Preoperative prediction of lymphovascular and perineural invasion in gastric cancer using spectral computed tomography imaging and machine learning

BACKGROUND Lymphovascular invasion(LVI)and perineural invasion(PNI)are important prognostic factors for gastric cancer(GC)that indicate an increased risk of metastasis and poor outcomes.Accurate preoperative prediction of LVI/PNI status could help clinicians identify high-risk patients and guide treatment deci-sions.However,prior models using conventional computed tomography(CT)images to predict LVI or PNI separately have had limited accuracy.Spectral CT provides quantitative enhancement parameters that may better capture tumor invasion.We hypothesized that a predictive model combining clinical and spectral CT parameters would accurately preoperatively predict LVI/PNI status in GC patients.AIM To develop and test a machine learning model that fuses spectral CT parameters and clinical indicators to predict LVI/PNI status accurately.METHODS This study used a retrospective dataset involving 257 GC patients(training cohort,n=172;validation cohort,n=85).First,several clinical indicators,including serum tumor markers,CT-TN stages and CT-detected extramural vein invasion(CT-EMVI),were extracted,as were quantitative spectral CT parameters from the delineated tumor regions.Next,a two-step feature selection approach using correlation-based methods and information gain ranking inside a 10-fold cross-validation loop was utilized to select informative clinical and spectral CT parameters.A logistic regression(LR)-based nomogram model was subsequently constructed to predict LVI/PNI status,and its performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC).RESULTS In both the training and validation cohorts,CT T3-4 stage,CT-N positive status,and CT-EMVI positive status are more prevalent in the LVI/PNI-positive group and these differences are statistically significant(P<0.05).LR analysis of the training group showed preoperative CT-T stage,CT-EMVI,single-energy CT values of 70 keV of venous phase(VP-70 keV),and the ratio of standardized iodine concentration of equilibrium phase(EP-NIC)were independent influencing factors.The AUCs of VP-70 keV and EP-NIC were 0.888 and 0.824,respectively,which were slightly greater than those of CT-T and CT-EMVI(AUC=0.793,0.762).The nomogram combining CT-T stage,CT-EMVI,VP-70 keV and EP-NIC yielded AUCs of 0.918(0.866-0.954)and 0.874(0.784-0.936)in the training and validation cohorts,which are significantly higher than using each of single independent factors(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The study found that using portal venous and EP spectral CT parameters allows effective preoperative detection of LVI/PNI in GC,with accuracy boosted by integrating clinical markers.

Predicting potential invasion risks of Leucaena leucocephala(Lam.)de Wit in the arid area of Saudi Arabia

The presence of invasive plant species poses a substantial ecological impact,thus comprehensive evaluation of their potential range and risk under the influence of climate change is necessary.This study uses maximum entropy(MaxEnt)modeling to forecast the likelihood of Leucaena leucocephala(Lam.)de Wit invasion in Saudi Arabia under present and future climate change scenarios.Utilizing the MaxEnt modeling,we integrated climatic and soil data to predict habitat suitability for the invasive species.We conducted a detailed analysis of the distribution patterns of the species,using climate variables and ecological factors.We focused on the important influence of temperature seasonality,temperature annual range,and precipitation seasonality.The distribution modeling used robust measures of area under the curve(AUC)and receiver-operator characteristic(ROC)curves,to map the invasion extent,which has a high level of accuracy in identifying appropriate habitats.The complex interaction that influenced the invasion of L.leucocephala was highlighted by the environmental parameters using Jackknife test.Presently,the actual geographic area where L.leucocephala was found in Saudi Arabia was considerably smaller than the theoretical maximum range,suggesting that it had the capacity to expand further.The MaxEnt model exhibited excellent prediction accuracy and produced reliable results based on the data from the ROC curve.Precipitation and temperature were the primary factors influencing the potential distribution of L.leucocephala.Currently,an estimated area of 216,342 km^(2)in Saudi Arabia was at a high probability of invasion by L.leucocephala.We investigated the potential for increased invasion hazards in the future due to climate change scenarios(Shared Socioeconomic Pathways(SSPs)245 and 585).The analysis of key climatic variables,including temperature seasonality and annual range,along with soil properties such as clay composition and nitrogen content,unveiled their substantial influence on the distribution dynamic of L.leucocephala.Our findings indicated a significant expansion of high risk zones.High-risk zones for L.leucocephala invasion in the current climate conditions had notable expansions projected under future climate scenarios,particularly evident in southern Makkah,Al Bahah,Madina,and Asir areas.The results,backed by thorough spatial studies,emphasize the need to reduce the possible ecological impacts of climate change on the spread of L.leucocephala.Moreover,the study provides valuable strategic insights for the management of invasion,highlighting the intricate relationship between climate change,habitat appropriateness,and the risks associated with invasive species.Proactive techniques are suggested to avoid and manage the spread of L.leucocephala,considering its high potential for future spread.This study enhances the overall comprehension of the dynamics of invasive species by combining modeling techniques with ecological knowledge.It also provides valuable information for decision-making to implement efficient conservation and management strategies in response to changing environmental conditions.

Impacts of road on plant invasions in the Middle Mountain region of central Nepal

Biological invasion is triggered by human development activities such as the construction and expansion of road networks.Road verges serve as important habitats and corridors for the distribution of invasive alien plant species(IAPS)between geographically distant habitats.However,the trajectory of plant invasion and the data regarding the impact of roads on IAPS distribution are relatively poor in Nepal.Here,we surveyed two road types(main roads and feeder road)in the Middle Mountain region of central Nepal in order to investigate how different road types are driving the dispersal of IAPS along road verges and the adjacent natural habitats.Systematic sampling was conducted at ca 2.5 km intervals along the roads.At each sampling site,paired plots(25 m×4 m)were sampled:one adjacent to and along the road,and another 20 m away and parallel to it in the interior habitat.Our results revealed that the main road verges had a higher cover(33%)and a larger number of IAPS(14 species)than the feeder road(25%;10 species).The IAPS cover and richness were significantly higher along verges than in the adjacent interior habitats for both road types,indicating that roads are contributing as corridors for the dispersal of IAPS in the Middle Mountain areas of central Nepal.Further,elevation,tree canopy,and disturbances(grazing/mowing/trampling)were found to be the key factors that determine spatial distribution of IAPS along road verges.We emphasize that regular monitoring of vegetation along the road verges can help with the early detection and control of potential IAPS in the region before they become problematic.

Preoperative prediction of perineural invasion of rectal cancer based on a magnetic resonance imaging radiomics model:A dual-center study

BACKGROUND Perineural invasion(PNI)has been used as an important pathological indicator and independent prognostic factor for patients with rectal cancer(RC).Preoperative prediction of PNI status is helpful for individualized treatment of RC.Recently,several radiomics studies have been used to predict the PNI status in RC,demonstrating a good predictive effect,but the results lacked generalizability.The preoperative prediction of PNI status is still challenging and needs further study.AIM To establish and validate an optimal radiomics model for predicting PNI status preoperatively in RC patients.METHODS This retrospective study enrolled 244 postoperative patients with pathologically confirmed RC from two independent centers.The patients underwent preoperative high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)between May 2019 and August 2022.Quantitative radiomics features were extracted and selected from oblique axial T2-weighted imaging(T2WI)and contrast-enhanced T1WI(T1CE)sequences.The radiomics signatures were constructed using logistic regression analysis and the predictive potential of various sequences was compared(T2WI,T1CE and T2WI+T1CE fusion sequences).A clinical-radiomics(CR)model was established by combining the radiomics features and clinical risk factors.The internal and external validation groups were used to validate the proposed models.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC),DeLong test,net reclassification improvement(NRI),integrated discrimination improvement(IDI),calibration curve,and decision curve analysis(DCA)were used to evaluate the model performance.RESULTS Among the radiomics models,the T2WI+T1CE fusion sequences model showed the best predictive performance,in the training and internal validation groups,the AUCs of the fusion sequence model were 0.839[95%confidence interval(CI):0.757-0.921]and 0.787(95%CI:0.650-0.923),which were higher than those of the T2WI and T1CE sequence models.The CR model constructed by combining clinical risk factors had the best predictive performance.In the training and internal and external validation groups,the AUCs of the CR model were 0.889(95%CI:0.824-0.954),0.889(95%CI:0.803-0.976)and 0.894(95%CI:0.814-0.974).Delong test,NRI,and IDI showed that the CR model had significant differences from other models(P<0.05).Calibration curves demonstrated good agreement,and DCA revealed significant benefits of the CR model.CONCLUSION The CR model based on preoperative MRI radiomics features and clinical risk factors can preoperatively predict the PNI status of RC noninvasively,which facilitates individualized treatment of RC patients.

Solitary extraovarian primary peritoneal carcinoma with direct invasion into the liver,diaphragm and lung without peritoneal dissemination or distant metastasis

To the Editor:Extraovarian primary peritoneal carcinoma(EOPPC)is an uncommon malignancy with many similarities to epithelial ovarian carcinoma in histological,clinical,and etiological aspects[1].This phenomenon is explained by their common embryonal origin,in which both develop from the coelomic epithelium in the early embryological stage.Despite their similarities,the incidence of EOPPC is significantly lower than that of epithelial ovarian carcinoma(6.78 cases per million vs.120.5 cases per million)[1].

Non-coding RNA as future target for diagnose and treatment of perineural invasion in cancers

Perineural invasion(PNI),a particularly insidious form of tumor metastasis distinct from hematogenous or lymphatic spread,has the capacity to extend well beyond the primary tumor site,infiltrating distant regions devoid of lymphatic or vascular structures.PNI often heralds a decrease in patient survival rates and is recognized as an indicator of an unfavorable prognosis across a variety of cancers.Despite its clinical significance,the underlying molecular mechanisms of PNI remain elusive,complicating the development of specific and efficacious diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.In the realm of cancer research,non-coding RNAs(ncRNAs)have attracted considerable attention due to their multifaceted roles and cancer-specific expression profiles,positioning them as promising candidates for applications in cancer diagnostics,prognostics,and treatment.Among the various types of ncRNAs,microRNAs(miRNAs),long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs),and circular RNAs(circRNAs)have emerged as influential players in PNI.Their involvement is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to tumor progression and therapeutic resistance.Our study synthesizes and explores the diverse functions and mechanisms of ncRNAs in relation to PNI in cancer.This comprehensive review aims to shed light on cutting-edge perspectives that could pave the way for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to address the challenges posed by PNI in oncology.

IL-17 induces NSCLC cell migration and invasion by elevating MMP19 gene transcription and expression through the interaction of p300-dependent STAT3-K631 acetylation and its Y705-phosphorylation

The cancer cell metastasis is a major death reason for patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Although researchers have disclosed that interleukin 17(IL-17)can increase matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs)induction causing NSCLC cell metastasis,the underlying mechanism remains unclear.In the study,we found that IL-17 receptor A(IL-17RA),p300,p-STAT3,Ack-STAT3,and MMP19 were up-regulated both in NSCLC tissues and NSCLC cells stimulated with IL-17.p300,STAT3 and MMP19 overexpression or knockdown could raise or reduce IL-17-induced p-STAT3,Ack-STAT3 and MMP19 level as well as the cell migration and invasion.Mechanism investigation revealed that STAT3 and p300 bound to the same region(−544 to−389 nt)of MMP19 promoter,and p300 could acetylate STAT3-K631 elevating STAT3 transcriptional activity,p-STAT3 or MMP19 expression and the cell mobility exposed to IL-17.Meanwhile,p300-mediated STAT3-K631 acetylation and its Y705-phosphorylation could interact,synergistically facilitating MMP19 gene transcription and enhancing cell migration and invasion.Besides,the animal experiments exhibited that the nude mice inoculated with NSCLC cells by silencing p300,STAT3 or MMP19 gene plus IL-17 treatment,the nodule number,and MMP19,Ack-STAT3,or p-STAT3 production in the lung metastatic nodules were all alleviated.Collectively,these outcomes uncover that IL-17-triggered NSCLC metastasis involves up-regulating MMP19 expression via the interaction of STAT3-K631 acetylation by p300 and its Y705-phosphorylation,which provides a new mechanistic insight and potential strategy for NSCLC metastasis and therapy.

Immune-related long noncoding RNA zinc finger protein 710-AS1-201 promotes the metastasis and invasion of gastric cancer cells

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is a prevalent malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal system.ZNF710 is a transcription factor(TF),and zinc finger protein 710(ZNF710)-AS1-201 is an immune-related long noncoding RNA(lncRNA)that is upregulated in GC cells.AIM To assess the correlation between ZNF710-AS1-201 and immune microenvir-onment features and to investigate the roles of ZNF710-AS1-201 in the invasion and metastasis processes of GC cells.METHODS We obtained data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Wujin Hospital.We assessed cell growth,migration,invasion,and programmed cell death using cell counting kit-8,EdU,scratch,Transwell,and flow cytometry assays.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)was used to identify the potential downstream targets of ZNF710-AS1-201.RESULTS In GC tissues with low ZNF710-AS1-201 expression,immunoassays detected significant infiltration of various antitumor immune cells,such as memory CD8 T cells and activated CD4 T cells.In the low-expression group,the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations(IC_(50)s)of 5-fluorouracil,cisplatin,gemcitabine,and trametinib were lower,whereas the IC_(50)s of dasatinib and vorinostat were higher.The malignant degree of GC was higher and the stage was later in the high-expression group.Additionally,patients with high expression of ZNF710-AS1-201 had lower overall survival and disease-free survival rates.In vitro,the overexpression of ZNF710-AS1-201 greatly enhanced growth,metastasis,and infiltration while suppressing cell death in HGC-27 cells.In contrast,the reduced expression of ZNF710-AS1-201 greatly hindered cell growth,enhanced apoptosis,and suppressed the metastasis and invasion of MKN-45 cells.The expression changes in ZNF710 were significant,but the corresponding changes in isocitrate dehydrogenase-2,Semaphorin 4B,ARHGAP10,RGMB,hsa-miR-93-5p,and ZNF710-AS1-202 were not consistent or statistically significant after overexpression or knockdown of ZNF710-AS1-201,as determined by qRT-PCR.CONCLUSION Immune-related lncRNA ZNF710-AS1-201 facilitates the metastasis and invasion of GC cells.It appears that ZNF710-AS1-201 and ZNF710 have potential as effective targets for therapeutic intervention in GC.Nevertheless,it is still necessary to determine the specific targets of the ZNF710 TF.

Long Non-coding RNA PCED1B Antisense RNA 1 Promotes Cell Proliferation and Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Regulating the MicroRNA-34a/CD44 Axis

Objective This study aimed to examine the role of long non-coding RNA PCED1B antisense RNA 1(PCED1B-AS1)in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods A total of 62 pairs of HCC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues were obtained from 62 HCC patients.The interactions of PCED1B-AS1 and microRNA-34a(miR-34a)were detected by dual luciferase activity assay and RNA pull-down assay.The RNA expression levels of PCED1B-AS1,miR-34a and CD44 were detected by RT-qPCR,and the protein expression level of CD44 was determined by Western blotting.The cell proliferation was detected by cell proliferation assay,and the cell invasion and migration by transwell invasion assay.The HCC tumor growth after PCED1B-AS1 was downregulated was determined by in vivo animal study.Results PCED1B-AS1 was highly expressed in HCC tissues,which was associated with poor survival of HCC patients.Furthermore,PCED1B-AS1 interacted with miR-34a in HCC cells,but they did not regulate the expression of each other.Additionally,PCED1B-AS1 increased the expression level of CD44,which was targeted by miR-34a.The cell proliferation and invasion assay revealed that miR-34a inhibited the proliferation and invasion of HCC in vitro,while CD44 exhibited the opposite effects.Furthermore,PCED1B-AS1 suppressed the role of miR-34a.Moreover,the knockdown of PCED1B-AS1 repressed the HCC tumor growth in nude mice in vivo.Conclusion PCED1B-AS1 may play an oncogenic role by regulating the miR-34a/CD44 axis in HCC.

Application of texture signatures based on multiparameter-magnetic resonance imaging for predicting microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma:Retrospective study

BACKGROUND Despite continuous changes in treatment methods,the survival rate for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients remains low,highlighting the importance of diagnostic methods for HCC.AIM To explore the efficacy of texture analysis based on multi-parametric magnetic resonance(MR)imaging(MRI)in predicting microvascular invasion(MVI)in preoperative HCC.METHODS This study included 105 patients with pathologically confirmed HCC,categorized into MVI-positive and MVI-negative groups.We employed Original Data Analysis,Principal Component Analysis,Linear Discriminant Analysis(LDA),and Non-LDA(NDA)for texture analysis using multi-parametric MR images to predict preoperative MVI.The effectiveness of texture analysis was determined using the B11 program of the MaZda4.6 software,with results expressed as the misjudgment rate(MCR).RESULTS Texture analysis using multi-parametric MRI,particularly the MI+PA+F dimensionality reduction method combined with NDA discrimination,demonstrated the most effective prediction of MVI in HCC.Prediction accuracy in the pulse and equilibrium phases was 83.81%.MCRs for the combination of T2-weighted imaging(T2WI),arterial phase,portal venous phase,and equilibrium phase were 22.86%,16.19%,20.95%,and 20.95%,respectively.The area under the curve for predicting MVI positivity was 0.844,with a sensitivity of 77.19%and specificity of 91.67%.CONCLUSION Texture analysis of arterial phase images demonstrated superior predictive efficacy for MVI in HCC compared to T2WI,portal venous,and equilibrium phases.This study provides an objective,non-invasive method for preoperative prediction of MVI,offering a theoretical foundation for the selection of clinical therapy.

Regulation of TMEM100 expression by epigenetic modification,effects on proliferation and invasion of esophageal squamous carcinoma

BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)is a prevalent malignancy with a high morbidity and mortality rate.TMEM100 has been shown to be suppressor gene in a variety of tumors,but there are no reports on the role of TMEM100 in esophageal cancer(EC).AIM To investigate epigenetic regulation of TMEM100 expression in ESCC and the effect of TMEM100 on ESCC proliferation and invasion.METHODS Firstly,we found the expression of TMEM100 in EC through The Cancer Genome Atlas database.The correlation between TMEM100 gene expression and the survival of patients with EC was further confirmed through Kaplan-Meier analysis.We then added the demethylating agent 5-AZA to ESCC cell lines to explore the regulation of TMEM100 expression by epigenetic modification.To observe the effect of TMEM100 expression on tumor proliferation and invasion by overexpressing TMEM100.Finally,we performed gene set enrichment analysis using the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes Orthology-Based Annotation System database to look for pathways that might be affected by TMEM100 and verified the effect of TMEM100 expression on the mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK)pathway.RESULTS In the present study,by bioinformatic analysis we found that TMEM100 was lowly expressed in EC patients compared to normal subjects.Kaplan-meier survival analysis showed that low expression of TMEM100 was associated with poor prognosis in patients with EC.Then,we found that the demethylating agent 5-AZA resulted in increased expression of TMEM100 in ESCC cells[quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)and western blotting].Subsequently,we confirmed that overexpression of TMEM100 leads to its increased expression in ESCC cells(qRT-PCR and western blotting).Overexpression of TMEM100 also inhibited proliferation,invasion and migration of ESCC cells(cell counting kit-8 and clone formation assays).Next,by enrichment analysis,we found that the gene set was significantly enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway.The involvement of TMEM100 in the regulation of MAPK signaling pathway in ESCC cell was subsequently verified by western blotting.CONCLUSION TMEM100 is a suppressor gene in ESCC,and its low expression may lead to aberrant activation of the MAPK pathway.Promoter methylation may play a key role in regulating TMEM100 expression.

TM9SF1 is implicated in promoting the proliferation and invasion of bladder cancer cells

Zhuo et al looked into the part of transmembrane 9 superfamily member 1(TM9SF1)in bladder cancer(BC),and evaluated if it can be used as a therapeutic target.They created a permanent BC cell line and tested the effects of TM9SF1 overexpression and suppression on BC cell growth,movement,invasion,and cell cycle advancement.Their results show that TM9SF1 can boost the growth,movement,and invasion of BC cells and their access into the G2/M stage of the cell cycle.This research gives a novel direction and concept for targeted therapy of BC.

Analysis of the Effect of GINS4 Regarding the Proliferation and Invasion of Breast Cancer Cells

Objective: To analyze the role and influence of the GINS4 gene in breast cancer progression and to explore its expression in triple-negative and non-triple-negative breast cancer cell lines. Methods: Single-gene analysis of GINS4 was performed by breast cancer RNA transcriptome data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the expression of GINS4 in triple-negative and non-triple-negative breast cancer cell lines. The knockdown effects of GINS4 in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines on the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells were examined by cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) and Transwell assays. Results: Bioinformatics analysis showed that the expression of GINS4 in breast cancer was significantly higher than that in normal breast tissues (P > 0.05). At the same time, cell experiments confirmed that GINS4 was highly expressed in human breast cancer cell lines with normal breast cells as reference and in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines as reference, where the ability of proliferation and invasion of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells decreased after GINS4 knockdown. Conclusion: GINS4 is a gene associated with breast cancer malignancy, which can act as a novel tumor marker and has the potential as a new therapeutic target for breast cancer.

ECHOES THROUGH THE CENTURY:Commemorating the 120 th Anniversary of the Xizang People's Resistance to British Invasion

120 years ago,the British army brazenly launched its second war of aggression against Xizang,only 15 years after the first invasion.Why was Britain so eager to launch a second invasion?What were the process and impact?How did the people in Xizang rise up and resist?What lessons can we learn from this historical episode?

Prediction of the lymphatic,microvascular,and perineural invasion of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND Significant correlation between lymphatic,microvascular,and perineural invasion(LMPI)and the prognosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors(PENTs)was confirmed by previous studies.There was no previous study reported the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)parameters and LMPI.AIM To determine the feasibility of using preoperative MRI of the pancreas to predict LMPI in patients with non-functioning PENTs(NFPNETs).METHODS A total of 61 patients with NFPNETs who underwent MRI scans and lymphadenectomy from May 2011 to June 2018 were included in this retrospective study.The patients were divided into group 1(n=34,LMPI negative)and group 2(n=27,LMPI positive).The clinical characteristics and qualitative MRI features were collected.In order to predict LMPI status in NF-PNETs,a multivariate logistic regression model was constructed.Diagnostic performance was evaluated by calculating the receiver operator characteristic(ROC)curve with area under ROC,sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value(PPV),negative predictive value(NPV)and accuracy.RESULTS There were significant differences in the lymph node metastasis stage,tumor grade,neuron-specific enolase levels,tumor margin,main pancreatic ductal dilatation,common bile duct dilatation,enhancement pattern,vascular and adjacent tissue involvement,synchronous liver metastases,the long axis of the largest lymph node,the short axis of the largest lymph node,number of the lymph nodes with short axis>5 or 10 mm,and tumor volume between two groups(P<0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that tumor margin(odds ratio=11.523,P<0.001)was a predictive factor for LMPI of NF-PNETs.The area under the receiver value for the predictive performance of combined predictive factors was 0.855.The sensitivity,specificity,PPV,NPV and accuracy of the model were 48.1%(14/27),97.1%(33/34),97.1%(13/14),70.2%(33/47)and 0.754,respectively.CONCLUSION Using preoperative MRI,ill-defined tumor margins can effectively predict LMPI in patients with NF-PNETs.

Glioblastoma multiforme:Diagnosis, treatment, and invasion

Glioblastoma multiforme(GBM) is an essentially incurable brain tumor, which has been explored for approximately a century. Nowadays, surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are still the standardized therapeutic options. However, due to the intrinsic invasion and metastasis features and the resistance to chemotherapy, the survival rate of glioblastoma patients remains unsatisfactory. To improve the current situation, much more research is needed to provide comprehensive knowledge of GBM. In this review, we summarize the latest updates on GBM treatment and invasion. Firstly, we review the traditional and emerging therapies that have been used for GBM treatment. Given the limited efficiency of these therapies, we further discuss the role of invasion in GBM recurrence and progression, and present current research progress on the mode and mechanisms of GBM invasion.

Postoperative adjuvant therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma with microvascular invasion

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most lethal tumors in the world.Liver resection(LR)and liver transplantation(LT)are widely considered as radical treatments for early HCC.However,the recurrence rates after curative treatment are still high and overall survival is unsatisfactory.Microvascular invasion(MVI)is considered to be one of the important prognostic factors affecting postoperative recurrence and long-term survival.Unfortunately,whether HCC patients with MVI should receive postoperative adjuvant therapy remains unknown.In this review,we summarize the therapeutic effects of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization,hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy,tyrosine protein kinase inhibitor-based targeted therapy,and immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with MVI after LR or LT,aiming to provide a reference for the best adjuvant treatment strategy for HCC patients with MVI after LT or LR.

How is the AKT/mTOR pathway involved in cell migration and invasion?

As a pathway that plays a role in nutrient absorption,anabolic response,cell growth and survival,the important role of AKT/mTOR in tumorigenesis has also come to light.For cancer patients,most deaths are caused by the growth of metastatic tumors outside the primary focus.Therefore,migration and invasion in the late stage of tumor progression are the main unresolved issues in the study of tumor pathogenesis,and AKT/mTOR has been found to participate in the migration and invasion of cancer cells,which means that the study of this pathway may contribute to a solution for the problem.Because of its extensive and complex functions in the organism,this pathway can be regulated by a variety of different signals in the body,and then realize its function through different downstream signal molecules.This article reviews the proteins that can indirectly affect this pathway by regulating the common upstream signaling molecules of this pathway,and the proteins that can directly affect the level of phosphorylation of AKT/mTOR in cancer cells.We also review the proteins that can co-regulate this pathway and its downstream pathways.Through this study,we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanism of the AKT/mTOR pathway in cancer cells,in hopes of finding effective and harmless cancer treatment targets in the future.

Chicken skin mucosa surrounding small colorectal cancer could be an endoscopic predictive marker of submucosal invasion

BACKGROUND Chicken skin mucosa(CSM)surrounding colon polyps is a common endoscopic finding with pale yellow-speckled mucosa during a colonoscopy screening.Although reports about CSM surrounding small colorectal cancer are scarce,and its clinical significance in intramucosal and submucosal cancers is unclear,previous studies have suggested it could be an endoscopic predictive marker for colonic neoplastic and advanced polyps.Currently,because of the inaccurate preoperative evaluation by endoscopists,many small colorectal cancers,particularly lesions with a diameter<2 cm,are improperly treated.Therefore,more effective methods are required to better assess the depth of the lesion before treatment.AIM To explore potential markers of small colorectal cancer early invasion under white light endoscopy,providing patients with better treatment alternatives.METHODS This retrospective cross-sectional study included 198 consecutive patients[233 early colorectal cancers(ECCs)]who underwent endoscopy or surgical procedures at the Digestive Endoscopy Center of Chengdu Second People’s Hospital between January 2021 and August 2022.The participants had pathologically confirmed colorectal cancer with a lesion diameter<2 cm and received endoscopic or surgical treatment,including endoscopic mucosal resection and submucosal dissection.Clinical pathology and endoscopy parameters,including tumor size,invasion depth,anatomical position,and morphology,were reviewed.Fisher’s exact test,theχ2 test,and Student’s t-test were used to analyze the patient’s basic characteristics.Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between morphological characteristics,size,CSM prevalence,and ECC invasion depth under white light endoscopy.Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.RESULTS The submucosal carcinoma(SM stage)was larger than the mucosal carcinoma(M stage)with a significant difference(17.2±4.1 vs 13.4±4.6 mm,P<0.01).M-and SM-stage cancers were common in the left colon;however,no significant differences were found between them(151/196,77%and 32/37,86.5%,respectively,P=0.199).The endoscopic features of colorectal cancer revealed that CSM,depressed areas with clear boundaries,and erosion or ulcer bleeding were more common in the SM-stage cancer group than in the M-stage cancer group(59.5%vs 26.2%,46%vs 8.7%,and 27.3%vs 4.1%,respectively,P<0.05).CSM prevalence in this study was 31.3%(73/233).The positive rates of CSM in flat,protruded,and sessile lesions were 18%(11/61),30.6%(30/98),and 43.2%(32/74),respectively,with significant differences(P=0.007).CONCLUSION CSM-related small colorectal cancer was primarily located in the left colon and could be a predictive marker of submucosal invasion in the left colon.

Does regional species diversity resist biotic invasions?

The role of regional species diversity in large-scale species invasions has been largely controversial.On the one hand,it has been proposed that diversity may facilitate invasion(“diversity begets diversity”)because regions with higher diversity may indicate favorable conditions for many more species.On the other hand,high diversity may indicate high levels of niche occupation,thus making it more difficult for new species to invade.In the past,invasion biologists have evaluated how regional native and exotic richness are related.Here,we test whether the range size of exotic species may be constrained by regional native richness using plant data from three continental regions in the Northern Hemisphere,i.e.,Europe,Eastern Asia,and North America.We found that regional native plant diversity is inversely related to the range size of exotic species.This result may be due to stronger species interactions such as competition in species-rich habitats that limit the establishment and spread of exotic species.