Publications by authors named "Nam-Hung Chia"

Background And Aims: HCC recurrence frequently occurs after curative surgery. Histological microvascular invasion (MVI) predicts recurrence but cannot provide preoperative prognostication, whereas clinical prediction scores have variable performances.

Approach And Results: Recurr-NET, a multimodal multiphasic residual-network random survival forest deep-learning model incorporating preoperative CT and clinical parameters, was developed to predict HCC recurrence.

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Background & Aims: Combined F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and C-acetate (dual-tracer) positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is being increasingly performed for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), although its role is not well defined. Therefore, we evaluated its effectiveness in (i) staging, (ii) characterization of indeterminate lesions on conventional imaging, and (iii) detection of HCC in patients with unexplained elevations in serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels.

Methods: We retrospectively assessed 525 consecutive patients from three tertiary centers between 2014 and 2020.

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The tumor microenvironment of cancers has emerged as a crucial component in regulating cancer stemness and plays a pivotal role in cell-cell communication. However, the specific mechanisms underlying these phenomena remain poorly understood. We performed the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on nine HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

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Background: Hepatectomy is an established treatment for colorectal liver metastasis (CLM) or neuroendocrine liver metastasis. However, its role in non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine liver metastasis (NCNNLM) is controversial. This study aims to compare long-term survival outcomes after hepatectomy between NCNNLM and CLM in a population-based cohort.

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Modified Kirkpatrick model has been adopted to evaluate training effectiveness by 6 categories, including activity accounting (training objectives/success in organization change) at Level-0, reaction (satisfaction) at Level-1, learning (acquisition of surgical airway skills) at Level-2, behavior (post-training change in personal strengths) at Level-3, result (organizational or clinical outcomes) at Level-4, and Return on Investment (ROI) or Expectation (ROE) (monetary and societal values following training and other quality and safety related measures) at Level-5. The purpose of this hospital-based prospective observational study was twofold: i) To evaluate potential impacts on monetary and societal values and successful organization change following implementation of advanced Cricothyroidotomy simulator and standardized curriculum in healthcare simulation training, ii) To inform decisions of resource allocation by reviewing overall values and prioritization strategies for i) general surgeon/emergency physician ii) with seniority >5 years and iii) prior porcine training experience based on findings at Kirkpatrick Level-0, Level-4, and Level-5. Seventy doctors and 10 nurses completed Cricothyroidotomy training and follow-up questionnaires within 2021/22.

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Background And Objective: Hong Kong, like many parts of Asia, faces a high burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) caused by high endemic rates of hepatitis B virus infection. Hong Kong clinicians have developed a high level of expertise in HCC treatment across surgical, transarterial, ablative, radiotherapeutic and systemic modalities. This publication summarizes the latest evidence-based recommendations on how these modalities should be used.

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Objectives: Training effectiveness indicates how good a program has met pre-set training objectives or organizational goals for the best benefit of healthcare professionals and service users in the community. The study aimed to evaluate training effectiveness following implementation of new training curriculum of emergency surgical airway procedures (Cricothyroidotomy) organized by the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Design: This training evaluation relied on observational descriptive study design.

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Interaction between tumor cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment is important in cancer development. Immune cells interact with the tumor cells to shape this process. Here, we use single-cell RNA sequencing analysis to delineate the immune landscape and tumor heterogeneity in a cohort of patients with HBV-associated human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

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Introduction: This cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating impacts of healthcare simulation training, either in-situ or lab-based, on personal strengths of healthcare workers (HCWs) and organizational outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: COVID-19 Taskforce was established to formulate standardized scenario-based simulation training materials in late-January 2020. Post-training questionnaires made up of 5-point Likert scales were distributed to all participants to evaluate their personal strengths, in terms of i) assertiveness, ii) mental preparedness, iii) self-efficacy, iv) internal locus of control, and v) internal locus of responsibility.

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Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is highly prevalent in Hong Kong due to the high prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection. Liver cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer death. Due to the high case load, there is a high level of local expertise in treating HCC, and the full spectrum of treatment modalities is available.

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Introduction: Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) has recently been developed for patients with predicted insufficient future liver remnant volumes to induce more rapid hepatic hypertrophy and increase resectability. In the medical literature, the use of ALPPS in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has rarely been reported.

Presentation Of Case: We reported the use of ALPPS in a patient with primarily unresectable HCC arising from a background of hepatitis B related liver fibrosis.

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Background And Aim: Transarterial radioembolization with yttrium-90 microspheres is one treatment option for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma. We compared the survival in a cohort of patients receiving radioembolization or no radioembolization.

Methods: The data of 46 patients referred for radioembolization was retrospectively reviewed.

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Background And Aim: Adjuvant locoregional chemotherapy has been shown to be useful to prevent recurrence after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in some retrospective studies. Our aim was to compare the dose effect in the prevention of tumor recurrence.

Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in patients with curative resection of HCC; they were given either one intra-arterial dose of cisplatin/lipiodol, or received four doses, once every 3 months.

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