Metastatic clear cell sarcoma of the pancreas:A rare case report

BACKGROUND Clear cell sarcoma(CCS)is a rare soft-tissue sarcoma.The most common metastatic sites for CCS are the lungs,bones and brain.CCS is highly invasive and mainly metastasizes to the lung,followed by the bone and brain;however,pancreatic metastasis is relatively rare.CASE SUMMARY We report on a rare case of CCS with pancreatic metastasis in a 47-year-old man.The patient had a relevant medical history 3 years ago,with abdominal pain as the main clinical manifestation.No abnormalities were observed on physical examination and the tumor was found on abdominal computed tomography.Based on the medical history and postoperative pathology,the patient was diagnosed with CCS with pancreatic metastasis.The patient was successfully treated with surgical interventions,including distal pancreatectomy and sple-nectomy.CONCLUSION This report summarizes the available treatment modalities for CCS and the importance of regular postoperative follow-up for patients with CCS.

Use of a tissue clearing technique combined with retrograde trans-synaptic viral tracing to evaluate changes in mouse retinorecipient brain regions following optic nerve crush

Successful establishment of reconnection between retinal ganglion cells and retinorecipient regions in the brain is critical to optic nerve regeneration.However,morphological assessments of retinorecipient regions are limited by the opacity of brain tissue.In this study,we used an innovative tissue cleaning technique combined with retrograde trans-synaptic viral tracing to observe changes in retinorecipient regions connected to retinal ganglion cells in mice after optic nerve injury.Specifically,we performed light-sheet imaging of whole brain tissue after a clearing process.We found that pseudorabies virus 724(PRV724)mostly infected retinal ganglion cells,and that we could use it to retrogradely trace the retinorecipient regions in whole tissue-cleared brains.Unexpectedly,PRV724-traced neurons were more widely distributed compared with data from previous studies.We found that optic nerve injury could selectively modify projections from retinal ganglion cells in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus,intergeniculate leaflet,ventral lateral geniculate nucleus,central amygdala,basolateral amygdala,Edinger-Westphal nucleus,and oculomotor nucleus,but not the superior vestibular nucleus,red nucleus,locus coeruleus,gigantocellular reticular nucleus,or facial nerve nucleus.Our findings demonstrate that the tissue clearing technique,combined with retrograde trans-synaptic viral tracing,can be used to objectively and comprehensively evaluate changes in mouse retinorecipient regions that receive projections from retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve injury.Thus,our approach may be useful for future estimations of optic nerve injury and regeneration.

Metastatic clear cell sarcoma of the pancreas:A sporadic cancer

Primary or secondary clear cell sarcoma of the pancreas is an exceedingly rare and aggressive disease.In addition to pathology,molecular analysis is pivotal in differential diagnosis,especially with malignant melanoma.A key aspect in identifying clear cell sarcoma is specific genetic alterations,notably the translocation of t(12;22)(q13;q13),a diagnostic hallmark of this sarcoma subtype,which is absent in malignant melanoma.Treatment of primary clear cell sarcoma of the pancreas is the same as that for adenocarcinoma.

Projected changes in extreme snowfall events over the Tibetan Plateau based on a set of RCM simulations

Extreme snowfall events over the Tibetan Plateau(TP)cause considerable damage to local society and natural ecosystems.In this study,the authors investigate the projected changes in such events over the TP and its surrounding areas based on an ensemble of a set of 21st century climate change projections using a regional climate model,RegCM4.The model is driven by five CMIP5 global climate models at a grid spacing of 25 km,under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 pathways.Four modified ETCCDI extreme indices-namely,SNOWTOT,S1mm,S10mm,and Sx5day-are employed to characterize the extreme snowfall events.RegCM4 generally reproduces the spatial distribution of the indices over the region,although with a tendency of overestimation.For the projected changes,a general decrease in SNOWTOT is found over most of the TP,with greater magnitude and better cross-simulation agreement over the eastern part.All the simulations project an overall decrease in S1mm,ranging from a 25%decrease in the west and to a 50%decrease in the east of the TP.Both S10mm and Sx5day are projected to decrease over the eastern part and increase over the central and western parts of the TP.Notably,S10mm shows a marked increase(more than double)with high cross-simulation agreement over the central TP.Significant increases in all four indices are found over the Tarim and Qaidam basins,and northwestern China north of the TP.The projected changes show topographic dependence over the TP in the latitudinal direction,and tend to decrease/increase in low-/high-altitude areas.

Spatiotemporal changes of gross primary productivity and its response to drought in the Mongolian Plateau under climate change

Gross primary productivity(GPP)of vegetation is an important constituent of the terrestrial carbon sinks and is significantly influenced by drought.Understanding the impact of droughts on different types of vegetation GPP provides insight into the spatiotemporal variation of terrestrial carbon sinks,aiding efforts to mitigate the detrimental effects of climate change.In this study,we utilized the precipitation and temperature data from the Climatic Research Unit,the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index(SPEI),the standardized precipitation index(SPI),and the simulated vegetation GPP using the eddy covariance-light use efficiency(EC-LUE)model to analyze the spatiotemporal change of GPP and its response to different drought indices in the Mongolian Plateau during 1982-2018.The main findings indicated that vegetation GPP decreased in 50.53% of the plateau,mainly in its northern and northeastern parts,while it increased in the remaining 49.47%area.Specifically,meadow steppe(78.92%)and deciduous forest(79.46%)witnessed a significant decrease in vegetation GPP,while alpine steppe(75.08%),cropland(76.27%),and sandy vegetation(87.88%)recovered well.Warming aridification areas accounted for 71.39% of the affected areas,while 28.53% of the areas underwent severe aridification,mainly located in the south and central regions.Notably,the warming aridification areas of desert steppe(92.68%)and sandy vegetation(90.24%)were significant.Climate warming was found to amplify the sensitivity of coniferous forest,deciduous forest,meadow steppe,and alpine steppe GPP to drought.Additionally,the drought sensitivity of vegetation GPP in the Mongolian Plateau gradually decreased as altitude increased.The cumulative effect of drought on vegetation GPP persisted for 3.00-8.00 months.The findings of this study will improve the understanding of how drought influences vegetation in arid and semi-arid areas.

MACS-W:A modified optical clearing agent for imaging 3D cell cultures

Three-dimensional(3D)cell cultures have contributed to a variety of biological research fields by filling the gap between monolayers and animal models.The modern optical sectioning microscopic methods make it possible to probe the complexity of 3D cell cultures but are limited by the inherent opaqueness.While tissue optical clearing methods have emerged as powerful tools for investigating whole-mount tissues in 3D,they often have limitations,such as being too harsh for fragile 3D cell cultures,requiring complex handling protocols,or inducing tissue deformation with shrinkage or expansion.To address this issue,we proposed a modified optical clearing method for 3D cell cultures,called MACS-W,which is simple,highly efficient,and morphology-preserving.In our evaluation of MACS-W,we found that it exhibits excellent clearing capability in just 10 min,with minimal deformation,and helps drug evaluation on tumor spheroids.In summary,MACS-W is a fast,minimally-deformative and fluorescence compatible clearing method that has the potential to be widely used in the studies of 3D cell cultures.

Transforming Adolescent Smiles:Correcting Skeletal Mandibular Retrusion and Bimaxillary Protrusion with Clear Aligners

Maxillary protrusion combined with mandibular retraction is a highly prevalent but extremely complex maxillofacial deformity that can have a serious negative impact on patients’facial aesthetics and mental health.The traditional orthodontic treatment strategy often involves extracting 4 first premolars and conventional fixed techniques,combined with mini-implant screws,to retract the anterior teeth and improve facial protrusion.In recent years,an invisible orthodontic technique,without brackets,has become increasingly popular.However,while an invisible aligner has been used in some cases with reasonable results,there remain significant challenges in achieving a perfect outcome.This case report presents an adolescent patient with bimaxillary protrusion and mandibular retrognathia.Based on the characteristics of the invisible aligners and the growth characteristics of the adolescent’s teeth and jawbone,we designed precise three-dimensional tooth movement and corresponding resistance/over-correction for each tooth,while utilizing the patient’s jawbone growth potential to promote rapid development of the mandible,accurately and efficiently correcting bimaxillary protrusion and skeletal mandibular retrognathia.The patient’s facial aesthetics,especially the lateral morphology,have been greatly improved,and various aesthetic indicators have also shown significant changes,and to the patient’s great benefit,invasive mini-implant screws were not used during the treatment.This case highlights the advantages of using invisible aligners in adolescent maxillary protrusion combined with mandibular retraction patients.Furthermore,comprehensive and accurate design combined with good application of growth potential can also enable invisible orthodontic technology to achieve perfect treatment effects in tooth extractions,providing clinical guidance for orthodontists.

Essential role of postoperative follow-up in the management of clear cell sarcoma

Clear cell sarcoma(CCS)is a rare melanocytic soft tissue sarcoma known for itspropensity to metastasize to the lymph nodes and typically has an unfavorableprognosis.Currently,surgical resection is the primary treatment for localizedCCS,while radiotherapy and chemotherapy are preferred for metastatic cases.The roles of adjuvant chemotherapy,radiotherapy,and lymph node dissection arecontroversial.Although immunotherapy has emerged as a promising avenue inCCS treatment research,there are no established clinical standards for postoperativefollow-up.This editorial discusses a recent article by Liu et al,with afocus on current diagnostic modalities,treatment approaches,and the challengingprognosis associated with CCS.Our aim is to underscore the importance of longtermpatient follow-up in CCS management.

Shedding light on pancreatic metastasis of clear cell sarcoma:An exceptional journey

This editorial comments on the study by Liu et al investigating pancreatic metastasis of clear cell sarcoma(CCS)published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases.CCS is a rare and aggressive melanocytic tumor,that typically arises from tendons and aponeuroses of the limbs,and metastasizes to the lungs,bones,and brain.However,pancreatic metastasis has rarely been reported,presenting unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.Elucidating the clinical characteristics,imaging features,prognostic factors,and treatment outcomes of patients with pancreatic CCS metastasis is crucial.Surgery remains an effective management strategy for CCS.However,the high recurrence rate and low effectiveness of traditional adjuvant treatments necessitate a shift towards more personalized and targeted treatment plans.Research is needed to investigate and validate novel therapeutic approaches specifically tailored to the distinct genetic and molecular characteristics of rare malignancies like CCS.Additionally,the development of late metastases after a long disease-free interval is common in CCS patients.Therefore,routine postoperative surveillance for metastasis using computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging,bone scans,and positron emission tomography scans is crucial.Moving forward,enhanced collaboration,investigation,and creative thinking among scientists,medical professionals,and legislators are essential to gain a deeper understanding of these rare presentations.

Climate Changes and Sustainability

Climate change is the phrase used to describe long-term changes in temperatures and weather patterns. Changes in the atmosphere and their interactions with diverse geologic, chemical, biological, and geographic variables are the main contributors to this cyclical adjustment of the Earth’s climate. Such changes may be induced purposefully, because of burning fossil fuels, clearing forests, and raising animals, or they may be natural, brought on by significant volcanic eruptions or variations in the sun’s activity. By significantly increasing the amount of greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere, this heightens the greenhouse effect and contributes to global warming. This work includes several additional theoretical and practical explanations of sustainable development. The theoretical work encompasses hundreds of researches that identify requirements for how development routes might satisfy sustainable development (SD) criteria using economic theory, complex systems approach, ecological science, and other techniques. The agreements made by the Parties in various nations across the world will consider a wide range of perspectives about what would be considered undesirable effects on the environment, the climate system, sustainability, economic growth, or food production.

Metastatic clear cell sarcoma of the pancreas:An overview

Clear cell sarcoma(CCS)is a rare soft-tissue sarcoma that accounts for less than 1%of all cases and was originally reported in 1965.The incidence of CCS is estimated to be approximately 0.014/100000 depending on the surveillance,epidemiology and end results databases.CCS is a highly invasive type that mainly metastasizes to the lungs,followed by the bones and brain;however,pancreatic metastasis is relatively rare.It has a high probability of recurrence or metastasis and has a poor prognosis with a high mortality rate.Finally,even after recovery,it is fundamental to keep regular postoperative follow-up for CCS patients.

Eureka lemon zinc finger protein ClDOF3.4 interacts with citrus yellow vein clearing virus coat protein to inhibit viral infection

Citrus yellow vein clearing virus(CYVCV)is a new citrus virus that has become an important factor restricting the development of China’s citrus industry,and the CYVCV coat protein(CP)is associated with viral pathogenicity.In this study,the Eureka lemon zinc finger protein(ZFP)ClDOF3.4 was shown to interact with CYVCV CP in vivo and in vitro.Transient expression of ClDOF3.4 in Eureka lemon induced the expression of salicylic acid(SA)-related and hypersensitive response marker genes,and triggered a reactive oxygen species burst,ion leakage necrosis,and the accumulation of free SA.Furthermore,the CYVCV titer in ClDOF3.4 transgenic Eureka lemon plants was approximately 69.4%that in control plants 6 mon after inoculation,with only mild leaf chlorotic spots observed in those transgenic plants.Taken together,the results indicate that ClDOF3.4 not only interacts with CP but also induces an immune response in Eureka lemon by inducing the SA pathways.This is the first report that ZFP is involved in the immune response of a citrus viral disease,which provides a basis for further study of the molecular mechanism of CYVCV infection.

Metastatic clear cell sarcoma of the pancreas:From diagnosis to treatment

This article presents a comprehensive case report on an uncommon instance of metastatic clear cell sarcoma(CCS)originating from the pancreas.The high mortality rate of pancreatic carcinoma underscores the importance of precise diagnosis and early detection.The authors report a novel case of CCS with pancreatic metastasis,detailing successful surgical intervention through distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy,resulting in favourable outcomes.This study highlights the standard role of surgery in treating advanced CCS and emphasizes preoperative imaging and thorough patient history assessment.This article also underscores the necessity for long-term surveillance due to the potential for recurrence or metastasis.Despite the favourable recovery postsurgery,the absence of subsequent follow-up evaluation prompts consideration of the need for extended monitoring.This article raises questions about the nature of the pancreatic lesion and suggests the possibility of a primary lesion.Further evidence is crucial to establish the correlation between the features related to the development of the patient's primary and metastatic tumours.In conclusion,this study offers valuable insights into metastatic CCS of the pancreas,highlighting the importance of regular postoperative follow-up for improved outcomes through early detection and intervention.

The Global Energy and Water Exchanges(GEWEX)Project in Central Asia:The Case for a Regional Hydroclimate Project

Central Asia consists of the former Soviet Republics,Kazakhstan,Kyrgyz Republic,Tajikistan,Turkmenistan,and Uzbekistan.The region’s climate is continental,mostly semi-arid to arid.Agriculture is a significant part of the region’s economy.By its nature of intensive water use,agriculture is extremely vulnerable to climate change.Population growth and irrigation development have significantly increased the demand for water in the region.Major climate change issues include melting glaciers and a shrinking snowpack,which are the foundation of the region’s water resources,and a changing precipitation regime.Most glaciers are located in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan,leading to transboundary water resource issues.Summer already has extremely high temperatures.Analyses indicate that Central Asia has been warming and precipitation might be increasing.The warming is expected to increase,but its spatial and temporal distribution depends upon specific global scenarios.Projections of future precipitation show significant uncertainties in type,amount,and distribution.Regional Hydroclimate Projects(RHPs)are an approach to studying these issues.Initial steps to develop an RHP began in 2021 with a widely distributed online survey about these climate issues.It was followed up with an online workshop and then,in 2023,an in-person workshop,held in Tashkent,Uzbekistan.Priorities for the Global Energy and Water Exchanges(GEWEX)project for the region include both observations and modeling,as well as development of better and additional precipitation observations,all of which are topics for the next workshop.A well-designed RHP should lead to reductions in critical climate uncertainties in policy-relevant timeframes that can influence decisions on necessary investments in climate adaptation.

Dust-Holding Capacity and Bio-Chemical Changes of Plant Species Growing in an Around Opencast Mining Area of Bundelkhand Region of Uttar Pradesh, India

The present study has been carried out on a total of 50 available plant species to assess their dust-capturing capacity and biochemical performances in and around open cast granite mine areas of Jhansi district and Bundelkhand University campus treated as control site. Plant species existing under a polluted environment for a long time may be considered as potentially resistant species and recommended for green belt design in mining areas, especially to cope with dust pollution. Results showed the pollution level, especially of mining-originated dust particles holding capacity of leaves and effects of different biochemical parameters (Total Chlorophyll, Protein and Carotenoid) of existing plant species both from mining areas as well as from Bundelkhand University campus. Based on their performances, Tectona grandis L., Ficus hispida L., Calotropis procera Aiton., Butea monosperma Lam. and Ficus benghalensis L., etc. are highly tolerant species while Ficus infectoria L., Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam., Ipomoea purpurea L., Allianthus excelsa Roxb. and Bauhinia variegata L. are intermediate tolerant species. T. grandis had shown the highest dust-holding capacity (2.566 ± 0.0004 mg/cm2) whereas Albizia procera (0.018 ± 0.0002 mg/cm2) was found to be the lowest dust-holding capacity. Our findings also showed that the T. grandis and F. hispida have significant dust deposition with minimal effect of dust on their leaf chlorophyll (17.447 ± 0.019 mg/g and 14.703 ± 0.201 mg/g), protein (0.699 ± 0.001 mg/g and 0.604 ± 0.002 mg/g) and carotenoid (0.372 ± 0.003 mg/g and 0.354 ± 0.003 mg/g) content respectively among all selected plant species. Therefore, in the present investigation, plant species with high tolerance to high dust-holding capacity on their leaf surfaces are preferable for green corridors as open cast granite mines and their adjacent areas.

Medical imaging for the diagnosis,recurrence and metastasis evaluation of clear cell sarcoma

Clear cell sarcoma(CCS)of soft tissue is extremely rare,accounting for approximately 1%of all soft tissue tumours.It is very difficult to diagnose CCS based on clinical manifestations.Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)provides highresolution images of soft tissues and pathological features such as mucus,necrosis,bleeding,and fat through high and low signals on T1 weighted image(T1WI)and T2 weighted image(T2WI).On the other hand,the paramagnetism of melanin in CCS shortens the relaxation time of T1 and T2,and high signal intensity on T1WI and low signal intensity on T2WI can be found.This is different from most other soft tissue sarcomas.At present,the treatment method for CCS is surgical resection.MRI can effectively display the tumour edge,extent of surrounding oedema,and extent of fat involvement,which is highly important for guiding surgical resection and predicting postoperative recurrence.As an invasive sarcoma,CCS has a high risk of metastasis.Regardless of the pathological condition of the resected tumour,MRI or computed tomography(CT)should be performed every 1-2 years to assess recurrence at the primary site and to screen for metastasis in the lungs,liver,and bones.If necessary,PET-CT can be performed to evaluate the overall condition of the patient.

Seasonal changes in Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) song syntax

In many songbird species,birdsong features phonological syntax,meaning that the units within their vocal se-quences are ordered in a non-random way that adheres to a rule.While such syntactical patterns have been richly described in many species,comparatively little is known about how those patterns contribute to song achieving its important functions.For each of song’s main functions,territorial defense and mate attraction,evidence of a role for syntax is limited.One species for which syntax has been thoroughly described is the Hermit Thrush(Catharus guttatus),which presents song types from their repertoires in a semi-predictable order and,in doing so,rapidly cycle up and down the frequency spectrum.The objective of the present study was to explore the importance of song syntax in the Hermit Thrush through a within-subject examination of how measures of syntax,such as the predictability of song type order within song sequences,shift over the breeding season.We hypothesized that,if such syntactical characteristics are important to breeding behaviour,they would be most prominent at the start of the breeding season when activity associated with territory establishment and mate attraction is most intense.Analysis revealed that,as predicted,the rigidness of song type ordering within se-quences was highest at the start of the season and declined thereafter.That song type sequences were most predictable at the vitally important early part of the breeding season fit our hypothesis that this aspect of song syntax is important to song’s functions related to territory establishment and/or mate attraction.Future work will clarify whether that role relates to one of song’s two main functions or serves song transmission in some broader way.

Clear cell sarcoma of the pancreas,an unusual cancer with unusual metastatic site or unusual primary site?

Clear cell sarcoma(CCS)is a type of malignant tumor that can arise from tendons and aponeuroses.This malignant proliferation of cells with melanocytic lineage normally occurs in young patients,and it is normally identified in extremities.However,different sites including gastrointestinal organs are also described.Due difficulties in the molecular and histopathology evaluation,the diagnosis is often confused with malignant melanoma.Most cases are treated with surgical resection,but overall,the prognosis is poor.In this editorial,we will discuss a very interesting case of CCS identified in the pancreas.We will discuss the literature and controversies in the management of this type of cancer.Furthermore,we will address molecular strategies to be incorporated in those cases to better understand the primary location of the tumor.Finally,future perspectives of the field and new strategies of treatment will be described.

Changes in Spring Snow Cover over the Eastern and Western Tibetan Plateau and Their Associated Mechanism

The spring snow cover(SC)over the western Tibetan Plateau(TP)(TPSC)(W_TPSC)and eastern TPSC(E_TPSC)have displayed remarkable decreasing and increasing trends,respectively,during 1985–2020.The current work investigates the possible mechanisms accounting for these distinct TPSC changes.Our results indicate that the decrease in W_TPSC is primarily attributed to rising temperatures,while the increase in E_TPSC is closely linked to enhanced precipitation.Local circulation analysis shows that the essential system responsible for the TPSC changes is a significant anticyclonic system centered over the northwestern TP.The anomalous descending motion and adiabatic heating linked to this anticyclone leads to warmer temperatures and consequent snowmelt over the western TP.Conversely,anomalous easterly winds along the southern flank of this anticyclone serve to transport additional moisture from the North Pacific,leading to an increase in snowfall over the eastern TP.Further analysis reveals that the anomalous anticyclone is associated with an atmospheric wave pattern that originates from upstream regions.Springtime warming of the subtropical North Atlantic(NA)sea surface temperature(SST)induces an atmospheric pattern resembling a wave train that travels eastward across the Eurasian continent before reaching the TP.Furthermore,the decline in winter sea ice(SIC)over the Barents Sea exerts a persistent warming influence on the atmosphere,inducing an anomalous atmospheric circulation that propagates southeastward and strengthens the northwest TP anticyclone in spring.Additionally,an enhancement of subtropical stationary waves has resulted in significant increases in easterly moisture fluxes over the coastal areas of East Asia,which further promotes more snowfall over eastern TP.

Malignant melanoma:An important differential diagnosis for clear cell sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract

A case report by Liu et al describes the characteristics of metastatic clear cell sarcoma(CCS)of the pancreas and provides valuable therapeutic insights for this rare malignancy.This case is interesting because of its rarity,suggesting that the pancreas may be a potential target organ for CCS,either primary or metastatic.At the same time,the authors also emphasize the importance of regular postoperative follow-up for timely detection of recurrent lesions,as CCS is characterized by a high degree of malignancy and a high rate of recurrent metastases.Considering that CCS of the gastrointestinal tract is easily confused with malignant melanoma(MM)of the gastrointestinal tract,here we compare the clinical features,histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics,diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of CCS and MM of the gastrointestinal tract,hoping to provide a reference for clinical work.