Functional constituency members in Hong Kong's Legislative Council : a study of governance, legitimacy and accountability in action / y Cheung Hin Kei, Hankie, Ho Sing Yan, Simon, Li Man Pong, Charles, Tse Tsz Ying, Amy, Wong Man Ting, Mandy

published_or_final_versionPolitics and Public AdministrationMasterMaster of Public Administratio

Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Concentrations in Breast Milk from Chinese Mothers: Comparison with Other Regions

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), especially linoleic acid (LA), arachidonic acid (AA), alpha- linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential to infant growth and development during early life. Up till now, there is only limited number of studies with large sample size on LC-PUFA in breast milk in China. In order to better understand the LC-PUFA levels in Chinese women, we report an analysis that included 44 studies of 3815 subjects from the latest 10-year peer-reviewed papers of breast milk studies of fatty acid profiles from China and other regions: Asia (excluding China), Europe, America and Africa. The results showed that Chinese women had significantly higher LA and ALA levels in the breast milk than European and other Asian women. The DHA level in the breast milk of Chinese women meets the Chinese and international recommended intake for young infants. This review provides comprehensive investigation on the LC-PUFA levels in the mature milk of Chinese women in most recent publications and server as a reference for further studies on human milk in China

Effects of eccentricity on seismic behavior of non-seismically designed reinforced concrete beam-column joint

The staggering numbers of eccentric reinforced concrete beam-column joints without seismic design details were used in existing RC frame building due to geometrical constraints, which implied high susceptibility of the building structures to anticipated seismic risk. Three exterior RC beam-column joints were fabricated and tested, which were applied reversed cyclic loads to simulate seismic action. In this study, the effects of stirrup ratio in joints and the eccentricity which is defined as the distance between the axis of the beam and column on seismic performance are investigated. The test results provide a further understanding of the failure mode and shear strength of exterior beam-column joints. It is shown that the eccentricity will significantly reduce the seismic performance and shear strength of the joints, which will cause the brittle failure of frame buildings, while the stirrups in the joint core can improve the seismic performance. To verify the availability of current codes in predicting the shear strength of eccentric beam-column joints with non-seismic detailed, the experimental results are compared with the predicted shear force of two nonseismic codes (HK code and Eurocode 2) and three seismic codes (Eurocode 8, NZS 3101 and ACI 318-14). The comparison results indicate that the existing non-seismic and seismic design codes of practice do not predict the shear strength of the exterior non-seismically designed joints precisely

Genome sequence and genetic linkage analysis of Shiitake mushroom _Lentinula edodes_

_Lentinula edodes_ (Shiitake/Xianggu) is an important cultivated mushroom. Understanding the genomics and functional genomics of _L. edodes_ allows us to improve its cultivation and quality. Genome sequence is a key to develop molecular genetic markers for breeding and genetic manipulation. We sequenced the genome of _L. edodes_ monokaryon L54A using Roche 454 and ABI SOLiD genome sequencing. Sequencing reads of about 1400Mb were de novo assembled into a 40.2 Mb genome sequence. We compiled the genome sequence into a searchable database with which we have been annotating the genes and analyzing the metabolic pathways. In addition, we have been using many molecular techniques to analyze genes differentially expressed during development. Gene ortholog groups of _L. edodes_ genome sequence compared across genomes of several fungi including mushrooms identified gene families unique to mushroom-forming fungi. We used a mapping population of haploid basidiospores of dikaryon L54 for genetic linkage analysis. High-quality variations such as single nucleotide polymorphisms, insertions, and deletions of the mapping population formed a high-density genetic linkage map. We compared the linkage map to the _L. edodes_ L54A genome sequence and located selected quantitative trait loci. The Shiitake community will benefit from these resources for genetic studies and breeding.
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Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue following ablation surgery

AbstractBackground/purposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SSC) of the tongue after primary surgical resection and to correlate the presence of OSA with the occurrence of obstructive apnea in this patient population.Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective study of 26 Taiwanese patients, 24 males and two females, aged 37–71 years, after surgical resection of SSC of the tongue. Patients who had a follow-up after treatment of 6 months to 11 years were eligible for inclusion. During the post-treatment period, the occurrence of OSA was determined in these patients. Overnight polysomnography (PSG) was used to determine the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI). Patients were considered to have OSA if the AHI value was >5.ResultsPatients with an AHI value of <5 showed a mean body mass index (BMI) of 22.8 kg/m2, while those with an AHI value of >5 showed a mean BMI of 28.3 kg/m2. The BMI distribution between patients with AHI value of <5 and those with AHI values of >5 was statistically significant (P = 0.018). Using the definition of clinically significant sleep apnea as AHI > 5, 14 of 26 patients (53.85%) had clinical OSA. The OSA and non-OSA groups showed no statistical significance in terms of age, tumor size, tongue ablation, neck dissection [method?], or wound reconstruction methods.ConclusionIncidence of OSA in the patient population with SSC of the tongue was found to be significantly higher than that in the general population. The limitations of this study were the relatively small patient sample size and no presurgical PSG record being obtained from the patients to compare the sleep quality before and after cancer therapy

An assessment of risk of iodine deficiency among pregnant women in Sarawak, Malaysia

Previous findings from a state-wide Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) study among pregnant women (PW) in Sarawak indicated that PW are at risk of IDD and further assessment is needed. This paper describes the methodology used in conducting this study for an assessment of risk of iodine deficiency among pregnant women in Sarawak, Malaysia. A total of 30 maternal child health care clinics (MCHCs) were selected using probability proportional to population size (PPS) sampling technique.  The PW sample size was calculated based on 95% confidence interval (CI), relative precision of 5%, design effect of 2, anticipated IDD prevalence of  65.0% and non-response rate of 20%. Thus, the total sample size required was 750 (25 respondents per selected MCHC). The WHO Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) surveys approach was used to randomly select the first respondent and subsequent respondents were chosen until the required number of PW was met. The required data were obtained through: face-to-face interviews (socio-demographic and food frequency questionnaire), clinical assessments (thyroid size, and hyper/hypothyroidism) and biochemical analysis (urine and blood serum). A total of 677 PW responded in the study with a response rate of 90.2%. Majority of the PW were at second gravida, aged 25-29 years old and of Malay ethnicity. The methodology used in this study was based on international guidelines which may provide state’s estimates. All the necessary steps were taken into consideration to ensure valid and reliable findings on current iodine status among PW

An Assessment of Risk of Iodine Deficiency Among Pregnant Women in Sarawak, Malaysia

Previous findings from a state-wide Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) study among pregnant women (PW) in Sarawak indicated that PW are at risk of IDD and further assessment is needed. This paper describes the methodology used in conducting this study for an assessment of risk of iodine deficiency among pregnant women in Sarawak, Malaysia. A total of 30 maternal child health care clinics (MCHCs) were selected using probability proportional to population size (PPS) sampling technique. The PW sample size was calculated based on 95% confidence interval (CI), relative precision of 5%, design effect of 2, anticipated IDD prevalence of 65.0% and non-response rate of 20%. Thus, the total sample size required was 750 (25 respondents per selected MCHC). The WHO Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) surveys approach was used to randomly select the first respondent and subsequent respondents were chosen until the required number of PW was met. The required data were obtained through: face-to-face interviews (socio-demographic and food frequency questionnaire), clinical assessments (thyroid size, and hyper/hypothyroidism) and biochemical analysis (urine and blood serum). A total of 677 PW responded in the study with a response rate of 90.2%. Majority of the PW were at second gravida, aged 25-29 years old and of Malay ethnicity. The methodology used in this study was based on International guidelines which may provide state's estimates. All the necessary steps were taken into consideration to ensure valid and reliable findings on current iodine status among PW

Incident heart failure and myocardial infarction in sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 vs. dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor users

Aims This study aimed to compare the rates of major cardiovascular adverse events in sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2I) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4I) users in a Chinese population. SGLT2I and DPP4I are increasingly prescribed for type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. However, few population-based studies are comparing their effects on incident heart failure or myocardial infarction. Methods and results This was a population-based retrospective cohort study using the electronic health record database in Hong Kong, including type 2 diabetes mellitus patients receiving either SGLT2I or DPP4I from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2020. Propensity score matching was performed in a 1:1 ratio based on demographics, past comorbidities, and non-SGLT2I/DPP4I medications with nearest neighbour matching (caliper = 0.1). Univariable and multivariable Cox models were used to identify significant predictors for new-onset heart failure, new-onset myocardial infarction, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. Sensitivity analyses with competing risk models and multiple propensity score matching approaches were conducted. A total of 41 994 patients (58.89% males, median admission age at 58 years old, interquartile range [IQR]: 51.2–65.3) were included with a median follow-up of 5.6 years (IQR: 5.32–5.82). In the matched cohort, SGLT2I use was significantly associated with lower risks of new-onset heart failure (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.66, 0.81], P < 0.0001), myocardial infarction (HR: 0.81, 95% CI: [0.73, 0.90], P < 0.0001), cardiovascular mortality (HR: 0.67, 95% CI: [0.53, 0.84], P < 0.001), and all-cause mortality (HR: 0.26, 95% CI: [0.24, 0.29], P < 0.0001) after adjusting for significant demographics, past comorbidities, and non-SGLT2I/DPP4I medications. Conclusions SGLT2 inhibitors are protective against adverse cardiovascular events including new-onset heart failure, myocardial infarction, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. The prescription of SGLT2I is preferred when taken into consideration individual cardiovascular and metabolic risk profiles in addition to drug–drug interactions

Service learning and school community partnership

Background Service learning offered university students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in social care context while strengthening community health. This paper aimed at highlighting the essential features of the program in achieving sustainable outcomes. Project design and methods Students from different faculty, worked as a team to address the health issues of a less resourceful school. The students were required to plan and develop the related resources and products for matching the learning needs. Through the implementation, students shifted from following an instructive guide to acting on a more self-directed learning process at different stages of service. The health promotion programs could include nutritious breakfast, adequate exercises, healthy beverages and interpersonal communication. Efficacy of the service learning was assessed by the pre and post service survey on the attainment of generic skills of interpersonal effectiveness, problem solving, social responsibility and teamwork. Impact of the service was evaluated by the pre and post program testing. Individual learning experience was collected by the reflective journal writing. Significance and implication School community plays a major role in providing a healthy learning environment for children and adolescents. With the input of subject knowledge and field practice, faculty students attained improvement in generic skills. The school participants increased health knowledge and the importance of healthier lifestyle was reinforced. Both parties owned the program materials for the continuity of practice. The partnership creates initiatives of applying health-promoting school concepts. This project work also built up the ground work for a feasible framework of school health service and practice

25-Hydroxycholesterol amplifies microglial IL-1β production in an apoE isoform-dependent manner

BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies of Alzheimer\u27s disease (AD) have implicated pathways related to lipid homeostasis and innate immunity in AD pathophysiology. However, the exact cellular and chemical mediators of neuroinflammation in AD remain poorly understood. The oxysterol 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-HC) is an important immunomodulator produced by peripheral macrophages with wide-ranging effects on cell signaling and innate immunity. Cholesterol 25-hydroxylase (CH25H), the enzyme responsible for 25-HC production, has also been found to be one of the disease-associated microglial (DAM) genes that are upregulated in the brain of AD and AD transgenic mouse models. METHODS: We used real-time PCR and immunoblotting to examine CH25H expression in human AD brain tissue and in transgenic mouse brain tissue-bearing amyloid-β plaques or tau pathology. The innate immune response of primary mouse microglia under different treatment conditions or bearing different genetic backgrounds was analyzed using ELISA, western blotting, or immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: We found that CH25H expression is upregulated in human AD brain tissue and in transgenic mouse brain tissue-bearing amyloid-β plaques or tau pathology. Treatment with the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS) markedly upregulates CH25H expression in the mouse brain and stimulates CH25H expression and 25-HC secretion in mouse primary microglia. We found that LPS-induced microglial production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β is markedly potentiated by 25-HC and attenuated by the deletion of CH25H. Microglia expressing apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4), a genetic risk factor for AD, produce greater amounts of 25-HC than apoE3-expressing microglia following treatment with LPS. Remarkably, 25-HC treatment results in a greater level of IL-1β secretion in LPS-activated apoE4-expressing microglia than in apoE2- or apoE3-expressing microglia. Blocking potassium efflux or inhibiting caspase-1 prevents 25-HC-potentiated IL-1β release in apoE4-expressing microglia, indicating the involvement of caspase-1 inflammasome activity. CONCLUSION: 25-HC may function as a microglial-secreted inflammatory mediator in the brain, promoting IL-1β-mediated neuroinflammation in an apoE isoform-dependent manner (E4\u3e\u3eE2/E3) and thus may be an important mediator of neuroinflammation in AD