Publications by authors named "M C Kwok"

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), the asymptomatic precursors to multiple myeloma, affect up to 5% of the population over the age of 40. Bone involvement, a myeloma-defining event, represents a major source of morbidity for patients. Key goals for the management of myeloma precursor conditions include (1) identifying patients at the highest risk for progression to MM with bone involvement and (2) differentiating precursor states from active myeloma requiring treatment.

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Background: Deep neck space infections (DNSI) are common, potentially life-threatening presentations in otolaryngology. Treatment is often based on the severity of presenting symptoms and surgeon preference. This study aims to evaluate the presentation and predictors of complications in patients presenting with DNSI at an Australian Otolaryngology referral centre.

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Background: Hand hygiene is a critical component of infection prevention in healthcare settings. Innovative strategies are required to enhance hand hygiene practices among patients and healthcare workers (HCWs).

Methods: This study was conducted at the Chemotherapy Day Center of Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.

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Article Synopsis
  • Lawn mower-related injuries lead to a significant number of upper extremity amputations, with an estimated 17,509 incidents occurring in the U.S. from 2014 to 2023.
  • The study found that the majority of these injuries affected men aged 50-59, with most amputations involving fingers, particularly the middle digit.
  • Despite improvements in safety measures and awareness, the frequency of these injuries has remained stable over the past decade.
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Article Synopsis
  • - The study examines the link between staff workload, measured by the NASA Task Load Index (TLX), and overcrowding levels in a pediatric emergency department, using the National Emergency Department Overcrowding Scale (NEDOCS).
  • - Staff questionnaires collected from June 2018 to January 2019 revealed a weak overall correlation (R² 0.096) between perceived workload and NEDOCS, although certain groups showed stronger correlations.
  • - The findings suggest that while NEDOCS does not strongly correlate with individual workload perceptions, it may better reflect perceived workload during crowded periods or when assessing severe overcrowding in a binary manner.
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