Effects of fear-avoidance beliefs on Chinese patients with neck pain.

Key Messages 1. The Chinese version of the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) has good content validity, testretest reliability, internal consistency, construct validity, responsiveness, and factor structure. Thus, fear-avoidance beliefs can be used in Chinese patients with neck pain. 2. The validated FABQ facilitates future research on the effects of fear-avoidance behaviour on patients with neck pain and hence a better service for and evaluation of patients with neck pain can be provided. It may also facilitate cross-cultural studies on this common problem between western and Chinese populations. 3. The construct of fear-avoidance beliefs can be applied to patients with neck pain. 4. The fear-avoidance beliefs are an important psychosocial measure in predicting future disability level and return to complete work capacity (immediately and 3 months after physiotherapy).published_or_final_versio

Detection of ipsilateral and contralateral activation components in unilateral fingers-tapping using spinal BOLD fMR

Ipsilateral activation component has been reported in brain fMRI studies using unilateral finger motion. However, the ipsilateral component is usually taskdependent and sparsely distributed. In this study, spinal BOLD fMRI has been performed on 4 healthy right-handed volunteers performing unilateral fingerstapping to investigate the ipsilateral and contralateral activation inside the cervical spinal cord. Our results showed that more activation were found at the spinal level C5-C6/C7. Bilateral activation was observed in all subjects both in left/right hand fingers-tapping. Spinal fMRI was sensitive to detect bilateral firing in fingers-tapping using dominant or non-dominant hands.published_or_final_versio

A comparative study of the quality of life of patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and terminal cancer

2005-2006 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalVersion of RecordPublishe

Study of myocardial fiber length distribution with diffusion tensor MRI

Diffusion tensor MRI (DTI) is a nondestructive method to map myocardial fiber organization. Many studies have been done on myocardial fiber orientation. However, cardiac contraction is also related with myocardial fiber length, but its study is limited so far. The current study aims to provide information of myocardial fiber length distribution in formalin-fixed porcine heart samples. DTI with medium diffusion resolution (15 directions) was performed. Fiber length distribution as a function of fiber helix angle was investigated in multiple short-axis slices located from base to apex of the left ventricles. Results show that longer fibers likely run circumferentially, and fibers located at middle and upper ventricle are generally longer than those near apex. The results provide supplementary structural information on myocardial fiber architecture and cardiac mechanics.published_or_final_versio

Tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 1 and immunity to hepatitis B virus

Aim: To compare the gene expression profile in a pair of HBV-infected twins. Methods: The gene expression profile was compared in a pair of H BV-infected twins. Results: The twins displayed different disease outco mes. One acquired natural immunity against HBV, whereas the other became a chronic HBV carrier. Eighty-eight and forty-six genes were found to be up- or downregulated in their PBMCs, respectively. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced protein 1 (TNF-αIP1) that expressed at a higher level in the HBV-immune twins was identified and four pairs of siblings with HBV immunity by RT-PCR. However, upon HBV core antigen stimulation, TNF-αIP1 was downregulated in PBMCs from subjects with immunity, whereas it was slightly upregulated in HBV carriers. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a K+ channel tetramerization domain in TNF-αIP1 that shares a significant homology with some human, mouse, and C elegan proteins. Conclusion: TNF-αIP1 may play a role in the innate immunity against HBV. © 2005 The WJG Press and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.published_or_final_versio

A Chinese mind-body exercise improves self-control of children with autism : a randomized controlled trial

Author name used in this publication: Mei-chun Cheungpublished_fina

Epidemiological determinants of spread of causal agent of severe acute respiratory syndrome in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND: Health authorities worldwide, especially in the Asia Pacific region, are seeking effective public-health interventions in the continuing epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). We assessed the epidemiology of SARS in Hong Kong. METHODS: We included 1425 cases reported up to April 28, 2003. An integrated database was constructed from several sources containing information on epidemiological, demographic, and clinical variables. We estimated the key epidemiological distributions: infection to onset, onset to admission, admission to death, and admission to discharge. We measured associations between the estimated case fatality rate and patients' age and the time from onset to admission. FINDINGS: After the initial phase of exponential growth, the rate of confirmed cases fell to less than 20 per day by April 28. Public-health interventions included encouragement to report to hospital rapidly after the onset of clinical symptoms, contact tracing for confirmed and suspected cases, and quarantining, monitoring, and restricting the travel of contacts. The mean incubation period of the disease is estimated to be 6.4 days (95% CI 5.2-7.7). The mean time from onset of clinical symptoms to admission to hospital varied between 3 and 5 days, with longer times earlier in the epidemic. The estimated case fatality rate was 13.2% (9.8-16.8) for patients younger than 60 years and 43.3% (35.2-52.4) for patients aged 60 years or older assuming a parametric gamma distribution. A non-parametric method yielded estimates of 6.8% (4.0-9.6) and 55.0% (45.3-64.7), respectively. Case clusters have played an important part in the course of the epidemic. INTERPRETATION: Patients' age was strongly associated with outcome. The time between onset of symptoms and admission to hospital did not alter outcome, but shorter intervals will be important to the wider population by restricting the infectious period before patients are placed in quarantine

Transmission dynamics of the etiological agent of SARS in Hong Kong: impact of public health interventions.

We present an analysis of the first 10 weeks of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic in Hong Kong. The epidemic to date has been characterized by two large clusters-initiated by two separate "super-spread" events (SSEs)-and by ongoing community transmission. By fitting a stochastic model to data on 1512 cases, including these clusters, we show that the etiological agent of SARS is moderately transmissible. Excluding SSEs, we estimate that 2.7 secondary infections were generated per case on average at the start of the epidemic, with a substantial contribution from hospital transmission. Transmission rates fell during the epidemic, primarily as a result of reductions in population contact rates and improved hospital infection control, but also because of more rapid hospital attendance by symptomatic individuals. As a result, the epidemic is now in decline, although continued vigilance is necessary for this to be maintained. Restrictions on longer range population movement are shown to be a potentially useful additional control measure in some contexts. We estimate that most currently infected persons are now hospitalized, which highlights the importance of control of nosocomial transmission

Identification of Novel Rosavirus Species That Infects Diverse Rodent Species and Causes Multisystemic Dissemination in Mouse Model

published_or_final_versio

Sustainable Ground Transportation and the E-Commerce Revolution: Innovations and Challenges at the Intersection

This review paper offers a comprehensive exploration of the symbiotic relationship between sustainable ground transportation and the dynamic realm of e-commerce. It delves into the critical intersection of environmental sustainability, technological innovation, and the evolving landscape of online commerce. This review synthesises cutting-edge technologies and strategies aimed at reducing energy requirements and environmental impacts in ground transportation. It explores advancements in lightweight materials, aerodynamics, and alternative fuels, emphasising their potential to mitigate the environmental footprint of vehicles. Additionally, the transition towards zero-emission vehicles, including battery-operated and fuel-cell vehicles, is analysed, taking into account both short-term and long-term outlooks. Simultaneously, the paper delves into the evolving landscape of e-commerce, which has become an integral part of modern consumer behaviour. It investigates the influence of e-commerce on ground transportation practices, emphasising the importance of efficient logistics, last-mile delivery, and sustainability in meeting the demands of the digital commerce era. By providing a holistic view of the challenges and opportunities at the nexus of sustainable ground transportation and e-commerce, this review paper offers valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders striving to shape a more sustainable and responsive future for ground transportation in the digital age