We have previously identified nucleolar and spindle associated protein 1 (NUSAP1) as a prognostic biomarker in early stage prostate cancer. To better understand the role of NUSAP1 in prostate cancer progression, we tested the effects of increased and decreased NUSAP1 expression in cell lines, in vivo models, and patient samples. NUSAP1 promotes invasion, migration, and metastasis, possibly by modulating family with sequence similarity 101 member B (FAM101B), a transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) signaling effector involved in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Our findings provide insights into the importance of NUSAP1 in prostate cancer progression and provide a rationale for further study of NUSAP1 function, regulation, and clinical utility.

Fungal infections have a crude mortality rate of 40% among immunocompromised patients, who are very susceptible due to drug resistant yeast strains and delayed diagnosis. In fact, in the United States alone, annual therapeutic treatments cost $2.8 billion. This study aims to develop preventive treatments to complement established infection control for fungal infections. The hypothesis was that the combination of probiotics with cinnamon would be the most effective treatment. Various combinations and concentrations of over-the-counter supplements were evaluated in their ability to inhibit yeast and detrimental bacterial growth while proliferating beneficial bacteria. Saccharomyces, E. coli, and B. megaterium were grown in petri dishes to represent detrimental yeast, beneficial bacteria, and detrimental intestinal bacteria respectively. By measuring the zone of inhibition, this study shows that probiotics recreate an oxygenated, nonacidic, and beneficial bacterial habitat without interfering with the antifungal. The combination of oil of oregano (Origanum syriacum var. bevanii) with acidophilus was the most effective treatment, not supporting the hypothesis. Overall, taking oil of oregano and acidophilus with the antibiotic regimen may reduce the risk of developing fungal infections. Further research into understanding the underlying mechanism of these results and evaluating the clinical implications of this combination is recommended.