Background While decreased hip abductor strength, functional performance, and self-reported instability scores have all been shown in association with CAI, any sex difference in the relationship between these indicators is unclear. This study was to determine whether sex differences are present in the relationship between these indicators in individuals with CAI. Methods Thirty-two women and twenty-nine men with unilateral CAI took part. Hip abductor strength and functional performance were respectively assessed using a hand-held dynamometer and the figure-8-hop test. All 61 participants scored the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) for self-reported ankle instability. Independent sample t-tests and correlation analysis were conducted. Results Normalized hip abductor strength and functional performance measures for females were lower than for males. The self-reported ankle instability CAIT score, where higher values represent less instability, was significantly and positively correlated with both normalized hip abductor strength (p = 0.003) and functional performance (p = 0.001) on the affected side in females, but not in males (p = 0.361 and p = 0.192 respectively). Conclusions Sex differences were observed in that there were significant relationships between normalized hip abductor strength, functional performance, and CAIT scores in female CAI participants, but not males, suggesting that CAI evaluation and rehabilitation strategies should be sex-specific. Highlights In females with CAI, hip abductor strength and functional performance showed significant relationships with self-reported instability scores. Correspondingly, in clinical practice with individuals with CAI, evaluation criteria may be formulated according to these observed sex differences. Sex differences should be factored into the evaluation and treatment of CAI individuals. Hip strength assessment should be employed with CAI individuals. Hip strengthening and functional hopping may be recommended for the rehabilitation of CAI, especially in female patients.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive malignant neoplasm that commonly occurs in adults and adolescents. The objectives of this work were to verify the role of microRNA- (miR-) 135a in OS and determine whether it can regulate the growth and cellular migration of OS by targeting mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (SMAD2). miR-135a and SMAD2 mRNA expression levels were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Proliferation and migration of cells were studied using the Cell Counting Kit-8, EdU staining, and transwell invasion experiment. Additionally, a dual-luciferase reporter experiment was used to investigate the possible relationship between miR-135a and SMAD2’s 3 ′ -UTR. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to examine the expressions of SMAD2 and Ki67 in mouse tumor tissues to determine the influence of miR-135a on cancer progression in vivo. miR-135a was shown to be elevated in OS tissue samples as well as five cell lines. High expression levels of miR-135a were correlated with poor prognosis of OS patients. Cellular proliferation and migration were promoted by the upregulation of miR-135a with miR mimics; however, this effect was inhibited by SMAD2 overexpression. miR-135a was also shown to directly target the 3 ′ -UTR of SMAD2. Animal experiments also demonstrated that miR-135a downregulation had an inhibitory effect on tumor growth in vivo. High expression levels of miR-135a promoted transplanted tumor development in vivo and the proliferation and migration of OS cells by targeting SMAD2. In summary, miR-135a may be a prospective therapeutic target for OS in the future.

No abstract