ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Disabled homolog 2-interacting protein (DAB2IP), a Ras GTPase-activating protein, is downregulated in several cancers. Its depletion is involved in tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The present study aimed to explore the potential role of DAB2IP in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and provide a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and targeted therapy of cSCC. METHODS: The clinicopathological features of DAB2IP expression in cSCC were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and the effects of DAB2IP on SCL-1 cell behavior were determined via genetic interference in vitro. SCL-1 cell lines that exhibited reduced expression of DAB2IP and a scrambled shRNA control were constructed using a lentivirus vector-based shRNA technique. RNA extraction, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), MTT assay, colony formation test, cell cycle analysis, apoptosis test, transwell assay, wound-healing assay, in vitro invasive assay were used in this study. RESULTS: The immunohistochemical results demonstrated that the expression of DAB2IP was higher in cSCC tissues than in soft fibroma. The level of DAB2IP expression was associated with the degree of malignancy and the depth of tumor infiltration; however, it had no association with patients' sex, tumor size, location, or phenotype. The results of the MTT, cell cycle, apoptosis, and invasion experiments demonstrated that knockdown of DAB2IP inhibited the viability and invasion of SCL-1 cells in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: High expression of DAB2IP may contribute to the development and proliferation of cSCC.
ABSTRACT
Background. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the degree of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes associated with lifestyle interventions as well as sociodemographic factors and further examine the differences by gender. Methods. This was a retrospective study using data collected from a diabetes quality improvement plan that began in 2002 in a medical center in Taiwan. Statistic analysis was used to determine the associations of sociodemographic data, lifestyle intervention, and treatment regimens with changes in HbA1c levels (between the initial visit and the latest follow-up measured level), and the differences were then sorted by the sex of the patients. Results. Our results showed that HbA1c averaged 7.50% for males and 7.80% for females at the initial visit, compared to levels averaging 7.50% for males and 7.70% for females at the most recent follow-up visit. There was no significant change (P = 0.541) in HbA1c in males, but there was a 0.10% (P = 0.384) reduction in females. The duration of the diabetes and medication regimen was associated with the decrease seen in the females. Conclusions. The results of these analyses provide important insights for policy makers to formulate healthcare policies related to chronic diseases or illnesses.
ABSTRACT
Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a major cause of adult disability in Taiwan. This research established correlations between pre-admission and discharge data in stroke patients to promote education of the general public, prevention, treatment and high standards of chronic care. A total of 790 stroke patients at Chung Shan Medical University Hospital from 2007 to 2009 contained in the Taiwan Stroke Registry were included in this study. The patients were classified into two major categories: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Thirteen variables, including time series variables, were explored. Our results showed that age, education, hours from symptom onset to the emergency department (ED) arrival, and length of stay in hospital were significantly associated with stroke incidence. These findings show the present situation and medical quality of medical care for stroke patients in Taiwan. The factors association model may assist in developing a set of improvement plans for the coming year.
