Invasion Status Research Articles

Lympho-vascular invasion in oral cavity cancers – A bridge between tumour biology and clinical outcomes

ObjectiveVarious histo-pathological prognostic factors have been identified in oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas (OCSCC). One such factor is the status of lympho-vascular invasion (LVI). We carried out this analysis to evaluate the association of LVI with other prognostic factors and the clinical outcomes. MethodsData of patients with OCSCC who underwent curative intent surgery from January-2017 to December-2019 at our institute were retrospectively evaluated. The association of LVI with various tumour-node related prognostic factors and its effect on overall and disease-free survival (OS, DFS) were analyzed. Resultsof the total 234 patients, 71 % (166) had Bucco-alveolar-complex primary. 62.8 % (147) had locoregionally advanced disease. 91.5 % (214) required adjuvant treatment.The LVI positivity was 77.4 %, 63.3 % in tumour size >3cm/<3 cm, 85 %, 59.7 % in depth of infiltration >1cm/<1 cm, 82.4 %, 57.6 % in T3-T4/T1-2, 91.9 %, 59.9 % in grade 3/others and 96.8 %, 13.8 % in perineural invasion present/absent, respectively (p < 0.05). In the presence of LVI, lymph node positivity was 60.6 %, N2–N3 were 41.9 % and extra-capsular extension was 26.9 % as compared to LVI negative – 5.4 %, 5.4 % and 4.1 % respectively (p < 0.05).With median follow up of 37.3 months, 2year OS and DFS were 76.6 % and 75.5 % respectively. The 2year OS and DFS for the LVI-positive group were 70.4 % and 69.3 % compared to 90.6 % and 89.3 % for LVI-negative (p = 0.00). Loco-regional and distal (any) recurrence was seen in 20.9 % (49) and 7.3 % (17), the same for LVI-positive was 25.6 % (41) and 10 % (16) compared to 10.8 % (8) and 1.4 % (1) for LVI-negative (p < 0.05). ConclusionIn oral cavity cancers, there is positive association of LVI with various tumour-node related prognostic factors and clinical outcomes.

Predicting preoperative muscle invasion status for bladder cancer using computed tomography-based radiomics nomogram

ObjectivesThe aim of the study is to assess the efficacy of the established computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics nomogram combined with radiomics and clinical features for predicting muscle invasion status in bladder cancer (BCa).MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted using data from patients who underwent CT urography at our institution between May 2018 and April 2023 with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder confirmed by postoperative histology. There were 196 patients enrolled in all, and each was randomized at random to either the training cohort (n = 137) or the test cohort (n = 59). Eight hundred fifty-one radiomics features in all were retrieved. For feature selection, the significance test and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) approaches were utilized. Subsequently, the radiomics score (Radscore) was obtained by applying linear weighting based on the selected features. The clinical and radiomics model, as well as radiomics-clinical nomogram were all established using logistic regression. Three models were evaluated using analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve. An area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) as well as specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value were included in the analysis. Radiomics-clinical nomogram’s performance was assessed based on discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility.ResultsAfter obtaining 851 radiomics features, 12 features were ultimately selected. Histopathological grading and tortuous blood vessels were included in the clinical model. The Radscore and clinical histopathology grading were among the final predictors in the unique nomogram. The three models had an AUC of 0.811 (95% CI, 0.742–0.880), 0.845 (95% CI, 0.781–0.908), and 0.896 (95% CI, 0.846–0.947) in the training cohort and in the test cohort they were 0.808 (95% CI, 0.703–0.913), 0.847 (95% CI, 0.739–0.954), and 0.887 (95% CI, 0.803–0.971). According to the DeLong test, the radiomics-clinical nomogram’s AUC in the training cohort substantially differed from that of the clinical model (AUC: 0.896 versus 0.845, p = 0.015) and the radiomics model (AUC: 0.896 versus 0.811, p = 0.002). The Delong test in the test cohort revealed no significant difference among the three models.ConclusionsCT-based radiomics-clinical nomogram can be a useful tool for quantitatively predicting the status of muscle invasion in BCa.

A new prediction nomogram of non-sentinel lymph node metastasis in cT1-2 breast cancer patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes

We aimed to analyze the risk factors and construct a new nomogram to predict non-sentinel lymph node (NSLN) metastasis for cT1-2 breast cancer patients with positivity after sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). A total of 830 breast cancer patients who underwent surgery between 2016 and 2021 at multi-center were included in the retrospective analysis. Patients were divided into training (n = 410), internal validation (n = 298), and external validation cohorts (n = 122) based on periods and centers. A nomogram-based prediction model for the risk of NSLN metastasis was constructed by incorporating independent predictors of NSLN metastasis identified through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses in the training cohort and then validated by validation cohorts. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the number of positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) (P < 0.001), the proportion of positive SLNs (P = 0.029), lymph-vascular invasion (P = 0.029), perineural invasion (P = 0.023), and estrogen receptor (ER) status (P = 0.034) were independent risk factors for NSLN metastasis. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) value of this model was 0.730 (95% CI 0.676–0.785) for the training, 0.701 (95% CI 0.630–0.773) for internal validation, and 0.813 (95% CI 0.734–0.891) for external validation cohorts. Decision curve analysis also showed that the model could be effectively applied in clinical practice. The proposed nomogram estimated the likelihood of positive NSLNs and assisted the surgeon in deciding whether to perform further axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and avoid non-essential ALND as well as postoperative complications.

EMMPRIN promotes spheroid organization and metastatic formation: comparison between monolayers and spheroids of CT26 colon carcinoma cells.

In vitro studies often use two-dimensional (2D) monolayers, but 3D cell organization, such as in spheroids, better mimics the complexity of solid tumors. To metastasize, cancer cells undergo the process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to become more invasive and pro-angiogenic, with expression of both epithelial and mesenchymal markers. We asked whether EMMPRIN/CD147 contributes to the formation of the 3D spheroid structure, and whether spheroids, which are often used to study proliferation and drug resistance, could better model the EMT process and the metastatic properties of cells, and improve our understanding of the role of EMMPRIN in them. We used the parental mouse CT26 colon carcinoma (CT26-WT) cells, and infected them with a lentivirus vector to knock down EMMPRIN expression (CT26-KD cells), or with an empty lentivirus vector (CT26-NC) that served as a negative control. In some cases, we repeated the experiments with the 4T1 or LLC cell lines. We compared the magnitude of change between CT26-KD and CT26-WT/NC cells in different metastatic properties in cells seeded as monolayers or as spheroids formed by the scaffold-free liquid overlay method. We show that reduced EMMPRIN expression changed the morphology of cells and their spatial organization in both 2D and 3D models. The 3D models more clearly demonstrated how reduced EMMPRIN expression inhibited proliferation and the angiogenic potential, while it enhanced drug resistance, invasiveness, and EMT status, and moreover it enhanced cell dormancy and prevented CT26-KD cells from forming metastatic-like lesions when seeded on basement membrane extract (BME). Most interestingly, this approach enabled us to identify that EMMPRIN and miR-146a-5p form a negative feedback loop, thus identifying a key mechanism for EMMPRIN activities. These results underline EMMPRIN role as a gatekeeper that prevents dormancy, and suggest that EMMPRIN links EMT characteristics to the process of spheroid formation. Thus, 3D models can help identify mechanisms by which EMMPRIN facilitates tumor and metastasis progression, which might render EMMPRIN as a promising target for anti-metastatic tumor therapy.

Ultrasound-Based Deep Learning Radiomics Nomogram for the Assessment of Lymphovascular Invasion in Invasive Breast Cancer: A Multicenter Study

Rationale and ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to develop a deep learning radiomics nomogram (DLRN) based on B-mode ultrasound (BMUS) and color doppler flow imaging (CDFI) images for preoperative assessment of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) status in invasive breast cancer (IBC). Materials and MethodsIn this multicenter, retrospective study, 832 pathologically confirmed IBC patients were recruited from eight hospitals. The samples were divided into training, internal test, and external test sets. Deep learning and handcrafted radiomics features reflecting tumor phenotypes on BMUS and CDFI images were extracted. The BMUS score and CDFI score were calculated after radiomics feature selection. Subsequently, a DLRN was developed based on the scores and independent clinic-ultrasonic risk variables. The performance of the DLRN was evaluated for calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness. ResultsThe DLRN predicted the LVI with accuracy, achieving an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.93 (95% CI 0.90-0.95), 0.91 (95% CI 0.87-0.95), and 0.91 (95% CI 0.86-0.94) in the training, internal test, and external test sets, respectively, with good calibration. The DLRN demonstrated superior performance compared to the clinical model and single scores across all three sets (p < 0.05). Decision curve analysis and clinical impact curve confirmed the clinical utility of the model. Furthermore, significant enhancements in net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) indicated that the two scores could serve as highly valuable biomarkers for assessing LVI. ConclusionThe DLRN exhibited strong predictive value for LVI in IBC, providing valuable information for individualized treatment decisions.

Novel milestones for early esophageal carcinoma: From bench to bed.

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the seventh most common cancer worldwide, and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) accounts for the majority of cases of EC. To effectively diagnose and treat ESCC and improve patient prognosis, timely diagnosis in the initial phase of the illness is necessary. This article offers a detailed summary of the latest advancements and emerging technologies in the timely identification of ECs. Molecular biology and epigenetics approaches involve the use of molecular mechanisms combined with fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), high-throughput sequencing technology (next-generation sequencing), and digital PCR technology to study endogenous or exogenous biomolecular changes in the human body and provide a decision-making basis for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of diseases. The investigation of the microbiome is a swiftly progressing area in human cancer research, and microorganisms with complex functions are potential components of the tumor microenvironment. The intratumoral microbiota was also found to be connected to tumor progression. The application of endoscopy as a crucial technique for the early identification of ESCC has been essential, and with ongoing advancements in technology, endoscopy has continuously improved. With the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the utilization of AI in the detection of gastrointestinal tumors has become increasingly prevalent. The implementation of AI can effectively resolve the discrepancies among observers, improve the detection rate, assist in predicting the depth of invasion and differentiation status, guide the pericancerous margins, and aid in a more accurate diagnosis of ESCC.

(631) - Invasive Mechanical Ventilation Status at 72 Hours May be a Pragmatic and Valid Early Outcome Associated with Post-Lung Transplant Survival

(631) - Invasive Mechanical Ventilation Status at 72 Hours May be a Pragmatic and Valid Early Outcome Associated with Post-Lung Transplant Survival

Deciphering the spatial landscape and plasticity of immunosuppressive fibroblasts in breast cancer

Although heterogeneity of FAP+ Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAF) has been described in breast cancer, their plasticity and spatial distribution remain poorly understood. Here, we analyze trajectory inference, deconvolute spatial transcriptomics at single-cell level and perform functional assays to generate a high-resolution integrated map of breast cancer (BC), with a focus on inflammatory and myofibroblastic (iCAF/myCAF) FAP+ CAF clusters. We identify 10 spatially-organized FAP+ CAF-related cellular niches, called EcoCellTypes, which are differentially localized within tumors. Consistent with their spatial organization, cancer cells drive the transition of detoxification-associated iCAF (Detox-iCAF) towards immunosuppressive extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing myCAF (ECM-myCAF) via a DPP4- and YAP-dependent mechanism. In turn, ECM-myCAF polarize TREM2+ macrophages, regulatory NK and T cells to induce immunosuppressive EcoCellTypes, while Detox-iCAF are associated with FOLR2+ macrophages in an immuno-protective EcoCellType. FAP+ CAF subpopulations accumulate differently according to the invasive BC status and predict invasive recurrence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which could help in identifying low-risk DCIS patients eligible for therapeutic de-escalation.

Machine learning based on optimal VOI of multi-sequence MR images to predict lymphovascular invasion in invasive breast cancer

ObjectivesLymphovascular invasion serves as a crucial prognostic indicator in invasive breast cancer, influencing treatment decisions. We aimed to develop a machine learning model utilizing optimal volumes of interest extracted from multisequence magnetic resonance images to predict lymphovascular invasion in patients with invasive breast cancer. Materials and methodsThis study comprised 191 patients postoperatively diagnosed with invasive breast cancer through multi-sequence magnetic resonance imaging. Independent predictors were identified through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, culminating in the construction of a clinical model. Radiomic features were extracted from multi-sequence magnetic resonance imaging images across various volume of interest scales (−2 mm, entire, +2 mm, +4 mm, and +6 mm). Subsequently, various radiomic models were developed using machine learning model algorithms, including logistic regression, support vector machine, k-nearest neighbor, gradient boosting machine, classification and regression tree, and random forest. A hybrid model was then formulated, amalgamating optimal radiomic and clinical models. ResultsThe area under the curve of the clinical model was 0.757. Among the radiomic models, the most efficient diagnosis was achieved by the k-nearest neighbor-based radiomics-volume of interest (+2 mm), resulting in an area under the curve of 0.780. The hybrid model, integrating the k-nearest neighbor-based radiomics-volume of interest (+2 mm), and the clinical model surpassed the individual clinical and radiomics models, exhibiting a superior area under the curve of 0.864. ConclusionUtilizing a hybrid approach integrating clinical data and multi-sequence magnetic resonance imaging-derived radiomics models based on the multiscale tumor region volume of interest (+2 mm) proved effective in determining lymphovascular invasion status in patients with invasive breast cancer. This innovative methodology may offer valuable insights for treatment planning and disease management.

An insight into immunohistochemical profile of triple negative breast carcinoma in a tertiary care center

Introduction: Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer that fails to express Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR) and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) in Immunohistochemical analysis. TNBC has a unique molecular profile, aggressive nature and lack of efficient targeted therapies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of basal markers like Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Cytokeratin 5/6 (CK 5/6) and to correlate their expression with the clinico-pathological parameters, thus enabling the identification of the aggressive basal like phenotype of TNBC in resource-constrained settings. Methodology: The study was conducted at a South Indian tertiary care centre for 2 years. Data such as age of presentation, tumour measurements, margins and necrosis, numbers, levels and sizes of lymph nodes were collected. Data on histological type and grade, in situ component, lymphovascular and perineural invasion, stromal reaction and lymph node status were recorded. Primary Immunohistochemical studies were performed for the markers ER,PR and HER2.Patients with negative expression for all the three markers were identified. IHC studies for EGFR and Cytokeratin 5/6(CK5/6) were done on tissue blocks and the expression of these two markers were equated with the clinico-pathological parameters. Results: Among the 94 cases, 44 cases (46.8%) expressed CK5/6 and 46 (48.9%) expressed EGFR. A plausible association was noted between the expression of the two markers with age of the patient, tumour size, histological grade and tumour necrosis. Conclusion: Combination of the time honoured gross and histopathological examinations along with the application of basal markers like CK 5/6 and EGFR, helps in identifying the basal-like phenotype with dismal clinical outcome among the triple-negative breast cancers in resource-constrained settings. An insight into such an aggressive tumour, provided by these markers may be critical in designing personalized treatment strategies for such patients.

Abstract 961: Detection of minimal residual disease in lymph predicts recurrence in HPV-negative head and neck cancer patients

Abstract Background: Locoregional cancer relapse remains a major cause of failure in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), particularly for HPV-negative patients whose 2-year locoregional failure rate is up to 50%. There is unmet need for an accurate diagnostic test that predicts risk of recurrence prior to adjuvant therapy selection. We present a novel proximal assay for minimal residual disease (MRD) profiled in lymphatic exudate collected via surgical drains (“lymph”). Methods: Lymph, plasma, and blood were collected from 46 HPV-negative HNSCC patients postoperatively at 24 hours along with resected tumor. Cell-free DNA was extracted from lymph and plasma and sequenced using the TruSeq Oncology 500 panel to a depth of &amp;gt;100 million reads. Somatic mutations were identified by exome sequencing (200x) tumor and blood. Five patients had &amp;lt;2 mutations in tumor and were excluded. Two patients were censored due to lack of clinical data, yielding 18 patients with disease recurrence (REC) and 21 with no evidence of disease (NED) with &amp;gt;1 year of follow-up. Tumor-specific variants were force-called in lymph and plasma using a custom pipeline. Patients were considered MRD positive if the mean variant allele fraction (mVAF) was greater than 0.015% (the estimated limit of detection). The Kaplan-Meier (KM) estimator with log-rank test and Cox proportional-hazards model were used for survival analyses. Logistic regression model was performed with 5-fold cross-validation. Results: KM survival analyses showed lymph accurately predicts recurrence (sensitivity (SN) = 78%, specificity (SP) = 67%; p = 0.003, Hazard ratio (HR) = 4.7), while plasma was not significant (p = 0.92) at this postoperative timepoint. Performance was enhanced for locoregional relapse (SN = 92%, SP = 67%; p = 0.001, HR = 13.9. N=33). We also observed accurate recurrence prediction (SN = 83%, SP = 69%, p = 0.03, HR = 7.7) in the 19 N0 patients (node-negative by pathology). Lymph MRD outperformed individual pathology features (extranodal extension, perineural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and nodal disease status) for recurrence prediction (HR = 3.4, 0.88, 2.5, 2.4, respectively). A logistic regression model combining lymph MRD with these 4 high-risk pathologic features showed superior performance over lymph alone or pathology alone (SN = 89%, SP = 67%; p = 0.0007, HR = 8.6). Conclusions: ctDNA analysis of lymph from surgical drains represents a novel proximal MRD approach in HPV-negative HNSCC. Postoperative lymph significantly outperforms plasma for prediction of recurrence, particularly in patients with locoregional relapse. Accurate MRD identification in patients with lower risk pathologic features suggests that lymph MRD testing has potential to augment traditional pathology and provide more personalized adjuvant treatment decision-making in patients with HPV-negative HNSCC. Citation Format: Wendy Winckler, Zhuosheng Gu, Damion Whitfield, Noah Earland, Adam Harmon, Megan Long, Peter Harris, Zhongping Xu, Ricardo Ramirez, Sophie Gerndt, Maciej Pacula, Marra S. Francis, Jose P. Zevallos, Aadel A. Chaudhuri. Detection of minimal residual disease in lymph predicts recurrence in HPV-negative head and neck cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 961.

Heat-killed Prevotella intermedia promotes the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma by inhibiting the expression of tumor suppressors and affecting the tumor microenvironment

BackgroundOral microbial dysbiosis contributes to the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Our previous study showed that Prevotella intermedia (P. intermedia) were enriched in the oral mucosal surface, plaque, and saliva of patients with OSCC. Intratumoral microbiome could reshape the immune system and influence the development of various tumors. However, the invasion status of human OSCC tissues by P. intermedia and the pathway through which intratumoral P. intermedia potentiates tumor progression remain unexplored.MethodsP. intermedia in human OSCC or normal tissues was detected by FISH. A mouse OSCC cell line SCC7 was adopted to investigate the effects of heat-killed P. intermedia treatment on cell proliferation, invasion, and cytokine release by using CCK-8 assay, transwell invasion assay and ELISA. Moreover, we established a mouse transplanted tumor model by using SCC7 cells, injected heat-killed P. intermedia into tumor tissues, and investigated the effects of heat-killed P. intermedia on tumor growth, invasion, cytokine levels, immune cell infiltrations, and expression levels by using gross observation, H&E staining, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, mRNA sequencing, and transcriptomic analysis.ResultsOur results indicated that P. intermedia were abundant in OSCC and surrounding muscle tissues. Heat-killed P. intermedia promoted SCC7 cell proliferation, invasion and proinflammatory cytokine secretions, accelerated transplanted tumor growth in mice, exacerbate muscle and perineural invasion of OSCC, elevated the serum levels of IL-17A, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and PD-L1, induced Treg cells M2 type macrophages in mouse transplanted tumors. The data of transcriptomic analysis revealed that heat-killed P. intermedia increased the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines while reduced the expression levels of some tumor suppressor genes in mouse transplanted tumors. Additionally, IL-17 signaling pathway was upregulated whereas GABAergic system was downregulated by heat-killed P. intermedia treatment.ConclusionsTaken together, our results suggest that P. intermedia could inhibit the expression of tumor suppressors, alter the tumor microenvironment, and promote the progression of OSCC.

Towards integrating and harmonising information on plant invasions across Australia

Terminology for the invasion status of alien species has typically relied either on ecological- or policy-based criteria, with the former emphasising species’ ability to overcome ecological barriers and the latter on species’ impacts. There remains no universal consensus about definitions of invasion. Without an agreement on definitions, it is difficult to combine data that comes from a range of sources. In Australia, information on plant invasions is provided by a collection of independent jurisdictions. This has led to inconsistencies in terminology used to describe species invasion status at the national level, impeding efficient management. In this paper, we review and discuss the steps taken to harmonise the different terminologies used across Australia’s states and territories. We identified mismatches in definitions and records of invasion status for vascular plant taxa across different jurisdictions and propose prioritisation procedures to tackle these mismatches and to integrate information into a harmonised workflow at the national scale. This integration has made possible the creation of a standardised dataset at the Australian national scale (the Alien Flora of Australia). In Australia, having an integrated workflow for referring to and monitoring alien flora will aid early warning and prevent species introduction, facilitate decision-making and aid biosecurity measures.

Parkinsonia aculeata L. recorded as alien species in natural habitats of Egypt: Potential for naturalization, invasion or utilization!

Parkinsonia aculeata L. is native to South America and was recorded for the first time in Egypt in the wild. It was recorded in vegetation survey of Elephantine Island in Aswan Governorate in 2020, then it was recorded in Dakhla Oasis in the Western Desert in 2023. The species identity was confirmed by a comparative macromorphological study between the collected specimens and herbarium specimens from other countries, and live specimens cultivated in Antoniades Botanic Garden in Alexandria. The occurrence of this species in the natural habitats of Egypt represents an important disjunction of the biogeographic relevance and raises concerns. The species may cause negative impacts to native species, outcompeting species of the same functional group, or can increase fire hazards in the invaded areas. Taking into consideration that the species has already been naturalized in some countries, its further expansion in Egypt is a possibility. It is of great concern to monitor and control the spread of the species in Egypt and possibly promote an early eradication. Notes on the habitat in which the species has been recorded and its invasive status in Egypt and surrounding nations are discussed.

Assessing Alien Plant Invasions in Urban Environments: A Case Study of Tshwane University of Technology and Implications for Biodiversity Conservation

Preserving the dwindling native biodiversity in urban settings poses escalating challenges due to the confinement of remaining natural areas to isolated and diminutive patches. Remarkably scarce research has scrutinised the involvement of institutions, particularly universities, in introducing alien plant species in South Africa, thus creating a significant gap in effective monitoring and management. In this study, the Tshwane University of Technology in Tshwane Metropole, South Africa serves as a focal point, where we conducted a comprehensive survey of alien plants both within the university premises and beyond its confines. The investigation involved the classification of invasion status and a meticulous assessment of donor and recipient dynamics. Our findings encompass 876 occurrence records, revealing the presence of 94 alien plant species spanning 44 distinct families. Noteworthy occurrences among the dominant plant families are Asteraceae and Solanaceae. Herbaceous and woody plants emerged as the most prevalent alien species, with common representation across both sampling sites. A substantial majority of recorded species were initially introduced for horticultural purposes (51%) before escaping and establishing self-sustaining populations (62%). Furthermore, 43 species identified are listed in South African invasive species legislation, with some manifesting invasive tendencies and altering the distribution of native species in the remaining natural areas. The notable overlap in species observed between the university premises and adjacent areas provides crucial insights into the influence of institutions on the dynamics of plant invasions within the urban landscape. This underscores the prevailing gaps in the management of invasive alien plants in urban zones and accentuates the imperative of an integrated approach involving collaboration between municipalities and diverse institutions for effective invasive species management in urban environments.

Prediction of pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation in locally advanced rectal cancer.

To investigate the predictive factors of pathologic complete response (pCR) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients who had been treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT). For this retrospective study, 53 LARC patients (37 males and 16 females; age range 25 to 79 years) were selected. Clinical characteristics, baseline mrTNM staging, MR gross tumor volumes (GTV), and pCR were evaluated. The diagnostic accuracy of GTV for predicting pCR was calculated. Among 53 LARC patients, 15 patients achieved pCR (28.3%), while 38 patients achieved non-pCR. Only three (5.7%) out of 53 patients did not downstage after nCRT. GTV and tumor differentiation were the significant prognostic parameters for predicting pCR. A tumor volume threshold of 21.1 cm3 was determined as a predictor for pCR, with a sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 47%. In addition, GTV was associated with mrN stage, circumferential resection margin (CRM) status, extramural vascular invasion (EMVI) status, and pretreatment serum CEA level. Tumor volume and tumor differentiation have significant predictive values in preoperative assessment of pCR among LARC patients. These findings aid clinicians to discriminate those patients who may likely benefit from preoperative regimens and to make optimal treatment plans.

Prediction of Lymphovascular invasion status in breast cancer based on magnetic resonance imaging radiomics features

ObjectiveThis study intended to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of using clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics features to predict lymphovascular invasion (LVI) status in breast cancer (BC) patients. MethodsA total of 182 BC patients were retrospectively collected and randomly divided into a training set (n = 127) and a validation set (n = 55) in a 7:3 ratio. Based on pathological examination results, the training set was further divided into LVI group (n = 60) and non-LVI group (n = 67), and the validation set was divided into LVI group (n = 24) and non-LVI group (n = 31). General data and MRI examination indicators were compared. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to analyze MRI radiomics features and clinically relevant indicators that were significant in the baseline information of patients in training set, independent risk factors were identified, and a logistic regression model was built. The accuracy of logistic model was validated using ROC curves in training and validation sets. ResultsAge, pathohistological classification, tumor length, tumor width, presence or absence of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) cho peak, presence or absence of spicule sign, peritumoral enhancement, and peritumoral edema were statistically significant (P < 0.05) between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis presented that spicule and peritumoral edema were independent risk factors for LVI in BC patients (P < 0.05). The ROC curve illustrated that AUC of the logistic regression model in the training set was 0.807 (95%CI: 0.730–0.885) and that in the validation set was 0.837 (95%CI: 0.731–0.944). ConclusionRadiomics features of spicule sign and peritumoral edema were independent risk factors for LVI in BC patients. A logistic regression model based on these factors, along with age, could accurately predict LVI occurrence in BC patients, providing data support for diagnosis and modeling of LVI in BC patients.

RND1 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and temozolomide resistance of glioblastoma via AKT/GSK3-β pathway

ABSTRACT GBM is one of the most malignant tumor in central nervous system. The resistance to temozolomide (TMZ) is inevitable in GBM and the characterization of TMZ resistance seriously hinders clinical treatment. It is worthwhile exploring the underlying mechanism of aggressive invasion and TMZ resistance in GBM treatment. Bioinformatic analysis was used to analyze the association between RND1 and a series of EMT-related genes. Colony formation assay and cell viability assay were used to assess the growth of U87 and U251 cells. The cell invasion status was evaluated based on transwell and wound-healing assays. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression in GBM cells. Treatment targeted RND1 combined with TMZ therapy was conducted in nude mice to evaluate the potential application of RND1 as a clinical target for GBM. The overexpression of RND1 suppressed the progression and migration of U87 and U251 cells. RND1 knockdown facilitated the growth and invasion of GBM cells. RND1 regulated the EMT of GBM cells via inhibiting the phosphorylation of AKT and GSK3-β. The promoted effects of RND1 on TMZ sensitivity was identified both in vitro and in vivo. This research demonstrated that the overexpression of RND1 suppressed the migration and EMT status by downregulating AKT/GSK3-β pathway in GBM. RND1 enhanced the TMZ sensitivity of GBM cells both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings may contribute to the targeted therapy for GBM and the understanding of mechanisms of TMZ resistance in GBM.

Niche overlap with an exotic competitor mediates the abundant niche‐centre relationship for a native lady beetle

AbstractAimThe abundant niche‐centre hypothesis has been used to describe patterns of species abundance relative to position in ecological niche space. Such relationships, however, are inconsistently recovered and may be obscured due to non‐equilibrium distributions, such as those caused novel interactions with exotic species. Here, we explore patterns of fitness for the nine‐spotted lady (Coccinella novemnotata) following the introduction of an exotic competitor, the seven‐spotted lady beetle (C. septempunctata). We examine how niche overlap between species may be causing a range reduction for C. novemnotata through a modified abundant niche‐centre relationship.LocationNorth America.MethodsWe applied a time‐oriented view of the abundant niche‐centre relationship for C. novemnotata, both before and after the introduction of C. septempunctata. We tested for both niche overlap and correlation between C. novemnotata body size (i.e. fitness) and the distance from its niche centroid relative to the invasion status of C. septempunctata.ResultsThe current niche space currently occupied by C. novemnotata is equivalent to its historic niche but has shifted to avoid overlap with C. septempunctata. A historic abundant niche‐centre relationship with larger individuals closer to the niche centroid was observed for C. novemnotata. However, this pattern changed to have smaller beetles near the niche centroid when the current distribution was considered.Main ConclusionsFitness patterns displayed by C. novemnotata are effectively described by the abundant niche‐centre hypothesis. However, this relationship was modified with the introduction of C. septempunctata. Coccinella novemnotata is not excluded from previously suitable areas that correspond to niche space nearest to its niche centroid. Abundant niche‐centre relationships may provide strong predictions of species' fitness across a species geographic range; however, these relationships may be obscured by novel pressures resulting in non‐equilibrium states.

Methodology of ICG marking technique in modern pelvic surgery: applied aspects (Literature review)

The article is devoted to a review of scientific publications on the use of the Indocyanine green (ICG) labeling technique in modern pelvic surgery. This dye was developed by Kodak Research Laboratories in 1955 and approved for clinical use in 1959, but has only recently come into widespread use. ICG-enhanced near-infrared fluorescence is introduced to improve visualization and provide more detailed anatomical localization during surgery.The dye binds to blood plasma proteins, it is quickly excreted from the organism and is non-toxic and has no found complications after its administration. Many studies have been conducted on the use of this technique: visualization of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in various oncogynecological diseases; visualization of ureters, lymphatic drainage, tissue perfusion, vessels of various sizes, colorectal blood circulation, etc. The high detection rate of SLN (unilateral and bilateral) with ICG compared with other dyes such as radiocolloid and patent blue suggests its effectiveness.The condition of SLN has an important prognostic and therapeutic value, based on the obtained results, a more correct further adjuvant treatment can be prescribed. A sentinel lymph node labeling procedure was performed as an alternative to systemic lymphadenectomy to assess the status of lymphovascular invasion. The use of ICG-marking allows to reduce the risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications. Many experimental studies have been conducted in relation to the assessment of uterine vascularization, preservation of individual vessels, their identification and measurement of blood flow.The article provides data from scientists on the use of the ICG-marking technique in endometrial, cervical, vulva, vaginal, ovarian cancer, as well as in endometriosis and for visualization of the ureters. This technique causes active discussions in the scientific community, requires further research and should be more widely used in various directions of surgical interventions.