Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) Combined with Surgery: A 12-Year Meta-Analysis of this Promising Treatment Strategy for Advanced Gastric Cancer at Different Stages.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis was designed to systematically assess the effectiveness and safety of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) combined with surgery for different stages of advanced gastric cancer (AGC) during the last 12 years. METHODS: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched online, and papers were retrieved from other sources. Next, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and high-quality nonrandomized controlled trials (NRCTs) were selected for this analysis. The meta-analysis was conducted with RevMan5.4 software. RESULT: The 10 RCTs and 13 NRCTs selected for the study included 1892 patients. The overall survival rates were higher in the HIPEC group at 1 year (risk ratio [RR], 0.52; P = 0.004) and 3 years (RR, 0.63; P < 0.00001) than in the control group for the patients without peritoneal cancer, and the HIPEC group had a significant reduction in the recurrence rate (RR, 0.60; p < 0.00001). Among the patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC), the HIPEC group had significantly higher overall survival rates at 1 year (RR, 0.62; P = 0.00001), 2 years (RR, 0.85; P = 0.002), and 3 years (RR, 0.87; P = 0.0001), with an increase in the overall median survival time of 4.67 months. The two groups showed no statistically significant difference in terms of complications for patients with PC (RR, 1.03; P = 0.93) or without PC (RR, 1.15; P = 0.51). CONCLUSION: For local AGC without PC, standard surgery combined with prophylactic HIPEC could prolong survival and reduce the recurrence rate without more complications. The prognosis of this treatment strategy for patients with PC is closely related to patient selection. Complete cytoreduction combined with therapeutic HIPEC could prolong survival.

Prognosis and Biological Behavior of Gastric Signet-Ring Cell Carcinoma Better or Worse: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The clinical pathology of gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRC) is still unclear. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the difference in biological behavior and prognosis between SRC and non-signet ring cell carcinoma (NSRC). METHODS: A total of 58 eligible studies were analyzed using RevMan and other auxiliary software. Biological behaviors were compared based on odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD). Hazards ratio (HR) was calculated for prognosis based on Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: Totally, 28,946 SRC patients were compared with 81,917 NSRC patients. Compared with NSRC patients, lower male: female ratio (OR = 0.53, P < 0.01), younger age (MD = -4.89, P < 0.01), more middle location (OR = 1.64, P < 0.01), more depressed type at early stage (OR = 1.31, P < 0.05), higher incidence of Borrmann type IV (OR = 1.96, P < 0.01), less lymph node metastasis at early stage (OR = 0.78, P < 0.05), better prognosis at early stage (HR = 0.59, P < 0.01), and worse prognosis at advanced stage (HR = 1.19, P < 0.01) were associated with SRC patients. CONCLUSION: The prognosis of SRC at early stage is better than other types of gastric cancer, while that of SRC at advanced stage is relatively poorer.

Thermally induced transformation of a Cu4I4-based cluster to a Cu2I2-based cluster under mild conditions.

A reaction of 6,6'-bis((benzylthio)methyl)-2,2'-bipyridine (L) with CuI at room temperature led to one Cu4I4-based cluster, which could be thermally transformed to a Cu2I2-based one under mild conditions due to the formation of a Cu-S bond. Along with the structural transformation, remarkable changes in the color and luminescence have been triggered.

Transforming growth factor-ß1 induces connective tissue growth factor expression and promotes peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer.

Transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) is involved in human cancer development and progression. Nonetheless, the role of TGF-ß1 as regards peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer has not been completely characterized. In the present study, we investigated the exact role of TGF-ß1 on peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer. The results indicated that human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) exposed to TGF-ß1 or serum-free conditional medium (SF-CM) of SGC7901 that produced a large amount of TGF-ß1 became exfoliated, apoptosis and exhibited signs of injury, and the tumor-mesothelial cell adhesion significantly increased. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression was also increased when HPMCs were exposed to TGF-ß1 or SF-CM of SGC7901. However, these effects were significantly decreased when HPMCs were exposed to SF-CM of SGC7901-TGFßS, a TGF-ß1 knockdown stable cell line. Animal studies revealed that nude mice injected with SGC7901-TGFßS cells featured a smaller number of peritoneal seeding nodules and lower expression of CTGF in ascites than the control cell lines. These findings suggest that TGF-ß1 promotes peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer and induces CTGF expression. Therefore, blockage of TGF-ß1 or TGF-ß1 signaling pathway might prevent and treat peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer.

Requirements of metabolizable protein by Dorper × thin-tailed Han crossbred ewe lambs.

The requirement of net protein (NP) and metabolizable protein (MP) by Dorper crossbred ewe lambs grown from 35 to 50 kg of body weight (BW) was assessed by comparative slaughter experiment. Thirty-five ewe lambs (33.5 ± 0.6 kg BW) of F1 crosses of Dorper × thin-tailed Han sheep were used: 7 lambs were slaughtered as reference animals at the start of the trial, and the remaining 28 lambs were randomly divided into 4 groups of 7 lambs each. Three of the 4 groups were fed a pelleted mixed diet (concentrate/roughage = 44:56, dry matter basis) for ad libitum intake or 65% or 45% of ad libitum intake, and they were all slaughtered when the lambs that were fed ad libitum reached 50 kg BW. The lambs from the fourth group were also fed ad libitum and slaughtered at 43 kg BW as the intermediate group. The intake of MP by the animals of these 4 groups was estimated, and their total body protein and protein retention were measured. The daily requirements of NP and MP for maintenance were 1.52 and 3.98 g/kg BW0.75 , respectively, with a partial efficiency of MP utilization for maintenance of 0.38. The MP requirement for growth ranged from 77.4 to 124.5 g/day for average daily gains from 100 to 250 g BW, and the partial efficiency of MP utilization for growth was 0.66. The Dorper crossbred ewe lambs required more MP for both maintenance and growth in comparison with the recommendations of the US nutritional system.

Efficacy and safety of modified endoscopic mucosal resection for rectal neuroendocrine tumors: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Rectal neuroendocrine tumors are rare with good prognosis. Several endoscopic methods such as endoscopic polypectomy, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), and modified endoscopic mucosal resection (m-EMR) are used in the treatment of rectal neuroendocrine tumors. Although m-EMR is derived from traditional EMR, it has not been widely used in clinical practice. In this study, we compared the efficacy and safety of EMR and m-EMR in the treatment of rectal neuroendocrine tumors by performing a meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE index up to the end of January 2017 for all published literature about EMR and m-EMR in the treatment of rectal neuroendocrine tumors. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies involving 811 patients were included. The pooled data suggested that there was a significantly higher rate of histologic complete resection and endoscopic complete resection among patients treated with m-EMR than those treated with EMR (histologic complete resection: OR = 0.23, 95 % CI = 0.10-0.51, p < 0.01; endoscopic complete resection: OR = 0.13, 95 % CI = 0.02-0.74, p = 0.02). The procedure time of EMR was longer than m-EMR (MD = 2.40, 95 % CI = 0.33-4.46, p = 0.02). There was a significantly higher rate of vertical margin involvement among patients treated with EMR than those treated with m-EMR; whereas, there was no significant difference of lateral margin involvement between the m-EMR and EMR groups (vertical margin involvement: OR = 5.00, 95 % CI = 2.67-9.33, p < 0.01; lateral margin involvement: OR = 1.44, 95 % CI = 0.48-4.37, p = 0.52). There was no significant difference in mean tumor size among patients treated with m-EMR versus those treated with EMR (MD = -0.30, 95 % CI = -0.75-0.14, p = 0.18); further, there was no significant difference in endoscopic mean sizes of the tumor and pathological mean sizes of the tumor between the m-EMR and EMR groups (endoscopic mean sizes of the tumor: MD = 0.20, 95 % CI = -0.44-0.84, p = 0.43; pathological mean sizes of the tumor: MD = 0.62, 95 % CI = -0.68-1.92, p = 0.05). No significant differences were detected among the treatment groups with regard to complications (bleeding: OR = 0.87, 95 % CI = 0.39-1.95, p = 0.73; complications (bleeding and perforation): OR = 0.87, 95 % CI = 0.40-1.88, p = 0.73). CONCLUSION: The efficacy of m-EMR are better than EMR among patients undergoing endoscopic treatment of rectal neuroendocrine tumors, and the safety of m-EMR is equivalent to EMR treatment.

Comparison of totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy and laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) has been extensively employed for the removal of gastric tumors, although it has several limitations. Totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) is a new technique that has rapidly been gaining popularity, and may help overcome the limitations of LATG; however, its safety and therapeutic effect remain controversial. In the present study, we aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of TLTG, and compare the short-term outcomes of TLTG and LATG. METHODS: We searched for studies comparing TLTG and LATG published up to April 2018 from databases such as PubMed and Embase. The study results, including time of surgery, blood loss, anastomosis time, retrieved lymphatic nodes, proximal and distal resection edges, incision length, time to first fluid and soft diet, hospitalization duration, time to first flatus, and postsurgical and anastomotic complications, were compared between the procedures. RESULTS: A total of 10 studies were included. TLTG led to reduced intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.01), greater number of retrieved lymphatic nodes (P < 0.01), decreased hospitalization duration (P < 0.01), reduced incision length (P = 0.05), and shorter time to first fluid diet (P < 0.05), as compared to LATG. The surgery and anastomosis times, time to first soft diet, resection edge, time to first flatus, overall postsurgical complications, and anastomosis-related complications were similar between TLTG and LATG (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TLTG is a safe procedure that yields better cosmesis lower invasiveness, and faster recovery as compared to LATG.

Correction to: Annexin A2 binds to vimentin and contributes to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus multiplication.

In the original publication of this article [1], the author found the brand of vimentin antibody was wrong in Fig. 3. The legend of Fig. 3, 'mouse anti-vimentin mAb (Cell Signaling Technology) at 4 °C overnight' should be 'mouse anti-vimentin mAb (Sigma-Aldrich) at 4 °C overnight'.

Nanosized Chiral [Mn6Ln2] Clusters Modeled by Enantiomeric Schiff Base Derivatives: Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Magnetic Properties.

Two enantiomeric pairs of new 3d-4f heterometallic clusters have been built from two enantiomer Schiff base derivatives, labeled as R-/ S-H2L, in situ obtained from the condensation reactions with o-vanillin and R-/ S-2-phenylglycinol. The formulas of the series clusters are [Mn6Ln2(µ3-OH)4(µ4-O)(Ac)4(H2O)2( R-L)6]·NO3·OH (Ln = Dy (1R), Gd (2R)), [Mn6Ln2(µ3-OH)4(µ4-O)(Ac)4(H2O)2( S-L)6]·NO3·OH (Ln = Dy (1S), Gd (2S)), whose crystal structures and magnetic properties have been characterized. Structural analysis indicated that the above clusters consisted of a [Mn6Ln2] core, featuring a sandwich configuration. The results of magnetic measurements showed the presence of slow magnetic relaxation with the effective energy barrier of 14.85 K in two Dy derivatives under the condition of zero-dc field, while the significant magnetocaloric effect of Gd analogues was found in a wide temperature range.

Annexin A2 binds to vimentin and contributes to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus multiplication.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an important globally distributed and highly contagious pathogen that has restricted cell tropism in vivo and in vitro. In the present study, we found that annexin A2 (ANXA2) is upregulated expressed in porcine alveolar macrophages infected with PRRSV. Additionally, PRRSV replication was significantly suppressed after reducing ANXA2 expression in Marc-145 cells using siRNA. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that ANXA2 may be relevant to vimentin, a cellular cytoskeleton component that is thought to be involved in the infectivity and replication of PRRSV. Co-immunoprecipitation assays and confocal analysis confirmed that ANXA2 interacts with vimentin, with further experiments indicating that the B domain (109-174 aa) of ANXA2 contributes to this interaction. Importantly, neither ANXA2 nor vimentin alone could bind to PRRSV and only in the presence of ANXA2 could vimentin interact with the N protein of PRRSV. No binding to the GP2, GP3, GP5, nor M proteins of PRRSV was observed. In conclusion, ANXA2 can interact with vimentin and enhance PRRSV growth. This contributes to the regulation of PRRSV replication in infected cells and may have implications for the future antiviral strategies.

The innovative regularity and role of p16 methylation in blood during HCC development.

Purpose: This study was performed to examine the regularity and role of p16 methylation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) blood. Methods: Big data of the case-control studies due to blood p16 methylation detection were collected in English and Chinese Journals. The risk of HCC's histologic process was investigated using both Meta-analysis and the quantitative correlation analysis. Results: p16 methylation frequencies in blood were gradually increased from 0 % in normal to 10 % in benign disease, and to 60 % in HCC development. Based on p16 methylation of normal control blood, p16 methylation between normal and benign disease had no risk, and the methylation risk in HCC was significantly increased from normal to HCC through benign disease OR, 95% CI =16.23 ( 11.66, 22.58 ). Compared with the benign disease matched by HCC patient, the methylation risk of p16 in HCC was found, with the pooled OR value of 10.06 (95% IC = 7.64, 13.21) in blood. In addition, the regulatory mechanism affecting p16 methylation risk in normal blood had no role, and the strength of p16 methylation risk was rapidly increased between benign diseases and HCC blood. p16 methylation risk started from the patients with benign disease in blood. These results in blood and tissue detection were basically consistent. Conclusions: HCC pathogenesis affecting p16 methylation don't work during normal blood, when from benign diseases to HCC bloods, can produce powerful role. The transcriptional inactivation associated with p16 methylation might start from benign liver disease, and might be increased from benign liver disease to HCC process. p16 methylation in blood can be used as a promising non-invasive biomarker to HCC's prediction and diagnosis.

Two Residues in NSP9 Contribute to the Enhanced Replication and Pathogenicity of Highly Pathogenic Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus.

Highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) possesses greater replicative capacity and pathogenicity than classical PRRSV. However, the factors that lead to enhanced replication and pathogenicity remain unclear. In our study, an alignment of all available full-length sequences of North American-type PRRSVs (n = 204) revealed two consistent amino acid mutations that differed between HP-PRRSV and classical PRRSV and were located at positions 519 and 544 in nonstructural protein 9. Next, a series of mutant viruses with either single or double amino acid replacements were generated from HP-PRRSV HuN4 and classical PRRSV CH-1a infectious cDNA clones. Deletion of either of the amino acids led to a complete loss of virus viability. In both Marc-145 and porcine alveolar macrophages, the replicative efficiencies of mutant viruses based on HuN4 were reduced compared to the parent, whereas the replication level of CH-1a-derived mutant viruses was increased. Plaque growth assays showed clear differences between mutant and parental viruses. In infected piglets, the pathogenicity of HuN4-derived mutant viruses, assessed through clinical symptoms, viral load in sera, histopathology examination, and thymus atrophy, was reduced. Our results indicate that the amino acids at positions 519 and 544 in NSP9 are involved in the replication efficiency of HP-PRRSV and contribute to enhanced pathogenicity. This study is the first to identify specific amino acids involved in PRRSV replication or pathogenicity. These findings will contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms of PRRSV replication and pathogenicity, leading to better therapeutic and prognostic options to combat the virus.IMPORTANCE Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), is a significant threat to the global pig industry. Highly pathogenic PRRSV (HP-PRRSV) first emerged in China in 2006 and has subsequently spread across Asia, causing considerable damage to local economies. HP-PRRSV strains possess a greater replication capacity and higher pathogenicity than classical PRRSV strains, although the mechanisms that underlie these characteristics are unclear. In the present study, we identified two mutations in HP-PRRSV strains that distinguish them from classical PRRSV strains. Further experiments that swapped the two mutations in an HP-PRRSV strain and a classical PRRSV strain demonstrated that they are involved in the replication efficiency of the virus and its virulence. Our findings have important implications for understanding the molecular mechanisms of PRRSV replication and pathogenicity and also provide new avenues of research for the study of other viruses.

Genotypic and geographical distribution of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses in mainland China in 1996-2016.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) has caused huge economic losses to Chinese swine industry and remains a major threat since it was first reported in 1996. However, investigations of molecular epidemiological and genetic diversity of PRRS viruses (PRRSVs) in China were limited to a small number of representative strains collected in several areas. Moreover, lineage classifications reported by individual researchers were quite different. In the present study, we sequenced ORF5 sequences of 217 PRRSVs from clinical samples, retrieved all the available ORF5 sequences of PRRSVs isolated in China in 1996-2016 (n=2213) from GenBank, and systematically analyzed corresponding epidemiological data. NA-type PRRSVs in China were classified into five lineages: lineage 1, lineage 3, lineage 5, lineage 8, and lineage 9. Most strains in China belonged to lineage 8 (85.6%), with dominant strains being classified as sublineage 8.3 (78.3%). Importantly, the emerging lineage 1 and lineage 3 strains spread rapidly, and their proportions among circulating PRRSVs have significantly increased in recent years. The geographical distribution of different PRRSV lineages in each province was analyzed and possible inter-province transmission routes were outlined for main lineages and sublineages. To our knowledge, this study is the most comprehensive and extensive phylogeographical analysis of PRRSVs in China since PRRS outbreak in 1996. Our dataset can serve as a canonical standard for PRRSV classification and will help to study genetic evolution of PRRSV. The results of the present study may also improve prevention of PRRS in China.

Genetic analysis of porcine circovirus type 2 in China.

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the cause of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), which encompasses several distinct symptoms in pigs. PCV2 infection and clinical incidence of PMWS have increased in recent years, possibly due to shifts in viral populations and mutations. In this study, we identified PVC2 strains currently afflicting pig populations in mainland China, because this is a prerequisite for developing a specific vaccine to control the spread of PMWS. We collected 235 tissue samples from 16 provinces between 2014 and 2016. Of these, 152 samples were positive for PCV2. We compared the sequences we obtained for the PVC2 capsid gene, ORF2, to those of the Chinese PCV2 sequences deposited in GenBank between 2002 and 2016 (n = 648). Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the PCV2d genotype was the most prevalent strain in the sample population included in GenBank and among the positive samples from this study. We also found one PCV2c strain among the GenBank sequences. Furthermore, PCV2a-2F was the predominant genotype in the PCV2a cluster. Amino acid sequence comparisons demonstrated 70.8-100% identity within PCV ORF2 and several consistent mutations in ORF2. More interestingly, six isolates were classified as recombinant strains. Cumulatively, this study represents the first comprehensive description of PCV2 strains distribution, including recent samples, in Chinese porcine populations. We demonstrate the existence of high genetic variability among PVC2 strains and the ability of this virus to rapidly evolve.

Importation and Recombination Are Responsible for the Latest Emergence of Highly Pathogenic Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus in China.

In China, a majority of the highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (HP-PRRSV) strains were seeded by the 2006 outbreak. However, the most recently emerged (2013-2014) HP-PRRSV strain has a very different genetic background. It is a NADC30-like PRRSV strain recently introduced from North America that has undergone genetic exchange with the classic HP-PRRSV strains in China. Subsequent isolation and characterization of this variant suggest high pathogenicity, so it merits special attention in control and vaccine strategies.

Genomic characterization of emergent pseudorabies virus in China reveals marked sequence divergence: Evidence for the existence of two major genotypes.

Recently pseudorabies outbreaks have occurred in many vaccinated farms in China. To identify genetic characteristics of pseudorabies virus (PRV) strains, we obtained the genomic sequences of PRV strains HeN1 and JS, which were compared to 4 PRV genomes and 729 partial gene sequences. PRV strains isolated in China showed marked sequence divergence compared to European and American strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that for the first time PRV can be divided into 2 distinct clusters, with Chinese strains being genotype II and PRVs isolated from other countries being genotype I. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis confirmed differences between HeN1 and Bartha strains, as did the presence of unique insertion/deletion polymorphisms and microsatellites. This divergence between the two genotypes may have been generated from long-term, independent evolution, which could also explain the low efficacy of the Bartha vaccine in protecting pigs infected with genotype II PRV.

Efficacy of Psychological Interventions for Patients with Breast Hyperplasia.

To explore the efficacy of psychological interventions (PI) in patients with breast hyperplasia (BH). In total 120 BH patients who were treated in the Third Affiliated Hospital of the Third Military Medical University were randomly divided into PI group (n = 40; treated with oral XiaoYao Pill and psychological interventions), anti-anxiety/depression medication (AADM) group (n = 40; treated with oral XiaoYao Pill and paroxetine), and control group (n = 40; treated with oral XiaoYao Pill) and the treatment lasted for 1 year. Before the treatment and 4, 8, and 12 months after the initiation of treatment, the changes in the psychological indicators were measured using Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), and Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ), as well as the physiological indicators including estradiol, prolactin, and progesterone were determined. The overall response rates were evaluated at the end of the treatment, and the relapse rates were calculated during the 1-year follow-up. The HAMD and HAMA scores were declined in all three groups. The scores of TAS and WCQ negative coping subscales showed a declining trend after treatment for the AADM and PI groups. Compared to the control and PI groups, the HAMA and HAMD scores were significantly lower in the AADM group 4, 8, and 12 months after the initiation of treatment (P < 0.05). The scores of TAS and WCQ negative coping subscales were significantly lower in AADM group but were significantly higher than those in PI group and lower than the control group 4, 8, and 12 months after the initiation of treatment (P < 0.05). The HAMA and HAMD scores were significantly lower in PI group than in control group 4, 8, and 12 months after the initiation of treatment (P < 0.05). After the initiation of treatment, the estradiol and prolactin levels decreased while the progesterone levels increased in all three groups. Compared with the control group and AADM group, the PI group had significantly higher estradiol and prolactin levels and higher progesterone levels 4, 8, and 12 months after the initiation of treatment (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the AADM group had significantly lower levels of estradiol and prolactin and higher progesterone levels 4, 8, and 12 months after the initiation of treatment (P < 0.05). The overall response rate was not significantly different for both PI group and AADM group (P > 0.05), while the relapse rate was significantly lower in the PI group than the control and AADM groups (P < 0.05). However, the relapse rate did not significantly differ between the control group and AADM group (P > 0.05). PI can effectively improve the psychological status of BH patients and restore the disordered endocrine system. The efficacy lasts for long and the relapse rate is lower. Therefore, it could be an effective method for treating BH.

Effect of Dietary Concentrate:forage Ratios and Undegraded Dietary Protein on Nitrogen Balance and Urinary Excretion of Purine Derivatives in Dorper×thin-tailed Han Crossbred Lambs.

THIS STUDY AIMED TO INVESTIGATE DIETARY CONCENTRATE: forage ratios (C:F) and undegraded dietary protein (UDP) on nitrogen balance and urinary excretion of purine derivatives (PD) in lambs. Four Dorper×thin-tailed Han crossbred castrated lambs with 62.3±1.9 kg body weight at 10 months of age were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments in a 2×2 factorial arrangement of two levels of C:F (40:60 and 60:40) and two levels of UDP (35% and 50% of CP), according to a complete 4×4 Latin-square design. Each experimental period lasted for 19 d. After a 7-d adaptation period, lambs were moved into individual metabolism crates for 12 d including 7 d of adaption and 5 d of metabolism trial. During the metabolism trial, total urine was collected for 24 h and spot urine samples were also collected at different times. Urinary PD was measured using a colorimetric method and creatinine was measured using an automated analyzer. Intake of dry matter (DM) (p<0.01) and organic matter (OM) (p<0.01) increased as the level of UDP decreased. Fecal N was not affected by dietary treatment (p>0.05) while urinary N increased as the level of UDP decreased (p<0.05), but decreased as dietary C:F increased (p<0.05). Nitrogen retention increased as dietary C:F increased (p<0.05). As dietary C:F increased, urinary excretion of PD increased (p<0.05), but was not affected by dietary UDP (p>0.05) or interaction between dietary treatments (p>0.05). Daily excretion of creatinine was not affected by dietary treatments (p<0.05), with an average value of 0.334±0.005 mmol/kg BW(0.75). A linear correlation was found between total PD excretion and PDC index (R(2) = 0.93). Concentrations of creatinine and PDC index in spot urine were unaffected by sampling time (p>0.05) and a good correlation was found between the PDC index (average value of three times) of spot urine and daily excretion of PD (R(2) = 0.88). These results suggest that for animals fed ad libitum, the PDC index in spot urine is effective to predict daily excretion of PD. In order to improve the accuracy of the spot sampling technique, an appropriate lag phase between the time of feeding and sampling should be determined so that the sampling time can coincide with the peak concentration of PD in the urine.

Induction of apoptosis in human peritoneal mesothelial cells by gastric cancer cell supernatant promotes peritoneal carcinomatosis.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of gastric cancer cell supernatant on human peritoneal mesothelial cell viability and apoptosis and to investigate the mechanism of action of gastric cancer in a mesothelial cell line (HMrSV5). Cell viability was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay. Mesothelial cells treated with gastric cancer cell supernatant were stained with acridine orange/ethidium bromide and subjected to fluorescence microscopy. C57BL/6 mice were used to establish a cancer invasion model. Morphological changes and exfoliation occurred, and naked areas appeared in both cultured mesothelial cells and the parietal peritoneum after treatment with gastric cancer cell supernatant. Cell supernatant from gastric cancer cells induced apoptosis of mesothelial cells in a time-dependent manner. Obvious morphological changes of cell apoptosis were detected, such as condensation of chromatin, nuclear fragmentations, and apoptotic ladders. These findings demonstrate that gastric cancer cells induce apoptosis of human peritoneal mesothelial cells through supernatants in early peritoneal metastasis.