Simultaneous reconstruction of tibial osteomyelitis-complicated soft tissue defects using free flap transplantation in conjunction with the masquelet technique: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical effect of anterolateral femoral free flap combined with Masquelet technique in the treatment of tibial osteomyelitis with wound surface.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 25 patients with tibial osteomyelitis combined with defected wounds in Xijing Hospital of Fourth Military Medical University from Jun 2017 to Oct 2021. After one-stage treatment with free flap combined with Masquelet technique, the infection index, lower extremity function score (LEFS), and Mazur ankle function score were compared before bone defect repair and at the last follow-up.

RESULTS

The anterolateral femoral free flaps of 25 patients in phase I survived. The healing time of bone fracture after stage II operation was 8-12 months [(7.2 ± 0.9) months]. At the last follow-up, the infection index was significantly lower than that before bone defect repair (P < 0.01). The LEFS and Mazur ankle function scores [(56.2 ± 7.9) and (78.2 ± 16.1)] of the affected limb were significantly higher than those before bone defect repair [(26.0 ± 8.6) and (44.7 ± 18.2)] (P < 0.01). Wounds of all patients' legs healed well, without complications (foot drop, joint dysfunction, or deformity in the affected limbs).

CONCLUSION

The anterolateral femoral free flap combined with Masquelet technique is an effective treatment strategy for tibial osteomyelitis combined with soft tissue defects. This technology can effectively repair limb trauma, inhibit infection, and improve flexion and extension functions of knee and ankle joint.

Incidence of medical device-related pressure injuries: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Medical device-related pressure injures (MDRPIs) are common in critically ill patients and associated with negative clinical outcomes and elevated healthcare expenses. We aim to estimate worldwide incidence of MDRPI and explore associated factors through systemic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Ovid EMBASE databases were systematically queried to identify relevant studies published from Jan 1, 2010 up until June 30, 2024. Studies were included if they provided data on the incidence or prevalence of MDRPI. Random-effect models were utilized to calculate the overall or domain-specific aggregated estimates of MDRPI. A meta-regression analysis was additionally performed to investigate the heterogeneity among studies.

RESULTS

We included 28 observational studies on 117,624 patients in the meta-analysis. The overall incidence of MDRPI was 19.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 13.5-25.2%). The incidence of MDRPI in Europe, North America, Asia, South America, and Oceania was 17.3% (95% CI 12.7-21.9%), 3.6% (95% CI 0.0-8.5%), 21.9% (95% CI 14.3-29.6%), 48.3% (95% CI 20.8-75.7%), and 13.0% (95% CI 5.0-21.1%), respectively (p < 0.01). Multivariate meta-regressions revealed South America and special inpatient (critically ill patient, etc.) were independently associated with higher MDRPI incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly, 20% of the patients in ICU suffered from MDRPI. The incidence of MDRPI in underdeveloped regions is particularly concerning, highlighting the importance of focusing on measures to prevent it, in order to reduce the medical burden and enhance the quality of life for affected patients.

Progress in overactive bladder: novel avenues from psychology to clinical opinions

RATIONALE

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common, distressing condition that worsens with age and impacts quality of life significantly. As a results of its clinical symptoms, patients suffer from serious physical and mental health issues, have a poor quality of life, and participate in a serious economic burden. The key social-psychological factors include living habits, eating habits, and personality characteristics on this disease, even though the pathogenesis of OAB is complex. However, there is few cognitions and research on OAB in the field of psychology.

METHODS/SEARCH STRATEGY

Between 2000 and 2022, two electronic databases were systematically searched in accordance with Cochrane library guidelines (PubMed/Medline, Web of Science). An analysis of the remaining articles with relevant information was conducted using a data extraction sheet. An itemized flow diagram was adopted and used to report systematic reviews and meta-analysis. A systematic review of studies published from 2000 to 2022 in English language were conducted and included in the review.

THE INTENDED AUDIENCE

Urological surgeon and psychologists majoring in urinary diseases.

IMPLICATION

As a result of this information, we are able to develop a better understanding of the role of psychological factors in the development of OAB and suggest potential therapeutic directions for OAB patients. This may benefit the recovery of OAB patients.

Corrigendum: Sestrin2-mediated autophagy contributes to drug resistance via endoplasmic reticulum stress in human osteosarcoma

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.722960.].

The potential role of the SIRT1-Nrf2 signaling pathway in alleviating hidden hearing loss via antioxidant stress

Hidden hearing loss (HHL) is characterized by normal audiometric thresholds but impaired auditory function, particularly in noisy environments. In vivo, we employed auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing and ribbon synapses counting to assess changes in mouse hearing function, and observed the morphology of hair cells through scanning electron microscopy. SRT1720 was administered to the cochlea via round window injection. In vitro, western blot analysis and RT-qPCR were used, and Lenti-shNrf2 was used to knockdown Nrf2 expression. In addition, various oxidative stress indicators were detected by immunofluorescence, kit-based assays, and flow cytometry. ABR measurement of HHL mouse showed a significant increase in hearing threshold, as well as a decrease and delay in the I wave amplitude and latency on the first day after noise exposure. Histological observation showed a significant loss of ribbon synapses and stereocilia lodging. HHL mice exhibited oxidative stress, which was reduced by pretreatment with SRT1720. Additionally, SRT1720 could reduce hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in HEI-OC1 cells through activating the SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway. Subsequent experiments with Nrf2 knockdown confirmed the importance of this pathway. findings highlight oxidative stress as the primary contributor to HHL, with the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway emerging as a promising therapeutic target for alleviating HHL.

The timing of surgical interventions following the implantation of coronary drug-eluting stents in patients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

AIM

We aim to investigate the optimal timing for surgical interventions to maximize patient benefit.

BACKGROUND

The guidelines recommending a minimum deferral of 6 months for non-cardiac surgeries following drug-eluting stent percutaneous coronary intervention (DES-PCI) do not adequately address the requirements for individuals undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery (GCS).

METHODS

The study encompassed 2501 patients treated from January 2017 to December 2021, all of whom underwent GCS within 1 year after DES-PCI. We conducted an analysis by comparing the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) within 30 days post-surgery at different time points.

RESULTS

This study enrolled a total of 2501 participants with meticulously recorded data who underwent DES-PCI and subsequently underwent GCS within 1 year post-implantation. The incidence rate of MACEs is 14.2%, including MI (5.1%), HF (5.8%), IS (3.2%), and cardiac death (0.2%), across all patients in this study. The threshold probability was determined using the Youden Index, resulting in a value of 0.320, corresponding to a "time-to-surgery value" of 87. Significant statistical differences were observed in the occurrence rates of MACEs for adjacent time intervals at 30 days ( P < 0.001), 90 days ( P < 0.009), and 180 days ( P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The timing of surgical intervention following DES-PCI significantly influences the occurrence of MACEs at 1, 3, and 6 months. GCS may be appropriately advanced within the 6-month timeframe, but with the exception of emergency, efforts should be made to defer them beyond the initial month.

Development of a Prognostic Alternative Splicing Signature Associated With Tumor Microenvironment Immune Profiles in Lung Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Alternative splicing (AS), a pivotal post-transcriptional process across more than 95% of human transcripts, is involved in transcript structural variations and protein complexity. Clinical implications of AS events and their interaction with tumor immunity were systematically analyzed in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

METHODS

Transcriptome profiling as well as AS data of LUAD were retrospectively curated. Then, the network of the overall survival (OS)-relevant AS events with splicing factors was established. After screening OS-relevant AS events, a LASSO prognostic model was conducted and evaluated with ROC curves. A nomogram that integrated independent prognostic indicators was created. Immune response and immune cell infiltration were estimated with ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and ssGSEA algorithms. Drug sensitivity was inferred with pRRophetic package.

RESULTS

In total, 2415 OS-relevant AS events were identified across LUAD patients. The interaction network of splicing factors with OS-relevant AS events uncovered the underlying regulatory mechanisms of AS events in LUAD. Thereafter, a prognostic model containing 12 AS events was developed, which acted as a reliable and independent prognostic indicator following verification. A nomogram that constituted stage and risk score displayed great effectiveness in evaluating the survival likelihood. Moreover, the AS-based prognostic model was in relation to immune response and immune cell infiltration. Patients with a high-risk score displayed therapeutic superiority to cisplatin, erlotinib, gefitinib, and gemcitabine. Finally, three AS-relevant genes (CDKN2A, TTC39C, and PKIB) were identified as prognostic markers.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, our findings developed an AS event signature with powerful prognostic predictive efficacy in LUAD.

Effect of oval foramen restriction and premature contraction of the arterial catheter on right heart function of fetuses and infants

OBJECTIVE

The effect of fetal oval foramen restriction and premature contraction of the arterial catheter for the right heart function of fetuses and infants was studied by evaluating the right and left ventricular (RV/LV) ratios, the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) value, and the Tei index of right heart function parameters.

METHODS

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University (K20190116). We collected 257 fetuses between March 2020 and December 2021. Among these, 98 fetuses that did not have any heart abnormalities were assigned to group A, 91 fetuses with restriction of the left and right atrial channels were assigned to group B, and 68 fetuses with premature contraction of the arterial catheter were assigned to group C. The ventricular transverse diameter, the right heart TAPSE value and the Tei index of fetuses in late pregnancy and 90 days after birth were measured in the three groups, and the diagnostic value of each index for the right heart function injury was evaluated. P < 0.05 indicates significant.

RESULTS

The P-value of the TAPSE value and Tei index of infants in BC and AC groups and postnatal infants were less than 0.05, which was significant. In the BC group, the RV/LV ratio of fetuses was compared when P > 0.05, which was not significant; however, P < 0.05 after birth was considered significant. For fetuses and postnatal infants in the BC group, the RV/LV ratio was negatively associated with the TAPSE value. However, it was positively associated with the Tei index; Diagnostic test results. To predict impaired right heart function after birth, TAPSE had low diagnostic value, RV/LV and Tei index had high diagnostic value.

CONCLUSIONS

Oval foramen restriction and premature contraction of the arterial catheter may affect the right heart function after birth and be related to the degree of the right heart enlargement. Although TAPSE prediction of the fetal and postnatal right heart function is limited, the RV/LV ratio and the Tei index can be used to predict impaired right heart function after birth.

Extracts of Portulaca oleracea and Patrinia scabiosaefolia relieve ultraviolet B-induced skin injury in solar dermatitis mice via inhibiting IL-17/CCL2 pathway and oxidative stress

Introduction: Solar dermatitis, a condition triggered by excessive exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, results in inflammatory skin damage marked by erythema, edema, and epidermal injury. Portulaca oleracea (PO) and Patrinia scabiosaefolia (PS) have been traditionally used in dermatological treatments, though their mechanistic pathways in UVB-induced skin injury are not fully understood. Methods: In this study, a mouse model of UVB-induced solar dermatitis was employed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of combined PO and PS (POPS) extracts. After UVB irradiation, POPS extracts were administered, and their bioactive compounds were identified through ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and pathway analysis were performed to identify key targets, focusing on the IL-17/CCL2 pathway and oxidative stress reduction. Results: Treatment with POPS extracts significantly diminished UVB-induced inflammation, erythema, and epidermal thickening in a dose-dependent manner. Network pharmacology and docking studies identified curvularin and olmesartan medoxomil as bioactive components with high affinity for IL-17 and IL-17RA targets, modulating the IL-17/CCL2 axis. In vivo experiments demonstrated that POPS extracts suppressed the expression of IL-17 and CCL2, reduced macrophage infiltration, and alleviated oxidative stress, effectively mitigating the symptoms of solar dermatitis. Conclusion: This study provides insight into the anti-inflammatory and protective properties of POPS extracts in solar dermatitis, highlighting their potential as a treatment through IL-17/CCL2 pathway modulation and oxidative stress reduction.

Development of a Novel Multi-Epitope Vaccine Against Streptococcus anginosus Infection via Reverse Vaccinology Approach

Streptococcus anginosus is an opportunistic pathogen known for its capability to cause a broad range of infections, posing a significant and growing global health concern. Alongside enhancing diagnostic capabilities and bolstering public health initiatives, developing a safe and effective vaccine represents a promising strategy to tackle this health challenge. In this paper, we employed an array of bioinformatics tools to engineer a subunit vaccine that exhibits high immunogenicity against S. anginosus. After constructing the multi-epitope vaccine, we subsequently predicted its secondary and tertiary protein structures. After refining and validating the modelled structure, we utilised advanced computational approaches, including molecular docking and dynamic simulations, to evaluate the binding affinity, compatibility, and stability of the vaccine-adjuvant complexes. Eventually, in silico cloning was conducted to optimise protein expression and production. The multi-epitope subunit vaccine we developed showed properties in antigenicity and immunity theoretically. The computational study revealed that this vaccine demonstrates significant efficacy against S. anginosus.

Osteoblast-derived exosomal miR-140-3p targets ACER2 and increases the progression of prostate cancer via the AKT/mTOR pathway-mediated inhibition of autophagy

Advanced prostate cancer (aPCa) often results in bone metastases (BM). However, the mechanism underlying its progression and metastasis to bones remains unclear. Therefore, we examined whether exosomal miR-140-3p affects prostate cancer (PCa) progression. We obtained from cell lines, clinical data analyses, and animal models consistently provide important evidence. Patients with PCa having BM had higher miR-140-3p expression in their serum exosomes than those without BM. Clinical investigations have manifested that the exosomal miR-140-3p overexpression connects with serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and Gleason grade in patients with PCa. Osteoblast-derived exosomal miR-140-3p targeting ACER2 activates the AKT/mTOR pathway in vitro, inhibits autophagy, and promotes PCa cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. miR-140-3p significantly increased tumorigenesis and metastasis of LNCaP in vitro. Bone metastatic PCa tissues exhibited elevated levels of miR-140-3p, p-GSK3, p-mTOR, p62, p-AKT (S473), and p-AKT (T308) contrasted with non-BM tissues. Moreover, their expression was intensified in the metastatic bone tissues. However, ACER2 and LC3 II showed opposite expression patterns. Based on our study outcomes, the evidence suggests that osteoblast-derived miR-140-3p inhibition of autophagy through the AKT/mTOR pathway is involved in PCa progression. Osteoblast-secreted exosomal miR-140-3p activates the AKT/mTOR pathway by targeting ACER2, inhibiting autophagy, and promoting the progression of PCa cells in vitro. Moreover, miR-140-3p induces the progression and metastasis of PCa in vivo.

Inhibition of SIRT1 relieves hepatocarcinogenesis via alleviating autophagy and inflammation

Imbalanced Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) levels may lead to liver diseases through abnormal regulation of autophagy, but the roles of SIRT1-regulated autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma are still controversial. In this study, we found that SIRT1 mRNA and protein levels were upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma, and high SIRT1 expression hinted an advanced stage and a poor prognosis. The differentially expressed proteins were significantly elevated in autophagy, cellular response to stress, and immune signaling pathways. In a thioacetamide-induced hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model, we found that SIRT1 expression was highly increased with increased autophagy and excessive macrophage inflammatory response. Next, we established a Hepa 1-6 cells and macrophage co-culture system in vitro to model the alteration of tumor microenvironment, and found that the medium from CCl4-treated or SIRT1-overexpressing Hepa 1-6 cells triggered the polarization of macrophage M1, and the culture medium derived from M1 macrophage promoted Hepa 1-6 cells growth and intracellular oxidative stress. The progression of liver fibrosis in the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model showed that inhibition of SIRT1 alleviated inflammatory response and ameliorated liver fibrosis. These findings suggest that SIRT1-regulated autophagy and inflammation are oncogenic in hepatocarcinogenesis.

Efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors-related antidepressants in Alzheimer's disease: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on cognitive functions, mental improvements, and adverse effects in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

Registered in INPLASY (INPLASY202450004), five drugs (citalopram, s-citalopram, quetiapine, olanzapine, and sertraline) were selected as representatives. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to May 15, 2024. Search terms were combined using Boolean operators, specifically 'AND' between different categories (e.g., 'Alzheimer's Disease' AND 'SSRIs') and 'OR' within the same category (e.g., 'citalopram OR s-citalopram OR quetiapine OR olanzapine OR sertraline'), to ensure a thorough retrieval of relevant studies. The selection followed rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Fourteen articles from 1118 were selected for meta-analysis. The indicators, including Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), and Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD), were used to assess the effects of the drugs on AD treatment. According to the results of NPI, CSDD, BPRS, MMSE, and security assessments, the five antidepressants have significant advantages in AD treatment compared with placebo, while the MMSE of the patient treated with the antidepressants did not show notable changes compared with patients treated only with placebo. Statistical analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.3, employing random-effects models to account for study heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of our findings.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that SSRI-related antidepressants have great potential values in AD treatment, and further research on the application of SSRI-related antidepressants in AD treatment is necessary.

Forkhead box N1 is possibly a novel biomarker and prognostic indicator for patients with squamous cell lung carcinoma

Background: The roles of Forkhead box N1 (FOXN1) in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) remains elusive. This study was focused on assessing the expression levels of FOXN1 in LUSC and exploring its potential clinical implications. Methods: Utilizing a range of databases, this study conducted an analysis of the FOXN1 gene's expression levels, comparing LUSC samples with those from normal lung tissues. The expression levels of FOXN1 in primary LUSC and corresponding normal lung tissues were assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Histoscore was used to evaluate the staining degree. χ2 test and Fisher's exact test were employed to assess the association between categorical variables that do not possess an ordinal nature. Multivariate survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method, the Wilcoxon test, and the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: In contrast to normal lung tissues, the expression of the FOXN1 gene was found to be significantly elevated in LUSC tissues (P < 0.01). And FOXN1 was expressed in 79 (98.8%) evaluated LUSC tissues, most of which showed compositive IHC-staining intensity, presenting heterogeneously expression. 69 (87.3%) cases were characterized for strong immunostaining intensity, 70 (87.5%) cases showed moderate intensity, and 66 (82.5%) cases presented weak intensity. Only one sample of normal lung tissue, which represents 10% of the total, exhibited weak immunostaining exclusively (P < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of FOXN1 was found to have a significant correlation with the grading of LUSC, the presence of lymph node and distant metastases, the stage of the disease, and the survival outcomes (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The expression of FOXN1 is frequently increased in LUSC, and the patients with high FOXN1 expression have a poorer survival outcome. FOXN1 can be a novel biomarker and prognostic indicator for LUSC patients.

Glomus tumors around or in the knee: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Glomus tumors commonly affect the extremities, especially subungual. And glomus tumors rarely occur around knee, which are often misdiagnosed. A lack of experience with glomus tumors is likely the cause.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 42-year-old female presented with continuous dull pain of right knee for the past 7 years. Severe pain was experienced after walking a few hundred meters or climbing up or down stairs. The patient had a slight limp, and the lateral superior aspect of her right knee was tender to palpation. The range of motion and skin around her right knee were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-defined abnormal lesion confluent with the periosteum on the femoral lateral supracondylar. She was finally diagnosed with glomus tumor according to pathological results. After surgery, the pain disappeared, and the patient was discharged three days postoperatively. At the 18-month follow-up visit, the patient reported sustained pain relief, and regular follow-ups were continued. Additionally, 30 published reports documenting 36 cases of glomus tumors around the knee were reviewed, which showed that 20% of all reported cases of glomus tumor around the knee had a history of trauma. The median age for male with glomus tumor was greater than that of female; however, the median duration of illness between the two groups was equivalent. The mean diameters of glomus tumors ranged from 4 to 65 mm, and locations around the knee included the knee joint cavity, soft tissue (e.g. popliteal fossa, patellar tendon, iliotibial band, and Hoffa's fat pad), distal femur, and proximal tibia.

CONCLUSION

Literature review demonstrated that no significant differences were found between male and female with glomus tumor in regard to location (left or right side) and illness duration. It was noting that a history of trauma may be a cause of glomus tumor and approximate 94.4% of glomus tumors was benign. The most effective therapy accepted for glomus tumors is complete surgical excision, and recurrence was rare after complete surgical excision.

circDNMT1 Promotes Malignant Progression of Gastric Cancer Through Targeting miR-576-3p/Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 Alpha Axis

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) regulate multiple malignant behaviors of various types of cancer. The role of circDNMT1, a newly identified circRNA, remains unknown in gastric cancer (GC). This study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of circDNMT1 in regulating GC progression.

METHODS

microRNA (miRNA) and circRNA expression was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Western blotting was performed to measure hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) protein expression. Sanger sequencing, gel electrophoresis and fluorescence in situ hybridization were performed to identify the presence of circDNMT1. The clinicopathological features and overall survival of patients were analyzed based on circDNMT1 expression. The proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells were determined by cell counting kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, wound healing and transwell assays. Glycolysis of GC cells was detected based on the levels of glucose uptake, the lactate acid, ATP and pyruvic acid production and the extracellular acidification and oxygen consumption rates. The binding sites between miR-576-3p and circDNMT1 or HIF-1α were predicted by online bioinformatic tools and were validated using RNA pull-down and luciferase reporter assays. Xenograft models were established to determine the effects of the circDNMT1/miR-576-3p/HIF-1α axis on GC growth and metastasis in vivo.

RESULTS

circDNMT1 was successfully identified and shown to be overexpressed in GC tissues and cell lines. The expression levels of circDNMT1 were correlated with pathological T stage, pathological TNM stage and shorter survival time of GC patients. circDNMT1 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis of GC cells. circDNMT1 functioned as an oncogenic factor by sponging miR-576-3p. HIF-1α was negatively regulated by miR-576-3p via binding its mRNA 3' untranslated region. circDNMT1 promoted malignant behaviors and metabolic reprogramming of GC by targeting the miR-576-3p/HIF-1α axis both in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrated that circDNMT1 knockdown inhibited GC proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis through sponging miR-576-3p/HIF-1α axis. circDNMT1 may be a novel target for GC treatment.

NDR1/FBXO11 promotes phosphorylation-mediated ubiquitination of β-catenin to suppress metastasis in prostate cancer

Background: Prostate cancer progression hinges on β-catenin's stability and activity, a key factor in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis. This study delves into NDR1-dependent phosphorylation's impact on β-catenin via FBXO11, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, in prostate cancer cells. Methods: Human prostate cancer cell lines underwent various in vitro assays, including real-time PCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and protein stability assays, to explore β-catenin's interactions and post-translational modifications. NDR1 modulation's in vivo efficacy was assessed using a nude mice lung metastasis model. Small-molecule screening identified a potential NDR1 activator, aNDR1, tested for its effects on metastasis via in vitro and in vivo assays. Results: NDR1 phosphorylated β-catenin at Ser33/37, facilitating its interaction with FBXO11. This led to FBXO11-mediated ubiquitination and cytoplasmic degradation of β-catenin, while the NDR1-FBXO11 complex impeded β-catenin nuclear translocation by inducing JNK2 ubiquitination. Thus, NDR1 and FBXO11 jointly regulate β-catenin activity in prostate cancer cells through dual phosphorylation-driven ubiquitination, potentially suppressing EMT. Reduced NDR1 expression inhibited FBXO11 and β-catenin phosphorylation, diminishing β-catenin and JNK2 ubiquitination, promoting EMT and enhancing prostate cancer cell metastasis. The inhibitory effects of aNDR1 on prostate cancer metastasis were validated. Conclusion: The NDR1/FBXO11 axis outlines a non-canonical β-catenin degradation pathway crucial in regulating EMT and prostate cancer cell metastasis. NDR1 activation, particularly with aNDR1, could offer a promising therapeutic avenue against prostate cancer metastasis.

LncRNA CCAT2 promotes malignant progression of metastatic gastric cancer through regulating CD44 alternative splicing

OBJECTIVE

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most malignant tumors worldwide. Thus, it is necessary to explore the underlying mechanisms of GC progression and develop novel therapeutic regimens. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be abnormally expressed and regulate the malignant behaviors of cancer cells. Our previous research demonstrated that lncRNA colon cancer-associated transcript 2 (CCAT2) has potential value for GC diagnosis and discrimination. However, the functional mechanisms of lncRNA CCAT2 in GC development remain to be explored.

METHODS

GC and normal adjacent tissues were collected to detect the expression of lncRNA CCAT2, ESRP1 and CD44 in clinical specimens and their clinical significance for GC patients. Cell counting kit-8, wound healing and transwell assays were conducted to investigate the malignant behaviors in vitro. The generation of nude mouse xenografts by subcutaneous, intraperitoneal and tail vein injection was performed to examine GC growth and metastasis in vivo. Co-immunoprecipitation, RNA-binding protein pull-down assay and fluorescence in situ hybridization were performed to reveal the binding relationships between ESRP1 and CD44.

RESULTS

In the present study, lncRNA CCAT2 was overexpressed in GC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues and correlated with short survival time of patients. lncRNA CCAT2 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells. Its overexpression modulates alternative splicing of Cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) variants and facilitates the conversion from the standard form to variable CD44 isoform 6 (CD44v6). Mechanistically, lncRNA CCAT2 upregulated CD44v6 expression by binding to epithelial splicing regulatory protein 1 (ESRP1), which subsequently mediates CD44 alternative splicing. The oncogenic role of the lncRNA CCAT2/ESRP1/CD44 axis in the promotion of malignant behaviors was verified by both in vivo and in vitro experiments.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings identified a novel mechanism by which lncRNA CCAT2, as a type of protein-binding RNA, regulates alternative splicing of CD44 and promotes GC progression. This axis may become an effective target for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Construction and validation of cell cycle-related prognostic genetic model for glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a common primary malignant brain tumor and the prognosis of these patients remains poor. Therefore, further understanding of cell cycle-related molecular mechanisms of GBM and identification of appropriate prognostic markers and therapeutic targets are key research imperatives. Based on RNA-seq expression datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, prognosis-related biological processes in GBM were screened out. Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA), LASSO-COX, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis were performed for constructing a predictive prognostic model. A total of 58 cell cycle-related genes were identified by GSVA and analysis of differential expression between GBM and control samples. By univariate Cox and LASSO regression analyses, 8 genes were identified as prognostic biomarkers in GBM. A nomogram with superior performance to predict the survival of GBM patients was established regarding risk score, cancer status, recurrence type, and mRNAsi. This study revealed the prognostic value of cell cycle-related genes in GBM. In addition, we constructed a reliable model for predicting the prognosis of GBM patients. Our findings reinforce the relationship between cell cycle and GBM and may help improve the prognostic assessment of patients with GBM. Our predictive prognostic model, based on independent prognostic factors, enables tailored treatment strategies for GBM patients. It is particularly useful for subgroups with uncertain prognosis or treatment challenges.

Surface electromyography analysis of ankle flexor and extensor activity under different standing stability levels

Background: To observe the activation strategies of the ankle muscles using surface electromyography (sEMG) during single-leg standing (SLS) and both-leg standing (BLS) on flat ground (FG), soft mat (SM), and BOSU ball (BB) surfaces. Methods: Thirty healthy young adults participated in the study. The muscle activities of the tibialis anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius medial (GM) were measured on the three surfaces during SLS and BLS. Electromyographic evaluations of the TA and GM were recorded during maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC). Muscle activation was evaluated using MVIC%, and muscle co-contraction was evaluated using the co-contraction index (CI). Results: A statistically significant increase was observed in the MVIC% of the TA, GM, and CI on the three surfaces during SLS compared to BLS, except for the comparison of CI on BB between SLS and BLS (t = -1.35, p = 0.19). The MVIC% of the TA and GM during SLS and BLS on BB was significantly increased in comparison with FG and SM. The CI during BLS on BB increased compared to FG (t = 3.19, p < 0.01) and SM (t = 4.64, p < 0.01). The CI during BLS on SM (t = -1.46, p = 0.15) decreased when compared to FG but without statistical significance. Conclusions: SLS and unstable surfaces can induce greater muscle activation, and SLS can have a greater influence on ankle muscles.