Expanding the molecular landscape of undifferentiated sarcomas of bone with a novel EWSR1-SSX3 gene fusion.

Undifferentiated sarcomas characterized by a primitive monomorphic round to spindle cell phenotype and often non-specific immunoprofile remain difficult to subclassify outside molecular analysis. The increased application of RNA sequencing in clinical practice led to significant advances and discoveries of novel gene fusions that furthered our understanding and refined classification of otherwise undifferentiated neoplasms. In this study, we report an undifferentiated round to spindle cell sarcoma arising in the femur of a 34-year-old female.

Preinvasion Assessment of Exotic Bark Beetle-Vectored Fungi to Detect Tree-Killing Pathogens.

Exotic diseases and pests of trees have caused continental-scale disturbances in forest ecosystems and industries, and their invasions are considered largely unpredictable. We tested the concept of preinvasion assessment of not yet invasive organisms, which enables empirical risk assessment of potential invasion and impact. Our example assesses fungi associated with Old World bark and ambrosia beetles and their potential to impact North American trees.

Role of tumor-associated macrophages and angiogenesis in desmoid-type fibromatosis.

Desmoid-type fibromatosis (DTF) is a rare soft tissue tumor with fibroblastic features affecting two to four individuals per million population per year. Despite its bland microscopic appearance, the tumor behaves aggressively. Although unable to metastasize, DTF tends to recur and local recurrences in anatomically critical sites can be fatal.