Epidemiology and Trends of Infective Meningitis in Neonates and Infants Less than 3 Months Old in Hong Kong.

Objectives: Meningitis in neonates and young infants leads to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study aimed to investigate pathogens, antibiotic resistance and secular change of incidence in Hong Kong.

Methods: A retrospective search was performed on meningitis in neonates and infants aged <3 months in three Hong Kong public hospitals from 2004 to 2019.

Severe Generalized Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex in Two Hong Kong Children due to Variants in and .

We report two Hong Kong children with severe generalized epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS), the most severe form of EBS, without a family history of EBS. EBS is a rare genodermatosis usually inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion although rare autosomal recessive cases have been reported. Genetic studies in these patients showed that the first case was due to a novel heterozygous variant, c.

Simulation of crop growth, time to maturity and yield by an improved sigmoidal model.

Models that accurately estimate maximum crop biomass to obtain a reliable forecast of yield are useful in crop improvement programs and aiding establishment of government policies, including those addressing issues of food security. Here, we present a new sigmoidal growth model (NSG) and compare its performance with the beta sigmoidal growth model (BSG) for capturing the growth trajectories of eight crop species. Results indicated that both the NSG and the BSG fitted all the growth datasets well (R > 0.

Severe Intrapartum Asphyxia from Subamniotic Hemorrhage.

Subamniotic hemorrhage results from rupture of chorionic vessels near the cord insertion. In the literature, it has never been a major cause for severe intrapartum complications. We report the first case of acute massive subamniotic hemorrhage intrapartum resulting in severe perinatal asphyxia.

Heart rate variability in childhood obstructive sleep apnea.

The identification of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is important because of morbidities associated with OSA. A previous adult study demonstrated the use of heart rate variability (HRV) as a tool to identify patients with moderate to severe OSA. Either a reduction in time parameters or an increase in LF/HF ratio was seen at overnight or 24-hr studies suggestive of increased sympathetic modulation.

Identification and expression analysis of hepcidin-like cDNAs from pigeon (Columba livia).

Hepcidin is a cysteine-rich, dual-function peptide with antimicrobial activity that plays a crucial role in iron homeostasis. Here, we have identified two hepcidin-like cDNA sequences from pigeon, Columba livia. The two cDNAs consist of 295 and 380 nucleotides, respectively, and were named HP1 and HP2.

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of acupuncture for the treatment of childhood persistent allergic rhinitis.

Objective: To compare active acupuncture with sham acupuncture for the treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis among children.

Methods: Subjects with persistent allergic rhinitis were recruited from the pediatric outpatient clinic. They were randomized to receive either active acupuncture or sham acupuncture.