A project to compile and analyse the key messages and scientific rationale of the officially published food-based dietry guidelines(FBDGs)in six Southeast Asian countries was undertaken to understand their similarities and differences.

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) infrequently occurs within the upper cervical vertebrae. Various therapeutic options have been reported in the literature. We would like to share our experience in managing a case of a 16-year-old girl diagnosed with ABC at the body of axis (C2) vertebra. Serious attention had to be given on the stability of the cervical spine following tumour resection, which can be affected by the mode of treatment chosen. Instability can have a detrimental effect on the cervical spine, in which case may necessitate further surgery. We performed a single-staged intra-lesional curettage via a transoral approach and temporary non-fusion posterior stabilization of C1 lateral mass screw and C2 pedicle screw. The implants were removed after six months once ossification of C2 has taken place to regain full motion of the neck. There was no evidence of recurrence or instability of the cervical spine three years following surgery.

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can be an inexhaustible source of islet cells for transplantation. Previously published protocols have been characterized by low differentiation efficiency. In this study, we developed a scalable system for the growth and differentiation of hESCs towards pancreatic islets. Our results showed that hESCs can be grown on microcarriers to a larger scale and directed to differentiate into pancreatic progenitor endoderm cells. This culture system would represent an economical differentiation protocol that can be scaled-up to meet the demand in islet transplantation.

We describe a case of a giant pyogenic granuloma affecting the left index finger of a 23-year-old pregnant lady requiring surgical excision. Pyogenic granuloma gravidarum is a benign hyperplastic lesion that commonly presents on oral mucosa, typically the gums, in approximately 5% of pregnant women. Skin lesions over the fingers are an unusual site during pregnancy with only a few cases reported in the literature. The lesion was excised and a diagnosis of lobular capillary haemangioma was made based on histopathological evaluation. We delayed surgery until after parturition since recurrence is likely to be lower due to lower levels of circulating oestrogen and progesterone. The prognosis is usually excellent following resection. However, recurrences have been reported regardless of the treatment method.

Cancer has a significant impact on the Australian community. One in three men and one in four women will develop cancer by the age of 75. The estimated annual health expenditure due to cancer in 2000-1 in Australia was $2.7 billion, representing 5.5% of the country’s total healthcare expenditure. An historical overview of the national cancer control strategies in Australia is provided. In males, the five most common cancers in order of decreasing incidence are: prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, melanoma and lymphoma, while for Australian women, breast cancer is the most common cancer. Key epidemiologic information about these common cancers, current management issues and comprehensive national clinical practice guidelines (where available) are highlighted. Aspects of skin cancer, a particularly common cancer in the Australian environment – with a focus on melanoma – are also included. Cancer outcomes in Australia, measured by selected outcomes, are among the best in the world. However, there is still evidence of health inequalities, especially among patients residing in regional and remote areas, the indigenous population and people from lower socio-economic classes. Limitations of current cancer care practices in Australia, including provision of oncology services, resources and other access issues, as well as suggested improvements for future cancer care, are summarised. Ongoing implementation of national and state cancer control plans and evaluation of their effectiveness will be needed to pursue the goal of optimal cancer care in Australia.

A 27 year old patient with ameloblastoma of the mandible underwent anterior mandibulectomy and reconstruction with left fibula osteocutaneous flap. The bone was shaped at the lower limb before cutting the pedicle. Vascularised free fibula flap provides a good alternative to other bone grafts in mandible reconstruction as it is relatively easy to perform, carries a low complication rate, and mandibular shaping with intact pedicle cuts down on ischaemic as well as total operative time.

Ankyloblepharon, Ectodermal defects, and Cleft lip and palate (AEC) syndrome, also known as Hay-Wells syndrome, is a rare form of ectodermal dysplasia initially described by Hay and Wells in 1976. It is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding the TP63 transcription factor, specifically in the Sterile Alpha Motif (SAM) domain. It is characterized by congenital ectodermal dysplasia, including alopecia, scalp infections, dystrophic nails, hypodontia, ankyloblepharon and cleft lip and/or cleft palate. To our knowledge, no case of AEC syndrome associated with a TP63 gene mutation has ever been published in Korea. Herein, we present a Korean female infant with AEC syndrome due to a novel TP63 gene mutation.
Alopecia ; Anodontia ; Cleft Lip ; Cleft Palate ; Ectoderm ; Ectodermal Dysplasia ; Eye Abnormalities ; Eyelids ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Korea ; Nails ; Palate ; Scalp ; Transcription Factors

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, painful, chronic, ulcerating skin disease of an unknown etiology. It can be associated with systemic diseases such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, myeloproliferative disease, monoclonal gammopathy, rheumatoid arthritis and Behcet's disease, or after minor trauma and surgery. To the best our knowledge, no cases of PG associated with pregnancy have ever been published in the Korean medical literature, and there have been only ten such reported cases in other countries. Herein, we report on a case of PG that developed during pregnancy in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Colitis, Ulcerative ; Crohn Disease ; Humans ; Paraproteinemias ; Pregnancy ; Pyoderma ; Pyoderma Gangrenosum ; Skin Diseases ; Ulcer

Femoral vein tunnelled catheter is susceptible to various complication, Advocating early arteriovenous fistula creation in chronic renal impairment patients should be emphasised.

Transposed brachio-basilic fistula could be created for successful use for dialysis especially in patients who has exhausted other option of native fistulas.