IGF2BP3 functions as a potential oncogene and is a crucial target of miR-34a in gastric carcinogenesis.

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the frequent causes of cancer-related death in eastern Asian population. IGF2BP2 lists in the top rank up-regulated genes in GC, but its functional role is unclear.

Method: The expression of IGF2BP3 in GC cell lines and primary samples was examined by qRT-PCR and Western blot.

High-dose omeprazole infusion compared with scheduled second-look endoscopy for prevention of peptic ulcer rebleeding: a randomized controlled trial.

Background And Study Aim: Previous studies have shown that both scheduled second-look endoscopy and high-dose continuous omeprazole infusion are effective in preventing peptic ulcer rebleeding. The aim of this noninferiority trial was to compare the efficacy of these two strategies for the prevention of rebleeding following primary endoscopic hemostasis.

Patients And Methods: Consecutive patients who received endoscopic treatment for bleeding peptic ulcers (actively bleeding, with nonbleeding visible vessels) were randomized to two treatment groups following hemostasis.

Complication rates of central compartment dissection in papillary thyroid cancer.

Background: The benefits of central compartment dissection (CCD) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are still debatable and should be weighed against its potential risks. We aim to compare the complication rates in total thyroidectomy with and without CCD for patients with PTC.

Methods: This is a retrospective study on prospectively collected data from our cancer registry over a 15-year period.

Parotidectomy under local anesthesia--report of 7 cases.

Objective: Parotidectomy is usually carried out under general anesthesia. We reported our early experience of performing parotidectomy under local anesthesia.

Study Design: Case series reviewed.

Prediction of simultaneous esophageal lesions in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a multivariate analysis.

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of concomitant esophageal lesions detected by esophagoscopy in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the head and neck (HNSCC) and to identify the risk factors.

Design: Retrospective medical record analysis.

Setting: Regional hospital.

Submandibular sialoadenectomy with local anesthesia in the era of minimally invasive surgery.

Objective: To assess the feasibility and advantages of submandibular sialoadenectomy under local anesthesia.

Study Design: Retrospective clinical study.

Subjects And Methods: Twenty patients with benign submandibular masses underwent submandibular sialoadenectomy.

Diagnostic challenges of tuberculosis peritonitis in patients with and without end-stage renal failure.

Background: Information about diagnostic features of tuberculosis (TB) peritonitis among patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF), compared with those without ESRF, is limited. Here, we review our experience with TB peritonitis in patients with and without ESRF over a period of 11 years, with special reference to the clinical features of and diagnostic tools for TB peritonitis.

Methods: The records of all patients with TB peritonitis who were seen at United Christian Hospital (Hong Kong) from 1996 through 2006 were reviewed.

Ranula successfully treated by botulinum toxin type A: report of 3 cases.

The conventional treatment of ranula is surgical procedure. We report an innovative method for ranula by using botulinum toxin type A on 3 patients. All 3 cases of ranula resolved after this minimally invasive therapy.

Improvement of anemia after parathyroidectomy in Chinese patients with renal failure undergoing long-term dialysis.

Hypothesis: Most patients undergoing long-term dialysis are anemic because of underproduction of erythropoietin and its inhibition by high parathyroid hormone levels due to secondary hyperparathyroidism. Renal anemia can be improved by parathyroidectomy.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Reconstruction with submental flap for aggressive orofacial cancer.

Background: The submental flap was described for head and neck reconstruction more than a decade ago. Its application is confined mainly to nonmalignant diseases or low-grade malignancies, as the submental flap resides in the level I lymphatic drainage region of the neck. The authors report the use of the submental flap for soft-tissue reconstruction in a selected group of patients with aggressive orofacial cancer.

Sensation recovery improved by great auricular nerve preservation in parotidectomy: a prospective double-blind study.

Background: The great auricular nerve (GAN) is frequently sacrificed during parotidectomy and causes sensory disturbance of the auricle. Our study is to investigate whether GAN preservation can improve the sensory recovery.

Methods: Patients undergoing superficial or total conservative parotidectomy for benign tumours were recruited consecutively from November 1998 to September 2001.

Contralateral neck recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity and oropharynx.

Purpose: Contralateral neck failure after therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx has rarely been studied in detail. We aimed to examine the pattern and outcome of contralateral neck relapse and possible predictive clinicopathologic factors.

Patients And Methods: Seventy-three patients undergoing surgery for cancer of oral cavity/oropharynx with curative intent were recruited from the hospital head and neck cancer registry.

Endoscopic hemostasis for bleeding gastric stromal tumors by application of hemoclip.

In the past, numerous reports have advocated primary surgical resection as a treatment of choice for bleeding gastric stromal tumors (GIST). There were scarce reports on primary hemostasis with endoscopic therapy. We encountered two patients who presented to our unit with acute bleeding from gastric fundal stromal tumor, in whom we were able to achieved successful endoscopic hemostasis with hemoclip therapy.