Predicting the risk of colorectal cancer among diabetes patients using a random survival forest-guided approach.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide. Diabetes and CRC share many overlapping lifestyle risk factors such as obesity, heavy alcohol use, and diet. This study aims to develop a risk scoring system for CRC prediction among diabetes patients using routine medical records.

Development of a risk scoring system for predicting advanced colorectal neoplasia within subcentimetric polyps: A population-based study.

Objective: To determine a risk scoring system for predicting advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN) within subcentimetric polyps in a large Asian population.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in Hong Kong SAR, China involving participants who underwent colonoscopy between 2008 and 2015. A random sample of 20 072 subjects were included as the derivation cohort to assess ACN-associated independent factors using logistic regression modeling.

Association between asthma and COVID-19 severity during Omicron epidemic: a retrospective cohort study using real-world data.

Background: The available evidence presented inconsistencies and inconclusive findings regarding the associations between co-existing asthma and mortality among COVID-19 patients. The objective of the current study is to investigate the relationship between asthma and severe outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection in an infection-naïve population.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study using propensity score matching was conducted.

Effectiveness of BNT162b2 and Sinovac vaccines against the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during Omicron-predominance in Hong Kong: A retrospective cohort study of COVID-19 cases.

Background: In 2022, SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants circulated globally, generating concerns about increased transmissibility and immune escape. Hong Kong, having an infection-naive population with a moderate 2-dose vaccine coverage (63% by the end of 2021), experienced a COVID-19 epidemic largely seeded by Omicron BA.2 variants that led to the greatest outbreak in the region to date.

Relationship between antidepressants and severity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection: a retrospective cohort study using real-world data.

Background: Few studies have used real-world data to evaluate the impact of antidepressant use on the risk of developing severe outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study using propensity-score matching to examine the relationship between antidepressant use and COVID-19 severity. Inpatient and medication records of all adult COVID-19 patients in Hong Kong during the Omicron-predominated period were obtained.

Dining-Out Behavior as a Proxy for the Superspreading Potential of SARS-CoV-2 Infections: Modeling Analysis.

Background: While many studies evaluated the reliability of digital mobility metrics as a proxy of SARS-CoV-2 transmission potential, none examined the relationship between dining-out behavior and the superspreading potential of COVID-19.

Objective: We employed the mobility proxy of dining out in eateries to examine this association in Hong Kong with COVID-19 outbreaks highly characterized by superspreading events.

Methods: We retrieved the illness onset date and contact-tracing history of all laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 from February 16, 2020, to April 30, 2021.