Investigation of electromechanical properties in ferroelectric thin films using Monte Carlo simulation

Author name used in this publication: Winnie W. Y. Chung2005-2006 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalVersion of RecordPublishe

Investigating the effect of oxygen vacancy on the dielectric and electromechanical properties in ferroelectric ceramics

Author name used in this publication: Haixia Cao2008-2009 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalVersion of RecordPublishe

Simulation of electromechanical responses of ferroelectric ceramics driven by combined alternating electrical and mechanical loadings

Author name used in this publication: Simon Ching-kin Chow2006-2007 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalVersion of RecordPublishe

Influence of Maternal Infection and Pregnancy Complications on Cord Blood Telomere Length

BACKGROUND: Exposure to suboptimal intrauterine environment might induce structural and functional changes that can affect neonatal health. Telomere length as an important indicator of cellular health has been associated with increased risk for disease development. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to examine the independent and combined effects of maternal, obstetric, and foetal factors on cord blood telomere length (TL). METHODS: Pregnant women at the gestational age of 20th to 24th week who attended the antenatal clinic of a major local hospital in Hong Kong were recruited. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire on demographics, health-related quality of life, and history of risk behaviors. Medical history including pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes was obtained from electronic medical records of both mother and neonate. Umbilical cord blood was collected at delivery for TL determination. RESULTS: A total of 753 pregnant women (average age: 32:18 ± 4:51 years) were recruited. The prevalence of maternal infection, anaemia, and hypertension during pregnancy was 30.8%, 30.0%, and 6.0%, respectively. The adjusted regression model displayed that maternal infection was negatively associated with cord blood TL (β = −0:18, p = 0:026). This association became even stronger in the presence of antenatal anaemia, hypertension, delivery complications, or neonatal jaundice (β = −0:25 to −0.45). Conclusions. This study consolidates evidence on the impact of adverse intrauterine environment at the cellular level. Maternal infection was significantly associated with shorter cord blood TL in a unique manner such that its presence may critically determine the susceptibility of telomere to other factors

The usefulness of primary care physician-led motivational interview in a substance abuse check-up clinic: a retrospective study

Objective: To assess the outcome of a structured health check-up clinic for substance abusers. Design: Retrospective study on 73 participants who attended a health check-up clinic led by primary care physicians using motivational interviewing. Participants were assessed by a self-report questionnaire, before and 3-12 months after motivational interviews. Subjects: Attendees aged 13-36 years with history of psychoactive drug abuse. Main outcome measures: One month and three months psychoactive drug abstinence rate, pattern of drug use and subjective usefulness of clinic visits. Results: 87.7% (64 out of 73) participants completed both pre- and post- interview questionnaires. The post-intervention 3-months abstinence rate was significantly higher (59.4 %) when compared to pre-intervention (9.6%; p<0.001). The total drug score and number of drugs used reduced significantly both in the past 1 month and 3 months. 93.2% found the service helpful, and 86.2% found that motivational interview could increase their confidence of abstinence. Conclusion: A structured programme consisting of substance abuse health check-up clinic with motivational interviewing by primary care physician is effective for abstinence and reduction in drug-use. 目的：對一家為藥物濫用者而設之結構化體檢診所結果進行評估。 設計：採用動機性訪談，對73名到由基層醫生主導的體檢診所就診的參加者進行回顧性研究。在動機性訪談前以及之後3-12個月，通過自我報告問卷，對參加者進行評估。 對象：有精神藥物濫用史的13-36歲就醫者。 主要測量內容：一個月和三個月精神藥物戒斷率，藥物濫用模式，到診所就醫是否有用的主觀感受。 結果：87.7%（64/73）的參加者完成了訪談前問卷和訪談後問卷。干預後三個月的戒斷率（59.4 %）明顯高於干預前（9.6%；p<0.001）。過去一個和三個月的藥物總分和用藥數量均顯著減少。93.2%的人認為提供的服務有用，86.2%的人認為動機性訪談可增加他們對戒斷的信心。 結論：由藥物濫用體檢診所和基層醫生開展動機性訪談所構成的結構化專案，能有效戒斷和減少藥物濫用

Prevalence/incidence of low back pain and associated risk factors among nursing and medical students : a systematic review and meta-analysis

202105 bchyNot applicableRGCOthersRGC: 251018/17MOthers: 1-ZE4GPublished12 month

Linking healthcare and social service databases to study the epidemiology of child maltreatment and associated health problems : Hong Kong's experience

Title on author’s file: Linking health care and social service databases to study the epidemiology of child maltreatment and associated health problems: Hong Kong’s experience202305 bcwwAccepted ManuscriptOthersCentral Policy UnitPublishe

Prevalence of child maltreatment and its association with parenting style : a population study in Hong Kong

201906 bcmaVersion of RecordPublishe