Population dynamics of threatened felids in response to forest cover change in Sumatra.

Habitat loss caused by deforestation is a global driver of predator population declines. However, few studies have focussed on these effects for mesopredator populations, particularly the cryptic and elusive species inhabiting tropical rainforests. We conducted camera trapping from 2009-11 and 2014-16, and used occupancy modelling to understand trends of Sumatran mesopredator occupancy in response to forest loss and in the absence of threats from poaching.

Translation and validation study of the Chinese version Iconographical Falls Efficacy Scale-Short Version (Icon-FES).

Background: The 30-item Iconographical Falls Efficacy Scale (Icon-FES) is the first instrument developed to assess older people's concern about falling using pictures. The short version of Icon-FES (10-item Icon-FES) was translated and adapted to a local Chinese version, and its psychometric properties was evaluated in Chinese older people.

Methods: A forward-backward translation procedure was used, followed by an expert panel review to finalize the 10-item Chinese Icon-FES.

Projecting range-wide sun bear population trends using tree cover and camera-trap bycatch data.

Monitoring population trends of threatened species requires standardized techniques that can be applied over broad areas and repeated through time. Sun bears Helarctos malayanus are a forest dependent tropical bear found throughout most of Southeast Asia. Previous estimates of global population trends have relied on expert opinion and cannot be systematically replicated.

The effectiveness of acupuncture on the sleep quality of elderly with dementia: a within-subjects trial.

Purpose: Elderly with dementia are often afflicted with sleep problems. Recent studies have suggested that acupuncture may be a feasible alternative to traditional sleep medicine for treating sleep disturbance. This study investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture on sleep quality of elderly with dementia.

Computed tomography evaluation of intracranial atherosclerosis in Chinese patients with transient ischemic attack or minor ischemic stroke--its distribution and association with vascular risk factors.

Objectives: Intracranial atherosclerosis has been suggested to be common in Asians. We apply a semi-quantitative CT scoring system to evaluate the degree of intracranial atherosclerotic calcification and determine its distribution, severity, and the associated risk factors. The clinical outcome of these patients after a 3-year follow-up was also evaluated.

The use of corticosteroid as treatment in SARS was associated with adverse outcomes: a retrospective cohort study.

Objective: To study the effect of corticosteroids in the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Methods: A retrospective cohort of 78 consecutive adult SARS patients admitted to a regional hospital in Hong Kong between March and May 2003 was analysed to study the effectiveness of corticosteroid. They were categorized according to whether or not corticosteroid therapy was given, and compared in terms of demographic characteristics, comorbidities, peak lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and clinical outcomes.