Ribosomal protein L8 regulates the expression and splicing pattern of genes associated with cancer-related pathways.

Background/aim: Ribosomal proteins have been shown to perform unique extraribosomal functions in cell apoptosis and other biological processes. Ribosomal protein L8 (RPL8) not only has important nonribosomal regulatory functions but also participates in the oncogenesis and development of tumors. However, the specific biological functions and pathways involved in this process are still unknown. Materials and methods: RPL8 was overexpressed (RPL8-OE) in HeLa cells. MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and regulated alternative splicing events (RASEs) by RPL8-OE, both of which were validated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay. Results: RPL8-OE inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. RPL8 regulated the differential expression of many oncogenic genes and the occurrence of RASEs. Many DEGs and RASE genes (RASGs) were enriched in tumorigenesis and tumor progression-related pathways, including angiogenesis, inflammation, and regulation of cell proliferation. RPL8 could regulate the RASGs enriched in the negative regulation of apoptosis, consistent with its proapoptosis function. Furthermore, RPL8 may influence cancer-related DEGs by modulating the alternative splicing of transcription factors. Conclusion: RPL8 might affect the phenotypes of cancer cells by altering the transcriptome profiles, including gene expression and splicing, which provides novel insights into the biological functions of RPL8 in tumor development.

[Advances in the application of prosthetic reconstruction after tumor resection of the distal tibia:a systematic review].

The limited coverage of soft tissue and complex biomechanical factors make resection and reconstruction of distal tibial tumors extremely challenging. Megaprosthesis can provide good mechanical strength for tumor en bloc resection, but there are many postoperative complications, and the problems of insufficient soft tissue coverage and postoperative ankle instability must be solved. The development of three-dimensional digital technology may provide a new treatment strategy for distal tibial reconstruction. Compared to ankle joint preservation endoprostheses, the rapid osseointegration effect of three dimensional-printed megaprosthesis with ankle arthrodesis provides better ankle joint stability and postoperative function. In addition, the three dimensional-printed megaprosthesis may improve complications such as insufficient soft tissue coverage and talus collapse by reducing the circumference of the prosthesis and matching it with the talus through personalized design. Of course, there are few research reports on distal tibial prostheses, and the safety of three dimensional-printed megaprosthesis with ankle arthrodesis needs to be confirmed through extensive long-term follow-up studies. The selection of proximal and distal fixation methods for prostheses needs to be explored in future research.

Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus is associated with osteosarcoma in Xinjiang populations.

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant tumor of bone predominately affecting adolescents and young adults. Based on animal studies, a viral etiology of osteosarcoma was proposed more than a half-century ago, but no viral association with human osteosarcoma has been found. The Uyghur ethnic population in Xinjiang, China, has an unusually high prevalence of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection and elevated incidence of osteosarcoma. In the current study, we explored the possible association of KSHV infection and osteosarcoma occurrence. Our seroepidemiological study revealed that KSHV prevalence was significantly elevated in Uyghur osteosarcoma patients versus the general Uyghur population (OR, 10.23; 95%CI, 4.25, 18.89). The KSHV DNA genome and viral latent nuclear antigen LANA were detected in most osteosarcoma tumor cells. Gene expression profiling analysis showed that KSHV-positive osteosarcoma represents a distinct subtype of osteosarcomas with viral gene-activated signaling pathways important for osteosarcoma development. We conclude that KSHV infection is a risk factor for osteosarcoma, and KSHV is associated with some osteosarcomas, representing a newly identified viral-associated endemic cancer.

Long noncoding RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation gene 1 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in osteosarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumors. In the current study, our aim was to explore the role of lncRNA plasmacytoma variant translocation gene 1 (PVT1) in osteosarcoma. METHODS: Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of lncRNA PVT1 in osteosarcoma tissues and cells. The relationship between lncRNA PVT1 expression status and the prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma was analyzed. The effect of lncRNA PVT1 on the malignant biological behavior of osteosarcoma cells in vitro was also analyzed. RESULTS: LncRNA PVT1 was upregulated in osteosarcoma. High lncRNA PVT1 expression indicated poor prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma. In vitro knockdown of lncRNA PVT1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of osteosarcoma cells. In addition, we confirmed that lncRNA PVT1 affected the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of osteosarcoma cells. CONCLUSION: LncRNA PVT1 is a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.

Treatment experiences of thoracic spinal hydatidosis: a single-center case-series study.

OBJECTIVE: Spinal hydatid disease is rare and remains a serious health problem associated with high rates of recurrence. We report our experience in treating patients with thoracic spinal hydatidosis through a single-center case-series study. METHODS: Sixteen patients with thoracic spinal hydatidosis were treated in our center between 1995 and 2017. A total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) was performed in three patients. Five patients were treated with posterior decompression and stabilization after removing the involved elements. The remaining patients underwent curettage and resection of the infected bone. The therapy was completed with medical treatment or radiotherapy. RESULTS: Of the 16 patients, seven were men and nine were women; their mean age was 38.5 years (range 28-60 years). The infected area was the upper thoracic level in one patient, mid thoracic level in eight patients, and lower thoracic level in seven patients. Four patients had paraplegia and seven had paraparesis before surgery. At the last follow-up, five patients had successfully recovered from the neurological damage. During a mean follow-up of 4.75 years (range 2-12 years), eight patients had local recurrence; however, no patient who underwent TES had recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: An individualized surgical strategy should be decided carefully for each patient in the first intervention. In the early stages of the disease, TES should be considered as a treatment for suitable cases of primary thoracic spinal hydatidosis.

Recurrent multiple-organ involvement of disseminated alveolar echinococcosis in 3 patients: Case report.

RATIONALE: Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a rare but highly malignant form of echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus multilocularis. There have been very few reports on multiple-organ AE, especially AE in bones. Here we report 3 rare cases of disseminated multiple-organ AE from western China and its neighboring areas. PATIENT CONCERNS: Patient 1 had back and left hip pain, headache, and weakness in left lower limb, often with minor epilepsy and fluctuation of blood pressure. Lower limbs Babinski sign was positive and muscular tension was above normal range. The second patient had pain in lower limbs and chest discomfort without fever, cough, sputum, chest tightness, or hemoptysis. Patient 3 had masses and pain in the back side of his right shoulder. DIAGNOSES: The patients had been treated for AE multiple times and were positive for serum hydatid antigens. They were diagnosed as multiorgan AE involving liver, spinal cord, and many other organs. INTERVENTIONS: The patients had undergone surgeries to decompress the spinal cord, remove lesions from tissues as required, and were put on albendazole for at least 2 years. OUTCOMES: The patients responded well and AE recurrence has not occurred. LESSONS: All 3 cases experienced multiple recurrences of AE due to missed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, or inappropriate treatment, which resulted in metastatic multiorgan AE. These cases demonstrated the need for more policy attention to battle AE endemic in western China.

[Application of three-dimensional printing technology in bone tumor surgery].

Objective: To discuss the effect of three-dimensional (3D) printing individualized model and guide plate in bone tumor surgery. Methods: Between October 2015 and December 2016, 3D printing individualized model and guide plate for making preoperative surgical planning and intraoperative treatment were used in 5 patients of bone tumor. All the patients were male, with a median age of 32 years (range, 9-58 years). There were 1 case of cystic echinococcosis at left pelvis and pathological fracture of the proximal femur; 1 case of left iliac bone osteoblastoma associated with aneurysmal bone cyst; 1 case of fibrous dysplasia of the left femur (sheep horn deformity) with pathological fracture; 1 case of metastatic carcinoma of right calcaneus (tumor staging was T 2N 0M 0); and 1 case of Ewing sarcoma of left femur (tumor staging was T 2N 0M 0). The disease duration ranged from 1 month to 10 years (mean, 2.25 years). Results: The operation was completed successfully. The operation time was 2.6-7.5 hours (mean, 4.9 hours). The intraoperative blood loss was 200-2 500 mL (mean, 1 380 mL). The intraoperative fluoroscopy times was 1-6 times (mean, 3.8 times). There was no infection after operation, and the blood supply and nerve function were good. All the patients were followed up 3-16 months (mean, 5.4 months). No loosening or breaking of the internal fixator occurred. According to Enneking scoring system, the limb function score was 15-26 (mean, 21); and the results were excellent in 2 cases, good in 2 cases, and fair in 1 case. Conclusion: 3D printing technology can make the implementation of the better preoperative planning and evaluation in bone tumor surgery, and it provides a new reference for individualized treatment in patients with bone tumor.

The pedicle screw-rod system is an acceptable method of reconstructive surgery after resection of sacroiliac joint tumours.

UNLABELLED: Hemipelvic resections for primary bone tumours require reconstruction to restore weight bearing along anatomic axes. However, reconstruction of the pelvic arch remains a major surgical challenge because of the high rate of associated complications. We used the pedicle screw-rod system to reconstruct the pelvis, and the purpose of this investigation was to assess the oncology, functional outcome and complication rate following this procedure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the operative indications and technique of the pedicle screw-rod system in reconstruction of the stability of the sacroiliac joint after resection of sacroiliac joint tumours. The average MSTS (Musculoskeletal Tumour Society) score was 26.5 at either three months after surgery or at the latest follow-up. Seven patients had surgery-related complications, including wound dehiscence in one, infection in two, local necrosis in four (including infection in two), sciatic nerve palsy in one and pubic symphysis subluxation in one. There was no screw loosening or deep vein thrombosis occurring in this series. Using a pedicle screw-rod after resection of a sacroiliac joint tumour is an acceptable method of pelvic reconstruction because of its reduced risk of complications and satisfactory functional outcome, as well as its feasibility of reconstruction for type IV pelvis tumour resection without elaborate preoperative customisation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Treatment experiences of pelvic bone hydatidosis.

BACKGROUND: Hydatid diseases of the pelvic bone are rare, generally incurable, and have high rates of recurrence. METHODS: We report nine cases of osseous hydatidosis involving the pelvis. Patients were treated through different surgical options, including simple debridement, bone cement filling with or without internal fixation, reconstruction using a pedicle screw-rod system, and hemipelvic replantation after liquid nitrogen devitalization combined with femoral prosthesis replacement. The therapy was completed by medical treatment or radiotherapy. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 7.3 years (range 2-19 years). Whilst five patients were symptom-free at the last follow-up, the remaining patients suffered from hip pain or productive sinuses. CONCLUSIONS: Patients must be treated at the early stages of the disease. Total exeresis and individual reconstruction is necessary when osseous and soft tissue involvement is not extensive. Internal fixation should not be used when surgical eradication is uncertain.