P.B.S. Lai

5-(Dimethylamino)-N-(4-ethynylphenyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide as a novel bifunctional antitumor agent and two-photon induced bio-imaging probe.

A novel compound, (5-(dimethylamino)-N-(4-ethynylphenyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide), was prepared and characterized; it shows dual functional roles as an effective antitumor and a two-photon induced bio-imaging agent.

Effect of local injection of mesenchymal stem cells on healing of sutured gastric perforation in an experimental model

Mesenchymal stem cells are proposed to facilitate repair of organ injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate whether local injection of mesenchymal stem cells could accelerate healing of sutured gastric perforations.

Preoperative serum α-fetoprotein and prognosis after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

While the majority of studies report that a raised serum α‐fetoprotein (AFP) level before operation is associated with a high risk of recurrence and death in patients who undergo hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), results are conflicting. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of AFP.

Minimally invasive surgery for symptomatic hepatic cysts

Background Treatment of symptomatic hepatic cysts varies from simple aspiration to liver resection. Each form of treatment has its own merits and associated complications. Given the benign nature of this condition, a minimally invasive form of therapy is increasingly in favour. This case illustrates the successful treatment of a symptomatic hepatic cyst by laparoscopic fenestration. Case outline A 61-year-old woman presented with epigastric pain for several years. Physical examination revealed a 10-cm nontender epigastric mass, and a CT scan raised the suspicion of a pancreatic pseudocyst. Therapeutic ultrasound-guided aspiration was performed twice for alleviation of her symptoms. However, both the symptoms and the cyst recurred. Therefore, diagnostic laparoscopy was performed with the intention to treat. Results The mass was found to be a hepatic cyst located on the undersurface of the left lobe of the liver. Laparoscopic fenestration was performed, and the patient remained symptom-free one year later. Discussion This case illustrates the value of laparoscopic fenestration. Effective decompression of the cyst contents can be achieved with maximal preservation of functional hepatic parenchyma and a smooth postoperative course.

Liver fibrogenesis: effects of transforming growth factor β and tamoxifen, and possible treatment modalities

Background Liver fibrosis and subsequent cirrhosis continues to be a major health problem. Recent understanding of the pathophysiology of the process will, hopefully, give an insight into the possible treatment of the condition. Methods We have reviewed the research in the area of liver fibrosis and the roles of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) from the literature. The relationship between liver fibrosis and tamoxifen was also reviewed. Results and discussion The pathophysiology of liver fibrogenesis is reviewed. TGFβ is the key-player in the initiation and perpetuation of liver fibrogenesis. Tamoxifen, on the other hand, enhances the TGFβ-mediated process of fibrogenesis. Possible therapeutic interventions, based on the pathophysiological pathways of liver fibrosis, are discussed.