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Owing to recent advances in immunotherapies, the overall survival of patients with skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) has increased; however, the 5-year survival rate of metastatic patients remains poor. Skin cutaneous melanoma-upregulated genes were screened via analysis of differentially expressed genes (GSE3189 and GSE46517), and metastasis-related oncogenes were identified via weighted gene coexpression network analysis of the GSE46517 dataset. As confirmed by the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource, we found highly expressed centromere protein F (CENPF) in SKCM and its metastases. Immunostaining of human melanoma tissues demonstrated

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Background Human skin cutaneous melanoma is the most common and dangerous skin tumour, but its pathogenesis is still unclear. Although some progress has been made in genetic research, no molecular indicators related to the treatment and prognosis of melanoma have been found. In various diseases, dysregulation of lncRNA is common, but its role has not been fully elucidated. In recent years, the birth of the “competitive endogenous RNA” theory has promoted our understanding of lncRNAs. Methods To identify the key lncRNAs in melanoma, we reconstructed a global triple network based on the “competitive endogenous RNA” theory. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analysis were performed using DAVID (Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integration Discovery). Our findings were validated through qRT-PCR assays. Moreover, to determine whether the identified hub gene signature is capable of predicting the survival of cutaneous melanoma patients, a multivariate Cox regression model was performed. Results According to the “competitive endogenous RNA” theory, 898 differentially expressed mRNAs, 53 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 16 differentially expressed miRNAs were selected to reconstruct the competitive endogenous RNA network. MALAT1, LINC00943, and LINC00261 were selected as hub genes and are responsible for the tumorigenesis and prognosis of cutaneous melanoma. Conclusions MALAT1, LINC00943, and LINC00261 may be closely related to tumorigenesis in cutaneous melanoma. In addition, MALAT1 and LINC00943 may be independent risk factors for the prognosis of patients with this condition and might become predictive molecules for the long-term treatment of melanoma and potential therapeutic targets.

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Vibrio vulnificus (V. vulnificus) infection is rare but potentially fatal. This study explored the new atypical manifestations and prognostic factors of V. vulnificusinfected patients throughout hospitalization. we retrospectively reviewed 33 patients diagnosed as having V. vulnificus infection in Guangdong Province, China between 2010 and 2020. Medical records were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed. New atypical manifestations were found, including cholangitis, urinary tract infection, and suppurative otitis media. Eleven of thirty-three (33.3%) V. vulnificus-infected patients died eventually. By univariate analysis, patients with cardio-cerebro-vascular diseases, lower platelet counts, higher levels of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin (PCT) had a statistically higher mortality. However, multivariate analysis showed that only PCT (P = 0.036) reached statistical significance. Also, the area under the ROC value estimate for PCT was 0.8816 (95% CI, 0.759-1.000; P = 0.0009). More than half of patients with V. vulnificus infection would die when PCT ＞20 ng/ml, while no patient dies when PCT ≤ 20 ng/ml. This study found new atypical manifestations of V. vulnificus infection. Also, PCT is an effective and independent predictor of mortality of V. vulnificus infection, and is suitable for clinicians to make early risk stratification and best therapeutic strategies.

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Background The axillary‐approach pedicled descending branch latissimus dorsi (LD) mini‐flap presents clear benefits in repairing partial mastectomy defects. This study assessed the functional and esthetic outcomes of this flap compared with conventional breast‐conserving surgery (BCS). Methods From October of 2015 to March of 2017, patients with early breast cancer were enrolled and assigned to the LD group or conventional BCS (CCS) group according to the need of using the pedicled descending branch LD mini‐flap for volume replacement. Muscle strength and range of motion (ROMs) of bilateral shoulders, a disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire, and an esthetic evaluation were conducted in all patients at 1 year after surgery. Results Thirty‐two patients were assigned in the LD group, and 28 in the CCS group. There was no significant difference in muscle strength, ROMs of the shoulder or DASH scores between LD and CCS groups. The results of esthetic survey also revealed a similarly high level of esthetics in both groups. Donor‐site seroma occurred in three patients in the LD group, and no other complication was observed. Conclusions The pedicled descending branch LD mini‐flap enabled larger excision with favorable esthetics, minimal functional impairment, low rate of complications, and high level of satisfaction.