Article
Clinical Neurology
Hee-Kyung Joh, Hyuktae Kwon, Ki Young Son, Jae Moon Yun, Su Hwan Cho, Kyungdo Han, Jin-Ho Park, Belong Cho
Summary: This study examines the association between the allergic triad (asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis) and the risk of dementia. The results indicate that allergic diseases are positively associated with dementia risk, and the severity of allergic diseases has a dose-effect relationship with dementia risk.
ANNALS OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Merlijn van Breugel, Cancan Qi, Zhongli Xu, Casper-Emil T. Pedersen, Ilya Petoukhov, Judith M. Vonk, Ulrike Gehring, Marijn Berg, Marnix Buegel, Orestes A. Carpaij, Erick Forno, Andreanne Morin, Anders U. Eliasen, Yale Jiang, Maarten Van den Berge, Martijn C. Nawijn, Yang Li, Wei Chen, Louis J. Bont, Klaus Bonnelykke, Juan C. Celedon, Gerard H. Koppelman, Cheng-Jian Xu
Summary: The study demonstrates that nasal DNA methylation is the most accurate predictor for diagnosing childhood allergic diseases, identifying multimorbidity and IgE sensitization, with findings replicated in children of different ages and ethnicities.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Allergy
Yongjin Zhong, Yuheng Zhang, Yan Wang, Ruijie Huang
Summary: This study found that maternal antibiotic use during pregnancy may increase the risk of childhood asthma/wheeze and eczema/atopic dermatitis, but not food allergy. Further studies with larger sample size and robust multivariable adjustment are needed to confirm these findings. The appropriate use of antibiotics during pregnancy is crucial, and healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing antibiotics to pregnant women.
PEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tsung-Lin Tsai, Wei-Te Lei, Chin-Chi Kuo, Hai-Lun Sun, Pen-Hua Su, Shu-Li Wang
Summary: The study found that prenatal and childhood exposure to inorganic arsenic was significantly associated with the occurrence of asthma and allergic rhinitis in children. Further large cohort follow-up studies are important to validate the association between inorganic arsenic exposure and allergic diseases in children.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Allergy
Giancarlo Pesce, Lucile Sese, Lucia Calciano, Benoit Travert, Boris Dessimond, Cara Nichole Maesano, Giuliana Ferrante, Guy Huel, Julie Prud'homme, Martine Guinot, Munawar Hussain Soomro, Ramen Munir Baloch, Raphael Lhote, Isabella Annesi-Maesano
Summary: The study suggests that fetal exposure to heavy metals, especially cadmium and manganese, may increase the risk of asthma, eczema, and food allergy in children. These associations were similar in both males and females, and the timing of exposure in utero may play a role in these effects.
PEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Allergy
Sigurveig T. Sigurdardottir, Kristjan Jonasson, Michael Clausen, Kristin Lilja Bjornsdottir, Sigridur Erla Sigurdardottir, Graham Roberts, Kate Grimshaw, Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos, Paraskevi Xepapadaki, Ana Fiandor, Santiago Quirce, Aline B. Sprikkelman, Lies Hulshof, Marek L. Kowalski, Marcin Kurowski, Ruta Dubakiene, Odilija Rudzeviciene, Johanna Bellach, Songul Yurek, Andreas Reich, Sina Maria Erhard, Philip Couch, Montserrat Fernandez Rivas, Ronald van Ree, Clare Mills, Linus Grabenhenrich, Kirsten Beyer, Thomas Keil
Summary: Allergic multimorbidity should be considered an important chronic childhood disease in Europe. Some early-life factors associated with it are modifiable and could be considered for prevention strategies.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Qiu Chunlan, Feng Wei, An Xizhou, Liu Fangchao, Liang Fengchao, Tang Xian, Zhang Ping, Liang Xiaohua
Summary: High PM2.5 exposure, high air temperature, and low air humidity were associated with a high risk of AR in adolescents. Passive smoking was marginally associated with a high risk of AR.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Allergy
Yi-Wen Wang, Kuo-Wei Yeh, Jing-Long Huang, Kuan-Wen Su, Ming-Han Tsai, Man-Chin Hua, Sui-Ling Liao, Shen-Hao Lai, Chih-Yung Chiu
Summary: This study found that family smoking exposure is closely associated with food allergies in infancy and the production of IgE in later childhood. This could potentially increase the susceptibility of developing infantile eczema and subsequent childhood airway allergies.
WORLD ALLERGY ORGANIZATION JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
M. Richards, J. Ferber, E. Swor, T. Frescholtz, D-K Li, La Darrow
Summary: In a retrospective cohort study, researchers found a significant increase in the use of intrapartum antibiotics among women over a 20-year period, while the incidence of asthma and allergic rhinitis remained relatively stable. Adjusted models showed that the association between intrapartum antibiotics and asthma/allergic rhinitis risk was largely inconclusive, with only slightly elevated risk ratios observed.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kong Yen Liew, Nurain Irdayani Kamise, Hui Ming Ong, Poi Yi Aw Yong, Fahmida Islam, Ji Wei Tan, Chau Ling Tham
Summary: Allergic diseases are a global health burden, and the current available medications have side effects, poor perceived effectiveness, and high cost. Propolis, a natural herbal medicine with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties, has the potential to be a prophylactic or therapeutic option for allergic diseases. Preclinical studies have shown that propolis extracts have therapeutic effects on allergic inflammation, asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy by inhibiting mast cell and basophil activation. Clinically, propolis consumption as a supplement or adjunct therapy is safe and attenuates pathological conditions in asthma. Flavonoids and cinnamic acid derivatives in propolis contribute to its anti-allergic activities, but their presence varies in different propolis samples. Future studies should focus on the relationship between propolis's anti-allergic activity and its chemical contents.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Angel M. Dzhambov, Peter Lercher, Johannes Rudisser, Matthew H. E. M. Browning, Iana Markevych
Summary: The study investigated the association between residential and school environment characteristics and allergic symptoms in schoolchildren, finding that lower naturalness around residences was associated with increased prevalence of allergic rhinitis, while residential greenness and having a domestic garden may help reduce asthma symptoms.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Teresa To, Emilie Terebessy, Jingqin Zhu, Kimball Zhang, Pascale S. J. Lakey, Manabu Shiraiwa, Marianne Hatzopoulou, Laura Minet, Scott Weichenthal, Sharon Dell, Dave Stieb
Summary: This study investigated the impact of early life exposure to reactive oxygen species (ROS) on common respiratory and allergic diseases in children. The results showed that ROS exposure was significantly associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma, but not allergic rhinitis and eczema.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Maryam Ali Al-Nesf, Dorra Gharbi, Hassan M. Mobayed, Ramzy Mohammed Ali, Blessing Reena Dason, Mehdi Adeli, Amjad Tuffaha, Hisham A. Sattar, Maria del Mar Trigo
Summary: Limited studies have investigated the correlation between allergic symptoms and outdoor biological particle exposure among schoolchildren globally. This study conducted in Qatar aims to explore the relationship between the seasonal patterns of allergic diseases in middle schoolchildren and the annual variation of airborne pollen and fungal spores. The findings suggest a strong link between allergic rhinitis symptoms and higher incidence of airborne fungal spores in November. Moreover, asthma prevalence was significantly higher among Qatari middle schoolchildren compared to non-Qatari students.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fengyu Ruan, Jingjing Zhang, Juan Liu, Xiaojie Sun, Yuanyuan Li, Shunqing Xu, Wei Xia
Summary: This study aimed to explore the effects of prenatal exposure to a mixture of metals on early childhood allergic diseases. The results showed a significant association between prenatal arsenic exposure and allergic rhinitis, as well as an increased risk of allergic rhinitis with higher levels of combined metal exposure, with arsenic and thallium being the major contributors to the risk.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Camilla Stefani, Luca Pecoraro, Carl-Erik Flodmark, Marco Zaffanello, Giorgio Piacentini, Angelo Pietrobelli
Summary: Several epidemiological studies have found childhood obesity to be a risk factor for asthma, while the association with allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and chronic urticaria is more conflicting. This article suggests a relationship between childhood obesity and allergic diseases, as obesity can contribute to the development of asthma through mechanical and inflammatory effects. Excess adiposity also leads to systemic inflammation, increasing the risk of asthma exacerbations. Allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergies, and chronic urticaria are also associated with chronic low-grade systemic inflammation seen in obese children. Further research is needed to confirm the role of fat tissue in the development of allergic diseases and explore potential therapeutic strategies.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jaime S. Rosa Duque, Xiwei Wang, Daniel Leung, Samuel M. S. Cheng, Carolyn A. Cohen, Xiaofeng Mu, Asmaa Hachim, Yanmei Zhang, Sau Man Chan, Sara Chaothai, Kelvin K. H. Kwan, Karl C. K. Chan, John K. C. Li, Leo L. H. Luk, Leo C. H. Tsang, Wilfred H. S. Wong, Cheuk Hei Cheang, Timothy K. Hung, Jennifer H. Y. Lam, Gilbert T. Chua, Winnie W. Y. Tso, Patrick Ip, Masashi Mori, Niloufar Kavian, Wing Hang Leung, Sophie Valkenburg, Malik Peiris, Wenwei Tu, Yu Lung Lau
Summary: This study compares the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of two widely available SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, BNT162b2 (an mRNA vaccine) and CoronaVac (a whole-virus inactivated vaccine), in healthy adolescents. The results show that the antibody and T cell immune responses in adolescents receiving two doses of either BNT162b2 or CoronaVac are similar to those seen in adults receiving two doses of the same vaccine. However, the immune response to a single dose of BNT162b2 in adolescents is not as robust. Additionally, CoronaVac induces a higher proportion of adolescents to have positive antibody responses compared to adults. Adverse reactions are generally mild for both vaccines, with BNT162b2 having slightly more frequent adverse reactions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wilfred Hing-sang Wong, Hung-kwan So, Jaime S. Rosa Duque, Winnie Wan-yee Tso, Patrick Chun-yin Chong, Mike Yat-wah Kwan, Yu-lung Lau
Summary: Parental vaccine hesitancy is a barrier to high vaccination uptake among children, but can be reduced through focused educational seminars. Creating a forum for open communication between parents and medical experts can help address vaccination concerns and other health emergencies.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rosa S. Wong, Keith T. S. Tung, Nirmala Rao, Ko Ling Chan, King-Wa Fu, Jason C. Yam, Winnie W. Y. Tso, Wilfred H. S. Wong, Terry Y. S. Lum, Ian C. K. Wong, Patrick Ip
Summary: Rising income inequality is closely linked to health disparities, especially in impoverished regions. This study investigated patterns of family hardship among preschoolers in disadvantaged neighborhoods of Hong Kong and compared their parenting behavior, lifestyle practices, and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings revealed associations between family hardship and child maltreatment, highlighting the importance of flexible intervention strategies during large disease outbreaks.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Rosa S. Wong, Keith T. S. Tung, Frederick K. W. Ho, Tatia M. C. Lee, Ko Ling Chan, John Bacon-Shone, David Coghill, Kenneth K. C. Man, Pak C. Sham, Wilfred H. S. Wong, Winnie W. Y. Tso, Gilbert T. Chua, Ian C. K. Wong, Patrick Ip
Summary: This study found a significant association between childhood maltreatment exposure and subsequent diagnoses of conduct disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and personality disorders. The risk of psychiatric disorders following childhood maltreatment was not affected by history of sexual abuse, age at exposure, or gender. Individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment are vulnerable to psychiatric disorders, highlighting the need for integrated care to address their long-term medical and psychosocial needs.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Winnie W. Y. Tso, Mike Y. W. Kwan, Yu Liang Wang, Lok Kan Leung, Daniel Leung, Gilbert T. Chua, Patrick Ip, Daniel Y. T. Fong, Wilfred H. S. Wong, Sophelia H. S. Chan, Jasper F. W Chan, Malik Peiris, Yu Lung Lau, Jaime S. Rosa Duque
Summary: This study investigated the severity and clinical outcomes of Omicron BA.2 infection in uninfected, unvaccinated hospitalized children and compared it with influenza and parainfluenza viral infections. The findings showed that Omicron BA.2 was associated with higher risk of neurological complications and targeted the upper airways more than influenza virus.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Yuliang Wang, Anthony Pak Yin Liu, Tatia Mei-Chun Lee, Wilfred Hing Sang Wong, Daniel Yee Tak Fong, Lok Kan Leung, Matthew Ming Kong Shing, Dennis Tak-Loi Ku, Godfrey Chi-Fung Chan, Winnie Wan-Yee Tso
Summary: This meta-analysis found that pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) are at higher risk of attention problems, emotional difficulties, and psychosocial problems compared to the healthy population. Future research should focus on potential interventions for PBTS at risk of neurobehavioral impairment to improve long-term psychological outcomes.
Article
Economics
Sophelia H. S. Chan, Carlos K. H. Wong, Tingting Wu, Wilfred Wong, Michael K. L. Yu, Ivan C. H. Au, Godfrey C. F. Chan
Summary: The study aimed to quantify mortality rate, direct healthcare costs, and cumulative life costs of pediatric patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in Hong Kong. Results showed significantly raised mortality and high healthcare burden for SMA patients, especially those with type 1 and 2 SMA without disease-modifying treatment.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Michael Kwan Leung Yu, Sophelia Hoi Shan Chan, Samuel Cheng, Daniel Leung, Sau Man Chan, Amy Suen Ka Yan, Wilfred Hing Sang Wong, Malik Peiris, Yu Lung Lau, Jaime S. Rosa Duque
Summary: Hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccination is common for patients with neuromuscular diseases due to the lack of safety and efficacy data in this high-risk population. This study examined the factors associated with vaccine hesitancy and evaluated the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of BNT162b2 and CoronaVac vaccines in patients with neuromuscular diseases. The results showed that both vaccines were safe and effective for these patients.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Michael Kwan Leung Yu, Alice Yuen Yee Chiu, Shuk Kuen Chau, Jaime S. Rosa Duque, Wilfred Hing Sang Wong, Sophelia Hoi Shan Chan
Summary: This study examined the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of an integrated, personalized, respiratory and motor telerehabilitation program for pediatric patients with hereditary neuromuscular disorders. The results showed that the telerehabilitation program was feasible, safe, and possibly effective for stable pediatric patients with hereditary NMDs.
Article
Rheumatology
Desmond Yat-hin Yap, Eugene Yu-hin Chan, Wilfred Hing-sang Wong, Sze-wa Wong, Kyle Ying-kit Lin, Felix Yan-wai Hui, Jennifer Yee-ming Li, Sophia Suet-ying Lam, Jennie Kit-yee Wong, Fiona Fung-yee Lai, Tsz-wai Ho, Pak-chiu Tong, Wai-ming Lai, Tak Mao Chan, Alison Lap-tak Ma
Summary: There is a high incidence of renal relapse in childhood-onset LN, especially among young patients. Renal relapse is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Achieving complete remission and using MMF may reduce the incidence of renal relapse.
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Zhihan Jiang, Lin Lin, Xinchen Zhang, Jianduo Luan, Running Zhao, Longbiao Chen, James Lam, Ka-Man Yip, Hung-Kwan So, Wilfred H. S. Wong, Patrick Ip, Edith C. H. Ngai
Summary: Many countries have implemented school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting children's physical and mental health. Recognizing the changes in children's health, especially in psychosocial functioning, is challenging for parents without visible symptoms. Limited healthcare resources and understanding of the pandemic's impact further complicate the situation. To address this, we collected real-world datasets from 1,172 children in Hong Kong during different pandemic and school closure conditions. Through exploratory data analysis, we examined the impact of school closures on six health indicators and studied their correlation with contextual characteristics. With the development of a health inference system, parents and authorities can better understand the factors associated with children's health during school closures.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACM ON INTERACTIVE MOBILE WEARABLE AND UBIQUITOUS TECHNOLOGIES-IMWUT
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Daniel Leung, Jaime S. Rosa S. Duque, Ka Man Yip, Hung Kwan So, Wilfred H. S. Wong, Yu Lung Lau
Summary: Leung, Rosa Duque et al. assessed the effectiveness of the BNT162b2 and CoronaVac vaccines against the BA.2 variant in children and adolescents in Hong Kong. They found that after two doses, the vaccines provided moderate protection against infection.
COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Carol C. H. Kwok, W. H. Wong, Landon L. Chan, Sabrina P. Y. Wong, F. Wang, Martin C. S. Wong, Shelly L. A. Tse
Summary: This study examines the effects of primary G-CSF prophylaxis on neutropenic toxicity, chemotherapy delivery, and hospitalisation among Chinese breast cancer patients in Hong Kong. The results show that primary G-CSF prophylaxis significantly reduces the incidence of febrile neutropenia and grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, while also reducing hospital admissions and enabling more patients to receive adequate chemotherapy dose delivery.
HONG KONG MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Zhihan Jiang, Ka-Man Yip, Xinchen Zhang, Jing Deng, Wilfred Wong, Hung-Kwan So, Edith C. H. Ngai
Summary: This study investigates the association between population features and COVID-19 transmission risk in Hong Kong and builds machine learning models to predict the number of cases. The results identify people in accommodation and food services, low income, and high population density as important indicators for high-risk populations for COVID-19 transmission.
Article
Pediatrics
H. Y. Lam, S. W. C. Wong, J. Y. L. Tung, W. H. S. Wong, P. T. Cheung, A. C. C. Fu, G. S. W. Pang, S. W. Y. To, L. M. Wong, W. Y. Wong, S. Y. Chan, H. C. Yau, S. W. Y. Poon, W. S. See, B. W. M. But, S. M. Y. Wong, P. W. C. Lo, K. L. Ng, K. T. Chan, Y. Y. Lam, H. W. Yuen, J. Y. K. Chung, C. Y. Lee, M. K. Tay, E. Y. W. Kwan
Summary: The study revealed that the overall usage of CGMS among paediatric patients with type I diabetes in Hong Kong was relatively low at 10.6%, but those who were regular users showed better blood sugar control which was associated with younger age, use of insulin pump, and higher socioeconomic position.
HONG KONG JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS
(2022)
