Project - Medicine, Dentistry and Health

To document the early and subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of patients with the acute traumatic central cord syndrome and to correlate MRI appearances with clinical and electrophysiological findings.

Investigators: Professor W.C.G. Peh (Principal)

Professor J.C.Y. Leong

Dr. D.K.H. Yip

Departments: Diagnostic Radiology

Orthopaedic Surgery

Starting date: 1995.11

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF ACUTE KNEE HAEMARTHROSIS

To assess patients with acute knee haemarthrosis, using a standardized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol, prior to arthroscopy and to evaluate the usefulness of MRI in planning arthroscopic and surgical treatment.

Investigators: Professor W.C.G. Peh (Principal)

Dr. P. Chien

Dr. J.W.K. Wong

Departments: Diagnostic Radiology

Orthopaedic Surgery

Starting date: 1995.11

THE MAGIC ANGLE PHENOMENON IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM

To investigate the magic angle phenomenon in magnetic resonance imaging of tendons and menisci, and to determine the methods by which this phenomenon may be eliminated.

Investigators: Professor W.C.G. Peh (Principal)

Mr. J.H.M. Chan

Department: Diagnostic Radiology

Starting date: 1996.08

FAT-SUPPRESSION OF PROTON DENSITY WEIGHTED IMAGES IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF THE KNEE

To determine the feasibility of applying fat suppression to fast spin-echo double-echo magnetic resonance images of the knee, to evaluate its effect on various structures, and to compare proton density images obtained with and without fat-suppression.

Investigators: Professor W.C.G. Peh (Principal)

Mr. J.H.M. Chan

Dr. M.K. Yuen

Department: Diagnostic Radiology

Starting date: 1997.01

EFFECT OF SHORT ECHO TIMES ON MENISCAL SIGNAL IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF THE KNEE

To study the effect of short echo times and to determine the optimal echo times in T1- and proton density weighted magnetic resonance imaging of knee menisci, using an animal model.

Investigators: Professor W.C.G. Peh (Principal)

Mr. J.H.M. Chan

Dr. T.W.H. Shek

Dr. J.W.K. Wong

Departments: Diagnostic Radiology

Orthopaedic Surgery

Pathology

Starting date: 1997.06

LUNOHAMATE OSTEOARTHRITIC CHANGES OF THE WRIST

To determine the reliability of standard radiographs in detecting osteoarthritis at the lunohamate articulation of the wrist, and to correlate the radiographic findings with magnetic resonance imaging and cadaveric dissection.

Investigators: Professor W.C.G. Peh (Principal)

Mr. J.H.M. Chan

Dr. A.C.W. Chin

Dr. W.Y. Ip

Departments: Diagnostic Radiology

Orthopaedic Surgery

Starting date: 1997.11

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF THE KNEE ARTICULAR CARTILAGE

To compare fat-suppressed fast-spin echo proton density with three-dimensional fat-suppressed spoiled gradient-recalled magnetic resonance images of the articular cartilage of the knee, using an animal model.

Investigators: Professor W.C.G. Peh (Principal)

Mr. J.H.M. Chan

Dr. T.W.H. Shek

Dr. J.W.K. Wong

Departments: Diagnostic Radiology

Orthopaedic Surgery

Pathology

Starting date: 1998.03

METHAEMOGLOBLIN-SUPPRESSED MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF BLEEDING TUMOURS

To investigate and devise a new magnetic resonance imaging pulse sequence to provide suppression of methaemogloblin signal in bleeding tumours.

Investigators: Professor W.C.G. Peh (Principal)

Mr. J.H.M. Chan

Department: Diagnostic Radiology

Starting date: 1998.06 Completion date: 1999.06

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY-DERIVED THREE-DIMENSIONAL STEREOLITHOGRAPHIC BIOMODELS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF COMPLEX ORTHOPAEDIC PROBLEMS

To determine the usefulness of CT-derived 3D STL biomodels for the assessment of complex orthopaedic problems affecting the hips, pelvis, spine and other bony deformities; to assess the impact of biomodels upon the preparation and planning of surgery in these complex cases.

Investigators: Professor W.C.G. Peh (Principal)

Dr. L.K.P. Chu

Professor J.C.Y. Leong

Mr. M.C.M. Wong

Departments: Diagnostic Radiology

Industrial Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Orthopaedic Surgery

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

A CLINICO-RADIOLOGICO-PATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE DEVELOPMENT, PROGRESSION AND TREATMENT OF INTUSSUSCEPTION USING AN ANIMAL MODEL

To understand the pathogenesis of the ileocolic, ileoileal and ileoileocolic types of intussusception using an animal model; to determine the realiability of colour Doppler sonography (CDS) in indicating bowel necrosis due to intussusception; to correlate serum indicators of infection and inflammation with the creation, progression, treatment and post-treatment stages of intussusception.

Investigators: Professor W.C.G. Peh (Principal)

Dr. K.L. Chan

Dr. K.W. Chan

Professor P.K.H. Tam

Departments: Diagnostic Radiology

Pathology

Surgery

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1998.11

ACIDOSIS ANTAGONIZES THE INTRACELLULAR CALCIUM RESPONSE TO K-OPIOID RECEPTOR STIMULATION IN THE RAT HEART

Signal transduction in cardiac k-opioid receptor during extracellular acidosis.

Investigators: Dr. J.M. Pei (Principal)

Mr. J.S. Bian

Professor T.M. Wong

Mr. X.C. Yu

Department: Physiology

Starting date: 1998.06 Completion date: 1999.05

HUMAN HERPESVIRUS 6 AND 7 INFECTIONS IN BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS: DIFFERENTIATION OF ACTIVE INFECTION FROM CHRONIC PERSISTENCE AND CORRELATION WITH DISEASE

To carry out a prospective study of HHV6 and HHV7 in bone marrow transplant (BMT) recipients and healthy control subjects in order to differentiate chronic virus persistence (nested PCR for viral DNA) from active virus replication using a number of virological techniques: viral culture, detection and quantitation of viral DNA by PCR, detection of viral transcription by RT-PCR peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL), and the detection of cell free plasma viraemia by looking for virus DNAemia and antigenaemia in plasma.

Investigators: Dr. J.S.M. Peiris (Principal)

Dr. L. Cao

Professor R.H.S. Liang

Professor K.Y. Yuen

Departments: Microbiology

Medicine

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1996.09 Completion date: 1998.09

PUBLIC HEALTH HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH VEROCYTOTOXIN-PRODUCING ESCHERICHIA COLI

To establish the prevalence of serotypes and toxin-types of Verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) in common livestock consumed in Hong Kong; to study other virulence characteristics in VTEC isolates including genes mediating the "attaching and affacing" capacity on intestinal mucosa; to monitor the rate of VTEC cross contamination among abbatoir samples relating to routine slaughtering procedures; to monitor the role of VTEC in human diseases inclduing haemorrhagic colitis, uncomplicated diarrhoea and haemolytic ureamic syndrome and and in particular, to determine whether "unusual" serotypes are relevant in the different cultural and dietary setting of Hong Kong; to assess the prevalence of VTEC infections in our population by carrying out a sero-epidemiological survey for antibodies to Verotoxins 1, 2, and 2a; to formulate public health measures to control the spread of this disease.

Investigators: Dr. J.S.M. Peiris (Principal)

Dr. W.S. Ng

Dr. W.C. Yam

Departments: Microbiology

Microbiology (Hospital Pathology Services)

School of Professional and Continuing Education

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.11

RAPID DETECTION OF ANTIVIRAL RESISTANCE BY MOLECULAR METHODS

To establish the feasibility of using molecular methods for rapid detection of antiviral resistance using cytomegalovirus (CMV) as a model system; to establish methodology for PCR directed analysis of the UL97 gene of CMV to the detect mutations conferring resistance to ganciclovir and other structurally related compounds including famciclovir; to document mutations in the UL97 gene in association with long term famciclovir therapy in bone marrow transplant recipients and correlate these with in-vitro resistance to penciclovir (the active compound derived from the pro-drug famciclovir) and increase in level of cross resistance to ganciclovir; to determine the frequency antiviral resistance mutations in association with different prophylactic/pre-emptive therapeutic regimens used in bone marrow transplant patients e.g. thrice weekly vs. daily ganciclovir therapy.

Investigators: Dr. J.S.M. Peiris (Principal)

Dr. W.C. Yam

Professor K.Y. Yuen

Departments: Microbiology

Microbiology (Hospital Pathology Services)

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

DOES MELATONIN ACTS DIRECTLY ON THE LIVER?

To test whether melatonin acts directly on the liver.

Investigator: Dr. A.M.S. Poon

Department: Physiology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07

MELATONIN, MELATONIN RECEPTORS AND ITS FUNCTION IN THE HUMAN GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

Recent studies have pointed to various possible therapeutic uses of melatonin leading to its use as a food supplement rapidly gaining popularity. Indeed, it has been poised as one of the hottest pills of the decade. Melatonin has become available in Hong Kong this year and is now being advertised on television. As melatonin is so widely taken orally, knowledge on its localization, effects and mechanisms of action on the human gastrointestinal tract becomes very important. This project aims to provide such knowledge.

Investigator: Dr. A.M.S. Poon

Department: Physiology

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1997.12 Completion date: 1998.09

MELATONIN AND ITS RECEPTORS IN THE RAT UTERUS

To study melatonin receptors in the female rat uterus.

Investigator: Dr. A.M.S. Poon

Department: Physiology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

PROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF PROGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF TUMOUR ANGIOGENESIS AND ANGIOGENETIC FACTORS IN HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA

To prospectively evaluate the prognostic significance of angiogenesis and expression of angiogenetic factors in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients undergoing hepatectomy.

Investigators: Dr. R.T.P. Poon (Principal)

Professor S.T. Fan

Department: Surgery

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.08

BIOCHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION OF THE QUALITATIVE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN INTRAMEMBRANOUS AND ENDOCHONDORAL BONE MATRICES

To investigate the biochemical composition of the extracellular matrices of IM and EC bones-specifically the presence or the absence of the CDI, the nature of proteoglyeans in both bones and the role of these matrix macromolecules in affecting the survival and integration of bone grafts.

Investigators: Dr. A.B.M. Rabie (Principal)

Dr. M.T. Dimuzio

Dr. D.K.Y. Shum

Departments: Faculty of Dentistry

Biochemistry

Oral Biology, Northwestern University, U.S.A.

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Run Run Shaw Research and Teaching Endowment Fund

Starting date: 1994.07

EARLY TREATMENT OF PSEUDO CLASS III PATIENTS

To identify the early treatment of Pseudo Class III patients vs late treatment.

Investigator: Dr. A.B.M. Rabie

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Starting date: 1997.03 Completion date: 1999.06

THE EXPRESSION OF MATRIXINS AND TISSUE INHIBITOR METALLOPROTEINASES DURING THE HEALING OF BONE GRAFTS

To investigate the expression of MMPs and TiMP during the early stages of healing of IM and EC bone grafts in the rabbit model. Specifically the expression of MMP-1, 2, 13 and 14 as well as the expression of TiMP-1 on days 1 to 14 during the healing of IM and EC bone grafts.

Investigators: Dr. A.B.M. Rabie (Principal)

Professor A. Veis

Departments: Faculty of Dentistry

Oral Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, U.S.A.

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

INVESTIGATION OF HYPOTENSIVE ANAESTHESIA IN MAXILLOFACIAL OSTEOTOMY SURGERY WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF LASER DOPPLER TECHNOLOGY

To define the effect of controlled hypotension during general anaesthesia on blood flow to the face and jaws.

Investigators: Dr. M.R.C. Rodrigo (Principal)

Professor H. Tideman

Dr. R.W.K. Yeung

Departments: Anaesthesiology

Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07

AN ASSESSMENT OF GASTRO-OESOPHAGEAL REFLUX IN CHILDREN BY EXTENDED PH MONITORING OF THE DISTAL OESOPHAGUS

An assessment of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) in: a) children whose primary pathology is known to be associated with GOR, e.g. oesophageal atresia, pyloric stenosis, etc.; b) children whose clinical features are suggestive of GOR; c) asymptomatic control to have a base line for Chinese children.

Investigators: Professor H. Saing (Principal)

Dr. H. Mya

Department: Surgery

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Lee Wing Tat Medical Research Fund

Madam Fung Wong Fung Ting and Esther F.Y. Fung Fund for Clinical Research

Starting date: 1987.12

AUGMENTATION OF SMALL INTESTINE BY TISSUE EXPANDER IN RABBITS

To determine the effect of augmentation by tissue expander in small intestine. The aim is to increase the mucosal surface area of the small intestine thereby increasing the absorptive capacity.

Investigator: Professor H. Saing

Department: Surgery

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1993.07

SMALL BOWEL TRANSPLANTATION: AN ANIMAL MODEL

To perform acute experiments in laboratory animals (rabbit) whereby transplantation of intestine from one animal to the other is carried out. The use of FK-506, a new immunosuppressive agent, will be tried at a later period when chronic experiments are performed. These experiments are a prelude to small bowel transplantation in neonates with short gut syndrome.

Investigators: Professor H. Saing (Principal)

Dr. K.L. Chan

Department: Surgery

Starting date: 1994.07

GENOTYPIC AND PHENOTYPIC FEATURES OF ORAL ISOLATES OF CANDIDA KRUSEI AND CANDIDA ALBICANS

To establish karyotyes of the human fungal pathogens Candida krusei and Candida albicans and to relate their genetic and phenotypic features.

Investigators: Professor L.P. Samaranayake (Principal)

Dr. J. Wang

Departments: Faculty of Dentistry

Biochemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1994.07 Completion date: 1998.10

THE AETIOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL FEATURES OF HALITOSIS IN A HONG KONG POPULATION

To study the occurence of halitosis in a systematic approach. Besides evaluating the general awareness of individuals towards the problem, the clinical and social features of a group of patients complaining of having bad breath will be investigated; so as to gain a better understanding of different aspects of this problem.

Investigator: Professor L.P. Samaranayake

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Run Run Shaw Research and Teaching Endowment Fund

Starting date: 1994.07 Completion date: 1998.10

THE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN CANDIDA SPECIES, HUMAN APO-LACTOFERRIN AND ANTI-FUNGAL AGENTS

To investigate the inter- and intra- species differences in the susceptibility of Candida species to human apo-lactoferrin and to study the effect of antifungal agents on the latter interactions.

Investigator: Professor L.P. Samaranayake

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1995.07 Completion date: 1999.01

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ORAL CANDIDA ALBICANS ISOLATES IN HIV-DISEASE AND HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS IN HONG KONG

To phenotype oral Candida albicans isolates both in HIV infection and in healthy individuals in an attempt to elucidate the pathogenesis of HIV related oral candidosis.

Investigator: Professor L.P. Samaranayake

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07 Completion date: 1999.03

THE IMPACT OF THE POST ANTIFUNGAL EFFECT (PAFE) ON THE PATHOGENIC ATTRIBUTES OF CANDIDA ALBICANS

To study the effect of short term exposure to sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations of antifungal agents (post antifungal effect) on the pathogenic and ultrastructural attributes of Candida albicans. The pathogenic attributes studied will include, ultrastructural changes, and protease, phospholipase, esterase and haemolysin production, cellular adhesion and cell surface hydrophobicity.

Investigator: Professor L.P. Samaranayake

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

PHENOTYPIC AND GENOTYPIC CHARACTERISATION OF ORAL CANDIDA ALBICANS ISOLATES IN HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS DISEASE AND IN HEALTH

To investigate the virulence attributes of 85 C. albicans isolates comprising 5 reference laboratory strains, 60 oral isolates from HIV diseased individuals obtained by sequential sampling over a period of two years and, 20 oral isolates from disease-free individuals. To utilise three different typing techniques of C. albicans i.e. the biotyping, morphotyping and genetic typing, to ascertain the relationship between the isolates i) during disease progression in the same individual (by using sequential isolates), ii) in HIV-infected and healthy individuals, iii) to correlate the sensitivity and specificity of the three different typing techniques and, finally iv) to evaluate the relationship between the phenotypic (virulence) characteristics and genotypic features.

Investigators: Professor L.P. Samaranayake (Principal)

Dr. L. Cao

Departments: Faculty of Dentistry

Microbiology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.12

SUSCEPTIBILITY OF CANDIDA ALLICANS FROM PERIODONTITIS LESIONS TO ANTIFUNGALS

To invesitgate the minimal inhibitory concentration of C. allicans isolates from periodontitis lesions to polyene and azoles.

Investigators: Professor L.P. Samaranayake (Principal)

Dr. T. Waltims

Departments: Faculty of Dentistry

Scandinavian Institute of Dental Materials, Norway

Starting date: 1998.01

AGE-RELATED VARIATIONS OF ORAL CANDIDA IN AN ASIAN POPULATION

To investigate an Asian cohort of different age groups with a view to study the age-related variations of oral candidal carriage in an attempt to evaluate its impact on subsequent oral disease; to study the genetic relatedness of the isolates in a single geographical locale.

Investigator: Professor L.P. Samaranayake

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

EVOLUTIONARY TRENDS IN THE PATHOGENIC ATTRIBUTRES OF ORAL CANDIDA ALBICANS ISOLATES IN HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS INFECTION

To isolate C. albicans from sequential oral samples of HIV-infected patients; to characterise the isolates using conventional mycological and biotyping techniques; phenotypic characterisation of sequential samples to study the evolutionay trends in the following pathogenic attributes during disease progression, (namely: extracellular protease and phospholipase production, adhesion to human buccal epithelial cells, cell surface hydrophobicity and antifungal susceptibility).

Investigators: Dr. Y.H. Samaranayake (Principal)

Professor L.P. Samaranayake

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.08

THE USE OF SCINTIGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF MANDIBULAR ASYMMETRY

To establish the condylar isotope of symmetric mandibles in the local population; to compare planar with tomographic (SPECT) scintigrams in mandibular asymmetry.

Investigators: Dr. N. Samman (Principal)

Professor L.K. Cheung

Professor H. Tideman

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1995.07

INVESTIGATION OF SENSORY NEURAL HEARING AND EUSTATION TUBE FUNCTION FOLLOWING MAXILLARY OSTEOTOMY SURGERY IN CLEFT PATIENTS

Maxillary repositioning (advancement) results in a change of nasophargeal soft tissue position. This has a reported positive effect on hearing advancement, Le Fort I advancement and alveolar advancement (Schuchardt osteotomy) with a non cleft control

Investigators: Dr. N. Samman (Principal)

Dr. I.W. Ormiston

Professor H. Tideman

Ms L.L.N. Wong

Departments: Faculty of Dentistry

Speech and Hearing Sciences

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1995.07

DONOR SITE MORBIDITY OF MICROVASCULAR FREE TISSUE TRANSFER

To analyse the functional sequelae of harvesting tissue flaps destined for microvascular anastomosis at a distant site; to quantify the risk of developing the various possible complications at the donor site, the chosen sites for the study being the forearm and the iliac crest.

Investigators: Dr. N. Samman (Principal)

Professor L.K. Cheung

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07

THE EFFECT OF DENTOFACIAL DEFORMITY AND ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY ON SPEECH IN A CANTONESE POPULATION

To document the effect of dentofacial deformity and orthognathic surgery on speech in Cantonese speakers. This area has been investigated previously in English speakers. The Cantonese population offers a unique perspective on this issue due to differences in dentofacial abnormality and differences between the phonological systems of Cantonese and English.

Investigators: Dr. N. Samman (Principal)

Dr. I.W. Ormiston

Professor H. Tideman

Dr. T.L. Whitehill

Departments: Faculty of Dentistry

Speech and Hearing Sciences

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07

EXPECTATIONS OF NURSES ROLE IN COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE IN HONG KONG IN ERA OF HEALTH CARE REFORM

To identify Community Nurse's (CN) roles and expectations, their concerns related to anticipated changes in health care reforms and impacts on community nursing practice (home care).

Investigator: Dr. G.K. Sandhu

Department: Department of Nursing Studies

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1999.08

PRIMARY HEALTH CARE FOR KINDERGARTEN AND PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN RURAL CHINA - A FIELD DEMONSTRATION TRIAL ON PREVENTION OF ORAL DISEASE

To carry out an oral health epidemiological study among 3-6 year old kindergarten children in Conghua county, PRC; to carry out a questionnaire survey among parents/grandparents concerning the oral hygiene and dietary habits of the children; to evaluate the oral health effects of establishing a tooth-brushing program as part of the daily hygiene activities of these children; to evaluate the needs for treatment and the needs for continued tooth-brushing instruction or alternative preventive action as these children move into primary school.

Investigators: Professor E. Schwarz (Principal)

Dr. E.C.M. Lo

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1991.07

ORAL HEALTH STATUS, NEEDS, HABITS AND THE ATTITUDES TOWARDS ORAL HEALTH AMONG SOUTHERN CHINESE - A COMPARATIVE SOCIO-EPIDEMIOLOGIC STUDY

To investigate dental caries, periodontal disease, tooth loss and need for dental treatment of selected age groups of children and adults in Guangdong province; to explore the oral care habits and the attitudes towards oral health and disease in these selected age groups; to analyze and compare data from the population studied and that available from Hong Kong children and adults of the same age.

Investigators: Professor E. Schwarz (Principal)

Dr. E.F. Corbet

Dr. E.C.M. Lo

Ms M.C.M. Wong

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1996.02

COMPREHENSIVE CLINICAL RESEARCH ON THE MANAGEMENT OF NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA

To improve the control of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and the quality of life for those who survive their disease.

Investigators: Professor J.S.T. Sham (Principal)

Dr. D.T.K. Choy

Department: Clinical Oncology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1993.07

QUALITY OF LIFE (QOL) STUDY ON CANCER PATIENTS IN HONG KONG

To study the quality of life (QOL) study on cancer patients in Hong Kong

Investigator: Professor J.S.T. Sham

Department: Clinical Oncology

Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund

Starting date: 1996.01

TARGETED MUTATIONS OF THE MOUSE HOMEOBOX GENE HOX-B3

To investigate the role of the homeobox gene Hox-b3 in mouse development, with particular interest in the development of the hindbrain. By gene targeting we aim to generate two different mutations: disruption of the functional gene, and deletion of the regulatory element for expression in a hindbrain segment. The phenotypes of the developmental mutants will be analysed to study the effects of these mutations on development.

Investigator: Dr. M.H. Sham

Department: Biochemistry

Source of funding: Croucher Foundation

Starting date: 1994.10

THE ROLE OF KROX-20 AND RETINOIC ACID IN THE EXPRESSION OF THE MOUSE HOMEOBOX GENE HOXB-3 IN THE HINDBRAIN

To characterize the two neural-specific regulatory elements in the Hoxb-3 gene, to define the minimal DNA sequences required for their neural-specific activities by transgenic mice analysis, and to establish transgenic mouse lines carrying these two neural regulatory elements; to study the role of the Krox-20 transcription factor gene in activating the rhombomere restricted expression of Hoxb-3 by protein-DNA interaction experiments as well as trans-activation experiments in transgenic mice; taking advantage of the transgenic mouse lines which have specific rhombomeres marked by the neural enhancer reporter transgenes, we are in a convenient position to examine the molecular mechanisms of retinoic acid response exhibited by the Hoxb-3 gene during hindbrain development.

Investigator: Dr. M.H. Sham

Department: Biochemistry

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1995.10

STUDYING HOXB-3 GENE FUNCTIONS USING TRANSGENIC MOUSE MUTANTS GENERATED BY NEURAL-SPECIFIC GENE TARGETING

To generate a collection of transgenic mouse lines in which cre recombinase is expressed in specific regions of the developing control nervous system; to produce neural-specific Hoxb-3 mutant mice by breeding cre recombinase transgenic mice with a mouse line in which the Hoxb-3 gene is flanked by loxP sites; initial analysis of mutant phenotypes and study the role of Hoxb-3 in specific neural regions.

Investigators: Dr. M.H. Sham (Principal)

Dr. M.L. Kahmeyer-Gabbe

Department: Biochemistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

TRANSVERSE BONE EXPANSION WITH GRADUAL PERIOSTEAL DISTRACTION

To evaluate the osteogenic capacity of gradual space-creation between the periosteum and bone with the use of titanium periosteal expander, and to assess the influence of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) on the amount of regenerated bone.

Investigators: Dr. S.G.F. Shen (Principal)

Professor L.K. Cheung

Dr. A.B.M. Rabie

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

IMPACT OF MATERNAL NUTRITIONAL STATUS ON LACTATION AND METABOLISM

To elucidate mechanisms of metabolic adaptations by which mothers cope with dietary energy surplus and insufficiency during lactaton.

Investigator: Dr. H.P. Sheng

Department: Physiology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1995.10

CELLULAR IMMUNE RESPONSES DURING LACTATION AND MALNUTRITION

To investigate the changes in the maternal cellular immune responses during lactation in both the well-nourished and under-nourished lactating rats and the role of prolactin (PRL) in these changes.

Investigators: Dr. H.P. Sheng (Principal)

Professor T.T. Loh

Department: Physiology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

IMPACT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS ON MATERNAL AND INFANT IMMUNE SYSTEMS

(1) To evaluate changes in serum PRL levels, the expression of PRL receptors in lymphoid tissues, and the immune system of lactating and non-lactating postpartum rats and nulliparous controls in both the well-nourished and energy-restricted rats. Cellular and humoral immunity will be evaluated. (2) To identify the relationships between maternal energy intakes, baseline serum PRL levels, expression of PRL receptors, and cellular and humoral immune responses. (3) To evaluate changes in milk PRL levels, baseline serum PRL levels, the expression of PRL receptors in lymphoid tissues, and the cellular immunity in suckling pups born to well-nourished or energy-restricted dams. (4) To identify the relationships among maternal energy intakes, milk and serum PRL levels, expression of PRL receptors in lymphoid tissues, and cellular immune responses in suckling rat pups.

Investigators: Dr. H.P. Sheng (Principal)

Professor T.T. Loh

Department: Physiology

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1997.12 Completion date: 1998.09

CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF MELATONIN RECEPTORS IN THE RAT CORPUS EPIDIDYMIDIS

To characterize the cellular mechanisms of melatonin receptor signal transduction in the rat corpus epididymidis.

Investigator: Dr. S.Y.W. Shiu

Department: Physiology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07 Completion date: 1999.01

IMMUNOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF RECOMBINANT CHIMERIC FLAVIVIRAL GLYCOPROTEINS

To study the intracellular processing and antigenic properties of recombinant chimeric yellow fever-dengue viral glycoproteins expressed in insect and mammalian cells using baculovirus and vaccinia virus expression systems.

Investigators: Dr. S.Y.W. Shiu (Principal)

Dr. E.A. Gould

Departments: Physiology

NERC Institute of Virology and Environmental Microbiology, U.K.

Source of funding: UK/HK Joint Research Scheme (British Council / Hong Kong Research Grants Council)

Starting date: 1998.01

MELATONIN SIGNALLING IN HUMAN CHORIOCARCINOMA

To characterize the basic mechanisms of reported melatonin action on the growth of human choriocarcinoma cells.

Investigator: Dr. S.Y.W. Shiu

Department: Physiology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

MOLEUCLAR AND CELLULAR BASIS OF MAMMALIAN CELL CYCLE CLOCK TUNING BY MELATONIN, THE PHOTOPERIODIC CIRCADIAN NEUROHORMONE

To define the signalling mechanisms of melatonin, the photoperiodic circadian neurohormone, in modulation of the cell cycle clock of mammalian cells of different lineages and differentiation.

Investigators: Dr. S.Y.W. Shiu (Principal)

Dr. K.F.J. Chan

Professor S.F. Pang

Dr. A.M.S. Poon

Departments: Physiology

Biochemistry

Source of funding: Faculty Development Fund of Faculty of Medicine

Starting date: 1999.01

GENETIC RELATIONSHIPS OF AVIAN AND HUMAN INFLUENZA STRAINS

In view of the hypothesis that southern China is an influenza epicentre, a genetic comparison is being made between representative avian influenza viruses from the region with antigenecially related human strains.

Investigators: Professor K.F. Shortridge (Principal)

Dr. H. Kida

Dr. R.G. Webster

Departments: Microbiology

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, U.S.A.

Veterinary School, Sapporo, Japan

Starting date: 1988.01

INFLUENZA A VIRUS SURVEILLANCE OF DOMESTIC PIGS OF SOUTHERN CHINA

The domestic pig of Southern China will be submitted to influenza virus surveillance studies. This is because (A) Southern China is now recognized as a hypothetical influenza epicentre, the pig a "mixing vessel" for the two-way transmission of influe viruses between the domestic duck, the prime influenza virus reservoir, and man and that it is now 28 years since the Hong Kong virus first appeared in man and (B) recent surveillance studies of pigs have detected purely avian influenza virus. It isw of even greater importance to know whether natural reassortants of pandemic potenital still exist with the potential of crossing the species barrier to humans.

Investigator: Professor K.F. Shortridge

Department: Microbiology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Wing Lung Bank Medical Research Fund

Starting date: 1992.07

SURVEILLANCE OF CHICKEN IN SELECTED, REPOPULATED HONG KONG POULTRY MARKETS FOR H5N1 AND OTHER INFLUENZA VIRUSES

To carry out regular surveillance of selected markets to see if they have the potential to become breeding grounds for influenza viruses.

Investigator: Professor K.F. Shortridge

Department: Microbiology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

PROTEOGLYCANS IN NEURON-ASTROCYTE INTERACTION

To explore variations in cell surface-expression and secretion of CSPGs and HSPGs with the state of activity of cultured astrocytes; to find the extent to which CSPGs and HSPGs a) mediate neuronal adhesion, b) bind and present growth factors to target neurons.

Investigators: Dr. D.K.Y. Shum (Principal)

Dr. M.I. Chuah

Dr. D.S.C. Tsang

Departments: Biochemistry

Anatomy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1993.12

RENAL PROTEOGLYCANS: ROLES IN OXALATE TRANSPORT AND CRYSTALLIZATION OF URINARY CALCIUM OXALATE

To produce an inventory of crystal-active proteoglycans that are normally resident in the (a) medium, (b) cell layer and (c) extracellular matrix of the cultured proximal tubular epithelial cells and to compare them with the urinary pattern of crystal-active GAGs; to select for expression of chondroitin sulphate or heparan sulphate proteoglycan with agents that interfere with proteoglycan biosynthesis and recycling and thus to study the effect of each of these renal proteoglycans on (a) crystallization of urinary calcium oxalate and (b) oxalate transport across renal cells; to find the extent to which drugs included in the culture may modulate (a) the normal pattern of expression of crystal-active proteoglycans and (b) oxalate transport across renal cells.

Investigator: Dr. D.K.Y. Shum

Department: Biochemistry

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1995.12

HYALURONAN EXCRETION AS INDICATOR OF ACTIVE RENAL TISSUE TURNOVER

To justify test for urinary excretion of hyaluronan in the prognosis of renal stone disease, urine samples will be screened for the hyaluronan level that distinguishes between normal individuals and renal stone formers. In addition, studies of hyaluronan production by injured renal epithelial cells in culture will provide evidence that increased hyaluronan production is a consequence of tubular cell response to lithogenic conditions

Investigator: Dr. D.K.Y. Shum

Department: Biochemistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07 Completion date: 1999.06

AN IN VITRO MODEL OF BRONCHIAL MATRIX TO TEST NEUTROPHIL-MEDIATED DEGRADATION OF MATRIX PROTEOGLYCANS

The mechanisms responsible for neutrophil accumulation in bronchial sites and consequent damage to bronchial tissue in patients with chronic airway inflammation have not been well delineated. We hypothesize that as neutrophils migrate through the bronchial matrix, enzymes are secreted to degrade the space-filling proteoglycans in the matrix and thus expose the underlying fibrillar elastins and collagens to further proteolytic action. To test this, a commercial source of normal human bronchial epithelial cells will be cultured on microporous membranes in a Millicell insert to deposit a native bronchial matrix metabilically labeled for proteoglycans. Neutrophils applied to the apical side of the insert will be tested for their ability to degrade the labeled proteoglycans in the matrix as it is stimulated to migrate to the basal side. Bronchial secretions will be tested for stimulatory effects on the neutrophil-mediated degradation.

Investigator: Dr. D.K.Y. Shum

Department: Biochemistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

NEUTROPHIL-MEDIATED DEGRADATION OF BRONCHIO-ALVEOLAR PROTEOGLYCANS

To identify bronchial factors that activate neutrophil-mediated proteoglycan degradation; and to compare activities of neutrophils isolated from human blood with those from bronchial secretions of patients; to test for the neutrophil-mediated proteoglycan degradation in the native matrix of human bronchial epithelial cells and how this activity may be affected by secretions of bronchial epithelial cells in culture.

Investigators: Dr. D.K.Y. Shum (Principal)

Professor M.S.M. Ip

Departments: Biochemistry

Medicine

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1998.11

FAMILY BELIEF SYSTEMS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF THE MEANING OF BREAST CANCER FOR WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES IN HONG KONG PILOT STUDY

To explore the beliefs of women with breast cancer and their families.

Investigator: Ms M.A.P. Simpson

Department: Department of Nursing Studies

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1999.08

EFFECTS OF FLOS CARTHAMI ON STRESS-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE SIGNALLING IN ISCHAEMIA/REPERFUSION

To investigate the biochemical and molecular mechanisms for the therapeutic use of Flos carthami (FC) in cardiovascular disease; to determine the effect of FC on the activities of SAP kinase and p38/RK in ischaemia/reperfusion, using an isolated perfused rat heart model; to determine the specificity of the modulatory activity on SAP kinase; to determine the effect of FC on SAP-kinase mediated apoptosis.

Investigator: Dr. Y.L. Siow

Department: Pharmacology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.11 Completion date: 1998.12

EFFECT OF GINKGO BILOBA EXTRACT ON ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION

To investigate the effect(s) of ginkgo biloba extract on endothelial function as well as the underlying mechanism of such effect(s).

Investigator: Dr. Y.L. Siow

Department: Pharmacology

Source of funding: Faculty Reserve Fund

Starting date: 1998.03

REGULATION OF SEROTONIN UPTAKE BY MAP KINASES

To investigate the neurochemical mechanisms of antidepressant drugs. Many of these drugs target the serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) reuptake system. Specifically, to determine whether 5-HT reuptake is regulated by mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases.

Investigators: Dr. Y.L. Siow (Principal)

Dr. K. O

Department: Pharmacology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

ROLE OF CHINESE MEDICINAL COMPOUNDS IN THE REGULATION OF STRESS-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE IN ISCHAEMIA/REPERFUSION

To investigate the biochemical and molecular mechanisms for the therapeutic use of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), sodium tanshinone IIA sulphonate (STS) and ginkgo biloba in myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion. Specifically, I plan to determine whether these Chinese medicinal compounds have inhibitory effects against apoptosis mediated by the stress-activated protein (SAP) kinase pathway.

Investigator: Dr. Y.L. Siow

Department: Pharmacology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Vice Chancellor's Development Fund - Outstanding Researcher Award

Starting date: 1998.09

IN VIVO AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF IMPROVED GLASS IONOMER DENTAL CEMENTS FOR USE IN MINIMAL CAVITY PREPARATIONS

The effectives and economical treatment of dental caries (decay) and tooth wear is an increasing problem in many developed and developing countries (Elderton, 1990). The main objective of this project is to assess the suitability of a new glass polyalkenoate (ionomer) cement, Fuji IX (G.C. Int.), as a dental restorative material, under controlled conditions. In vivo evaluations will be complemented by in vitro testing of the handling characteristics and the ability of the cement to remineralise demineralised tooth tissue, to release fluoride and to penetrate into enamel pits and fissures when used as a sealant.

Investigators: Professor R.J. Smales (Principal)

Dr. C.J. Holmgren

Dr. H.K. Yip

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1994.11 Completion date: 1998.12

DEFINING THE WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY IN CURRENT GENERATION OF DENTIN ADHESIVES

To define the optimal working conditions (the window of opportunity) for complete dentin hybridization and seal in various contemporary adhesives; to seek for modifications of the wet bonding protocol to reduce the undesirable consequences of the Overwet Phenomenon; to investigate different dentin substrates and adhesive component variable that may result in simplification, refinement and widening the optimal conditions for future generations of dentin adhesives.

Investigators: Professor R.J. Smales (Principal)

Dr. F.R.C.M. Tay

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1997.12 Completion date: 1998.09

EFFECT OF NEUTRALIZATION OF INHIBITORY FACTORS AND OF PERIPHERAL NERVE TRANSPLANTATION ON NEURAL REGENERATION IN THE CNS

To investigate whether the combination of the peripheral nerve transplantation and neutralization of inhibitory factors techniques can enhance the regeneration of optic and corticospinal axons into peripheral nerve graft placed far away from the cell bodies.

Investigators: Professor K.F. So (Principal)

Dr. D.K.C. Tay

Dr. H.K.F. Yip

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1995.11

THE USE OF INTRAVITREAL PERIPHERAL NERVE GRAFT TO PROMOTE REGENERATION OF RETINOCOLLICULAR AXONS FOLLOWING TRANSECTION OF THE BRACHIUM OF THE SUPERIOR COLLICULUS

To investigate if a perineuronal application of trophic factors via an intravitreal PN graft can induce regeneration of retinocollicular axons across a lesion at the branchium of the superior coliculus; to study whether the growth mode of these retinal ganglion cells is enhanced or not by examining the level of expression of growth associated protein; to investigate the role of the collaterials to the lateral geniculate nucleus on the survival of the retinal ganglion cells following a transection at the branchium of the superior colliculus.

Investigators: Professor K.F. So (Principal)

Dr. D.K.C. Tay

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1997.12 Completion date: 1998.09

EFFECT OF LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY ON AXONAL REGENERATION FOLLOWING OPTIC NERVE DAMAGE

To study the effect of low level laser irradiation on the ability of optic axons to regenerate along a peripheral nerve graft because low level laser irradiation has been shown to enhance repair of various types of tissues.

Investigator: Professor K.F. So

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

THE USE OF INTRAVITREAL PERIPHERAL NERVE GRAFT TO PROMOTE REGENERATION OF RETINOCOLLICULAR AXONS FOLLOWING TRANSECTION OF THE BRACHIUM OF THE SUPERIOR COLLICULUS

To investigate 1) the role of the collateral projections of the retinal projections on the survival of the retinal ganglion cells following a transection at the brachium of the superior colliculus, 2) if a perineuronal application of trophic factors via an intravitreal PN graft can induce demaged retinocollicular axons to regenerate across a lesion at the brachium of the superior colliculus and to reinnervate the target and, 3) quantitatively the enhancement effect of an intravitreal PN on the number of retinal ganglion cells regenerating axons into a long PN graft attached to the transected brachium of the superior colliculus.

Investigators: Professor K.F. So (Principal)

Dr. D.K.C. Tay

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1998.11

IDENTIFICATION OF HETEROLOGOUS PROMOTERS FUSED TO BCL-6 GENE IN DIFFUSE LARGE B-CELL LYMPHOMA (DLCL) OF PRIMARY GASTRIC ORIGIN AND THE EXPRESSION OF ITS FUSED PARTNER GENES DURING THE B-CELL DIFFERENTIATION

To identify the novel mRNA species fused 5' of mRNA of BCL-6 gene in gastric DLCL cases by the RACE technique; to study the pattern of expression of a number of BCL-6 partner genes by Northern blot hybridization in a panel of cell lines representing various stages of B-lineage differentiation and in gastric DLCL.

Investigators: Dr. G. Srivastava (Principal)

Professor R.H.S. Liang

Departments: Pathology

Medicine

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

MECHANISMS OF IMMUNE EVASION BY THE TUMOR CELLS OF NASAL T/NK-CELL LYMPHOMA

1. To determine whether NL escape the immune recognition by down regulating the expression of MHC-I, MHC-II or transporter protein associated with antigen presentation-1 (TAP-1). Many viruses have evolved strategies to interfere with the process of MHC/viral peptide presentation to CTLs(called "stealth strategy"). 2. To determine whether the activated CTLs in the vicinity of NL tumor cells are inhibited by the certain immunoregulatory cytokines produced locally by either the tumor cell themselves or by the reactive influence of cytokines secreted locally, the NL tumor cells are able to proliferate by either autocrine or paracrine production of cytokines. 3. To determine whether the membrane bound Fas-L is constitutively expressed on the tumor cells of NL, and whether Fas expression is down regulated in these tumors since the Fas-L/Fas is one of the major effector systems of CTLs. The levels of Fas-L will also be determined in the sera of the patients with NL. When Fas-L expressed on the surface of tumor cells is cleaved, the soluble form of sFas-L may be released into the circulation and may cause the multi-organ failure often seen in NL patients.

Investigators: Dr. G. Srivastava (Principal)

Dr. A.C.L. Chan

Professor R.H.S. Liang

Departments: Pathology

Medicine

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.09

STRESS IN MEDICAL STUDENTS

To obtain at the end of this portion of the study, some information regarding the objective sources of stress in medical school, and the characteristics of individuals who might be more vulnerable to experiencing unmanageable stress during their training.

Investigators: Dr. S.M. Stewart (Principal)

Dr. C.L. Betson

Professor T.H. Lam

Professor P.W.H. Lee

Dr. I.B. Marshall

Dr. C.M. Wong

Departments: Community Medicine

Psychiatry

University Health Service

Source of funding: JDRP (private organisation, U.S.A.)

Starting date: 1993.07

ASIAN DIMENSIONAL OF PARENTING

To assess whether a distint Chinese and Pakistani parenting dimension emerges in late adolescent girls' reports of their perceptions of their parents. The relationship between this dimension and the "universal" dimensions of parental warmth and control will also be assessed. Finally the usefulness of this dimension in predicting outcomes will be examined.

Investigators: Dr. S.M. Stewart (Principal)

Dr. M. Bond

Dr. C.M. Chang

Dr. R. Fielding

Dr. N. Rao

Dr. R.M. Zaman

Departments: Community Medicine

Behavioural Sciences Unit

Education

Psychiatry, The Aga Khan University, Pakistan

Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Starting date: 1996.10

ALTRUISTIC BEHAVIOR IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

To assess whether altruistic behavior is more common in Asian than in western children, and whether it relates to a) whether the "giving" is public or private; b) the child's empathy level; and c) parents' identification with collective beliefs.

Investigators: Dr. S.M. Stewart (Principal)

Dr. C.M. Chang

Departments: Community Medicine

Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Starting date: 1997.03

CORRELATES OF COMPLIANCE IN ADOLESCENTS WITH INSULIN DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS (IDDM)

To examine the role of a central component of the health belief model in relation to compliance in diabetic adolescents; to examine whether parental style, autonomy granting and compliance are related.

Investigators: Dr. S.M. Stewart (Principal)

Professor P.W.H. Lee

Professor L.C.K. Low

Departments: Community Medicine

Paediatrics

Psychiatry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.02

HONG KONG ADOLESCENTS' ASSESSMENT OF THEIR NEEDS FOR EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

To gather information from Hong Kong adolescents regarding their mental health concerns, the adequacy of their emotional support, and their feedback regarding a proposed telephone/computer information and support service for teenagers.

Investigators: Dr. S.M. Stewart (Principal)

Professor T.H. Lam

Department: Community Medicine

Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund

Starting date: 1999.04

LEARNING NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF WOMEN, THEIR PARTNERS, AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS DURING PRECONCEPTION, PREGNANCY, AND EARLY PARENTING

To identify and compare the learning needs of women and their partners during preconception, pregnancy, and early parenting as the are perceived by them and their health professionals.

Investigators: Professor P.L. Sullivan (Principal)

Miss S.S.C. Chan

Mrs. A.K.L. Lau

Miss T.P.L. Lau

Department: Nursing Studies

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

FUNCTIONAL STUDY OF THE INSULIN RECEPTOR

To study the differential expression of the insulin receptor gene in different tissues and to investigate the existance of the isomeric forms of insulin receptor molecule in the rat.

Investigator: Dr. J.W.O. Tam

Department: Biochemistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1994.07

CLONING AND NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCING OF THE THYMIDYLATE SYNTHETASE GENE OF ASCARIS SUUM

To determine the amino acid sequence of thymidylate synthetase of a nematode so as to establish the phylogentic ralationship with other species.

Investigators: Dr. J.W.O. Tam (Principal)

Ms L. Tian

Department: Biochemistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1994.07

OPTIMIZATION OF A FAST DNA TECHNIQUE FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF MULTIPLE PATHOGENS AND DISEASES OF GENETIC ORIGIN

Optimize the procedures and protocols for a rapid hybridizaton process essential for the development of rapid DNA diagnostic kits; produce a prototype device for the said procedures to increase the efficiency sensitivity and specificity for specific DNA annealing process; using HIV, HCV, HBV as examples to produce a kit for them within a single device.

Investigator: Dr. J.W.O. Tam

Department: Biochemistry

Source of funding: Industry Dept. of Hong Kong Government :- Industrial Support Fund

Starting date: 1996.06

COMPARATIVE GENOMIC SEQUENCE ANALYSIS OF THE INSULIN RECEPTOR GENES OF THE PUFFER FISH AND THE MAMMALS

To sequence the whole of IR gene and identify regulatory elements. This information will help to solve similar problems for the more sophisticated mammalian genome and also provide further handles for functional and mechanistic approaches to the investigation on the role of IR in glucose metabolism and NIDDM.

Investigators: Dr. J.W.O. Tam (Principal)

Ms Y. Liu

Department: Biochemistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ONE-STEP DNA DIAGNOSTIC TEST

To develop a fast, simple and cost effective DNA diagnostic procedure that can satisfy both of these criteria.

Investigator: Dr. J.W.O. Tam

Department: Biochemistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

DEVELOPMENT OF THE SNP-BASED FINGERPRINTING AND DISEASE PATTERN RECOGNITION USING THE PATENTED DNA TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPED IN HONG KONG

To determine the population polymorphic frequencies of at least 10 SNPs as the database for accurate DNA fingerprinting and SNP profiles for disease prediction; to develop computer program for the analysis of gene markers for genetic pattern recognition to improve the accuracy of disease diagnosis.

Investigators: Dr. J.W.O. Tam (Principal)

Dr. J.H. Shen

Dr. K.Y. Szeto

Departments: Biochemistry

Institute of Entomology, CAS, Shanghai, People's Republic of China

Physics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Source of funding: Industrial Support Fund, Industry Department of Hong Kong Government

Starting date: 1999.06

NEW METHODS OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSION IN ALLOGENIC SMALL BOWEL TRANPLANTATION

To confirm our findings in an orthotopic rat model and a pig model leading to clinical applications. New immunosuppression to induce indefinite graft survival by (1) targeting the delayed immune response following FK506 pretreatment and, (2) introducing new agents to block CD28 pathway will be studied. New methods of monitoring early rejection by cytokine measurements will be evaluated.

Investigator: Professor P.K.H. Tam

Department: Surgery

Source of funding: Fujisawa

Starting date: 1996.07

GENETIC ANALYSIS OF HIRSCHSPRUNG'S DISEASE (INTESTINAL AGANGLIONOSIS): CLINICAL PATHOLOGICAL-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CORRELATION

To determine the incidences of mutations of RET, EDNRB and GDNF genes in 2 large patient populations of Hirschsprung's diseases from the U.K. and China for epidemiological comparison; to evaluate gene-gene interaction in the pathogenesis of HD; to study genotype-phenotype correlation in HD.

Investigators: Professor P.K.H. Tam (Principal)

Dr. S.S.M. Chung

Dr. S. Lyonnet

Dr. G. Romeo

Dr. J.Z. Zhang

Departments: Surgery

Beijing Children's Hospital, Affiliated of Capital University of Medical Sciences, People's Republic of China

Genoa, Genova

Institute of Molecular Biology

Paris, France

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.11

TRANSGENESIS ANIMALS AS BIOREACTORS: PRODUCTION OF A NEW IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE PROTEIN CTLA4IG BY TRANSGENESIS

The use of transgenic farm animals as bioreactors is a potentially powerful and important new industry for the next century. This application of transgenic technology, in combination with the recent advance in ability to clone animals from adult cells, enhances the potential of transgenic animal bioreactors as major producers of therapeutic proteins. Therefore by initiating research in this area there are immediate and long-term benefits to Hong Kong and China.

Investigators: Professor P.K.H. Tam (Principal)

Professor K.S.E. Cheah

Dr. M. Dallman

Professor F.Z. Sun

Dr. N.S. Wong

Departments: Surgery

Biochemistry

Biology, Imperial College of Science and Technology, University of London, U.K.

Institute of Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, People's Republic of China

Source of funding: Vice-Chancellor's Development Fund

Starting date: 1997.07

IMPROVEMENT OF THE CARE OF CHILDREN WITH VOMITING

Children with severe and persistent vomiting will be evaluated by EGG which is a safe and non-invasive (does not cause discomfort) method of recording the electrical activities of the stomach. The information will provide a scientific basis for the introduction of specific treatment measures. The effectiveness of the tailor-made treatment strategy for each individual will be evaluated both clinically as well as by repeated EGG. It is anticipated that with effective treatment of vomiting life-threatening complications will be eliminated and normal growth will resume speedily.

Investigator: Professor P.K.H. Tam

Department: Surgery

Source of funding: Rotary Club of Kowloon East

Starting date: 1997.07 Completion date: 1999.06

THE ROLE OF NEUROTROPHIC FACTORS IN HIRSCHSPRUNG'S DISEASE AND IDIOPATHIC SLOW TRANSIT CONSTIPATION - A COMMON LINK?

To clarify further the role of neurotrophic factors and their receptors in Hirschsprung's disease (HD) by elucidating the genotype-phenotype correlation; to undertake a comparative study of the involvement of these trophic factors in Hirschsprung's disease and idiopathic slow transit constipation (STC) and test the hypothesis that there is a common aetiological link between these two conditions.

Investigators: Professor P.K.H. Tam (Principal)

Dr. P. Anand

Professor N.S. Williams

Departments: Surgery

Neurology and Surgery, Royal London Hospital, U.K.

Source of funding: UK/HK Joint Research Scheme (British Council / Hong Kong Research Grants Council)

Starting date: 1998.01

MOLECULAR STUDIES OF TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS IMPLICATED IN ENTERIC NEURAL DEVELOPMENT AND IN HIRSHCSPRUNG'S DISEASE

To study the expression profiles of Sox 10, and selected homeobox genes - Hoxb-3, Hoxb-4, Cdx-1, Cdx-2 and Pdx-1 in the hindgut during normal fetal development; to compare the expression profiles of these transcription factors in the large bowel of patients with Hirschsprung's disease and normal controls; to screen for mutations in the Sox 10 gene of patients with Hirschsprung's disease.

Investigators: Professor P.K.H. Tam (Principal)

Professor K.S.E. Cheah

Dr. M.H. Sham

Departments: Surgery

Biochemistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

IMMUNE MECHANISMS AND NEW IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE APPROACHES IN SMALL BOWEL TRANSPLANTATION

To advance our understanding of the unique immune mechanisms responsible for the severe rejection in small bowel transplantation and to develope new, effective and selectively targeted immunosuppressive approaches which will, at least, allow long-term graft survival and, ideally, also induce tolerance.

Investigators: Professor P.K.H. Tam (Principal)

Dr. M. Dallman

Departments: Surgery

Biology, Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine, U.K.

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.09

ESTABLISHING A "TRAIN-THE-TRAINERS" PROGRAMME FOR PAEDIATRIC SURGERY IN CHINA

To improve the standard of surgical care of children in China through the establishment of a scheme of "train-the-trainers"; to improve our understanding of special paediatric surgerical issues relevant to the Chinese population (e.g. disease patterns, transferability of western "advances" to China etc.) through systematic exchanges with major centres in China and hence enhance our ability to deliver better surgical care to children in Hong Kong.

Investigators: Professor P.K.H. Tam (Principal)

Dr. K.L. Chan

Dr. W. Cheng

Department: Surgery

Source of funding: S.K. Yee Medical Foundation Grant

Starting date: 1998.10

EFFECTS OF GENETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON PLASMA LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN AND HIGH DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN SUBFRACTION PATTERN IN PATIENTS WITH NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS TO CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

To investigate the roles of genetic and environmental factors in determining changes in the LDL and HDL subfractions in NIDDM and how they may affect cardiovascular risk. The influence of genetic polymorphisms in genes coding for cholesteryl ester transfer protein, lipoprotein and hepatic lipase will be studied.

Investigator: Dr. K.C.B. Tan

Department: Medicine

Source of funding: Croucher Foundation

Starting date: 1995.11 Completion date: 1999.06

THE ROLES OF OXIDISED LDL AND ADVANCED GLYCOSYLATION END PRODUCTS IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION IN DIABETES MELLITUS

To assess endothelial function in patients with diabetes mellitus by measuring endothelial-dependent vasodilation using high resolution vascular ultrasound; to determine whether endothelial dysfunction measured by vascular ultrasound correlate with the changes in plasma concentrations of various endothelial-dependent haemostatic factors; to investigate some of the possible underlying mechanisms leading to endothelial dysfunction in diabetes mellitus.

Investigators: Dr. K.C.B. Tan (Principal)

Professor K.S.L. Lam

Department: Medicine

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1996.11

GENETIC CHOLESTERYL ESTER TRANSFER PROTEIN DEFICIENCY IN HONG KONG CHINESE

To identify mutation(s) in the cholesteryl ester transfer protein gene in Chinese and to evaluate the effect of the mutation(s) on high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in this population.

Investigators: Dr. K.C.B. Tan (Principal)

Professor E.D. Janus

Professor J.R.L. Masarei

Departments: Medicine

Clinical Trials Center

Pathology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

EFFECTS OF HYPERTRIGLYCERIDAEMIC VERY-LOW-DENSITY LIPOPROTEINS ON ENDOTHELIAL CELLS

To investigate the susceptibility of VLDL to oxidation and the atherogenic potential of VLDL isolated from NIDDM patients with hypertriglyceridaemia. This study will further our understanding on the role of hypertriglyceridaemia in atherosclerosis and help to resolve the controversial issue whether hypertriglyceridaemia in patients with NIDDM requires treatment.

Investigator: Dr. K.C.B. Tan

Department: Medicine

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION OF PHOSPHOENOLPYRUVATE CARBOXYKINASE (PEPCK) IN DIFFERENT TISSUES

To identify the cognate trans-acting factors responsible for the differential mechanism of transcriptional regulation of the PEPCK gene.

Investigator: Dr. K.C. Tan-Un

Department: School of Professional and Continuing Education

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1995.07

AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS) - ITS ASSOCIATION WITH MUTATIONS IN THE COPPER-ZINC SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE (CU/ZN SOD1) AND NEUROFILAMENT HEAVY CHAIN (NEFH) GENES

To identify mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene patients with familial and sporadic ALS; to examine the C-terminal region of the neurofilament heavy chain (NEFH) for mutations in these same group of patients.

Investigators: Dr. K.C. Tan-Un (Principal)

Dr. S.L. Ho

Departments: School of Professional and Continuing Education

Medicine

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DNA DAMAGE IN EPITHELIAL EXFOLIATED CELLS FROM NONSMOKING WOMEN WITH LUNG CANCER, CHRONIC BRONCHITIS AND HEALTHY SUBJECTS

To explore the use of the comet assay as a means of monitoring the changes that occur at the DNA level in single cells during the progression from chronic bronchitis to carcinoma.

Investigators: Dr. K.C. Tan-Un (Principal)

Professor M. Chan-Yeung

Dr. L.C.L. Koo

Departments: School of Professional and Continuing Education

Centre of Asian Studies

Medicine

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

THE CHANGE OF PLASMA ATRIAL NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE AND ENDOTHELIN IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-DIABETES, AND THE RELATION TO RELEASE AND SYNTHESIS AND RECEPTOR BINDING OF THESE PEPTIDES

To measure the plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and endothelin (ET) and to relate these to the atrial and hypothalamic ANP and ET levels after 1, 2 and 4 weeks of streptozotocion-diabetes in the rat; to study the peptide levels and gene expression of these peptides in the brain and the heart as parametes for changes in synthesis and release in these rats; to study the receptors bindings in the blood vessel (mesenteric artery, thoracic aorta), in different brain regins and in the heart, and to relate these to the levels of the peptides.

Investigator: Professor F. Tang

Department: Physiology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07 Completion date: 1998.12

ADRENOMEDULLIN IN THE RAT PITUITARY AND EPIDIDYMIS

To study (1) the adrenomedullin content in the pituitary and the epididymis by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunocytochemistry (ICC), (2) the gene expression of adrenomedullin by looking at its mRNA, (3) the receptor binding, (4) the functions of adrenomedullin in the pituitary and epididymis, and (5) the detailed distribution of AM in the pituitary (i.e. which cell types produce AM) and in the epididymis (i.e. which region e.g. caput, cauda or corpus epididymis).

Investigator: Professor F. Tang

Department: Physiology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

THE DISTRIBUTION, GENE EXPRESSION, PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTIONS AND REGULATION OF SECRETION OF ADRENOMEDULLIN, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE RESPONSE OF THE BRAIN, THE HEART AND BLOOD VESSELS IN ANIMAL MODELS OF HYPERTENSION

To study (1) the distribution of adrenomedullin, especially in the brain, (2) whether the blood vessels are really the source of blood adrenomedullin, (3) The half-life of plasma adrenomedullin, (4) the response of adrenomedullin level, its gene expression and receptor binding, to different duration (kinds) of hypertension, (5) the roles of the brain stem and the hypothalamus in these responses.

Investigator: Professor F. Tang

Department: Physiology

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1998.11

A STUDY OF THE NEUROCHEMICAL CHANGES IN THE BRAIN OF AN ESTABLISHED CHEMICAL RAT MODEL FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND THE POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF MELATONIN

To study the therapeutic effects of melatonin in the beta-amyloid treated rat model to see if beta-amyloid deposit and the related neurochemical changes (i.e. choline acetyltransferase and somatostatin) can be reversed.

Investigators: Professor F. Tang (Principal)

Professor S.T.H. Chan

Professor S.F. Pang

Dr. S.Y.W. Shiu

Departments: Physiology

Zoology

Source of funding: Medical Faculty Research Grant Fund

Starting date: 1999.03

THE CHANGE IN ADRENOMEDULLIN LEVELS IN THE PLASMA, HEART ATRIA AND VENTRICLES, AND THE BLOOD VESSELS OF SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS

To study (1) the adrenomedullin levels in the plasma, the heart and the blood vessels, and (2) the preproadrenomedullin mRNA levels in the heart and blood vessels of spontaneously hypertensive rats to compare with those in the normal control rats so as to understand the synthesis and release of adrenomedullin in the cardiovascular system of the rat in hypertension.

Investigator: Professor F. Tang

Department: Physiology

Source of funding: Elaine G.C.F. Tso Memorial Fund

Starting date: 1999.07

ADOLESCENT SEXUALITY

This is an ongoing long-term collaborative study with the Family Planning Association of Hong Kong on the pattern of adolescent sexuality and its consequences, such as sexually transmitted diseases.

Investigator: Professor G.W.K. Tang

Department: Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Starting date: 1978.01

PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF GYNAECOLOGICAL CANCERS AND THEIR THERAPIES

To study the psychosocial aspects of women who suffer from cancer of the genital tract and who have to endure the long and mutilating therapies.

Investigators: Professor G.W.K. Tang (Principal)

Professor H.Y.S. Ngan

Department: Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Starting date: 1984.01

PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF WOMEN WITH GONADAL DYSGENESIS AND MULLERIAN DYSGENESIS

This is an ongoing long-term observations on the emotional changes and social interactions in women who are born with non-functioning female gonads and absence of the uterus and vagina. It is hypothesized that these women who cannot perform the female role of reproduction are likely to suffer in their psychosocial aspects.

Investigator: Professor G.W.K. Tang

Department: Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Starting date: 1985.01

MENOPAUSE IN THE FAR EAST

To study menopause in the Hong Kong population.

Investigator: Professor G.W.K. Tang

Department: Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Source of funding: International Health Foundation

Starting date: 1989.09

A CROSS SECTIONAL HEALTH CARE STUDY OF CHINESE PERIMENOPAUSAL WOMEN IN HONG KONG

To study Chinese women in Hong Kong on: 1) their perception and understanding of the menopause; 2) their symptoms expressed and experienced before, during and after the menopause; 3) bone density in various age groups ranging from adolescence to postmenopause and to correlate such values with biophysical parameters and diet; 4) how best health care strategies can be planned based on the findings in the study so that women's needs are met most cost effectively.

Investigators: Professor G.W.K. Tang (Principal)

Dr. M. Chan

Dr. L.Y. Tse

Departments: Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Department of Health, Hong Kong Government

Family Planning Association of Hong Kong

Source of funding: Wyeth-Ayerst International, Inc.

Starting date: 1993.01

CLIMACTERIC IN CHINESE WOMEN: SYMPTOMS, HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY AND OSTEOPOROSIS

To examine the menopausal symptoms of Chinese women in Hong Kong and the effectiveness of HRT in reducing the incidence of menopausal symptoms and improving the QOL; to assess the level of dietary calcium intake of Chinese women and its relationship w bone mineral density (BMD), the incidence of osteoporosis in Chinese women will be assessed; to formulate a prediction formula of BMD based on age, body mass index and dietary calcium such that it will be used as a benchmark to detect the high risk gp of osteoporotic women.

Investigators: Professor G.W.K. Tang (Principal)

Dr. P.S.F. Yip

Departments: Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Statistics and Actuarial Science

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1996.11

THE ALTERATION OF CIP1/WAF1 GENE IN OSTEOSARCOMA: CORRELATION WITH BONE DESTRUCTION, P53 EXPRESSION, CELL PROLIFERATION, CELL CYCLE AND CLINICAL DATA

To investigate the role of the tumour suppressor gene: CIP1/WAF1 on the pathogenesis and aggressiveness on osteosarcoma; to examine the behaviour of osteosarcoma at the molecular level.

Investigators: Dr. W.M. Tang (Principal)

Dr. P.K.Y. Chiu

Professor S.P. Chow

Dr. S.S.M. Chung

Dr. W.M. Liao

Departments: Orthopaedic Surgery

Institute of Molecular Biology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

THE ROLE OF NITRIC OXIDE IN THE DEVELOPMENT, DEGENERATION AND REGENERATION OF THE RETINAL GANGLION CELLS IN HAMSTERS

To investigate the possible role played by the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) containing neurons during naturally occurring neuronal cell death in normal development and in induced cell death following nerve injury in mammals.

Investigators: Dr. D.K.C. Tay (Principal)

Professor K.F. So

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1995.10 Completion date: 1998.09

A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE BILATERAL RETINOFUGAL PROJECTIONS IN HAMSTERS

To determine quantitatively the proportion of bilateral projecting fibres in the optic nerve of hamsters.

Investigator: Dr. D.K.C. Tay

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07

REGENERATION OF VESTIBULAR NEURONS FOLLOWING LESION OF VESTIBULOSPINAL TRACT IN RATS

To study the response and the regenerative potentials of the vestibular neurons following induced lesion of the vestibulospinal tract at various spinal cord levels

Investigator: Dr. D.K.C. Tay

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

PROSPECTIVE LONG TERM STUDY OF TREATMENT OF ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

To study the survival rate and reconstruction in oral cancer.

Investigator: Professor H. Tideman

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Starting date: 1988.08

IMMEDIATE RECONSTRUCTION FOLLOWING MAXILLECTOMY

The reconstruction uses the temporal muscle, bone from the posterior iliac crest, a titanium casted tray and I.M.Z. implants for full functional reconstruction of defects in the maxilla. This new method is prospective evaluated.

Investigators: Professor H. Tideman (Principal)

Professor L.K. Cheung

Dr. T.W. Chow

Dr. N. Samman

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Friedrichfeld G.M.C.H.

Starting date: 1991.01

FUNCTIONAL RECONSTRUCTION OF THE UPPER JAW

To restore the function of the upper jaw after ablative surgery with bone and implants.

Investigators: Professor H. Tideman (Principal)

Dr. W.K. Luk

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Starting date: 1992.01

FUNCTIONAL RECONSTRUCTION OF THE LOWER JAW

To restore the function of the lower jaw after ablative surgery with bone and implants.

Investigators: Professor H. Tideman (Principal)

Dr. W.K. Luk

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Starting date: 1994.01

THREE-DIMENSIONAL PLANNING FOR THE SURGICAL CORRECTION OF CRANIOFACIAL DEFORMITY

To develop a computer program for personal computer which includes three-dimensional reconstruction of the craniofacial complex, and permits data manipulation for planning surgical corrections of craniofacial deformities.

Investigators: Professor H. Tideman (Principal)

Dr. J. Xia

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07 Completion date: 1998.12

VISUALIZED RESPONSIVE WORKBENCH FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL CRANIOFACIAL SURGICAL PLANNING SYSTEM

To develop a visualized responsive workbench for three-dimensional planning computerized system of the surgical correction of craniofacial deformity.

Investigators: Professor H. Tideman (Principal)

Dr. J. Xia

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07 Completion date: 1998.12

IN VIVO AND IN VITRO STUDIES OF SALIVARY GLAND TUMOURS

To investigate the pathogenesis and dedifferentiation process in salivary gland tumours in vivo using morphometry, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.

Investigator: Dr. G.L. Tipoe

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1994.07 Completion date: 1998.12

EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON HEXEMETHYLENE-BISACETAMIDE (HMBA) MODULATION OF HUMAN COLONIC CANCER CELL LINES

To determine whether HMBA, which is a potent cytodifferentiating agent, can induce transformed cells such as human colon cancer cell lines to terminal differentiation; to quantify the structural alterations induced in transformed cells using stereological techniques at ultrastructural level; to measure the gene expressions (c-myc, RB, p53, C-K-ras, nm23 and TGB1) of HMBA induced human colon cancer lines and to compare them with those cells without HMBA and with a normal colon cell line using immunocytochemical and in-situ hybridisation techniques.

Investigator: Dr. G.L. Tipoe

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07 Completion date: 1998.12

IN VITRO ORAL COMPOUND MUCOSAL GRAFTS: EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES AND CLINICAL APPLICATION

To optimise the technical parameters involved for in vitro production of human oral mucosal grafts; to determine the appropriateness of the pattern of differentiation of the grafts by immunocytochemistry using monoclonal antibodies against regionally-specific epithelial differnentiation products and by stereological methods; to test such human oral mucosal equivalents as autografts to intraoral mucosal defects created during elective preprosthetic surgery; to study clinically the re-establishment of functional mucosal structure and the viability of the grafts in normal oral function.

Investigators: Dr. G.L. Tipoe (Principal)

Professor I.C. MacKenzie

Departments: Anatomy

The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A.

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1996.10

SURGICAL RECONSTRUCTION OF INTRAORAL DEFECTS USING AN IN VITRO AUTOLOGOUS HUMAN COMPOUND MUSCOSAL GRAFT

To use such cell culture techniques to amplify cell populations from oral muscosal biopsies for the production of human living oral mucosal equivalents consisting both connective tissue and epithelial components which will be used to replace the conventional split thickness skin in standard oral surgical procedures such as oncological reconstructive surgery, reconstruction of dental implants and pre-prosthetic surgery.

Investigators: Dr. G.L. Tipoe (Principal)

Professor L.K. Cheung

Departments: Anatomy

Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

FACULTY DEVELOPMENT IN PREPARATION FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING: A DEVELOPMENTAL APPROACH IN THE DEPARTMENT OF NURSING STUDIES

To enhance faculty's understanding of the philosophy of PBL; to promote faculty's knowledge and skills as facilitates of PBL; to facilitate faculty in writing PBL learning materials; to involve faculty in making the necessary preparation for a PBL curriculum; to provide on-going monitoring of the direction and progress of the curriculum reform; to give opportunity to faculty to take a lead in shaping the reform process.

Investigators: Dr. A.F.Y. Tiwari (Principal)

Miss S.S.C. Chan

Professor P.L. Sullivan

Department: Nursing Studies

Source of funding: Teaching Development Grants issued by The University Grants Committee of Hong Kong

Starting date: 1998.03

DO NURSING STUDENTS THINK CRITICALLY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE CRITICAL THINKING BETWEEN CHINESE AND AUSTRALIAN NURSING STUDENTS

To assess the evidence of critical thinking in two samples of Chinese and Australian nursing students; to compare these students in terms of their critical thinking; to identify the factors influencing the critical thinking of these students; to highlight deficits in their critical thinking for the purpose of intervention; to analyze the impact of culture on the critical thinking of the Chinese nursing students; to offer new insight into the critical thinking of Chinese nursing students.

Investigators: Dr. A.F.Y. Tiwari (Principal)

Dr. F. Yuen

Department: Nursing Studies

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.04

ENHANCING STUDENT LEARNING THROUGH ASSESSMENT BY PORTFOLIO

To enhance the quality of student learning; to investigate whether there are any differences between students assessed by portfolio and those assessed by the traditional means in terms of their approaches to learning and assessment preparation strategy.

Investigators: Dr. A.F.Y. Tiwari (Principal)

Dr. C. Tang

Departments: Nursing Studies

Centre for Learning, Teaching and Assessment, The Hong Kong Institute of Education

Source of funding: Teaching Development Grants issued by The University Grants Committee of Hong Kong

Starting date: 1999.02

PHARMACOLOGICAL MODULATIONS OF HEPATOCELLULAR INJURY

To investigate the underlying mechanisms of hepatocellular toxicity induced by bacterial endotoxin in galactosamine-sensitized rodents. This animal model has been shown to produce a pathological picture resembling to that of human viral hepatitis.

Investigator: Dr. W.M. Tom

Department: Pharmacology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1994.10

MECHANISMS INVOLVED IN THE NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF ANTIOXIDANTS DURING CEREBRAL ISCHEMIA

To investigate the roles of reactive free radicals in causing neuronal cell death during cerebral ischemia and the neuroprotective efficacy of antioxidant compounds.

Investigators: Dr. W.M. Tom (Principal)

Dr. M.M.Y. Chan

Department: Pharmacology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1995.07

ANTIOXIDANTS IN THE PREVENTION OF HEPATOCELLULAR DAMAGE

To investigate the underlying mechanisms of cytokine-induced cytotoxicity in human transformed hepatoma cells.

Investigator: Dr. W.M. Tom

Department: Pharmacology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTION OF OXIDANT-INDUCED CYTOTOXICITY

To delineate the mechanisms of oxidative cytotoxicity induced by the strongly reactive peroxynitrite species and identify the roles of intracellular antioxidants in cellular defense against oxidative stress; to investigate the efficacy of a series of thiols and metal chelators in the prevention of oxidative damage induced by innocuous inflammatory mediators; to examine the sequelae of oxidant insults in established animal models of inflammatory disorders and characterize the nitrosylated protein adducts formed in target tissues; to evaluate the validity of nitrotyrosine assay as a biomarker for the determination of the efficacy of pharmacological interventions with antioxidants.

Investigators: Dr. W.M. Tom (Principal)

Dr. N.S. Wong

Departments: Pharmacology

Biochemistry

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.11

A STUDY ON BRONCHIOLITIS OBLITERANS WITH ORGANISING PNEUMONIA IN HONG KONG

To evaluate the following: (1) clinical and demographic details; (2) radiological features; (3) prognosis and treatment, in patients with this rare disease in Hong Kong.

Investigators: Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal)

Professor M.S.M. Ip

Professor W.K. Lam

Dr. C.G.C. Ooi

Departments: Medicine

Diagnostic Radiology

Starting date: 1995.10

A STUDY ON GASTRO-OESOPHAGEAL REFLUX IN BRONCHIECTASIS

To measure, in patients with bronchiectasis: 1) quantitative parameters on severity and frequency, 2) correlation with clinical features.

Investigators: Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal)

Dr. W. Hu

Professor S.K. Lam

Professor W.K. Lam

Departments: Medicine

Pathology (Hospital Pathology Services Morbid Anatomy/Cytology), Queen Mary Hospital

Starting date: 1997.01

SILICOSIS: A SYSTEMATIC EVALUATION

To characterise Chinese patients with silicosis on: 1) clinical features, 2) radiological features, 3) exercise and physiological testing.

Investigators: Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal)

Professor W.K. Lam

Professor H. Ngan

Dr. C.G.C. Ooi

Departments: Medicine

Diagnostic Radiology

Source of funding: The Pneumoconiosis Fund Board

Starting date: 1997.06 Completion date: 1999.08

CILIARY FUNCTION IN CHILDHOOD RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES

To examine the clinical significance of ciliary function in children with respiratory diseases.

Investigator: Dr. K.W.T. Tsang

Department: Medicine

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

HELICOBACTER PYLORI TOXIN EFFECTS IN RESPIRATORY MUCOSA

Evaluation with transmission E.M. on cytopathic effects of toxins.

Investigators: Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal)

Professor S.K. Lam

Professor W.K. Lam

Department: Medicine

Starting date: 1997.10

CLINICO-PATHOLOGICAL CORRELATION OF NITROUS OXIDE (NO) LEVELS IN BRONCHIECTASIS: A PILOT STUDY

To study: 1. the feasibility of dectecting NO in exhaled air, sputum and bronchoalveolar fluid, 2. correlation of NO levels with clinical disease (i.e. inflammatory and infective) markers, 3. correlation of NO levels with bronchoalveolar differential cell counts in patients (and control subjects) with steady state bronchiectasis.

Investigators: Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal)

Professor P.C.W. Fung

Professor M.S.M. Ip

Professor W.K. Lam

Dr. C.G.C. Ooi

Departments: Medicine

Diagnostic Radiology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

TAXOTERE STUDY IN LUNG CANCER

Effects of treatment on non-small cell lung cancer patients' (1) disease activity and (2) survival.

Investigators: Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal)

Dr. C.M. Ho

Professor M.S.M. Ip

Professor W.K. Lam

Department: Medicine

Source of funding: Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Ltd.

Starting date: 1998.08

PESUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA TOXINS AND RESPIRATORY MUCOSA

Effects of pyocyanin on (1) ciliary bear frequency, (2) transmission electron microscopy assessment.

Investigators: Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal)

Professor M.S.M. Ip

Professor W.K. Lam

Dr. G. Taylor

Departments: Medicine

The Royal Postgraduate Medical School, U.K.

Starting date: 1998.08

A SYSTEMATIC CLINICO-ULTRASTRUCTURAL CORRELATION OF THE CILIARY STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION IN CHINESE PATIENTS WHO SUFFER FROM BRONCHIECTASIS

To evaluate: (1) the function, orientation and structure of respiratory cilia in bronchiectasis and healthy control groups; (2) the disease severity markers, demographic details, clinical features, lung function indices, sputum microbiology, and aetiology in the bronchiectasis group; (3) the correlation of (1) and (2) and hence the prognostic, biological, and clinical values of performing ciliary assessment in bronchiectasis.

Investigators: Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal)

Professor M.S.M. Ip

Professor W.K. Lam

Dr. M.P. Wong

Departments: Medicine

Pathology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.09

ROLE OF ENDOTHELIN-1 IN BRONCHIECTASIS

To study clinico-pathological and pathogenetic role of E.T. in blood of patients with bronchieotasis.

Investigators: Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal)

Professor M.S.M. Ip

Professor W.K. Lam

Dr. L. Zheng

Department: Medicine

Starting date: 1998.09

BRONCHIECTASIS EXACERBATION TREATMENT STUDY

To compare the efficacy of cefepime vs ceftazidime on exacerbations of bronchiectasis.

Investigators: Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal)

Professor M.S.M. Ip

Professor W.K. Lam

Department: Medicine

Source of funding: Bristol-Myers-Squibb (HK)

Starting date: 1998.11

FLUTICASONE IN BRONCHIECTASIS

To determine the efficacy on (1) lung function, (2) quality of life, (3) exacerbation frequency in bronchectasis.

Investigators: Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal)

Professor M.S.M. Ip

Professor W.K. Lam

Department: Medicine

Source of funding: Glaxo Wellcome Hong Kong Ltd.

Starting date: 1998.12

CLONING OF DIFFERENTIALLY EXPRESSED GENES IN HUMAN NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMAS BY POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR) - BASED RNA FINGERPRINTING

To identify and clone for genes differentially expressed or suppressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells using a recently developed PCR-based RNA-fingerprinting techniques termed Arbitrarily Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR).

Investigators: Dr. G.S.W. Tsao (Principal)

Dr. D.P. Huang

Departments: Anatomy

Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1995.08

TELOMERASE ACTIVATION IN NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMAS

To evaluate the clinical significance of telomerase activation and its potential application as malignant marker for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Investigators: Dr. G.S.W. Tsao (Principal)

Dr. J.M. Nicholls

Professor J.S.T. Sham

Professor W.I. Wei

Departments: Anatomy

Clinical Oncology

Pathology

Surgery

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.09

CLONING OF GENES INVOLVED IN IMMORTALIZATION OF HUMAN OVARIAN EPITHELIAL CELLS

Events regulating cell immortalization are largely unknown. The identification of genes underlying the cell immortalization will help to elucidate regulatory events of cell senescence and aging which are important cellular processes. The immortalized HOSE cells may represent an intermediate stage between normal and malignant ovarian epithelial cells. The characterization of gene expression in these HOSE cells will provide insight into the molecular carcinogenesis of ovarian cancer as well as other human cancers.

Investigators: Dr. G.S.W. Tsao (Principal)

Professor P.S. Rudland

Departments: Anatomy

Biochemistry, University of Liverpool, U.K.

Source of funding: UK/HK Joint Research Scheme (British Council / Hong Kong Research Grants Council)

Starting date: 1998.02

IMMORTALIZATION OF NORAML NASOPHARYNGEAL EPITHELIAL CELLS BY THE TELOMERASE GENE

To immortalize normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cells for research studies in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC); to characterise the basic biological properties of normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cells; to study the role of telomerase in immortalization and tumorigenic transformation of nasopharyngeal epithelial cells.

Investigator: Dr. G.S.W. Tsao

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

A DOUBLE BLIND RANDOMIZED TRIAL OF ORAL DIGOXIN VERSUS LOW DOSE AMIODARONE TO CONTROL VENTRICULAR RATE AND IRREGULARITY IN CHRONIC ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

To evaluate and compare the efficacy of low dose amiodarone with digoxin on ventricular rate control and rhythm irregularity in chronic atrial fibrillation.

Investigators: Dr. H.F. Tse (Principal)

Professor C.R. Kumana

Professor C.P. Lau

Department: Medicine

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.11

A STUDY ON THE GENETIC CAUSES OF MALE INFERTILITY

To determine the prevalence of genetic causes of male infertility in Hong Kong, which is currently unavailable.

Investigators: Dr. J.Y.M. Tse (Principal)

Professor P.C. Ho

Dr. E.T. Lau

Dr. W.K. So

Dr. M.H.Y. Tang

Dr. W.S.B. Yeung

Departments: Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Prenatal Diagnostic and Counselling Unit, Tsan Yuk Hospital

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.06

USING CHINESE AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION: 1) A SURVEY ON "MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION CHANGE: PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED AND SUPPORT NEEDED"; 2) TEACHER LANGUAGE ERROR ANALYSIS; 3) RESEARCH ON "THE DISCOURSE OF EMI / CMI CLASSROOMS"

To investigate the problems encountered by schools and teachers changing to use Chinese as medium of instruction (CMI); to identify support and measures needed or effective implementation of CMI; to analyze the linguistic problems on designing examination questions and to make suggestions to avoid these problems; to investigate classroom language in CMI / EMI schools.

Investigators: Professor A.B.M. Tsui (Principal)

Dr. K.K. Chan

Mr. C.K. Cheung

Mr. A.L.S. Chung

Miss F.L.F. Kan

Mr. W.W. Ki

Dr. N.W.Y. Law

Ms Y.K. Law

Dr. Y.C. Li

Ms F.P. Ng

Mr. C.K. Or

Mr. W.Y. Pong

Mr. M.S.K. Shum

Dr. S.K. Tse

Dr. H.K. Yuen

Mr. B.H.W. Yung

Departments: Curriculum Studies

Curriculum Development Institute, Education Department, Hong Kong Government

Source of funding: Language Fund

Starting date: 1998.09

DIETARY SOURCES AND INTAKE OF FLUORIDE AND ENAMEL FLUOROSIS IN CHILDREN IN HONG KONG

To systematically assess the F contents of foods and beverages commonly ingested by infants and children in Hong Kong; to estimate the daily total F intake of a cohort of about 170 children at ages six months, 2 years and 4 years. The estimated daily total F intake will be assessed by careful analysis of the consumption of water, beverages and food after the F content of the individual food/drink items have been determined; to assess the oral health status of this group of children in Shatin annually from 3 till 8 years of age with particular emphasis on the prevalence of enamel fluorosis.

Investigators: Professor S.H.Y. Wei (Principal)

Dr. J.C.Y. Chan

Dr. S. Leung

Miss S. Lui

Departments: Faculty of Dentistry

The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Run Run Shaw Research and Teaching Endowment Fund

University Grants Committee

Starting date: 1988.07

EVALUATION OF OTOLOGICAL AND RHINOLOGICAL PROBLEMS IN PATIENTS WITH NASOPHARYNGEAL CANCER

To investigate specific problems of hearing and nasal obstructions in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer.

Investigators: Professor W.I. Wei (Principal)

Dr. S.K. Lau

Department: Surgery

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Medical Faculty Research Grant Fund

Sun Yat Sen Foundation Fund for Medical Research

Wu Chung Medical Research Fund

Starting date: 1985.12

HEARING PROBLEMS IN PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA

To evaluate the hearing problems in patients suffering from nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy.

Investigator: Professor W.I. Wei

Department: Surgery

Source of funding: Simon K.Y. Lee Research Fund

Starting date: 1989.12

1. CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF HYPOPHARYNGEAL CANCERS. 2. COMPARATIVE MORPHOLOGICAL, MORPHOMETRIC AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MALIGNANT LESIONS OF THE HEAD AND NECK

To study the route and pattern of spread of hypopharyngeal cancers by detailed study of the pathological specimens and correlate with the clinical progress; to determine whether quantitative histological, ultrastructural and immunological methods can be used to detect differences between normal, primary and secondary malignant hypopharyngeal on oral epithelial lesions of the head and neck.

Investigators: Professor W.I. Wei (Principal)

Professor F.H. White

Departments: Surgery

Anatomy

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Sun Yat Sen Foundation Fund for Medical Research

Starting date: 1992.07

ADJUVANT THERAPY FOR ADVANCED HEAD AND NECK CANCER: A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED TRIAL WITH OR WITHOUT ORAL LEVAMISOLE AND FLUOROURACIL

To determine the efficacy of adjuvant therapy using oral levamisole and 5 fluorouracil in reducing recurrences and improving survival in patients with head and neck cancer after standard oncological resection; to assess the histological pattern of host response to tumour with or without the effect of levamisole.

Investigators: Professor W.I. Wei (Principal)

Dr. W.F. Ng

Departments: Surgery

Pathology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1993.07

SPEECH REHABILITATION AFTER TOTAL LARYNGECTOMY - SELF HELP AND MUTUAL HELP

To visit the hospitals and centres in China where total laryngectomy is performed for patients suffering from cancer of the larynx. During the visit, the aim is to introduce to patients the various methods of speech rehabilitation and to show how patients can help each other during the convalescent period.

Investigators: Professor W.I. Wei (Principal)

Miss M.L. Ho

Miss C.L. Kwok

Mr. H.S. Ng

Departments: Surgery

Community Rehabilitation Network

New Voice Club of Hong Kong

Source of funding: S.K. Yee Medical Foundation Grant

Starting date: 1998.07

HEAD AND NECK SURGICAL COURSE IN CHINA - TO TEACH TECHNIQUES OF CONTEMPORARY OPERATIONS AND PATIENT CARE FOR DOCTORS WORKING IN UNDERDEVELOPED AREAS IN CHINA, TO THE BENEFIT OF POOR PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM HEAD AND NECK CANCER

To teach the head and neck surgeons in China the currently established methods of managing patients suffering from head and neck cancer and also to introduce the concept of contemporary nursing care for these patients.

Investigators: Professor W.I. Wei (Principal)

Dr. W.W.Y. Fong

Dr. Y. Hui

Dr. L.K. Lam

Dr. S.W. Yue

Dr. P.W. Yuen

Departments: Surgery

Operating Theatre, Queen Mary Hospital

Source of funding: S.K. Yee Medical Foundation Grant

Starting date: 1998.07

ORPHANS SUPPORT PROGRAM - SURVEY FOR CLEFT LIP AND PALATE CHILDREN IN THE ORPHANS' HOMES OF CHINA

To offer surgical repairs for cleft lip and palate children who are orphans and residing in the government orphans' homes in China.

Investigators: Professor W.I. Wei (Principal)

Dr. W.S. Chan

Dr. W.W.Y. Fong

Dr. T.W.C. Hui

Dr. L.K. Lam

Dr. S.W. Yue

Departments: Surgery

Anaesthesiology

Operating Theatre, Queen Mary Hospital

Source of funding: S.K. Yee Medical Foundation Grant

Starting date: 1998.10

THE ROLE OF FREE RADICALS IN PEPTIC ULCER AND GASTRIC CANCER

To study the role of nitric oxide in the pathogenesis of gastric diseases; to study the clinical and in vivo detection of nitric oxide or other free radicals in human gastric system; to screen for and monitor new potential pharmacogical agents on modification of free radical production.

Investigators: Dr. B.C.Y. Wong (Principal)

Professor P.C.W. Fung

Professor S.K. Lam

Department: Medicine

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

ESTIMATION OF VARIATIONS IN HEALTH CARE NEEDS BETWEEN SMALL AREAS IN HONG KONG USING ROUTINE STATISTICS ON MORBIDITY, MORTALITY AND SOCIOECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION

To link information from three different sources, including the morbidity (based on hospital discharge statistics), mortality (data retrieved from medical certificates for the cause of death) and socioeconomic (census and by-census statistics) information and exam their variations by tertiary planning units (TPU); to examine the variations of the different measures of health care needs between geographical areas (TPU) in Hong Kong; to examine correlations between the morbidity, mortality and socioeconomic variables among TPU's; to consider each of the morbidity, mortality and socioeconomic indicators as a measure for health care needs in local areas; to consider the relevance of the estimates of health care need variations obtained by utilizing routinely collected data in determining health priorities and planning the distribution of health cae resources.

Investigators: Dr. C.M. Wong (Principal)

Dr. J.H. Bacon-Shone

Professor A.J. Hedley

Professor T.H. Lam

Departments: Community Medicine

Social Sciences Research Centre

Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund

Starting date: 1996.08

SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF AMBIENT AIR POLLUTION ON PUBLIC HEALTH IN HONG KONG - AN APHEA-2 STUDY

To assess the short-term effects of daily air pollutant concentrations on daily hospital admissions and deaths; to assess the validity and reliability of the health effect estimations developed by above.

Investigators: Dr. C.M. Wong (Principal)

Professor A.J. Hedley

Professor T.H. Lam

Mr. S.S.L. Ma

Department: Community Medicine

Source of funding: Environment Protection Department, Hong Kong Government

Starting date: 1998.07 Completion date: 1999.02

THORACOSCOPIC CARDIOMYOTOMY FOR ACHALASIA

To study the efficacy of a new approach of surgical treatment for achalasia, using endoscopic instruments via tiny incisions into the thoracic cavity, thus avoiding the complications and discomforts if long surgical incision from traditional surgical approach.

Investigators: Professor J. Wong (Principal)

Dr. S.Y.K. Law

Department: Surgery

Starting date: 1994.01

RANDOMISED PROSPECTIVE TRIAL COMPARING THE USE OF NECK DRAIN AFTER OESOPHAGECTOMY WITH CERVICAL ANASTOMOSIS

To evaluate the need of routine cervical drains after oesophagectomy.

Investigators: Professor J. Wong (Principal)

Dr. S.Y.K. Law

Department: Surgery

Starting date: 1994.01

PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF UTILISING SMALL CLOSED SUCTION CHEST DRAIN AFTER OESOPHAGECTOMY FOR CANCER

To evaluate the use of small closed suction chest drain after oesophagectomy for cancer.

Investigators: Professor J. Wong (Principal)

Dr. S.Y.K. Law

Department: Surgery

Starting date: 1995.01

THE PREVALENCE OF BARRETT'S METAPLASTIC CHANGE ASSOCIATED WITH ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE OESPOHAGUS AND GASTRIC CARDIA. A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

To find out the aetiology of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus and gastric cardia.

Investigators: Professor J. Wong (Principal)

Dr. K.Y. Lam

Dr. S.Y.K. Law

Dr. L. Ma

Departments: Surgery

Pathology

Pathology (Hospital Pathology Services Morbid Anatomy/Cytology)

Starting date: 1995.01

PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF THE USE OF CHEMORADIOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF ADVANCED CARCINOMA OF THE OESOPHAGUS NOT SUITABLE FOR RESECTION

To evaluate the use of chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of advanced carcinoma of the oesophagus not suitable for resection.

Investigators: Professor J. Wong (Principal)

Dr. S.Y.K. Law

Department: Surgery

Starting date: 1995.01

RANDOMISED PROSPECTIVE TRIAL INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF PREOPERATIVE CHEMO-RADIATION FOR RESECTABLE CARCINOMA OF THE OESOPHAGUS

To evaluate the use of preoperative chemo-radiation for treatment of oesophageal cancer.

Investigators: Professor J. Wong (Principal)

Dr. S.Y.K. Law

Department: Surgery

Starting date: 1995.01

RETROSPECTIVE AND PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON THE USE OF CHEMOTHERAPY AND CHEMORADIOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF RECURRENT DISEASE AFTER OESOPHAGECTOMY FOR CANCER

To evaluate the use of chemotherapy and spare chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of recurrent disease.

Investigators: Professor J. Wong (Principal)

Dr. S.Y.K. Law

Department: Surgery

Starting date: 1995.01

THORACOSCOPIC OESOPHAGECTOMY FOR CARCINOMA OF THE OESOPHAGUS

To study the efficacy of an endoscopic approach in the resection of oesophageal carcinoma without the necessity of a conventional open thoracotomy. This would have the benefit of decreasing the incidence of pulmonary complications and deaths related to these complications associated with conventional surgery. Thoracoscopic oesophagectomy will also be compared with the transhiatal approach to see whether there are differences in morbidit, mortality and survival.

Investigators: Professor J. Wong (Principal)

Dr. S.Y.K. Law

Department: Surgery

Starting date: 1996.04

PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL METAPLASIA AND SPECIALIZED COLUMNAR EPITHELIUM IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING ELECTIVE ENDOSCOPY. THE ASSOCIATION OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL AND DUODENOGASTRIC REFLUX WITH INTESTINAL METAPLASIA

To identify the prevalence of specialized columnar epithelium at the gastroesophageal junction; to detect physiologic derangements in patients who had positively identified specialized columnar epithelium on biopsy.

Investigators: Professor J. Wong (Principal)

Dr. S.Y.K. Law

Department: Surgery

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07

THE USE OF ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND IN STAGING OF ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

To evaluate the accuracy and use of endoscopic ultrasound in the management of esophageal cancer.

Investigators: Professor J. Wong (Principal)

Dr. K.M. Chu

Dr. S.Y.K. Law

Department: Surgery

Starting date: 1996.07

A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL ON NEOADJUVANT REGIONAL CHEMOTHERAPY FOR GASTRIC CANCER

To undertake the first randomized controlled trial of neoadjuvant regional chemotherapy for gastric cancer.

Investigators: Professor J. Wong (Principal)

Dr. K.M. Chu

Professor H. Ngan

Dr. C.G.C. Ooi

Dr. S.T. Yuen

Departments: Surgery

Diagnostic Radiology

Pathology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1996.11

AN INVESTIGATION INTO DECISION-MAKING ABOUT MAINTENACE TREATMENT IN PEOPLE WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA OR AFFECTIVE DISORDER

To examine how patients make decisions about whether or not to accept maintenance treatment.

Investigators: Dr. J.G.W.S. Wong (Principal)

Dr. E.Y.H. Chen

Department: Psychiatry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1999.06

MICROSATELLITE ALTERATIONS IN TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA OF URINARY BLADDER AND THEIR DIAGNOSTIC APPLICATION IN URINARY SEDIMENT

To compare the usefulness and sensitivity of microsatellite analysis versus urine cytomorphology in the detection of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), and to identify the clinicopathological features of TCC patients for whom microsatellite analysis can be offered as a useful diagnostic tool.

Investigators: Dr. M.P. Wong (Principal)

Dr. R.J. Collins

Dr. H.Y. Kam

Departments: Pathology

Pathology (Hospital Pathology Services Morbid Anatomy/Cytology)

Surgery

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

TUMOUR ANGIOGENESIS AND ANGIOGENIC FACTORS EXPRESSION IN PRIMARY NON-SMALL CELL CARCINOMA OF LUNG

To characterize the profile of angiogenic factors expressed in primary non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) by Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); to identify the cellular source of angiogenic factors expression by in-situ hybridization (ISH); to determine the microvascular density and pattern of angiogenesis in primary NSCLC; to correlate tumour angiogenesis and angiogenic factor expression with tumour type, disease stage and patient outcome in primary lung NSCLC.

Investigators: Dr. M.P. Wong (Principal)

Dr. L.P. Chung

Dr. S.Y. Leung

Departments: Pathology

Pathology (Hospital Pathology Services Morbid Anatomy/Cytology)

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

A STUDY ON THE PATHOGENETIC ROLE OF TUMOUR SUPPRESSOR GENES IN NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER IN HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI CHINESE FEMALE

To investigate the pathogenetic role of tumour suppressor genes in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) in Hong Kong and Shanghai Chinese females.

Investigators: Dr. M.P. Wong (Principal)

Dr. S.W. Chiu

Dr. L.P. Chung

Dr. K.H. Fu

Professor W.K. Lam

Dr. W.W. Yew

Departments: Pathology

Medicine

Pathology (Hospital Pathology Services Morbid Anatomy/Cytology)

Surgery

Tuberculosis and Chest Unit, Grantham Hospital

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.10

TO STUDY THE GROWTH REGULATORY MECHANISM IN LMP-GENE TRANSFECTED HUMAN EPITHELIAL CELLS

To study the mechanism by which transfection of LMP genes would induce EGFR expression in epithelial cells and the relevance of the induction of these gene products to the growth regulation of these cells.

Investigators: Dr. N.S. Wong (Principal)

Professor R.H. Michell

Professor L.S. Young

Departments: Biochemistry

Biochemistry, University of Birmingham, U.K.

Institute for Cancer Studies, University of Birmingham, U.K.

Source of funding: UK/HK Joint Research Scheme (British Council / Hong Kong Research Grants Council)

Starting date: 1996.01

EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS LATENT MEMBRANE PROTEINS: A STUDY OF MECHANISM OF ACTION IN HUMAN NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA TISSUE

To study the phosphorylation of LMP2A present in NPC tissue explants; since overexpression of EGF-receptor had been found in both LMP1-transfected epithelial cells and NPC biopsies, it is proposed to investigate the significance of this finding by comparing the biological response and the signalling functions of epidermal-growth-factor receptor in normal epithelial and EBV-possessing NPC cells.

Investigators: Dr. N.S. Wong (Principal)

Professor W.F. Fong

Professor L.S. Young

Departments: Biochemistry

Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong

Institute for Cancer Studies, University of Birmingham, U.K.

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1996.10

THE MOLECULAR MECHANISM OF EPIDERMAL-GROWTH-FACTOR INDUCED INHIBITION OF TUMOUR CELL GROWTH AND PROLIFERATION

To study the roles of the cell cycle inhibitor protein p21, the Shc-adaptor protein and the MAP-kinases in mediating the growth-inhibitory action of EGF on NPC-derived tumour cell lines.

Investigators: Dr. N.S. Wong (Principal)

Dr. K.M. Yao

Department: Biochemistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07 Completion date: 1999.06

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF A NEW ISOFORM OF PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOLSYNTHASE

To isolate a new isoform of phosphatidylinositol synthase which has recently been identified in mammalian erythrocyte membranes and to study its molecular characteristics and mode of action.

Investigator: Dr. N.S. Wong

Department: Biochemistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

THE BEHAVIOUR OF PARTIAL MOLE

The behaviour of partial mole.

Investigators: Professor R.L.C. Wong (Principal)

Dr. R.J. Collins

Professor H.Y.S. Ngan

Departments: Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Pathology (Hospital Pathology Services Morbid Anatomy/Cytology)

Starting date: 1979.07

CHEMOTHERAPY FOR RECURRENT CERVICAL CANCER

Chemotherapy for recurrent cervical cancer.

Investigators: Professor R.L.C. Wong (Principal)

Dr. D. Choy

Professor H.Y.S. Ngan

Dr. J. Sham

Departments: Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Radiotherapy, Hong Kong Government

Starting date: 1984.06

THE VALUE OF FREE BETA-SUBMIT AND ALPHA-SUBMIT IN THE PREDICTION AND MANAGEMENT OF POSTMOLAR TROPHOBLASTIC DISEASE

The value of free beta-submit and alpha-submit in the prediction and management of postmolar trophoblastic disease.

Investigators: Professor R.L.C. Wong (Principal)

Professor H.Y.S. Ngan

Department: Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Starting date: 1987.07

ADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY FOR ADVANCED CERVICAL CANCER

Adjuvant chemotherapy for advanced cervical cancer.

Investigators: Professor R.L.C. Wong (Principal)

Dr. D. Choy

Professor H.Y.S. Ngan

Dr. J. Sham

Departments: Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Radiotherapy, Hong Kong Government

Starting date: 1987.08

ADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY FOR HIGH RISK CERVICAL CANCER PATIENTS

Adjuvant chemotherapy for high risk cervical cancer patients.

Investigators: Professor R.L.C. Wong (Principal)

Dr. D. Choy

Professor H.Y.S. Ngan

Dr. J. Sham

Departments: Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Radiotherapy, Hong Kong Government

Starting date: 1987.08

MOLECULAR STUDY OF PENICILLIUM MARNEFFEI AND ITS APPLICATIONS IN RAPID DIAGNOSIS OF PENICILLIOSIS MARNEFFEI INFECTION

To develop a specific and sensitive antigen / antibody detection system for early diagnosis of penicilliosis marneffei.

Investigators: Dr. S.S.Y. Wong (Principal)

Dr. L. Cao

Dr. D.N.C. Tsang

Professor K.Y. Yuen

Department: Microbiology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1996.10

DETECTION OF VEROCYTOTOXIN-PRODUCING ESCHERICHIA COLI INFECTION IN HONG KONG

To start a multi-laboratory surveillance programme on VTEC infection in Hong Kong to determine its local prevalence.

Investigators: Dr. S.S.Y. Wong (Principal)

Dr. P.C.Y. Woo

Professor K.Y. Yuen

Department: Microbiology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

THE USE OF CULTURED CARDIAC MYOCYTES FOR THE STUDY OF CELLULAR MECHANISMS OF TOLERANCE IN THE K-RECEPTOR

To determine (1) if G-protein(s) and PLC is(are) involved in the signal transduction in the cardiac k-receptor; (2) the role of G-protein in the signal transduction in the cardiac k-receptor upon the development of tolerance to a k-agonist.

Investigator: Professor T.M. Wong

Department: Physiology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1995.07 Completion date: 1998.12

MODULATORY ROLE OF K-RECEPTOR ON BETA-ADRENOCEPTOR IN THE HEART

To determine whether K-receptor stimulation attenuates the stimulatory effects of beta-adrenoceptor stimulation on Ca2+ signal in the heart; to study the site and mechanism of action of K-receptor activation on the action of beta-adrenoceptor stimulation.

Investigator: Professor T.M. Wong

Department: Physiology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07 Completion date: 1998.12

A STUDY OF GENE EXPRESSION OF K-OPIOID RECEPTOR AND NA-HYDROGEN EXCHANGER IN THE HEART WITH MOLECULAR BIOLOGY TECHNIQUES

To study the expression of cardiac k-opioid receptor gene during myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion; to study the factors affecting the expression of cardiac k-opioid receptor gene; to determine the relationship between cardiac k-receptor and Na-Hydrgoen Exchanger (NHE), known to be involved in regulation of cardiac function via its control of acid-base balance of the heart.

Investigators: Professor T.M. Wong (Principal)

Ms T.X.H. Gan

Department: Physiology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

DEVELOPMENT OF THE PERIPHERAL AND CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM IN RELATION TO GROWTH AND PSYCHOMOTOR DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY LIFE

To study, by objective measures, the maturational pattern of the central and peripheral nervous pathways in relation to age, body parameters and various aspects of developmental skills in normal infants. We plan to follow body growth, psychomotor development and neurophysiological data in normal and infants at risk. This is a prospective study in 100 normal Chinese newborns to be followed i.e. 1993-96. The data on physical growth (body weight, body height, head circumference), and age achievement of various developmental milestones will be collected from birth to 3 years. To identify infants with high risk of early disturbance of psychomotor development - e.g. different degrees of asphyxia at birth - in order to see if abnormalities in the neurophysiological parameters can help in predicting the neurognosis.

Investigators: Professor V.C.N. Wong (Principal)

Professor J.P.E. Karlberg

Department: Paediatrics

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1995.01

AUTISTIC DISORDER AND DIURNAL MELATONIN RHYTHM

To study the diurnal rhythm and fluctuation of melatonin level in children with autistic disorder and to assess the efficacy of melatonin in alterating the behavioural characteristics.

Investigators: Professor V.C.N. Wong (Principal)

Professor S.F. Pang

Departments: Paediatrics

Physiology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

BRAIN-HEART PROJECT: PERI-OPERATIVE CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW MONITORING FOR OPEN HEART SURGERY IN CHILDREN WITH CONGENITAL HEART DISEASES

To assess the peri-operative cerebral blood flow in children with congenital heart diseases in order to identify risk factors for postoperative neurological complications through intraoperative non-invasive cerebral blood monitoring.

Investigators: Professor V.C.N. Wong (Principal)

Professor M.P. Leung

Department: Paediatrics

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

EARLY CHANGES OF BIOMARKERS AND ONCOGENES DURING HORMONE-INDUCED PROSTATIC CARINOGENESIS IN THE RAT

To characterize the 12kD, 19kD and 110kD proteins and to determine the nature of these proteins including their amino acid sequences as well as their encoding genes. One important aim for studying these proteins is to ascertain whether the emergence/reduction of these proteins in the secretion are indicative of hyperplastic development in the LP. And whether any of these proteins may serve as markers of prostatic hyperplasia. To examine the early changes of a number of fctors or biomarkers using a combination of immunohistochemical and in situ hypbridization methods and to correlate the time of appearance and levels of expression of protein/mRNA signals of various growth factors with the development of histopathological lesions. In addition, the multi-step genetic events involved in the development of prostate cancer will be examined.

Investigators: Professor Y.C. Wong (Principal)

Dr. G.S.W. Tsao

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1996.09

TELOMERASE ACTIVITY AND TERMINAL RESTRICTION FRAGMENT IN HORMONE-INDUCED PROSTATIC CARCINOGENESIS

To detect telomerase activities in different stages of induced carcinogenesis and to compare the terminal restriction fragment (TRF) in diffeent stages of carcinogenesis, with the aim of understanding better the mechanism of prostatic carcinogenesis.

Investigator: Professor Y.C. Wong

Department: Anatomy

Starting date: 1996.09 Completion date: 1999.06

DETECTION OF SPECIFIC MARKER PROTEINS IN BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

To detect new specific protein factors in secrection of BPH by a neonatal tolerization method; to isolation and characterize these new proteins by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.

Investigator: Professor Y.C. Wong

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

INDUCTION OF BREAST CARCINOGENESIS BY A COMBINATION OF ANDROGENS AND OESTROGENS

To examine the role of both oestrogens and androgens in the initiation and progression of breast carcinogenesis in an animal model.

Investigators: Professor Y.C. Wong (Principal)

Dr. B. Xie

Department: Anatomy

Starting date: 1997.07

IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CHANGES OF SECRETORY PROTEINS DURING HORMONE-INDUCED PROSTATE CARCINOGENESIS

To characterize and to determine the nature of these proteins including their amino acid sequences as well as the genes involved. One important aim for studying these proteins is to ascertain whether the appearance or reduction of these proteins in the secretion are indicative of dysplastic and carcinogenic development in the prostate. Another aim is to establish whether any of these proteins may serve as markers for prostatic dysplasia and carcinoma.

Investigator: Professor Y.C. Wong

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

THE STUDY OF BETA THROMBOGLOBULIN AND PLATELET FACTOR 4 IN STROKE

To measure PF4 which is a useful addition to the study of platelet pathophysiology.

Investigators: Dr. E.K.W. Woo (Principal)

Professor T.K. Chan

Professor V.N.Y. Chan

Dr. Y.L. Yu

Department: Medicine

Source of funding: Wu Chung Medical Research Fund

Starting date: 1984.06

DETECTION OF MUTATIONS IN THE MORPHOLOGICAL TRANSFORMING REGION II GENE OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS FROM BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS.

To detect mutations in the morphological transforming region II gene of cytomegalovirus from bone marrow transplant recipients and analyse the relevance to pathogenesis of Cytomegalovirus disease and vaccine development in bone marrow transplant recipients

Investigators: Dr. P.C.Y. Woo (Principal)

Professor K.Y. Yuen

Department: Microbiology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.11

STUDY FOR RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH BACTERAEMIA IN ALLOGENEIC BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS BEFORE AND AFTER ENGRAFTMENT

To perform a study on allogeneic BMT recipients, describing the episodes of bacteraemia, and the number of isolates within a follow-up period from day - 7 to day 180. The risk factors for the development of symptomatic bacteraemia during different stages of the BMT will be analysed.

Investigators: Dr. P.C.Y. Woo (Principal)

Professor K.Y. Yuen

Department: Microbiology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

A STUDY ON IMMUNODEFICIENCY AND THE IMMUNE RESPONSE TO LIPOGLYCAN ANTIGENS IN TUBERCULOSIS INFECTION

To address the following questions: 1. Are there differences in the immune response to mycobacterial lipoglycans between individuals and are these differences responsible for the different clinical pictures that one sees in tuberculosis infection? 2. What are the precursor frequencies of T cells responsive to LAM and mycolic acids? Is this increased following TB infection? 3. Does an individual's immune response to mycobacterial lipoglycans correlate with his/her response to the class II-restricted peptide antigens (PPD)? 4. How does chronic corticosteroid administration affect this type of immune response to TB? 5. Is it possible to immunize an individual to this type of antigen and will the immune response be protective?

Investigators: Dr. A.Y.Y. Wu (Principal)

Dr. E.Y.T. Chan

Professor J.W.M. Lawton

Dr. W.W. Yew

Departments: Medicine

Pathology

TB Unit, Grantham Hospital

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

AN OPEN-LABEL STUDY TO CONFIRM THE ABILITY OF MONTELUKAST SODIUM TO ALLOW TAPEING OF LABELED CORTICOSTEROIDS IN ASTHMATIC PATIENTS

To confirm the ability of montelukast sodium to allow tapeing of labeled corticosteroids in asthmatic patients.

Investigators: Dr. A.Y.Y. Wu (Principal)

Professor M.S.M. Ip

Dr. K.W.T. Tsang

Department: Medicine

Source of funding: Merck, Sharp and Dohme (Asia) Ltd.

Starting date: 1998.10

B CELL APOPTOSIS IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

To identify possible defects in B cell tolerance induction in SLE; to identify the T cell cytokine profile in SLE, and how it relates to autoantibody production; to identify the molecular mechanisms that lead to the B cell defects metnioned above.

Investigators: Dr. A.Y.Y. Wu (Principal)

Dr. W.C.S. Lau

Department: Medicine

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1998.11

PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A PYRUVATE KINASE (PK) REACTIVATING FACTOR

Pyruvate kinase from certain non-mammalian sources are shown to be significantly inactivated after separation from other proteins by chromatography. This project aims to purify to homogeneity from cytosolic extracts a protein factor capable of restor activity to the inactivated enzyme; to characterize the purified protein factor; and to examine whether the factor can act similarly on human erythrocyte PK mutants.

Investigator: Dr. S.W.N. Wu

Department: School of Professional and Continuing Education

Starting date: 1991.09

ROLE OF ALUMINIUM IN DIALYSIS DEMENTIA

To study the intestinal absorption of aluminium (Al), and the effect of Al on liver and brain enzymes, with a view to acquiring a better understanding of the role and possible toxic effect of Al and its association with dialysis dementia.

Investigator: Dr. S.W.N. Wu

Department: School of Professional and Continuing Education

Starting date: 1991.09

ROLE OF ALUMINIUM AS A NEUROTOXIC AGENT

To study the biochemical effects of aluminium on cellular metabolism; to seek a relationship of aluminium to dialysis dementia and to Alzheimer's disease.

Investigator: Dr. S.W.N. Wu

Department: School of Professional and Continuing Education

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1992.07

ROLE OF UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS IN THE REGULATION AND EXPRESSION OF ENZYMES

To investigate the effect of different unsaturated fatty acids on phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and protein kinase C; to study whether unsaturated fatty acids are involved in the expression of PEPCK.

Investigator: Dr. S.W.N. Wu

Department: School of Professional and Continuing Education

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1993.07 Completion date: 1998.12

THE ROLE OF NITRIC OXIDE ON DEGENERATION OF CLARKE'S NEURONS AFTER TRAUMATIC SPINAL CORD INJURY

To investigate whether nitric oxide is involved in death of the Clarke's neurons and whether such death can be prevented by experimental manipulations.

Investigator: Dr. W.T. Wu

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

DEGENERATION OF MOTOR NEURON IN ADULT RAT SPINAL CORD: MECHANISM AND PREVENTION

To find a cure for paralysis associated with spinal cord injury and other adult onset neuronal degenerative diseases.

Investigator: Dr. W.T. Wu

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.01

EFFECT OF DELAYED TRANSPLANTATION OF A PERIPHERAL NERVE (PN) GRAFT ON MOTONEURON SURVIVAL AND REGENERATION AFTER SPINAL ROOT AVULSION

To determine whether a delayed peripheral nerve (PN) graft transplantation can prevent motoneuron death and enhance motoneuron regeneration after spinal root avulsion in adult rat.

Investigator: Dr. W.T. Wu

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

STUDY OF DRUG RESISTANCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF RAPID DIAGNOSIS FOR ISONIAZID (INH) RESISTANT MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS IN CLINICAL SAMPLES

To undertake a study of mechanisms of INH resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Hong Kong with subsequent development of rapid diagnosis for INH resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis causing infections in our population.

Investigators: Dr. W.C. Yam (Principal)

Dr. W.H. Seto

Departments: Microbiology (Hospital Pathology Services)

Microbiology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

ANALGESIC EFFECT OF KETAMINE ON BRACHIAL PLEXOPATHY

To investigate whether subanaesthetic doses of ketamine have any analgeaic effect on brachial plexus neuropathy.

Investigators: Professor J.C.S. Yang (Principal)

Dr. S.L. Tsui

Department: Anaesthesiology

Starting date: 1995.07

PHYSIOLOGICAL (CATECHOLAMINE RESPONSE TO STRESS) AND PSYCHOLOGICAL (LOCUS OF CONTROL, MULTIDIMENSIONAL SCALING) DETERMINANTS OF OPTIMAL POST-OPERATIVE MORPHINE USAGE

To understand the roles played by stress, the patient's beliefs in health maintenance, and sensory and emotional factors in the patient's demand for optimal analgesics.

Investigators: Professor J.C.S. Yang (Principal)

Dr. W.C. Clark

Dr. S.L. Tsui

Departments: Anaesthesiology

Psychiatry

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1995.10

INTERACTION OF MELATONIN AND ANAESTHETICS

To use an animal model to investigate if anaesthetic changes melatonin rhythm.

Investigators: Professor J.C.S. Yang (Principal)

Dr. C.S.F. Ho

Professor S.F. Pang

Departments: Anaesthesiology

Physiology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07 Completion date: 1999.07

THE ROLE OF POLYOL PATHWAY IN SENILE CATARACT DEVELOPMENT AND AGING

To conduct investigations aiming at the establishment of such a link; to determine the chromosomal locations of the gene(s) responsible for accelerated senile cataract development and aging in the Emory mouse model.

Investigator: Dr. Y.Q. Yang

Department: Institute of Molecular Biology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1999.07

INVESTIGATING THE FUNCTIONAL ROLE OF THE WINGED HELIX TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR, WIN, DURING CELL CYCLE PROGRESSION BY OVEREXPRESSION IN HELA CELLS

To generate inducible WIN-expressing HeLa cells to test whether ectopic overexpression of WIN can purturb cell-cycle kinetics. This inducible system would also be employed to study the relationship between WIN and other known cell cycle regulators using a high-throughput cDNA array assay.

Investigator: Dr. K.M. Yao

Department: Biochemistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

AN INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS OF DIFFERENT COMPONENTS OF THE PARAHIPPOCAMPAL REGION TO LEARNING AND MEMORY IN THR RODENT

To characterise the relative functional significance of different parahippocampal components to learning and memory in rodents, and to contrast this with the role subserved by the hippocampal formation.

Investigators: Dr. B.K.Y. Yee (Principal)

Professor K.F. So

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.03

RESEARCH STUDY ON THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE TYPE B CARRIERS STATE AND INFECTIONS IN HONG KONG CHILDREN

Research study on the epidemiology of haemophilus influenzae type b carriers state and infections in Hong Kong children.

Investigators: Professor C.Y. Yeung (Principal)

Professor Y.L. Lau

Professor L.C.K. Low

Department: Paediatrics

Source of funding: Merck, Sharp and Dohme (Asia) Ltd.

Starting date: 1992.01

TO INVESTIGATE THE SOFT TISSUE AND HARD TISSUE RATIO OF 10 CHINESE PATIENTS WITH MANDIBULAR HYPERPLASIA BY USING 3-D CT IMAGING

To formulate a baseline data base for our Southern Chinese patient in terms of soft tissue and hard tissue ratio; to develop a computer program for 3-D planning of the orthognathic patient; to enhance further investigation of hard and soft tissue ratio in the post-surgically treated patient.

Investigators: Dr. R.W.K. Yeung (Principal)

Dr. J. Xia

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07

TO INVESTIGATE THE SOFT TISSUE AND HARD TISSUE RATIO OF 10 CHINESE PATIENTS WITH MAXILLARY HYPERPLASIA, NASOMAXILLARY HYPOPLASIA BY USING 3-D CT IMAGING AND POST-OPERATIVE SOFT TISSUE AND HARD TISSUE RATIO 1 YEAR AFTER THE OPERATION

To formulate a baseline data base for our Southern Chinese patient in terms of soft tissue and hard tissue ratio; to develop a computer program for 3-D planning of the orthognathic patient.

Investigators: Dr. R.W.K. Yeung (Principal)

Dr. J. Xia

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF EMBRYOTROPHIC FACTOR FROM HUMAN OVIDUCTAL CELLS

To purify the embryotrophic factor(s) by the human oviductal cells; to produce monoclonal antibodies against the embryotrophic factor(s); to characterize the factor(s) in terms of a) chromatographic and electrophoretic behaviour, b) immunocytochemical location in the fallopian tube, c) factors affecting the production of the embryotrophic factor(s), and, d) its effects on the enzyme activities of mouse embryos.

Investigators: Dr. W.S.B. Yeung (Principal)

Professor S.T.H. Chan

Professor P.C. Ho

Departments: Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Zoology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1995.11

EFFECTS OF OVIDUCTAL CELLS COCULTURE ON THE GENE EXPRESSION IN PREIMPLANTATION EMBRYOS

To study the effect of oviductal cell coculture on gene expression of preimplantation mouse embryos at different stages of development in vitro; to compare the effect of different oviductal embryotrophic factors on the gene expression of the embryos in vitro; to compare the gene expression of preimplantation embryos after coculture with those in vivo.

Investigators: Dr. W.S.B. Yeung (Principal)

Professor S.T.H. Chan

Professor P.C. Ho

Dr. S.M. Ip

Departments: Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Zoology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.01

A STUDY ON THE GENE EXPRESSION OF THE RAT TESTIS AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF SPERMATOGENESIS

To identify de novo genes responsible for spermatogenesis using differential display method and a vitamin A deficient rat model. The genes identified in this model will be used as basis for identifying similar genes in human, particularly those with male infertility.

Investigators: Dr. W.S.B. Yeung (Principal)

Dr. S.M. Ip

Dr. J.M.C. Luk

Departments: Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Surgery

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

USE OF SKIN TRACTION PRE-OPERATIVELY

Evaluate its effectiveness for pain control.

Investigators: Dr. D.K.H. Yip (Principal)

Dr. P.K.Y. Chiu

Dr. D. Fang

Department: Orthopaedic Surgery

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1994.07

THE BONDING INTERFACE BETWEEN RESIN-MODIFIED GLASS IONOMER AND SCLEROTIC ROOT DENTINE

To study the interfacial bonding properties and bond strength of resin-modified glass ionomers with sclerotic root dentine.

Investigator: Dr. H.K. Yip

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

EVALUATION OF REFLECTIVE LEARNING IN A HYBRID-PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING PROGRAM IN OPERATIVE DENTISTRY

To evaluate a hybrid-problem-based focus learning (H-PBL) program adopting self-directed learning (SDL) and small group teaching (SMT) for a dental course in a predominantly Chinese student community; to adopt currently developed multimedia and information technology in the teaching program to support classroom-based instruction; to evaluate the transfer of knowledge from a pre-clinical to a clinical context by comparing the pre-clinical and clinical courses using student learning style questionnaire, student journal and various reflection proformas; to evaluate the knowledge retention of the clinical year student in their related pre-clinical subjects.

Investigators: Dr. H.K. Yip (Principal)

Mr. J.P. Marsh

Departments: Faculty of Dentistry

Centre for the Advancement of University Teaching

Source of funding: Centre for the Advancement of University Teaching Associate Program

Starting date: 1997.07 Completion date: 1999.06

THE INTERFACE BETWEEN GLASS IONOMER FILLINGS AND CARIOUS DENTINE

To examine the effects of glass ionomer fillings on the repair of decayed dentine in vitro.

Investigators: Dr. H.K. Yip (Principal)

Dr. M. Shu

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

THE MICROFLORA OF ROOT SURFACE CARIES IN SOUTHERN CHINESE

To isolate the microflora of root surface caries lesions in a cohort of Southern Chinese; to estimate the synergistic or antagonist effect of the isolated bacterial grown in mixed culture.

Investigators: Dr. H.K. Yip (Principal)

Dr. L.J. Jin

Professor L.P. Samaranayake

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

A PILOT STUDY OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF DENTAL PATIENT ADMITTED AT PRIMARY CARE UNIT

To investigate the relationship of the general health, dental anxiety and quality of life of patients admitted through the Primary Care Unit, the Prince Philip Dental Hospital.

Investigator: Dr. H.K. Yip

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Faculty Reserve Fund

Starting date: 1998.08 Completion date: 1998.09

THE ROLE OF NERVE GROWTH FACTOR (NGF) AND ITS LOW AFFINITY RECEPTOR (P75NGFR) IN DORSAL ROOT REGENERATION

To compare, by LM and EM localization and by receptor quantitation, the temporal and spatial expression of low affinity NGFr along the dorsal root pathway following injury to the dorsal root in newborn (where regeneration can occur) and in adult (whete regeneration seldom occur) animals. We shall determine the anatomical relationship of regenerating fibers and NGFr-bearing glian cells. To assess the role of CNS target tissues and of endogenous NGF as a possible target-derived substance in the CNS in the trophic support and regeneration of DRG neurons at early postnatal age. We shll quantify and compare the relative amount of NGF supplied to the DRG by either the central or peripheral axons in neonates and in adult animals. We shall define the time couse of changes of NGF levels in the central target areas (dorsal spinal cord) after dorsal rhizotomy.

Investigator: Dr. H.K.F. Yip

Department: Anatomy

Starting date: 1993.09 Completion date: 1999.06

THE ROLE OF NERVE GROWTH FACTORS (NGF, BDNF) IN DORSAL ROOT REGENERATION

To examine whether the ability of injured dorsal root (DR) axons to regenerate back to the spinal cord is age dependent and to determine some of the factors involved in their successful reentry into the CNS. We shall compare the effectiveness of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) as a trophic and/or tropic agent in enhancing DR regeneraton. The possibility that the expression of neurite growth-inhibitory molecules on the oligodendrocytes could be the deterrent factor for the success of the DR regeneration will also be examined.

Investigator: Dr. H.K.F. Yip

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: Croucher Foundation

Starting date: 1994.10

IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATON OF CELLS THAT EXPRESS P75NGFR IN THE DEVELOPING RAT

To study the expression of p75NGFr in the developing rat and to determine whether the presence of p75NGFr in a subpopulation of cells of the nervous system can be used as a surface marker to identify phenotypically distinct, neural crest-derived cells

Investigator: Dr. H.K.F. Yip

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1995.07 Completion date: 1998.12

EXPRESSION OF LOW-AFFINITY NEUROTROPHIN RECEPTOR (P75) IN THE DEVELOPING AND ADULT RAT RETINA

To characterize and localize p75 cells in the retina of embryonic, neonatal and adult rats using a monoclonal antibody which specifically recognize the rat p75 by in vitro autoradiography and immunohistochemistry (both LM and EM), especially to deline the close relationship between the retinal ganglion cell body and the surrounding Muller cell processes.

Investigator: Dr. H.K.F. Yip

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07 Completion date: 1999.01

EXPRESSION OF CELL ADHESION MOLECULES IN THE RETINAL AND OPTIC NERVE OF THE ADULT MOUSE FOLLOWING AXONAL INJURY AND INTRAVITREAL TRANSPLANTATION OF A PERIPHERAL NERVE GRAFT

To elucidate the effect of intravitreal transplantation of a peripheral nerve (PN) graft on the expression of specific cell adhesion molecules in the retina and optic nerve of the adult mouse and their roles in the axonal regrowth of axotomized retinal ganglion cells will also be assessed.

Investigators: Dr. H.K.F. Yip (Principal)

Dr. M. Schachner

Professor K.F. So

Departments: Anatomy

University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

Source of funding: Germany/Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme

Starting date: 1997.01

THE EXPRESSION OF LOW AFFINITY NEUROTROPHIN RECEPTOR (P75) AND THE DETERMINING ROLE OF P75 IN THE ZEBRIN II+ PARASAGITTAL ZONE FORMATION IN THE DEVELOPING RAT CEREBELLUM

To study the expression of p75 and to find out whether the expression of these receptors can form the parasagittal bands; to compare the parasagittal banding structures of p75 and zebrin II and to find out whether or not the bands express p75 also express zebrin II.

Investigator: Dr. H.K.F. Yip

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

EXPRESSION OF NEUROTROPHIN TRK RECEPTORS AND TRK RECEPTOR MRNAS IN THE DEVELOPING AND ADULT RAT RETINA

To evaluate the development regulation of trk receptors in the rate retina.

Investigators: Dr. H.K.F. Yip (Principal)

Dr. S.K. Chung

Departments: Anatomy

Institute of Molecular Biology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

STUDY OF CELL ADHESION MOLECULES IN MEDIATING REGENERATION OF RETINAL GANGLION CELL AXONS SEVERED IN THE OPTIC NERVE OF THE ADULT MOUSE WITH AN INTRAVITREAL PERIPHERAL NERVE GRAFT

1. To study the temporal and spatial expression of cell adhesion molecules (N-CAM, L1, CHL1, tenascin-C, and tenascin-R) in the retina and the lesioned adult mouse optic nerve following intravitreal transplant of a peripheral nerve graft or dissociated Schwann cells. The role of these cell adhesion molecules in the axonal regrowth of axotomized retinal ganglion cells will also be examined. Thus we will analyze the localization of the messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of these molecules in the adult retina and optic nerve by in situ hybridization, and the localization of the cell adhesion proteins in the crushed adult mouse optic nerve by ligh and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. 2. To study whether the regulation of cell adhesion molecule expression can be attributed to an identified neurotrophic factor, known to be released by the PN grafts. The effects of intraocular administration of neurotrophins (NGF, NT-3, NT-4/5, and BDNF) and/or other neurotrophic factors (FGF-2, TGF-b and CNTF) on the expression of these cell adhesion molecules will be examined.

Investigators: Dr. H.K.F. Yip (Principal)

Professor M. Schachner

Professor K.F. So

Departments: Anatomy

Centre of Molecular Neurobiology, University of Hamburg, Germany

Source of funding: Germany/Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme

Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.09

ORAL DNA VACCINES

To organise vaccines laboratory; to develop 5 DNA vaccines and obtain Ethics Committee approval for clinical trial.

Investigators: Professor K.Y. Yuen (Principal)

Dr. L. Cao

Dr. J.S.M. Peiris

Dr. S.S.Y. Wong

Department: Microbiology

Source of funding: Industrial Support Fund, Industry Department of Hong Kong Government

Starting date: 1997.07

IDENTIFICATION OF ACINETOBACTERS ON BLOOD AGAR IN THE PRESENCE OF D-GLUCOSE BY A UNIQUE BROWNING EFFECT

To utilise the unique browning effect as a simple identification trait of acinetobacters; to elucidate the nature of the browning effect.

Investigators: Professor K.Y. Yuen (Principal)

Dr. H. Siau

Department: Microbiology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

MAPPING OF CHROMOSOMAL ABNORMALITY IN NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA BY COMPARATIVE GENOMIC HYBRIDIZATION

To locate the chomosomal abnormality of nasopharyngeal carcinoma for future search for novel oncogene and tumour suppressor gene.

Investigators: Dr. P.W. Yuen (Principal)

Professor Y.L. Kwong

Departments: Surgery

Medicine

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

P15 AND P16 GENES IN NASOPHARYNGEAL CANCER

To evaluate the role of p15 and p16 genes in nasopharyngeal cancer and their clinical significance.

Investigators: Dr. P.W. Yuen (Principal)

Professor Y.L. Kwong

Departments: Surgery

Medicine

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

RADIOLOGICO-PATHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF LOCOREGIONAL SPREAD OF CARCINOMA OF TONGUE

Clinical assessment of tumor size by palpation is inaccurate. We plan to evaluate the value of MRI scan in the three-dimensional assessment of tumor size and correlate the findings with the pathological whole organ serial sectioning results. The extent microscopic local spread will also be evaluated by the whole organ serial sectioning of the surgical specimens. With more accurate assessment of the three-dimensional size and estimation of extent of microscopic spread, we will be able to plan the extent of surgical resection of the tumor three-dimensionally. It will prevent local recurrence due to underestimation of tumor size and spread; and it will also avoid unnecessary surgical morbidity due to overestimation of tumor size and spread. Clinical assessment of nodal metastasis is also inaccurate. We plan to evaluate the pathological features of prophylactic neck dissection speciments. The subclinical nodal metastasis will be correlated with the clinical, pathological and immunohistochemical features of the primary tumor. It will help us to understand the risk factors of nodal metastasis and prognostic value of pathological features of nodal metastasis.

Investigators: Dr. P.W. Yuen (Principal)

Dr. K.Y. Lam

Professor W.C.G. Peh

Departments: Surgery

Diagnostic Radiology

Pathology (Hospital Pathology Services Morbid Anatomy/Cytology)

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1998.11

GENETIC CHANGES IN COLORECTAL CARCINOMAS IN HONG KONG CHINESE

To study the genetic changes in colorectal carcinomas in Hong Kong Chinese. Tumour DNA as well as constitutional DNA will be studied by molecular biological methods from large well documented case series. This population has not been analyzed in this way before, but the epidemiology of this common tumour differs in very significant respects from that in Western caucasian populations of similar size; to document the various genetic changes in the Hong Kong tumours, relate them to prognosis, and attempt to identify the genetic basis for the epidemiological differences by formal comparison with a similar analysis taking place in Edinburgh. In the long term, this will contribute to our understanding of the colorectal carcinogenesis in general.

Investigators: Dr. S.T. Yuen (Principal)

Dr. L.P. Chung

Dr. J.C.Y. Ho

Dr. S.C. Luk

Professor A.H. Wyllie

Departments: Pathology

Pathology (Hospital Pathology Services Morbid Anatomy/Cytology)

Pathology, University of Edinburgh, U.K.

Source of funding: Croucher Foundation

Starting date: 1993.09

A LONGITUDINAL MICROBIOLOGICAL STUDY ON OSSEOINTEGRATED TITANIUM IMPLANTS IN PARTIALLY DENTATE PATIENTS FROM A SOUTHERN CHINESE POPULATION

To identify and monitor the microbial population which inhabit the peri-implant crevices in a group of partially dentate Hong Kong Chinese patients.

Investigators: Dr. K.Y. Zee (Principal)

Dr. G.S.P. Cheung

Professor L.P. Samaranayake

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1995.07

ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY OF PUTATIVE PATHOGENS IN CHINESE PERIODONTAL PATIENTS

To investigate the antibiotic sensitivity of the putative periodontal pathogens cultivable in Chinese patients suffering from advanced periodontal disease.

Investigators: Dr. K.Y. Zee (Principal)

Dr. E.F. Corbet

Professor L.P. Samaranayake

Department: Faculty of Dentistry

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

SUBTRACTION RADIOGRAPHY FOR QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF ALVEOLAR BONE CHANGES

To further develop and calibrate the hardware and software system for an improved digital subtraction radiography system; to apply the digital subtraction radiography system to detect early alveolar bone changes on intraoral periapical radiographs.

Investigators: Dr. K.Y. Zee (Principal)

Professor F.H.Y. Chan

Dr. E.F. Corbet

Departments: Faculty of Dentistry

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

LONGITUDINAL CLINICAL, MICROBIOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL PROFILE OF CHINESE PERIODONTAL PATIENTS

To compare the microbiological and immunological profile of patients with minimal periodontal disease to those with advanced disease; to investigate longitudinally the changes in the profiles of subgingival plaque composition and salivary immunoglobulin of Hong Kong Chinese patients during treatment of periodontal diseases; to correlate the microbiological profile and salivary immunoglobulin level of the patients and their periodontal status; to investigate the susceptibility of the identified microorganisms to commonly available antibiotics in Hong Kong.

Investigators: Dr. K.Y. Zee (Principal)

Professor A. Mombelli

Professor L.P. Samaranayake

Departments: Faculty of Dentistry

Periodontology and Microbiology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Berne, Switzerland

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1998.11

A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF CYTOTOXIC T LYMPHOCYTES IMMUNE SURVEILLANCE AGAINST NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA

To undertake a detailed analysis of the antigenic specificity of CTL against EBV defect in NPC patients. We expect that the results of this study will further our understanding of the host-parasite relationship in persistent EBV infection and through it provide a rational basis for consideration of immune prophylaxis and intervention of EBV associated dieseases.

Investigators: Dr. B. Zheng (Principal)

Mr. K.H. Chan

Departments: Microbiology

Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.11

THE EFFECT OF ENDOTHELIN-1 ON NEUTROPHIL INFILTRATION IN THE AIRWAYS OF BRONCHIECTASIS

To study: (1) the in vivo expression of endothelin-1(ET-1) in the airway mucosa in patient with bronchiectasis; (2) the effects of ET-1 on neutrophil infiltration in the airway walls of bronchiectasis; (3) to measure serum and sputum ET-1 in these patients.

Investigators: Dr. L. Zheng (Principal)

Professor M.S.M. Ip

Professor W.K. Lam

Dr. G.L. Tipoe

Dr. K.W.T. Tsang

Departments: Medicine

Anatomy

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1999.02