Alterations in the LINE-1 methylation pattern in patients with lichen simplex chronicus.

Background: Long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1) and short interspersed element (Alu) retrotransposons have been identified to influence the human genome by modifications in gene expression. Variations in LINE-1 and Alu methylation have been shown to be associated with many diseases, predominantly malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Moreover, the degree and pattern of LINE-1 methylation are related to risk, prognosis and aggressiveness of several cancers.

Outcome of mobile ear surgery units in Thailand.

Objectives: To evaluate the outcome of mobile ear surgery, in terms of tympanic membrane perforation closure, absence of otorrhoea and hearing threshold improvement.

Study Design: Descriptive study.

Methods: The study enrolled patients with chronic ear disorders requiring surgery who presented to the mobile ear surgery unit at Sakaeo Hospital, Thailand, from 1 to 4 July 2008.

Promoter hypermethylation of CCNA1, RARRES1, and HRASLS3 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

In search for putative tumor suppressor genes critical of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), we analyzed the available information from the expression profiling in conjunction with the comprehensive alleotyping published data relevant to this malignancy. Integration of this information suggested eight potential candidate tumor suppressor genes, CCNA1, HRASLS3, RARRES1, CLMN, EML1, TSC22, LOH11CR2A and MCC. However, to confirm the above observations, we chose to investigate if promoter hypermethylation of these candidate genes would be one of the mechanisms responsible for the de-regulation of gene expression in NPC in addition to the loss of genetic materials.

The effect of mobile phone to audiologic system.

Mobile phones have come into widespread use. There are a lot of possible adverse effect to health. Use of mobile phone generate potentially harmful radiofrequency electromagnetic field (EMF) particularly for the hearing aspect.

Comparison of pain after radiofrequency tonsillectomy compared with conventional tonsillectomy: a pilot study.

Tonsillectomy results in a severe sore throat, especially in the first few days, until the exposed and inflamed muscle becomes covered with regenerated mucosa. There are a variety of techniques of tonsillectomy including monopolar and bipolar diathermy, blunt dissection, and most recently radiofrequency tonsil ablation and coblation. The objective of the present study was to assess the postoperative pharyngeal or ear pain of radiofrequency tonsillectomy and compared with traditional blunt dissection tonsillectomy with loop ligation hemostasis.