Human exposure to microplastics via the consumption of nonalcoholic beverages in various packaging materials: The case of Hong Kong.

There is growing concern over microplastics in food and beverages, with potential implications for human health. However, little is known about microplastics in nonwater, nonalcoholic packaged beverages. This study addresses this research gap by implementing a dual-method approach that includes laboratory analysis to quantify microplastics in 50 packaged nonalcoholic beverages sold in Hong Kong, coupled with a beverage frequency questionnaire survey to provide a more accurate estimate of microplastic intake from these beverages.

Contingent valuation of dolphin watching activities in South China: The difference between local and non-local participants.

Ecotourism has seen both demand and attention increase globally and locally. Dolphin watching tours, as a type of nature-based activity, have become popular in Tai O of Hong Kong. However, little attention has been paid to the quality and pricing of the tour operators in relation to the expectations of visitors.

Human adipose stem cell and ASC-derived cardiac progenitor cellular therapy improves outcomes in a murine model of myocardial infarction.

Background: Adipose tissue is an abundant and potent source of adult stem cells for transplant therapy. In this study, we present our findings on the potential application of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) as well as induced cardiac-like progenitors (iCPs) derived from ASCs for the treatment of myocardial infarction.

Methods And Results: Human bone marrow (BM)-derived stem cells, ASCs, and iCPs generated from ASCs using three defined cardiac lineage transcription factors were assessed in an immune-compromised mouse myocardial infarction model.

A feasibility study to investigate the acceptability and potential effectiveness of a telecare service for older people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Aims: To investigate the feasibility, acceptance and potential effectiveness of delivering a telecare service on the health outcomes and hospital service utilization of community-dwelling patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Methods: Eligible participants were older people, with moderate or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and who had been admitted to hospital at least once for exacerbation during the previous year. The participants were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group.

Accelerated postnatal growth increases lipogenic gene expression and adipocyte size in low-birth weight mice.

Objective: To characterize the hormonal milieu and adipose gene expression in response to catch-up growth (CUG), a growth pattern associated with obesity and diabetes risk, in a mouse model of low birth weight (LBW).

Research Design And Methods: ICR mice were food restricted by 50% from gestational days 12.5-18.

Intergenerational transmission of glucose intolerance and obesity by in utero undernutrition in mice.

Objective: Low birth weight (LBW) is associated with increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease during adult life. Moreover, this programmed disease risk can progress to subsequent generations. We previously described a mouse model of LBW, produced by maternal caloric undernutrition (UN) during late gestation.

Postmortem intubation training: patient and family opinion.

Objective: Endotracheal intubation is a life-saving skill which requires training to master. Learning opportunities for endotracheal intubation must be balanced with patient rights and intentions. This study was conducted to explore patient and family opinions about postmortem endotracheal intubation training.

Influence of polymerization mode on flexural properties of esthetic resin luting agents.

Statement Of Problem: Dual-polymerized esthetic resin luting agents have become popular. However, it is not clear whether the autopolymerized versions of such products have adequate strength to meet clinical requirements.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different polymerization modes on the flexural properties of esthetic resin luting agents.