Superfine Marigold Powder Improves the Quality of Sponge Cake: Lutein Fortification, Texture, and Sensory Properties.

This study aimed to investigate and optimize the quality and sensory properties of baked products with lutein-enriched marigold flower powder (MP). Lutein-enriched marigold flowers produced via hydroponic methods using LED lights were used as a functional material in sponge cakes to increase lutein content. MP particles were divided into coarse (Dv50 = 315 µm), fine (Dv50 = 119 µm), and superfine MP (Dv50 = 10 µm) fractions and added to the sponge cake after being designated to control (sponge cake prepared without MP), coarse MPS (sponge cake prepared with coarse MP), fine MPS (sponge cake prepared with fine MP), and superfine MPS (sponge cake prepared with superfine MP) groups. The sizes and surface properties of superfine MP particles were more homogeneous and smoother than the other samples. As the particle size decreased, the specific volume increased, whereas baking loss, hardness, and chewiness of the sponge cake decreased. Superfine MP and superfine MPS had the highest lutein content. The flavor of marigold and the overall acceptability of sponge cake with superfine MP were 7.90 ± 0.97 and 7.55 ± 0.76, which represents the highest values among the samples. The results of this study have shown that jet milling can contribute to improvements in texture, lutein content, and sensory qualities for baked products with MP.

Clinical conditions related to positive thymic uptake on I-131 post-therapeutic scans in thyroid cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: Thymic uptake is a well-known cause of false-positives on I-131 post-therapeutic scans. This study identified the clinical conditions associated with thymic uptake on I-131 post-therapeutic scans in thyroid cancer patients. DESIGN: This was a retrospective study that investigated the clinical conditions associated with thymic uptake on I-131 post-therapeutic scans of patients obtained between January 2010 and December 2010. PATIENTS: Six hundred and eighty-five patients were included follwing a therapeutic dose of I-131 (3.7-9.25 GBq). METHODS: We reviewed the patients' clinical characteristics, including age, sex, histology, serum thyrotropin (TSH) stimulation regimen, prior history of RAI therapy, and labaratory parameters such as the serumTSH, thyroglobulin, and anti-thyroglobulin antibody. At follow-up, patients were assessed in terms of disease-free status, structural persistence, and biochemical disease. RESULTS: In total, 107 I-131 post-therapeutic scans (15.6%) evidenced thymic uptake. The mean age of the positive thymic uptake group was significantly lower than that of the negative group (p < .001). Significant indicators for thymic uptake were thyroid hormone withdrawal and a history of repeated radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy (p < .05). Logistic regression analysis showed that young age and a history of repeated RAI therapy correlated with thymic uptake (p < .001). At the end of follow-up, 487 patients (86.5%) were disease-free, 44 (7.8%) still had biochemical disease, and 32 (5.7%) showed structural persistence. Ten patients (11.5%) in the positive thymic uptake group and 22 (4.6%) in the negative thymic uptake group showed structural persistence. Five patients (5.7%) in the positive thymic uptake group and 39 (8.2%) in the negative thymic uptake group had biochemical disease. The final follow-up results of the two groups were statistically different. CONCLUSIONS: Thymic uptake tended to be more prominent in young patients with a history of repeated RAI therapy. Structural recurrence during follow-up was much more common in the positive thymic uptake group, while the incidence of biochemical recurrence during follow-up was higher in the negative thymic uptake group.

Immediate Effect of Balance Taping Using Kinesiology Tape on Dynamic and Static Balance after Ankle Muscle Fatigue.

The objective of this study was to investigate whether ankle balance taping (ABT) applied after muscle fatigue-inducing exercise can cause immediate improvements in dynamic and static balance. A total of 31 adults (16 males and 15 females) met the inclusion criteria. The experiment was designed using a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Changes in static and dynamic balance were measured before and after inducing muscle fatigue in the ankles and after ABT or ankle placebo taping (APT). After ankle muscle fatigue-inducing exercise, both the ABT and APT groups showed significant increases in surface area ellipses in the static state with eyes open (p < 0.05), and significant increases in surface area ellipses in the static and dynamic states with eyes closed (both p < 0.05). After taping of the fatigued ankle, surface area ellipses decreased significantly when eyes were open and closed in the static and dynamic states, but only in the ABT group (p < 0.05). Static balance was significantly different between groups (eyes open, 36.2 ± 86; eyes closed, 22.9 ± 46.7). Dynamic balance was significantly different between groups (eyes open, 68.6 ± 152.1; eyes closed, 235.8 ± 317.6). ABT may help prevent ankle injuries in individuals who experience muscle fatigue around the ankles after sports and daily activities.

Immediate Effects of Ankle-Foot Orthosis Using Wire on Static Balance of Patients with Stroke with Foot Drop: A Cross-Over Study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate static balance effects of bare foot, UD-Flex ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), and AFO using wire (AOW) of patients with stroke with foot drop. Seventeen patients with stroke with foot drop (8 men and 9 women) were randomized to three conditions (bare foot, UD-Flex AFO, or AOW made with a flexible material). Static balance was assessed using the Zebris (Zebris GmbH, Isny, Germany) and BioRescue (RM Ingenierie, Rodez, France) pressure platform by a single examiner, who did not design the AOW. The order of testing with the equipment was random. The center of pressure path length (mm) measured using Zebris showed significant differences among the three conditions (bare foot, 484.47 ± 208.42; UD-Flex AFO, 414.59 ± 144.43; AOW, 318.29 ± 157.60) (p < 0.05). The bare-foot condition was not significantly different from the UD-Flex AFO condition (p > 0.05), but was significantly different from the AOW condition (p < 0.05). The surface area ellipse (mm2) measured using BioRescue showed significant differences among the three conditions (bare foot, 241.35 ± 153.76; UD-Flex AFO, 277.41 ± 381.83; AOW, 68.06 ± 48.98) (p < 0.05). The bare-foot condition was not significantly different from the UD-Flex AFO condition (p > 0.05), but the AOW condition was significantly different from the bare-foot (p < 0.05) and from the UD-Flex AFO conditions (p < 0.05). We suggest using the AOW made of flexible materials and wire instead of the UD-Flex AFO to improve immediate static balance of patients with stroke with foot drop after stroke. Further studies on the effects of dynamic balance and gait are required.

Effects of balance taping using kinesiology tape in a female with patellofemoral pain syndrome: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common knee disorders affecting women. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of balance taping on PFPS. METHODS: Balance taping using kinesiology tape was applied for 2.5 months (average of 16 h/day) to both knees in a 26-year-old female nurse with bilateral PFPS. RESULTS: The congruence angle decreased in the right and left knees from 30∘ to 5∘ and from 20∘ to 5∘, respectively. The Patient Specific Functional Scale score increased from 17/50 to 50/50, indicating improved functional state of the knees, while the Numeric Pain Rating Scale scores for from sitting to standing, from standing to sitting, and kneeling improved from 6/10 and 0/10, indicating no pain in the knee joints. Application of repeated balance taping for 2.5 months reduced PFPS. CONCLUSION: Considering the outcome of the study, we recommend balance taping as a complementary treatment method for PFPS.

Conformity of modified O-ring test and maximal pinch strength for cross tape application direction.

BACKGROUND: Although cross tape has recently been used by clinicians for various musculoskeletal conditions, scientific studies on the direction of cross tape application are lacking. METHODS: The present study aimed to investigate whether the direction of cross tape application affected the outcomes of the modified O-ring test and maximal pinch strength using a pinch gauge and the conformity between these 2 tests when cross tape was applied to the forearm muscles of individuals with no upper extremity pain and no restriction of joint range of motion.This study used a single-blinding crossover design. The subjects comprised 39 adults (16 men and 23 women). Cross tape was applied to the dominant hand so that the 4 rows were at an angle of 45° to the right or left of the direction of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle fibers, and then the subjects underwent a modified O-ring test and a test of maximal pinch strength using a pinch gauge. Both tests were performed in both directions, and the order of the directions and tests was randomized. SPSS 18.0 was used for statistical analysis. Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to analyze the conformity of the results from the 2 tests. The statistical significance level was P < .05. RESULTS: A positive response in the modified O-ring test and maximal pinch strength were both affected by cross tape direction. The modified O-ring test and maximal pinch strength using pinch gauge results were in agreement (P < .00), and the kappa coefficient was significant at 1.00. CONCLUSION: The direction of cross tape application that produced a positive response in the modified O-ring test also produced greater maximal pinch strength. Thus, we propose that when applying cross tape to muscles, the direction of the 4 lines of the cross tape should be 45° relative to the direction of the muscle fibers, toward the side that produces a positive response in the modified O-ring test or produces the greatest maximal pinch strength using a pinch gauge.

The optimal duration of ischemic preconditioning for renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of ischemic preconditioning for different periods of time and to elucidate the optimal safe ischemic preconditioning time for renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice. METHODS: A total of 25 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups (sham, I/R, ischemic preconditioning [IP]-3, IP-5, and IP-7 groups), in which the kidney was preconditioned with IP of various durations and then subjected to I/R injury (the last 3 groups). To induce renal ischemia, the left renal pedicle was occluded with a nontraumatic microaneurysm clamp for 30 minutes followed by reperfusion for 24 hours. The effects of IP on renal I/R injury were evaluated in terms of renal function, tubular necrosis, apoptotic cell death and inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS: Results indicated that BUN and creatinine (Cr) levels increased significantly in the I/R group, but the elevations were significantly lower in IP groups, especially in the IP-5 group. Histological analysis revealed that kidney injury was markedly decreased in the IP-5 group compared with the I/R group, as evidenced by reduced renal necrosis/apoptosis. In addition, IP significantly inhibited gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6) and chemokines (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1). Western blot analysis indicated that the expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) were upregulated in the I/R group, while expression was inhibited in the IP groups. CONCLUSION: Five-minute IP had the greatest protective effect against I/R injury.

Effects of Mixed Bone and Brisket Meat on Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Shank Bone and Rib Extracts from Hanwoo.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of mixed bone and brisket meat on the quality characteristics and nutritional components of shank bone extract and rib extract from Hanwoo. The pH values were influenced by the raw bones, mixed bone, brisket meat and their interactions (p<0.05). The salinity, sugar content, turbidity, and essential amino acid values increased significantly with addition of mixed bone and brisket meat. All attributes of sensory evaluation score were the highest in T6 (Rib 500 g + Mixed bone 500 g + Brisket meat 400 g) (p<0.05). The mixed bone significantly increased the saturated fatty acids of shank bone extract (p<0.001). Thus, the addition of mixed bone and brisket meat had a positive effect on the quality and nutritional components in shank and rib extracts of Hanwoo cattle.

Effect of Chicory Fiber and Smoking on Quality Characteristics of Restructured Sausages.

UNLABELLED: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of chicory fiber for the replacement of fat and smoking on quality characteristics of restructured sausages. Treatments were as follows; CONTROL: Pork backfat 20%, T1: Pork backfat 10% + Chicory fiber 10%, T2: CONTROL + Smoking, T3: T1 + Smoking. The addition of chicory fiber significantly reduced the moisture, fat, hardness and pH values, whereas the smoking treatment increased the fat, redness and pH values of restructured sausages (p<0.01). Additionally, interaction of them significantly affected the ash, chewiness and hardness values of restructured sausages. As a result, although the addition of chicory fiber decreased the quality characteristics of sausage, smoking treatment improved the reduced quality. Therefore, the chicory fiber and smoking treatment is helpful to develop restructured sausage products with reduced fat and compensated quality.

Effectiveness of Breast MRI and (18)F-FDG PET/CT for the Preoperative Staging of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma versus Ductal Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ((18)F-FDG PET/CT) for the preoperative staging of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) of the breast and compared the results with those of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). METHODS: The study included pathologically proven 32 ILCs and 73 IDCs. We compared clinical and histopathological characteristics and the diagnostic performances of MRI and (18)F-FDG PET/CT for the primary mass, additional ipsilateral and/or contralateral lesion(s), and axillary lymph node metastasis between the ILC and IDC groups. RESULTS: Primary ILCs were greater in size, but demonstrated lower maximum standardized uptake values than IDCs. All primary masses were detected on MRI. The detection rate for ILCs (75.0%) was lower than that for IDCs (83.6%) on (18)F-FDG PET/CT, but the difference was not significant. For additional ipsilateral lesion(s), the sensitivities and specificities of MRI were 87.5% and 58.3% for ILC and 100.0% and 66.7% for IDC, respectively; whereas the sensitivities and specificities of (18)F-FDG PET/CT were 0% and 91.7% for ILC and 37.5% and 94.7% for IDC, respectively. The sensitivity of (18)F-FDG PET/CT for ipsilateral lesion(s) was significantly lower in the ILC group than the IDC group. The sensitivity for ipsilateral lesion(s) was significantly higher with MRI; however, specificity was higher with (18)F-FDG PET/CT in both tumor groups. There was no significant difference in the diagnostic performance for additional contralateral lesion(s) or axillary lymph node metastasis on MRI or (18)F-FDG PET/CT for ILC versus IDC. CONCLUSION: The MRI and (18)F-FDG PET/CT detection rates for the primary cancer do not differ between the ILC and IDC groups. Although (18)F-FDG PET/CT demonstrates lower sensitivity for primary and additional ipsilateral lesions, it shows higher specificity for additional ipsilateral lesions, and could play a complementary role in the staging of ILC as well as IDC.

Clinical significance of diffuse intrathoracic uptake on post-therapy I-131 scans in thyroid cancer patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the frequency and possible cause of diffuse intrathoracic uptake on post-therapy I-131 scans in thyroid cancer patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 781 post-therapy scans of 755 thyroid cancer patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine therapy between January and December 2010. Diffuse intrathoracic uptake on post-therapy scans was examined, and clinical patient characteristics including sex, age, regimen for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulation (thyroid hormone withdrawal or recombinant human TSH injection), TSH, thyroglobulin (Tg) and anti-thyroglobulin antibody (anti-Tg Ab) levels, therapeutic dose of radioactive iodine therapy and prior history of radioactive iodine therapy were recorded.Scan findings were correlated with chest CT, chest radiographs, laboratory tests and/or clinical status. Diffuse intrathoracic uptake without evidence of pathologic condition was categorized as indeterminate. The association between clinical characteristics and intrathoracic uptake were analyzed for negative intrathoracic uptake and indeterminate uptake groups. RESULTS: Diffuse intrathoracic uptake on post-therapy scans was demonstrated in 39 out of 755 (5.2 %) patients, among which 3 were confirmed as lung metastasis. The 14 patients that showed high Tg or anti-Tg Ab levels were considered to be at risk of having undetected micrometastasis on other imaging modalities. The remaining 22 were indeterminate (2.9 %).Upon comparison of negative intrathoracic uptake and indeterminate uptake groups, TSH stimulation by thyroid hormone withdrawal was shown to be significantly correlated with diffuse intrathoracic uptake (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The frequency of diffuse intrathoracic uptake on post-therapy scans was 5.2 % and could be seen in thyroid cancer patients with underlying lung metastasis as well as those without definite pathologic condition. In the latter, there was a higher frequency for diffusely increased intrathoracic uptake in those who underwent thyroid hormone withdrawal rather than recombinant human TSH injection.

Identification of Zinc Finger, MYM-type 2 (ZMYM2) as a regulator of sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with a very complex molecular process. There is no successful therapy for advanced HCC at present. Recently, sorafenib has been used as a systemic therapy to improve survival in patients with advanced HCC, but increasing reports of recurrence or non-responsiveness indicate the limitations of sorafenib as a therapeutic agent. Therefore, identification of genes involved in sorafenib resistance is important to effectively treat advanced HCC. METHODS: We performed a genomic screening with a short-hairpin RNA library cassette on HCC cell lines to find genes relating resistance to sorafenib. RESULTS: Zinc finger, MYM type 2 (ZMYM2) was sequenced after three successive screens in vitro as a challengeable target. The inhibition of ZMYM2 resulted in sorafenib-resistance in formerly sensitive HCC cell lines. Immunohistochemical comparison of tumor and non-tumor regions showed stronger ZMYM2 staining intensities in non-tumor regions than in tumor regions. CONCLUSION: ZMYM2 may play an important role in sorafenib resistance.

Role of ¹8F-FDG PET/CT in differentiation of a benign lesion and metastasis on the ribs of cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: Incidental 18-Fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG) uptake in the ribs is a relatively common finding on positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) images of cancer patients. This study examined the role of (18)F-FDG PET/CT in differentiating between benign lesions and metastases on the ribs. METHODS: This study included 264 lesions in 172 PET/CT cases with underlying malignancy showing newly developed indeterminate (18)F-FDG rib uptake between June 2009 and May 2010. Patients with more than five FDG rib uptakes or hematologic malignancy were excluded. Malignancy was confirmed either histologically or by imaging studies, and clinical follow-up with serial images was at least 6 months. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUV(max)) of the rib lesion was recorded. The FDG uptake patterns (focal or segmental; discrete or non-discrete) and CT findings (evidence of fracture, soft tissue lesions, osteoblastic and/or osteolytic lesions) were recorded. RESULTS: There were 206 benign lesions and 58 metastases. The SUV(max) was significantly higher in the metastatic group (3.0 ± 1.8) than in the benign group (2.5 ± 1.1), (P=.014). For the differential diagnosis between benign and metastatic lesions, the best SUV(max) cut-off was determined to be 2.4. Significant indicators for metastasis were a segmental FDG uptake pattern (OR=10.262, 95% CI 4.151-25.371), presence of an osteoblastic/-lytic lesion (OR=22.903, 95% CI 10.468 to 50.108) and the absence of fractures on CT (OR=291.629, 95% CI 39.09-2175.666). CONCLUSION: SUV(max) alone is not sufficient to differentiate benign and metastatic rib lesions in cancer patients. The diagnostic accuracy can be further increased when findings of the CT part of PET/CT are considered.

Effect of cediranib, an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase, in a mouse model of choroidal neovascularization.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of cediranib, an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase, in a mouse model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization. METHODS: Choroidal neovascularization was induced in C57BL/6 mice by rupturing Bruch's membrane using laser photocoagulation. Following laser injury, the mice were divided into three groups and administered either vehicle, 1 mg/kg or 5 mg/kg of cediranib daily by oral gavage for 2 weeks. Two weeks after laser injury, the area of choroidal neovascularization lesions was measured by choroidal flat mounts using fluorescein-labelled dextran. Immunofluorescence staining with isolectin IB4 was also used to quantify the choroidal neovascularization lesions. RESULTS: Choroidal flat mount analysis revealed that orally administered cediranib reduced the extent of choroidal neovascularization. The groups treated with 1 and 5 mg/kg/day showed 57.2 and 66.0% reduction of choroidal neovascularization lesions, respectively, compared with the control group treated with vehicle alone (P = 0.012). The size of the fluorescently labelled choroidal neovascularization complex in cediranib-treated groups was much smaller than that from vehicle-treated group (P = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Cediranib inhibited laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in mice and may have therapeutic potential for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Antiangiogenic effects of axitinib, an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase, on laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in mice.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of axitinib, an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, on choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in an animal model of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Experimental CNV lesions were induced in C57BL/6 mice by laser photocoagulation. Beginning 1 day after CNV induction, mice were treated with axitinib (5 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 2 weeks. In other groups of mice, axitinib or vehicle treatment was started 7 days after the laser application to determine the effect of the drug on established CNV. Untreated mice were used as a baseline group. Two weeks after laser injury, the extent of CNV was assessed from choroidal flat mounts perfused with fluorescein-labeled dextran. Immunofluorescence staining with isolectin IB4 was also used to quantify the CNV lesions. RESULTS: Orally administered axitinib inhibited CNV growth in the laser-induced CNV model. Axitinib caused a 70.1% inhibition of CNV lesions compared to vehicle-treatment (p < 0.001). Axitinib also caused a significant regression of established CNV, reducing the area by 71.1% compared to vehicle treatment (p < 0.001). Moreover, immunofluorescence staining showed that the area of isolectin IB4 labeled vessels was smaller in the axitinib-treated group compared to the vehicle-treated group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Axitinib effectively inhibits the progression of CNV in an experimental animal model. These results suggest that axitinib could constitute a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of neovascular AMD.

The Value of F-18 FDG PET for Planning Treatment and Detecting Recurrence in Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors: Comparison with Conventional Imaging Studies.

PURPOSE: To assess the value of F-18 FDG PET/CT for detecting cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis and recurrence, as well as planning treatment, and to compare the accuracy of PET/CT with conventional imaging studies (CIS) in patients with malignant salivary gland tumor (SGT). METHODS: Staging and follow-up PET/CT for SGT were retrospectively reviewed. Enhanced CT and/or MRI of the neck were performed within 1 month of PET/CT. Final diagnosis was based on histology from cervical LN dissection and biopsy or a minimum 6 months of clinical and imaging follow-up. We compared the performance of PET/CT in initial cervical LN staging and recurrence detection with that of CIS. RESULTS: A total of 184 PET/CT exams of 66 patients were included, and 34 initial staging and 150 surveillance PET/CT exams were performed. The initial cervical LN detection sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 60.9 %, 89.2 %, 84.0 %, 56.0 %, and 91.0 % for visual analysis on PET/CT, 39.1 %, 95.0 %, 84.8 %, 64.3 %, and 87.4 % for semiquantitative analysis on PET/CT, and and 43.5 %, 94.1 %, 84.8 %, 62.5 %, and 88.1 % for CIS. The sensitivity of visual analysis on PET/CT was significantly higher than that of semiquantitative analysis on PET/CT and CIS (p = 0.0009 and 0.0086). In 5 of 34 initial staging patients (14.7 %), the treatment plan was changed from curative surgery to palliative therapy. The performance of follow-up PET/CT showed no significant difference compared with CIS. CONCLUSION: PET/CT showed comparable performance with CIS for cervical LNs staging. Initial PET/CT changed treatment plans in 14.7 % of patients. However, PET/CT offered no additional advantage for detecting locoregional recurrence.

Value of Surveillance (18)F-FDG PET/CT in Colorectal Cancer: Comparison with Conventional Imaging Studies.

PURPOSE: To assess the value of PET/CT for detecting local or distant recurrence in patients who undergo surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) and to compare the accuracy of PET/CT to that of conventional imaging studies (CIS). METHODS: Tumor surveillance PET/CT scans done between March 2005 and December 2009 of disease-free patients after surgery with or without adjuvant chemotherapy for CRC were retrospectively studied. CIS (serial enhanced CT from lung base to pelvis and plain chest radiograph) were performed within 1 month of PET/CT. We excluded patients with distant metastasis on initial staging, a known recurrent tumor, and a lack of follow-up imaging. The final diagnosis was based on at least 6 months of follow-up with colonoscopy, biopsy, and serial imaging studies in combination with carcinoembryonic antigen levels. RESULTS: A total of 262 PET/CT scans of 245 patients were included. Local and distant recurrences were detected in 27 cases (10.3%). On case-based analysis, the overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 100, 97.0, and 97.3% for PET/CT and 85.1, 97.0, and 95.8% for CIS, respectively. On lesion-based analysis, PET/CT detected more lesions compared to CIS in local recurrence and lung metastasis. PET/CT and CIS detected the same number of lesions in abdominal lymph nodes, hepatic metastasis, and peritoneal carcinomatosis. PET/CT detected two more metachronous tumors than did CIS in the lung and thyroid gland. CONCLUSION: PET/CT detected more recurrences in patients who underwent surgery for CRC than did CIS and had the additional advantage of evaluating the entire body during a single scan.

Discovery of putative pancreatic cancer biomarkers using subcellular proteomics.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly aggressive disease that frequently remains undetected until it has progressed to an advanced, systemic stage. Successful treatment of PC is hindered by the lack of early detection. The application of proteomic analysis to PC combined with subcellular fractionation has introduced new possibilities in the field of biomarker discovery. We utilized matched pairs of pancreas tumor and non-tumor pancreas from patients undergoing tumor resection. The tissues were treated to obtain cellular protein fractions corresponding to cytosol, membrane, nucleus and cytoskeleton. The fractions were then separated by molecular weight and digested with trypsin, followed by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. The spectra obtained were searched using Sequest engine and combined into a single analysis file to obtain a semi-quantitative number, spectral count, using Scaffold software. We identified 2393 unique proteins in non-tumor and cancer pancreas. Utilizing PLGEM statistical analysis we determined 104 proteins were significantly changed in cancer. From these, we further validated four secreted proteins that are up-regulated in cancer and have potential for development as minimally-invasive diagnostic markers. We conclude that subcellular fractionation followed by gel electrophoresis and tandem mass spectrometry is a powerful strategy for identification of differentially expressed proteins in pancreatic cancer.