No abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vivo bone response to the strontium-containing hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA) bioactive bone cement injected into the cancellous bone. Sr-HA cement was injected into the iliac crest of rabbits for 1, 3, and 6 months. Active bone formation and remodeling were observed after 1 month. Newly formed bone was observed to grow onto the bone cement after 3 months. Thick osteoid layer with osteoblasts formed along the bone and guided over the bone cement surface reflected the stimulating effect of Sr-HA. From scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, high calcium and phosphorus levels were detected at the interface with a thick layer of 70 microm in width, and fusion of Sr-HA with the bone was observed. Blood vessels were found developing in remodeling sites. The affinity of bone on Sr-HA cement was increased from 73.55 +/- 3.50% after 3 months up to 85.15 +/- 2.74% after 6 months (p < 0.01). In contrast to Sr-HA cement, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement was neither osteoconductive nor bioresorbable. Results show that the Sr-HA cement is biocompatible and osteoconductive, which is suitable for use in treating osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among South Asians in Hong Kong and examined the factors that affect KAP towards COVID-19 in this population. This cross-sectional descriptive study recruited participants with assistance from South Asian community centres and organisations. A total of 352 participants completed questionnaires to assess their level of KAP towards COVID-19. The mean knowledge score was 5.38/10, indicating a relatively low knowledge level. The participants expressed certain misconceptions regarding the prevention of COVID-19 infection. They perceived a mild risk related to the disease, had positive attitudes regarding its prevention and often implemented recommended disease-preventive measures, such as maintaining social distance (88.1%) and wearing masks in public (94.3%). Participants who were male, had a secondary school education or lower and who perceived a lower risk of being infected and lower self-efficacy were less likely to implement preventive measures. Culturally and linguistically appropriate health education could be developed to increase the knowledge of South Asians, especially those with lower education levels, about COVID-19 and to encourage them to implement the necessary preventive measures.