Questionnaire survey on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour towards viral hepatitis among the Hong Kong public.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to identify gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours towards viral hepatitis among the Hong Kong public and provide insights to optimise local efforts towards achieving the World Health Organization's viral hepatitis elimination target. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional, self-reported web-based questionnaire was administered to 500 individuals (aged ≥18 years) in Hong Kong. Questionnaire items explored the awareness and perceptions of viral hepatitis-related liver disease(s) and associated risk factors in English or traditional Chinese. RESULTS: The majority (>80%) were aware that chronic hepatitis B and/or C could increase the risks of developing liver cirrhosis, cancer, and/or failure. Only 55.8% had attended health screenings in the past 2 years, and 67.6% were unaware of their family's history of liver diseases. Misperceptions surrounding the knowledge and transmission risks of viral hepatitis strongly hint at the presence of social stigmatisation within the community. Many misperceived viral hepatitis as airborne or hereditary, and social behaviours (casual contact or dining with an infected person) as a transmission route. Furthermore, 62.4% were aware of hepatitis B vaccination, whereas 19.0% knew that hepatitis C cannot be prevented by vaccination. About 70% of respondents who were aware of mother-to-child transmission were willing to seek medical consultation in the event of pregnancy. Gaps in knowledge as well as the likelihood of seeking screening were observed across all age-groups and education levels. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive hepatitis education strategies should be developed to address gaps in knowledge among the Hong Kong public towards viral hepatitis, especially misperceptions relevant to social stigmatisation and the importance of preventive measures, including vaccination and screening, when exposed to risk factors.

Laparoscopic and open liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma with Child-Pugh B cirrhosis: multicentre propensity score-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Child-Pugh A cirrhosis has been demonstrated as beneficial. However, the role of laparoscopy in Child-Pugh B cirrhosis is undetermined. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to compare open and laparoscopic resection for HCC with Child-Pugh B cirrhosis. METHODS: Data on liver resections were gathered from 17 centres. A 1 : 1 propensity score matching was performed according to 17 predefined variables. RESULTS: Of 382 available liver resections, 100 laparoscopic and 100 open resections were matched and analysed. The 90-day postoperative mortality rate was similar in open and laparoscopic groups (4.0 versus 2.0 per cent respectively; P = 0.687). Laparoscopy was associated with lower blood loss (median 110 ml versus 400 ml in the open group; P = 0.004), less morbidity (38.0 versus 51.0 per cent respectively; P = 0.041) and fewer major complications (7.0 versus 21.0 per cent; P = 0.010), and ascites was lower on postoperative days 1, 3 and 5. For laparoscopic resections, patients with portal hypertension developed more complications than those without (26 versus 12 per cent respectively; P = 0.002), and patients with a Child-Pugh B9 score had higher morbidity rates than those with B8 and B7 (7 of 8, 10 of 16 and 21 of 76 respectively; P < 0.001). Median hospital stay was 7.5 (range 2-243) days for laparoscopic liver resection and 18 (3-104) days for the open approach (P = 0.058). The 5-year overall survival rate was 47 per cent for open and 65 per cent for laparoscopic resection (P = 0.142). The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 32 and 37 per cent respectively (P = 0.742). CONCLUSION: Patients without preoperative portal hypertension and Child-Pugh B7 cirrhosis may benefit most from laparoscopic liver surgery.

The anatomical locations of postoperative pain and their recovery trajectories following Posterior Spinal Fusion (PSF) surgery in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) patients.

INTRODUCTION: This study looked into the different anatomical locations of pain and their trajectories within the first two weeks after Posterior Spinal Fusion (PSF) surgery for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). METHODS: We prospectively recruited patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) scheduled for PSF surgery. The anatomical locations of pain were divided into four: (1) surgical wound pain; (2) shoulder pain; (3) neck pain; and (4) low back pain. The anatomical locations of pain were charted using the visual analogue pain score at intervals of 12, 24, 36, 48 hours; and from day-3 to -14. Patient-controlled analgesia (morphine), use of celecoxib capsules, acetaminophen tablets and oxycodone hydrochloride capsule consumption were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were recruited. Patients complained of surgical wound pain score of 6.2±2.1 after surgery. This subsequently reduced to 4.2±2.0 by day-4, and to 2.4±1.3 by day-7. Shoulder pain scores of symptomatic patients peaked to 4.2±2.7 at 24 hours and 36 hours which then reduced to 1.8±1.1 by day-8. Neck pain scores of symptomatic patients reduced from 4.2±1.9 at 12 hours to 1.8±1.1 by day-4. Low back pain scores of symptomatic patients reduced from 5.3±2.3 at 12 hours to 1.8±1.1 by day- 12. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the presence of different anatomical locations of pain after surgery, surgical wound was the most significant pain and other anatomical locations of pain were generally mild. Surgical wound pain reduced to a tolerable level by day-4 when patients can then be comfortably discharged. This finding provides useful information for clinicians, patients and their caregivers.

Using δ13C of Levoglucosan As a Chemical Clock.

Compound specific carbon isotopic measurements (δ13C) of levoglucosan were carried out for ambient aerosol sampled during an intensive biomass burning period at different sites in Guangdong province, China. The δ13C of ambient levoglucosan was found to be noticeably heavier than the average δ13C of levoglucosan found in source C3-plant-combustion samples. To estimate the photochemical age of sampled ambient levoglucosan, back trajectory analyses were done. The origin and pathways of the probed air masses were determined, using the Lagrangian-particle-dispersion-model FLEXPART and ECMWF meteorological data. On the other hand, the isotopic hydrocarbon clock concept was applied to relate the changes in the field-measured stable carbon isotopic composition to the extent of chemical processing during transport. Comparison of the photochemical age derived using these two independent approaches shows on average good agreement, despite a substantial scatter of the individual data pairs. These analyses demonstrate that the degree of oxidative aging of particulate levoglucosan can be quantified by combining laboratory KIE studies, observed δ13C at the source and in the field, as well as back trajectory analyses. In this study, the chemical loss of levoglucosan was found to exceed 50% in one-fifth of the analyzed samples. Consequently, the use of levoglucosan as a stable molecular tracer may underestimate the contribution of biomass burning to air pollution.

Zonal differences in risk and pattern of pedicle screw perforations in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS): a computerized tomography (CT) review of 1986 screws.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the zonal differences in risk and pattern of pedicle screw perforations in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. METHODS: The scoliosis curves were divided into eight zones. CT scans were used to assess perforations: Grade 0, Grade 1(< 2 mm), Grade 2(2-4 mm) and Grade 3(> 4 mm). Anterior perforations were classified into Grade 0, Grade 1(< 4 mm), Grade 2(4-6 mm) and Grade 3(> 6 mm). Grade 2 and 3 (except lateral grade 2 and 3 perforation over thoracic vertebrae) were considered as 'critical perforations'. RESULTS: 1986 screws in 137 patients were analyzed. The overall perforation rate was 8.4% after exclusion of the lateral perforation. The highest medial perforation rate was at the transitional proximal thoracic (PT)/main thoracic (MT) zone (6.9%), followed by concave lumbar (6.7%) and convex main thoracic (MT) zone (6.1%). The overall critical medial perforation rate was 0.9%. 33.3% occurred at convex MT and 22.2% occurred at transitional PT/MT zone. There were 39 anterior perforations (overall perforation rate of 2.0%). 43.6% occurred at transitional PT/MT zone, whereas 23.1% occurred at concave PT zone. The overall critical anterior perforation rate was 0.6%. 5/12 (41.7%) critical perforations occurred at concave PT zone, whereas four perforations occurred at the transitional PT/MT zone. There were only two symptomatic left medial grade 2 perforations (0.1%) resulting radiculopathy, occurring at the transitional main thoracic (MT)/Lumbar (L) zone. CONCLUSION: Overall pedicle perforation rate was 8.4%. Highest rate of critical medial perforation was at the convex MT zone and the transitional PT/MT zone, whereas highest rate of critical anterior perforation was at the concave PT zone and the transitional PT/MT zone. The rate of symptomatic perforations was 0.1%.

Long-term Outcome of Endovascular Treatment for Mycotic Aortic Aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Endovascular repair (EVAR) of mycotic aortic aneurysm (MAA) has become an alternative treatment for high risk patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term survival and outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 40 consecutive patients with MAAs undergoing EVAR and subsequent intravenous antibiotic treatment between September 2009 and April 2015. Follow-up was truncated on 30 April 2015. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess risk factors of adverse outcomes. Cumulative survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Median age at repair was 73 years (range 48-88 years) and 31 (77%) were men. Eleven (27%) patients were infected with Salmonella, 12 (30%) with non-Salmonella species, and 17 (42%) had negative cultures. Anatomical locations included the aortic arch/thoracic area in 10 (25%), the paravisceral area in seven (17%), and the infrarenal area in 23 (57%). Ten (25%) patients presented with aneurysm rupture and underwent emergency repair. Median follow-up was 25 months (range 1-69 months). Cumulative 1 and 5 year survival rates were 71% and 53%, respectively. Persistent or recurrent infection occurred in 20% (n = 8). Patients with persistent infection were treated with long-term medical therapy, but all died (75%; n = 6) within 6 months of repair. No survival difference was found between patients with or without Salmonella infections. However, there was a trend toward better survival in culture negative patients. CONCLUSION: EVAR of MAA is an acceptable alternative treatment of MAA. However, persistent infection after endovascular treatment does occur and is often fatal without surgical treatment.

Is there an optimal upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) tilt angle to prevent post-operative shoulder imbalance and neck tilt in Lenke 1 and 2 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients?

PURPOSE: To investigate whether an optimal upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) tilt angle would prevent 'lateral' shoulder imbalance or neck tilt (with 'medial' shoulder imbalance) post-operatively. METHODS: The mean follow-up for 60 AIS (Lenke 1 and Lenke 2) patients was 49.3 ± 8.4 months. Optimal UIV tilt angle was calculated from the cervical supine side bending radiographs. Lateral shoulder imbalance was graded using the clinical shoulder grading. The clinical neck tilt grading was as follows: Grade 0: no neck tilt, Grade 1: actively correctable neck tilt, Grade 2: neck tilt that cannot be corrected by active contraction and Grade 3: severe neck tilt with trapezial asymmetry >1 cm. T1 tilt, clavicle angle and cervical axis were measured. UIVDiff (difference between post-operative UIV tilt and pre-operative Optimal UIV tilt) and the reserve motion of the UIV were correlated with the outcome measures. Patients were assessed at 6 weeks and at final follow-up with a minimum follow-up duration of 24 months. RESULTS: Among patients with grade 0 neck tilt, 88.2 % of patients had the UIV tilt angle within the reserve motion range. This percentage dropped to 75.0 % in patients with grade 1 neck tilt whereas in patients with grade 2 and grade 3 neck tilt, the percentage dropped further to 22.2 and 20.0 % (p = 0.000). The occurrence of grade 2 and 3 neck tilt when UIVDiff was <5°, 5-10° and >10° was 9.5, 50.0 and 100.0 %, respectively (p = 0.005). UIVDiff and T1 tilt had a positive and strong correlation (r 2 = 0.618). However, UIVDiff had poor correlation with clavicle angle and the lateral shoulder imbalance. CONCLUSION: An optimal UIV tilt might prevent neck tilt with 'medial' shoulder imbalance due to trapezial prominence and but not 'lateral' shoulder imbalance.

Survey on examining prevalence of paternal anxiety and its risk factors in perinatal period in Hong Kong: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: There is emerging evidence of the significance of paternal mental health problems among the expectant fathers during the antenatal and postnatal period. The present study aims at determining the prevalence of paternal perinatal anxiety and identifying its risk factors among the fathers. METHODS: A total of 622 expectant fathers were recruited in Hong Kong. The expectant fathers were assessed using standardized and validated psychological instruments on three time points including early pregnancy, late pregnancy and 6 week postnatal. Independent samples t-test, one way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression were used to examine the effect of hypothesized risk factors. Hierarchical multiple regression and mixed effect model were also conducted with potential confounding factors controlled for. RESULTS: Results showed that a significant proportion of expectant fathers experienced anxiety during the perinatal period. Low self-esteem and poor social support were found to be risk factors of paternal anxiety across pregnancy to postnatal period. Work-family conflict could significantly predict paternal anxiety in the pregnancy period. CONCLUSIONS: The present study points to the need for greater research and clinical attention to paternal anxiety, given that it is a highly prevalent problem and could be detrimental to their partner's well-being and children development. The present findings contributes to the theoretical understanding of the prevalence and risk factors of paternal perinatal anxiety and have implications for the design of effective identification, prevention, and interventions of these clinical problems.

Dense monocular depth estimation for stereoscopic vision based on pyramid transformer and multi-scale feature fusion.

Stereoscopic display technology plays a significant role in industries, such as film, television and autonomous driving. The accuracy of depth estimation is crucial for achieving high-quality and realistic stereoscopic display effects. In addressing the inherent challenges of applying Transformers to depth estimation, the Stereoscopic Pyramid Transformer-Depth (SPT-Depth) is introduced. This method utilizes stepwise downsampling to acquire both shallow and deep semantic information, which are subsequently fused. The training process is divided into fine and coarse convergence stages, employing distinct training strategies and hyperparameters, resulting in a substantial reduction in both training and validation losses. In the training strategy, a shift and scale-invariant mean square error function is employed to compensate for the lack of translational invariance in the Transformers. Additionally, an edge-smoothing function is applied to reduce noise in the depth map, enhancing the model's robustness. The SPT-Depth achieves a global receptive field while effectively reducing time complexity. In comparison with the baseline method, with the New York University Depth V2 (NYU Depth V2) dataset, there is a 10% reduction in Absolute Relative Error (Abs Rel) and a 36% decrease in Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). When compared with the state-of-the-art methods, there is a 17% reduction in RMSE.

Study of coupling efficiency of molecules to surface plasmon polaritons in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS).

Studying the interaction between molecules and surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) is of great important in understanding surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). While it is known that SERS consists of excitation and emission enhancements, each of them is manifested by several sub-steps which individually also deserve attention. For example, for emission enhancement, the energy from the excited molecules is first coupled to SPPs, which then radiatively scatter to far-field. To understand these two sequential processes completely, differentiating them one by one is necessary. Here, we decouple them and determine the coupling efficiency of molecules to SPPs by using a phenomenological rate equation model. We find the coupling efficiency, defined as the ratio of the coupling rate from molecules to SPPs to the direct Raman decay rate, can be expressed as the SERS intensity ratio and the SPP absorption and radiative decay rates, which all can be determined by polarization- and angle-dependent Raman and reflectivity spectroscopy. As a demonstration, the coupling efficiencies of 6-mercaptopurine to SPPs propagating in Γ-X direction on Ag nanohole array are measured for several Raman emission wavelengths.

A pilot study on low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 in Chinese patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: There are no published data on the expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) in human aortic tissues with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), although some researchers have suggested that LRP1 may be a crucial regulator in the pathogenesis of AAA. The aim of this pilot study is to investigate LRP1 expression in aortic tissues from Chinese patients with AAA compared with normal control tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used human abdominal aortic tissues with or without AAA as a research model. Aneurysmal abdominal aortas were collected from Chinese patients with AAA (n = 12) during open surgical aneurysmal repair at our institution, and normal control non-aneurysmal abdominal aortas were collected from Chinese healthy organ donors (n = 12) during organ transplantation. Protein expression of LRP1 was analyzed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: LRP1 protein expression was significantly lower in AAA (mean LRP1AAA/LRP1(Normal Control) = 0.51 ± 0.28) than in normal control aortic tissues (mean LRP1(Normal Control)/LRP1(Normal Control) = 1 ± 0.18) in our small sample cohort (p < .001). No significant correlation was shown between LRP1 protein expression and the size of AAA (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot result suggests that a reduction in LRP1 protein expression may be associated with aneurysm progression.

Identification of differentially regulated secretome components during skeletal myogenesis.

Myogenesis is a well-characterized program of cellular differentiation that is exquisitely sensitive to the extracellular milieu. Systematic characterization of the myogenic secretome (i.e. the ensemble of secreted proteins) is, therefore, warranted for the identification of novel secretome components that regulate both the pluripotency of these progenitor mesenchymal cells, and also their commitment and passage through the differentiation program. Previously, we have successfully identified 26 secreted proteins in the mouse skeletal muscle cell line C2C12 (1). In an effort to attain a more comprehensive picture of the regulation of myogenesis by its extracellular milieu, quantitative profiling employing stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture was implemented in conjunction with two parallel high throughput online reverse phase liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry systems. In summary, 34 secreted proteins were quantified, 30 of which were shown to be differentially expressed during muscle development. Intriguingly, our analysis has revealed several novel up- and down-regulated secretome components that may have critical biological relevance for both the maintenance of pluripotency and the passage of cells through the differentiation program. In particular, the altered regulation of secretome components, including follistatin-like protein-1, osteoglycin, spondin-2, and cytokine-induced apoptosis inhibitor-1, along with constitutively expressed factors, such as fibulin-2, illustrate dynamic changes in the secretome that take place when differentiation to a specific lineage occurs.

Hand, foot and mouth disease in an immunocompetent adult due to Coxsackievirus A6.

Hand, foot and mouth disease most commonly occurs in children less than 10 years old, but can occur in immunocompetent adults. We describe a 37-year-old immunocompetent man who presented with multiple painful papules and vesicles on his palms and feet together with vesicles inside the mouth. Real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed Coxsackievirus A6 in the vesicle fluid from the feet, throat swab, and rectal swab. Since the disease is highly contagious, to contain the infection it is prudent to recognise that hand, foot and mouth disease can occur in immunocompetent adults.

Is pancreaticoduodenectomy justified in elderly patients?

BACKGROUND: Although mortality & morbidity for pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) have improved significantly over the last two decades, the concern for elderly undergoing PD remains. This study examines the outcome of the elderly patients who had pancreaticoduodenectomy in our institution. METHODS: A prospective database comprising 69 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2001 and May 2008 was analyzed. Using WHO definition, elderly patient is defined as age 65 and above in this study. Two groups of patients were compared [Group 1: Age ≤65 & Group 2: Age >65]. RESULTS: The mean age of our patients was 62 ± 11 years. There were 37 (54%) patients in Group 1 and 32 (46%) patients in Group 2. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of gender and race. However, there were more patients in the Group 2 with >2 comorbidities (p = 0.03). The median duration of operation was significantly longer in Group 2 (550 min vs 471 min, p = 0.04). Morbidity rate in Group 2 was higher (56% vs. 44%, p = 0.04). There was higher proportion of post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) in the elderly group (37.5% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.05). Majority of them are Grade A POPF according to the ISG definition. The median post-operative length-of-stay (LOS) in hospital was 9 days longer in Group 2 (p = 0.01). Mortality rate between the 2 groups of patients was comparable (0% vs. 3%, p = 0.28). CONCLUSION: Elderly patients are at increased risk of morbidity in pancreatocoduodenectomy, in particular POPF. However, morbidity and mortality rates are acceptable. It is therefore justified to offer PD to elderly patients who do not have significant cardiopulmonary comorbidities.

Correction of severe thoracolumbar spondylolisthesis (grade 4) secondary to neurofibromatosis with posterior spinal instrumented fusion alone. A case report.

A 15-year-old teenager with Type 1 Neurofibromatosis presented with grade 4 spondylolisthesis over T12/L1 junction resulting paraparesis (Frankel D). Radiograph showed a Cobb angle of 88 degrees. Computed tomography scan showed dysplastic vertebral bodies, pedicles and facet joints of T11, T12 and L1 vertebra with complete T12/L1 facets dislocation. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed presence of spinal cord compression. He underwent posterior instrumentation and posterolateral fusion (T8 to L4) using hybrid instrumentation. Extensive corticotomy of the posterior elements was followed by the use of large amount of bone graft. Post operatively, his neurology improved markedly back to normal. Radiographs showed a good correction of the deformity. He was immobilized in a thoracolumbar orthosis for six months. A solid posterior fusion was achieved at six months follow up. At 36-month follow up, he remained asymptomatic. This case report illustrates a successful treatment of a grade 4 thoracolumbar spondylolisthesis secondary to neurofibromatosis with posterior spinal fusion alone.

Using percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotripsy for intrahepatic calculus in hostile abdomen.

BACKGROUND: Hepatolithiasis is a challenging condition to treat especially in patients with previous hepatobiliary surgery. Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangioscopic Lithotripsy (PTCSL) is an attractive salvage option for the treatment of recurrent hepatolithiasis. We reviewed our experience using PTCSL in treating 4 patients with previous complex abdominal surgery. METHODS: We studied the 4 patients who underwent PTCSL from October 2007 to July 2009. We reviewed the operative procedures, workflow of performing PTCSL in our institution and the outcome of the procedure. PTCSL was performed in our institution using 3 mm cholangioscope (Dornier MedTech(®)) and Holmium laser with setting at 0.8 J, 20 Hz and 16 W. This was performed through a Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangio-catheter inserted by interventional radiologists. RESULTS: There were 4 patients with a median age of 50 (43-69) years. The median duration of the condition prior to PTCSL was 102 (60-156) months. Three patients had recurrent pyogenic cholangitis (RPC) with recurrent intrahepatic stone. They all had prior complex hepatobiliary operations. The median duration of surgery was 130 (125-180) min. There was minimal intra-operative blood loss. The first procedure was performed under local anaesthesia and sedation, however, with experience the subsequent 3 patients had the procedure performed under general anaesthesia. The median size of bile duct was 18 (15-20) mm prior to the procedure. The number of stones ranged from one to three with the largest size of stone comparable to the size of bile duct. The median follow up was 18 (10-24) months. All patients were symptom free with neither stone recurrence or cholangitis at the last follow up. CONCLUSION: PTCSL is a feasible and an effective treatment method for patients with recurrent biliary stone following complex abdominal surgery as the success rates from open surgery and endoscopic procedures are limited. Excellent results can be expected with this minimally invasive technique.

Importance of Imaging in Congenital Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis: A Case of Neck Neuroblastoma Presenting with Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis.

Congenital vocal fold paralysis (VFP) is an important cause of respiratory compromise in infants. It can either be unilateral or bilateral, while imaging is routinely performed for bilateral VFP to evaluate for potential neurological causes, and such a practice may not be routine for unilateral VFP. While many of the unilateral VFP cases are idiopathic, the cause may occasionally be more sinister in nature, such as tumors. Therefore, unless an obvious cause of unilateral VFP is present (such as cardiac surgery or birth trauma), routine imaging of the brain, neck, and mediastinum should be performed for congenital unilateral VFP. We describe a rare case of a cervical neuroblastoma presenting with unilateral VFP that was detected only on imaging, thus highlighting its value and importance.