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The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 9310 protocol clinical trial established high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) as the standard for primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). We aimed to investigate the RTOG 9310 protocol's PCNSL outcomes by examining progressionfree survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates and determining the influential factors. Between 2007 and 2020, 87 patients were histopathologically diagnosed with PCNSL and treated with the RTOG 9310 protocol. All received HDMTX 2.5 g/m2 and vincristine 1.4 mg/m2/day for 1 day during weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, and procarbazine 100 mg/m2/day for 1 day during weeks 1, 5, and 9. Dexamethasone was administered on a standard tapering schedule from the first week to the sixth week. Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), consisting of 45 Gy for patients with less than a complete response to the chemotherapy or 36 Gy for complete responders, was started 1 week after the last dose of chemotherapy was administered. Within three weeks of the completion of WBRT, patients received two courses of cytarabine, which were separated by 3-4 weeks. Clinical, radiological, and histopathological characteristics were retrospectively reviewed. All patients completed five HDMTX cycles and a mean follow-up of 60.2 (range, 6-150) months. Twenty-eight (32.2%) patients experienced recurrence during follow-up. The mean time to recurrence was 21.8 months, while the mean PFS was 104.3 (95% confidence interval (CI), 90.6-118.0) months. Eleven (12.6%) patients died; the mean OS was 132.1 (95% CI, 122.2-141.9) months. The 3- and 5-year survival rates were 92.0% and 87.4%, respectively. One patient experienced acute renal failure, while the remainder tolerated any cytotoxic side effects. On multivariate analysis, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score ≤ 2; the International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group low-risk status; XBP-1, p53, and c-Myc negativity; homogenous enhancement; gross total resection, independently correlated with long PFS and OS. The RTOG 9310 protocol is effective for PCNSL and features good outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy has been established as a promising oxygen treatment with various advantages for respiratory mechanics. One of the main mechanisms is to provide positive airway pressure. This effect could reduce lung injury and improve oxygenation; conversely, it may cause a complication of positive pressure ventilation. However, data are scarce regarding the possible adverse effects, particularly in adults. We report a patient who developed HFNC-induced tension pneumocephalus from an unrecognized skull base fracture. Physicians should be cautious when applying HFNC to patients with suspected skull base or paranasal sinus fracture, especially when applying a higher flow rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myxoma is a benign mesenchymal neoplasm found in the heart, bone, and other soft tissues. However, myxoma of the external auditory canal is extremely rare. Since myxoma of the external auditory canal can be manifested as a part of the Carney complex, an autosomal dominant multiple familial neoplastic disorder, correct diagnosis and thorough investigation is important. We report a case of a 59-year-old man who presented to hospital with a complaint of growing mass within the right external auditory canal during one month. The surgical excision was done, and the histopathological examination revealed myxoma. In this article, we report the magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography findings of the myxoma of the external auditory canal and correlate with the histopathological finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Hematotoxicity following anti-cancer treatment is known to be related to treatment efficacy in several malignancies. The purpose of this study was to examine the hematologic parameters related to the tumor response and survival in patients treated with curative surgery following preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: Four hundred eighteen patients with rectal cancer who underwent preoperative CRT and curative surgery were analyzed, retrospectively. The main clinical factors and blood cell counts before and after CRT were investigated with respect to their relationships with tumor downstaging and patient survival. Results: The post-CRT leukocyte count was significantly different between the tumor downstaging group and the nondownstaging group (median, 4740/uL vs. 5130/uL; p = 0.013). Multivariate analysis showed that histological grade, circumferential extent, and post-CRT leukocyte count were related to tumor downstaging. In addition, histological grade, post-CRT leukocyte count, and tumor downstaging were related to disease-free survival. The 5-year disease-free survival and overall survival in patients with post-CRT leukocyte count ≤3730/uL, which is the cut-off value derived from the receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, were significantly higher than those with higher counts (88.0% vs. 71.6%, p = 0.001; 94.4% vs. 84.1%, p = 0.024). Conclusion: Post-CRT leukocyte count of ≤3730/uL could be regarded as a good prognostic factor for tumor response and survival in rectal cancer patients treated with preoperative CRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elite golf athletes suffer from various musculoskeletal injuries due to repeated golf swings. Repetitive varus moment during golf swing has been suggested as a possible cause of injuries to the lead knee. The aim of this study was to objectively and quantitatively evaluate the immediate effects of sports taping on the lead knee of elite golfers to restrict varus moment. Thirty-one elite golfers were assigned to the low- (LHG, n = 15) or high-handicapped group (HHG, n = 16). Using 3-dimensional motion analysis, the lead knee position on the frontal plane with and without rigid taping (RT), elastic taping (ET), and placebo taping was identified in 4 separate phases by the 5 events of golf swing as follows: the peak of the backswing (E1), parallel to the ground during downswing (E2), ball impact (E3), parallel to the ground during follow-through (E4), and finish (E5). The LHG when using a driver club had decreased movement toward knee varus with RT and ET than that without it from E1 to E2 (p = 0.001). The LHG when using a 5-iron club decreased movement toward knee varus with RT than that without it from E1 to E2 (p = 0.006) and from E2 to E3 (p = 0.019). The HHG when using a driver club had decreased movement toward knee varus with RT from E1 to E2 (p = 0.014). Sports taping may be helpful for elite golfers in terms of reducing varus moment of the lead knee during the downswing and be useful for the development of preventive strategies for golf-related knee injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating the biomechanical and performance factors of the knee joint during golf swing can provide objective and quantitative information about improving the performance and development of efficient physical training, as the legs are important for achieving an efficient swing and maximum speed of the club head in golf. In the present study, kinematic movements of the knee joint were identified during the downswing by using 3-dimensional motion analysis, and isokinetic strength was measured with driver and 5-iron clubs in 15 professional (PRO) golfers and 10 amateur (AMA) golfers. Results showed that PRO golfers had a narrower minimal angle between the thigh and lower leg in the trail knee than the AMA golfers, regardless of the club used, and the angular velocity of the lead knee was faster during the downswing with a 5-iron club in the AMA golfers than in the PRO golfers. The PRO and AMA golfers had a wider minimal angle between the thigh and lower leg, smaller total range of movement, and slower angular velocity of the trail knee when swinging a 5-iron club than when swinging a driver club. These results are expected to provide useful information to prevent golf-related injuries that usually arise in the knee joint and help improve the golf performance of amateur golfers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the outcomes of patients with spinal metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), who were treated by stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 23 patients who underwent SBRT from October 2008 to August 2012 for 36 spinal metastases from HCC. SBRT consisted of approximately 2 fractionation schedules, which were 18 to 40 Gy in 1 to 4 fractions for group A lesions (n = 15) and 50 Gy in 10 fractions for group B lesions (n = 21). Results: The median follow-up period was 7 months (range, 2 to 16 months). Seven patients developed grade 1 or 2 gastrointestinal toxicity, and one developed grade 2 leucopenia. Compression fractures occurred in association with 25% of the lesions, with a median time to fracture of 2 months. Pain relief occurred in 92.3% and 68.4% of group A and B lesions, respectively. Radiologic response (complete and partial response) occurred in 80.0% and 61.9% of group A and B lesions, respectively. The estimated 1-year spinal-tumor progression-free survival rate was 78.5%. The median overall survival period and 1-year overall survival rate were 9 months (range, 2 to 16 months) and 25.7%, respectively. Conclusion: SBRT for spinal metastases from HCC is well tolerated and effective at providing pain relief and radiologic response. Because compression fractures develop at a high rate following SBRT for spinal metastases from primary HCC, careful follow up of the patient is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe chronic rectal mucosal damage after pelvic radiotherapy (RT) for cervical cancer and correlate these findings with clinical symptoms and radiation dose. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two patients who underwent pelvic RT were diagnosed with radiation-induced proctitis based on endoscopy findings. The median follow-up period was 35 months after external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and intracavitary radiotherapy (ICR). The Vienna Rectoscopy Score (VRS) was used to describe the endoscopic findings and compared to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) morbidity score and the dosimetric parameters of RT (the ratio of rectal dose calculated at the rectal point [RP] to the prescribed dose, biologically effective dose [BED] at the RP in the ICR and EBRT plans, α/β = 3). Results: Rectal symptoms were noted in 28 patients (rectal bleeding in 21 patients, bowel habit changes in 6, mucosal stools in 1), and 4 patients had no symptoms. Endoscopic findings included telangiectasia in 18 patients, congested mucosa in 20, ulceration in 5, and stricture in 1. The RP ratio, BEDICR, BEDICR+EBRT was significantly associated with the VRS (RP ratio, median 76.5%; BEDICR, median 37.1 Gy3; BEDICR+EBRT, median 102.5 Gy3; p < 0.001). The VRS was significantly associated with the EORTC/RTOG score (p = 0.038). Conclusion: The most prevalent endoscopic findings of RT-induced proctitis were telangiectasia and congested mucosa. The VRS was significantly associated with the EORT7 C/RTOG score and RP radiation dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon incorporated diamond-like carbon films up to 6.2 at. % (DLC-Si) were deposited onto a high speed steel samples by using a radio frequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition method. The influence of silicon doping on chemical composition, bonding structure, hardness, and adhesion of DLC films was investigated. Hexamethyldisilane (HMDS) gas was used as a silicon source with Ar carrier gas ranging from 0 to 15 sccm. Also, the mixtures of methane (CH4) and Ar gases were used as precursor gases. The addition of silicon into the DLC film was found to lead an increase of bonding ratio (sp3/sp2), hardness and critical adhesion [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes and prognostic implications of regional nodal irradiation (RNI) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with residual triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Materials and Methods: We analyzed 152 patients with residual TNBC who underwent breast-conserving surgery after NAC between December 2008 and December 2017. Most patients (n = 133; 87.5%) received taxane-based chemotherapy. Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) was administered at a total dose of 45-65 Gy in 15--30 fractions to the whole breast, with some patients also receiving RT to regional nodes. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan--Meier method, and prognostic factors influencing survival were analyzed using the Cox proportional-hazards model. Results: During a median follow-up of 66 months (range, 9 to 179 months), the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 68.0%. The 5-year locoregional recurrence-free survival, distant metastasis- free survival, and overall survival rates were 83.6%, 72.6%, and 78.7%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, the cN stage, ypT stage, ypN stage, axillary operation type, and RT field were associated with DFS. Multivariate analysis revealed that higher ypT stage (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-3.82; p = 0.049) and ypN stage (HR = 4.7; 95% CI 1.57-14.24; p = 0.006) were associated with inferior DFS. Among clinically node-positive patients, those who received RT to the breast only had a 5-year DFS of 73.7%, whereas those who received RNI achieved a DFS of 59.6% (p = 0.164). There were no differences between the DFS and RNI. Conclusion: In patients with residual TNBC, higher ypT and ypN stages were associated with poorer outcomes after NAC. RNI did not appear to improve DFS. More intensive treatments incorporating systemic therapy and RT should be considered for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The locally advanced unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) has detrimental oncological outcomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced unresectable ICC. Materials and Methods: Between 2001 and 2021, 116 patients were identified through medical record who underwent radiotherapy for locally advanced unresectable ICC. The resectability of ICC is determined by the multidisciplinary team at each institution. Overall survival (OS) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and prognostic factors were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The median equivalent radiotherapy dose in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2) was 52 Gy (range, 30 to 110 Gy). Forty-seven patients (40.5%) received sequential gemcitabine-cisplatin based chemotherapy (GEM-CIS CTx). Multivariate analysis identified two risk factors, EQD2 of = 60 Gy and application of sequential GEM-CIS CTx for OS. Patients were grouped by these two risk factors: group 1, EQD2 = 60 Gy with sequential GEM-CIS CTx (n=25); group 2, EQD2 < 60 Gy with sequential GEM-CIS CTx or fluoropyrimidine-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy (n=70); and group 3, radiotherapy alone (n=21). Curative resection was more frequently undergone in group 1 than in groups 2 or 3 (28% vs. 8.6% vs. 0%, respectively). Consequently, OS was significantly better in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.05). Conclusion Combined high-dose radiotherapy with sequential GEM-CIS CTx improved oncologic outcomes in patients with locally advanced unresectable ICC. Further prospective studies are required to validate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Risk factors predicting distant metastasis (DM) in extrahepatic bile duct cancer (EHBDC) patients treated with curative resection were investigated. Materials and Methods Medical records of 1,418 EHBDC patients undergoing curative resection between Jan 2000 and Dec 2015 from 14 institutions were reviewed. After resection, 924 patients (67.6%) were surveilled without adjuvant therapy, 297 (21.7%) were treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and 148 (10.8%) with CCRT followed by chemotherapy. To exclude the treatment effect from innate confounders, patients not treated with adjuvant therapy were evaluated. Results After a median follow-up of 36.7 months (range, 2.7 to 213.2 months), the 5-year distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rate was 57.7%. On multivariate analysis, perihilar or diffuse tumor (hazard ratio [HR], 1.391; p=0.004), poorly differentiated histology (HR, 2.014; p < 0.001), presence of perineural invasion (HR, 1.768; p < 0.001), positive nodal metastasis (HR, 2.670; p < 0.001) and preoperative carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 ≥ 37 U/mL (HR, 1.353; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with inferior DMFS. The DMFS rates significantly differed according to the number of these risk factors. For validation, patients who underwent adjuvant therapy were evaluated. In patients with ≥ 3 factors, additional chemotherapy after CCRT resulted in a superior DMFS compared with CCRT alone (5-year rate, 47.6% vs. 27.7%; p=0.001), but the benefit of additional chemotherapy was not observed in patients with 0-2 risk factors. Conclusion Tumor location, histologic differentiation, perineural invasion, lymph node metastasis, and preoperative CA 19-9 level predicted DM risk in resected EHBDC. These risk factors might help identifying a subset of patients who could benefit from additional chemotherapy after resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The effectiveness of adjuvant treatments for resected gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) has remained unclear due to lack of randomized controlled trials; thus, the aim of present study was to evaluate the role of adjuvant treatments, including chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and/or chemotherapy (CTx), in patients with resected GBC. Methods: A total of 733 GBC patients who received curative-intent surgical resection were identified in a multi-institutional database. Of 733 patients, 372 (50.8%) did not receive adjuvant treatment, whereas 215 (29.3%) and 146 (19.9%) received adjuvant CTx and CRT, respectively. The locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) of the adjuvant treatment groups were compared according to tumor stage (stage II vs. stage III-IV). Results: In stage II disease (n = 381), the 5-year LRFS, RFS, and OS were not significantly different among the no-adjuvant therapy, CTx, and CRT groups, and positive resection margin, presence of perineural invasion, and Nx classification were consistently associated with worse LRFS, RFS, and OS in the multivariate analysis (P < 0.05). For stage III-IV (n = 352), the CRT group had significantly higher 5-year LRFS, RFS, and OS than the no-adjuvant therapy and CTx groups (67.8%, 45.2%, and 56.9%; 37.9%, 28.8%, and 35.4%; and 45.0%, 30.0%, and 45.7%, respectively) (P < 0.05). Conclusions: CRT has value as adjuvant treatment for resected GBC with stage III-IV disease. Further study is needed for stage II disease with high-risk features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon coils could be synthesized using C2H2/H2 as source gases and SF6 as an incorporated additive gas under thermal chemical vapor deposition system. Si substrate, SiO2 thin film deposited Si substrate (SiO2 substrate), and quartz substrate were employed to elucidate the effect of substrate on the formation of carbon coils. The characteristics (formation densities, morphologies, and geometries) of the deposited carbon coils on the substrate were investigated. In case of Si substrate, the microsized carbon coils were dominant on the substrate surface. While, in case of SiO2 substrate, the nanosized carbon coils were prevailing on the substrate surface. The surface morphologies of samples were investigated step by step during the reaction process. The cause for the different geometry formation of carbon coils according to the different substrates was discussed in association with the different thermal expansion coefficient values of Si and SiO2 substrates and the different etched characteristics of Si and SiO2 substrates by SF6 + H2 flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC) is a rare tumor of the gastrointestinal tract that has both exocrine and neuroendocrine components. There are only 5 case reports about this combined tumor in the small bowel, arose in a background of long-standing Crohn’s disease. Here, we report a case of small bowel MANEC in a 54-year-old male with Crohn’s disease, who presented a heterogeneous enhancing, asymmetric small bowel wall thickening with small bowel obstruction and had a difficulty in differential diagnosis before surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extraskeletal Ewing’s sarcoma (EES) is a rare malignant soft tissue tumor which is morphologically indistinguishable from skeletal ES. EES usually occurs in young adults and children and there has been only one case reported in a patient aged over 70 years old. We report a case of an EES arising from the first thoracic spinal nerve root in a 73-year-old female, which was misdiagnosed as benign nerve sheath tumor in preoperative imaging evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This study aimed to report the clinical outcomes following selective neck irradiation (SNI) with lower elective radiation therapy (RT) dose in treating nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) patients. Materials and Methods A total of 347 NPC patients received definitive RT according to our SNI policy and were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical target volumes (CTVs) were subdivided into CTV at high risk (CTV-HR) and CTV at low risk (CTV-LR). The typical doses to gross tumor volume (GTV), CTV-HR, and CTV-LR were 68.4-70.0 Gy, 54.0-60.0 Gy, and 36.0 Gy. Results With the median follow-up of 68.1 months (range, 2.3 to 197.1 months), the 5-year rates of loco-regional control and progression-free survival in all the patients were 85.0% and 70.8%, respectively. Thirty patients developed regional failure and the regional control rates at 3 and 5 years were 92.6% and 91.4%, respectively. The sites of regional failure in relation to the target volume were exclusively inside GTV/CTV-HR in 20, inside and outside GTV/CTVHR in three, and exclusively outside GTV/CTV-HR in seven, which were 5.7%, 0.9%, and 2.0% of total patients, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cavernous hemangioma of the breast is a rare benign vascular tumor. It is usually diagnosed as non-palpable mass during imaging examination, incidentally. Common sonographic finding of the breast hemangioma is a superficially located, oval shape, circumscribed margin mass. But the appearance of breast hemangioma is variable and it can be difficult to diagnose in preoperatively. Here, we report a 68-year-old female case with palpable breast mass and increased size on follow up ultrasonography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retroperitoneal extraskeletal osteosarcoma is a rare tumor. Typical imaging findings include a soft tissue mass accompanied with internal calcifications. The authors encountered a case involving a 44-year-old woman with a large retroperitoneal extraskeletal osteosarcoma, without calcification, that mimicked a pancreatic tumor. The present report highlights computed tomography features of retroperitoneal extraskeletal osteosarcoma, followed by a brief literature review. It is challenging for radiologists to diagnose retroperitoneal masses. However, in patients who present with large retroperitoneal masses, combined with clinical information including the elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase levels, retroperitoneal extraskeletal osteosarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis, even if the mass does not exhibit a gross calcification on the imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variovorax paradoxus is a microorganism of special interest due to its diverse metabolic capabilities, including the biodegradation of both biogenic compounds and anthropogenic contaminants. V. paradoxus also engages in mutually beneficial interactions with both bacteria and plants. The complete genome sequence of V. paradoxus S110 is composed of 6,754,997 bp with 6,279 predicted protein-coding sequences within two circular chromosomes. Genomic analysis has revealed multiple metabolic features for autotrophic and heterotrophic lifestyles. These metabolic diversities enable independent survival, as well as a symbiotic lifestyle. Consequently, Sll0 appears to have evolved into a superbly adaptable microorganism that is able to survive in ever-changing environmental conditions. Based on our findings, we suggest V. paradoxus S110 as a potential candidate for agrobiotechnological applications, such as biofertilizer and biopesticide. Because it has many associations with other biota, it is also suited to serve as an additional model system for studies of microbe-plant and microbe-microbe interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon carbide (SiC) materials have been extensively studied for high temperature components in advanced energy system and advanced gas turbine. The SiC ceramics have been fabricated by a NITE (Nano Infiltration Transient Eutectic Phase) Process, using Nano-SiC powder. The sintering additives used for forming liquid phase under sintering process, used the sintering additives ratios were an Al2O3-Y2O3 system or add SiO2 contents. A major R&D focus for the SiC ceramics is the production to obtain high purity SiC ceramics. In this study, we investigated roles of the sintering additives(Al2O3:Y2O3) to fabrication of the SiC ceramics. The effects of SiO2 contents and density properties of the SiC ceramics were also investigated. To investigate the effects of SiO2, Al2O3/Y2O3 composition were fixed and then SiO2 ratios were changed as several kinds, and to confirm the effects of sintering additives ratios (Al2O3:Y2O3) they were changed between 4:6 and 6:4 in x wt.%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously reported that PEGylated conjugated linoleic acid (PCLA) as a pro-drug treatment of cultures of 3T3-L1 cells containing differentiated adipocytes caused de-differentiation by downregulation of PPARγ2-induced adipogenesis, and cell apoptosis induced by PCLA was lower than that induced by conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) owing to the biocompatible and hydrophilic properties of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). To further investigate our previous observations, the present study is designed to evaluate the lipolytic action of PCLA and its role in biochemical signaling pathways of 3T3-L1 cells when compared to the CLA itself. Although both CLA and PCLA stimulated lipolysis, our results indicated a sensitivity difference between CLA and PCLA treatment: a time-dependent effect on lipolysis and p-extracellular signal-related kinases (ERK) expression was observed for PCLA-treated, but not for CLA-treated cultures. Also, the induction by PCLA of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation was linked to secretion of adipo-cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8), in time-dependent manners. Interestingly, adenylyl cyclase inhibitor, 2′, 5′-dideoxyadenosine (DDA), pre-treatment did not prevent PCLA-stimulated lipolysis. In fact, isoproterenol, but not PCLA, caused a significant increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, suggesting that the PCLA-induced lipolysis was not mediated in the conventional cAMP-dependent pathway and the cAMP was the intracellular mediator for isoproterenol-induced lipolysis. Overall, our findings provide support for a role for PCLA as a pro-drug in the regulation of metabolism in adipose tissue. J. Cell. Physiol. 214: 283–294, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]