RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To systematically investigate the expression, prognostic value, genetic alterations, immune infiltration, and molecular function of Nck-associated protein 1 (NCKAP1) in a pan-cancer analysis, with a specific focus on its association with kidney renal cell carcinoma (KIRC). METHODS: We analyzed the role of NCKAP1 across various tumor types using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis version 2 (GEPIA2) database was used to assess the correlation between NCKAP1 expression levels and overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) across different cancers, as well as its association with cancer stage. Genetic alterations of NCKAP1 were explored using CBioPortal, and their prognostic implications were assessed. NCKAP1 was further analyzed through Gene Ontology and protein interaction network analyses. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining from the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database evaluated NCKAP1 levels in KIRC tissues. Functional assays, including Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, transwell, and wound healing assays, were conducted to determine the effects of NCKAP1 overexpression on cell growth rate and their ability to invade, proliferate, migrate in a KIRC (786-O) cell line. The relationship between NCKAP1 expression and immune infiltration in KIRC was systematically examined using the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource. RESULTS: NCKAP1 expression was significantly altered in most tumor types compared to corresponding non-tumor tissues. Survival analysis indicated that low NCKAP1 expression was associated with poor OS, DFS, and advanced cancer stage (P < 0.05) specifically in KIRC. Genetic alterations in NCKAP1 were linked to clinical outcome in cancer patients, and a positive correlation was observed between NCKAP1 expression and cancer-associated fibroblast infiltration (P < 0.05). Gene Ontology analysis revealed that NCKAP1 regulates the actin cytoskeleton and interacts with proteins such as CYFIP1, ABI2, WASF2, and BRK1. IHC staining showed significantly lower NCKAP1 levels in KIRC tissues compared to normal tissues. Overexpression of NCKAP1 in KIRC cell lines reduced cell proliferation, invasion, and migration (P < 0.05). NCKAP1 was also positively correlated with macrophage, neutrophil, and CD4+ T cell infiltration (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: NCKAP1 may serve as a prognostic and immunological marker and may be a therapeutic target for KIRC.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Complex vascular anatomy has always been a difficult point for medical students. Gastrocolic trunk (Henle trunk) has many branches and variations, involving the venous reflux of the stomach, right colon, and pancreas. This study investigated the effects of 3 dimensional (3D) printing technology on medical interns' understanding of Henle trunk's variation, by comparing 2 dimensional (2D) images. SETTING: Henle trunk modes were manufactured using 3D-CT angiography and 3D-printing technology. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-seven interns from 2 medical schools (Nanjing Medical University and Medical College of Nantong University) participated in the study. DESIGN: The interns were divided randomly allocated into 2 groups, where group 1 was the control group with a 2D image of Henle trunk plus surgical video (named 2D image group), and group 2 was the study group with a 3D printed model of Henle trunk plus surgical video (named 3D-printing group). Knowledge of interns on the Henle trunk was compared between 2 groups using a question test before and after the teaching intervention. RESULTS: All interns had an improved overall assessment score as a result of attending the seminar, whether in the 2D image group or the 3D-printing group. The score of the 2D image group increased 32.57 ± 13.86, and the 3D-printing group increased 47.04 ± 12.99, showing significant difference (pâ¯=â¯0.001). There was no significant difference observed between postseminar scores between 2 medical schools (pâ¯=â¯0.975). There was a significant improvement in satisfaction among the 3D-printing group for education depth, novel and inspiring of teaching method, except for the interaction between teacher and interns (pâ¯=â¯0.215). Interns hope to have more teaching time for 3D printing, and not satisfied with the time of 3D printing teaching compared with those in the 2D image group (pâ¯=â¯0.021). CONCLUSIONS: The 3-D printed Henle trunk model is a very effective teaching tool, which can help interns understand the anatomy of Henle trunk. The application of 3D printing technology in the teaching of interns of complex vascular anatomy is worth popularizing in teaching hospitals.