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.

Large-duct pattern invasive adenocarcinoma of the pancreas–a variant mimicking pancreatic cystic neoplasms: A minireview

Pancreatic cancer currently has no subtypes that inform clinical decisions;hence,there exists an opportunity to rearrange the morphological and molecular taxonomy that guides a better understanding of tumor characteristics.Nonetheless,accumulating studies to date have revealed the large-duct type variant,a unique subtype of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDA)with cystic features.This subtype often radiographically mimics intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(IPMNs)and involves multiple small cysts occasionally associated with solid masses.The“bunch-of-grapes”sign,an imaging characteristic of IPMNs,is absent in large-duct PDA.Large-duct PDA defines the mucin profile,and genetic alterations are useful in distinguishing large-duct PDA from IPMNs.Histologically,neoplastic ducts measure over 0.5 mm,forming large ductal elements.Similar to classic PDAs,this subtype is frequently accompanied by perineural invasion and abundant desmoplastic reactions,and KRAS mutations in codon 12 are nearly ubiquitous.Despite such morphological similarities with IPMNs,the prognosis of large-duct PDA is equivalent to that of classic PDA.Differential diagnosis is therefore essential.

Monitoring of Pinus massoniana spatial pattern changes based on RS and GIS techniques

Our research focused on Pinus massoniana information extracted from remote sensing images based on the knowledge detection and decision tree algorithm and established a spatial pattern model, combining quantitative theoretical ecology with remote sensing （RS） and geometric information system （GIS） techniques. Applying information extraction methods and a spatial pattern model, we studied P. massoniana spatial patterns changes before and after the invasion by pine wood nematode （Bursaphelenchus xylophilus） in Fuyang and Zhoushan counties, Zhejiang Province, east China. The P. massoniana spatial patterns are clustering, whether the invasion happened or not. But the degree of clustering is different. Our results show good agreement with field data. Applying the results, we analyzed the relationship between spatial patterns and the invasion level. Then we drew the elementary conclusion that there are two kinds of patterns for pine wood nematode to spread： continuous and discontinuous diffusion. This approach can help monitor and evaluate the changes in ecological systems.

Alien woody plant invasions in natural forests across China

Aims Alien plant invasion has become a major global environmental issue,causing severe economic and ecological damages.Severe invasions have been reported in some regions of China.However,most studies have been conducted at local and provincial levels,and the overall degree of invasion in natural forests across China remains unclear.Here,we explored the biogeographic patterns and their environmental and socioeconomic controls of the invaded alien woody plants in natural forests across the country.Methods We compiled the data of 3573 natural forest plots across the China's Mainland and mapped spatial distribution of alien woody plant invasion.We also used logistic regression models to identify the key socioeconomic and environmental factors that were associated with the observed invasion patterns.Important Findings We found that only 271 plots among 3573 natural forest plots were invaded by alien woody plants,accounting for 7.58%of all plots.Among all 2825 woody plant species across all plots surveyed,only 5 alien species(0.177%)were found.Both human activities and climate factors were related to the observed invasion patterns.Since China’s natural forests are mostly located in remote mountainous areas with limited human disturbance,alien woody plant invasions are less than those reported in North America and Europe.However,with the development of transportation and increased economic activities in mountainous areas,more invasions by alien plants may be expected in the future.Therefore,proactive management and policy making are desired to prevent or slow down the invasion processes.

Tropical ash(Fraxinus udhei)invading Andean forest remnants in Northern South America

Introduction:Exotic invasive species represent a major driver of the loss of biological diversity and services provided by ecosystems globally.An important cause of species becoming invasive is the development of commercial afforestation projects using fast-growing and adaptable exotic species,which may become invasive impacting natural environments.The tropical ash(Fraxinus uhdei),native to México,has been widely introduced to Colombia and other countries for timber,live fences,and urban greening.It is now common in many areas of the tropical mountains and has been observed expanding into native forests in Colombia.This study examined the invasion pattern and the demographic structure of tropical ash in remnant Andean forests in Colombia,to find out factors associated with the invasion process.The analysis took into account biotic and physical factors:distance to propagule source,vegetation cover types,and understory and canopy cover.Results:Although the reproductive strategy of the tropical ash is of“r”type with low survival rates,the results show evidence for an active process of invasion characterized by an aggregated distribution pattern dominated by seedlings and juvenile plants.The study shows the existence of an interaction between the distance to propagule source and the vegetation cover,which has an additive effect on the demographic structure of the population.Conclusions:This study suggests an active invasion process by the exotic tree tropical ash into a remnant of sub-humid forests in the Andean highlands.Our results showed an expanding population process with a decreasing average age from propagule sources and mature reproductive individuals within the native forest,which bring new individuals that are colonizing new areas and advancing into the forest.This research points to the need for urgent plant intervention on two aspects:the use of the tropical ash and the management of the invasion process in native forests.