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Yip SM, Morash C, Kolinsky MP, Kapoor A, Ong M, Selvarajah S, Nuk J, Compton K, Pouliot F, Lavallée LT, Khalaf DJ, Hamilton RJ, Gotto GT, Rendon RA, Antebi E, Hotte SJ, Malone S, Chi KN, Drachenberg DE, Saad F, Chan J, Ferrario C, Ko J, Shayegan B, Parimi S, So AI, Feifer A, Jansz K, Finch D, Chin JL, Osborne B, Ho KF, Galamo CD, Zardan A, Niazi T. Genetic testing practices among specialist physicians who treat prostate cancer A Canadian, cross-sectional survey. Can Urol Assoc J 2023; 17:326-336. [PMID: 37494316 PMCID: PMC10581730 DOI: 10.5489/cuaj.8403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In patients with prostate cancer (PCa), the identification of an alteration in genes associated with homologous recombination repair (HRR) has implications for prognostication, optimization of therapy, and familial risk mitigation. The aim of this study was to assess the genomic testing landscape of PCa in Canada and to recommend an approach to offering germline and tumor testing for HRR-associated genes. METHODS The Canadian Genitourinary Research Consortium (GURC) administered a cross-sectional survey to a largely academic, multidisciplinary group of investigators across 22 GURC sites between January and June 2022. RESULTS Thirty-eight investigators from all 22 sites responded to the survey. Germline genetic testing was initiated by 34%, while 45% required a referral to a genetic specialist. Most investigators (82%) reported that both germline and tumor testing were needed, with 92% currently offering germline and 72% offering tissue testing to patients with advanced PCa. The most cited reasons for not offering testing were an access gap (50%), uncertainties around who to test and which genes to test, (33%) and interpreting results (17%). A majority reported that patients with advanced PCa (74-80%) should be tested, with few investigators testing patients with localized disease except when there is a family history of PCa (45-55%). CONCLUSIONS Canadian physicians with academic subspecialist backgrounds in genitourinary malignancies recognize the benefits of both germline and somatic testing in PCa; however, there are challenges in accessing testing across practices and specialties. An algorithm to reduce uncertainty for providers when ordering genetic testing for patients with PCa is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Yip
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | | | - Anil Kapoor
- St Joseph's Healthcare, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Ong
- Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shamini Selvarajah
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Genetics, Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Nuk
- Hereditary Cancer Program, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Katie Compton
- Hereditary Cancer Program, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Frederic Pouliot
- Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Luke T Lavallée
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa and Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Epidemiology Program, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel J Khalaf
- Department of Medicine, Medical Oncology Division, BC Cancer, Vancouver Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Robert J Hamilton
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Geoffrey T Gotto
- Southern Alberta Institute of Urology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ricardo A Rendon
- Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Elie Antebi
- Department of Urology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Shawn Malone
- The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kim N Chi
- BC Cancer Agency, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Darrel E Drachenberg
- Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Fred Saad
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jonathan Chan
- Scarborough Health Network, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jenny Ko
- Department of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer - Abbotsford, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
| | - Bobby Shayegan
- St Joseph's Healthcare, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sunil Parimi
- Department of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer-Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Alan I So
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Andrew Feifer
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, ON Canada
| | - Kenneth Jansz
- Joseph Brant Hospital, McMaster University, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Daygen Finch
- Department of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer Agency - Centre for the Southern Interior, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Joseph L Chin
- Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Western Ontario, London Health Sciences Center, London, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Tamim Niazi
- Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Lui KH, Lau YS, Poon HY, Organ B, Chan MN, Guo H, Hang Ho SS, Ho KF. Characterization of chemical components of fresh and aged aerosol from vehicle exhaust emissions in Hong Kong. Chemosphere 2023; 333:138940. [PMID: 37201605 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The chemical properties of fresh and aged aerosol emitted during controlled vehicular exhaust emissions were characterized in the analysis. Pyrene (10417.1 ± 534.9 ng kg-1) is the most abundant of all analyzed compounds in total fresh emission and succinic acid (57359.8 ± 4000.3 ng kg-1) is for the total aged emission. The fresh emission factors (EFfresh) of all compounds in the n-alkanes group demonstrate higher average emissions for the two vehicles with EURO 3 standard compared to the other vehicles. The EFfresh for benzo [a]pyrene is in descending order: G1 (183.1 ± 144.7 ng kg-1) > G3 (103.4 ± 60.1 ng kg-1) > G4 (91.2 ± 80.1 ng kg-1) > G2 (88.6 ± 93.9 ng kg-1). Aged/fresh (A/F) emission ratios (>20) confirmed that these diacid compounds are generated by the photooxidation of primary pollutants that emitted from gasoline combustions. High A/F ratios (>200) in phthalic acid, isophthalic acid and terephthalic acid under idling mode imply relatively more intense photochemical reactions for their productions compared with other chemical groups. Strong positive correlations (r > 0.6) were observed between the degradation of toluene and formations of pinonic acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, terephthalic acid, and glutaric acid after the aging process, suggesting possible photooxidation of toluene that can lead to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation in the urban atmosphere. The findings demonstrate that vehicle emission standards for pollution in relation to the change of particulate matter chemical compositions and SOA formations. The results warrant a need for regulated reformulation for such vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Hei Lui
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Yik-Sze Lau
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; International Laboratory of Air Quality and Health (ILAQR), Queensland University of Technology, Australia
| | - Hon Yin Poon
- Earth System Science Programme, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Bruce Organ
- Jockey Club Heavy Vehicle Emissions Testing and Research Centre, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man-Nin Chan
- Earth System Science Programme, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hai Guo
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Steven Sai Hang Ho
- Division of Atmosphere Sciences, Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV, 89512, United States; Hong Kong Premium Services and Research Laboratory, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - K F Ho
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Sanchorawala V, Palladini G, Minnema MC, Jaccard A, Lee HC, Gibbs S, Mollee P, Venner C, Lu J, Schönland S, Gatt M, Suzuki K, Kim K, Cibeira MT, Beksac M, Libby E, Valent J, Hungria V, Wong SW, Rosenzweig M, Bumma N, Chauveau D, Gries KS, Fastenau J, Tran NP, Qin X, Vasey SY, Weiss BM, Vermeulen J, Ho KF, Merlini G, Comenzo RL, Kastritis E, Wechalekar AD. Health-related quality of life in patients with light chain amyloidosis treated with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone ± daratumumab: Results from the ANDROMEDA study. Am J Hematol 2022; 97:719-730. [PMID: 35293006 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In the phase 3 ANDROMEDA trial, patients treated with daratumumab, bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (D-VCd) had significantly higher rates of organ and hematologic response compared with patients who received VCd alone. Here, we present patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from the ANDROMEDA trial. PROs were assessed through cycle 6 using three standardized questionnaires. Treatment effect through cycle 6 was measured by a repeated-measures, mixed-effects model. The magnitude of changes in PROs versus baseline was generally low, but between-group differences favored the D-VCd group. Results were generally consistent irrespective of hematologic, cardiac, or renal responses. More patients in the D-VCd group experienced meaningful improvements in PROs; median time to improvement was more rapid in the D-VCd group versus the VCd group. After cycle 6, patients in the D-VCd group received daratumumab monotherapy and their PRO assessments continued, with improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) reported through cycle 19. PROs of subgroups with renal and cardiac involvement were consistent with those of the intent-to-treat population. These results demonstrate that the previously reported clinical benefits of D-VCd were achieved without decrement to patients' HRQoL and provide support of D-VCd in patients with AL amyloidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali Sanchorawala
- Amyloidosis Center, Department of Hematology Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Giovanni Palladini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Pavia Italy
| | - Monique C. Minnema
- Department of Hematology University Medical Center Utrecht Utrecht Netherlands
| | - Arnaud Jaccard
- Service d'hématologie clinique et de thérapie cellulaire CHU de Limoges Limoges France
| | - Hans C. Lee
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, Division of Cancer Medicine University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas USA
| | - Simon Gibbs
- The Victorian and Tasmanian Amyloidosis Service, Department of Haematology Monash University Eastern Health Clinical School Box Hill Victoria Australia
| | - Peter Mollee
- Department of Hematology Princess Alexandra Hospital and University of Queensland Medical School Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | | | - Jin Lu
- Institute of Hematology Peking University People's Hospital Beijing China
| | - Stefan Schönland
- Amyloidosis Center Universitaetsklinikum Heidelberg Medizinische Klinik V Heidelberg Germany
| | - Moshe Gatt
- Hematology Department Hadassah Medical Center Jerusalem Israel
| | - Kenshi Suzuki
- Department of Hematology Japanese Red Cross Central Medical Center, Shibuya Tokyo Japan
| | - Kihyun Kim
- Department of Medicine Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center Seoul South Korea
| | - María Teresa Cibeira
- Amyloidosis and Myeloma Unit Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, IDIBAPS Barcelona Spain
| | - Meral Beksac
- Department of Hematology Ankara University Ankara Turkey
| | - Edward Libby
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine University of Washington Seattle Washington USA
| | - Jason Valent
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Taussig Cancer Center Cleveland Clinic Cleveland Ohio USA
| | - Vania Hungria
- Department of Hematology Clinica São Germano São Paulo Brazil
| | - Sandy W. Wong
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center University of California San Francisco California USA
| | - Michael Rosenzweig
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Judy and Bernard Briskin Center for Multiple Myeloma Research City of Hope Duarte California USA
| | - Naresh Bumma
- Division of Hematology The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Dominique Chauveau
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Rénales Rares, Département de Néphrologie et Transplantation d'Organes CHU de Toulouse Toulouse France
| | | | - John Fastenau
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC Raritan New Jersey USA
| | - Nam Phuong Tran
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC Los Angeles California USA
| | - Xiang Qin
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC Spring House Pennsylvania USA
| | - Sandra Y. Vasey
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC Spring House Pennsylvania USA
| | - Brendan M. Weiss
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC Spring House Pennsylvania USA
| | | | | | - Giampaolo Merlini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia Amyloidosis Research and Treatment Center, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Pavia Italy
| | - Raymond L. Comenzo
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, John C. Davis Myeloma and Amyloid Program Tufts Medical Center Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Efstathios Kastritis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine Athens Greece
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Bandowe BAM, Lui KH, Jones T, BéruBé K, Adams R, Niu X, Wei C, Cao JJ, Lee SC, Chuang HC, Ho KF. The chemical composition and toxicological effects of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) emitted from different cooking styles. Environ Pollut 2021; 288:117754. [PMID: 34284205 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The mass, chemical composition and toxicological properties of fine particulates (PM2.5) emitted from cooking activities in three Hong Kong based restaurants and two simulated cooking experiments were characterized. Extracts from the PM2.5 samples elicited significant biological activities [cell viability, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA damage and inflammation effect (TNF-α)] in a dose-dependent manner. The composition of PAHs, oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs) and azaarenes (AZAs) mixtures differed between samples. The concentration ranges of the Σ30PAHs, Σ17OPAHs and Σ4AZAs and Σ7Carbonyls in the samples were 9627-23,452 pg m-3, 503-3700 pg m-3, 33-263 pg m-3 and 158 - 5328 ng m-3, respectively. Cell viability caused by extracts from the samples was positively correlated to the concentration of benzo[a]anthracene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene and 1,4-naphthoquinone in the PM2.5 extracts. Cellular ROS production (upon exposure to extracts) was positively correlated with the concentrations of PM2.5, decaldehyde, acridine, Σ17OPAHs and 7 individual OPAHs. TNF-α showed significant positive correlations with the concentrations of most chemical species (elemental carbon, 16 individual PAHs including benzo[a]pyrene, Σ30PAHs, SO42-, Ca2+, Ca, Na, K, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn). The concentrations of Al, Ti, Mn, Σ30PAHs and 8 individual PAHs including benzo[a]pyrene in the samples were positively correlated with DNA damage caused by extracts from the samples. This study demonstrates that inhalation of PM2.5 emitted from cooking could result in adverse human health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A Musa Bandowe
- Institute of Geography, University of Bern, Hallerstrasse 12, 3012, Bern, Switzerland; Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Multiphase Chemistry Department, Hahn-Meitner-Weg 1, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - K H Lui
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Timothy Jones
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, UK
| | - Kelly BéruBé
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, UK
| | - Rachel Adams
- Cardiff School of Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Western Avenue, Cardiff, UK
| | - Xinyi Niu
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chong Wei
- Shanghai Carbon Data Research Center (SCDRC), CAS Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Conversion Science and Engineering, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 2010210, China
| | - Jun-Ji Cao
- Key Laboratory of Aerosol Chemistry and Physics, SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710075, China; Institute of Global Environmental Change, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - S C Lee
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Research Center of Urban Environmental Technology and Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hsiao-Chi Chuang
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - K F Ho
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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5
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Perrot A, Facon T, Plesner T, Usmani SZ, Kumar S, Bahlis NJ, Hulin C, Orlowski RZ, Nahi H, Mollee P, Ramasamy K, Roussel M, Jaccard A, Delforge M, Karlin L, Arnulf B, Chari A, He J, Ho KF, Van Rampelbergh R, Uhlar CM, Wang J, Kobos R, Gries KS, Fastenau J, Weisel K. Health-Related Quality of Life in Transplant-Ineligible Patients With Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: Findings From the Phase III MAIA Trial. J Clin Oncol 2021; 39:227-237. [PMID: 33326255 PMCID: PMC8078427 DOI: 10.1200/jco.20.01370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effects of daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (D-Rd) versus lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Rd) on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in the phase III MAIA study. PATIENTS AND METHODS PROs were assessed on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30-item and the EuroQol 5-dimensional descriptive system at baseline and every 3 months during treatment. By mixed-effects model, changes from baseline are presented as least squares means with 95% CIs. RESULTS A total of 737 transplant-ineligible (TIE) patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma were randomly assigned to D-Rd (n = 368) or Rd (n = 369). Compliance with PRO assessments was high at baseline (> 90%) through month 12 (> 78%) for both groups. European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30-item global health status scores improved from baseline in both groups and were consistently greater with D-Rd at all time points. A global health status benefit was achieved with D-Rd, regardless of age (< 75 and ≥ 75 years), baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status score, or depth of response. D-Rd treatment resulted in significantly greater reduction in pain scores as early as cycle 3 (P = .0007 v Rd); the magnitude of change was sustained through cycle 12. Reductions in pain with D-Rd were clinically meaningful in patients regardless of age, ECOG status, or depth of response. Similarly, PRO improvements were observed with D-Rd and Rd on the EuroQol 5-dimensional descriptive system visual analog scale score. CONCLUSION D-Rd compared with Rd was associated with faster and sustained clinically meaningful improvements in PROs, including pain, in transplant-ineligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma regardless of age, baseline ECOG status, or depth of treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Perrot
- Hematology Department, Cancer University Institute Oncopole, Toulouse, France
- Aurore Perrot, MD, PhD, Institut Universitaire du Cancer Toulouse- Oncopole, 1 avenue Irène Joliot-Curie, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9, France; e-mail:
| | - Thierry Facon
- Service des Maladies du Sang, Hôpital Claude Huriez, Lille, France
| | - Torben Plesner
- Vejle Hospital and University of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | | | - Shaji Kumar
- Department of Hematology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN
| | - Nizar J. Bahlis
- University of Calgary, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Cyrille Hulin
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Haut Leveque, University Hospital, Pessac, France
| | - Robert Z. Orlowski
- Department of Lymphoma-Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Hareth Nahi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital at Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Mollee
- Princess Alexandra Hospital and University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Karthik Ramasamy
- Oxford University Hospital and NIHR BRC Blood Theme, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Murielle Roussel
- Hematology Department, Cancer University Institute Oncopole, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Michel Delforge
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lionel Karlin
- Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud Hematologie (HCL), Pierre—Benite Cedex, France
| | | | - Ajai Chari
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Katja Weisel
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, BMT with Department of Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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Xu HM, He KL, Feng R, Shen ZX, Cao JJ, Liu SX, Ho KF, Huang RJ, Guinot B, Wang QY, Zhou JM, Shen MX, Xiao S, Zhou BH, Sonke JE. Metallic elements and Pb isotopes in PM 2.5 in three Chinese typical megacities: spatial distribution and source apportionment. Environ Sci Process Impacts 2020; 22:1718-1730. [PMID: 32672296 DOI: 10.1039/d0em00174k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a serious environmental and health concern in China, particularly during winter. Here, we detected 40 elements in 24 h integrated daily PM2.5 samples collected in January 2014 from three typical Chinese metropolises (Beijing, Changchun, and Chengdu) to reflect elemental spatial variations, local sources, and regional transport. The measured elemental concentrations in Changchun were 11.1% and 48.4% higher than those in Beijing and Chengdu, respectively. Thus, PM2.5 from Changchun exhibited high levels and diversity in the elemental profile (characterized by high concentrations of industrial emission elemental markers). The results of elemental ratios and Pb isotopes proved that, except for a coal combustion source, vehicular emissions contributed more to PM2.5 heavy metals in Beijing than in the other two cities; Changchun PM2.5 elements received large contributions from industrial sources, including iron and steel manufacturing, and automobile industry. Moreover, crustal dust from long-range transport of regional air masses from the northwest regions of China played a crucial role in determining elemental levels in Beijing and Changchun, accounting for more than 50% of source intensity. However, a specific dominant source was not determined in Chengdu; the contribution of anthropogenic dust, mainly from construction activities, needs to be paid attention in Chengdu eastern area. This study contributed to enhancing our understanding of elemental spatial distribution characteristics and sources and to setting more judicious standards and strategies for PM2.5 bound heavy metals in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Xu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
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Tong X, Ho JMW, Li Z, Lui KH, Kwok TCY, Tsoi KKF, Ho KF. Prediction model for air particulate matter levels in the households of elderly individuals in Hong Kong. Sci Total Environ 2020; 717:135323. [PMID: 31839290 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution has shown to cause adverse health effects on mankind. Aging causes functional decline and leaves elderly people more susceptible to health threats associated with air pollution exposure. Elderly spend approximately 80% of their lifetime at home every day. To understand air pollution exposure, indoor air pollutants are the targets for consideration especially for the elderly population. However, indoor air monitoring for epidemiological studies requires a large population, is labor intensive and time consuming. As a result, a prediction model is necessary. For 3 consecutive days in summer and winter, 24-h average of mass concentrations of fine particulate matter (aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm: PM2.5) were measured in indoors for 116 households. A PM2.5 prediction model for elderly households in Hong Kong has been developed by combining ambient PM2.5 concentrations obtained from land use regression model and questionnaire-elicited information related to the indoor PM2.5 sources. The fitted linear mixed-effects model is moderately predictive for the observed indoor PM2.5, with R2 = 0.67 (or R2 = 0.61 by cross-validation). The model shows indoor PM2.5 was positively influenced by outdoor PM2.5 levels. Meteorological factors (e.g. temperature and relative humidity) were related to the indoor PM2.5 in a relatively complex manner. Congested living areas, opening windows for extended periods for ventilation and use of liquefied petroleum gas for cooking were the factors determining the ultimate indoor air quality. This study aims to provide information about controlling household air quality and can be used for future epidemiological studies associated with indoor air pollution in large population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinning Tong
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jason Man Wai Ho
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhiyuan Li
- Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ka-Hei Lui
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Timothy C Y Kwok
- CUHK Jockey Club Institute of Ageing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Jockey Club Centre for Osteoporosis Care and Control, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kelvin K F Tsoi
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Stanley Ho Big Data Decision Analytics Research Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - K F Ho
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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8
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Lui KH, Jones T, BéruBé K, Ho SSH, Yim SHL, Cao JJ, Lee SC, Tian L, Min DW, Ho KF. The effects of particle-induced oxidative damage from exposure to airborne fine particulate matter components in the vicinity of landfill sites on Hong Kong. Chemosphere 2019; 230:578-586. [PMID: 31125886 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.05.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The physical, chemical and bioreactivity characteristics of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) collected near (<1 km) two landfill sites and downwind urban sites were investigated. The PM2.5 concentrations were significantly higher in winter than summer. Diurnal variations of PM2.5 were recorded at both landfill sites. Soot aggregate particles were identified near the landfill sites, which indicated that combustion pollution due to landfill activities was a significant source. High correlation coefficients (r) implied several inorganic elements and water-soluble inorganic ions (vanadium (V), copper (Cu), chloride (Cl-), nitrate (NO3-), sodium (Na) and potassium (K)) were positively associated with wind flow from the landfill sites. Nevertheless, no significant correlations were also identified between these components against DNA damage. Significant associations were observed between DNA damage and some heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), and total Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) during the summer. The insignificant associations of DNA damage under increased wind frequency from landfills suggested that the PM2.5 loading from sources such as regional sources was possibly an important contributing factor for DNA damage. This outcome warrants the further development of effective and source-specific landfill management regulations for particulate matter production control to the city.
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Affiliation(s)
- K H Lui
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, South Korea
| | - Tim Jones
- School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, UK
| | - Kelly BéruBé
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, UK
| | - Steven Sai Hang Ho
- Key Division of Atmospheric Sciences, Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV 89512, USA
| | - S H L Yim
- Department of Geography and Resource Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Stanley Ho Big Data Decision Analytics Research Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun-Ji Cao
- Key Division of Atmospheric Sciences, Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV 89512, USA; Institute of Global Environmental Change, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - S C Lee
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Research Center of Urban Environmental Technology and Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Linwei Tian
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dae Wi Min
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, South Korea
| | - K F Ho
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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9
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Wang MY, Yim SHL, Wong DC, Ho KF. Source contributions of surface ozone in China using an adjoint sensitivity analysis. Sci Total Environ 2019; 662:385-392. [PMID: 30690372 PMCID: PMC6875754 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution has become an adverse environmental problem in China, resulting in serious public health impacts. This study advanced and applied the CMAQ adjoint model to quantitatively assess the source-receptor relationships between surface ozone (O3) changes over different receptor regions and precursor emissions across all locations in China. Five receptor regions were defined based on the administrative division, including northern China (NC), southern China (SC), Pearl River Delta region (PRD), Yangtz River Delta region (YRD), and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region (BTH). Our results identified the different influential pathways of atmospheric processes and emissions to O3 pollution. We found that the atmospheric processes such as horizontal and vertical advection could offset the O3 removal through chemical reactions in VOC-limited areas inside the receptor regions. In addition, O3 pollution can be induced by transport of O3 directly or its precursors. Our results of relative source contributions to O3 show that transboundary O3 pollution was significant in SC, NC and YRD, while the O3 pollution in PRD and BTH were more contributed by local sources. Anhui, Hubei and Jiangsu provinces were the three largest source areas of NOx and VOC emissions to O3 in SC (>52%) and YRD (>69%). NOx and VOC emissions from Tianjin and Beijing were the largest contributors to O3 in NC (>34%) and BTH (>51%). PRD was the dominant source areas of NOx (>89%) and VOC emissions (~98%) to its own regional O3.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Y Wang
- Department of Geography and Resource Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, N.T., Hong Kong
| | - Steve H L Yim
- Department of Geography and Resource Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, N.T., Hong Kong; Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, N.T., Hong Kong; Stanley Ho Big Data Decision Analytics Research Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong.
| | - D C Wong
- Computational Exposure Division, National Exposure Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, United States of America
| | - K F Ho
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong; Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, N.T., Hong Kong
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10
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Cella D, Traina S, Li T, Johnson K, Ho KF, Molina A, Shore ND. Relationship between patient-reported outcomes and clinical outcomes in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: post hoc analysis of COU-AA-301 and COU-AA-302. Ann Oncol 2019; 29:392-397. [PMID: 29237083 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdx759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are used to assess benefit-risk in drug development. The relationship between PROs and clinical outcomes is not well understood. We aim to elucidate the relationships between changes in PRO measures and clinical outcomes in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Patients and methods We investigated relationships between changes in self-reported fatigue, pain, functional well-being (FWB), physical well-being (PWB) and prostate cancer-specific symptoms with overall survival (OS) and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) after 6 and 12 months of treatment in COU-AA-301 (N = 1195) or COU-AA-302 (N = 1088). Eligible COU-AA-301 patients had progressed after docetaxel and had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) ≤ 2. Eligible COU-AA-302 patients had no prior chemotherapy and ECOG PS 0 or 1. Patients were treated with abiraterone acetate (1000 mg/day) plus prednisone (10 mg/day) or prednisone alone daily. Association between self-reported fatigue, pain and functional status, and OS and/or rPFS, using pooled data regardless of treatment, was assessed. Cox proportional hazard regression modeled time to death or radiographic progression. Results In COU-AA-301 patients, PRO improvements were associated with longer OS and longer time to radiographic progression versus worsening or stable PROs (P < 0.0001). In multivariate models, all except pain intensity remained associated with OS. Pain intensity, PWB and FWB improvements remained associated with rPFS. In COU-AA-302 patients, worsening PROs were associated with higher likelihood of radiographic progression (P ≤ 0.025) compared with improved or stable PROs. In multivariate models, worsening PWB remained associated with worse rPFS. The 12-month analysis confirmed the 6-month results. Conclusions PROs are significantly associated with clinically relevant time-to-event efficacy outcomes in clinical trials and may complement and help predict traditional clinical practice methods for monitoring patients for disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Cella
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA.
| | - S Traina
- Janssen Global Services, Raritan, USA
| | - T Li
- Janssen Global Services, Raritan, USA
| | - K Johnson
- Janssen Global Services, Raritan, USA
| | - K F Ho
- STAT-TU Inc., Toronto, Canada
| | - A Molina
- Janssen Research & Development, Menlo Park, USA
| | - N D Shore
- Carolina Urologic Research Center, Atlantic Urology Clinics, Myrtle Beach, USA
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11
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Bangerter A, Ness S, Lewin D, Aman MG, Esbensen AJ, Goodwin MS, Dawson G, Hendren R, Leventhal B, Shic F, Opler M, Ho KF, Pandina G. Clinical Validation of the Autism Behavior Inventory: Caregiver-Rated Assessment of Core and Associated Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 50:2090-2101. [PMID: 30888551 PMCID: PMC7261279 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-03965-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
There is a need for measures to track symptom change in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We conducted a validation study on a revised version of the Autism Behavior Inventory (ABI), and a short form (ABI-S). Caregivers of individuals (6–54 years) with confirmed diagnoses of ASD (N = 144) completed the ABI and other rating scales at 4 time points. Scale consistency for each domain, 3–5 day test–retest reliability, and construct validity, determined by comparison to pre-specified scales, were all good. Change in the ABI was congruent with changes in other instruments. Collectively, results suggest incipient suitability of the ABI as a measure of changes in core and associated symptoms of ASD. Trial Registration NCT02299700.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Bangerter
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Titusville, NJ, USA.
| | - Seth Ness
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Titusville, NJ, USA
| | - David Lewin
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Titusville, NJ, USA
- Statistically Speaking Consulting, LLC, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael G Aman
- Department of Psychology, Ohio State University, 175C McCampbell, 1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anna J Esbensen
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3430 Burnet Avenue, ML 4002, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Matthew S Goodwin
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, 312E Robinson Hall, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Geraldine Dawson
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, 2608 Erwin Road, Suite 300, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Robert Hendren
- Department of Psychiatry and the Weill Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California, San Francisco,, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bennett Leventhal
- Department of Psychiatry and the Weill Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California, San Francisco,, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Fred Shic
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Yale Child Study Center, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Mark Opler
- MedAvante-ProPhase, Inc, NYU School of Medicine, 3 Park Avenue Floors 28, 37, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Gahan Pandina
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Titusville, NJ, USA
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12
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Lao XQ, Ho KF, Wong CCY, Tian LW. Respiratory health effects of household cleaning products on Hong Kong school children. Hong Kong Med J 2019; 25 Suppl 3:24-26. [PMID: 30792369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- X Q Lao
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - K F Ho
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - C C Y Wong
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Environment Protection Department, Hong Kong
| | - L W Tian
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong
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13
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Trigg A, Chan E, Kitchen H, Willgoss T, Ho KF, Pierson R, Scott J. Psychometric Validation of the Hepatitis C Symptom and Impact Questionnaire (HCV-SIQv4) in a Diverse Sample of Adults with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection Treated with an Interferon-free Simeprevir-containing Regimen. J Health Econ Outcomes Res 2019; 6:1-19. [PMID: 32685576 PMCID: PMC7299472 DOI: 10.36469/9675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and its treatments are associated with significant symptoms, side effects and impact on patients functioning. The Hepatitis C Symptom and Impact Questionnaire version 4 (HCV-SIQv4) was developed according to FDA Patient Reported Outcomes (PRO) Guidance, for evaluating chronic HCV infection and its treatment. OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the psychometric properties and clinically important change (CIC) thresholds of the measure. METHODS PRO data were pooled from three Phase IIb and III trials evaluating interferon-free simeprevir-containing regimens for treatment of chronic HCV infection. Scale range adequacy, reliability, validity, responsiveness and CIC thresholds were assessed incorporating knowledge of the appropriate measurement model. RESULTS Data from 437 patients were analyzed. Stage of liver disease was associated with symptom severity and functioning at baseline. Reliability was acceptable (test-retest ICC ≥0.7) for most scores except the Gastrointestinal and Integumentary domains. Convergent validity was observed between HCV-SIQv4 scores and concurrent measures of conceptual similarity. Greater symptom severity and worse impact scores were associated with liver cirrhosis, depression, severe fatigue and health limitations. Patients who achieved SVR12 had better outcomes than those failing to. HCV-SIQv4 symptom and domain scores were responsive to changes in health state (effect sizes ≥0.5). Exploratory thresholds for change in scores indicating a clinically important improvement and worsening were HCV-SIQv4 Overall Body System Score (BSS), 8 and 8; Constitutional BSS, 10 and 10; Gastrointestinal BSS, 5 and 5; Psychiatric BSS, 8 and 8; Neurocognitive BSS, 8 and 8; and Integumentary BSS, 5 and 5. CONCLUSIONS The HCV-SIQv4 offers reliable, responsive assessments within HCV clinical development. CIC thresholds are now available to aid score interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Trigg
- Formerly of DRG Abacus, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Eric Chan
- Janssen Global Services, LLC, Raritan, NJ, USA
| | | | - Tom Willgoss
- Formerly of DRG Abacus, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Jane Scott
- Janssen Global Services, LLC, High Wycombe, United Kingdom
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14
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Gries K, Fastenau J, Chen Y, Wang J, Ho KF, Wroblewski S, Mateos MV, San-Miguel J, Cavo M, Qi M. Health-related quality of life in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are ineligible for stem cell transplantation: Results from the ALCYONE trial. J Clin Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2018.36.15_suppl.8042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ying Chen
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC,, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Michele Cavo
- Seràgnoli Institute of Hematology, Bologna University School of Medicine, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ming Qi
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Raritan, NJ
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15
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Wong MCS, Chan SL, Lao XQ, Tse LA, Ho KF, Goggins W. Epidemiology of lung cancer: A joinpoint analysis of temporal incidence and mortality trends in 38 countries. J Clin Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2017.35.15_suppl.e13091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
e13091 Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. We examined the correlation between lung cancer incidence/mortality and country-specific socioeconomic development, and evaluated the most recent global patterns and trends of this cancer in 38 countries. Methods: We retrieved age-standardized incidence rates of lung cancer in 2012 from the GLOBOCAN database. Temporal patterns were assessed for all countries obtained from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents volumes I-X and the WHO mortality database. Simple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate their correlations with Human Development Index (HDI) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. The average annual percent change (AAPC) of the incidence and mortality trends in the most recent 10 years were evaluated from join-point regression analysis according to country and gender. The statistical significance of AAPC was ascertained comparing with zero, and all insignificant AAPCs were regarded as having “stable trends”. Results: The global incidence and mortality of lung cancer varied by 31-fold. Country-specific HDI was strongly correlated with age-standardized incidence (r = 0.70) and mortality (r = 0.67), and so was GDP per capita to a lesser extent (r = 0.24 to 0.55) (all p < 0.001). Among men, 22 and 30 (out of 38 and 36) countries showed declining incidence and mortality trends, respectively; whilst among women, 19 and 16 countries showed increasing incidence and mortality trends, respectively. The AAPCs ranged from -2.8 to -0.6 (incidence) and -3.6 to -1.1 (mortality) among countries with declining trend in men, whereas the AAPC range was 0.4 to 8.9 (incidence) and 1 to 4.4 (mortality) among countries with increasing trends in women. Among women, Brazil, Spain and Cyprus had the greatest incidence increase, and all countries in Western, Southern and Eastern Europe had increasing mortality. Conclusions: Countries with higher socioeconomic development had higher lung cancer incidence and mortality. The incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer were increasing in many countries among women but declining in most countries among men, highlighting the need for regular surveillance and global preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin CS Wong
- School of Public Health, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Stephen Lam Chan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Lap Ah Tse
- Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - KF Ho
- Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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16
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Saltmarche AE, Naeser MA, Ho KF, Hamblin MR, Lim L. Significant Improvement in Cognition in Mild to Moderately Severe Dementia Cases Treated with Transcranial Plus Intranasal Photobiomodulation: Case Series Report. Photomed Laser Surg 2017; 35:432-441. [PMID: 28186867 PMCID: PMC5568598 DOI: 10.1089/pho.2016.4227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study investigated whether patients with mild to moderately severe dementia or possible Alzheimer's disease (AD) with Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) Baseline scores of 10–24 would improve when treated with near-infrared photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy. Background: Animal studies have presented the potential of PBM for AD. Dysregulation of the brain's default mode network (DMN) has been associated with AD, presenting the DMN as an identifiable target for PBM. Materials and methods: The study used 810 nm, 10 Hz pulsed, light-emitting diode devices combining transcranial plus intranasal PBM to treat the cortical nodes of the DMN (bilateral mesial prefrontal cortex, precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex, angular gyrus, and hippocampus). Five patients with mild to moderately severe cognitive impairment were entered into 12 weeks of active treatment as well as a follow-up no-treatment, 4-week period. Patients were assessed with the MMSE and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-cog) tests. The protocol involved weekly, in-clinic use of a transcranial-intranasal PBM device; and daily at-home use of an intranasal-only device. Results: There was significant improvement after 12 weeks of PBM (MMSE, p < 0.003; ADAS-cog, p < 0.023). Increased function, better sleep, fewer angry outbursts, less anxiety, and wandering were reported post-PBM. There were no negative side effects. Precipitous declines were observed during the follow-up no-treatment, 4-week period. This is the first completed PBM case series to report significant, cognitive improvement in mild to moderately severe dementia and possible AD cases. Conclusions: Results suggest that larger, controlled studies are warranted. PBM shows potential for home treatment of patients with dementia and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margaret A Naeser
- 2 VA Boston Healthcare System , Boston, Massachusetts.,3 Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kai Fai Ho
- 4 STAT-TU, Inc. , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- 5 Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts.,6 Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lew Lim
- 7 Vielight, Inc. , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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17
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Lui KH, Bandowe BAM, Tian L, Chan CS, Cao JJ, Ning Z, Lee SC, Ho KF. Cancer risk from polycyclic aromatic compounds in fine particulate matter generated from household coal combustion in Xuanwei, China. Chemosphere 2017; 169:660-668. [PMID: 27912191 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.11.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their polar derivatives (oxygenated PAHs: OPAHs and azaarenes: AZAs) were characterized in fine particulates (PM2.5) emitted from indoor coal combustion. Samples were collected in Xuanwei (Yunnan Province), a region in China with a high rate of lung cancer. A sample from the community with the highest mortality contained the highest total concentration of PAHs, OPAHs and AZAs and posed the highest excess cancer risk from a lifetime of inhaling fine particulates. Positive correlations between total carbonyl-OPAHs, total AZAs and total PAHs implied that the emissions were dependent on similar factors, regardless of sample location and type. The calculated cancer risk ranged from 5.23-10.7 × 10-3, which is higher than the national average. The risk in each sample was ∼1-2 orders of magnitude higher than that deemed high risk, suggesting that the safety of these households is in jeopardy. The lack of potency equivalency factors for the PAH derivatives could possibly have underestimated the overall cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- K H Lui
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Benjamin A Musa Bandowe
- Institute of Geography, University of Bern, Hallerstrasse 12, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, Falkenplatz 16, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Linwei Tian
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi-Sing Chan
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun-Ji Cao
- Key Laboratory of Aerosol Chemistry and Physics, SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710075, China; Institute of Global Environmental Change, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhi Ning
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - S C Lee
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Research Center of Urban Environmental Technology and Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - K F Ho
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Key Laboratory of Aerosol Chemistry and Physics, SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710075, China.
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18
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Johnson KM, Devine JM, Ho KF, Howard KA, Saretsky TL, Jamieson CA. Evidence to Support Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale Administration Every 24 Hours to Assess Rapid Onset of Treatment Response. J Clin Psychiatry 2016; 77:1681-1686. [PMID: 28086004 DOI: 10.4088/jcp.15m10253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated the suitability of the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), with a 24-hour recall period (MADRS-24hr), to assess the rapid onset of the antidepressant effect of a treatment in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Psychometric properties of the MADRS-24hr were assessed together with qualitative assessment of content validity. METHODS Content validity was assessed using semistructured interviews conducted from November 2013 to December 2013 in patients (18-64 years old) with TRD who met DSM-IV diagnostic criteria and health care professionals (HCPs) experienced in treating major depressive disorder and familiar with using the MADRS. The psychometric properties of MADRS-24hr were evaluated using data from 2 randomized clinical studies involving patients with TRD. RESULTS A total of 23 patients (15 [65%] women) with TRD (mean age = 45 years) and 11 HCPs were interviewed. With the exception of reduced sleep, the majority of patients and HCPs reported that the items captured in the MADRS can fluctuate in a 24-hour period. The majority of participants also reported that a meaningful change in depression symptoms could be assessed in a 24-hour recall period, except for reduced sleep and appetite. Assessment of the psychometric properties of the MADRS-24hr showed that this instrument had high internal consistency reliability (Cronbach α of 0.84 and 0.91) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.96 and 0.91), had construct validity, and was responsive to change following an intervention. CONCLUSIONS Overall, results suggest that MADRS-24hr can be used to assess the rapid onset of antidepressant efficacy of a treatment in patients with TRD. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT01627782 and NCT01640080.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Carol A Jamieson
- Janssen Global Services, LLC, Patient Reported Outcomes, 700 US, 202 Raritan Ave, Raritan, NJ 08869. .,Janssen Global Services, LLC, Raritan, New Jersey, USA
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19
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van Rhee F, Rothman M, Ho KF, Fleming S, Wong RS, Fosså A, Dispenzieri A, Cavet J, Munshi N, Vermeulen J, Casper C. Patient-reported Outcomes for Multicentric Castleman's Disease in a Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study of Siltuximab. Patient 2016; 8:207-16. [PMID: 25736164 PMCID: PMC4383814 DOI: 10.1007/s40271-015-0120-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background Multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder driven by dysregulated interleukin-6 production. MCD has a poor prognosis, and treatment is generally noncurative and aimed at symptom relief. Siltuximab is a novel, monoclonal interleukin-6 antibody recently shown to be effective in a registration clinical trial. MCD symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, and weakness, are most appropriately quantified using patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures. We assessed the effect of siltuximab on patient perception of symptoms, functional status, and wellbeing using PRO instruments. Methods We analyzed results of a randomized, double-blind trial comparing siltuximab 11 mg/kg every 3 weeks with placebo to treat MCD. Subjects (N = 79) completed the recently developed MCD–Symptom Scale (MCD–SS), the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue (FACIT–Fatigue) scale, and the Short Form (SF)-36 at predetermined time points throughout the treatment period. Scores were compared at baseline and over time between the treatment arms and PRO instruments. Results At baseline, the mean number of symptoms reported was 9.2 (standard deviation 3.76) out of 16 total, as measured by the MCD–SS. Fatigue was a key symptom across all PRO instruments. Siltuximab-treated subjects reported early improvements in symptoms compared with subjects in the placebo arm on both the MCD–SS and FACIT–Fatigue scale. Statistically significant improvements in five SF-36 domains were observed in siltuximab-treated patients, namely role physical, role emotional, vitality, bodily pain, and mental health. Conclusions Patients with MCD commonly report impairments in functioning, wellbeing, and fatigue at baseline. Siltuximab-treated patients reported significant improvements in these outcomes after treatment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40271-015-0120-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frits van Rhee
- Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA,
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Saltmarche AE, Naeser MA, Ho KF, Hamblin MR, Lim L. TD‐P‐010: Significant Improvement in Memory and Quality of Life After Transcranial and Intranasal Photobiomodulation: a Randomized, Controlled, Single‐Blind Pilot Study with Dementia. Alzheimers Dement 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2016.06.256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Margaret A. Naeser
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston University School of MedicineBostonMA USA
| | | | - Michael R. Hamblin
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonMA USA
| | - Lew Lim
- Vielight Inc.TorontoON Canada
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Lui KH, Bandowe BAM, Ho SSH, Chuang HC, Cao JJ, Chuang KJ, Lee SC, Hu D, Ho KF. Characterization of chemical components and bioreactivity of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during incense burning. Environ Pollut 2016; 213:524-532. [PMID: 26994327 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.02.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The chemical and bioreactivity properties of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emitted during controlled burning of different brands of incense were characterized. Incenses marketed as being environmentally friendly emitted lower mass of PM2.5 particulates than did traditional incenses. However, the environmentally friendly incenses produced higher total concentrations of non-volatile polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and some oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs). Human alveolar epithelial A549 cells were exposed to the collected PM2.5, followed by determining oxidative stress and inflammation. There was moderate to strong positive correlation (R > 0.60, p < 0.05) between selected PAHs and OPAHs against oxidative-inflammatory responses. Strong positive correlation was observed between interleukin 6 (IL-6) and summation of total Group B2 PAHs/OPAHs (∑7PAHs/ΣOPAHs). The experimental data indicate that emissions from the environmentally friendly incenses contained higher concentrations of several PAH and OPAH compounds than did traditional incense. Moreover, these PAHs and OPAHs were strongly correlated with inflammatory responses. The findings suggest a need to revise existing regulation of such products.
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Affiliation(s)
- K H Lui
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Steven Sai Hang Ho
- Key Laboratory of Aerosol Chemistry and Physics, SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710075, China; Division of Atmospheric Sciences, Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV 89512, USA
| | - Hsiao-Chi Chuang
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Jun-Ji Cao
- Key Laboratory of Aerosol Chemistry and Physics, SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710075, China; Institute of Global Environmental Change, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kai-Jen Chuang
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health and Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - S C Lee
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Research Center of Urban Environmental Technology and Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China
| | - Di Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - K F Ho
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Key Laboratory of Aerosol Chemistry and Physics, SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an, 710075, China; Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Health Risk Analysis, Shenzhen Research Institute of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.
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22
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Traina S, Li T, Johnson K, Ho KF, Molina A, Cella D. Analysis of the temporal relationship between patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and overall survival (OS) and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients (pts). J Clin Oncol 2016. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2016.34.2_suppl.240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
240 Background: PROs are used to measure therapeutic impact. The relationship between PROs and clinical outcomes is not well described. Methods: COU-AA-301 (301) and COU-AA-302 (302) were phase 3 trials of abiraterone acetate + prednisone (P) vs P in post-docetaxel and chemotherapy-naïve mCRPC pts, respectively. Using Cox regression models, we explored the association between self-reported fatigue, pain, physical well-being (PWB), functional well-being (FWB), and PC-specific (PCS) signs and symptoms, and OS and rPFS over the first 181 days, regardless of treatment, using data from 301 (N = 1195) and, separately, from 302 (N = 1088). Pts in 301 had more advanced disease and were more symptomatic at entry; pts in 302 were asymptomatic/mildly symptomatic. PRO improvements were assessed for 301 and worsening was assessed for 302. Results: In 301, pts with PRO improvements had reduced risk of death and radiographic progression (p < 0.0001) vs pts with worsening or stable PROs (Table). When all PROs were included in a multivariate (MV) model, all except pain intensity were significantly associated with OS; pain intensity, PWB, and FWB improvements were significantly associated with reduced radiographic progression. Pts in 302 with worsening PROs had greater risk of radiographic progression (p ≤ 0.02) vs pts with improved or stable PROs (Table). When all PRO end points were included in an MV model, worsening PWB remained significantly associated with worse rPFS. There were too few events at cutoff to explore the relationship between PROs and OS in 302. Conclusions: These results reinforce the clinical meaningfulness of self-reported symptoms and suggest that PROs can be used in combination with clinical measures in practice. Clinical trial information: NCT00887198; NCT00638690. [Table: see text]
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tracy Li
- Janssen Global Services, Raritan, NJ
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23
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Ho KF, Ho SSH, Huang RJ, Dai WT, Cao JJ, Tian L, Deng WJ. Spatiotemporal distribution of carbonyl compounds in China. Environ Pollut 2015; 197:316-324. [PMID: 25433759 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A sampling campaign was carried out at nine Chinese cities in 2010/2011. Fifteen monocarbonyls (C# = 1-9) were quantified. Temperature is the rate-determining factor of the summertime carbonyl levels. The carbonyl emissions in winter are mainly driven by the primary anthropogenic sources like automobile. A molar ratio of propionaldehyde to nonaldehyde is a barometer of the impact of atmospheric vegetation emission which suggesting that strong vegetation emissions exist in summer and high propionaldehyde abundance is caused by fossil fuel combustion in winter. Potential health risk assessment of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde was conducted and the highest cumulative risks were observed at Chengdu in summer and Wuhan in winter. Because of the strong photochemical reaction and large amount of anthropogenic emissions, high concentrations of carbonyl compounds were observed in Chengdu. The use of ethanol-blended gasoline in Wuhan is the key reason of acetaldehyde emission and action should be taken to avoid potential health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- K F Ho
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Health Risk Analysis, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China; SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710075, China.
| | - Steven Sai Hang Ho
- SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710075, China; Division of Atmospheric Sciences, Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV 89512, United States
| | - R-J Huang
- Laboratory of Atmospheric Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Villigen 5232, Switzerland; Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - W T Dai
- SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710075, China
| | - J J Cao
- SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710075, China
| | - Linwei Tian
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Health Risk Analysis, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - W J Deng
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Hong Kong Institute of Education, Tai Po, Hong Kong, China
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Leung PY, Wan HT, Billah MB, Cao JJ, Ho KF, Wong CKC. Corrigendum to "Chemical and biological characterization of air particulate matter 2.5, collected from five cities in China" [Environ. Pollut. 194 (November 2014), 188-195]. Environ Pollut 2014; 195:232. [PMID: 28117072 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- P Y Leung
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Partner State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Biology, 200 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - H T Wan
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Partner State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Biology, 200 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - M B Billah
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Partner State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Biology, 200 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - J J Cao
- Key Lab of Aerosol Science & Technology, SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710075, China
| | - K F Ho
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Tai Po Road, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Partner State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Biology, 200 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
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Leung PY, Wan HT, Billah MB, Cao JJ, Ho KF, Wong CKC. Chemical and biological characterization of air particulate matter 2.5, collected from five cities in China. Environ Pollut 2014; 194:188-195. [PMID: 25150452 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Fifteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM2.5 samples collected in five different cities (Hong Kong (HK), Guangzhou (GZ), Xiamen (XM), Xi'an (XA) and Beijing (BJ)) in China in the winter 2012-13 [corrected] were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The biological effects of organic extracts were assayed using the human bronchial epithelial cells BEAS-2B. All sixteen priority PAHs can be found in the PM2.5 samples of XA and BJ, but not in HK, GZ and XM, demonstrating the differential spatial source and distribution of PAHs. Our results showed that the total PAHs ranged from 3.35 to 80.45 ng/m(3) air, leading by BJ, followed by XA, XM, GZ and HK. In the cell culture study, transcript levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 were found to be induced in the treatment. The cells exposed to extracts from XA and BJ demonstrated significant migratory activities, indicating a sign of increase of tumorigenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Y Leung
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Partner State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Biology, 200 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - H T Wan
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Partner State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Biology, 200 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - M B Billah
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Partner State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Biology, 200 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - J J Cao
- Key Lab of Aerosol Science & Technology, SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710075, China.
| | - K F Ho
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Tai Po Road, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Partner State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Biology, 200 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
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Casper C, Van AM, Rothman M, Fleming S, Ho KF, Qi M, Vermeulen J, Cavet J. The Multicentric Castleman's Disease (Mcd) -Symptom Scale (Mcd-Ss): Development and Validation of A Patient-Reported Outcome (Pro) Measure for An Ultra-Orphan Disease. Value Health 2014; 17:A535. [PMID: 27201708 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2014.08.1709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C Casper
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - M Rothman
- Janssen Global Services, LLC, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - S Fleming
- Janssen R&D, US, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - K F Ho
- Janssen R&D, US, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - M Qi
- Janssen R&D, US, Spring House, PA, USA
| | | | - J Cavet
- Christie Hospital, Manchester, UK
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27
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Garcez K, Lim CC, Whitehurst P, Thomson D, Ho KF, Lowe M, Sykes A, Lee LW, Yap B, Slevin N. Carotid dosimetry for T1 glottic cancer radiotherapy. Br J Radiol 2014; 87:20130754. [PMID: 24628251 PMCID: PMC4075556 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20130754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Revised: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Radiotherapy for T1 glottic cancer is commonly delivered using a lateral parallel opposed pair of megavoltage photon fields. There is increasing reported evidence of cerebrovascular events due to radiation-induced carotid stenosis. An alternative field arrangement is to use an anterior oblique technique. This study compares the carotid dosimetry between the two techniques and reviews the evidence for the risk of radiation-induced vascular events. METHODS The radiotherapy plans of 10 patients with T1 glottic cancer treated with an anterior oblique technique were examined for carotid dose. Alternative plans were then created using a parallel opposed pair of fields and the dose to the carotids compared. All patients received 50 Gy in 16 fractions treating once daily, for 5 days in a week. RESULTS The average of the mean dose to the carotids with the anterior oblique technique was 21 Gy compared with 37 Gy using the lateral parallel opposed pair arrangement (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION An anterior oblique field arrangement for the treatment of T1 glottic cancer results in a significantly lower radiation dose to the carotid arteries, which may be clinically important in terms of reducing the risk of cerebrovascular events in long-term survivors. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE Although the anterior oblique technique for treating early glottic cancers is well described, and it is predictable that the dose received by the carotid arteries should be lower with this technique, to our knowledge this is the first study to quantify that reduction in dose with a series of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Garcez
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Christie Hospital, Manchester, UK
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28
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Ho KF, Ho SSH, Dai WT, Cao JJ, Huang RJ, Tian L, Deng WJ. Seasonal variations of monocarbonyl and dicarbonyl in urban and sub-urban sites of Xi'an, China. Environ Monit Assess 2014; 186:2835-49. [PMID: 24420739 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-013-3584-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Seventeen airborne carbonyls including monocarbonyls and dicarbonyls were determined in urban and sub-urban sites of Xi'an, China in three seasons in 2010. In winter, acetone was the most abundant carbonyl in the urban site due to usage of organic solvents in constructions and laboratories and its slower atmospheric removal mechanisms by photolysis and reaction with hydroxyl radical than those of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. In the sub-urban site, acetaldehyde was the most abundant carbonyl, followed by formaldehyde and acetone. During summer, however, formaldehyde was the most dominant carbonyl in both sites. The photooxidations of a wide range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) yielded much more formaldehyde than other carbonyls under high solar radiation and temperature. In the urban site, the average concentrations of dicarbonyls (i.e., glyoxal and methyglyoxal) in spring and summer were higher than that in winter. Transformation of aromatic VOCs emitted from fuel evaporation leads to the formation of 1,2-dicarbonyls. A reverse trend was observed in sub-urban sites, as explained by the relatively low abundances and accumulations of VOC precursors in the rural atmosphere during warm seasons. Moreover, cumulative cancer risk based on measured outdoor carbonyls (formaldehyde and acetaldehyde) in Xi'an Jiaotong University and Heihe was estimated (8.82 × 10(-5) and 4.96 × 10(-5), respectively). This study provides a clear map on the abundances of carbonyls and their source interpretation in the largest and the most economic city in Northwestern China.
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Affiliation(s)
- K F Ho
- School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China,
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Merchant S, Provenzano D, Mody S, Ho KF, Etropolski M. Composite measure to assess efficacy/gastrointestinal tolerability of tapentadol ER versus oxycodone CR for chronic pain: pooled analysis of randomized studies. J Opioid Manag 2013; 9:51-61. [PMID: 23709304 DOI: 10.5055/jom.2013.0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Revised: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate a composite measure for chronic pain that balances pain relief with tolerability. DESIGN Post hoc meta-analysis of three randomized, multicenter, double-blind studies. PARTICIPANTS Subjects with moderate-to-severe chronic osteoarthritis knee pain or low back pain who had been randomized to receive active treatment with tapentadol extended release (ER; n = 978) or oxycodone controlled release (CR; n = 999). Twenty-two subjects were excluded, mainly because they did not receive treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We defined the composite measure as ≥30 percent pain relief without nausea/vomiting/constipation and without discontinuations (≥30 percent PRT [pain relief/tolerability]). We also considered ≥50 percent PRT as well as ≥30 percent and ≥50 percent pain relief without any adverse events of any type. To further evaluate ≥30 percent PRT, we studied its relationship with four patient-reported outcomes: EQ-5D, Physical and Mental Component Summaries of SF-36, Patient Global Impression of Change, and Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms. RESULTS At week 12, tapentadol ER recipients were more likely to have ≥30 percent PRT than oxycodone CR recipients (OR, 3.15; 95% CI, 2.47, 4.00; p < 0.001). Significant differences were also observed with the other three composite measures (p < 0.001). At week 12, subjects with ≥30 percent PRT had more favorable changes in all patient-reported outcomes than those without and were more likely to have threshold changes in EQ-5D and SF-36 (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Tapentadol ER was associated with significantly better composite outcomes than oxycodone CR. Because both pain relief and gastrointestinal tolerability appeared to be related to outcomes, the composite measure may represent a useful tool for comparing opioids that merits further evaluation.
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Yau PS, Lee SC, Corbett JJ, Wang C, Cheng Y, Ho KF. Estimation of exhaust emission from ocean-going vessels in Hong Kong. Sci Total Environ 2012; 431:299-306. [PMID: 22698572 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.03.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Revised: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
As one of the busiest port in the world, ship emissions have become of great concern in Hong Kong. In this study, a detailed maritime emission inventory for ocean-going vessels (OGVs) in Hong Kong with the base year of 2007 was developed. The high-resolution vessel speed profiles determined using the Automatic Identification System (AIS) during 2009 were adopted for the speed data in the estimation. It was obtained that the total ship emissions from 37,150 voyages of OGVs in 2007 were 17,097, 8190, and 1035 tonnes accounting for 17%, 11%, and 16% of the total emissions of NO(x), SO(2), and PM(10), respectively. The contribution of ship emissions during transiting was 60-68% for three pollutants while the emissions during hotelling were responsible for the remaining portions. From the emission spatial allocation, the shipping route along the East Lamma Channel and the berthing location of the Kwai Chung and Tsing Yi Container Port comprised the regions with the highest emissions. The OGV emissions in Hong Kong contributed 0.07% NO(x), 0.05% SO(2), and 0.06% PM(10) out of the global total shipping emissions in 2007.
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Affiliation(s)
- P S Yau
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Research Center for Environmental Technology and Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China
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Cheng Y, Zou SC, Lee SC, Chow JC, Ho KF, Watson JG, Han YM, Zhang RJ, Zhang F, Yau PS, Huang Y, Bai Y, Wu WJ. Characteristics and source apportionment of PM1 emissions at a roadside station. J Hazard Mater 2011; 195:82-91. [PMID: 21907488 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2011] [Revised: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 08/04/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The mass concentrations of PM(1) (particles less than 1.0 μm in aerodynamic diameter), organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), water-soluble ions, and up to 25 elements were reported for 24h aerosol samples collected every sixth day at a roadside sampling station in Hong Kong from October 2004 to September 2005. Annual average PM(1) mass concentration was 44.5 ± 19.5 μg m(-3). EC, OM (organic matter, OC × 1.2), and SO(4)(=) were the dominant components, accounting for ∼ 36%, ∼ 26%, and ∼ 24% of PM(1), respectively. Other components, i.e., NO(3)(-), NH(4)(+), geological material, trace elements and unidentified material, comprised the remaining ∼ 14%. Annual average OC/EC ratio (0.6 ± 0.3) was low, indicating that primary vehicle exhaust was the major source of carbonaceous aerosols. The seasonal variations of pollutants were due to gas-particle partitioning processes or a change in air mass rather than secondary aerosol produced locally. Vehicle exhaust, secondary aerosols, and waste incinerator/biomass burning were dominant air pollution sources, accounting for ∼ 38%, ∼ 22% and ∼ 16% of PM(1), respectively. Pollution episodes during summer (May-August) which were frequently accompanied by tropical storms or typhoons were dominated by vehicle emissions. During winter (November-February) pollution episodes coincided with northeasterly monsoons were characterized by secondary aerosols and incinerator/biomass burning emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Cheng
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China.
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Cheng H, Guo H, Wang X, Saunders SM, Lam SHM, Jiang F, Wang T, Ding A, Lee S, Ho KF. On the relationship between ozone and its precursors in the Pearl River Delta: application of an observation-based model (OBM). Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2010; 17:547-60. [PMID: 19806376 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-009-0247-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2009] [Accepted: 09/11/2009] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND, AIM, AND SCOPE Photochemical smog, characterized by high concentrations of O(3) and fine particles, is of great concern in the urban areas, in particular megacities and city clusters like the Pearl River Delta. MATERIALS, METHODS, AND RESULTS Ambient ozone (O(3)) and its precursors were simultaneously measured at two sites in the Pearl River Delta, namely, Wan Qing Sha (WQS) in Guangzhou and Tung Chung (TC) in Hong Kong, from 23 October to 01 December 2007 in order to explore their potential relationship. Eight high O(3) episode days were identified at WQS and two at TC during the sampling campaign, indicating a more serious O(3) pollution in Guangzhou than in Hong Kong. An observation-based model was employed to determine the ozone-precursor relationship. At both sites, O(3) production was found to be volatile organic compound (VOC)-limited, which is consistent with previous observations. Anthropogenic hydrocarbons played a key role in O(3) production, while reducing nitric oxide emissions aided the buildup of O(3) concentrations. Among VOC species, the summed relative incremental reactivity (RIR) of the top 12 compounds accounted for 89% and 85% of the total RIR at WQS and TC, respectively, indicating that local photochemical O(3) formation can be mainly attributed to a small number of VOC species. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS A large increment in both simulated HO(2) and O(3) concentrations was achieved with additional input of hourly carbonyl data. This suggested that apart from hydrocarbons, carbonyls might significantly contribute to the O(3) production in the Pearl River Delta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hairong Cheng
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Cheng Y, Lee SC, Ho KF, Chow JC, Watson JG, Louie PKK, Cao JJ, Hai X. Chemically-speciated on-road PM(2.5) motor vehicle emission factors in Hong Kong. Sci Total Environ 2010; 408:1621-7. [PMID: 20036415 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.11.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2009] [Revised: 11/26/2009] [Accepted: 11/30/2009] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
PM(2.5) (particle with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5microm) was measured in different microenvironments of Hong Kong (including one urban tunnel, one Hong Kong/Mainland boundary roadside site, two urban roadside sites, and one urban ambient site) in 2003. The concentrations of organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), water-soluble ions, and up to 40 elements (Na to U) were determined. The average PM(2.5) mass concentrations were 229+/-90, 129+/-95, 69+/-12, 49+/-18microg m(-3) in the urban tunnel, cross boundary roadside, urban roadside, and urban ambient environments, respectively. Carbonaceous particles (sum of organic material [OM] and EC) were the dominant constituents, on average, accounting for approximately 82% of PM(2.5) emissions in the tunnel, approximately 70% at the three roadside sites, and approximately 48% at the ambient site, respectively. The OC/EC ratios were 0.6+/-0.2 and 0.8+/-0.1 at the tunnel and roadside sites, respectively, suggesting carbonaceous aerosols were mainly from vehicle exhausts. Higher OC/EC ratio (1.9+/-0.7) occurred at the ambient site, indicating contributions from secondary organic aerosols. The PM(2.5) emission factor for on-road diesel-fueled vehicles in the urban area of Hong Kong was 257+/-31mg veh(-1) km(-1), with a composition of approximately 51% EC, approximately 26% OC, and approximately 9% SO(4)(=). The other inorganic ions and elements made up approximately 11% of the total PM(2.5) emissions. OC composed the largest fraction (approximately 51%) in gasoline and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) emissions, followed by EC (approximately 19%). Diesel engines showed higher emission rates than did gasoline and LPG engines for most pollutants, except for V, Br, Sb, and Ba.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Cheng
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, China.
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Pongpiachan' S, Thamanu K, Ho KF, Lee SC, Sompongchaiyakul P. Predictions of gas-particle partitioning coefficients (K(P)) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at various occupational environments of Songkhla Province, Thailand. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2009; 40:1377-1394. [PMID: 20578474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Ambient air samples were collected over periods of 24 hours and 3 hours using a Graseby-Anderson high volume air sampler with PM10 TE-6001 at 15 sampling sites, including an urban residential zone, rural area, industrial factories, waste incinerator, traffic areas and agricultural burning areas in Songkhla Province, Thailand. An analysis of organic carbon and elemental carbon was conducted to estimate the gas-particle partitioning of PAHs using a model proposed by Dachs-Eisenreich. The estimated LogK(P) of PAHs emphasized the risk for lung cancer among outdoor workers in waste incinerators, traffic intersections and bus terminals, suggesting the role of the carbonaceous fraction over the gas-particle partitioning of PAHs. Analysis of f(SC)K(SA)delta(OCT)/F(OM)K(OA) ratios revealed a significant role of adsorption and absorption in unusually high elemental carbon fractions (ie low OC/EC ratio) in fine particles collected at waste incinerators and the abnormally high organic carbon fractions (ie high OC/EC ratio) observed in those fine particles of an urban residential zone, respectively. The dual mode of ab/adsorption tended to dominate the gas-particle partitioning of LMW PAHs collected at the traffic intersections and bus terminal.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pongpiachan'
- Biogeochemical and Environmental Change Research Unit, Faculty of Environmental Management, PSU Satellite Center, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla Thailand.
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Webster GJ, Kilgallon JE, Ho KF, Rowbottom CG, Slevin NJ, Mackay RI. A novel imaging technique for fusion of high-quality immobilised MR images of the head and neck with CT scans for radiotherapy target delineation. Br J Radiol 2009; 82:497-503. [DOI: 10.1259/bjr/50709041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Ho KF, Farnell DJJ, Routledge JA, Burns MP, Sykes AJ, Slevin NJ, Davidson SE. Developing a CTCAEs patient questionnaire for late toxicity after head and neck radiotherapy. Eur J Cancer 2009; 45:1992-8. [PMID: 19427196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2009.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2009] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patient-based reporting of symptoms is increasingly important in providing treatment toxicity information. However, observer-based scoring systems such as the CTCAEs which incorporate the LENT-SOMA scales are not adapted for patient-based reporting. We aim to (1) report the late toxicity in patients following head and neck radiotherapy using a LENT-SOMA patient-based questionnaire, (2) describe how the responses help to improve the questionnaire and (3) adapt the questionnaire for patient reporting using CTCAEs. METHODS A 31-item LENT-SOMA patient questionnaire was administered prospectively to 220 patients pre-treatment and at eight time periods post-radical head and neck radiotherapy over 3 years. Exploratory factor analysis was carried out and questionnaire reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. RESULTS At 3-years follow-up, grade 3/4 toxicity was recorded for xerostomia (44%), hoarseness (14.3%), altered taste (6.1%) and oropharyngeal pain (1.9%). Factor analysis indicated that questionnaire division according to anatomical sub-site was reasonable. Cronbach's alpha was 0.851 (95% CI: 0.820-0.883) indicating high reliability. Good compliance was obtained with all questions except for the 'weight loss' item. A satisfaction survey showed that the questionnaire was clear and concise. Teeth and mandible sections have been removed. Dietary change due to xerostomia has been incorporated in line with CTCAEs. LENT-SOMA scoring of analgesic needs and dysphagia not described in CTCAEs were found useful and have been retained. CONCLUSIONS The questionnaire has enabled reporting of late toxicity and the responses have enabled refinement of the questionnaire. It is reliable, feasible and has been validated for patient-based collection of CTCAEs late toxicity data.
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Affiliation(s)
- K F Ho
- Academic Radiation Oncology, University of Manchester, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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Patrick DL, Giuliano F, Ho KF, Gagnon DD, McNulty P, Rothman M. The Premature Ejaculation Profile: validation of self-reported outcome measures for research and practice. BJU Int 2008; 103:358-64. [PMID: 18793300 DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2008.08041.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Premature Ejaculation Profile (PEP), a self-reported outcome instrument for evaluating domains of PE and its treatment, comprised of four single-item measures, a profile, and an index score. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Data were from men participating in observational studies in the USA (PE, 207 men; non-PE, 1380) and Europe (PE, 201; non-PE, 914) and from men with PE (1238) participating in a phase III randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of dapoxetine. The PEP contains four measures: perceived control over ejaculation, personal distress related to ejaculation, satisfaction with sexual intercourse, and interpersonal difficulty related to ejaculation, each assessed on five-point response scales. Test-retest reliability, known-groups validity, and ability to detect a patient-reported global impression of change (PGI) in condition were evaluated for the individual PEP measures and a PEP index score (the mean of all four measures). Profile analysis was conducted using multivariate analysis of variance. RESULTS All PEP measures showed acceptable reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.66 to 0.83) and mean scores for all measures differed significantly between PE and non-PE groups (P < 0.001). Men who reported a reduction in PE with treatment in the phase III trial had significantly greater scores on each of the four measures. The PEP profiles of men with and without PE differed significantly (P < 0.001) in both observational studies; higher levels of PGI were associated with higher PEP profiles (P < 0.001). The PEP index score also showed acceptable reliability and was significantly different between the PE and non-PE groups (P < 0.001). Men who reported an improvement in PE with treatment in the phase III trial had significantly greater PEP index scores. In the phase III trial, nausea was the most common adverse event with dapoxetine. CONCLUSION The PEP provides a reliable, valid, and interpretable measure for use in monitoring outcomes of men with PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald L Patrick
- Department of Health Services and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7660, USA.
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Ho KF, Slevin N. Radiobiological Modelling of UK Head and Neck Schedules — Calculation Errors. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2007; 19:558. [PMID: 17570649 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2007.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2007] [Revised: 03/26/2007] [Accepted: 04/15/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Wang B, Lee SC, Ho KF, Kang YM. Characteristics of emissions of air pollutants from burning of incense in temples, Hong Kong. Sci Total Environ 2007; 377:52-60. [PMID: 17346776 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.01.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2006] [Revised: 01/15/2007] [Accepted: 01/20/2007] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Field investigations of target air pollutants at two of the most famous temples in Hong Kong were conducted. The air pollution problems in these two temples during peak and non-peak periods were characterized. The target air pollutants included particulate matters (PM(10), PM(2.5)), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbonyl compounds, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO(x)), methane (CH(4)), non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and inorganic ions (Cl(-), NO(3)(-), SO(4)(2-), Na(+), NH(4)(+), and K(+)). The pollutant levels of the two temples during peak period were shown to be significantly higher than those during non-peak period. The highest average CO level was obtained at Temple 1 during peak period, which exceeded IAQO 8-h Good Class criteria. In general, the average PM(2.5)/PM(10) ratios were approximately 82%. The results revealed that the fine particulates (PM(2.5)) constituted the majority of suspended particulates at both temples. It was noted that formaldehyde was the most abundant carbonyl compounds, followed by acetaldehyde. At Temple 1 during peak period, the average benzene concentration exceeded almost 8 times more than Indoor Air Quality Objectives for Office Buildings and Public Places (IAQO) [HKEPD, 2003. Guidance notes for the management of indoor air quality in offices and public places. Indoor air quality management group, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.] Good Class criteria. The average OC/EC ratios ranged from 2.6 to 17 in PM(10) and from 4.2 to 18 in PM(2.5) at two temples, which suggested that OC measured in these two temple areas may be due to both direct emission from incense burning and secondary formation by chemical reactions. The total mass of inorganic ions, organic carbon, and elemental carbon accounted for about 71% in PM(2.5) and 72% in PM(10).
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Affiliation(s)
- B Wang
- Research Centre for Environmental Technology and Management, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Ho KF, Cao JJ, Lee SC, Chan CK. Source apportionment of PM2.5 in urban area of Hong Kong. J Hazard Mater 2006; 138:73-85. [PMID: 16843593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2006.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2006] [Revised: 05/15/2006] [Accepted: 05/15/2006] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
A monitoring program for PM(2.5) had been performed at two urban monitoring stations in Hong Kong from November 2000 to February 2001 and June 2001 to August 2001. PM(2.5) samples were collected once every 6 days at PolyU and KT stations with the sampling duration of 24-h. A sum of 25 chemical species in PM(2.5) were determined and selected for receptor models. Enrichment factors relative to earth crust abundances were evaluated and it was noted that most crustal elements including Al, Ti, Mg, Ca and K have small enrichment factors. Correlation and multivariate analysis technique, such as principal components analysis (PCA)/absolute principal components analysis (APCA) and cluster analysis (CA) are used for source apportionment to identify the possible sources of PM(2.5) and to determine their contribution. Six factors at each site were isolated by using PCA/APCA and cluster analysis. Similar sources (crustal matter, automobile emission, diesel emission, secondary aerosols, tire wear, and non-ferrous smelter) are identified by the PCA/APCA and cluster analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K F Ho
- Department of Civil & Structural Engineering The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
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Wang H, Kawamura K, Ho KF, Lee SC. Low molecular weight dicarboxylic acids, ketoacids, and dicarbonyls in the fine particles from a roadway tunnel: possible secondary production from the precursors. Environ Sci Technol 2006; 40:6255-60. [PMID: 17120550 DOI: 10.1021/es060732c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Low molecular weight dicarboxylic acids (DCAs), ketoacids, and alpha-dicarbonyls have been determined for the PM2.5 samples in a Hong Kong roadway tunnel, using a water extraction followed by a butyl ester and/or dibutyl acetal derivatization technique. For the most wintertime sampling runs, outlet and inlet concentrations of the quantified compounds were found to be quite similar (ca. 10% differences), leading to the conclusion that direct emissions of the organic compounds are insignificant from vehicles in hot-stabilized operations although vehicular emissions can provide important precursors to them. In contrast, a significant concentration increase of most compounds was observed at the outlet station compared to the inlet station in the summertime runs, which might be explained by the secondary production of aerosols in the tunnel. The organic compounds studied comprised a small fraction (<1%) of aerosol organic carbon (OC). In winter, their abundances relative to that of OC in outlet samples were found to be significantly less than those in inlet samples. On the basis of the summer data, apparent secondary production factors of the compounds were calculated, which indicate that adipic and m-phthalic acids can be favorably formed in the tunnel. However, like other DCAs, direct emissions of adipic, m-phthalic, and p-phthalic acids from automobiles are suggested to be insignificant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haobo Wang
- Institute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0819, Japan
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Ho KF, Lee SC, Tsai WY. Carbonyl compounds in the roadside environment of Hong Kong. J Hazard Mater 2006; 133:24-9. [PMID: 16297535 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2005.09.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2005] [Revised: 09/15/2005] [Accepted: 09/21/2005] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The levels of carbonyl compounds were determined at the roadside urban station at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPU) campus during January 2002 to February 2002. Nine carbonyl compounds were quantified in this study. Temperature and solar radiation were found to affect the photochemical reactions of the carbonyls. Formaldehyde/acetaldehyde ratio ranged from 1.27 to 1.35. Strong correlations between formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were found, in the time period 1800-2100, which indicated that they were originated from the same sources during this time period. Roadside carbonyl samples were also collected at four other roadside environments during 2001. Kwai Chung (KC) station showed the highest average formaldehyde and acetaldehyde concentrations due to its highest traffic flow, especially for diesel vehicles. High concentration of toluene emitted from gasoline-fueled vehicles was believed to be the cause of high benzaldehyde level at the Central (CT) station through the photochemical oxidation of toluene. The average concentrations of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde in Hong Kong are well within the ranges reported in roadside environments of other urban cities. However, Mexico City in Mexico and Cairo in Egypt had much higher concentration levels of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde than in Hong Kong roadside environment due to the incomplete combustion of different fuel compositions.
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Affiliation(s)
- K F Ho
- Research Center for Urban Environmental Technology and Management Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, PR China.
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Ho KF, Lee SC, Cao JJ, Chow JC, Watson JG, Chan CK. Seasonal variations and mass closure analysis of particulate matter in Hong Kong. Science of The Total Environment 2006; 355:276-87. [PMID: 15901488 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2005.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2004] [Accepted: 03/01/2005] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The chemical characteristics of ambient particulate matters in urban and rural areas of Hong Kong were determined in this study. A monitoring program starting from November 2000 to February 2001 (winter) and June 2001 to August 2001 (summer) for PM10 and PM2.5 was performed at three monitoring stations in Hong Kong. Twenty-four-hour PM10 and PM2.5 samples were collected once every 6 days at two urban sites, PolyU and KT, and every 12 days at a background site, HT, with Hi-Vol samplers. High concentrations of OC, EC (except in PolyU), water-soluble ions and elements were observed in winter among the three sampling sites for PM10 and PM2.5 fractions. Seasonal variations were significant in background HT. Dilution effect due to the increase in mixing depth and precipitation in summer reduced the concentrations of particulate matters. Long-range transport could contribute to the higher concentrations of particulate matter in the winter. Chemical mass closure calculations were performed for PM10 and PM2.5 observed. Mass closure improved when separate factors (1.4 and 1.9 respectively) were used to convert water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) and water-insoluble organic carbon (WINSOC) into corresponding organic masses. The urban sites showed high percentages of water-soluble ions in winter and high percentages of carbonaceous species in summer. Better results were obtained for the chemical mass closure analysis in winter than in summer. High temperature and solar radiation in summer increased the rate of the complex photochemical reaction in the atmosphere. Therefore the chemical mass closure analysis would underestimate the volatized species and secondary aerosols during summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- K F Ho
- Research Center for Urban Environmental Technology and Management, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Hartley A, Ho KF, McConkey C, Geh JI. Pathological complete response following pre-operative chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer: analysis of phase II/III trials. Br J Radiol 2005; 78:934-8. [PMID: 16177017 DOI: 10.1259/bjr/86650067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological complete response (pCR) has been used as a marker for the efficacy of pre-operative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) schedules in rectal cancer. To date there have been no randomized trials comparing CRT regimens in rectal cancer. Prospective phase II and CRT arms of randomized trials reported up to January 2004 were included, providing they defined the following minimum variables: drugs employed during CRT, radiotherapy dose and pCR rate. Multivariate analysis was used to examine the relationship of these variables on the pCR rate. In addition, the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the type of publication (peer reviewed vs meeting abstract) and whether the tumours were stated to be unresectable/clinically fixed or to have threatened circumferential margins were investigated. The method of analysis was weighted linear modelling of the pCR rate which was normalized by the arcsine transformation. Phase II and phase III trials were identified including a total of 3157 patients. On multivariate analysis only the use of continuous infusion 5FU (p = 0.01), the use of a second drug (p = 0.001) and radiation dose (p = 0.02) were associated with higher rates of pCR. The use of a two drug regimen, the mode of delivery of 5FU and the radiation dose appear to be related to the incidence of pCR following CRT for rectal cancer. These results may generate hypotheses for future randomized trials. Important factors not considered in this analysis include the variability in pathological examination and in the time interval between CRT and surgery. In addition, the toxicity of the CRT regimens requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hartley
- Cancer Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
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Cao JJ, Lee SC, Chow JC, Cheng Y, Ho KF, Fung K, Liu SX, Watson JG. Indoor/outdoor relationships for PM2.5 and associated carbonaceous pollutants at residential homes in Hong Kong - case study. Indoor Air 2005; 15:197-204. [PMID: 15865619 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0668.2005.00336.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Six residences were selected (two roadside, two urban, and two rural) to evaluate the indoor-outdoor characteristics of PM(2.5) (aerodynamic diameter <2.5 microm) carbonaceous species in Hong Kong during March and April 2004. Twenty-minute-averaged indoor and outdoor PM(2.5) concentrations were recorded by DustTrak samplers simultaneously at each site for 3 days to examine diurnal variability of PM(2.5) mass concentrations and their indoor-to-outdoor (I/O) ratios. Daily (24-h average) indoor/outdoor PM(2.5) samples were collected on pre-fired quartz-fiber filters with battery-powered portable mini-volume samplers and analyzed for organic and elemental carbon (OC, EC) by thermal/optical reflectance (TOR) following the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) protocol. The average indoor and outdoor concentrations of 24 h PM(2.5) were 56.7 and 43.8 microg/m(3), respectively. The short-term PM(2.5) profiles indicated that the penetration of outdoor particles was an important contributor to indoor PM(2.5), and a household survey indicated that daily activities were also sources of episodic peaks in indoor PM(2.5). The average indoor OC and EC concentrations of 17.1 and 2.8 microg/m(3), respectively, accounted for an average of 29.5 and 5.2%, respectively, of indoor PM(2.5) mass. The average indoor OC/EC ratios were 5.8, 9.1, and 5.0 in roadside, urban, and rural areas, respectively; while average outdoor OC/EC ratios were 4.0, 4.3, and 4.0, respectively. The average I/O ratios of 24 h PM(2.5), OC, and EC were 1.4, 1.8, and 1.2, respectively. High indoor-outdoor correlations (r(2)) were found for PM(2.5) EC (0.96) and mass (0.81), and low correlations were found for OC (0.55), indicative of different organic carbon sources indoors. A simple model implied that about two-thirds of carbonaceous particles in indoor air are originated from outdoor sources. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Indoor particulate pollution has received more attentions in Asia. This study presents a case study regarding the fine particulate matter and its carbonaceous compositions at six residential homes in Hong Kong. The characteristics and relationship of atmospheric organic and elemental carbon were discussed indoors and outdoors. The distribution of eight carbon fractions was first reported in indoor samples to interpret potential sources of indoor carbonaceous particles. The data set can provide significant scientific basis for indoor air quality and epidemiology study in Hong Kong and China.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Cao
- Research Center for Environmental Technology and Management, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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Patrick DL, Althof SE, Pryor JL, Rosen R, Rowland DL, Ho KF, McNulty P, Rothman M, Jamieson C. ORIGINAL RESEARCH—EJACULATORY DISORDERS: Premature Ejaculation: An Observational Study of Men and Their Partners. J Sex Med 2005; 2:358-67. [PMID: 16422867 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2005.20353.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 332] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most common male sexual dysfunction affecting men and their partners. Lack of community-based data describing this condition limits understanding of PE and its outcomes. AIM To characterize PE in a large population of men with and without PE using patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures elicited from men and their partners. METHODS 4-week, multicenter, observational study of males (> or =18 years) and their female partners in monogamous relationships (> or =6 months). Screening, baseline, and follow-up visits scheduled at 2-week intervals. Clinicians diagnosed PE utilizing DSM-IV-TR criteria. Intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), measured by a stopwatch held by the partner, was recorded for each sexual intercourse experience. Subject and partner independently assessed PROs: control over ejaculation and satisfaction with sexual intercourse (0 = very poor to 4 = very good), personal distress and interpersonal difficulty (0 = not at all to 4 = extremely), and severity of PE (0 = none to 3 = severe). Results. Of the total study population (N = 1,587), 207 subjects were diagnosed with PE and 1,380 were assigned to the non-PE group. Median IELT (min) was 1.8 (range, 0-41) for PE and 7.3 (range, 0-53) for non-PE subjects (P < 0.0001). More PE vs. non-PE subjects gave ratings of "very poor" or "poor" for control over ejaculation (72% vs. 5%; P < 0.0001) and satisfaction with sexual intercourse (31% vs. 1%; P < 0.0001). More subjects in the PE vs. non-PE group gave ratings of "quite a bit" or "extremely" for personal distress (64% vs. 4%; P < 0.0001) and interpersonal difficulty (31% vs. 1%; P < 0.0001). Subject and partner assessments showed similar patterns and correlated moderately (0.36-0.57). CONCLUSIONS PE subjects reported significantly shorter IELT. Overlap in IELT distributions was observed between the PE and non-PE groups, indicating the need for additional PRO measures to characterize PE. Shorter IELT was significantly associated with reduced ejaculatory control and sexual satisfaction and increased distress and interpersonal difficulty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald L Patrick
- Department of Health Services and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7660, USA.
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Guo H, Lee SC, Louie PKK, Ho KF. Characterization of hydrocarbons, halocarbons and carbonyls in the atmosphere of Hong Kong. Chemosphere 2004; 57:1363-1372. [PMID: 15519381 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2004.07.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2003] [Revised: 07/14/2004] [Accepted: 07/14/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Ambient air quality measurements of 156 species including 39 alkanes, 32 alkenes, 2 alkynes, 24 aromatic hydrocarbons, 43 halocarbons and 16 carbonyls, were carried out for 120 air samples collected at two sampling stations (CW and TW) in 2001 throughout Hong Kong. Spatial variations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere were investigated. Levels of most alkanes and alkenes at TW site were higher than that at the CW site, while the BTEX concentrations at the two sites were close. The BTEX ratios at CW and TW were 1.6:10.1:1.0:1.6 and 2.1:10.8:1.0:2.0, respectively. For major halogenated hydrocarbons, the mean concentrations of chloromethane, CFCs 12 and 22 did not show spatial variations at the two sites. However, site-specific differences were observed for trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene. Furthermore, there were no significant differences for carbonyls such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acetone between the two sites. The levels of selected hydrocarbons in winter were 1-5 times that in summer. There were no common seasonal trends for carbonyls in Hong Kong. The ambient level of formaldehyde, the most abundant carbonyl, was higher in summer. However, levels of acetaldehyde, acetone and benzaldehyde in winter were 1.6-3.8 times that in summer. The levels of CFCs 11 and 12, and chloromethane in summer were higher than that in winter. Strong correlation of most hydrocarbons with propene and n-butane suggested that the primary contributors of hydrocarbons were vehicular emissions in Hong Kong. In addition, gasoline evaporation, use of solvents, leakage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas leakage and other industrial emissions, and even biogenic emissions affected the ambient levels of hydrocarbons. The sources of halocarbons were mainly materials used in industrial processes and as solvents. Correlation analysis suggested that photochemical reactions made significant contributions to the ambient levels of carbonyls in summer whereas in winter motor vehicle emissions would be the major sources of the carbonyls. The photochemical reactivity of selected VOCs was estimated in this study. The largest contributors to ozone formation were formaldehyde, toluene, propene, m,p-xylene, acetaldehyde, 1-butene/i-butene, isoprene and n-butane, suggesting that motor vehicles, gasoline evaporation, use of solvents, leakage of LPG, photochemical processes and biogenic emission are sources in the production of ozone. On the other hand, VOCs from vehicles and gasoline evaporation were predominant with respect to reactions with OH radical.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Guo
- Research Centre for Urban Environmental Technology and Management, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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Ho KF. A generalized plate method for estimating total aerobic microbial count. PDA J Pharm Sci Technol 2004; 58:261-5. [PMID: 15568647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The plate method outlined in Chapter 61: Microbial Limit Tests of the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP 61) provides very specific guidance for assessing total aerobic bioburden in pharmaceutical articles. This methodology, while comprehensive, lacks the flexibility to be useful in all situations. By studying the plate method as a special case within a more general family of assays, the effects of each parameter in the guidance can be understood. Using a mathematical model to describe the plate counting procedure, a statistical framework for making more definitive statements about total aerobic bioburden is developed. Such a framework allows the laboratory scientist to adjust the USP 61 methods to satisfy specific practical constraints. In particular, it is shown that the plate method can be conducted, albeit with stricter acceptance criteria, using a test specimen quantity that is smaller than the 10 g or 10 mL prescribed in the guidance. Finally, the interpretation of results proffered by the guidance is re-examined within this statistical framework and shown to be overly aggressive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Fai Ho
- ALZA Corporation, 1950 Charleston Road, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA.
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Ho KF, Lee SC, Guo H, Tsai WY. Seasonal and diurnal variations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere of Hong Kong. Sci Total Environ 2004; 322:155-166. [PMID: 15081745 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2003.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2003] [Revised: 09/23/2003] [Accepted: 10/04/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Ambient VOCs samples were collected at three locations (PolyU campus (PU), Kwun Tong (KT), Hok Tsui (HT)) in Hong Kong during the periods of November 2000-February 2001 and June 2001-August 2001. Also the concentrations of VOCs in Cross Harbor tunnel in Hong Kong were obtained in order to determine the vehicular sources of VOCs. Toluene was the most abundant VOC detected in Hong Kong. At the PU station, which is close to a main road, the concentrations of most VOCs were higher in summer than in winter. However, at the background location HT, the concentrations of all VOCs except tetrachloroethene were higher in winter than in summer. Regional physical dispersion/transportation and mixing depth may be the reasons for higher VOC concentrations in winter at HT. The BTEX (benzene:toluene:ethylbenzene:xylene) ratios of PU and KT during winter period were (1.9:10.1:1.0:1.8) and (1.9:10.4:1.0:1.5), and (0.9:8.3:1.0:2.2) and (0.8:29.6:1.0:1.8) for summer season, respectively. The xylene/ethylbenzene (X/E) ratio was used to assess the relative age of the air parcels in this study. The concentrations of VOCs in the atmosphere in Hong Kong were mainly affected by direct emissions from vehicles, evaporation of fuels, photochemical reactions and few industrial emissions. The BTEX ratio in the tunnel was 2:10.4:1:3.2. The BTEX ratios at PU and KT during the winter period were similar to that in tunnel (except for xylenes). The X/E ratio in the tunnel was higher than that in the ambient air. This indicated that the freshly emitted xylenes in the tunnel decayed at different rates from OH-oxidation in the atmosphere. Good BTEX correlations (r>0.8) were found at PU and KT in winter (**P<0.01). Vehicular exhaust was the dominant source at PU and KT stations, and less evaporation of fuel or additive occurred at low temperature in winter. Diurnal variations of mean BTEX concentrations at the roadside monitoring station (PU) showed two peaks associated with traffic density and vehicle type.
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Affiliation(s)
- K F Ho
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Research Center for Urban Environmental Technology and Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, PR China
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Zou SC, Lee SC, Chan CY, Ho KF, Wang XM, Chan LY, Zhang ZX. Characterization of ambient volatile organic compounds at a landfill site in Guangzhou, South China. Chemosphere 2003; 51:1015-1022. [PMID: 12697192 DOI: 10.1016/s0045-6535(03)00004-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Ambient air monitoring was conducted at Datianshan landfill, Guangzhou, South China in 1998 to investigate the seasonal and horizontal variations of trace volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Twelve sampling points over the Datianshan landfill were selected and samples were collected simultaneously using Carbontrap(TM) adsorption tubes. Thirty eight VOCs were detected in the winter, whereas 60 were detected in the summer. The VOC levels measured in summer were alkanes, 0.5-6.5 microg/m(3); aromatics, 2.3-1667 microg/m(3); chlorinated species, 0.2-31 microg/m(3); terpines, 0.1-34 microg/m(3); carbonyl species, 0.3-5.6 microg/m(3) and naphthalene and its derivatives, 0.4-27 microg/m(3). Compared to the summer samples the VOC levels in winter were much lower (mostly 1-2 orders of magnitude lower). The aromatics are dominant VOCs in landfill air both in winter and summer. High levels of alkylbenzene and terpines such as methyl-isopropylbenzene (max 1667 microg/m(3)) and limonene (max 162 microg/m(3)) cause undesirable odor. The similar correlation coefficients of BTEX in summer and winter suggest VOCs emissions were from landfill site sources. The variation of BTEX ratio at landfill site is different from that in the urban area of Guangzhou. It shows that the ambient VOCs at landfill site were different from the urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Zou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Zhongshan University, Guangzhou 510275, China
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