A potential mechanism by which VlvEC produced NO reduced VIC acti

A potential mechanism by which VlvEC produced NO reduced VIC activation was studied by inhibiting initial and mid-stage cGMP pathway molecules. Inhibition of soluble Quisinostat manufacturer guanylyl cyclase (sGC) with ODQ or protein kinase G (PKG) with RBrcGMP or stimulation of Rho kinase (ROCK)

with LPA, abolished VlvEC effects on VIC activation. This work contributes substantially to the understanding of the valve endothelium’s role in preventing VIC functions associated with aortic valve stenosis initiation and progression. (c) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Background: Family planning is a lifestyle that is selected voluntarily and is based on the knowledge, attitude and responsible decision making by couples in order to promote the health and welfare of the family and the advancement of the society. In this regard,

family planning counseling plays an important role in making informed decisions if used properly and in a responsible way. Detection of individual barriers in family planning counseling based on the viewpoints of managers, employees and clients who are key participants in the healthcare service provision is a major step towards appropriate planning to modify or eliminate such barriers. Objectives: The present study was conducted with the goal of comparing managers’, employees’ and clients’ viewpoints about individual barriers in family planning counseling in health care centers in Isfahan in 2012. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional one-step three-group comparative descriptive study conducted on 295 subjects including 59 managers, 110 employees DMXAA datasheet and 126 clients in medical health care centers in Isfahan in 2012. The managers and employees were selected by census sampling, and the clients were recruited through convenient random sampling. The data collection tool was a researcher-designed learn more questionnaire, which was designed

in two sections of fertility and personal characteristics, and viewpoint measurement. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were used to analyze the data. Results: The obtained results showed significant differences between mean scores of viewpoints in three groups of managers, employees and clients concerning individual barriers in family planning counseling. In addition, most of the managers, employees and clients reported individual barriers as an intermediate level barrier in the process of family planning counseling. Conclusions: Results indicate that subjects in three studied groups hold different views regarding the individual barriers in family planning counseling. This difference in the perspectives may be a factor that affects the quality of the provided services. Therefore, it is necessary for the healthcare providers to consider the main concerns of their clients regarding family planning.

The experiment was carried out in greenhouse conditions, in a ran

The experiment was carried out in greenhouse conditions, in a randomized factorial design with four treatments of AMF (control without AMF inoculation; selleck screening library Gigaspora margarita; Glomus manihotis; and Glomus clarum) and four phosphorus treatments (0, 30, 90, 270 mg kg(-1) soil) in four replicates. The acerola plants were harvested after 120 days of the experiment. There were

significant effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation on the plant growth and nutrient contents in the plant shoots, mainly under lower P soil levels. Mycorrhizal plants presented a decrease of 55% of manganese content in the shoot.”
“We investigated the role of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), which allows proteins to be selectively JQ-EZ-05 degraded, during gametophyte development in Arabidopsis thaliana. Three mutant alleles altering the UPS

were isolated in the Wassilewskija (Ws) accession: they affect the Regulatory Particle 5a (RPT5a) gene, which (along with RPT5b) encodes one of the six AAA-ATPases of the proteasome regulatory particle. In the heterozygous state, all three mutant alleles displayed 50% pollen lethality, suggesting that RPT5a is essential for male gametophyte development. However, a fourth mutant in the Columbia (Col) accession did not display such a phenotype because the RPT5b Col allele complements the rpt5a defect in the male gametophyte, whereas the RPT5b Ws allele does not. Double rpt5a rpt5b mutants showed a complete male and female gametophyte lethal phenotype in a Col background, indicating that RPT5 subunits are essential for both gametophytic phases. Mitotic divisions were affected in double mutant gametophytes correlating with an absence of the proteasome-dependent cyclinA3 degradation. Finally, we show that RPT5b expression is highly increased when proteasome A-1210477 mw functioning

is defective, allowing complementation of the rpt5a mutation. In conclusion, RPT5 subunits are not only essential for both male and female gametophyte development but also display accession-dependent redundancy and are crucial in cell cycle progression.”
“The goal of the present study was to evaluate and characterize the motile responses of guinea pig OHCs, stimulated at frequencies varying from 50 Hz to 4 kHz, using high-definition, high-speed video recording and fully automatic image analysis software. Cells stimulated in continuous, burst and sweeping modes with an external alternating electrical field showed robust fast and slow motility, which were dependent on frequency, mode and intensity of stimulation. In response to continuous stimulation, electromotile amplitude ranged from 0.3% to 3.2% of total cell length, whereas cell length usually decreased in amounts varying from 0.1% to 4.3%. Electromotile amplitude in OHCs stimulated with square wave’s sweeps was near constant up to 200 Hz, progressively decreased between 200 Hz and 2 kHz, and then remained constant up to 4 kHz.

It also caused an increase in the ratio of

It also caused an increase in the ratio of DMH1 manufacturer pro-apoptotic/anti-apoptotic protein,

which was associated with the mitochondrial membrane depolarization and the increase in caspase activity. Resveratrol showed no effect on Fas, Fas ligand, extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, and p38 expression but down-regulated phospho-ERK and phospho-p38 expression. In addition, resveratrol was noted to trigger autophagic cell death through the increased expression of autophagy-related Atg5, Atg7, Atg9, and Atg12 proteins. These results suggest that resveratrol could be an important chemoprevention agent for hepatoma of hepatitis C virus infection.”
“A versatile approach is introduced for the synthesis of well-defined, biocompatible conjugates combining two-photon chromophores and hydrophilic multifunctional polymers synthesized by 17DMAG mw RAFT controlled radical polymerization. As an

illustration, two different classes of conjugates carrying multiple fluorophores (based on an anthracene moiety, Anth) or photosensitizers (based on a dibromobenzene moiety, DBB) along the polymer chain were elaborated for bioimaging and photodynamic therapy (PDT) applications, respectively. In both cases, the polymer greatly improved the solubility in biorelevant media as well as the cell uptake. Anth conjugates provided high quality fluorescence microscopy images using both one- and two-photon excitation. DBB conjugates potently induced https://www.selleckchem.com/products/S31-201.html the death of cancer cells upon photoactivation.”
“After extended implantation times, traditional intracortical neural probes exhibit a foreign-body reaction characterized by a reactive glial sheath that has been associated with increased system impedance and signal deterioration. Previously, we have proposed

that the local in vivo polymerization of an electronically and ionically conducting polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), might help to rebuild charge transport pathways across the glial scar between the device and surrounding parenchyma (Richardson-Burns et al 2007 J. Neural Eng. 4 L6-13). The EDOT monomer can be delivered via a microcannula/electrode system into the brain tissue of living animals followed by direct electrochemical polymerization, using the electrode itself as a source of oxidative current. In this study, we investigated the long-term effect of local in vivo PEDOT deposition on hippocampal neural function and histology. Rodent subjects were trained on a hippocampus-dependent task, delayed alternation (DA), and implanted with the microcannula/electrode system in the hippocampus.

Here, we evaluated Treg population subsets that were induced in p

Here, we evaluated Treg population subsets that were induced in patients with melanoma following HD IL-2 therapy. We identified a Treg population that was positive for CD4, CD25, Foxp3, and the inducible T cell costimulator (ICOS). This Treg population increased more than any other lymphocyte subset during HD IL-2 therapy and had an activated Treg phenotype, as indicated by high levels of CD39, CD73, and TGF-beta. ICOS+ Tregs were the most proliferative lymphocyte population in the blood after IL-2 therapy. Patients With melanoma Selleckchem Foretinib with enhanced expansion of

ICOS+ Tregs in blood following the first cycle of HD IL-2 therapy had worse clinical outcomes than patients with Selleck MK-8931 fewer ICOS+ Tregs. However, there was no difference in total Treg expansion between HD IL-2 responders and nonresponders. These data suggest that increased expansion of the ICOS+ Treg population following the first cycle of HD IL-2 therapy may be predictive of clinical outcome.”
“Purpose: To quantitate the effect of intravenous hypertonic saline (IVHTS) injection

on elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods: Nineteen patients (median age, 65years; range, 41-84years) with glaucoma and an IOP 30mmHg or higher were recruited. A bolus of IVHTS (sodium chloride concentration 23.4%) was injected in an antecubital vein over 10-20seconds. The IOP and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) were measured frequently for 2hr. The dosage was 0.5mmol/kg sodium in 11 patients (Group 1) and 1.0mmol/kg in eight patients (Group 2). Results: In both groups, a median absolute IOP reduction of 7mmHg was achieved in 5min. The maximum median reduction was 7mmHg (range, 4-16) and 9mmHg (range, 3-14) at 5 and 16min after IVHTS in Group

1 and 2, respectively, at which point the median IOP had reduced from 38 and 35mmHg to 31 and 27mmHg (p smaller than 0.001), respectively. In both groups, the IOP remained 7mmHg reduced 2hr after IVHTS. Systolic BP increased a median of 14.5mmHg at 3min and selleck was comparable with baseline after 6min. Conclusion: Intravenous hypertonic saline solution reduces IOP moderately within minutes for up to 2hr.”
“NY-ESO-1 is frequently expressed in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and elicits spontaneous humoral and cellular immune responses in a proportion of EOC patients. The identification of NY-ESO-1 peptide epitopes with dual HLA-class I and class II specificities might be useful in vaccination strategies for generating cognate CD4(+) T cell help to augment CD8(+) T cell responses. Here, we describe two novel NY-ESO-1-derived MHC class I epitopes from EOC patients with spontaneous humoral immune response to NY-ESO-1. CD8(+) T cells derived from NY-ESO-1 seropositive EOC patients were presensitized with a recombinant adenovirus encoding NY-ESO-1 or pooled overlapping peptides.

Blood samples were obtained in the first hour of presentation for

Blood samples were obtained in the first hour of presentation for measurement of BNP levels from all patients. Detailed transthoracic

two-dimensional, Doppler and tissue Doppler echocardiographic studies were then performed within 24 hours of presentation. Statistical analyses were performed using Student’s t-test for independent samples, Mann Whitney U test and Pearson or Spearman correlation tests.\n\nResults: Plasma BNP levels were found to be significantly correlated with left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic diameter, left atrial diameter and the degree of mitral insufficiency YM155 (r=0.46, p=0.007; r=0.39, p=0.02; r=0.32, p=0.065; r=0.50, p=0.014, respectively). A significant inverse correlation was observed between plasma BNP levels and left ventricular ejection fraction (r=-0.5, p=0.003). When the patients were grouped according to their BNP levels, the mean ejection fraction of the group with BNP levels below median (578 pg/l) was 60.65 +/- 13.84%, whereas the mean ejection fraction of the group with BNP levels of 578 pg/l or above (BNP 2) was 49.41 +/-

15.26% (p=0.027). Out of parameters reflecting left ventricular diastolic functions, only transmitral Epeak/Apeak ratio was found to be significantly associated with BNP levels (r=0.4, p=0.05). Tissue Doppler study revealed significant correlations between BNP levels and right ventricular HSP inhibitor basal and midsystolic velocities (r=-0.507, p=0.008; r=-0.562, p=0.005, respectively) while none of the left ventricular tissue velocities displayed significant correlation with BNP values.\n\nConclusion: Plasma BNP levels are found to be significantly associated with conventional echocardiographic parameters reflecting left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions and tissue Doppler velocities reflecting right ventricular functions. Our findings are in agreement with the notion that plasma BNP levels are beneficial in the differential diagnosis of patients admitted to emergency service with acute

dyspnea. (Anadolu Kardiyol Berg 2010; 10: 143-9)”
“A novel controllable hybrid-anode AlGaN/GaN A-1155463 molecular weight field-effect rectifier (HA-FER) with low operation voltage (LOV) is proposed. Its mechanism can be explained by the field-controlled energy band model. This model reveals that the electric field in the AlGaN layer alters the energy band to result in a variation of the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at AlGaN/GaN interface; the field can be changed by the thickness.. of the AlGaN layer and the applied bias. As the.. reduces below the critical thickness, the 2DEG vanishes and then the channel is pinched off. Therefore, the threshold voltage of HA-FER can be designed as low as 0V leading to LOV (<1V). The analytical characteristic of the HA-FER is calculated and validated by the simulated results.

To determine the full viscoelastic and poroelastic properties of

To determine the full viscoelastic and poroelastic properties of articular cartilage requires fitting to both preconditioning and post-preconditioned loading cycles.”
“[Purpose] This study aimed to quantitatively analyze characteristics of and changes in internal muscle structure according to the time of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) using ultrasound

imaging, thereby presenting clinical evidential data for evaluation of muscle damage. [Subjects] We recruited 38 male subjects. [Methods] Ultrasound images of the medial gastrocnemius muscle prior to induction of DOMS and immediately after, 24 hours after, 48 hours after, and 72 hours after induction of DOMS were obtained, and selleck chemical the thickness and pennation angle of the muscle were measured. [Results] The muscle thickness gradually

increased until 48 hours after induction of DOMS and decreased after 72 hours. The pennation angle also gradually increased until 48 hours after induction Torin 2 in vivo of DOMS and decreased after 72 hours. [Conclusion] Ultrasound imaging is considered useful for assessment of structural characteristics of muscles when muscle damage like DOMS takes place.”
“This study was to investigate the stimulating effect of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa yeast co-culture on the laccase production of Pleurotus ferulae JM301 in liquid fermentation. Among the 49 tested microbial strains, only the R. mucilaginosa significantly Stattic supplier enhanced the laccase production. Maximal laccase production of 10575 U/L was attained

with the inoculation of 5.0 x 10(9) R. mucilaginosa cells to P. ferulae at 48 h. The possible mechanisms proposed previously for laccase overproduction (glucose starvation and glycerol as second carbon source) were unable to explain the enhanced laccase production of the co-culture in this study. The rough surface of P. ferulae mycelia in the monoculture became relatively smooth in the co-culture with R. mucilaginosa and the co-culture also resulted in an increase in the total protein concentration. Overall, the study showed that co-culture with R. mucilaginosa increased the laccase production of P. ferulae in association with the changes in mycelial morphology and protein secretion. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“The NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase, respiratory complex I, couples the transfer of electrons from NADH to ubiquinone with a translocation of protons across the membrane. The complex consists of a peripheral arm catalyzing the electron transfer reaction and a membrane arm involved in proton translocation. The recently published X-ray structures of the complex revealed the presence of a unique 110 angstrom “horizontal” helix aligning the membrane arm. On the basis of this finding, it was proposed that the energy released by the redox reaction is transmitted to the membrane arm via a conformational change in the horizontal helix.

However, individual characteristics may affect TE Methods Pa

However, individual characteristics may affect TE.\n\nMethods. Patients with DS were treated with either surgery (n = 395) or nonoperative care (n = 210) and were analyzed

according to treatment received. Fifty-five baseline variables were used to define subgroups for calculating the time-weighted average TE for the Oswestry this website Disability Index during 4 years (TE = Delta Oswestry Disability Index(surgery) – Delta Oswestry Disability Index(nonoperative)). Variables with significant subgroup-by-treatment interactions (P < 0.05) were simultaneously entered into a multivariate model to select independent TE predictors.\n\nResults. All analyzed subgroups that included at least 50 patients improved significantly more with surgery than with nonoperative treatment (P < 0.05). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that age 67 years or less (TE -15.7 vs. -11.8 for age > 67, P = 0.014); female sex (TE -15.6 vs. -11.2 for males, P = 0.01); the absence of stomach problems (TE -15.2 vs. -11.3 for those with stomach problems, P = 0.035); neurogenic claudication (TE -15.3 vs. -9.0 for those without claudication, P = 0.004); refl ex asymmetry (TE -17.3 vs. -13.0 for those without asymmetry, P = 0.016); opioid use (TE -18.4 vs. -11.7 for those not using opioids, P < 0.001); not taking antidepressants (TE -14.5 vs. -5.4 for those on antidepressants, P = 0.014); dissatisfaction Ulixertinib price with symptoms (TE -14.5

vs. -8.3 for those satisfied or neutral, P = 0.039); and anticipating a high likelihood of improvement with surgery (TE -14.8 vs. -5.1 for anticipating a low likelihood of improvement with surgery, P = 0.019) were independently associated with greater TE.\n\nConclusion. Patients who met strict inclusion criteria improved more with surgery than with nonoperative treatment, regardless of other specific characteristics. GW4869 However, TE varied significantly across certain subgroups.”
“The objectives of this study were to examine methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

(MRSA) strains recovered from major hospitals in King Saudi Arabia (KSA) to determine the percent of community acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) phenotypically by conventional methods and genotypically by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (multiplex-PCR) for direct and simultaneous detection of S. aureus 16S rRNA, Panton-valentine leucocidin (PVL) and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type IVa genes. Therefore, 135 strains of S. aureus collected during the period of 2008 and 2009 from major hospital laboratories and public health centers, Riyadh, King Saudi Arabia were tested phenotypically by conventional methods and genotypically by multiplex-PCR. PCR enables rapid detection of all 135 bacterioloically identified S. aureus (100%) as well as the mecA gene in all strains phenotypically resistant to methicillin (100%). Moreover, it could detect the mecA gene in 8 strains (6%) phenotypically sensitive to methicillin. Only 18 strains (13.

A theoretical two-dimensional (2D) geometric model of knee pr

\n\nA theoretical two-dimensional (2D) geometric model of knee prosthesis contact,

with Dirichlet boundary conditions at both edges, and with a conformity index (CI) of 0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 0.92, 0.94, 0.96, 0.98, 0.99, 0.995, and 1.0, was used to calculate the spatiotemporal lubricant flow on a synovial fluid rheological model. With the instantaneous load as a source term, the Reynolds lubrication equation NCT-501 was subsequently solved following a finite volume approach in two dimensions and three dimensions.\n\nConformity strongly influenced the peak pressure, from 47 MPa with CI = 0 to 1.4 MPa with CI = 1, with a definite behavior change from CI = 0.96. The role of hydrodynamic lubrication was restricted to early steps of the stance phase. With CI < 0.96, there was a smooth maximum pressure decrease with increasing CI. In contrast, the maximum pressure fell abruptly with conformity > 0.96.\n\nThe present model suggested the limited modifying effect of hydrodynamic lubrication in total knee replacement systems. However, its role during the early stance phase, coupled with high conformity, helps significantly to decrease compressive stresses on the polyethylene, fostering

the beneficial effect of high conformity in a mixed lubrication regime. This beneficial effect may also be of great interest in total knee replacement systems based on materials with less deformation.”
“The Board of Parks and Recreation in Vancouver, BC

approved a smoke-free bylaw in the city’s parks, beaches and recreational facilities, effective 1 September Z-IETD-FMK Apoptosis inhibitor 2010. We analyzed local news coverage and portrayal of the bylaw to understand the potential influence of news media on public perception of the bylaw in order to inform the media advocacy work of public health interest groups. We compiled a data set of newspaper articles (n = 90) and conducted a quantitative content analysis to examine content related to the outdoor smoke-free policy, including article find more slant, topics related to smoking and tobacco control, and any equity-related concerns raised. Newspaper coverage in Vancouver was largely supportive of the outdoor smoke-free bylaw. However, concerns over rights were frequently discussed in letters to the editor. Such equity concerns were rarely discussed in news articles, showing a potential disconnect between the concerns expressed in the media by members of the public and the coverage provided by print media.”
“Carabid beetles form rich and abundant communities in arable landscapes. Their generalist feeding behaviour and similar environmental requirements raise questions about the mechanisms allowing the coexistence of such species-rich assemblages. We hypothesized that subtle niche partitioning comes into play on spatial, temporal, or trophic basis.

(C) 2012 Elsevier Inc All rights reserved “
“The quite effi

(C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“The quite efficient adsorption of methylene blue dye from an aqueous solution by graphene oxide was studied. The favorable electrostatic attraction is the main see more interaction between methylene blue and graphene oxide. As graphene oxide has the special nanostructural properties and negatively charged surface, the positively charged methylene

blue molecules can be easily adsorbed on it. In the aqueous solution of methylene blue at 293 K, the adsorption data could be fitted by the Langmuir equation with a maximum adsorption amount of 1.939 mg/mg and a Langmuir adsorption equilibrium constant of 18.486 mL/mg. The adsorption amount increased with the increase of the solution pH (3-11), was not affected significantly ZD1839 by KCl under the examined condition and the adsorption process was exothermic in nature. The fast and considerable adsorption of graphene oxide could be regarded as a potential adsorbent for cationic dye removal in wastewater treatment process.”
“BACKGROUND

& AIMS: Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) enzymes in liver and brain alters hepatic glucose metabolism, but little is known about their role in glucose regulation in the gastrointestinal tract. We investigated whether activation of PKC-delta in the duodenum is sufficient and necessary for duodenal nutrient sensing and regulates hepatic glucose production through a neuronal network in rats. METHODS: In rats, we inhibited duodenal PKC and evaluated whether nutrient-sensing mechanisms, activated by refeeding, have disruptions in glucose regulation. We then performed gain-and loss-of-function pharmacologic and molecular experiments to target duodenal PKC-delta; we evaluated the impact on glucose production regulation during the pancreatic clamping, while basal levels of insulin were maintained. RESULTS: PKC-delta was detected in the

mucosal layer of the duodenum; intraduodenal infusion of PKC inhibitors disrupted glucose homeostasis during refeeding, indicating that duodenal activation of PKC-delta is necessary and sufficient to regulate glucose homeostasis. Intraduodenal infusion of the PKC activator 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (OAG) specifically activated duodenal mucosal PKC-delta and a gutbrain-liver neuronal pathway to BAY 80-6946 reduce glucose production. Molecular and pharmacologic inhibition of duodenal mucosal PKC-delta negated the ability of duodenal OAG and lipids to reduce glucose production. CONCLUSIONS: In the duodenal mucosa, PKC-delta regulates glucose homeostasis.”
“In addition to its role in the pathophysiology of numerous psychiatric disorders, increasing evidence points to serotonin (5-HT) as a crucial molecule for the modulation of neurodevelopmental processes. Recent evidence indicates that the placenta is involved in the synthesis of 5-HT from maternally derived tryptophan (TRP).


“A new lignan, named acanthosessilin A (1), as well as eig


“A new lignan, named acanthosessilin A (1), as well as eight known lignan and lignan glycosides 2-9 were isolated from an ethanolic extract of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus fruits. The chemical structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, including HR-EIMS, 1D NMR (H-1, C-13, DEPT), 2D NMR (gCOSY, gHSQC, gHMBC, NOESY), and IR spectroscopy. All isolated compounds were tested for the ability to inhibit LPS-induced nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 macrophages.”
“In the setting of acute myocardial infarction, early and adequate reopening of an infarct-related artery is not necessarily followed by a complete restoration of myocardial perfusion. This condition is usually defined as ‘no-reflow’. The pathophysiology of

no-reflow MLN2238 is multifactorial since extravascular compression, microvascular vasoconstriction, embolization during percutaneous PCI-34051 supplier coronary intervention,

and platelet and neutrophil aggregates are involved. In the clinical arena, angiographic findings and easily available clinical parameters can predict the risk of no-reflow. More recently, several studies have demonstrated that biomarkers, especially those related to the pathogenetic components of no-reflow, could also have a prognostic role in the prediction and in the full understanding of the multiple mechanisms of this phenomenon. Thus, in this article, we investigate the role of several biomarkers on admission in predicting the occurrence of no-reflow following successful percutaneous coronary intervention.”
“In

2005, the International Health Regulations were adopted at the 58th World Health Assembly; in June 2007, they were entered into force for most countries. In 2012, the world is approaching a major 5-year milestone in the global commitment to ensure national capacities to identify, investigate, assess, and respond to public health events. In the past 5 years, existing programs have been boosted and some new activities relating to International Health Regulations provisions have been successfully established. The lessons and experience of the past 5 years need to be drawn upon to provide improved direction for the future.”
“Objective: Ferroptosis assay To compare the efficacy of single-stage, multilevel, temperature-control led radiofrequency tissue volume reduction (TCRFTVR) for the soft palate and base of the tongue with that of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in primary treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.\n\nDesign: A prospective nonrandomized clinical study.\n\nSetting: Tertiary care referral center.\n\nPatients: Data from 47 patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea treated between January 1, 2003, and October 31, 2006, were reviewed.\n\nInterventions: Twenty-six patients underwent TCRFTVR and 21 underwent nasal CPAP as a primary treatment modality.\n\nMain Outcome Measures: Baseline and 12-month posttreatment measurements using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and polysomnography were compared.