DNA Methylation Biomarkers as Prediction Tools for Therapeutic Response and Prognosis in Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Introduction: Alfa-fetoprotein (AFP), as the main serum tumor marker of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is limited in terms of specificity and ability to predict outcomes. This study investigated the clinical utility of DNA methylation biomarkers to predict therapeutic responses and prognosis in intermediate-stage HCC.

Methods: This study enrolled 72 patients with intermediate-stage HCC who underwent locoregional therapy (LRT) between 2020 and 2021.

Spectral sensitivities and color signals in a polymorphic damselfly.

Animal communication relies on conspicuous signals and compatible signal perception abilities. Good signal perception abilities are particularly important for polymorphic animals where mate choice can be a challenge. Behavioral studies suggest that polymorphic damselflies use their varying body colorations and/or color patterns as communication signal for mate choice and to control mating frequencies.

Effects of the brown anole invasion and betelnut palm planting on arthropod diversity in southern Taiwan.

The brown anole ( Anolis sagrei ) occurs naturally in various localities in Central America, and an exotic invasive population was first reported in Sheishan District, Chiayi County, Taiwan, in 2000. Previous studies showed that following the invasion of A. sagrei , the diversity and abundance of local terrestrial arthropods, such as orb spiders and arboreal insects, were severely affected.