Patients’ perceptions on non‐specific effects of acupuncture: Qualitative comparison between responders and non‐responders

Ho Robin S.T.,Ho Fai Fai,Adams Jon,Cramer Holger,Leung Brenda,Ward Lesley,Zhang Yan,Chung Vincent C.H. 한국한의학연구원 2022 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.11 No.1

Background: Non-specific effect of acupuncture constitutes part of the overall effect generated via clinical encounter beyond needle insertion and stimulation. It is unclear how responders and non-responders of acupuncture experience non-specific effects differently. We aimed to compare their experiences in a nested qualitative study embedded in an acupuncture randomized trial on functional dyspepsia. Methods: Purposive sampling was used to capture experience of responders (n=15) and non-responders (n=15) to acupuncture via individual in-depth interviews. Design and analysis followed a framework analysis approach, with reference to an existing model on acupuncture non-specific effects. Themes emerging outside of this model were purposefully explored. Results: Responders had a more trusting relationship with acupuncturist in response to their expression of empathy. In turn they were more actively engaged in lifestyle modifications and dietary advice offered by acupuncturists. Non-responders were not satisfied with the level of reassurance regarding acupuncture safety. They were also expecting more peer support from fellow participants, regarded that as an empowerment process for initiating and sustaining lifestyle changes. Conclusions: Our results highlighted key differences in acupuncture non-specific effect components experienced by responders and non-responders. Positive non-specific effects contributing to overall benefits could be enhanced by emphasizing on empathy expression from acupuncturists, trust-building, offering appropriate explanations on safety, and organizing patient support groups. Further research on the relative importance of each component is warranted. Background: Non-specific effect of acupuncture constitutes part of the overall effect generated via clinical encounter beyond needle insertion and stimulation. It is unclear how responders and non-responders of acupuncture experience non-specific effects differently. We aimed to compare their experiences in a nested qualitative study embedded in an acupuncture randomized trial on functional dyspepsia. Methods: Purposive sampling was used to capture experience of responders (n=15) and non-responders (n=15) to acupuncture via individual in-depth interviews. Design and analysis followed a framework analysis approach, with reference to an existing model on acupuncture non-specific effects. Themes emerging outside of this model were purposefully explored. Results: Responders had a more trusting relationship with acupuncturist in response to their expression of empathy. In turn they were more actively engaged in lifestyle modifications and dietary advice offered by acupuncturists. Non-responders were not satisfied with the level of reassurance regarding acupuncture safety. They were also expecting more peer support from fellow participants, regarded that as an empowerment process for initiating and sustaining lifestyle changes. Conclusions: Our results highlighted key differences in acupuncture non-specific effect components experienced by responders and non-responders. Positive non-specific effects contributing to overall benefits could be enhanced by emphasizing on empathy expression from acupuncturists, trust-building, offering appropriate explanations on safety, and organizing patient support groups. Further research on the relative importance of each component is warranted.

A Proposed Self-assessment Framework for Measuring and Benchmarking Organizational Performance

( Kit Fai Pun ),( Karis Ka Yan Ho ),( Hong Yi Sun ) 한국품질경영학회 2002 The Asian Journal on Quality Vol.3 No.2

Recent interests in total quality management (TQM) and business excellence (BE) had been fuelled with a range of national and regional awards. These awards are being increasingly used by organisations as part of the business improvement process and strategic benchmarking. This paper reviews the concepts and approaches of performance measurement (PM) and discusses the integration of PM with the TQM and BE philosophies. A TQM-BE-PM framework with a set of self-assessment checklists was developed. In order to complement the literature base with empirical evidence, an industry survey was conducted and a trial implementation of the framework was carried out in a leading manufacturing firm in Hong Kong. The self-assessment performance data of the firm was evaluated and then benchmarked with the industry averages obtained from the survey. This paper presents the empirical findings and discusses the applicability of the framework in measuring and benchmarking organisational performance toward continual improvement.

The Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on Brand Image in the Malaysian Hotel Industry

Loh Yoke Fai,Song, Hyoung Ju(송형주),Kang, Kyung Ho(강경호) 한국서비스경영학회 2017 서비스경영학회지 Vol.18 No.2

Among the hospitality industry in Malaysia, the hotel industry is particularly regarded as a promising sector for boosting the national economy. As an increasing number of hotels are under development for the coming years, brand image will serve an essential role for the Malaysian hotels in achieving competitive advantage after the rapid growth. As corporate social responsibility (CSR) is regarded as a crucial factor in enhancing the firm"s brand image, the current study examines the effect of CSR on brand image of the Malaysian hotels. Further, in order to investigate the relationship between CSR and brand image more comprehensively, the current study employs brand origin (i.e., local five-star hotels and international five-star hotels) as a moderating variable. Findings of the study are discussed with theoretical contribution to the literature related to CSR and brand image, as well as practical implications to hotels managers when practicing CSR initiatives.

Estimation of Gas-particle partitioning Coefficients (K_p) of Carcinogenic polycyclic Aromatic hydrocarbons in Carbonaceous Aerosols Collected at Chiang - Mai, Bangkok and hat-Yai, Thailand

Pongpiachan, Siwatt,Ho, Kin Fai,Cao, Junji Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.4

To assess environmental contamination with carcinogens, carbonaceous compounds, water-soluble ionic species and trace gaseous species were identified and quantified every three hours for three days st three different atmospheric layer at the heart of chiang-Mai, bangkok and hat-Yai from December 2006 to February 2007. A DRI model 2001 Themal/Optical Carbon Analyzer with the IMPROVE thermal/optical reflectance (TOR) protocol was used to quantify the organic carbon(OC) and elemental carbon content in $PM_{10}$. Diurnal and vertical variability was also carefully investigated. In general, OC and EC contenttration shoeed the highest values at the monitoring period o 21.00-00.00 as consequences of human activities at night bazaar coupled with reduction of mixing layer, decreased wind speed and termination of photolysis nighttime. Morning peaks of carboaceous compounds were observed during the sampling period of 06:00 -09:00, emphasizing the main contribution of traffic emission in the three cities. The estimation of incremental lifetime partculate matter exposure (ILPE) raises concern of high risk of carbonaceous accumulation over workers and residents living close to the observatory sites. The average values of incremental lifrtime particulate matter exposure (ILPE) of total carbon at Baiyoke Suit Hotel and Baiyoke Sky Hotel are approsimately ten time shigher then those air sample collected at prince of songkla University Hat-Yai campus corpse incinerator and fish-can maufacturing factory but only slightly higher than those of rice straw burnig in Songkla province. This indicates a high risk of developing lung cancer and other respiratory diseases across workers and residents living in high buildings located in Pratunam area. Using knowledge of carbonaceous fractions in $PM_{10}$, one can estimate the gas-particle partitioning of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Dachs-Eisenreich model highlights the crucial role of adsorption in gas-particle partitioning of low molecular weight PAHs, whereas both absorption and adsorption tend to account for gas-particle partitioning of high molecular weight PAHs in urban residential zones of Thailand. Interestingly, the absorption mode alone plays a minor role in gas-partcle partitiining of PAHs in Chiang-Mai, Bangkok and hat-Yai.

Child maltreatment hospitalisations in Hong Kong: incidence rate and seasonal pattern

Ip, Patrick,Ho, Frederick Ka-wing,Chan, Ko Ling,Yip, Paul Siu-fai,Lau, Joseph Tak-fai,Wong, Wilfred Hing-sang,Chow, Chun-bong,Jiang, Fan BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 2016 Archives of disease in childhood Vol.101 No.12

<P><B>Objective</B></P><P>We investigated the incidence and seasonal patterns of child maltreatment hospitalisations in Hong Kong.</P><P><B>Design</B></P><P>A retrospective study of subjects aged under 19 years with a primary diagnosis of child maltreatment admitted to hospitals in Hong Kong from 2001 to 2010. Data were retrieved from the centralised database of all 42 public hospitals in the Hospital Authority.</P><P><B>Main outcome measures</B></P><P>Child maltreatment incidence rate.</P><P><B>Results</B></P><P>A consistent seasonal pattern was found for non-sexual maltreatment in children aged 6–18 years (p<0.001). Hospitalisations peaked in May and October but dipped in August and January. No significant seasonal patterns were found for sexual maltreatment or among children under 6 years. The seasonal pattern of child maltreatment coincided with the two school examination periods. The annual child maltreatment hospitalisation rate in Hong Kong in 2010 was 73.4 per 100 000 children under 19 years, more than double that in 2001.</P><P><B>Conclusions</B></P><P>A peculiar seasonal pattern and an alarming increasing trend in child maltreatment hospitalisation were observed in Hong Kong, which we speculated to be related to school examination stress and increasing socioeconomic disparity. Our findings highlighted differences in the trends of child maltreatment between Hong Kong and the West. Professionals and policymakers should be made aware of these trends and develop effective strategies to tackle child maltreatment.</P>

Prophylactic Dual Catheter Technique to Prevent Side Branch Snowplowing Complications during Angioplasty and Stenting

Leonard LL Yeo,Wong Ho-Fai,Wu WM,Chen YL,Yeh CH 대한뇌혈관외과학회 2017 Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neuros Vol.19 No.1

Objective:Angioplasty and Stenting of intracranial atherosclerotic lesions have a higher complication rate and a large proportion of this is attributable to side branch arterial occlusion from forceful displacement of the atheroma into the ostia or snowplowing effect. This can result in severe disabilities when it result in small infarcts involving eloquent areas in the posterior circulation or the motor tracts. Materials and Methods:We present a series of 6 cases utilizing a new dual catheter technique for maintaining the patency of at-risk vessels during angioplasty and stenting. There are several methods previously described to help reduce the incidence of stroke but because they do not have a physical presence in the ostia to protect it, they are unable to guarantee the patency of the vessel. Results:All 6 patients underwent angioplasty and stenting with the technique. The patients were assessed for complications with post-procedure magnetic resonance imaging and no complications were found. Conclusion:In this preliminary series, the dual catheter technique appears to safe and effective in preventing occlusion of the adjacent branch arteries. This technique may facilitate the use of the Wingspan stent in the treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic stenotic segments by reducing the risk of peri-procedural stroke.

Gallium-67 Scan with Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography for the Evaluation and Monitoring of Infected Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A 10-Year Case Series

Hoi-Ming Kwok,Wing-Hang Luk,Lik-Fai Cheng,Nin-Yuan Pan,Ho-Fung Chan,Johnny Ka-Fai Ma 대한혈관외과학회 2021 Vascular Specialist International Vol.37 No.2

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the role of gallium-67 single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with contrast computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation and monitoring of infected abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAA). Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed using prospectively collected data of consecutive patients with IAAA in Princess Margaret Hospital in Hong Kong between January 2010 and December 2020. The patients were identified using the Radiology Information System. Results: All five patients had proven IAAA on CT and/or metabolic imaging. Among them, three were further supported by positive blood culture results. Gallium- 67 SPECT with contrast CT was useful in the detection of residual disease, monitoring, and detection of recurrence. Conclusion: Gallium-67 SPECT with contrast CT is helpful for evaluating IAAA. It serves an important role in guiding management, especially during long-term follow-up.

Fuzzy nanoassembly of polyelectrolyte and layered clay multicomposite toward a reliable gas barrier.

Choi, Jin Hwan,Park, Young Wook,Park, Tae Hyun,Song, Eun Ho,Lee, Hyun Jun,Kim, Hakkoo,Shin, Se Joong,Fai, Vincent Lau Chun,Ju, Byeong-Kwon American Chemical Society 2012 Langmuir Vol.28 No.17

<P>Flexible and transparent gas-diffusion barriers have played an important role in recent years. The present study describes a flexible barrier film with a tailored architecture of cationic polyelectrolytes and clay/polymer nanoassemblies. Highly oriented and well-aligned barrier films were achieved by the consecutive absorption of flexible cationic polymer and anionic montmorillonite platelets. The experimental results showed that the layer-by-layer deposition of oppositely charged thin films containing self-assembled poly(vinyl alcohol) and montmorillonites improved their gas barrier characteristics based on the Ca degradation test, enhancing their optical transparency. This nanostructure, fabricated using a solution process, is useful in many applications, for example, flexible and moisture-free organic electronics. This simple and fast method is suitable for the mass coating of large surface areas, as required in industry.</P>

CT-Guided Core Needle Biopsy of Deep Suprahyoid Head and Neck Lesions

En-Haw Wu,Yao-Liang Chen,Yi-Ming Wu,Yu-Ting Huang,Ho-Fai Wong,Shu-Hang Ng 대한영상의학회 2013 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.14 No.2

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of computer tomography (CT)-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) in the diagnosis of deep suprahyoid lesions in patients with treated head and neck cancers. Materials and Methods: Between December, 2003 and May, 2011, 28 CT-guided CNBs were performed in 28 patients with deep suprahyoid head and neck lesions. All patients had undergone treatment for head and neck cancers. Subzygomatic, paramaxillary, and retromandibular approaches were used. The surgical results, response to treatment, and clinical follow-up were used as the diagnostic reference standards. Results: All biopsies yielded adequate specimens for definitive histological diagnoses. A specimen from a right parapharyngeal lesion showed atypia, which was deemed a false negative diagnosis. Diagnostic accuracy was 27/28 (96.4%). Two minor complications were encountered: a local hematoma and transient facial palsy. Between the 18 or 20 gauge biopsy needles, there was no statistical difference in the diagnostic results. Conclusion: CT-guided core needle biopsy, with infrequent and minor complications, is an accurate and efficient method for the histological diagnosis of deep suprahyoid lesions in post-treated head and neck cancer patients. This procedure can preclude an unnecessary surgical intervention, especially in patients with head and neck cancers.

IL10 and TNF variants and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma among three Asian populations

Hosgood III, H. Dean,Au, Wing-Yan,Kim, Hee Nam,Liu, Jie,Hu, Wei,Tse, Jovic,Song, Bao,Wong, Kit-fai,Lee, Je-Jung,Chanock, Stephen J.,Siu, L. P.,Purdue, Mark P.,Shin, Min-ho,Yu, Jinming,Liang, Raymond,K Springer-Verlag 2013 International journal of hematology Vol.97 No.6

<P>Genetic variation in immune-related genes, such as IL10 and TNF, have been associated with the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in Caucasian populations. To test the hypothesis that IL10 and TNF polymorphisms may be associated with NHL risk in Asian populations, we genotyped 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the IL10 and TNF/LTA loci in three independent case-control studies (2635 cases and 4234 controls). IL10 rs1800871, rs1800872, and rs1800896 were genotyped in all three studies, while 5 of the remaining SNPs were genotyped in two studies, and 12 in a single study. IL10 rs1800896 was associated with B cell lymphoma [per-allele odds ratio (OR)?=?1.25, 95?% confidence interval (CI)?1.08-1.45; p trend?=?0.003], specifically diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (per-allele OR?=?1.29, 95?% CI?1.08-1.53; p trend?=?0.004), as well as T cell lymphoma (per-allele OR?=?1.44, 95?% CI?1.13-1.82; p trend?=?0.003). TNF rs1800629, which was genotyped in only two of our studies, was also associated with B cell lymphoma (per-allele OR?=?0.77, 95?% CI?0.64-0.91; p trend?=?0.003), specifically DLBCL (per-allele OR?=?0.69, 95?% CI?0.55-0.86; p trend?=?0.001). Our findings suggest that genetic variation in IL10 and TNF may also play a role in lymphomagenesis in Asian populations.</P>