which shows that the Taiwan population may have invaded from a single event. Evidence shows that V. bicolor is not a severe pest to honeybees in the study area; however, using ENM, we predict the rapid dispersion of this species to the cooler and hilly mountain areas of Taiwan. The management of V. bicolor should also involve considering it a local pest to reduce loss by beekeepers and public fear in Taiwan. Our findings highlight how the government, beekeepers, and researchers alike should be aware of the implications of V. bicolor's rapid range expansion in Taiwan, or in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]