Epidemiologic Changes of Neonatal Early-onset Sepsis After the Implementation of Universal Maternal Screening for Group B Streptococcus in Hong Kong.

Background: The epidemiology of neonatal early-onset sepsis (EOS) has changed with time and with changes in prevention strategy. Population-representative contemporary data provide insights on how to further improve EOS prevention and triage strategies.

Methods: Neonates born in public hospitals in Hong Kong from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2017 were included.

Secular trends of sleep-wake patterns in Hong Kong preschoolers.

Objective: To evaluate the secular trends of sleep-wake patterns of Hong Kong preschool children.

Methods: Kindergartens from the four geographical regions of Hong Kong were randomly invited to take part in a sleep survey in 2012 and again in 2018. The parent-completed questionnaire provided information on socioeconomic status (SES), children's, and parental sleep-wake patterns.

Prenatal methylmercury exposure is associated with decrease heart rate variability in children.

Background: Although several epidemiological studies have suggested mercury (Hg) might be associated with cardiotoxicity, the impact of Hg exposure on cardiac autonomic activity and blood pressure in children has not been investigated at Hg exposure levels equivalent to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reference dose.

Objective: To investigate the association between low dose prenatal and recent methylmercury (MeHg) exposures and cardiac autonomic function and blood pressure with adjustment for factors such as fish consumption among children from a high fish consumption coastal city.

Methods: Children aged 7-8 years were recruited from the birth cohort of our previous study.

Association between genetic variations in GSH-related and MT genes and low-dose methylmercury exposure in children and women of childbearing age: a pilot study.

Background: Genetic variations in glutathione (GSH)-related and metallothionein (MT) genes, which are involved in producing enzymes in the methylmercury (MeHg) metabolism pathway, have been proposed as one of the reasons for the individual variability in MeHg toxicokinetics.

Objective: To investigate the impact of genetic variations in MT and GSH-related genes on the association of fish consumption with body burden of MeHg, as measured by hair Hg concentrations among young children and women of childbearing age.

Methods: A total of 179 unrelated children and 165 mothers with either high or low fish consumption were recruited from the community.

Methylmercury levels in commonly consumed fish and methylmercury exposure of children and women of childbearing age in Hong Kong, a high fish consumption community.

Background: Despite high fish consumption levels of Hong Kong residents, little is known about the MeHg exposure levels of Hong Kong high-risk populations (i.e. young children and women of childbearing age).

Impact of fetal and childhood mercury exposure on immune status in children.

Background: Mercury exposure have been shown to affect immune status in animals as reflected by cytokine expression. It is unclear whether low levels of exposure during fetal and/or childhood periods could impact on immune status in humans.

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that fetal and childhood mercury exposure is associated with childhood cytokine profiles and to investigate whether childhood selenium levels interact with any of the associations found.

Long term neurocognitive impact of low dose prenatal methylmercury exposure in Hong Kong.

Background: International studies suggest that low dose prenatal methylmercury exposure (>29 nmol/L) has long-term adverse neurocognitive effects. There is evidence that the majority of children in Hong Kong exceed this level as a result of high fish consumption of mothers during pregnancy.

Objective: To study whether there are any associations between low-dose prenatal methylmercury exposure and neurocognitive outcomes in Hong Kong children.