HbA1c levels decreased with increasing Hb levels, independent of age, sex, BMI, FPG, and smoking and alcohol habits in Japanese men and women without diabetes or anemia. There was an interaction between sex and hemoglobin in the effects on HbA1c. The interpretation of HbA1c values should be cautious in the screening of glucose intolerance.

A 29-year-old male suffered from total loss of function of his left shoulder and upper limb after a traffic accident while riding a motorcycle. He was treated by a brachial plexus specialist at another hospital and managed surgically under the impression of total root avulsion.

The communication among international microsurgeons have switched from one direction (from paper, textbook) to multiway interactions through the internet. The authors believe the online platform will play an immensely important role in the learning and development in the field of microsurgery.

The high incidence of brain metastasis and the comparison of metastatic and non-metastatic phenotypes indicate an active crosstalk of brain metastatic breast cancers with the BBB. Certain miRNAs and serpins are regulatory molecules in defining the metastatic potential of breast cancers. Targeting these factors that favor the metastatic microenvironment may provide future therapeutic interventions for the brain metastasis of breast cancers.

The author concerns that long-term application of biologics will destroy the natural balance, and argues to rethink about small molecules that can restore immune homeostasis, thereby naturally correcting overproduced proinflammatory cytokines, as a strategy of new drug development against psoriasis and other autoimmune disorders.

The authors reviewed the MDCT images to show the number of lymph nodes superior to the saphenofemoral junction. In this study, on average, 3.67 nodes existed. However, there were 4 percent of cases with no countable nodes. This result indicates that appropriate preoperative screening is needed for this procedure.

Pedicled anterolateral thigh flap is a versatile option for reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects in varied anatomical regions. Its wide arc of rotation and less donor site morbidity are its added advantages.

The 2nd instructional course for adult brachial plexus injuries is a fantastic opportunity to meet and learn from experts in the field. We cordially invite you to visit Chang Gung Memorial Hospital to participate in this unique learning experience.

Health care systems in many countries are confronted with increasing economic limitations. Thus, complex microsurgical procedures and extensive rehabilitation programs are poorly compensated. However, this case demonstrates a dramatic reduction of socioeconomic expenses by allowing a potential radiocarpal amputee to return to work for another estimated 30 years.

Authors reported a case of cholesteatoma that mimicked facial neurinoma. To avoid confusion in such cases, diffusion-weighted MRI may be useful in preoper-ative differential diagnosis.