Article
Environmental Sciences
Naomi Geeraert, Anand Archana, Min Nina Xu, Shuh-Ji Kao, David M. Baker, Benoit Thibodeau
Summary: This study found that nitrogen distribution around Hong Kong is influenced by the Pearl River, with two distinct regimes characterized by nitrate dominance and dissolved organic nitrogen dominance. The impact of nitrate originating from the Pearl River on local hypoxia generation in Hong Kong may be less significant than previously thought, while the oxidation of locally released ammonium might play a bigger role than initially believed.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Huiru Li, Aimin Song, Hehuan Liu, Yi Li, Mingyang Liu, Guoying Sheng, Ping'an Peng, Guangguo Ying
Summary: This study investigated the presence of Dechlorane series flame retardants (DECs) in surficial sediments from the Pearl River Delta, China. The results showed that DP and Mirex were the main components, with DP concentrations positively correlated with urban activities. Additionally, anti-Cl-11-DP was found ubiquitously in the sediments, indicating it was co-emitted with anti -DP rather than a dechlorination byproduct.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Li Xing, Tzung-May Fu, Tengyu Liu, Yiming Qin, Liyuan Zhou, Chak K. Chan, Hai Guo, Dawen Yao, Keqin Duan
Summary: This study estimated organic aerosol emissions from cooking during winter in the Pearl River Delta region, China. Results showed that cooking contributes significantly to OA concentrations in urban areas, with different patterns observed between weekdays and weekends. Considering COA emissions in the model increased regional OA concentrations by 4.6% and 7.4% for different scenarios.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eun Young Park, Jinsun Kim, Eunjung Park, Jin-Kyoung Oh, Byungmi Kim, Min Kyung Lim
Summary: This study found a significant association between serum concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and certain polychlorinated biphenyls with the risk of colorectal cancer.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Irina Gyllenhammar, Marie Aune, Ulrika Friden, Tatiana Cantillana, Anders Bignert, Sanna Lignell, Anders Glynn
Summary: Body burdens of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Swedish first-time mothers were investigated through measurements in breast milk from 1996 to 2017. The trends in POPs body burdens were primarily affected by factors such as the mother's age, pre-pregnancy BMI, weight gain during pregnancy, weight loss after delivery, and education level. The levels of most organic pollutants showed a declining trend over the study period.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Weihai Xu, Lulu Zhang, Yuhang Tian, Xiaowei Zhu, Xue Han, Li Miao, Wen Yan
Summary: The study found that OCIs in riverine sediments in the Pearl River Delta exhibited relatively low concentrations, with sewage treatment plants effluent identified as a major source. The total concentrations of OCIs had a significant positive correlation with total organic carbon contents, indicating they have similar sources.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Mario Daniel Caba-Flores, Carmen Martinez-Valenzuela, Marcela Cardenas-Tueme, Alberto Camacho-Morales
Summary: Industrial activities bring advances and comforts to modern human life in every field, but also lead to negative issues such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and microplastics (MPs). These pollutants are present in every ecosystem and can disrupt all forms of life, including human consumption products. The effects of ingesting MPs and POPs during the first 1000 days of life, a crucial stage for health programming of offspring, are currently unknown. This review provides evidence on major sources of POPs and MPs, their accumulation in animal- or plant-based infant formulas and human breast milk, and their impact on newborn health outcomes, highlighting the need for identifying these pollutants in breast milk and milk substitutes.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Haolin Wang, Kai Wu, Yiming Liu, Bosi Sheng, Xiao Lu, Yuanping He, Jielan Xie, Haichao Wang, Shaojia Fan
Summary: Regional ozone pollution is influenced by a combination of anthropogenic sources and biogenic volatile organic compounds emitted from vegetation. This study found that during a heat wave in the Pearl River Delta, BVOC contributed significantly to ground-level ozone formation, with intense photochemical reactions leading to severe ozone pollution. The results suggest the importance of considering BVOC emissions in urban greening strategies to mitigate ozone pollution.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-ATMOSPHERES
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Yipei Yu, Xuyuan Quan, Huijun Wang, Bing Zhang, Yan Hou, Chang Su
Summary: Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis, this study identifies a strong relationship between persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and hyperuricemia. The analysis reveals that three perfluorinated compounds (PFNA, PFOA, and PFOS) and several other POPs are significantly associated with an increased risk of hyperuricemia. The findings highlight the critical role of POPs in the development of hyperuricemia and suggest a need for further regional studies to explore this relationship.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jialin Li, Meigen Zhang, Jinhua Tao, Xiao Han, Yongfu Xu
Summary: This study improved the estimation of reactive NMVOC emissions in the Pearl River Delta region using a combination of simulation and observation data, and found that the underestimation of emissions resulted in the differences between the simulated and observed results. The improved emission estimates also contributed to an increase in ozone concentration.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Wenjing Zhang
Summary: Known as one of the seven wonders of the modern world, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has connected Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macao, shortening the distance between the three places and facilitating economic, cultural, and technological exchanges. This paper reviews the construction process of the bridge, highlights the expected benefits of its opening to traffic, and analyzes the new situation it faces.
SECURITY AND COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marie Tysman, Jorma Toppari, Katharina M. Main, Annika Adamsson, Christine Wohlfahrt-Veje, Jean-Philippe Antignac, Bruno Le Bizec, Eliisa Loyttyniemi, Niels E. Skakkebaek, Helena E. Virtanen
Summary: Hypospadias is a congenital malformation of the penile urethra, and the etiology is mostly unknown. This study investigated the association between hypospadias and exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) through breast milk. The study included Danish and Finnish mother-son pairs, and breast milk samples were analyzed for various classes of POPs. The results did not show any significant associations between POP concentrations and hypospadias in either country. This study provides information on quantitative exposures but does not support a direct link between hypospadias and POP exposure.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Katherine M. Ratliff, Eric W. H. Hutton, A. Brad Murray
Summary: River deltas grow through sediment stacking, with avulsion dynamics primarily controlled by the superelevation ratio (SER) and geometric constraints. The preferred avulsion location and length in the model are determined by the development of concavity in floodplain slope and the slow diffusion of floodplain topography relative to river channel profile.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yik-Sze Lau, Hon-Yin Poon, Bruce Organ, Hsiao-Chi Chuang, Man-Nin Chan, Hai Guo, Steven Sai Hang Ho, Kin-Fai Ho
Summary: Exhaust emissions from gasoline vehicles contribute significantly to air pollution in urban areas, particularly through the formation of aerosol particles. This study investigates the chemical and toxicological properties of fresh and aged particulate matter samples derived from gasoline exhaust emissions. The results show that both fresh and aged samples contain high levels of organic carbon, with n-alkane and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as the dominant chemical species. Aged samples have higher amounts of oxygenated compounds and induce higher bioreactivity compared to fresh samples.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yang Chen, Yuhong Wang, Charissa Chi Yan Leung, Park Ji Hyeon, Xiaoli Ding
Summary: River restoration projects have positive impacts on water quality, biodiversity, and societal perceptions. The effects of restoration techniques and site conditions on water quality were mixed. Restored river channels generally had higher biodiversity and positively influenced visiting behaviors of respondents. Emotional quality of respondents was significantly related to biodiversity and environmental factors such as visual attractiveness and air freshness.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Karene Hoi Ting Yeung, Shi Lin Lin, Andrew Clark, Sarah M. McGhee, Cara Bess Janusz, Deborah Atherly, Kate C. Chan, E. Anthony S. Nelson
Summary: The study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of introducing rotavirus vaccination in Hong Kong and found that it could prevent hospitalizations and be cost-saving. The introduction of the vaccine had a favorable benefit-risk profile and could result in significant cost savings in the healthcare sector.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
L. L. Hui, E. A. S. Nelson, S. L. Lin, J. Zhao
Summary: This study used Mendelian randomisation analysis to assess the association of vitamin C with COVID-19 and pneumonia, finding that genetically predicted circulating levels of vitamin C were not associated with susceptibility to severe COVID-19 or pneumonia.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Family Studies
Diyang Qu, Jiasheng Huang, Nancy Xiaonan Yu, Lai Ling Hui, Chrystyna D. Kouros
Summary: Hong Kong adolescents are at a higher risk of poor psychological well-being, and a higher quality relationship between adolescents and their mothers may promote positive adjustment through improved resilience resources. The study found that both resilience resources and mother-adolescent relationship quality were positively associated with adolescent subjective well-being, highlighting the importance of external resources in enhancing resilience and well-being among adolescents.
JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Thomas D. J. de Haas, Karene Hoi Ting Yeung, Raymond Hutubessy, Ingeborg Maria van der Putten, E. Anthony S. Nelson
Summary: The study revealed that implementing routine year-round influenza vaccination schedules based on child's age or women's gestation is predicted to be cost-saving compared to the current seasonal subsidy programme. The cost of implementing routine immunisation to both risk groups would be USD 1,573,701, accounting for 0.012% of Hong Kong's annual healthcare spending.
Article
Family Studies
Chrystyna D. Kouros, Pui Ki Chow, Lai Ling Hui, Nancy Xiaonan Yu
Summary: Based on the cascading resilience model, this study examined the concordance in resilience among Chinese mother-child dyads in Hong Kong, and found that mothers' resilience was positively associated with children's resilience when mothers reported lower levels of depressive symptoms. Children's depressive symptoms did not moderate the association between mothers' and children's resilience.
JOURNAL OF FAMILY STUDIES
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Andrea Fernandez Coves, Karene Hoi Ting Yeung, Ingeborg M. van der Putten, E. Anthony S. Nelson
Summary: This study aimed to assess and compare the barriers and facilitators for the adoption of teleconsultation in primary care in Hong Kong and the Netherlands. The different healthcare funding models in the two countries were also evaluated. The findings showed that external contextual factors played an important role in the adoption of teleconsultation. Political and organizational actions are needed to develop a comprehensive legal framework for sustainable development of teleconsultation in both settings.
Article
Ethics
L. L. Hui, E. A. S. Nelson, H. B. Deng, T. Y. Leung, C. H. Ho, J. S. C. Chong, G. P. G. Fung, J. Hui, H. S. Lam
Summary: In Hong Kong, most parents support the use of residual dried blood spots (rDBS) for medical research, but also express concerns about potential risks and privacy issues. They prefer to be asked for permission before storage and do not accept an opt-out approach.
BMC MEDICAL ETHICS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Geethani C. S. Galagoda, Jennifer Perera, Rajiva de Silva, H. T. Wickramasinghe, Dhanushka Dasanayake, Lulu Bravo, Zulkifli Ismail, Daniel Y. T. Goh, E. Anthony S. Nelson
Summary: In pursuit of IPAP's vision, the 8th Asian Vaccine Conference (ASVAC 2022) was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka and virtually, focusing on the theme of Immunization: in Era of Pandemics. With over 1830 registered participants from 63 countries, the conference featured workshops, symposia, lectures, and presentations. The 9th ASVAC is scheduled to take place in Davao City, Philippines in 2023.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Lai Ling Hui, Frederick K. Ho, Charlotte Margaret Wright, Tim J. Cole, Hugh Simon Lam, Han-Bing Deng, Hung-Kwan So, Patrick Ip, E. Anthony S. Nelson
Summary: Using the WHO head circumference standards would lead to the overdiagnosis of macrocephaly and the underdiagnosis of microcephaly, except for Indians and some Asian neonates. Population-specific cut-offs or references are more appropriate for many populations. Healthcare professionals need to be educated about the limitations of the WHO head circumference standards.
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Xuelian Wang, Lai Ling Hui, Tim J. Cole, E. Anthony S. Nelson, Hugh Simon Lam
Summary: This study compared the fitness of the INTERGROWTH-21st birth weight standards (INTERGROWTH21) with a local reference (FOK2003) for ethnic Chinese babies. The results showed that INTERGROWTH21 performed less well, especially in infants born <33 weeks' gestation, compared to FOK2003 in predicting complications related to small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants. A more robust chart based on a larger sample of appropriately selected infants is needed.
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD-FETAL AND NEONATAL EDITION
(2023)
Editorial Material
Pediatrics
Lai Ling Hui, Karene H. T. Yeung, Ka Ming Chow, Liona C. Poon, Patricia L. S. Ip, E. Anthony S. Nelson
Summary: Barriers to breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong include mother-baby separations in hospitals and vaccine safety concerns. However, the pandemic has also created new opportunities to support breastfeeding, such as receiving post-natal care from family doctors, online antenatal classes, work-from-home policies, and telemedicine.
JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Toma Chun Yip Wong, Karene Hoi Ting Yeung, Venera R. Khalikova, Lai Ling Hui, Ka Ming Chow, Esther Yuet Ying Lau, E. Anthony S. Nelson
Summary: This study investigated breastfeeding-related discussions on social networking sites among Hong Kong mothers and examined the responses from other mothers. The findings suggest that social networking sites can both facilitate and hinder breastfeeding. The potential impact of infant formula promotion in open forums requires further monitoring and evaluation.
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Lai Ling Hui, Emily Liao, Karene Hoi Ting Yeung, Patricia Lai Sheung Ip, Hugh Simon Lam, Edmund Anthony S. Nelson
Article
Pediatrics
Pei Yee Woh, May Pui Shan Yeung, E. Anthony S. Nelson, William Bernard Iii Goggins
Summary: The study found that purchasing food from wet markets/restaurants/farms was a significant risk factor for non-typhoidal Salmonella infection in young children in Hong Kong. Having a household member with gastroenteritis symptoms and playing in a children's indoor playroom were identified as potential risk factors and protective factors, respectively.
BMJ PAEDIATRICS OPEN
(2021)
