Browse Articles

Association between mean corpuscular volume and mortality in chronic kidney disease ICU patients: A retrospective multicenter cohort study

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 10% of the global population and is closely linked to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), a key hematological parameter, has been associated with various clinical outcomes. However, the relationship between MCV and mortality in CKD patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) has not been thoroughly investigated, with previous studies primarily limited to single-center designs. Methods This retrospective multicenter cohort study analyzed data from the eICU-CRD and MIMIC-IV databases. Statistical analyses involved Kaplan-Meier survival curves and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) were employed to assess the potential nonlinear relationships between MCV and mortality. Results A total of 23,724 patients were included in the analysis. Higher MCV levels were significantly associated with increased 30-day and 90-day in-hospital mortality. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a higher mortality risk in patients with the highest MCV levels. Cox models confirmed that MCV was a significant risk factor for mortality, with hazard ratios indicating an increased risk with each unit increase in MCV. Subgroup analyses consistently showed that elevated MCV levels were associated with a higher mortality risk across different patient groups. Conclusion This first multicenter study demonstrated that elevated MCV levels are significantly associated with higher short-term mortality in CKD ICU patients, suggesting that MCV could serve as a potential biomarker for risk stratification. Future research should validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Enhancing precision in lymphoma detection with novel deep transformer-based neural networks

Lymphoma appears as swollen lymph nodes and weakened immune-protective tissues, frequently resulting in tiredness and loss of weight. Improving the outlook of this malignancy includes using computer-assisted analysis of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) pictures, which identify changes in metabolism. This article presents an Automatic Pre-Segmentation Model (APSM) that uses the Swin Transformer (ST). The APSM accurately separates inputs by recognizing pixel differences caused by changes in metabolism in various tissues and lymph nodes. Training the Swin Transformer system for classification and identification happens simultaneously, focusing mainly on the lymph node area. The model effectively divides the Lymphoma area by examining differences in patterns between regional features and changes in pixels. This segmentation model combines transformer network training to simultaneously learn fractal variations and feature changes, helping to adjust the relationships between training and testing inputs. The segmentation model’s effectiveness comes from its capability to stop training the matching transformer network when it identifies new deviations, alterations, or both. The proposed model achieved 12.68% higher segmentation accuracy, 13.38% improved precision, and reduced overhead, error, and segmentation time by 12.73%, 9.27%, and 10.23%, respectively, outperforming existing methods.

OptiSelect and EnShap: Integrating machine learning and game theory for ischemic stroke prediction

Stroke analysis using game theory and machine learning techniques. The study investigates the use of the Shapley value in predictive ischemic brain stroke analysis. Initially, preference algorithms identify the most important features in various machine learning models, including logistic regression, K-nearest neighbor, decision tree, support vector machine (linear kernel), support vector machine ( RBF kernel), neural networks, etc. For each sample, the top 3, 4, and 5 features are evaluated and selected to evaluate their performance. The Shapley value method was used to rank the models using their best four features based on their predictive capabilities. As a result, better-performing models were found. Afterward, ensemble machine learning methods were used to find the most accurate predictions using the top 5 models ranked by shapely value. The research demonstrates an impressive accuracy of 92.39%, surpassing other proposed models’ performance. This study highlights the utility of combining game theory and machine learning in Ischemic stroke prediction and the potential of ensemble learning methods to increase predictive accuracy in ischemic stroke analysis.

Expanding range of Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae) and Borrelia burgdorferi infection in North Carolina counties, 2018–2023

North Carolina (NC) has been experiencing a recent surge in human Lyme disease (LD) cases. Understanding the distribution of tick-borne diseases necessitates understanding the distribution of the ticks that transmit their causative pathogens. Unfortunately, in NC, knowledge on tick distribution is outdated. In this manuscript, we report the results of a state-wide entomologic survey conducted in 42 NC counties by flagging/dragging from spring 2018 to summer 2023. Ixodes scapularis nymphs and adults were screened for Borrelia burgdorferi (the causative agent of LD) and four other tick-borne bacterial pathogens (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, B. mayonii, B. miyamotoi, and Babesia microti) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Consistent with current data on human LD cases incidence and distribution, results of this study indicated a range expansion of I. scapularis with higher tick densities and B. burgdorferi infection prevalence now occurring in the Blue Ridge Mountains province of western NC. Temporal analysis of I. scapularis presence data indicated that this shift is fairly recent (about 10 years). Finally, in the Blue Ridge Mountains we detected a northeast-to-southwest gradient in I. scapularis tick and B. burgdorferi infection prevalence suggesting that this trend is driven by a spread of the northern clade I. scapularis ticks into NC from southwestern Virginia, along the Appalachian Mountains. Other pathogenic bacteria detected in I. scapularis ticks included B. miyamotoi and A. phagocytophilum, that were limited to the Blue Ridge Mountains. These results have important public health implications, including the need for enhanced tick surveillance, updated clinical awareness, and targeted public education in newly affected areas.

Effects of concurrent training on the Chinese female elite triathletes

This study investigated the effects of an 8-week concurrent strength-endurance training program on the performance of elite female triathletes in China. Twelve female national team members (age 18.41 ± 1.44 years) completed a phased concurrent training program, which included strength (three times per week) and endurance (three times per week) modules. TRIMP was used to monitor training load. The test indicators included 1RM strength, vertical jump (CMJ/SJ), swimming/running performance, and short- and medium-distance triathlon simulation races. The results showed that 1RM squat (+4.23% ± 2.99%, P < 0.001), relative squat strength (+3.96% ± 3.0%, P < 0.001), static jump (SJ, + 3.65% ± 1.42%, P < 0.001), 400-meter swimming (−0.85% ± 0.25%, P < 0.001), 2000-meter running (−0.47% ± 0.48%, P < 0.01), and short-distance triathlon performance (−3.63% ± 0.11%, P < 0.001) significantly improved. Maximum output power increased by 5.52 ± 3.06 W (P < 0.001), but VO2max and medium-distance triathlon performance remained unchanged. Concurrent training effectively enhanced the lower limb explosive power and short-distance performance of elite female triathletes through neuromuscular adaptations, and the intervention effects were sustainable, supporting its integration into periodized training programs.

Infidelity among parents in committed relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected various aspects of personal life, including romantic relationships. While existing research has explored the pandemic’s impact on relationship quality and behavior, little attention has been given to the influence of the pandemic on infidelity. This study aims to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced both the increased desire for and the actual engagement in infidelity among individuals in relationships, with a particular emphasis on parents. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of romantically partnered U.S. adults (N = 1,070), to examine self-reported increased desire for and engagement in infidelity. Using linear and binary logistic regressions, we investigated how parental status (parent vs. non-parent) affected this desire or engagement, with gender (men vs. women) included as a moderating variable and controlling for the occurrence of one or more stressful relationship events during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings indicated that parents (vs. non-parents) reported increased desire for, and engagement in, infidelity; men also reported increased desire and engagement than did women, but gender did not moderate the links between parental status and infidelity. These results suggest that parents and men may be especially vulnerable to high stress like that brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic; these individuals and their current romantic relationships may benefit from targeted social support.

Effects of Baobab fruit powder on gut and cardiometabolic health in obesity—Protocol for a randomised placebo-controlled trial

Despite its commercial availability, its high fibre, vitamin C and polyphenol content, there are limited scientific studies exploring the cardiometabolic effects of Baobab fruit powder (BFP) in humans. Due to its high fibre content, BFP may offer a potential intervention to reduce intestinal barrier dysfunction and therefore mitigate cardiometabolic risk. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will be conducted with 50 apparently healthy participants living with obesity. Participants will consume either 16 g of BFP or an isocaloric placebo daily for 45 days. The primary outcome will be intestinal permeability determined using the urinary lactulose/mannitol test. Secondary outcomes include blood biomarkers in intestinal permeability (lipopolysaccharide (LPS), intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP), soluble cluster of differentiation 14 (sCD14) and LPS-binding protein (LBP)), microbiota diversity and composition and cardiometabolic risk markers including glucose levels, blood lipid profiles and blood pressure. Liver and kidney function will be monitored at baseline, after 2 weeks and following 45 days of consumption as safety outcomes. The study protocol ensures rigorous, weekly monitoring of participant compliance and tolerability, along with careful tracking of potential adverse events. Intention-to-treat analysis and mixed effects models will be employed for statistical analyses. Potential selection bias and participant dropout are addressed through thorough recruitment strategies and predefined sample size calculations. This research will contribute to the growing body of knowledge on dietary interventions in the context of cardiometabolic risk, particularly in populations at risk for developing metabolic disease. South African Clinical Trial Registry - SANCTR, DOH-27-062024-8061; Pan African Clinical Trial Registry – PACTR202308727853680

Research on the impact of career advancement on the mental health of young workers

Mental health is an important component of overall health. Currently, the mental health issues among Chinese workers are becoming increasingly severe, especially under the backdrop of increased uncertainty in career advancement, where depression and anxiety issues among young workers are prominent. Based on the panel data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) in 2018 and 2020, this paper constructs an OLS regression model to empirically analyze the impact of career advancement constraints on workers’ mental health and its mechanism of action. The study finds that limited career advancement significantly increases workers’ depression index. Pathways such as extended working hours, deteriorated health conditions, and distorted labor value concepts play a partial mediating role, thereby reducing mental health levels. Heterogeneity analysis shows that compared to female, low-income, and low-educated individuals, male, those with medium to high income, and higher education levels are more likely to experience a decline in mental health due to career advancement constraints. This study provides empirical evidence for understanding the impact of career advancement uncertainty on mental health and offers important insights for improving occupational mental health policies and enhancing worker welfare.

Relationship between surface deformation displacement and energy evolution of red sandstone under uniaxial compression

The bedding structure, variations in cementation state, and pore network characteristics of red sandstone contribute to significant non-uniform deformation, critically influencing engineering stability. Existing research on external energy input to red sandstone primarily focuses on the relationship between overall rock deformation, axial deformation, and energy evolution, while studies exploring the correlation between red sandstone surface deformation caused by loads change and energy remain limited. To address these gaps, this study employs a 3D visualization test system to collect surface displacement data of red sandstone standard samples synchronously using multiple cameras, combined with micron-scale digital image correlation technology and energy analysis. The study systematically examines the relationship between surface deformation and energy evolution in red sandstone and reveals the surface deformation process of red sandstone. According to the surface deformation’s variation trend of the sample and the degree of change, four distinct stages of surface deformation, corresponding to axial deformation stages but with temporal discrepancies, are identified. By quantifying external energy input, the study establishes a correlation model linking obtained local surface deformation to energy input under unconfined conditions. The findings provide critical theoretical and technical support for stability evaluation and optimization design of red sandstone engineering, especially in deformation control and safety warning for slopes and other free-surface engineering projects.

Investigating approach/avoidance tendencies in male AUD patients through a gait initiation task: An exploratory posturography study

Introduction This exploratory study investigates approach/avoidance tendencies in male patients with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) through a gait initiation task combined with posturography. Method Seventy-four male participants (N = 74), including 47 AUD patients undergoing detoxification and 27 healthy controls, were exposed to alcohol-related, erotic, and neutral visual stimuli. Reaction times (RTs) and postural micromovements preceding gait initiation (forward/backward steps) were recorded to assess their predictive value for relapse (n = 13) or abstinence (n = 34) within two weeks post-detoxification. Results A mixed ANOVA (2x2x3) revealed significant group differences in RTs to alcohol-related stimuli (Stimuli × Group interaction: p = .029), with relapsers showing slower responses to alcohol cues than abstainers for forward as well as backward steps. Additionally, postural micromovements before gait initiation (measured through the standard deviation of the center of pressure’s position) showed a significant Stimuli × Group interaction (p = 0.05), with relapsers displaying increased micromovements when exposed to alcohol-related stimuli (p = .044). Conclusion These findings suggest that relapsers exhibited distinct motor responses to alcohol-related stimuli, characterized by delayed RTs and increased postural instability. These early indicators of relapse risk highlight the potential of posturography as a clinical tool in alcohol detoxification programs.

Is waist to height ratio better at assessing cause-specific mortality risk than body mass index or waist circumference? A prospective analysis in a large U.S.-based cohort

Introduction Excess body fatness is an established risk factor for various types of chronic disease and all-cause mortality. Most previous studies are based on body mass index (BMI) as a general measure of adiposity, but whether measures of central adiposity that better represent metabolically active visceral fat, such as waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), may be better at predicting disease and mortality risks is less known. Materials and Methods Data from a large, prospective cohort in the U.S. including 50,618 women and 43,783 men (mean age of 67.3 years, predominantly non-Hispanic White), among whom 21,565 women and 26,758 men died during follow-up (1997–2018), were used to calculate multivariable-adjusted hazard rate ratios and 95% CIs for WtHR, BMI, and waist circumference in relation to total and cause-specific mortality. Results WtHR was strongly correlated with BMI (r = 0.81). After adjustment for BMI and other covariates, WtHR (≥0.55 vs. < 0.50) was positively associated with all-cause mortality risk in women (RR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.17–1.29) and men (RR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.06–1.17). BMI and WC were also independently, positively associated with subsequent mortality risk at a similar magnitude to WtHR. Associations persisted for all grouped causes of death in women and men, with the exception of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease mortality in men. Mortality associations with WtHR were generally stronger among individuals younger than age 70 years compared to older individuals. Discussion WtHR was associated with all-cause, cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease, and Alzheimer’s disease mortality in women and men at a magnitude similar to BMI or WC. Excess adiposity is an established major risk factor for premature death, but different measures may better predict mortality in different populations defined by age or other factors.

Eco-friendly pomegranate production: Balancing energy consumption and environmental impact

Pomegranate production in Siab (Lorestan), Iran, faces significant challenges related to high energy consumption and environmental degradation, particularly due to inefficient use of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, water and machinery. These inefficiencies contribute to increased greenhouse gas emissions and higher production costs, making optimization efforts essential for sustainable development. This study investigated the optimization of energy consumption and the reduction of environmental impacts in pomegranate production using a combination of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Data were collected through interviews with farmers and agricultural experts in the region, supported by structured questionnaires. The research evaluated several energy indicators, including an energy ratio of 2.14, which indicates that every unit of energy input yields more than double in output—comparable to other fruit crops like apple or citrus, which typically range between 1.5 and 3.0. Energy productivity was found to be 1.12 kgMJ-1, meaning 1.12 kilograms of pomegranate are produced per megajoule of energy consumed, while specific energy was calculated at 0.89 MJkg ⁻ ¹, showing relatively efficient energy use compared to similar horticultural crops. Net energy gain was 17,142.33 MJha ⁻ ¹, with total energy consumption at 15,211.04 MJha ⁻ ¹ and an energy output of 32,353.38 MJha ⁻ ¹. Economic analysis revealed a gross value of 9,081.64 USDha ⁻ ¹, fixed costs of 204.44 USDha ⁻ ¹, and gross revenue of 8,059.42 USDha ⁻ ¹, resulting in a benefit-to-cost ratio of 0.83. LCA results showed that optimized practices significantly reduced environmental impacts across most of the 15 intermediate environmental indicators analyzed. For instance, global warming potential was reduced from 40.563 kg CO₂ eq per ton of pomegranate under conventional methods to 35.975 kg CO₂ eq with optimized practices. DEA under the Variable Returns to Scale (VRS) model revealed that 66.68% of the surveyed orchards operated at 100% technical efficiency. The average technical efficiency across all units was estimated at 98.96%. The remaining 33.32% of orchards were identified as technically inefficient. Scale efficiency averaged at 99.39%, suggesting that most farms operate near optimal size.

Unmet contraception need among married women in somalia: Findings from the first national health and demographic survey

Background Somalia has one of the highest rates of maternal and child mortality globally, accompanied by a significantly high total fertility rate. This indicates that women in Somalia face substantial challenges in accessing family planning and contraception, although evidence on this issue remains limited. This study aims to assess the current prevalence of unmet need for contraception in Somalia and identify the socio-demographic factors associated with it. Methods A total of 7,490 sexually active women of reproductive age with the ability to conceive were included in this study, based on pre-defined inclusion criteria, using data from the 2020 Somalia Health and Demographic Survey. The primary outcome variable was unmet need for contraception (yes/no), which included both unmet need for spacing and limiting births. A range of individual, household, and community-level variables were examined as explanatory factors. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between these factors and unmet need for contraception. Results The overall prevalence of unmet need for contraception was 37.2% (95% CI: 35.3–39.1), with significant variations across socio-demographic groups. Women who married at age 21 or older (aOR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.03–1.51), had five or more children (aOR: 2.41; 95% CI: 2.00–2.89), or lived in the central (aOR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.05–1.76) and southern regions (aOR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.00–2.54) were more likely to have an unmet need for contraception. In contrast, women aged 35 or older (aOR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.43–0.79), and those residing in urban (aOR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.52–0.98) and rural areas (aOR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.59–0.99) were less likely to have an unmet need. Conclusion The prevalence of unmet need for contraception in Somalia is alarmingly high by global standards. This reflects a heightened risk of short birth intervals and unintended pregnancies, contributing to increased maternal and child mortality. To address this, the government should prioritize strengthening healthcare infrastructure and implementing targeted awareness programs on family planning to reduce the unmet need for contraception in the country.

Attachment and epistemic trust in junior and senior university students: The mediating role of affect regulation and mentalizing. Who is at risk?

Research on emotional factors and mental health in higher education has gained traction. Much attention has focused on first-year students as a potentially at-risk group, though some studies suggest that all students might face similar risks. This study examines differences between junior and senior undergraduates in terms of mentalizing, emotion regulation (ER), and psychological mindedness, involving cognitive capacities significantly developed by late adolescence. These constructs relate to understanding one’s own and others’ mental states, potentially mediating the relationship between attachment and epistemic trust (ET). The current study includes 460 undergraduate students, most of whom are female (96%). Results show that senior students score higher on reappraisal, certainty, and interest/curiosity compared to junior students. However, these factors did not mediate the relationship between anxious attachment orientation and ET. Certainty and interest/curiosity mediated the relationship between avoidant attachment orientation and ET, suggesting similar mediation patterns for junior and senior students. On the other hand, suppression and uncertainty/confusion were critical mediators in the relationship between insecure (anxious and avoidant) attachment orientations and epistemic trust. Findings suggest that universities should (a) foster environments that support psychological capacity and facilitate positive learning experiences, and (b) enhance epistemic trust through safe curiosity and develop protective and preventive interventions.

Association of oxidative stress biomarkers with primary congenital glaucoma

Purpose To explore the relationship between oxidative stress biomarkers and primary congenital glaucoma (PCG). Methods This case-control study included 40 PCG patients and 38 matched controls. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS), as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels were measured, along with eye and body exams. Logistic regression analysis was performed for PCG risk factors and machine learning model biomarker diagnosis. Results In the PCG group, H2O2 and MDA levels were notably higher than in controls (p < 0.001, p = 0.020), while TAS levels were significantly lower (p = 0.043). Adjusting for age and gender, the serum TAS (OR = 0.07, 95% CI 0.01–0.85, p = 0.037), H2O2 (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.09–1.35, p = 0.001) and MDA (OR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.00–1.34, p = 0.034) were determined to be independent risk/protective factors for PCG. Pearson analysis revealed significant negative correlations: SOD with anterior chamber depth (r = −0.445, p = 0.012) and H2O2 with mean deviation values for the visual field (r = −0.412, p = 0.041). Positive correlations were also significant: MDA with axial length (AL (r = 0.576, p = 0.002). The XGBoost or KNN model using TAS alone achieved the highest AUC (0.74) in five-fold cross-validation. Conclusion The decrease in TAS levels and the increase in H2O2 and MDA levels are found to be correlated with PCG, and the results indicate that oxidative stress plays a part in congenital glaucoma onset.

Unmet supportive care needs of young women with breast cancer in Chile during follow-up stage after treatment: A qualitative study

Background Breast cancer is a significant public health issue, with a rising incidence in young women who have more aggressive tumors and a poorer prognosis. In 2022, breast cancer accounted for 20.8% of all cancers in women in Chile, highlighting the urgent need for targeted research and support for young survivors. This study aims to explore the unmet supportive care needs of these young women during their follow-up period post-treatment, addressing gaps in existing literature and healthcare responses. Methods Qualitative case study using semi-structured online interviews with 20 women who had a cancer diagnosis under 45 years of age. A thematic content analysis was conducted. Study approved by the Scientific Ethics Committee of the Universidad del Desarrollo, Chile. Results Three primary areas of concern and unmet supportive care needs were identified during follow-up period: access to information, rehabilitation and integration, and mental health. These areas are deeply interconnected, and the absence of validation of these young women’s needs leads to a lack of adequate and comprehensive support from health professionals, deepening women’s sense of abandonment by the health system. Discussion and conclusion The findings align with international literature, revealing that young women face unique challenges related to their life course. The lack of adequate support from healthcare professionals highlights the need for a multidisciplinary, person- and family-centred approach to care. It should address interlinked needs and advocate the involvement of patient organisations. This would enhance support and education regarding the needs of young women and their overall well-being during recovery process.

Unpacking the role of school climate factors in fostering teacher enjoyment and self-efficacy in higher education

The enjoyment and self-efficacy of teachers warrant significant attention, particularly given the global prevalence of high attrition and turnover rates in the profession. This study investigates the interrelationships among school climate factors, teacher self-efficacy, and enjoyment in higher education settings. Specifically, it aims to (a) examine how teachers perceived school environment factors influence their self-efficacy and enjoyment and (b) determine whether teachers’ self-efficacy mediates the effect of perceived school climate factors on teacher enjoyment. In so doing, three instruments including Perceived School Climate Scale (R-SLEQ), Teacher Self-Efficacy Scale (TSES), and Teacher Enjoyment Scale (TES) were used. Employing snowball sampling, we recruited 791 college teachers from 24 provinces in China. Structural equation modeling revealed that specific school climate factors significantly contribute to both teachers’ enjoyment and self-efficacy. Notably, colleague collaboration, resource availability, participative decision-making, and instructional innovation demonstrated direct positive effects on teacher enjoyment. Instructional innovation and colleague collaboration further exerted indirect effects on enjoyment through the mediation of self-efficacy. Finally, the practical implications of these findings for teacher education are discussed.

A triple-layer authentication framework with elliptic curve cryptography for securing IoT-assisted wireless sensor networks

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are integral to the Internet of Things (IoT), yet they face significant security challenges, including vulnerabilities to various attacks like Man-in-the-Middle and insider threats. Traditional security mechanisms are often insufficient in providing the necessary level of security while accommodating the processing and energy limitations of resource-constrained devices. Hence the research proposes an innovative Elliptic Curve Cryptography and Triple-Layer Authentication Framework (ECC-TLAF) that enhances the security of WSNs while improving energy efficiency and reducing latency. The framework utilizes a lightweight authentication approach involving biometrics, smart cards, and passwords. The research results indicate that the ECC-TLAF model significantly enhances performance, achieving a 98.9% improvement in energy efficiency, a 95.6% increase in security, and a 96.7% attack detection rate. Moreover, it reduces processing time by 1.02 seconds and latency by 0.1 milliseconds compared to conventional frameworks. The ECC-TLAF framework effectively addresses the security challenges in WSNs, ensuring robust protection against cyber threats while optimizing resource utilization. This research contributes to the advancement of security protocols for IoT environments, paving the way for more secure and efficient WSN applications.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Methylation-induced suppression of BEX1 activates AKT/ERK/STAT3 signaling pathways regulating cell cycle and apoptosis in glioma

Suppressive effects of Momordica charantia MAP30 on the senescence, proliferation and migration of bladder cancer cells mediated by CENPA

Abstract Bladder cancer (BC) is notably prevalent, particularly among men. Emerging evidence highlights that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has distinct anticancer properties. This study focuses on recombinant MAP30, a key active constituent of Momordica charantia extract, recognized for its antiviral, immunomodulatory, and antitumor effects. We discovered that MAP30 suppresses BC cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in a dose-responsive manner. It also hinders cell migration, as evidenced by Transwell and wound healing assays. In nude mice, MAP30 injections adjacent to tumors significantly curtail tumor growth. Molecular analyses after MAP30 exposure show elevated SA-β-Gal activity and increased expression of cell cycle inhibitors p21 and p16 in BC cells. Integrating TCGA BC data, MAP30 appears to correct dysregulated gene expression associated with the cell cycle, senescence, apoptosis, and key pathways such as FOXO, TNF, and MAPK. Proteomic analysis identifies CENPA as a central molecule inhibited by MAP30. Correlation studies reveal CENPA’s significant association with oncogenic and immune-modulatory gene expression and immune cell infiltration. CENPA knockdown diminishes BC cell growth and motility, while its overexpression in MAP30-treated cells reverses these effects, suggesting CENPA’s pivotal role in MAP30’s anticancer activity and its potential as a therapeutic target. In conclusion, recombinant MAP30 effectively hampers bladder cancer cell proliferation and migration via CENPA downregulation and induces apoptosis and senescence, offering therapeutic potential against bladder cancer.