Artificial Light-Harvesting Complexes Enable Rieske Oxygenase Catalyzed Hydroxylations in Non-Photosynthetic cells.

In this study, we coupled a well-established whole-cell system based on E. coli via light-harvesting complexes to Rieske oxygenase (RO)-catalyzed hydroxylations in vivo. Although these enzymes represent very promising biocatalysts, their practical applicability is hampered by their dependency on NAD(P)H as well as their multicomponent nature and intrinsic instability in cell-free systems. In order to explore the boundaries of E. coli as chassis for artificial photosynthesis, and due to the reported instability of ROs, we used these challenging enzymes as a model system. The light-driven approach relies on light-harvesting complexes such as eosin Y, 5(6)-carboxyeosin, and rose bengal and sacrificial electron donors (EDTA, MOPS, and MES) that were easily taken up by the cells. The obtained product formations of up to 1.3 g L-1 and rates of up to 1.6 mm h-1 demonstrate that this is a comparable approach to typical whole-cell transformations in E. coli. The applicability of this photocatalytic synthesis has been demonstrated and represents the first example of a photoinduced RO system.

Changes in posterior airway space, pulmonary function and sleep quality, following bimaxillary orthognathic surgery.

Bimaxillary orthognathic surgery (BOS) is commonly used in the correction of severe Class III deformities (mandibular prognathism with maxillary retrognathism). The postural response of the pharyngeal airway after mandibular setback and maxillary advancement procedures is clinically crucial for maintaining optimum respiration. Patients might suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea, postoperatively. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of BOS on pharyngeal airway space, respiratory function during sleep and pulmonary functions. 21 male patients were analysed using cephalometry, spirometry for pulmonary function tests, and a 1 night sleep study for full polysomnography before and 17±5 months after BOS. The data show that the hyoid bone repositioned to the inferior, the tongue and soft palate displaced to the posterior, narrowed at the oropharynx and hypopharynx and widened at the nasopharynx and velopharynx levels significantly (p<0.05). The alterations indicated decreased airway resistance and better airflow. As a consequence of polysomnography evaluation, the sleep quality and efficiency of the patients improved significantly after BOS. Patients who undergo BOS should be monitored with pulmonary function tests and polysomnography pre- and postoperatively to detect any airway obstruction.

Lingual tonsil hypertrophy producing obstructive sleep apnea.

The hypertrophy of the lingual tonsil is a rare occurrence in adults. This disorder may cause obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and also may lead to a life-threatening obstruction of the upper airway. Diagnosis of lingual tonsil hypertrophy in patients with OSA requires a careful examination by advanced technologic methods. The sleep apnea is successfully treated by lingual tonsillectomy, with or without tracheotomy. In this study the case of an adult with OSA caused by lingual tonsil hypertrophy which was treated with lingual tonsillectomy is presented, and the diagnosis and the treatment procedure of such cases are discussed.