Long-Read Sequencing Analysis Revealed the Impact of Forest Conversion on Soil Fungal Diversity in Limu Mountain, Hainan.

Soil fungi are essential to soil microorganisms that play an important role in the ecosystem's soil carbon cycle and mineral nutrient transformation. Understanding the structural characteristics and diversity of soil fungal communities helps understand the health of forest ecosystems. The transition from tropical rainforest to artificial forest greatly impacts the composition and diversity of fungal communities. Hainan Limushan tropical rainforest National Park has a large area of artificial forests. Ecologists have conducted in-depth studies on the succession of animals and plants to regenerate tropical rainforests. There are few reports on the diversity of soil fungi and its influencing factors in the succession of tropical rainforests in Limu Mountain. In this study, 44 soil samples from five different stands were collected in the tropical rainforest of Limushan, Hainan. High-throughput sequencing of rDNA in its region was used to analyze fungal communities and study their α and ß diversity. Analysis of variance and multiple regression models was used to analyze soil variables and fungal functional groups to determine the effects of interaction between fungi and environmental factors. A total of 273,996 reads and 1290 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were obtained, belonging to 418 species, 325 genera, 159 families, eight phyla, 30 classes, and 73 orders. The results showed that the composition of soil fungal communities in the five stands was similar, with ascomycetes accounting for 70.5% and basidiomycetes accounting for 14.7%. α and ß diversity analysis showed that soil fungi in Limushan tropical rainforest had high abundance and diversity. Multiple regression analysis between soil variables and functional groups showed that organic matter, TN, TP, TK, and AK were excellent predictors for soil fungi. TP was the strongest predictor in all functional groups except soil saprotroph. Organic matter and total nitrogen were the strongest predictors of soil rot. The transformation from tropical rainforest to artificial forest in Limushan did not change the soil fungal community structure, but the richness and diversity of soil fungi changed. The forest transformation did not lead to decreased soil fungal abundance and diversity. Different vegetation types and soil properties affect the diversity of soil fungal communities. We found that Caribbean pine plantations can improve soil fungal diversity, while long-term Eucalyptus spp. plantations may reduce soil fungal diversity.

Perspective on Fe0-PS synergetic effect and reaction mechanism in the thallium(I) contaminated water treatment.

Due to extreme toxicity of the element of thallium (Tl), increasing aqueous Tl pollution incidents have aroused growing concerns. As the prevalent and stable form, i.e., monovalent Tl, the highly efficient removal methodologies of Tl(I) from (waste)water remains limited and challenging. In this study, an advanced oxidation method, the feasibility of using zero valent iron (Fe0) coupled with persulfate (PS) to treat Tl(I)-containing synthetic wastewater was investigated. Its influence parameters, including reaction time, initial Tl concentration, dosages of PS and Fe0, initial and coagulation pH, temperature, coexisting ions and organic matter (NO3-, SO42-, Cl- and HA) were examined. The results revealed that the system can be applied to a wide range of pH and temperature and the reaction equilibrium can be reached in about 30 min. Favorable Tl(I) removal rate (>98%) was observed in the synthetic wastewater with medium and relatively high Tl(I) concentration (≤0.250 mM). The analyses of characterization results including electron spin resonance spectrometer and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that ·OH played a vital role in the removal of Tl(I), which was oxidized and removed by co-precipitation. Fe0 can be served as a stable source of Fe2+ to efficiently catalyze PS. The remaining Fe0 can be easily separated because of its magnetism, assuring the promising reusability of the reactant. The study aims to provide references for treatment of real Tl polluted wastewater.

Geochemical transfer of cadmium in river sediments near a lead-zinc smelter.

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic element and non-essential to human. Herein, the source and fate of Cd were examined in a typical sediment profile from the North River, South China, which was affected by the massive Pb-Zn smelting activities for decades. An exceptionally high enrichment of Cd, 107-441 mg/kg, was observed across the whole profile. Approximately 50-75% of Cd was retained in the weak acid soluble fraction. Risk assessment based on geoaccumulation index (Igeo), potential ecological risk index (Eri), bioavailable metal index (BMI) and toxic risk index (TRI) further indicated an extremely strong degree of potential ecological pollution and high toxic risks. The mineralogical composition of particles from the sediment profile exhibited the presence of pyrite, magnetite, wurtzite and greenockite. This further confirmed that Cd was migrated from smelting slags to the North River basin and enriched in sediment profile. Sediment Cd speciation analysis also implied a possible transformation of Cd from metal oxides in smelting slags to adsorbed phases and carbonates, which enhances the bioavailability of Cd. The findings indicate proper countermeasures or remediation approaches should be promptly taken towards high ecological risks of Cd arising from the depth profile extending nearly 1 m, due to lead-zinc smelting related activities.

MiRNA-206 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and migration but promotes apoptosis by modulating cMET expression.

A close relationship between cancer progression and microRNAs (miRNAs) regulation has been demonstrated. Abnormal microRNA-206 (miR-206) expression has been shown to be related to the development of malignancies. However, the role of miR-206 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the function of miR-206 in HCC. Results showed that miR-206 expression was decreased in 27 human HCC tissues compared with that of adjacent normal tissues. Conversely, cMET was up-regulated in human HCC cancer tissues, and cMET levels were shown to be negatively correlated with miR-206 expression. Abnormally increased miR-206 expression in three HCC cell lines (SMMC-7721, HepG2, and Huh7) attenuated cell viability, migration, and invasion. Increased apoptosis was also observed in these miR-206 expressing cells. Furthermore, we identified that miR-206 targets the 3'-UTR of the cMET gene for silencing, and restoration of cMET expression reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-206 on HCC. Tumor cells expressing miR-206 also showed delayed growth in the in vivo experiments compared with the controls. Altogether, our findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of HCC oncogenesis.

Potential planting regions of Pterocarpus santalinus (Fabaceae) under current and future climate in China based on MaxEnt modeling.

This study modeled the habitat distribution of Pterocarpus santalinus, a valuable rosewood species, across China under current and future climate scenarios (SSPs126, SSPs245, and SSPs585) using MaxEnt. Our findings reveal that the current suitable habitat, spanning approximately 409,600 km2, is primarily located in the central and southern parts of Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, and Yunnan, as well as in the Hainan provinces, along with the coastal regions of Taiwan, and the Sichuan-Chongqing border. The habitat's distribution is significantly influenced by climatic factors such as temperature seasonality (bio4), mean temperature of the wettest quarter (bio8), annual mean temperature (bio1), and annual precipitation (bio12), while terrain and soil factors play a lesser role. Under future climate scenarios, the suitable habitat for P. santalinus is projected to expand, with a northeastward shift in its distribution center. This research not only sheds light on the geoecological characteristics and geographical distribution of P. santalinus in China but also offers a scientific basis for planning its cultivation areas and enhancing cultivation efficiency under changing climate conditions.

[Effects of increased body mass index upon laparoscopic radical rectal surgery and its clinical efficacy].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility, the safety and short-term outcomes of laparoscopic radical rectal surgery for rectal cancer patients with increased body mass index (BMI) . METHODS: Retrospectively data reviews were conducted for 405 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer from June 2008 to June 2012. They were classified as normal-weight (NW, BMI 18.6-22.9 kg/m(2), n = 165), overweight (OW, BMI 23.0-24.9 kg/m(2), n = 125), and obese (OB, BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m(2), n = 115)groups according to the categories as proposed by 2007 Chinese Obesity Surgery Treatment Guidelines. The differences of oncologic, intraoperative and postoperative status, postoperative complications, number of resected lymph nodes and short-term survival rates were compared among three groups. The data were analyzed by χ(2) or Fisher exact test. The Mann-Whitney U test or analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) was used for parametric comparisons. The survival curve was drawn by Kaplan Meier method and the survivals of 3 groups were by the Log-rank test. RESULTS: The comorbidity of patients in the NW and OW groups were less than that in the OB group(27.9% (46/165) and 30.4% (38/125) vs 47.0% (54/115), χ(2) = 12.066, P < 0.05). No significant difference existed among the groups in terms of conversion rate (9.1% (15/165), 10.4% (13/125) and 12.2% (14/115)), the rate of postoperative complications (20.6% (34/165), 21.6% (27/125) and 24.3% (28/115) ), intraoperative volume of blood loss ((105 ± 30), (110 ± 25) and (115 ± 45) ml), first flatus( (2.8 ± 1.2), (2.9 ± 1.1) and (3.1 ± 1.4) d), postoperative hospital stays ((13.7 ± 5.5), (14.3 ± 7.5) and (14.1 ± 8.5) d, all P > 0.05), and the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes(P > 0.05). While the operation duration in the OB group were longer than that in the NW and OW groups ((250 ± 35) vs (205 ± 20) and (210 ± 30) min, F = 7.216, P < 0.05) . And 368 patients (90.9%) were followed up for a median of 24 months(2-48 months). As for survival curves, no significant difference existed among three groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is both safe and feasible for obese patients with increased BMI to undergo laparoscopic radical rectal cancer. And there is no effect upon immediate survival.

LINC01354 enhances the metastatic ability of gastric cancer cells by adjusting miR-153-5p/CADM2 expression.

LINC01354 is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) highly expressed in gastric cancer (GC). However, studies have shown that it plays a critical role in the progression of other tumors. This study attempts to uncover the role of LINC01354 in GC. LINC01354 expression in GC tissues and cell lines was assessed using qRT-PCR. Subsequently, LINC01354 knockdown and overexpression were induced in GC cells, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression was detected. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to assess the relation between LINC01354, miR-153-5p, and CADM2. Finally, the metastatic ability of GC cells was assessed by Transwell and wound healing assays. LINC01354 expression was abnormally elevated in cancerous tissues and GC cells, and LINC01354 knockdown suppressed EMT progression, migration, and invasion of GC cells. Transfection of miR-153-5p mimics inhibited the expression of CADM2 by banding to the 3'UTR region, while LINC01354 promoted CADM2 expression by blocking miR-153-5p. The fluorescence experiment indicated that CADM2 is directly regulated by LINC01354/miR-153-5p. Overexpression of LINC01354 promoted EMT progression, migration, and invasion of GC cells, which could be absolutely reversed by co-expression of miR-153-5p. Our research demonstrates that LINC01354 has an important function in the EMT progression of GC cells. LINC01354 promotes GC cell migration and invasion by adjusting miR-153-5p/CADM2 expression.

Survival Nomogram for Metastasis Colon Cancer Patients Based on SEER Database.

Introduction: A prediction model for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of metastatic colon cancer (mCC) patients was developed by analyzing important risk factors for the prognosis of mCC patients based on the SEER database. Method: The characteristic of 10,946 patients diagnosed with mCC between 2010 and 2015 was obtained from the SEER database. The population was randomly divided into a training cohort and an internal validation cohort in a 7:3 ratio. Univariate and multivariate cox for independent predictors of mCC prognosis were performed, and nomogram was constructed. The accuracy of the model was verified by calibration curves, ROC curves, and C-index, and the clinical utility of the model was analyzed using decision analysis curves. Result: Age, primary site, grade, surgery, and other eight factors were significantly associated with the prognosis of mCC patients, and these predictors were included in the construction of the nomogram. The C-index was 0.731 (95% CI 0.725-0.737) and 0.736 (95% CI 0.726-0.746) for the training cohort and the validation set, respectively. The results of the ROC curve analysis indicated that the area under the curve (AUC) exceeded 0.7 for both the training cohort and the validation set at 1, 3, and 5 years. Conclusion: The constructed prediction model had an excellent predictive accuracy, which will help clinical decision-making of mCC patients after surgery and individualized treatment.

Thallium and potentially toxic elements distribution in pine needles, tree rings and soils around a pyrite mine and indication for environmental pollution.

In this study, the distributions of thallium (Tl), and other potential toxic elements, such as Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Sr, As, Cr, Ni, Zn, and Mn in needles, tree rings and soils of pine trees in one of the largest pyrite mining areas in the world, i.e., Yunfu, China were investigated. The results showed that pseudo-total Tl concentration of the tree rings ranged from 0.41 to 2.03 mg/kg (average: 1.12 mg/kg) during the year of 1998 to 2011. This indicates an overall obvious enrichment of Tl. Further investigation of element level variations in the pine needles showed a negative correlation between Tl content and the distance from the mining area. The results of Principal Component Analysis additionally demonstrated that Tl in the tree rings was most likely derived from the pine needles. Notably, Tl contents in the tree rings exhibited generally similar distribution pattern to the annual production intensity of Yunfu pyrite mining activities. The findings suggest that metal(loid)s in particular of Tl in pine tree rings can be used as alternative proxies to approximatively reconstruct the chronological change of atmospheric environmental pollution induced by pyrite associated mining/smelting activities.

Stable isotope fractionation of thallium as novel evidence for its geochemical transfer during lead­zinc smelting activities.

Thallium (Tl) is a highly toxic trace metal. Lead (Pb)­zinc (Zn) smelting, which is a pillar industry in various countries, is regarded as one of the dominant anthropogenic sources of Tl contamination in the environment. In this study, thallium isotope data have been evaluated for raw material and a set of industrial wastes produced at different stages of Pb-Zn smelting in a representative large facility located by the North River, South China, in order to capture Tl isotope signatures of such typical anthropogenic origin for laying the foundation of tracking Tl pollution. Large variations in Tl isotopic compositions of raw Pb-Zn ores and solid smelting wastes produced along the process chain were observed. The ε205Tl values of raw Pb-Zn ores and return fines are -0.87 ± 0.26 and -1.0 ± 0.17, respectively, contrasted by increasingly more negative values for electrostatic precipitator dust (ε205Tl = -2.03 ± 0.14), lime neutralizing slag (ε205Tl = -2.36 ± 0.18), and acid sludge (ε205Tl = -4.62 ± 0.76). The heaviest ε205Tl (1.12 ± 0.51) was found in clinker. These results show that isotopic fractionation occurs during the smelting processes. Obviously, the lighter Tl isotope is enriched in the vapor phase (-3.75 ε205Tl units). Further XPS and STEM-EDS analyses show that Tl isotope fractionation conforms to the Rayleigh fractionation model, and adsorption of 205Tl onto hematite (Fe2O3) may play an important role in the enrichment of the heavier Tl isotope. The findings demonstrate that Tl isotope analysis is a robust tool to aid our understanding of Tl behavior in smelting processes and to provide a basis for source apportionment of Tl contaminations.

Transformation and fate of thallium and accompanying metal(loid)s in paddy soils and rice: A case study from a large-scale industrial area in China.

Thallium (Tl) is an extremely toxic metal, while its occurrence and fate in paddy soil environment remain understudied. Herein, the enrichment and migration mechanisms and potential health risks of Tl and metal(loid)s were evaluated in paddy soils surrounding an industrial park utilizing Tl-bearing minerals. The results showed that Tl contamination was evident (0.63-3.16 mg/kg) in the paddy soils and Tl was generally enriched in root of rice (Oryza sativa L.) with a mean content of 1.27 mg/kg. A remarkably high level of Tl(III) (30-50%) was observed in the paddy soils. Further analyses by STEM-EDS and XPS indicated that Tl(I) in the paddy soils was jointly controlled by adsorption, oxidation, and precipitation of Fe/Mn(hydr)oxide (e.g. hematite and birnessite), which might act as important stabilization mechanisms for inhibiting potential Tl uptake by rice grains. The health quotient (HQ) values indicated a potentially high Tl risk for inhabitants via consumption of the rice grains. Therefore, it is critical to establish effective measures for controlling the discharge of Tl-containing waste and wastewater from different industrial activities to ensure food safety in the rice paddy soils.

U(VI) adsorption by green and facilely modified Ficus microcarpa aerial roots: Behavior and mechanism investigation.

Uranium (U)-containing wastewater poses serious pressure to human health and environmental safety. The treatment of U-bearing wastewater using green and facilely fabricated materials is considered a promising alternative. Herein, the raw and modified aerial roots of Ficus microcarpa (RARF and MARF, respectively) were prepared and applied to the treatment of synthesized U-containing wastewater. The results showed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and chemically controlled, which was in good accordance with the pseudo-second-order kinetic and the Redlich-Peterson isotherm adsorption model. The adsorption mechanisms were proposed to be the complexation between U(VI) and oxygen/phosphorus-containing functional groups on MARF.

Highly efficient removal of thallium in wastewater by MnFe2O4-biochar composite.

Thallium (Tl), is a highly toxic trace metal in the natural environment. Emerging Tl pollution in waters has gradually become a global concern. However, limited removal technologies are available for Tl-containing wastewater. Herein, MnFe2O4-biochar composite (MFBC) was successfully fabricated via coprecipitation method as a novel and efficient adsorbent for treating Tl(I)-contaminated wastewater. It was found that the MFBC, with a specific surface area of 187.03 m2/g, exhibited high performance across a wide pH range of 4-11, with the superior Tl(I) removal capacity (170.55 mg/g) based on Langmuir model (pH 6.0, a dosage of 1 g/L). The removal mechanisms included physical and chemical adsorption, ion exchange, surface complexation, and oxidation. This investigation revealed that MFBC is a promising and environmentally friendly adsorbent with a low cost, large specific surface area, magnetic properties, and high efficiency for the removal of Tl(I) from wastewater.

Emergent thallium exposure from uranium mill tailings.

Thallium (Tl) pollution caused by the exploitation of uranium (U) mines has long been neglected due to its low crustal abundance. However, Tl may be enriched in minerals of U ore because Tl has both sulfurophile and lithophile properties. Herein, a semi-dynamic leaching experiment combined with statistical analysis, geochemical speciation and multi-characterization provided novel insight into the distinct features and mechanisms of Tl release from uranium mill tailings (UMT). The results showed that particle size effects prevail over the pH on Tl release, and surface dissolution is the pivotal mechanism controlling Tl release based on Fick's diffusion model. The study revealed that long-term leaching and weathering can lead to the increased acid-extractable and oxidizable fractions of Tl in UMT, and that the exposure and dissolution of Tl-containing sulfides would largely enhance the flux of Tl release. The findings indicate that UMT containing (abundant) pyrite should be paid particular attention due to Tl exposure. Besides, critical concern over the potential Tl pollution in universal U mining and hydrometallurgical areas likewise may need to be seriously reconsidered.

Facile modification of graphene oxide and its application for the aqueous uranyl ion sequestration: Insights on the mechanism.

Graphene oxide (GO) has been proved with favorable affinity to U(VI), while some drawbacks such as poor dispersity and low adsorption performance limit its application. Herein, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) modified graphene oxide (MGO) composites were successfully fabricated, characterized and compared with graphene oxide (GO) in the sequestration of U(VI) in aqueous solutions. The results showed that maximum adsorption rate of MGO (99.21%) was obviously higher than that of GO (66.51%) under the same initial condition. Simultaneous introduction of C-H and NO coupled with the enhanced dispersity of GO after modification were mainly responsible for the updated performance verified with multiple characterization techniques. Based on the results of kinetics and isotherms investigations, the experimental data were best described by Pseudo-first-order kinetic model and Redlich-Peterson isotherm model. The results of ΔH, ΔS and ΔG show that adsorptive behaviors of uranyl ion on MGO are endothermic and spontaneous. The study provides a feasible alternative to the chemical modification of GO and enhancing the performance towards uranyl ion removal from solution.

Critical insight and indication on particle size effects towards uranium release from uranium mill tailings: Geochemical and mineralogical aspects.

Uranium (U) is both chemically toxic and radioactive. Uranium mill tailings (UMTs) are one of the most important sources of U contamination in the environment, wherein the mechanisms that control U release from UMTs with different granularities have not yet been well understood. Herein, the release behaviours and underlying release mechanisms of U from UMTs with five different particle size fractions (<0.45, 0.45-0.9, 0.9-2, 2-6 and 6-10 mm) were studied with a well-defined leaching test (ANS 16.1) combined with geochemical and mineralogical characterizations. The results showed that the most remarkable U release unexpectedly emerged from UMT2-6 mm; in contrast, the smallest particle size UMT<0.45 mm contributed to the least U release. The predominant mechanism of U release from UMT2-6 mm was the oxidative dissolution of U-bearing sulfides, while abundant gypsum present in UMT<0.45 mm inhibited U release. The study highlights the importance of combined geochemical and mineralogical investigation when performing leaching tests of mineral-containing hazardous materials such as UMTs with consideration of particle size effects. The findings also indicate that elevating the content of gypsum and avoiding the oxidation of sulfides can effectively help immobilize and minimize the residual U release from the UMTs.

10H-3,6-Diazaphenothiazine-Induced, Caspases-Mediated Mitochondrial-Dependent Apoptosis on HepG2 Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells and Suppressed Cancer Cells Invasion via Inhibiting Mitochondrial Thioredoxin Reductase Enzymatic Activities.

Early development of liver cancer is usually asymptomatic. The overall survival rate of patients is relatively low due to late diagnosis, despite hepatocellular carcinoma being a common diagnosis. The high mortality rate of liver cancer was due to its overactivated cellular mitochondrial activities, namely thioredoxin reductase enzymatic activities and its downstream activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways for cancer cell migration. Our previous study on this candidate compound on A2780 ovarian cancer cells and MCF-7 breast cancer cells, through modulation of cell-cycle checkpoints and respective targeted apoptosis pathways. The current study used HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines as a representative in vitro liver cancer cell model. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value was obtained via incubation of PTZ compound for 24 h yield of 37.03 µM, whereby it was three-fold more potent than the standard control tested, cisplatin (109.23 µM). The subsequent application of IC50 dosage of PTZ onto HepG2 cells illustrated a growth-static effect via activation of S-phase cell-cycle checkpoints, immediately followed by regulation of apoptosis. Increased cellular concentration of reactive oxygen species eventually generated oxidative damages on mitochondria, hence resulting in the release of cytochrome c protein and suppression of TrxR enzymatic activity, in conjunction with the suppression on invasion of cancer cells via Matrigel invasion chamber. In conclusion, PTZ was hypothesized to act effectively on mitochondria of HepG2 cells; hence it should proceed into detailed drug targeting mechanism research.

Effect and clinical significance of fast-track surgery combined with laparoscopic radical gastrectomy on the plasma level of vascular endothelial growth factor in gastric antrum cancer.

This study discusses the effect and clinical significance of fast-track surgery (FTS) combined with laparoscopic radical surgery on the plasma level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in locally advanced gastric antrum cancer. Plasma VEGF levels were detected in 63 cases of locally advanced gastric antrum cancer by using double-antibody sandwich Avidinbiotincomplex-ELISA before and after operation. The pure laparoscopic surgery group (group A) comprised 30 cases, and the combined FTS group (group B) consisted of 33 cases. Results of the two groups were obtained at similar time points and then compared. The VEGF levels were not significantly different between the two groups on the first day before the operation and on the first day, third day, and sixth month after the operation (P > 0.05). However, the differences were significant on the seventh day and first month after the operation (P < 0.05). The postoperative eating time, anal exhaust time, and hospital stay of the patients were statistically significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, no significant differences were detected in terms of wound healing time and complications (P > 0.05). The 3-year survival rate significantly differed between the two groups (P < 0.05). FTS combined with laparoscopic surgery can decrease the postoperative VEGF level compared with pure laparoscopic surgery. The combined approach improved postoperative recovery without prolonging the wound healing time or increasing the incidence of postoperative complications. The 3-year survival rate also increased. Thus, FTS combined with laparoscopic surgery can improve the prognosis in gastric antrum cancer.

Risk factors associated with splenic hilar lymph node metastasis in patients with advanced gastric cancer in northwest China.

There are plenty of risk factors associated with splenic hilar lymph node metastasis (SHLNM) in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Whereas, their main influencing factors have not reached a consensus yet. The aim of the study is to investigate the related clinicopathological factors influencing SHLNM in AGC. A retrospective study was performed to investigate 150 patients who underwent D2 curative partial or total gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma from January 2007 to November 2012. Clinicopathological factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis. A total of 10.7% (16/150) of the patients had SHLNM. The overall ratio of metastatic lymph node (positive lymph nodes/lymph nodes harvested) in the splenic hilum was 17.5% (38/217). Univariate analysis results showed SHLNM was related with depth of invasion, tumor grade, tumor size, tumor location and Bormann type, with significant difference (P<0.05); Multivariate analysis demonstrated that SHLNM was related with depth of invasion and tumor size, with significant difference (P<0.05). Consequently, depth of invasion, tumor grade, tumor size, tumor location and Bormann type were associated with SHLNM in AGC, meanwhile depth of invasion and tumor size are independent risk factors. Preoperative predicting risk factors of SHLNM greatly benefits making more rational surgical scheme of treating AGC.

Comparison of laparoscopy-assisted surgery and laparotomy for treating locally advanced distal gastric antral cancer.

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety, feasibility and mid-term results of laparoscopy-assisted surgery in the treatment of locally advanced gastric antral cancer. The clinical data of 50 patients who received laparoscopy-assisted surgery (Group A) and 62 patients who were treated by conventional laparotomy (Group B) from August 2009 to January 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. The surgical incision length, the volume of blood loss, the intestinal function recovery time, the postoperative complications, the postoperative 1- and 3-year cumulative survival rates and the average survival time in the two groups were observed. The results of the two groups were compared using the χ2 test for the enumeration data, a t-test for the numerical data and a Wilcoxon rank sum test for the skewed data. In addition, the Kaplan-Meier method of single factor analysis was utilized to comwpare the 1- and 3-year cumulative survival rates, as well as the average survival time of the two groups. The results indicated that the duration of surgery for Group A was significantly longer compared with that of Group B (P<0.05); however, the incision length and the volume of intraoperative blood loss in Group A were significantly smaller compared with those of Group B (P<0.01). Furthermore, in Group A, the recovery of intestinal function was more rapid and the time spent in hospital was shorter. However, between Groups A and B, the respective number of dissected lymph nodes (16.3 and 17.2), 1-year survival rates (86.0 and 88.6%) and 3-year survival rates (52.6 and 53.7%) were not significantly different (P<0.05). The results indicate that laparoscopy-assisted surgery is a safe approach for the treatment of locally advanced gastric antral cancer and has beneficial treatment effects. Laparoscopy-assisted surgery is advantageous compared with laparotomy, due to the smaller incision length and reductions in intraoperative blood loss, invasiveness, postoperative recovery time and the number of complications.