Molecular phylogeny reveals Varroa mites are not a separate family but a subfamily of Laelapidae.

Varroa mites, notorious for parasitizing honeybees, are generally classified as Varroidae. Their extremely modified morphologies and behaviors have led to debates regarding their phylogenetic position and classification as an independent family. In this study, two different datasets were employed to reconstruct the phylogenies of Varroa mites and related Laelapidae species: (1) 9257 bp from the whole 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes of 24 taxa, (2) 3158 bp from 113 taxa using Sanger sequencing of four nuclear loci. Both mitochondrial and nuclear analyses consistently place Varroa mites within the Laelapidae. Here we propose to place Varroa mites in the subfamily Varroinae stat. nov., which represents a highly morphologically adapted group within the Laelapidae. Ancestral state reconstructions reveal that bee-associated lifestyles evolved independently at least three times within Laelapidae, with most phoretic traits originating from free-living ancestors. Our revised classification and evolutionary analyses will provide new insight into understanding the Varroa mites.

KoNA: Korean Nucleotide Archive as A New Data Repository for Nucleotide Sequence Data.

During the last decade, the generation and accumulation of petabase-scale high-throughput sequencing data have resulted in great challenges, including access to human data, as well as transfer, storage, and sharing of enormous amounts of data. To promote data-driven biological research, the Korean government announced that all biological data generated from government-funded research projects should be deposited at the Korea BioData Station (K-BDS), which consists of multiple databases for individual data types. Here, we introduce the Korean Nucleotide Archive (KoNA), a repository of nucleotide sequence data. As of July 2022, the Korean Read Archive in KoNA has collected over 477 TB of raw next-generation sequencing data from national genome projects. To ensure data quality and prepare for international alignment, a standard operating procedure was adopted, which is similar to that of the International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration. The standard operating procedure includes quality control processes for submitted data and metadata using an automated pipeline, followed by manual examination. To ensure fast and stable data transfer, a high-speed transmission system called GBox is used in KoNA. Furthermore, the data uploaded to or downloaded from KoNA through GBox can be readily processed using a cloud computing service called Bio-Express. This seamless coupling of KoNA, GBox, and Bio-Express enhances the data experience, including submission, access, and analysis of raw nucleotide sequences. KoNA not only satisfies the unmet needs for a national sequence repository in Korea but also provides datasets to researchers globally and contributes to advances in genomics. The KoNA is available at https://www.kobic.re.kr/kona/.

FGF21 as a mediator of adaptive changes in food intake and macronutrient preference in response to protein restriction.

Free-feeding animals navigate complex nutritional landscapes in which food availability, cost, and nutritional value can vary markedly. Animals have thus developed neural mechanisms that enable the detection of nutrient restriction, and these mechanisms engage adaptive physiological and behavioral responses that limit or reverse this nutrient restriction. This review focuses specifically on dietary protein as an essential and independently defended nutrient. Adequate protein intake is required for life, and ample evidence exists to support an active defense of protein that involves behavioral changes in food intake, food preference, and food motivation, likely mediated by neural changes that increase the reward value of protein foods. Available evidence also suggests that the circulating hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) acts in the brain to coordinate these adaptive changes in food intake, making it a unique endocrine signal that drives changes in macronutrient preference in the context of protein restriction. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Food intake and feeding states".

FGF21 acts in the brain to drive macronutrient-specific changes in behavioral motivation and brain reward signaling.

Dietary protein restriction induces adaptive changes in food preference, increasing protein consumption over carbohydrates or fat. We investigated whether motivation and reward signaling underpin these preferences. In an operant task, protein-restricted male mice increased their responding for liquid protein rewards, but not carbohydrate, fat, or sweet rewards. The protein restriction-induced increase in operant responding for protein was absent in Fgf21-KO mice and mice with neuron-specific deletion of the FGF21 co-receptor beta-Klotho (KlbCam2ka) mice. Fiber photometry recording of VTA dopamine neurons revealed that oral delivery of maltodextrin triggered a larger activation of dopamine neurons as compared to casein in control-fed mice, while casein produced a larger response in protein-restricted mice. This restriction-induced shift in nutrient-specific VTA dopamine signaling was lost in Fgf21-KO mice. These data demonstrate that FGF21 acts in the brain to induce a protein-specific appetite by specifically enhancing the reward value of protein-containing foods and the motivation to consume them.

Correlation between the Cycle Threshold Values in Detection of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus Using PowerChekTM SFTSV Real-Time PCR Kit and Viral Load: Prognostic Implications.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the correlation between the cycle threshold (Ct) values of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) virus small (S) and middle (M) segments and the SFTS viral load, aiming to estimate the initial viral load and predict prognosis in the early clinical course. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted with confirmed SFTS patients at Jeju National University Hospital (2016-2022). Patients were categorized into non-fatal and fatal groups. RESULTS: This study included 49 patients with confirmed SFTS (non-fatal group, n = 42; fatal group, n = 7). A significant negative correlation (-0.783) was observed between the log SFTS viral load and Ct values (p < 0.001). This negative correlation was notably stronger in the fatal group (correlation coefficient -0.940) than in the non-fatal group (correlation coefficient -0.345). CONCLUSION: In this study, we established a correlation between SFTS viral load and Ct values for estimating the initial viral load and early predicting prognosis. These results are expected to offer valuable insights for SFTS patient treatment and prognosis prediction.

Impact of a Rounding Checklist Implementation in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit on Clinical Outcomes.

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an intensive care unit (ICU) round checklist, FAST HUGS BID (Feeding, Analgesia, Sedation, Thromboembolic prophylaxis, Head-of-bed elevation, Ulcer prophylaxis, Glycemic control, Spontaneous breathing trial, Bowel regimen, Indwelling catheter removal, and De-escalation of antibiotics-abbreviated as FD hereafter), in improving clinical outcomes in patients with severe trauma. We included patients admitted to our trauma ICU from 2016 to 2020 and divided them into two groups: before (before-FD, 2016-2017) and after (after-FD, 2019-2020) implementation of the checklist. We compared patient characteristics and clinical outcomes, including ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS) and in-hospital mortality. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable logistic regression models; furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify independent factors associated with ICU and hospital LOS. Compared with the before-FD group, the after-FD group had significantly lower in-hospital mortality and complication rates, shorter ICU and hospital LOS, and reduced duration of mechanical ventilation. Moreover, implementation of the checklist was a significant independent factor in reducing ICU and hospital LOS and in-hospital mortality. Implementation of the FD checklist is associated with decreased ICU and hospital LOS and in-hospital mortality.

The VP53 protein encoded by RNA2 of a fabavirus, broad bean wilt virus 2, is essential for viral systemic infection.

Plant viruses evolves diverse strategies to overcome the limitations of their genomic capacity and express multiple proteins, despite the constraints imposed by the host translation system. Broad bean wilt virus 2 (BBWV2) is a widespread viral pathogen, causing severe damage to economically important crops. It is hypothesized that BBWV2 RNA2 possesses two alternative in-frame translation initiation codons, resulting in the production of two largely overlapping proteins, VP53 and VP37. In this study, we aim to investigate the expression and function of VP53, an N-terminally 128-amino-acid-extended form of the viral movement protein VP37, during BBWV2 infection. By engineering various recombinant and mutant constructs of BBWV2 RNA2, here we demonstrate that VP53 is indeed expressed during BBWV2 infection. We also provide evidence of the translation of the two overlapping proteins through ribosomal leaky scanning. Furthermore, our study highlights the indispensability of VP53 for successful systemic infection of BBWV2, as its removal results in the loss of virus infectivity. These insights into the translation mechanism and functional role of VP53 during BBWV2 infection significantly contribute to our understanding of the infection mechanisms employed by fabaviruses.

Integrated Identification and Genetic Diversity of Potentially Invasive Clearwing Moths (Lepidoptera: Cossoidea: Sesiidae) in Korea.

The populations of clearwing moth borers in Korea have recently caused extensive and severe damage to pin oaks (Quercus palustris Munchh.). We conducted field monitoring and molecular analyses to identify them in an integrated manner. Morphological examination and molecular analyses of the COI gene, based on intra- and interspecific genetic divergences (GDs), revealed that the borers were identified as two invasive species, Sphecodoptera sheni and Paranthrenella pinoakula sp. nov. The maximum intraspecific GD was found to be 1.9%, whereas the minimum interspecific GD was confirmed as 8.1%, indicating a distinct barcoding gap. Both the MJ network and NJ tree also showed that 18 haplotypes (Hs) were detected from the 52 COI sequences. The borers revealed a total of 17 Hs: (i) H1-H7 were detected in all seven regions with S. sheni; (ii) Wonju and Goyang populations of S. sheni revealed more than three Hs; (iii) H7 was closely connected with H8 of the Chinese population of S. sheni; (iv) H9-H10 were detected in other samples from the Wonju population with P. pinoakula sp. n. and were closely located with congeneric species. A maximum likelihood tree also revealed that P. pinoacula sp. n. nested within the congeneric species, genetically separating from S. sheni.

Educational effects of and satisfaction with mixed-reality-based major trauma care simulator: A preliminary evaluation.

Mixed reality (MR) is a hybrid system that projects virtual elements into reality. MR technology provides immersive learning using various real-world tools. However, studies on educational programs using MR are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the educational effects of and satisfaction with an MR-based trauma decision-making simulator. A total 40 of trainees self-selected to participate in this study. All of them participated in the MR trauma simulator for approximately 30 minutes and conducted voluntary learning without any external help. Declarative knowledge, measured using 20 multiple-choice questions, was assessed before and after MR trauma training. To confirm the educational effect, test scores before and after MR trauma training were compared using a paired t-test. Student satisfaction after training was measured using a ten-item questionnaire rated on a five-point Likert scale. A pretest-posttest comparison yielded a significant increase in declarative knowledge. The percentage of correct answers to multiple choice questions increased (from a mean of 42.3, SD 12.4-54.8, SD 13) after the MR-based trauma assessment and treatment training (P < .001). Of the participants, 79.45% were satisfied with the overall experience of using the MR simulator. This study demonstrated a meaningful educational effect of the MR-based trauma training system even after a short training time.

Effect of combined administration of Acyl-CoA: Cholesterol acyltransferase 1 inhibitor and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist on a rodent model of diet-induced obesity.

A glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) semaglutide was approved for the treatment of obesity by the Food and Drug Administration. However, it can cause gastrointestinal events at high doses, limiting its broader use. Combining drugs with multiple mechanisms of action could enhance the weight-reducing effects while minimizing side effects. To this end, we investigated the combined effects of semaglutide and avasimibe, an acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1) inhibitor, on weight reduction in diet-induced obesity mice. Two cohorts of mice were used: In cohort 1, mice were fed a high-fat (HF) diet for 12 weeks and then randomly assigned to the vehicle, avasimibe [10 mg/kg body weight (BW)], semaglutide (0.4 mg/kg BW), or combination groups. The drugs were administered via subcutaneous (sc) injections on a daily basis. In cohort 2, mice were fed an HF diet for 8 weeks and randomly assigned to the same four groups, but avasimibe was administered at a dose of 20 mg/kg BW, and the drugs were administered every 3 days. In cohort 1, semaglutide initially reduced food intake initially, but this effect was diminished with prolonged administration. Avasimibe, on the other hand, did not affect food intake but prevented weight gain to a lesser extent than semaglutide. Importantly, the combination treatment resulted in the greatest percentage of body weight reduction, along with lower plasma glucose and leptin levels compared to the semaglutide single-treatment group. Cohort 2 confirmed that the superior weight loss in the combination group compared to the other three groups was largely due to a significant reduction in fat mass. Histological analysis of inguinal adipose tissue showed smaller adipocyte size across all treatment groups compared to the vehicle group, with no significant differences among the treatment groups. Collectively, these findings suggest combining semaglutide and avasimibe could be an effective approach to weight management.

A multimodal screening system for elderly neurological diseases based on deep learning.

In this paper, we propose a deep-learning-based algorithm for screening neurological diseases. We proposed various examination protocols for screening neurological diseases and collected data by video-recording persons performing these protocols. We converted video data into human landmarks that capture action information with a much smaller data dimension. We also used voice data which are also effective indicators of neurological disorders. We designed a subnetwork for each protocol to extract features from landmarks or voice and a feature aggregator that combines all the information extracted from the protocols to make a final decision. Multitask learning was applied to screen two neurological diseases. To capture meaningful information about these human landmarks and voices, we applied various pre-trained models to extract preliminary features. The spatiotemporal characteristics of landmarks are extracted using a pre-trained graph neural network, and voice features are extracted using a pre-trained time-delay neural network. These extracted high-level features are then passed onto the subnetworks and an additional feature aggregator that are simultaneously trained. We also used various data augmentation techniques to overcome the shortage of data. Using a frame-length staticizer that considers the characteristics of the data, we can capture momentary tremors without wasting information. Finally, we examine the effectiveness of different protocols and different modalities (different body parts and voice) through extensive experiments. The proposed method achieves AUC scores of 0.802 for stroke and 0.780 for Parkinson's disease, which is effective for a screening system.

Neuromedin U contributes to radiation resistance in colorectal cancer via YAP/TAZ signaling activation.

Resistance to radiation therapy remains a treatment obstacle for patients with high­risk colorectal cancer. Neuromedin U (NMU) has been identified as a potential predictor of the response to radiation therapy by RNA sequencing analysis of colorectal cancer tissues obtained from patients. However, the role of NMU in colorectal cancer remains unknown. In order to investigate role of NMU in colorectal cancer, NMU expression was regulated using small interfering RNA or an NMU­expression pCMV3 vector, and cell counting, wound­healing and clonogenic assays were subsequently performed. NMU knockdown decreased colorectal cancer cell proliferation and migration, and sensitized the cells to radiation. Conversely, NMU overexpression increased radiation resistance, proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, by western blotting and nuclear fractionation experiments, NMU knockdown inhibited the nuclear translocation of yes­associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co­activator with PDZ­binding motif (TAZ), resulting from the phosphorylation of these proteins. By contrast, the nuclear translocation of YAP and TAZ was increased following NMU overexpression in colorectal cancer cells. Recombinant NMU regulated YAP and TAZ activity, and the expression of the YAP and TAZ transcriptional target genes AXL, connective tissue growth factor and cysteine­rich angiogenic inducer 61 in an NMU receptor 1 activity­dependent manner. These results suggested that NMU may contribute to the acquisition of radioresistance in colorectal cancer by enhancing the Hippo signaling pathway via YAP and TAZ activation.

Shark teeth zinc isotope values document intrapopulation foraging differences related to ontogeny and sex.

Trophic ecology and resource use are challenging to discern in migratory marine species, including sharks. However, effective management and conservation strategies depend on understanding these life history details. Here we investigate whether dental enameloid zinc isotope (δ66Znen) values can be used to infer intrapopulation differences in foraging ecology by comparing δ66Znen with same-tooth collagen carbon and nitrogen (δ13Ccoll, δ15Ncoll) values from critically endangered sand tiger sharks (Carcharias taurus) from Delaware Bay (USA). We document ontogeny and sex-related isotopic differences indicating distinct diet and habitat use at the time of tooth formation. Adult females have the most distinct isotopic niche, likely feeding on higher trophic level prey in a distinct habitat. This multi-proxy approach characterises an animal's isotopic niche in greater detail than traditional isotope analysis alone and shows that δ66Znen analysis can highlight intrapopulation dietary variability thereby informing conservation management and, due to good δ66Znen fossil tooth preservation, palaeoecological reconstructions.

Evaluation of the Potential for Improvement of Clinical Outcomes in Trauma Patients with Massive Hemorrhage by Maintaining a High Plasma-to-Red Blood Cell Ratio during the First Hour of Hospitalization.

Several reports indicate that early plasma transfusion may promote survival and reduce the incidence of traumatic coagulopathy in situations of massive bleeding. Consequently, it is recommended to maintain a plasma and RBC transfusion ratio between 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 at the start of admission. This retrospective study examined the effect of an early high plasma : RBC ratio on mortality rates by adopting a massive transfusion protocol (MTP) that forced an early and rapid issue of plasma products. Patients who received massive transfusions at a single trauma center between January 2014 and May 2020 were included in the study. A new protocol was established in January 2020, wherein a fixed amount of plasma was issued following MTP activation. Patients who underwent massive transfusions before and after the adoption of the new protocol were compared. In total, 1059 patients met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-one patients who underwent MTP were propensity score-matched with the patients who received a nonprotocolized massive transfusion. The MTP group had a higher plasma : RBC ratio at 1 h (0.8 vs. 0.2) and 4 h of hospitalization (1.1 vs. 0.6), with no significant between-group difference in the plasma : RBC ratio at 24 h of hospitalization. The MTP group had a lower 24 h mortality rate than the control group. There was no significant difference in the 30-day mortality. Using MTP to achieve a high plasma : RBC ratio in the early period of hospitalization appeared to affect 24-hour mortality; however, 30-day mortality did not change.

Endothermic physiology of extinct megatooth sharks.

The evolution of the extinct megatooth shark, Otodus megalodon, and its close phylogenetic relatives remains enigmatic. A central question persists regarding the thermophysiological origins of these large predatory sharks through geologic time, including whether O. megalodon was ectothermic or endothermic (including regional endothermy), and whether its thermophysiology could help to explain the iconic shark's gigantism and eventual demise during the Pliocene. To address these uncertainties, we present unique geochemical evidence for thermoregulation in O. megalodon from both clumped isotope paleothermometry and phosphate oxygen isotopes. Our results show that O. megalodon had an overall warmer body temperature compared with its ambient environment and other coexisting shark species, providing quantitative and experimental support for recent biophysical modeling studies that suggest endothermy was one of the key drivers for gigantism in O. megalodon and other lamniform sharks. The gigantic body size with high metabolic costs of having high body temperatures may have contributed to the vulnerability of Otodus species to extinction when compared to other sympatric sharks that survived the Pliocene epoch.

Trauma system establishment and outcome improvement: a retrospective national cohort study in South Korea.

BACKGROUND: Trauma is a major cause of mortality, disability, and health care costs worldwide. The establishment of a trauma system is known to solve these problems, but few studies have objectively evaluated the impact of a trauma system on outcomes. Since 2012, South Korea has established a national trauma system based on the implementation of 17 regional trauma centers nationwide and the improvement of the prehospital transfer system. This study aimed to measure the changes in performance and outcome according to the established national trauma system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this national cohort-based, retrospective follow-up observational study, the authors calculated the preventable trauma death rate (PTDR) by conducting a multipanel review of patients who died in 2015, 2017, and 2019. Furthermore, the authors constructed a risk-adjusted mortality prediction model of 4 767 876 patients between 2015 and 2019 using the extended-International Classification of Disease Injury Severity Scores to compare outcomes. RESULTS: The PTDR was lower in 2019 than in 2015 (15.7 vs. 30.5, P <0.001) and 2017 (15.7 vs. 19.9%, P <0.001) representing 1247 additional lives saved in 2019 compared to that in 2015. In the risk-adjusted model, total trauma mortality was highest in 2015 at 0.56%, followed by that in 2016 and 2017 (0.50%), 2018 (0.51%), and 2019 (0.48%), revealing a significant decrease in mortality over the years ( P <0.001 for trend), representing nearly 800 additional lives saved. The number of deaths for more severe patients with a probability of survival less than 0.25 significantly decreased from 81.50% in 2015 to 66.17% in 2019 ( P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The authors observed a significant reduction in the PTDR and risk-adjusted trauma mortality in the 5-year follow-up since 2015 when the national trauma system was established. These findings could serve as a model for low-income and middle-income countries, where trauma systems are not yet established.

Ketamine versus etomidate for rapid sequence intubation in patients with trauma: a retrospective study in a level 1 trauma center in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Ketamine and etomidate are commonly used as sedatives in rapid sequence intubation (RSI). However, there is no consensus on which agent should be favored when treating patients with trauma. This study aimed to compare the effects of ketamine and etomidate on first-pass success and outcomes of patients with trauma after RSI-facilitated emergency intubation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 944 patients who underwent endotracheal intubation in a trauma bay at a Korean level 1 trauma center between January 2019 and December 2021. Outcomes were compared between the ketamine and etomidate groups after propensity score matching to balance the overall distribution between the two groups. RESULTS: In total, 620 patients were included in the analysis, of which 118 (19.9%) were administered ketamine and the remaining 502 (80.1%) were treated with etomidate. Patients in the ketamine group showed a significantly faster initial heart rate (105.0 ± 25.7 vs. 97.7 ± 23.6, p = 0.003), were more hypotensive (114.2 ± 32.8 mmHg vs. 139.3 ± 34.4 mmHg, p < 0.001), and had higher Glasgow Coma Scale (9.1 ± 4.0 vs. 8.2 ± 4.0, p = 0.031) and Injury Severity Score (32.5 ± 16.3 vs. 27.0 ± 13.3, p < 0.001) than those in the etomidate group. There were no significant differences in the first-pass success rate (90.7% vs. 90.1%, p > 0.999), final mortality (16.1% vs. 20.6, p = 0.348), length of stay in the intensive care unit (days) (8 [4, 15] (Interquartile range)), vs. 10 [4, 21], p = 0.998), ventilator days (4 [2, 10] vs. 5 [2, 13], p = 0.735), and hospital stay (days) (24.5 [10.25, 38.5] vs. 22 [8, 40], p = 0.322) in the 1:3 propensity score matching analysis. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective study of trauma resuscitation, those receiving intubation with ketamine had greater hemodynamic instability than those receiving etomidate. However, there was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between patients sedated with ketamine and those treated with etomidate.

Revisiting the phylogeny of the family Miridae (Heteroptera: Cimicomorpha), with updated insights into its origin and life history evolution.

Heteroptera is one of the most successfully adapted groups on Earth and can be observed in almost every environment. Within the evolution of heteropteran insects, Miridae show remarkable diversity (>11,700 spp.), accounting for a quarter of all Heteroptera. However, their phylogeny is still unclear, and no plausible theory for the driving force of their diversification has been established. In this work, we provide new suggestions for the phylogeny of Miridae using a larger dataset than previous studies. In addition, we suggest an alternative evolutionary history based on newly calibrated divergence dates for Miridae and its subordinate groups, and present probable factors of the family's success in terms of species diversity. The entire dataset comprises 16 outgroups and 188 ingroup taxa including all seven known subfamilies and 37 out of 45 known tribes. Each species is aligned as 3,577 bp with six molecular loci (COI, 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA D3 region, H2A, and H3A). Among the molecular markers, we are the first to test histone genes (H2A, H3A) in Miridae. Our results raise the following points about phylogenetic relationships: i) The earliest group to diverge from Miridae was Monaloniini (Bryocorinae). ii) Bryocorinae and Cylapinae are polyphyletic, Deraeocorinae and Orthotylinae also rendered as non-monophyletic group. iii) Termatophylini and Coridromiini separated from Deraeocorinae and Orthotylinae respectively. iv) Four large tribes, Orthotylini, Phylini, Deraeocorini and Mirini are non-monophyletic. The results from our ancestral state reconstruction and divergence date estimation suggest the following: i) Miridae first diverged during the Late Jurassic (approx. 163.4 Mya), and the divergence dates of most subfamilies and tribes overlap with angiosperm radiation, which perhaps synergized their diversification. ii) Ancestral reconstruction results for Miridae reveal it to be predominantly phytophagous and diverge to oligophagy mainly in plant-tissue habitats, which could have allowed the mirids to select optimal tactics as plant-dwellers. iii) The common ancestor of Miridae originated among plant-dwellers mainly on Eudicots, and that tendency was largely maintained, but sporadic host shifts also occurred.

The care cascade for hepatitis C virus and prognosis of chronic hepatitis C patients treated with antiviral agents in a tertiary hospital.

BACKGROUND: Some studies have analyzed the frequency of HCV RNA testing and actual treatment among anti-HCV positive patients in Korea, which has a low prevalence of HCV infection. This study aimed to analyze the diagnosis process, treatment results, and prognosis according to care cascade in patients who are anti-HCV positive. METHODS: Three thousand two hundred fifty-three anti-HCV positive patients presented to a tertiary hospital between January 2005 and December 2020. The number of patients who underwent HCV RNA testing, treatment, and proportion of sustained virologic response (SVR) according to the type of antivirals was investigated. We investigated the cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis. RESULTS: Of a total of 3,253 people, 1,177 (36.2%) underwent HCV RNA testing and 858 (72.9%) were positive for HCV RNA. 494 (57.6%) of HCV RNA positive patients received antiviral treatment, and 443 (89.7%) of initiated hepatitis C treatment experienced SVR. Of the 421 treated patients, 16 (14.2%) developed HCC. The cumulative incidence of HCC at 15 years was significantly different according to the presence of liver cirrhosis (10/83, 29.5% vs. 6/338, 10.8%, p < 0.001). The cumulative incidences of HCC or liver cirrhosis did not show significant differences according to the presence of SVR12 (14/388, 13.2% vs. 2/33, 52.5%, p = 0.084, 21/319, 15.0%, vs. 3/22, 28.7%, p = 0.051). CONCLUSIONS: Owing to the introduction of direct-acting antivirals, high SVR12 was achieved, but the proportion of anti-HCV positive patients who received HCV RNA testing and treatment was not high. HCC surveillance after SVR12 is recommended for chronic hepatitis C patients with cirrhosis.

Intraguild predation is increased in areas of low prey diversity in a generalist predator community.

Niche differentiation and intraguild predation (IGP) can allow ecologically similar species to coexist, although it is unclear which coexistence mechanism predominates in consumer communities. Until now, a limited ability to quantify diets from metabarcoding data has precluded the use of sequencing data to determine the relative importance of these mechanisms. Here, we pair a recent metabarcoding quantification approach with stable isotope analysis to examine diet composition in a wolf spider community. We compare the prevalence of resource partitioning and IGP in these spiders and test whether factors that influence foraging performance, including individual identity, morphology, prey community and environmental conditions, can explain variation in diet composition and IGP. Extensive IGP is likely the primary coexistence mechanism in this community, and other factors to which foraging variation is often attributed do not explain diet composition and IGP here. Rather, IGP increases as prey diversity decreases. Foragers are driven to IGP where resource niches are limited. We highlight the need to examine how drivers of predator-prey interaction strengths translate into foraging in natural systems.