Method comparison of targeted influenza A virus typing and whole-genome sequencing from respiratory specimens of companion animals.

Epidemics of H3N8 and H3N2 influenza A viruses (IAVs) in dogs, along with recognition of spillover infections from IAV strains typically found in humans or other animals, have emphasized the importance of efficient laboratory testing. Given the lack of active IAV surveillance or immunization requirements for dogs, cats, or horses imported into the United States, serotype prediction and whole-genome sequencing of positive specimens detected at veterinary diagnostic laboratories are also needed. The conserved sequences at the ends of the viral genome segments facilitate universal amplification of all segments of viral genomes directly from respiratory specimens.

Perceived importance of childbearing and attitudes toward assisted reproductive technology among Chinese lesbians in Hong Kong: implications for psychological well-being.

Objective: To assess the perceived importance of childbearing and attitudes toward assisted reproductive technology (ART) among Chinese lesbians and the impact on their psychological well-being.

Design: Survey-based study using a 39-item questionnaire.

Setting: Not applicable.

Incorporating spirituality in psychosocial group intervention for women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a prospective randomized controlled study.

Objectives: This study examined the efficacy of a group intervention, the Integrative Body-Mind-Spirit (I-BMS) intervention, which aims at improving the psychosocial and spiritual well-being of Chinese women undergoing their first IVF treatment cycle.

Design: The I-BMS intervention facilitates the search of meaning of life in the context of family and childbearing, as well as the letting go of high IVF expectations. A randomized controlled study of 339 women undergoing first IVF treatment cycle in a local Hong Kong hospital was conducted (intervention: n= 172; no-intervention control: n= 167).

A sequence-based approach to identify reference genes for gene expression analysis.

Background: An important consideration when analyzing both microarray and quantitative PCR expression data is the selection of appropriate genes as endogenous controls or reference genes. This step is especially critical when identifying genes differentially expressed between datasets. Moreover, reference genes suitable in one context (e.

InnateDB: facilitating systems-level analyses of the mammalian innate immune response.

Although considerable progress has been made in dissecting the signaling pathways involved in the innate immune response, it is now apparent that this response can no longer be productively thought of in terms of simple linear pathways. InnateDB (www.innatedb.

Death preparation and anxiety: a survey in Hong Kong.

This study reports the results of a survey on death preparation, death-related beliefs, and death anxiety in a Hong Kong sample. Respondents (N = 285) recruited from the community were asked if they have prepared for themselves a life insurance, a will, and a resting place (e.g.

Developing an outcome measurement for meaning-making intervention with Chinese cancer patients.

Psychosocial programs designed for cancer patients often facilitate the search for meaning as one of the therapeutic components. This study aimed to develop a self-report instrument, namely Chinese Cancer Coherence Scale (CCCS), which measures the patients' meaning-making process with reference to the concept of coherence. A panel of eight veteran social workers and psychologists generated statements pertaining to the cancer experience.

The Strength-Focused and Meaning-Oriented Approach to Resilience and Transformation (SMART): A body-mind-spirit approach to trauma management.

This article introduces the Strength-focused and Meaning- oriented Approach to Resilience and Transformation (SMART) as a model of crisis intervention, which aims at discovering inner strengths through meaning reconstruction. Limitations of conventional crisis management and current findings in post-traumatic growth research are discussed. Instead of adopting a pathological framework, the SMART approach holds a holistic view of health, employs facilitative strategies, and promotes dynamic coping.

Effectiveness of psychosocial group intervention for reducing anxiety in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a randomized controlled study.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of the Eastern Body-Mind-Spirit (EBMS) group intervention on anxiety-reduction of Chinese women undergoing IVF.

Design: Randomized controlled study.

Setting: Tertiary assisted reproduction unit.

Group debriefing for people with chronic diseases during the SARS pandemic: Strength-Focused and Meaning-Oriented Approach for Resilience and Transformation (SMART).

This study presented preliminary results on the efficacy of a novel group debriefing model called Strength-Focused and Meaning-Oriented Approach for Resilience and Transformation (SMART). The SMART debriefing (1) aimed at boosting resilience and catalyzing transformation among persons undergoing stressful events, (2) adopted a growth-oriented and holistic approach of health promotion, and (3) employed methods drawn from various indigenous sources (e.g.