Stage Invasion Research Articles

Comparison of survival and complications between minimally invasive and open staging surgeries in non-endometrioid endometrial cancer

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare survival and complications between minimally invasive surgery and open surgery and evaluate related risk factors in patients with non-endometrioid endometrial cancer. MethodsClinicopathologic characteristics; survival outcomes; complications; and prognostic factors associated with progression-free survival and overall survival were compared among patients with non-endometrioid endometrial cancer who underwent primary staging surgery using laparoscopic, robotic, or open abdominal surgery (2004–2017). ResultsIn total, 91 patients were included: 41 and 50 underwent minimally invasive surgery and open surgery, respectively. The minimally invasive surgery and open surgery groups showed similar progression-free survival (5-year progression-free survival rate, 58.7 % vs. 58.5 %; P = .925) and overall survival (5-year overall survival rate, 73.6 % vs. 80.3 %; P = .834). Intraoperative (7.2 % vs. 6.0 %; P = .111) and postoperative surgical complications (14.6 % vs. 26.0 %; P = .165) were similar between the groups. However, blood loss was lower (mean, 305.1 vs. 561.2 ml, P < .001) and hospital stay was shorter (mean, 8.2 vs. 15.4 days, P < .001) in the minimally invasive surgery group. Using multivariate analysis, lymphovascular space invasion was identified as poor prognostic factor for progression-free survival (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 3.054; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.521–6.132; P = .002) and overall survival (adjusted HR, 3.918; 95 % CI, 1.455–10.551; P = .007), whereas age ≥ 60 years was poor prognostic factor for only overall survival (adjusted HR, 5.0953; 95 % CI, 1.660–15.378; P = .004). ConclusionsSurgical outcomes did not differ between the minimally invasive and open surgery group in patients with non-endometrioid endometrial cancer. Lymphovascular space invasion was a significant survival factor in this context.

Propagule pressure from historic U.S. plant sales explains establishment but not invasion.

Introduction history, including propagule pressure and residence time, has been proposed as a primary driver of biological invasions. However, it is unclear whether introduction history increases the likelihood that a species will be invasive or only the likelihood that it will be established. Using a dataset of non-native species historically available as ornamental plants in the conterminous United States, we investigated how introduction history relates to these stages of invasion. Introduction history was highly significant and a strong predictor of establishment, but only marginally significant and a poor predictor of invasive success. Propagule pressure predicted establishment better than residence time, with species likely to be established if they were introduced to only eight locations. These findings suggest that ongoing plant introductions will lead to widespread establishment but may not directly increase invasive success. Instead, other characteristics, like plant traits and local scale processes, may better predict whether a species becomes invasive.

What Does N2 Lymph Node Involvement Mean for Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)?-A Review of Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment.

Patients with stage III NSCLC with N2 lymph node involvement carry a complex and diverse disease entity. Challenges persist in the areas of diagnosis, staging, multimodal management, and the determination of surgical indications and resectability criteria. Therefore, this review focuses on the latest updates in N2 disease staging and its prognostic and treatment implications. Emphasis is placed on the importance of accurate staging using imaging modalities such as [18F]FDG-PET/CT as well as minimally invasive mediastinal staging endoscopic techniques. The evolving role of surgery in the management of N2 disease is also explored. The benefits of neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatments have been demonstrated, along with the efficacy of a combined multimodal approach with chemo-immunotherapy in the perioperative setting, reigniting the debate of N2 disease subsets and optimal treatment options. Furthermore, this review addresses the controversies surrounding surgical approaches in upfront "borderline" resectable stage III NSCLC as well as the benefits of combined chemoradiotherapy with consolidation immunotherapy for patients with unresectable tumors. In conclusion, personalized diagnostic and treatment approaches tailored to individual patient characteristics, resource availability, and institutional expertise are essential for optimizing outcomes in patients with stage III-N2 NSCLC.

Use of indocyanine green dye for sentinel lymph node mapping in patients with endometrial cancer and a history of iodinated contrast allergy

ObjectivesSentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping is a surgical technique with high accuracy in detecting metastases while limiting morbidity associated with full lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer. Cervical injection of indocyanine green (ICG) dye is associated with very high SLN detection rates; however, iodinated contrast allergy has traditionally been viewed as a contraindication to ICG use. The objective of this study was to describe the use of ICG in a population of patients with iodinated contrast allergies undergoing surgical staging for endometrial cancer. MethodsIRB approval was obtained. All patients with clinically early-stage endometrial cancer who underwent minimally invasive surgical staging with SLN mapping with ICG at a single academic institution from 1/1/2017 to 12/31/2020 were identified retrospectively. Patients with reported iodinated contrast allergies prior to surgery were identified. Data were collected through electronic medical record review and compared using descriptive statistics. Results820 patients who underwent minimally invasive surgical staging with SLN mapping with ICG were identified, and 25 had documented iodinated contrast allergies. Documented reactions included rash/hives (n = 10, 40 %), anaphylaxis (n = 6, 24 %), shortness of breath (n = 5, 20 %), diarrhea (n = 1, 4 %), and not specified (n = 3, 12 %). A majority (24/25, 96 %) received 4 mg intravenous dexamethasone during induction of general anesthesia as per the institutional enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol. No patients experienced allergic reactions or other adverse events after ICG injection. ConclusionsNo patients in this cohort demonstrated an adverse reaction after ICG injection for SLN mapping. This study supports the reasonable safety of ICG in patients with contrast allergies, particularly when routine ERAS protocols containing dexamethasone are utilized.

Role of Multiparametric MRI in the Preoperative Evaluation of Endometrial Carcinoma: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is a major global concern in females throughout the world with increasing incidence in India. Hence, early detection and prompt intervention will reduce morbidity and mortality associated with it. Multiple studies showed a promising role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in the evaluation and early detection of the disease. In view of the paucity of such studies in the Indian population, we assessed the role of mpMRI in the evaluation of EC by utilizing a 3T MR scanner. Objectives To assess the efficacy of mpMRI in detecting myometrial invasion and locoregional staging in suspected or diagnosed cases of EC. Materials and methods Nineteen cases of EC with mpMRI were included in the study, and 15 of these underwent surgicopathological staging. The preoperative staging was done using the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2009 staging system based on mpMRI findings and compared with postoperative FIGO staging. All the data were compiled in a Microsoft Excel (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA) file and analyzed in Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 21.0; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY) using appropriate tools. Results In our study, EC was commonly seen in more than 50-year females with a predominant complaint being postmenopausal bleeding. EC most commonly appeared heterogeneously hyperintense on T2-weighted sequence (T2W) and areas of diffusion restriction on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in all cases. Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI (DCE-MRI) showed mild heterogeneous enhancement in all phases with better delineation of adjacent myometrial infiltration in the equilibrium phase. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters had significantly lower values in involved myometrium vis-a-vis uninvolved myometrium. A statistically significant correlation was seen between preoperative mpMRI FIGO staging utilizing T2W, DWI, DCE-MRI, and DTI with surgicopathological FIGO staging. Conclusion mpMRI, particularly T2W, DWI, DCE-MRI, and DTI, yields a significant correlation between MR imaging and histopathological findings in assessing myometrial infiltration and thereby could be helpful in preoperative staging and extent of lymph-nodal dissection.

Identification of Stage-Specific microRNAs that Govern the Early Stages of Sequential Oral Oncogenesis by Strategically Bridging Human Genetics with Epigenetics and Utilizing an Animal Model.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a highly prevalent and aggressive malignancy, with mortality rates reaching 60%, mainly due to its excessive diagnostic delay. MiRNAs, a class of crucial epigenetic gene-expression regulators, have emerged as potential diagnostic biomarkers, with >200 molecules exhibiting expressional dysregulation in OSCC. We had previously established an in silico methodology for the identification of the most disease-specific molecules by bridging genetics and epigenetics. Here, we identified the stage-specific miRNAs that govern the asymptomatic early stages of oral tumorigenesis by exploiting seed-matching and the reverse interplay between miRNA levels and their target genes' expression. Incorporating gene-expression data from our group's experimental hamster model of sequential oral oncogenesis, we bioinformatically detected the miRNAs that simultaneously target/regulate >75% of the genes that are characteristically upregulated or downregulated in the consecutive stages of hyperplasia, dysplasia, and early invasion, while exhibiting the opposite expressional dysregulation in OSCC-derived tissue and/or saliva specimens. We found that all stages share the downregulation of miR-34a-5p, miR124-3p, and miR-125b-5p, while miR-1-3p is under-expressed in dysplasia and early invasion. The malignant early-invasion stage is distinguished by the downregulation of miR-147a and the overexpression of miR-155-5p, miR-423-3p, and miR-34a-5p. The identification of stage-specific miRNAs may facilitate their utilization as biomarkers for presymptomatic OSCC diagnosis.

Cyclical comparison of succession of civilizations by Ibn Khaldun and Spingler

Civilization and history are two autonomous notions while there is an important correlation between them. We are not able to say anything on civilization without looking back at history. One can say civilization creates history and history rewrites civilization. It is the duty of history to explore and study civilization and the reason for their creation thoroughly. According to Spengler’s analysis the interpterion of civilization and history in his famous book (The decline of the West). He believes that the principal of history is civilizations. History is inconceivable in its true meaning, without civilization. He mentions that each civilization has its own figures. This philosopher believes that like all the other creatures civilization is born and alive and passes through all stage of live, youth, old ages and death. Which is a current role of history. Conversely, Ibn Khaldun considers that history is a science among the sciences, it has its own methods that the historical events can be clarified historically and each accident can be attributed to its actual intention. The historians must use different methods. They must have a critical idea. He believes that human society is developing just like an alive creature. Whenever a society becomes historic, another society takes its place. This cycle goes through several stages, migration stage, invasion stage and urban stage. Consequently, these theorists have an alive cycle analysis for the stages of civilization. They believe that as human beings civilization are born they grow and then they breakdown. Nonetheless, they have different opinions, Spengler claims that history isn’t a science. Conversely Ibn Khaldun has tried hard to identify history as a science. According to Ibn Khaldun, the nations are trying to improve life from migration to civilization. But then again according to Spengler the nations are basically belong to the civilization.

The Current Role of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) in the Diagnosis and Staging of Bladder Cancer: A Review of the Available Literature.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is an advanced imaging technique that integrates conventional US with the intravenous injection of specific US contrast agents (UCAs), combining the non-invasiveness of US with the higher accuracy of contrast-enhanced imaging. In contrast with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and cystoscopy, CEUS has few contraindications, and UCAs are non-nephrotoxic agents that can be safely used in patients with kidney failure. CEUS is a well-established method for the detection of liver lesions and for echocardiography, and its indications are expanding. The updated 2018 WFUMB-EFSUMB guidelines have added the urinary bladder under non-hepatic applications of CEUS. The technique is able to distinguish between benign tissue, such as clots or hematoma, and malignant lesions by perfusing the mass with contrast agent. Thanks to the different perfusion rates of the various layers of the bladder wall, CEUS is also able to predict tumor invasion depth and stage. Despite that, current urological guidelines do not include CEUS as a plausible imaging technique for bladder urothelial carcinoma. The main reason for this omission might be the presence of scarce randomized evidence and the absence of large validated series. In this review, we describe the rationale behind the use of CEUS in bladder cancer and the added value of this imaging technique in the detection and staging of bladder lesions. In addition, we researched the available literature on the topic and then described the results of randomized clinical trials and a meta-analysis investigating the accuracy of CEUS in bladder cancer diagnosis and staging. The reported studies show that CEUS is a highly accurate diagnostic and staging tool for BC, reaching levels of specificity and sensitivity in differentiating between Ta-T1, or low-grade BC, and T2, or high-grade BC, that are comparable to those shown by the reference standard methods. Nonetheless, several limitations were found and are highlighted in this review. The aim of this study is to further validate and promote the use of CEUS as a quick, economic and effective diagnostic tool for this high-impact disease.

Intratumoral high endothelial venules in solid tumors: a pooled study.

We performed this pooled analysis for the first time to comprehensively explore the prognostic value of tumor-associated high endothelial venules (TA-HEVs) and determine their relationships with clinicopathological features in solid tumors. Four online databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library, were comprehensively searched to identify studies assessing the effect of TA-HEVs on prognosis or clinicopathological features. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to evaluate survival outcomes, including overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS). The association between TA-HEV status and clinicopathological characteristics was assessed by odds ratios (ORs) combined with 95% CIs. Subgroup analysis was conducted to explore sources of heterogeneity. The sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the stability of our findings. Meanwhile, Funnel plots were employed to visually evaluate potential publication bias, and both Begg's and Egger's tests were adopted to quantitatively determine publication bias. A total of 13 retrospective cohort studies, involving 1,933 patients were finally included in this meta-analysis. Effect-size pooling analysis showed that the positivity of TA-HEVs was related to improved OS (pooled HR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.62-0.93, P<0.01), and DFS (pooled HR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.41-0.72, P< 0.01). However, TA-HEV positivity in solid tumors was not linked to PFS (pooled HR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.34-1.64, P = 0.47) or CSS (pooled HR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.04-7.58, P= 0.68). Further subgroup analysis demonstrated that ethnicity and source of HR were the main factors contributing to heterogeneity. Moreover, TA-HEVs were inversely associated with lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis, but were positively related to worse tumor differentiation. However, TA-HEVs were not significantly correlated with sex, LVI, clinical stage, and depth of invasion. Sensitivity analysis suggested that the pooled results were stable and reliable, with no significant publication bias in all included articles. This is the first comprehensive analysis of the prognostic value of TA-HEVs in solid tumors using existing literature. Overall, our study demonstrated a significant correlation between TA-HEVs and prognosis as well as clinicopathological features. TA-HEVs may serve as novel immune-related biomarkers for clinical assessments and prognosis prediction in solid tumors. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php, identifier CRD42023394998.

Identification and validation of a prognostic model based on four genes related to satellite nodules in hepatocellular carcinoma

Satellite nodules is a key clinical characteristic which has prognostic value of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Currently, there is no gene-level predictive model for Satellite nodules in liver cancer. For the 377 HCC cases collected from the dataset of Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), their original pathological data were analyzed to extract information regarding satellite nodules status as well as other relevant pathological data. Then, this study employed statistical modeling for prognostic model establishment in TCGA, and validation in International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) cohorts and GSE76427. Through rigorous statistical analyses, 253 differential satellite nodules-related genes (SNRGs) were identified, and four key genes related to satellite nodules and prognosis were selected to construct a prognostic model. The high-risk group predicted by our model exhibited an unfavorable overall survival (OS) outlook and demonstrated an association with adverse worse clinical characteristics such as larger tumor size, higher alpha-fetoprotein, microvascular invasion and advanced stage. Moreover, the validation of the model's prognostic value in the ICGC and GSE76427 cohorts mirrored that of the TCGA cohort. Besides, the high-risk group also showed higher levels of resting Dendritic cells, M0 macrophages infiltration, alongside decreased levels of CD8+ T cells and γδT cells infiltration. The prognostic model based on SNRGs can reliability predict the OS of HCC and is likely to have predictive value of immunotherapy for HCC.

Unveiling a potential threat to forest ecosystems: molecular diagnosis of Alliaria petiolata, a newly introduced alien plant in Korea.

Identifying stages of a species invasion in a new habitat (i.e., colonization, establishment, and landscape spread) and their primary determinants in biological invasion warrants attention, as it provides vital insights for preventing non-native species from becoming pervasive invaders. However, delineating invasion stages and their associated factors can pose significant challenges due to the ambiguous distinctions between these stages. Alliaria petiolata, one of the most noxious weeds in woodland habitats, has recently been introduced to Korea and observed in a few distant locations. Although the plant's spread has been relatively slow thus far, rapid spread is highly likely in the future, given the high invasive potential reported elsewhere. We indirectly diagnose the current status of A. petiolata invasion in Korea through the assessment of genetic diversity and phylogenetic inferences using genome-wide molecular markers and cytological data. We analyzed 86 individual samples collected from two native and six introduced populations, employing 1,172 SNPs. Our analysis estimated within- and among-population genetic diversity and included two clustering analyses. Furthermore, we investigated potential gene flow and reticulation events among the sampled populations. Our data unraveled that Korean garlic mustard exhibits a hexaploid ploidy level with two distinct chromosome numbers, 2n = 36 and 42. The extent of genetic diversity measured in Korean populations was comparable to that of native populations. Using genome-wide SNP data, we identified three distinct clusters with minor gene flow, while failing to detect indications of reticulation among Korean populations. Based on the multifaceted analyses, our study provides valuable insights into the colonization process and stressed the importance of closely monitoring A. petiolata populations in Korea.

Social networks, social determinants, and mortality: Western New York Exposures and Breast Cancer study.

There are few studies of social support and other social determinants of health after breast cancer diagnosis and their associations with mortality; results have been inconclusive. Further, it is not known if observed associations are specific to women with breast cancer diagnosis or if associations would be similar among healthy women. Women with incident, pathologically confirmed invasive breast cancer, stage I-IV (n = 1012), and healthy frequency age-matched participants (n = 2036) answered a social support questionnaire in prospective follow-up of a population-based case-control study, the Western New York Exposures and Breast Cancer Study. At interview, all participants were aged 35-79 years and resident of 2 counties in Western New York State. Mortality status was ascertained from the National Death Index. Participants were queried regarding the number of their close friends, frequency of seeing them, household size, household income, and marital status. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for breast cancer-specific mortality (breast cancer women only) and all-cause mortality were estimated. Lower household income was associated with higher all-cause mortality among women diagnosed with breast cancer (HR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.24 to 4.97) and similarly among the healthy women (HR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.25 to 5.53). Number and frequency of seeing friends, marital status, and household size were not associated with mortality, either among breast cancer patients or among healthy women. Among those diagnosed with breast cancer and healthy women, lower income was associated with more than twice the mortality. Marital status, household size, and number or frequency of meeting friends were not associated with survival.

Breast Cancer: Extracellular Matrix and Microbiome Interactions.

Breast cancer represents the most prevalent form of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among females worldwide. It has been reported that several risk factors contribute to the appearance and progression of this disease. Despite the advancements in breast cancer treatment, a significant portion of patients with distant metastases still experiences no cure. The extracellular matrix represents a potential target for enhanced serum biomarkers in breast cancer. Furthermore, extracellular matrix degradation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition constitute the primary stages of local invasion during tumorigenesis. Additionally, the microbiome has a potential influence on diverse physiological processes. It is emerging that microbial dysbiosis is a significant element in the development and progression of various cancers, including breast cancer. Thus, a better understanding of extracellular matrix and microbiome interactions could provide novel alternatives to breast cancer treatment and management. In this review, we summarize the current evidence regarding the intricate relationship between breast cancer with the extracellular matrix and the microbiome. We discuss the arising associations and future perspectives in this field.

KIF2A correlates with lymphovascular invasion and higher tumor stage, and can be used to predict worse prognosis in patients with endometrial carcinoma.

Kinesin family protein 2A (KIF2A) is a microtubule depolymerase that participates in the progression of various cancers; however, its clinical utility in endometrial carcinoma (EC) remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to assess KIF2A expression and its relationship with prognosis in patients with EC. Data from 230 patients with EC who underwent tumor resection were reviewed in the current, retrospective study. KIF2A expression was measured in 230 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens of tumor tissue and 50 FFPE specimens of non-tumor tissue using immunohistochemistry (IHC). KIF2A expression was elevated in EC tumor tissue vs. non-tumor tissue (P<0.001). Furthermore, tumor KIF2A expression was linked with lymphovascular invasion (P=0.004) and higher International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage (P=0.001). High tumor KIF2A expression (IHC score>3) was correlated with shorter disease-free survival (DFS; P=0.014) and overall survival (OS; P=0.012). Moreover, the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves revealed that tumor KIF2A expression had an acceptable use for estimating the relapse and death risks at each timepoint within 6 years, with each area under the curve remaining stable at ≥0.7. Notably, tumor KIF2A expression (high vs. low) independently forecast shorter DFS (hazard ratio, 2.506; P=0.013), but not OS (P>0.05). Furthermore, information from The Human Protein Atlas database indicated that high tumor KIF2A expression was associated with worse OS in patients with EC (P=0.027). Tumor KIF2A is not only associated with lymphovascular invasion and higher FIGO stage, but also reflects unfavorable survival in patients with EC.

Following in the footsteps of invasion: comparisons of founder and invasive genotypes of two independent invasions reveal site-specific demographic processes and no influence by landscape attributes on dispersal

To understand the success of invasive alien species, it is necessary to evaluate the site-specific eco-evolutionary challenges they face in their new environments. We explored whether the rearrangement of genetic diversity is linked to the invasiveness of Prosopis juliflora by (i) comparing different stages of invasion (founding vs invasive populations) in two invaded areas (Afar Region, Ethiopia and Baringo County, Kenya) to evaluate whether different stages are dominated by different genetic attributes (e.g., characteristic genotypes or levels of genetic diversity) and by (ii) evaluating if landscape features affected dispersal between invasive populations in the two invaded areas. We hypothesised that different invasion stages would have unique genetic characteristics due to either site-specific demographic and/or dispersal dynamics. We also compared the genetic characteristics at an ‘invasive–non-invasive congener’ level by studying the non-invasive P. pallida, introduced to Baringo County, and assessed whether it hybridises with P. juliflora. In the Afar Region, the establishment and spread of P. juliflora were characterised by extensive gene flow that homogenised genetic diversity across all populations. In contrast, in Baringo County, invasive populations had lower genetic diversity than founders, and genetic differentiation was lower between invasive populations than between invasive and founder populations. In both invaded areas, we found no evidence that dispersal was hampered by geographic distance, bioclimatic conditions, or distance to roads, rivers and villages, at least at the spatial scales of our study; indicating frequent long-distance dispersal. Allelic richness was higher in P. juliflora than P. pallida founders and hybrids were mainly planted trees probably resulting from the sympatric cultivation of the two species following their introduction. Thus, management actions on Prosopis invasion in eastern Africa should consider site-specific dynamics occurring during the invasion.

Analyzing the factors affecting virus invasion by quantitative single-particle analysis

ABSTRACT Viral diseases are among the main threats to public health. Understanding the factors affecting viral invasion is important for antiviral research. Until now, it was known that most viruses have very low plaque-forming unit (PFU)-to-particle ratios. However, further investigation is required to determine the underlying factors. Here, using quantitative single-particle analysis methods, the invasion of Semliki Forest virus (SFV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), and influenza A virus (IAV) containing attachment to the cell surface, entry into the cell, transport towards the cell interior, and fusion with endosomes to release nucleocapsids were quantitatively analysed in parallel. It was found that for SFV with an PFU-to-particle ratio of approximately 1:2, an entry efficiency of approximately 31% limited infection. For JEV, whose PFU-to-particle ratio was approximately 1:310, an attachment efficiency of approximately 27% and an entry efficiency of 10% were the main factors limiting its infection. Meanwhile, for IAV with PFU-to-particle ratios of 1:8100, 5% attachment efficiency, 9% entry efficiency, and 53% fusion efficiency significantly limited its infection. These results suggest that viruses with different infectivities have different limited steps in the invasion process. Moreover, there are significant differences in attachment efficiencies among viruses, emphasizing the pivotal role of attachment in viral invasion. The influence of the virus purification method on virus invasion was also investigated. This study, for the first time, reports the efficiencies of different stages of virus invasion, leading to a better understanding of virus invasion and providing a protocol to quantitatively analyse the virus invasion efficiency.

Morphological and Genetic Assessment of Invasive Corbicula Lineages in Southern South America: A Case Study in Argentina.

The broad global distribution of freshwater clams belonging to the genus Corbicula is driven by multiple hermaphroditic lineages. These lineages, characterized by shared morphological traits and phenotypic plasticity, pose challenges to morphological identification. Genetic markers, such as the mitochondrial COI gene, play a crucial role in delineating these lineages and their ranges. Morphotypes represent observed phenotypic variations, while lineages are defined based on genetic markers. Here, we comprehensively review Corbicula's distribution in Argentina, discriminate extant lineages based on both morphological and genetic (COI) data, and describe variations in internal and external morphologies using 15 Argentine populations. Genetic analyses identified two mitochondrial lineages: the AR morphotype (FW5 haplotype) and CS morphotype (FW17 haplotype). Strikingly, despite having similar vectors, origins, and invasive stages, Corbicula lineages exhibit virtually segregated distributions. However, mitochondrial haplotypes are found in sympatry mainly in northeastern Argentina where individuals with intermediate morphotypes exist, suggesting the presence of hybrids due to maternal genome retention. These findings contribute to the clarification of the identity and distribution of Corbicula lineages in Argentina, where the genus has been found for over half a century. Similar studies are needed in other areas to better understand the invasion patterns of this successful and adaptable group.

Can hair snares provide a reliable method for estimating abundance of an exotic ungulate?

Mitigating exotic species invasions requires reliable information on abundance and source-sink dynamics to evaluate effectiveness of control efforts. Despite being present in the southeastern United States for centuries, wild pigs (Sus scrofa) continue to invade new areas, including the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (NNWR) in Mississippi, a forested landscape with an emerging wild pig population. Considering the early stage of invasion, we designed and implemented a non-invasive hair sampling technique to estimate abundance and relatedness of wild pigs within the NNWR. Following 8-week sampling periods in 2021 (n = 160 samples) and 2022 (n = 159 samples), we identified 38 and 26 unique individuals, respectively, although recapture rates were too low to yield precise abundance estimates. We also identified low heterozygosity indicating high relatedness among our population which likely reflected lack of barrier features to gene flow and/or a limited number of external source populations. Finally, we observed positive trends in viable samples collected relative to sampling week, suggesting more optimal sampling period(s) may exist (e.g., autumn). We also acknowledge that use of grain in more accessible areas rather than our remote approach using scent-only attractants may increase hair snare attractiveness and wild pig encounters, while permitting increased sampling frequency. Collectively, these modifications (i.e., altered season, bait type, and access) provide viable pathways to increase precision for abundance estimates. When used concomitantly with ongoing monitoring and control efforts, non-invasive hair sampling will contribute to a more holistic understanding of this exotic species and better inform management actions.

Impacts and status of Invasion by Lantana camara in natural forests of an Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot region- A case study in Mizoram, India

Invasion by Lantana camara represent a major threat for biodiversity and ecosystems functioning on a global scale. In this study, we investigated the ecological impact of Lantana camara invasion in natural forests of Mizoram. The sampling plots were implemented within six sites spread across the state and Lantana camara invasion were investigated along altitudinal gradient. In addition to the associated floristic inventory, we gathered the socio-economic utilization data. The results revealed that Lantana camara invasion cause adverse effects where it may result into suppression of various native plant species of invaded communities. The floristic and phytosociological assessment from Lantana camara invaded natural forests revealed a total of 74 species belonging to 68 genera and 30 families. Herbs were the dominant habit (60%) followed by shrubs (26.67%) and climbers (13.33%). The most dominant family was represented by Asteraceae with 18 species belonging to 16 genera. The general plant species diversity, density, richness and importance value index were reduced by the invasion of Lantana camara. Hence, based on the associated species present in the invaded study areas, forest management activities may be followed for the sustainable control measures to eliminate the spread of the invasive Lantana camara. This study recommends the imperative nature of effective Lantana camara management, particularly during the initial stages of invasion.

Ten-Year Follow-Up of Lung Cancer Patients with Resected Stage IA Invasive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

The purpose of this study was to assess 10-year follow-up outcomes after surgical resection in patients with stage IA invasive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) based on postoperative pathological diagnosis. Patients with stage IA invasive NSCLC who underwent resection between December 2008 and December 2013 were reviewed. Patients were categorized into the pure-ground glass opacity (pGGO), mixed-ground glass opacity (mGGO), and solid groups based on consolidation to tumor ratio (CTR). Postoperative survival and risk of recurrence and developing secondary primary lung cancer were analyzed in each group. Among the 645 stage IA invasive NSCLC, the 10-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival rate was 79.38% and 77.44%, respectively. The 10-year overall survival for pGGO, mGGO, and solid group of patients was 95.08%, 86.21%, and 72.39%, respectively. The respective recurrence-free survival rate was 100%, 89.82%, and 65.83%. Multivariable Cox regression analysis associated tumor size and GGO components with recurrence and younger age, and tumors with GGO components were associated with longer overall survival. The cumulative incidence curve indicated no recurrence of GGO lung cancer ≥ 5 years postoperatively. Our cohort indicated that the number and stations of dissected lymph node did not influence long-term prognosis of IA invasive NSCLC. Recurrence of invasive stage IA NSCLC with GGO was more prevalent in patients with tumor size >1cm and CTR > 0.5, occurring within 5 years after surgery. This will provide important evidence for follow-up strategies in these patients.