Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Effects on Obstructive Sleep Apnea Over Time: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGS) in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Cochrane database, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. REVIEW METHODS: Five databases were reviewed to identify relevant studies that measured polysomnography parameters such as the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and oxygen desaturation index, as well as quality of life and functional outcomes of sleep questionnaire scores, before and after HGS. RESULTS: In total, 44 studies involving 8670 patients met the inclusion criteria. At 12 months after treatment, approximately 47%, 72%, and 82% of patients achieved AHI values of <5, < 10, and <15, respectively. The reported clinical success rates according to Sher criteria were 80% within 12 months and 73% between 12 and 36 months. While the favorable effects exhibited a gradual reduction up to 12 months postimplantation, they generally maintained a consistent level between the 12th and 36th months, as assessed by AHI < 5, <15, and success rate according to Sher criteria. CONCLUSION: HGS can enhance quality of life scores and polysomnography outcomes in obstructive sleep apnea patients. Although the positive effects gradually decreased until 12 months after implantation, they generally remained consistent between 12 and 36 months.

Enhancing viability and angiogenic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells via HSP90α and HSP27 regulation based on ROS stimulation for wound healing.

Light-based therapy has been reported as a potential preconditioning strategy to induce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling and improve the angiogenic properties of various types of cells. However, bio-stimulation mechanisms of light therapy in terms of ROS-heat shock proteins (HSPs) mediated anti-apoptotic and angiogenic pathways in human adult stem cells have not been fully delineated yet. Commonly used light sources such as light-emitting diode (LED) and laser are accompanied by drawbacks, such as phototoxicity, thermal damage, and excessive ROS induction, so the role and clinical implications of light-induced HSPs need to be investigated using a heat-independent light source. Here, we introduced organic LED (OLED) at 610 nm wavelength as a new light source to prevent thermal effects from interfering with the expression of HSPs. Our results showed that light therapy using OLED significantly upregulated anti-apoptotic and angiogenic factors in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) at both gene and protein levels via the activation of HSP90α and HSP27, which were stimulated by ROS. In a mouse wound-closing model, rapid recovery and improved re-epithelization were observed in the light-treated hMSCs transplant group. This study demonstrates that the upregulation of Akt (protein kinase B)-nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling, caused by HSP90α and HSP27 expression, is the mechanism behind the anti-apoptotic and angiogenic effects of OLED treatment on stem cells.

Phototoxicity-free blue light for enhancing therapeutic angiogenic efficacy of stem cells.

Low-level light therapy (LLLT) is a safe and noninvasive technique that has drawn attention as a new therapeutic method to treat various diseases. However, little is known so far about the effect of blue light for LLLT due to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can cause cell damage. We introduced a blue organic light-emitting diode (bOLED) as a safe and effective light source that could generate a low amount of heat and luminance compared to conventional light sources (e.g., light-emitting diodes). We compared phototoxicity of bOLED light with different light fluences to human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSC). We further explored molecular mechanisms involved in the therapeutic efficacy of bOLED for enhancing angiogenic properties of hADSC, including intracellular ROS control in hADSCs. Using optimum conditions of bOLED light proposed in this study, photobiomodulation and angiogenic properties of hADSCs were enhanced. These findings might open new methods for using blue light in LLLT. Such methods can be implemented in future treatments for ischemic disease.

Long-term evaluation of safety and biological effects of Korean Red Ginseng (Panax Ginseng): a long-term in vivo study.

BACKGROUND: Although Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is safe, this finding was only evaluated in 3-mo-long studies. Its safety was verified through a 6-mo KRG administration clinical study, but long-term studies beyond 6 mo are insufficient. This study investigated the safety and efficacy of 12-mo KRG administration. METHODS: In this study, 300 mg/kg of KRG was administered to male and female Sprague Dawley rats for 4, 8, and 12 mo to evaluate its efficacy and safety. Clinical signs, including pathological examination and haematological analyses, were observed. Flow cytometric analyses were utilised to analyse spleen and thymus immune cell counts after 12 mo. Proteomic analysis of the sera was performed using a nanospray-interfaced mass spectrometer with an 11-plex Tandem Mass Tag (TMT) labelling system. Bioinformatic analysis was then performed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and PANTHER. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD032036. RESULTS: No significant body and organ weight changes were observed, and haematological and serum biochemical analyses did not show clinical significance. The effectiveness of long-term KRG administration was confirmed through increased immune cell distribution and activity. Changes in proteins correlated with viral infection reduction were confirmed through proteomic analysis. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that 12-mo KRG intake is safe, improves immune system activity, and reduces viral infections with no significant changes in toxicological aspects.

Enhancing the Angiogenic and Proliferative Capacity of Dermal Fibroblasts with Mulberry (Morus alba. L) Root Extract.

BACKGROUND: Enhancing blood flow and cell proliferation in the hair dermis is critical for treating hair loss. This study was designed to aid the development of alternative and effective solutions to overcome alopecia. Specifically, we examined the effects of Morus alba. L root extract (MARE, which has been used in traditional medicine as a stimulant for hair proliferation) on dermal fibroblasts and other cell types found in the epidermis. METHODS: We first optimized the concentration of MARE that could be used to treat human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) without causing cytotoxicity. After optimization, we focused on the effect of MARE on HDFs since these cells secrete paracrine factors related to cell proliferation and angiogenesis that affect hair growth. Conditioned medium (CM) derived from MARE-treated HDFs (MARE HDF-CM) was used to treat human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs). RESULTS: Concentrations of MARE up to 20 wt% increased the expression of proliferative and anti-apoptotic genes in HDFs. MARE HDF-CM significantly improved the tubular structure formation and migration capacity of HUVECs. Additionally, MARE HDF-CM treatment upregulated the expression of hair growth-related genes in HFDPCs. CM collected from MARE-treated HDFs promoted the proliferation of HFDPCs and the secretion of angiogenic paracrine factors from these cells. CONCLUSION: Since it can stimulate the secretion of pro-proliferative and pro-angiogenic paracrine factors from HDFs, MARE has therapeutic potential as a hair loss preventative.

Effects of Lysine Cell Mass Supplementation as a Substitute for L-Lysine·HCl on Growth Performance, Diarrhea Incidence, and Blood Profiles in Weaning Pigs.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of lysine cell mass (LCM) as an alternative lysine source in diets for weaning pigs on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, and blood profiles. In experiment 1, a total of 200 weaning pigs, with an average body weight (BW) of 6.89 ± 1.04 kg, were allotted into one of five treatments with four replicates of 10 pigs per pen in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The dietary treatments were composed of LCM supplementation (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, or 1.0%) with partial replacement of L-lysine·HCl (0 to 0.8% for phase 1 diets and 0 to 0.07% for phase 2 diets). The BW and feed intake were recorded at the end of each phase (d 0 to 14 for phase 1, d 14 to 35 for phase 2), and diarrhea incidence was checked daily throughout the experimental period. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of pigs at 2 weeks and 5 weeks to determine the blood profiles of weaning pigs. In experiment 2, a total of 144 weaning pigs with an average BW of 6.44 ± 1.19 kg were allotted into one of six treatments with six replicates of four pigs per pen in RCBD. The dietary treatments were composed of LCM supplementation (0 to 3.5% for phase 1 diets and 0 to 2.2% for phase 2 diets) with replacement of L-lysine·HCl from 0 to 100%. In experiment 1, partial replacement of L-lysine·HCl with 0 to 1% LCM did not affect growth performance and diarrhea incidence of pigs. An increase in the LCM supplementation from 0 to 1% with partial replacement of L-lysine·HCl had no influence on the blood urea nitrogen concentrations, whereas it resulted in a linear decrease (p < 0.05) in the serum IgG concentrations for 5 weeks. In experiment 2, increasing the dietary level of LCM with replacement of L-lysine·HCl quadratically decreased (p < 0.05) ADG and G-F ratio for phase 2 and G-F ratio for the overall period such that 100% replacement of L-lysine·HCl with LCM decreased ADG and G-F ratio of weaning pigs. An increase in the LCM supplementation with replacement of L-lysine·HCl tended to decrease linearly (p < 0.10) the diarrhea incidence of weaning pigs for the overall period and linearly decrease (p < 0.05) the serum IgG concentrations for 2 weeks. In conclusion, partial replacement of L-lysine·HCl with LCM from 0 to 1% had no negative impacts on the growth performance, but 100% replacement of L-lysine·HCl with LCM decreased the growth performance of weaning pigs. Therefore, LCM could be included in the diets for weaning pigs up to 2.8% and 1.76% for phase 1 and phase 2, respectively, as a substitute for L-lysine·HCl without detrimental effects on the performance of weaning pigs.

Biological Effects of Korean Red Ginseng Polysaccharides in Aged Rat Using Global Proteomic Approach.

Much has been written on the physiological benefits of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG). Among its various components, ginsenosides have been widely investigated for their various pharmacological effects. However, polysaccharides are a major KRG component that has not received scrutiny similar to that of ginsenosides. The present study aims to fill that gap in the existing literature and to investigate the possible functions of polysaccharide in KRG. The researchers evaluated proteomic changes in non-saponin fractions with rich polysaccharides (NFP) in KRG. Based on the serum analysis, proteomics analysis of the liver and the spleen was additionally conducted to identify related functions. We validated the suggested functions of NFP with the galactosamine-induced liver injury model and the cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression model. Then, we evaluated the antimetastatic potential of NFP in the lungs. Further proteomics analysis of the spleen and liver after ingestion confirmed functions related to immunity, cancer, hepatoprotection, and others. Then, we validated the suggested corresponding functions of the NFP in vivo model. NFP showed immune-enhancing effects, inhibited melanoma cell metastasis in the lung, and decreased liver damage. The results show that using the proteomic approach uncovers the potential effects of polysaccharides in KRG, which include enhancing the immune system and protecting the liver.

Physiological and pharmacological features of the non-saponin components in Korean Red Ginseng.

Panax ginseng, a medicinal plant, has been used as a blood-nourishing tonic for thousands of years in Asia, including Korea and China. P. ginseng exhibits adaptogen activity that maintains homeostasis by restoring general biological functions and non-specifically enhancing the body's resistance to external stress. Several P. ginseng effects have been reported. Korean Red Ginseng, in particular, has been reported in both basic and clinical studies to possess diverse effects such as enhanced immunity, fatigue relief, memory, blood circulation, and anti-oxidation. Moreover, it also protects against menopausal symptoms, cancer, cardiac diseases, and neurological disorders. The active components found in most Korean Red Ginseng varieties are known to include ginsenosides, polysaccharides, peptides, alkaloids, polyacetylene, and phenolic compounds. In this review, the identity and bioactivity of the non-saponin components of Korean Red Ginseng discovered to date are evaluated and the components are classified into polysaccharide and nitrogen compounds (protein, peptide, amino acid, nucleic acid, and alkaloid), as well as fat-soluble components such as polyacetylene, phenols, essential oils, and phytosterols. The distinct bioactivity of Korean Red Ginseng was found to originate from both saponin and non-saponin components rather than from only one or two specific components. Therefore, it is important to consider saponin and non-saponin elements together.

Combination of Sargassum fusiforme and Pueraria lobata Extracts Alleviates Postmenopausal Symptoms in Ovariectomized Rats.

Estrogen, produced mainly in the ovaries, plays a role in sexual development, metabolism, and bone formation. Thus, estrogen deficiency due to menopause can lead to overweight, dyslipidemia, and osteoporosis. In this study, we compared the effects of extracts of Sargassum fusiforme, Pueraria lobata, and their mixtures at various ratios on osteosarcoma SaOS-2 cells and investigated the effect of PS31 (P. lobata: S. fusiforme = 3:1, KGC02PS) on postmenopausal symptoms in ovariectomized rats. PS31 supplementation, as little as 100 mg/kg BW, effectively reduced ovariectomy-induced weight gain, and total triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations in serum. In addition, PS31 supplementation prevented bone density loss, inhibited bone resorption, and reduced the expression of catabolic factors in bone. However, PS31 supplementation did not affect uterus weight and expression of c-Jun and c-Fos, which suggests that the mechanism of action of PS31 is distinct from that of estrogen. Taken together, we demonstrated that PS31 supplementation alleviated postmenopausal symptoms, including overweight, dyslipidemia, and osteoporosis. Therefore, PS31 could be potentially used as food supplement to prevent postmenopausal symptoms.

Detecting neuroinflammation in the brain following chronic alcohol exposure in rats: A comparison between in vivo and in vitro TSPO radioligand binding.

Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with neuroinflammation, which likely contributes to alcohol-related pathology. However, positron emission tomography (PET) studies using radioligands for the 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO), which is considered a biomarker of neuroinflammation, reported decreased binding in alcohol use disorder (AUD) participants compared to controls. In contrast, autoradiographic findings in alcohol exposed rats reported increases in TSPO radioligand binding. To assess if these discrepancies reflected differences between in vitro and in vivo methodologies, we compared in vitro autoradiography (using [3 H]PBR28 and [3 H]PK11195) with in vivo PET (using [11 C]PBR28) in male, Wistar rats exposed to chronic alcohol-vapor (dependent n = 10) and in rats exposed to air-vapor (nondependent n = 10). PET scans were obtained with [11 C]PBR28, after which rats were euthanized and the brains were harvested for autoradiography with [3 H]PBR28 and [3 H]PK11195 (n = 7 dependent and n = 7 nondependent), and binding quantified in hippocampus, thalamus, and parietal cortex. Autoradiography revealed significantly higher binding in alcohol-dependent rats for both radioligands in thalamus and hippocampus (trend level for [3 H]PBR28) compared to nondependent rats, and these group differences were stronger for [3 H]PK11195 than [3 H]PBR28. In contrast, PET measures obtained in the same rats showed no group difference in [11 C]PBR28 binding. Our in vitro data are consistent with neuroinflammation associated with chronic alcohol exposure. Failure to observe similar increases in [11 C]PBR28 binding in vivo suggests the possibility that a mechanism mediated by chronic alcohol exposure interferes with [11 C]PBR28 binding to TSPO in vivo. These data question the sensitivity of PBR28 PET as a methodology to assess neuroinflammation in AUD.

Risk factors and timing of autologous stem cell transplantation for patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma.

High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (HDC-ASCT) is an option for patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL); however, neither prospective nor retrospective studies support proceeding with ASCT upfront, and the timing of HDC-ASCT remains controversial. We retrospectively analyzed the risk factors for outcomes of 570 patients with PTCL, including PTCL not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), who received ASCT for frontline consolidation (n = 98 and 75, respectively) or alternative therapies after either relapse (n = 112 and 75) or primary induction failure (PIF; n = 127 and 83) between 2000 and 2015. Significant risk factors for overall survival (OS) after upfront ASCT were a ≥ 2 prognostic index for T-cell lymphoma (P < 0.001) and partial response (PR) at ASCT (P = 0.041) in PTCL-NOS patients, and > 60 years of age (P = 0.0028) and PR at ASCT (P = 0.0013) in AITL patients. Performance status of ≥ 2 at ASCT (P < 0.001), receiving ≥ 3 regimens before ASCT (P = 0.018), and PR at ASCT (P = 0.018) in PTCL-NOS patients and > 60 years of age at ASCT (P = 0.0077) in AITL patients were risk factors for OS after ASCT with a chemosensitive PIF status. Strategies that carefully select PTCL patients may allow identification of individuals suitable for ASCT.

Assessment of Quality of Life and Safety in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Letrozole as an Early Adjuvant Treatment.

PURPOSE: There are few reports from Asian countries about the long-term results of aromatase inhibitor adjuvant treatment for breast cancer. This observational study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of letrozole in postmenopausal Korean women with operable breast cancer. METHODS: Self-reported quality of life (QoL) scores were serially assessed for 3 years during adjuvant letrozole treatment using the Korean version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast questionnaires (version 3). Changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and serum cholesterol levels were also examined. RESULTS: All 897 patients received the documented informed consent form and completed a baseline questionnaire before treatment. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 684 (76.3%) subjects, and 410 (45.7%) and 396 (44.1%) patients had stage I and II breast cancer, respectively. Each patient completed questionnaires at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months after enrollment. Of 897 patients, 749 (83.5%) completed the study. The dropout rate was 16.5%. The serial trial outcome index, the sum of the physical and functional well-being subscales, increased gradually and significantly from baseline during letrozole treatment (p<0.001). The mean serum cholesterol level increased significantly from 199 to 205 after 36 months (p=0.042). The mean BMD significantly decreased from -0.39 at baseline to -0.87 after 36 months (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: QoL gradually improved during letrozole treatment. BMD and serum cholesterol level changes were similar to those in Western countries, indicating that adjuvant letrozole treatment is well tolerated in Korean women, with minimal ethnic variation.

ß-Amyloid accumulation in the human brain after one night of sleep deprivation.

The effects of acute sleep deprivation on ß-amyloid (Aß) clearance in the human brain have not been documented. Here we used PET and 18F-florbetaben to measure brain Aß burden (ABB) in 20 healthy controls tested after a night of rested sleep (baseline) and after a night of sleep deprivation. We show that one night of sleep deprivation, relative to baseline, resulted in a significant increase in Aß burden in the right hippocampus and thalamus. These increases were associated with mood worsening following sleep deprivation, but were not related to the genetic risk (APOE genotype) for Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, baseline ABB in a range of subcortical regions and the precuneus was inversely associated with reported night sleep hours. APOE genotyping was also linked to subcortical ABB, suggesting that different Alzheimer's disease risk factors might independently affect ABB in nearby brain regions. In summary, our findings show adverse effects of one-night sleep deprivation on brain ABB and expand on prior findings of higher Aß accumulation with chronic less sleep.

Regional Difference of Causative Pollen in Children with Allergic Rhinitis.

The aim of this study was to investigate role of common pollen in Korean school-aged children with allergic rhinitis (AR) in 5 provinces (Incheon Metropolitan City-Gyeonggi Province, Chungcheongbuk-do, Gwangju Metropolitan City, Busan Metropolitan City, and Jeju Special Self-Governing Province), using a questionnaire and skin prick test, and to assess the differences among the residential regions. Among the enrolled 14,678 total children, 1,641 (22.0%) had AR. The sensitization rate to pollen (38.7%) was the second highest among examined allergens and significant differences were in the sensitization rates to trees, weeds, and grasses among the 5 provinces (P < 0.05). The sensitization to trees (25.2%) was the highest common among the pollen types and significant differences also were observed in the sensitization rates to alder, birch, Japanese cedar, oak, and elm among the 5 provinces. The sensitization rate to weeds (19.9%) was the second highest and significant differences were observed in the sensitization rate to Japanese hop, mugwort, and ragweed among the 5 provinces. The sensitization rate to house dust mite was 86.8%, the highest among examined allergens and that to Dermatophagoides farinae exhibited regional differences (P = 0.003) but not to D. farinae (P = 0.584). The sensitization rate to mold (13.5%) was the highest in Jeju and lowest in Busan, and a statistically significant difference was detected among the 5 provinces. These results support that examined pollen allergens are strongly associated with residential region due to regional causative pollen differences among children with AR within Korea to investigate the main pollen allergens.

MgF2-coated porous magnesium/alumina scaffolds with improved strength, corrosion resistance, and biological performance for biomedical applications.

Porous magnesium (Mg) has recently emerged as a promising biodegradable alternative to biometal for bone ingrowth; however, its low mechanical properties and high corrosion rate in biological environments remain problematic. In this study, porous magnesium was implemented in a scaffold that closely mimics the mechanical properties of human bones with a controlled degradation rate and shows good biocompatibility to match the regeneration rate of bone tissue at the affected site. The alumina-reinforced Mg scaffold was produced by spark plasma sintering and coated with magnesium fluoride (MgF2) using a hydrofluoric acid solution to regulate the corrosion rate under physiological conditions. Sodium chloride granules (NaCl), acting as space holders, were leached out to achieve porous samples (60%) presenting an average pore size of 240 µm with complete pore interconnectivity. When the alumina content increased from 0 to 5 vol%, compressive strength and stiffness rose considerably from 9.5 to 13.8 MPa and from 0.24 to 0.40 GPa, respectively. Moreover, the biological response evaluated by in vitro cell test and blood test of the MgF2-coated porous Mg composite was enhanced with better corrosion resistance compared with that of uncoated counterparts. Consequently, MgF2-coated porous Mg/alumina composites may be applied in load-bearing biodegradable implants.

Korean red ginseng extract rejuvenates testicular ineffectiveness and sperm maturation process in aged rats by regulating redox proteins and oxidative defense mechanisms.

Distortion of intracellular oxidant and antioxidant balances appears to be a common feature that underlies in age-related male sexual impairment. Therefore regulating oxidative defense mechanisms might be an ideal approach in improving male sexual dysfunctions. In the present study, the effect of Korean red ginseng aqueous extract (KRG) on age-induced testicular dysfunction in rats was investigated. KRG (200mg/kg) mixed with regular pellet diet was administered orally for six months and the morphological, spermatogenic and antioxidant enzyme status in testis of aged rats (18months) were evaluated. Data indicated a significant change in morphology and decrease in spermatogenesis-related parameters in aged rats (AC) compared with young rats (YC). Sperm number, germ cell count, Sertoli cell count and Sertoli cell index were significantly (p<0.05) restored in KRG-treated aged rat groups (G-AC). Further the increased lipid peroxidation as measured by malondialdehyde (p<0.05), and altered enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase and catalase) and non-enzymatic (reduced glutathione, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol) antioxidants (p<0.05) were attenuated by KRG treatment in aged rats to near normal levels as in YC groups. Furthermore, proteomic analysis demonstrated differential expression of selected proteins such as phosphatidylinositol transfer protein, fatty acid binding protein-9, triosephosphate isomerase-1 and aldehyde (aldose) reductase-1in aged rats was significantly (p<0.05) protected by KRG treatment. In conclusion, long-term administration of KRG restored aging-induced testicular ineffectiveness in rats by modulating redox proteins and oxidative defense mechanisms.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma with exclusive involvement of a functioning recurrent laryngeal nerve may be treated with shaving technique.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to validate the feasibility of preserving a functioning recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) invaded by papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) using a shaving technique followed by high-dose radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. METHODS: A retrospective review of 34 patients with locally invasive PTC who had exclusive tumor involvement of a functioning RLN was performed. All patients underwent total thyroidectomy and high-dose RAI therapy. A shaving technique was conducted with the goal of leaving the smallest amount of residual tumor as possible while attempting to preserve nerve function. Clinicopathologic factors and oncologic outcomes of the patients with resected RLN (group A, n = 14) and preserved RLN (group B, n = 20) were compared. RESULTS: The two groups showed no differences in clinicopathologic factors or follow-up period. Mean dose of radioiodine therapy was 245.0 ± 140.3 mCi (range 100-540 mCi). Permanent postoperative vocal cord paralysis after RLN shaving occurred in two patients of group B (10%). Only one patient (5%) in group B had local recurrence at the thyroid bed where the residual tumor was located. The overall recurrence rate was 35.7% (5/14) and 20.0% (4/20) in groups A and B, respectively showing no significant difference (p = 0.525). There were no cases of death due to PTC during the median follow-up of 75 months (range 36-159 months). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with locally invasive PTC with exclusive involvement of a functioning RLN may be treated by nerve shaving followed by treatment of the macroscopic residual tumor with high-dose RAI therapy.

Kinetic analysis of [11C]vorozole binding in the human brain with positron emission tomography.

Using positron emission tomography, we investigated the kinetics of [11C]vorozole ([11C]VOR), a radiotracer for the enzyme aromatase that catalyzes the last step in estrogen biosynthesis. Six subjects were scanned under baseline conditions followed by retest 2 weeks later. The retest was followed by a blocking study with 2.5 mg of the aromatase inhibitor letrozole. The binding potential (BP(A)ND) was estimated from a Lassen plot using the total tissue distribution volume (VT) for baseline and blocked. for the thalamus was found to be 15 times higher than that for the cerebellum. From the letrozole studies, we found that [11C]VOR exhibits a slow binding compartment (small k4) that has a nonspecific and a blockable component. Because of the sensitivity of VT to variations in k4, a common value was used for the four highest binding regions. We also considered the tissue uptake to plasma ratio for 60 to 90 minutes as an outcome measure. Using the ratio method, the difference between the highest and lowest was 2.4 compared to 3.5 for the VT. The ratio method underestimates the high regions but is less variable and may be more suitable for patient studies. Because of its kinetics and distribution, this tracer is not a candidate for a bolus infusion or reference tissue methods.

A comparative study of bio-oils from pyrolysis of microalgae and oil seed waste in a fluidized bed.

The pyrolysis of Scenedesmus sp. and Jatropha seedshell cake (JSC) was investigated under similar operating condition in a fluidized bed reactor for comparison of pyrolytic behaviors from different species of lipids-containing biomass. Microalgae showed a narrower main peak in differential thermogravimetric curve compared to JSC due to different constituents. Pyrolysis liquid yields were similar; liquid's oil proportion of microalgae is higher than JSC. Microalgae bio-oil was characterized by similar carbon and hydrogen contents and higher H/C and O/C molar ratios compared to JSC due to compositional difference. The pyrolytic oils from microalgae and JSC contained more oxygen and nitrogen and less sulfur than petroleum and palm oils. The pyrolytic oils showed high yields of fatty oxygenates and nitrogenous compounds. The microalgae bio-oil features in high concentrations of aliphatic compounds, fatty acid alkyl ester, alcohols and nitriles. Microalgae showed potentials for alternative feedstock for green diesel, and commodity and valuable chemicals.

Fusing catalase to an alkane-producing enzyme maintains enzymatic activity by converting the inhibitory byproduct H2O2 to the cosubstrate O2.

Biologically produced alkanes represent potential renewable alternatives to petroleum-derived chemicals. A cyanobacterial pathway consisting of acyl-Acyl Carrier Protein reductase and an aldehyde-deformylating oxygenase (ADO) converts acyl-Acyl Carrier Proteins into corresponding n-1 alkanes via aldehyde intermediates in an oxygen-dependent manner (K(m) for O(2), 84 ± 9 µM). In vitro, ADO turned over only three times, but addition of more ADO to exhausted assays resulted in additional product formation. While evaluating the peroxide shunt to drive ADO catalysis, we discovered that ADO is inhibited by hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) with an apparent K(i) of 16 ± 6 µM and that H(2)O(2) inhibition is of mixed-type with respect to O(2). Supplementing exhausted assays with catalase (CAT) restored ADO activity, demonstrating that inhibition was reversible and dependent on H(2)O(2), which originated from poor coupling of reductant consumption with alkane formation. Kinetic analysis showed that long-chain (C14-C18) substrates follow Michaelis-Menten kinetics, whereas short and medium chains (C8-C12) exhibit substrate inhibition. A bifunctional protein comprising an N-terminal CAT coupled to a C-terminal ADO (CAT-ADO) prevents H(2)O(2) inhibition by converting it to the cosubstrate O(2). Indeed, alkane production by the fusion protein is observed upon addition of H(2)O(2) to an anaerobic reaction mix. In assays, CAT-ADO turns over 225 times versus three times for the native ADO, and its expression in Escherichia coli increases catalytic turnovers per active site by fivefold relative to the expression of native ADO. We propose the term "protection via inhibitor metabolism" for fusion proteins designed to metabolize inhibitors into noninhibitory compounds.