Identification of Osteosarcoma Metastasis-Associated Gene Biomarkers and Potentially Targeted Drugs Based on Bioinformatic and Experimental Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Metastasis is the leading cause of death for patients with osteosarcoma (OS). In the present study, we explore the biomarkers for metastatic OS and provide potential therapeutic approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RNA-Seq data and clinical follow-up information were downloaded from TARGET and GEO databases. A Cox regression model was used to analyze metastatic events. L1000FWD, DGIdb, and CMap databases were used to identify potential drugs related to metastasis. Invasion and migration transwell assays and an adhesion assay were used to identify biological functions of genes. RESULTS: A total of 15 metastasis-related signatures (MRSs) were associated with the prognosis based on the TARGET or GSE21257 cohorts, among which IL10RA and TLR7 genes were especially significant. In the DGIdb drug-gene interaction database, TLR7 and IFNGR1 were found to have potential interactions with drugs. After inhibiting the expression of TLR7, the migration, invasion, and adhesion ability of OS cells were significantly enhanced, which further promoted metastasis. CONCLUSION: We identified a set of MRS that may be related to OS metastases. Among them, TLR7 plays a vital role and may be a potential target for OS metastasis treatment.

A succinct technique for the extraction of the proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) after unlocking failure: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) is a routine method to deal with intertrochanteric fractures in the elder population. It is challenging to remove PFNA in some cases as a result of stripping of blade heads. In this case presentation, we describe a novel technique using commonly available instruments that can be used to remove stripped, even broken anti-rotation blade where conventional methods have failed. METHODS: The subject underwent a PFNA removal surgery 15 months after the previous fixation. We encountered difficulties using the regular instrument to remove the anti-rotation blade. A 5-mm tungsten carbide bur was used to drill a single cortical hole at the end of the blade. Then double-strand steel wire was threaded through the hole, and the distal part was shaped into a circle which could tie to the extraction screw. Slide Hammer was applied to gently knock out the blade along the anatomical direction of the femoral neck. RESULTS: The technique helped us successfully remove the anti-rotation blade and provided the patient with a satisfactory result. CONCLUSION: The use of a tungsten reamer and steel wire loop to remove the proximal femoral anti-rotation blade may provide a cost-effective and straightforward method of dealing with extraction failure.

The OLIF working corridor based on magnetic resonance imaging: a retrospective research.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an anatomical basis for the development of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) in Chinese patients. METHODS: Between November 2018 and June 2019, 300 patients' lumbar MRI data were reviewed. According to the Moro system and zone method described by us, the axial view was vertically divided into 6 zones (A, I II, III, IV, P) and was horizontally divided into 4 zones (R, a, b, c, L). The locations of left psoas muscle and the major artery at L2/3, L3/4, and L4/5 levels were evaluated by the grid system. The aortic bifurcation segments will also be evaluated at the level of the vertebral body or the disc. RESULTS: At the L2/3 level, left psoas muscle and the major artery in zone Ib were found in 28.0% of subjects, in zone IIb in 20.3%, and in zone Ic in 20.0%; at the L3/4 level, in zone Ab in 20.7% of subjects, in zone Ac in 26.0%, and in zone Ic in 11.0%; and at the L4/5 level, areas in zone Ab in 31.0% of subjects, in zone Ac in 26.0%, and in zone Ib in 11.7%. The aortic bifurcation segments were mainly at the L4 level. The zone of the left psoas muscle at all levels, the zone of the major artery at L4/5 level, and the zone of the aortic bifurcation segments had significant correlation with gender difference (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The left-sided OLIF at L2-L5 disc levels can be a feasible type of surgery for lumbar interbody fusion in the majority of Chinese patients. Before the operation, in order to screen out the appropriate surgical approach, routine lumbar magnetic resonance imaging is recommended to analyze the patient's local anatomical features.